And while there are downsides to too much screen time, there are also quite a few benefits to using technology for learning and early childhood development.
So, since we’re all using more tech, why not use the best apps and games that will not only be fun for your kids but also educational. We love a parenting win-win!
It’s a safe bet that if you’re reading this right now, you could use an extra hand in some area of your life. This tumultuous year has thrown us all for a loop, challenging us to overcome obstacles in our work lives and home lives. Creative solutions for making life more manageable, in turn, have risen to the forefront.
I haven’t spoken to a single parent or nanny lately who isn’t slightly overwhelmed. We’re all busy, trying to juggle virtual learning, indoor playtime, technology, and limited social activity time. So, on top of all of that, the last thing you need is a big mess to clean up at the end of the day.
Crafts and activities are one of the most helpful ways to keep kids active, learning, and most importantly, occupied. So you can have a few minutes to tackle your to-do list or just enjoy some peace and quiet.
Here are our top 10 ideas for no-mess (or low-mess) crafts that your kids are sure to enjoy!
There is no question that child rearing is time-consuming. A feature on The Relentlessness of Modern Parenting notes how parents today are putting more of their time, effort, and money towards raising their children. This kind of intensive parenting, once the domain of upper-middle-class parents, is transcending classes, with more parents eager to give their kids a head-start in life. It's an admirable style of child rearing, but is one that leaves parents little to no time for themselves. And often, one of the first things that gets sacrificed is exercise — to the detriment of their health.
If you're that kind of hands-on parent, remember this: Physical inactivity increases your risk of acquiring cardiovascular diseases and other adverse medical conditions. Among these conditions are high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, anxiety and depression, and even certain cancers. To avoid these risks, it's imperative that you not only find time for exercise, but actually make time for it! Here are four ideas to help you do just that:
Join in on play time
Our previous article on Creative (and Realistic) Ways to Get a workout in While Spending Time with Your Kids points out how most parents tend to leave their kids to their own devices during playtime so they can do housework and fulfill other obligations. While that's fine, joining in on the fun every now and then can create a positive outcome: There are many playtime activities that can give you physical exercise, such as playing tag or giving them a piggy back ride. You'll bond with your kids doing what they love, and can even sneak in a good workout! And in case keeping up with your kids becomes challenging, tap into your child's boundless energy to help keep you going.
Try cross training
Personal trainer Heidi Powell describes cross training as the use of different training modalities and intensities in one exercise session — for instance, running for 15 minutes followed by a 5-minute yoga session. These combinations are simple and time-efficient, and they offer plenty of benefits. An article on The Physical and Mental Benefits of Yoga for Sprinters highlights how cross training is effective for developing a system that helps you achieve better all-around conditioning. It also works the different muscle groups, in turn increasing strength, power, endurance, agility, and balance. It varies your workouts, too, keeping things interesting. And since sessions don't take long, you'll be able to fit more exercises into a shorter amount of time.
Multitask
Parent and health and fitness writer Catherine Holecko suggests in a Very Well Family blog on exercise that parents should multitask to get some exercise. For instance, you can do crunches or planks while watching TV with the kids, squats while preparing their food, or even stretching while in the bath. Putting them to sleep? Sneak in a set or two of push-ups, or jog quietly in place. It may not be ideal, but it's still a means to be physically active.
Schedule exercise time
Lastly, do block off time in your schedule for structured exercises — whether in the gym or at home. These sessions needn't be long, as 20 to 45 minutes would suffice. Just make sure that you follow your schedule religiously until it becomes part of your weekly routine. Where possible, tell your kids what you're doing, and explain why it's important to exercise. In this way, you get to make time for exercise, all while teaching to your child of its importance.
NannyPod provides long term nanny matches and short term occasional date-night babysitters and infant care on demand, at an affordable price. Our service is convenient, safe and secure for families and our staff. Parents can request childcare instantly by using the NannyPod app. Get started with NannyPod today and find babysitters or nannies for your childcare needs!
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | District of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, D.C., DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
You don’t need to have gone through it before to know that preparing for a new baby makes for an incredibly exciting and anxious time. On the one hand, nothing in life quite compares to expanding your family and welcoming a new baby into the world. On the other though, there’s an endless list of things to prepare for, and your life is about to change permanently!
Among those things to prepare for are the financial hurdles that come with a new baby. Because as you’re no doubt aware, babies cost money! This is an unfortunate reality, but something it’s wise to recognize in advance — because with strategic preparation, you can lessen the financial burden. And that’s what brings us to the tips we’re offering below.
Explore Working from Home
It’s important for new parents to take time off if and when they’re able to. Maternal and paternal leave are essential for the good of the baby and the family. However, for those who may have the option, it’s also a good idea to explore the idea of working from home. Working from home while parenting gives parents the ability to continue hands-on care even after maternity and paternity leave time expires. It’s not easy, but financially it can be a strategic move, as you get to keep on working and have a continuous income stream.
Analyze Costs Honestly
Interestingly enough, one of the most important financial steps you can take to prepare for a new baby is to get real about the costs. As we said above, you’re undoubtedly aware that babies cost money — but going beyond the cliché and analyzing costs honestly and thoroughly is the best way to prepare yourself for what’s coming. Estimates indicate that middle-aged, middle-income parents should expect to spend over $230,000 raising an individual child from birth to college age. Now, that sum is spread out over time, so it’s not as if you need a spare $200,000 when the baby arrives. But being real about this sum is the best way to start addressing it.
Buy Less
There’s a temptation among new parents to buy all of the baby things. After all, when you’re preparing for a child (and your friends and family can’t talk about anything else), it’s easy to get caught up in all of the cute baby things you can do: themed wallpaper, giant stuffed animals, unlimited adorable onesies…. Some of this is certainly fine, and you should get what you need to make sure the baby has a happy, healthy, and comfortable environment. But if you simply buy less — avoiding turning a new baby into an excuse for an expensive shopping spree — you’ll have more money on hand for the important stuff.
Know Your Healthcare Situation
Healthcare costs are also baby costs, and if you plan to have a baby (or are already pregnant), this is something you’ll want to consider right off the bat. Last year a story surfaced about a mother who didn’t realize until too late that her health insurance didn’t cover her pregnancy — resulting in some hefty, unexpected bills. While one woman led to this story, it’s a problem that affects millions every year. Solutions to the problem can vary depending on your coverage and financial means — but checking what your health insurance will and won’t cover is an important part of your financial preparation.
Start Saving for Education
When we talk about saving for education, the term “college fund” comes to mind. This is certainly an important part of raising a child, and it’s something for which you might want to set up a specific savings account or investment fund. But saving for education means early education (or even daycare) also — and the costs can be hefty. If you can start setting a little bit of money aside here and there, even before the baby arrives, you’ll be better equipped to meet those costs a couple years later.
Get Help from Family & Friends
Now is also the time to get help from family and friends! The people around you are likely to be eager to help where they can, and it’s perfectly acceptable to embrace that help. One way to do so is by accepting hand-me-down clothes, accessories, and toys that can actually save you quite a bit in the early going. Another is by updating the baby shower concept, such that you start a “honeyfund” rather than a gift registry, or have friends sign up to bring meals when the baby first arrives (rather than sending gifts). These are small steps, but they can save both money and hassle in your earliest days as new parents, and help set the tone for a strong financial approach.
In the end, having a baby is still expensive, and there’s no way around it. But by being honest about the costs you’re facing and taking steps to address them early; you can be adequately prepared.
Article exclusively written for www.nannypod.com
By Rae Jeanne
NannyPod provides long term nanny matches and short term occasional date-night babysitters and infant care on demand, at an affordable price. Our service is convenient, safe and secure for families and our staff. Parents can request childcare instantly by using the NannyPod app. Get started with NannyPod today and find babysitters or nannies for your childcare needs!
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | District of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, D.C., DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Adding a four-legged friend to the family is an exciting and momentous occasion. It’s a great way to teach kids important lessons in responsibility and selfless care. And simply adds a new element of joy and companionship into the mix, often bringing the family closer together. But, as you know, it’s a big decision! Pets are time-intensive, expensive, and oftentimes quite stressful.
Here are a few ways you can make sure you (and your kids) are absolutely ready to take on your first family pet.
Whether you need full time care during the week, or occasional help for an appointment or date night, finding good reliable childcare can be a struggle for parents with young children… read more
https://www.postandcourier.com/special/lowcountryparent/page-l17/page_683e4bef-7e4d-51d5-b9ac-3861f4347501.html
Article published by Lowcountry Parent Magazine - June 2020
NannyPod provides long term nanny matches and short term occasional date-night babysitters and infant care on demand, at an affordable price. Our service is convenient, safe and secure for families and our staff. Parents can request childcare instantly by using the NannyPod app. Get started with NannyPod today and find babysitters or nannies for your childcare needs!
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | District of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, D.C., DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Getting your kids to eat healthily is easier said than done. Children are naturally picky when it comes to food and most of them do their best to stay away from fruits and vegetables. This is a challenge that a lot of parents face but one that is not impossible to overcome. There are a few strategies you can adopt in order to improve your kids’ nutrition and encourage them to develop healthy eating habits.
Developing Kids’ Healthy Eating Habits
How to get your kids to eat healthy (Image Source: Pexels)
Getting your kids to enjoy nutritious meals at home does not happen by accident. It is a lifestyle that you must cultivate in your children as a parent and from an early age. Even while your child is still a toddler, you need to develop their natural preference for healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. The earlier they are exposed to these types, the more they will enjoy eating them as they grow older.
Start by setting a good example and being a role model for your children. If you consume healthy foods and nutritious meals, then they are more likely to follow suit. It is part of a child’s natural impulse to imitate what they see. If they see that you eat certain types of food, then they are also likely to eat the same kind.
It is also a good idea to cook more meals at home versus going out, especially to fast food chains. By making your own meals at home, you can choose what ingredients you use. You will also have fewer chances of exposing your kids to unhealthy food choices like those that are high in sugar and unhealthy fat (common in restaurants and take-out food).
Finally, get kids involved in preparing the food. Take them with you when grocery shopping or when preparing the meals. Children who are involved in preparing healthy meals are more likely to consume them because they are curious. With that said, it is important to stock up on healthy foods and ingredients so you can easily create nutritious meals at home. You can also look at this guide on protein powder for kids so you can easily make protein shakes and smoothies at home that your kids will enjoy.
Healthy and Nutritious Meals for Kids
Eating healthy and nutritious meals does not mean you should feed your kids with boring food. There are a lot of fun recipes you can try to make mealtimes more satisfying and still healthy for your kids.
First, you can prepare health protein smoothies. Kids love smoothies because they are easy to consume, delicious, and highly refreshing, especially if you use tropical fruits and fresh ingredients. One of the best benefits of having your kids enjoy protein smoothies at home is that this is a good way to get them to eat fruits and vegetables.
Since they taste good, they won’t even know that it is healthy for them! You can use a variety of fruits and vegetables such as mixed berries, orange, kale, bananas, spinach, and coconut milk in the smoothie recipe. Enjoying a smoothie is also a great way to beat the heat during the summer season!
Another healthy recipe for your kids to try is a zucchini grilled cheese. Kids, and even adults, love grilled cheese, but you can make it healthy by using zucchini. It is rich in antioxidants and also promotes healthy digestion, heart health, and normal blood sugar levels. This recipe is a fun way to disguise this vegetable and get your kids to eat zucchini.
Healthy recipe ideas for kids (Image Source: Pexels)
You can also serve up a fruit salad to your children a few times a week. This is a great way for them to enjoy a healthy dessert and ensure that they get adequate amounts of fruits in their diet at the same time. The great thing about making a fruit salad is that you can use whatever fruits you have at home. There is no set recipe to follow for this!
Spaghetti is another dish that is popular with kids. To make it healthy, use fresh tomatoes for the sauce and switch the beef with a leaner type of meat, such as turkey. It will taste as good as any spaghetti and is healthier for your kids, too!
A few other nutritious meal ideas for your kids to enjoy include kale chips, turkey burgers, granola bars, poached chicken with vegetables, and succotash salad. Don’t be afraid to experiment. You can create healthier versions of their favorite dishes using fruits or vegetables, too.
Developing a healthy and fit lifestyle as a family has multiple benefits. You would be setting an example for your children and showing them the right way to eat and live. It is also important to get your kids involved when planning meals and activities designed to boost their health and fitness. The more involved they are, the more they are likely to develop good eating habits that will last a lifetime.
NannyPod provides long term nanny matches and short term occasional date-night babysitters and infant care on demand, at an affordable price. Our service is convenient, safe and secure for families and our staff. Parents can request childcare instantly by using the NannyPod app. Get started with NannyPod today and find babysitters or nannies for your childcare needs!
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | District of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, D.C., DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
We’re all facing new challenges right now as we navigate the “new normal” that COVID-19 has created. Remote work, canceled plans, online learning… we’ve had to adjust and adjust quickly. Parents, you’re not alone. Trying to tackle it all can feel overwhelming. But there are plenty of things that are not canceled and tons of ways to have fun with the kids this spring and summer, while staying safe. Here are a few simple ideas to help keep them entertained and active for months to come.
Description: Are you wondering if belly wraps are worth your money? Can they help you lose extra inches on your belly after giving birth? You might also want to know whether they can help you lose weight.
This article explores the truth behind postpartum belly wraps and how you can also make one alone.
The joy of every woman is getting back their pre-pregnancy hourglass figure after delivery. Unfortunately, that’s not as simple as it sounds. You might wonder what other popular models with kids did to get their initial bodies back. Here’s the secret. Some studies suggest a healthy diet and exercise as the only secret to having a great body after birth.
As if that is not enough, other women confess that a postpartum belly wrap helps them get their figure back.
This makes you to ask questions like, “Do belly wraps work?” Are they some overrated skinny gimmicks? Let’s find out if they truly work.
Meaning of a postpartum belly wrap
What are belly wraps? These are products that you can enfold around your waist to support your body after giving birth or during pregnancy. There are different types of these wraps with different sizes and offer a gentle compression.
Do belly wraps really work?
Postpartum belly wraps have many benefits and there’s a lot of evidence that they work as listed below.
Belly wraps can support people with back pain
Aside from helping women who have just delivered, these wraps can increase abdominal support for people experiencing back pain issues.
Experts like Heather Bartos, a certified OB-GYN suggest that stomach wraps have been used since people started using sheets on their mid sections. They tied sheets on their stomach after giving birth to reduce the waist line.
Postpartum belly wraps reduce c-section pain
Besides reducing the waistline, stomach wraps alleviate pain from C-section. There’s a study in Obstetrics & Gynecology journal suggesting that women who had C-section and wore binders didn’t experience intense pain.
Stomach wraps offer support during pregnancy
Did you know that you can use these wraps for support during pregnancy? These binders offer comfort to pregnant mothers when their abdominal muscles stretch.
Reducing pubic pressure
Some women reported that during the third trimester, they had too much pubic pressure. Belly wraps helped them reduce the pressure and pain from their pubic areas.
Postpartum wraps have always offered incision support
Postpartum wraps have always been there in the past generations and proved to work. They have been helping in incision support and also waist reduction. These wraps are new names that present an old concept.
A postpartum belly wrap helps organs and tissues to get back to their place, helping you feel better after delivery.
Smoothing effect
Some mums also reported that these wraps create a comforting smoothing effect which helped them fit in their pre-pregnancy clothes easier.
Some stomach wraps help in weight loss
Other women claim to have lost weight with wraps that burn belly fat that is instilled with herbals, among other healthy ingredients. For that reason, they can eliminate extra lymphatic fluids and toxins from the skin.
Sauna wraps also have an insulating substance that helps your body to sweat through increasing your core temperature. As a result, they improve your metabolism and promote fat loss. You can try these belly wraps for weight loss and wait for the outcome.
How belly wraps work
If you are a new mother, you must have wondered how to do belly wraps work, or even wondered whether they hurt?
The truth is that these wraps support the transverse muscle. Immediately after giving birth, you may not be in a position to contract your abdominal muscles.
Wraps, therefore, help to bring your muscles together after separating during pregnancy. This is crucial in aligning your spinal cord helping your organs get back on track quickly.
While your abdominal muscles can get back on track on their own, best post-pregnancy belly wraps help them get there faster.
DIY method of making belly wraps at home
If you would like to save money, you should find out how to make belly wraps at home. Remember that some belly wraps for weight loss are quite expensive, and you can easily make some.
You can make a simple belly wrap using 3 yards or material or more. Follow the steps below to bind yourself with one.
- Stand at a posture that relaxes your pelvic floor. This is to avoid putting a lot of pressure on your uterus and pelvic floor.
- Start by wrapping as low as your pubic then around your hips.
- Wrap one end of the yard around your back as you spread your fabric around this area.
- With the right posture, breath in deeply then out to relax your pelvic floor.
- Tighten the material around your hip then tie a double or single knot to avoid it sliding up. Doing this ensures that you have a tail that reaches your nose and a knot at your pubic bone.
- The other fabric should be down your feet. Keep it between your knees to maneuver it around using your legs.
- Wrap the rest of the material around as you keep its tail at your centerline.
- Tighten every layer according to your desired tension.
- Wrap each layer counterclockwise then use the tail around your body in front and back.
- Tuck the tail in your bra strap to keep it up at the front centerline. For uniform support on your hips, spread out your fabric and remember to overlap each layer. Make it tighter to get more support.
- When you wrap around the tail, the knots line up on your front centerline. If you wrapped it correctly, it needs to be straight. If it doesn’t appear straight, don’t worry. You will get perfect with time.
- You can then wrap it up and down your rib cage. Stop at your rib cage so that when you sit down, you may not struggle to breathe after wrapping it too high.
- Should you have more fabric, after reaching the bottom of the rib cage, make a knot and wrap around.
- Finally, tuck in the tail of the material left, and your weight loss belly wrap will be ready.
Wraps are vital because they help you to get rid of excess pregnancy fluid after giving birth. You need a wrap to assist you in hip and back support. Postpartum belly wraps help to reduce uterine pressure and abdominal healing after giving birth.
Have you ever used a belly wrap before? Did it help you to reduce your waist? Share your experience in the comment section below.
Author’s bio
Rachel Burns is an experienced copywriter and photographer with a design diploma. She works with startups, entrepreneurs, bloggers and companies from around the world. In addition to writing articles and promotional materials, she enjoys hiking, reading, cooking and spending time with her family.
NannyPod helps families with getting tax childcare tax benefits. Please read the important IRS announcement below. You may be entitled to an extra $500 per child per the EIP Tax Relief due to the Corona Virus pandemic in 2020.
NannyPod is now $25, $50 or $150 Month! No Retainer, Search or Placement Fees.
Do you still need to find a Nanny? 😀 🍼🤰🤱👼
If yes, check out our updated homepage today at www.NannyPod.com
This blog article is courtesy of Burton, a great snowboard brand. We decided to post it because we feel family time together is important! What better way than to spend it on the mountain.
Please see this link:
https://www.burton.com/blogs/the-burton-blog/how-teach-snowboarding-kids-so-its-fun-everyone/
For the most part, parenting is a daunting venture, and for single moms taking on the task for the first time, it can be downright terrifying. But despite the lonesome nature of the job, know that you’re actually in good company. There are currently 11.3 million single parents in the US alone, and 81.5 percent of these are mothers. And well, you might not realize it yet, but you’re just as capable as these amazing women. So without further ado, here’s how you can prepare yourself for the wild and oh-so-rewarding ride ahead of you.
Get in the right mindset.
There’s no other way around it—you will be going into parenthood scared and uncertain. The good news is this is completely natural. Even better, you will get past this fear in no time.
The key is in knowing that you are up for the challenge. It really helps to take it one step at a time—stage by stage and not looking too far in the future to cause premature panic. Bear in mind that the right mindset will not only keep you soldiering on, it will also alleviate worries that could hold you back.
NannyPod - How You Can Get Single Motherhood Right First Time
Get organized.
As a single mom, you’ll be constantly juggling childcare, work, housework, and maybe even a social life. Overwhelming? Yes! But not at all insurmountable, especially with good organization and an even better game plan.
First thing’s first—structure is king. Having a solid routine makes things easier on you, so start by making a plan and sticking to it. On another note, the reality is you’re going to go through some really tough and downright crazy periods. Being organized will not only keep you on track, but it will also save your sanity. For example, running to the store at midnight to pick up diapers because you’ve run out is simply not an option when you’re taking care of a newborn by your lonesome. By staying on top of things and keeping supplies replenished, you will save yourself plenty of grief.
Get support.
As a single mom, you might find yourself wanting to prove to the world that you can do this—that you can successfully raise a kid on your own. Again, this is natural. What’s not natural is putting undue pressure on yourself.
You know what they say: it takes a village to raise a child. And though your circumstances might seem otherwise, you need to accept that you are, in fact, allowed to get help when you need it.
You’ll be surprised to know just how much support is available for single moms, from professional childcare to playgroups, online forums to the celebrated ‘mom tribe.’ And don’t overlook your family and friends. More often than not, all you really have to do is ask.
Get insurance.
Of course, a huge part of being a good parent is being prepared. Few things will shake your confidence more than surprise incidents, so being ready for possible scenarios will make you more capable to deal with them competently.
Insurance is a great way to equip yourself against serendipitous events—specifically, car insurance if you rely heavily on private transportation to get around. Sad to say, single parents pay more for car insurance than married couples. Not only that, there are no known discounts for single parents. This is not to say, however, that single moms are without options. There are, in fact, other discounts available that you might be eligible for, such as group or mileage discounts or even a safe driver discount. Make sure to ask your agent what options are available to you.
In addition to a decent auto policy, be sure you fully understand your health benefits and coverage by reviewing changes every year and take the time to sign up for life insurance. It’s a hard thing to consider, but if something were to happen to you, you’ll want your baby to be taken care of.
It’s been said that single motherhood is not for the fainthearted. It might even be the hardest job you would ever take. But it is—hands down—also the most empowering and rewarding, and that right there what makes it infinitely worthwhile.
NannyPod provides long term nanny matches and short term occasional date-night babysitters and infant care on demand, at an affordable price. Our service is convenient, safe and secure for families and our staff. Parents can request childcare instantly by using the NannyPod app. Get started with NannyPod today and find babysitters or nannies for your childcare needs!
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | District of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, D.C., DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Do you ever wish you had a second set of hands to help run your business? NannyPod software feels like an extension of your team. Childcare professionals across the country are taking advantage of NannyPod software in order to streamline their day-to-day operations, increase their productivity, and grow their business in a more profitable way.
Sleep is vital. It allows our bodies to rest, recharge, and refresh, and our minds to process the events of the day. Good sleep can make us healthier, happier, and more productive. Poor sleep can make us irritated and exhausted in the short-term and mentally and physically ill in the long-term. Despite this, many of us continue to accept that sleeping poorly is inevitable in our modern lives.
However, getting a good, restful night’s sleep is not only possible, but it is necessary for our well-being. To improve sleeping habits, you need to analyze your current sleeping routine and figure out what needs to change. It’s also important that you do this for your family and especially your kids because they may not even realize that they are not sleeping well enough. Here are the areas you should be looking at.
Schedule
First of all, you need to figure out whether your problem is poor sleep or simply not enough of it. The National Sleep Foundation advises adults get seven to nine hours of sleep a night, with children needing more. Check out their recommendations by age to find out how much sleep your kids should be getting.
For Adults: Make a note of when you go to sleep for a week, and see whether you are within the recommended range. If you aren’t, you need to set a bedtime and stick to it. If you simply aren’t sleepy at that time of the evening, you need to consider stimulants that may be keeping you up (see below).
For Kids: While it is relatively easy to monitor a young child’s sleep schedule, it becomes harder when they’re older. According to CNN, teens are getting on average seven hours of sleep, which is two less than the recommended amount.
If your children are going to bed late, ask them why. If they are doing homework until very late, it may be because they have too many things in their schedule. If it’s the latter, ask them what you can do to help and reevaluate their extracurriculars.
Sleep Environment
Next, you need to make sure your sleep environment - including your mattress and room temperature - is optimally designed for you to get a good night’s rest.
For Adults: Consider the quality of the environment in your bedroom, including your mattress and bedding. Ideally, you want to sleep in a cool bedroom with as little light as possible. For your bed linens, you want sheets and a comforter that provide enough warmth or that help you stay cool. When it comes to your mattress, if it’s older than 10 years, it’s most likely past its prime, which means it’s time to start shopping around for a new one. If budget is a concern, there are plenty of affordable mattresses on the market that will also suit your sleep type. If you’re shopping as a couple, look for mattresses with solid edge support and that have motion transfer control.
For Kids: A young child will not be able to identify differences in air quality, so focus on the humidity in your children’s bedrooms. A humidifier can help maintain the right levels of moisture in the air, help prevent your child’s skin from drying out, and can help when your child has respiratory issues.
External Stimulants
Lastly, you should consider whether you are making things harder for yourself by stimulating your body before sleep. The main things to watch out for are caffeine and blue screen light from technology. Both can make it difficult to fall asleep, and both should be avoided in the hours leading up to bedtime.
For Adults: It’s a piece of advice you have probably heard before, and that’s because it works. Leave phones, laptops, and tablets outside of the bedroom so you aren’t tempted to use them before bed. If you use your phone as an alarm, simply buy an old-fashioned alarm. This may take some time to get used to, but it will do wonders for your sleep.
For Kids: Consider making a ban on night-time technology a family thing. Your kids are more likely to comply if they know you are doing it, too, and it’s good for everyone. You should also watch out for how much caffeinated soda your kids are drinking, and especially watch out for your teens consuming energy drinks.
If you or someone in your family have tried all of the above and still can’t go to sleep, it may be a case of insomnia or another sleep disorder. Visit your family doctor, who will discuss your options. A lack of sleep is a health problem like any other, and there are plenty of treatments available that can help you get some well-deserved rest.
NannyPod provides long term nanny matches and short term occasional date-night babysitters and infant care on demand, at an affordable price. Our service is convenient, safe and secure for families and our staff. Parents can request childcare instantly by using the NannyPod app. Get started with NannyPod today and find babysitters or nannies for your childcare needs!
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | District of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, D.C., DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
While it is always important to allow playtime for your child, it is even more crucial you consider how many hours they sleep in a day to enhance physical and mental well-being. Bedtime can be really troubling when your child does not want to abide by the bedtime routine. If a child has problems sleeping, it also affects the care giver's sleeping patterns, which can lead into a difficult cycle of sleepless nights that can prove to be hard to break.
So how do you help your child get the sleep that you both deserve?
Create A Bedtime Routine
If your child is either a toddler, preschooler, or an infant, creating a consistent bedtime routine will help you put them to sleep. A good bedtime routine promotes self-sufficiency that enables a child to go back to sleep at night. This could include sending them to bed at the same time every night, hopping into their pajamas, and reading a book together to tire the eyes.
Help your child become an independent sleeper by developing routines that make them feel safe sleeping on their own. If you create activities such as bedtime stories, you set a perfect sleeping atmosphere, and your child relaxes and automatically become sleepy.
Reduce Stressful Activities Before Bedtime
Participating in engaging and stressful activities before bedtime can trigger the release of hormone cortisol that plays a role in sleep. Higher levels of cortisol means higher levels of energy. Always keep the environment quiet and tranquil to minimize the release of this stress hormone and help them get to sleep quicker and easier.
Create an Individualized Bedtime Schedule
It’s important to understand the sleeping patterns of your child for you to create an effective sleep and bed time schedule for them, and to do so, you must realize that children need different hours of sleep according to age. Although not all kids need or want the same amount of sleep, the usual rule of thumb is to make sure that they sleep between nine and eleven hours each night. An individualized bedtime routine will guarantee that your child wakes up refreshed despite the difference in sleep and wake-up times.
Power Down Electronic Devices A Few Hour Before Bedtime
Screen light from devices such as television can increase brain activity and inhibit the production of sleep-time hormones. High levels of melatonin and serotonin means that your child is ready to sleep. Ensure that your child participates in physical activities to drain their energy instead of watching children programs on devices. You can improve your child sleeping patterns by ensuring that the bedroom is a screen-free zone.
Create A Sleep-Inducing Environment
Although toys can provide protection and reassurance from bedtime fears, do not stuff the bed to make it easier for the child to sleep. Make the bedroom more comfortable by adding cozy bed sheets and regulating the room temperatures to their preferred sleeping environment.
Make sure that your child gets enough sleep to help them fight off illness and promote physical well-being. If you notice that your kids have trouble getting to sleep, or even detect irregular sleeping patterns, talk to their pediatrician for professional help.
*Although toys can provide protection and reassurance from bedtime fears, do not stuff the bed to make it easier for the child to sleep. Make the bedroom more comfortable by adding cozy bed sheets, and regulating the room temperatures to their preferred sleeping environment. For infants, it is recommended that they sleep on a firm, surface free of pillows and plush toys at least until their 12th month to reduce the risk of suffocation. The death of 8 babies due to inclined loungers led to products such as Boppy Infant getting recalled.
NannyPod provides long term nanny matches and short term occasional date-night babysitters and infant care on demand, at an affordable price. Our service is convenient, safe and secure for families and our staff. Parents can request childcare instantly by using the NannyPod app. Get started with NannyPod today and find babysitters or nannies for your childcare needs!
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | District of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, D.C., DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Babysitters | Nannies | Infant Care
Family Registration Childcare Provider Registration
NannyPod Boutique NannyPod App
Family Consults Apply as a Childcare Provider COVID-19
Apply as a Manager Influencer Program Deal Hub
Corporates Benefit Plan Providers & TPAs
FamilyPod™
Please note we cannot offer any refunds as there is work involved as soon as you register. Thank you for your understanding, we greatly appreciate it.