Rebecca Alston, Author at Mamas Like Me

This Is How to Carry a Baby the Correct Way

Are you wondering what is the best way to carry a baby?

It’s a valid concern, one that new and experienced parents can have. Caring for a newborn baby can be a stressful experience. Newborns are small and fragile and require specialized attention and care.

For this reason, knowing how to carry a baby the right way is an essential skill to have.

Fortunately, by following a few tips and tricks, you can learn to carry your baby in the safest way possible. By using the proper methods, you can become a pro in no time and start bonding with your baby through contact.

If you are caring for a baby and want to stay as safe as possible, here are a few tips for carrying them correctly.

Make Sure You Are Not Sick

Before carrying a baby, it’s important to make sure you are not sick and contagious. You don’t want to pass your illness on to a small baby with a developing immune system. Even if you are feeling slightly sick, avoid holding a baby until you are fully recovered.

Wash Your Hands

If you want to hold a baby, make sure to wash your hands first. This is essential because of the baby’s immature immune system. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Get Into a Comfortable Position

A great tip for how to hold a baby is to make sure you are in a comfortable position. Whether you are sitting or standing, you should be balanced and focus. If you are nervous about holding a newborn, consider sitting down.

Stay Calm

When carrying and holding a baby, it’s important to stay as calm as possible. Not only is it dangerous to carry a baby when you are rattled, but the baby will also feel and absorb your anxiety. Take a deep breath and give yourself a few moments to prepare before carrying a child.

Choose Your Carrying Method

There are all kinds of ways to carry a baby depending on what feels comfortable for you. You can carry a baby on your shoulder, cradle them in your arms, hold them against your belly, and more. Choose a carrying style that is comfortable for both you and the baby.

Consider a Baby Carrier

There are a variety of helpful accessories you can use to care for your baby, including baby carriers . These carriers are ideal for traveling, avoiding touchy-feely strangers, helping you connect with your baby in a deeper way, and even decreasing the risk of developing postpartum depression. Look for a quality carrier in a style that works for you.

This Is How To Carry a Baby the Right Way

By following these tips for how to carry a baby, you can prevent injury and give yourself peace of mind.

Start by making sure you are healthy and washing your hands. You should also get into a comfortable position, stay calm and focused, and choose the best holding method for you. If you want to make the process easier, consider choosing a quality baby carrier.

Follow these tips to bond with your little one in a safe and healthy way.

Don’t forget to browse our site for advice on health, fitness, family, and more.

Modeling These 4 Values Is Hard, but Worth It

No one ever said that being a role model was easy. In fact, it is so daunting of a task, many people actively disavow any responsibility for being a role model. It would be nice if that were possible. But it isn’t. None of us have the privilege of living in a selfish bubble where we can do anything we like without having an impact on anyone else. That is simply not how it works. And if any part of you fantasizes about being in such a bubble, you should not become a parent.

As a parent, you are not in a bubble. You are under a microscope. Everything you do is magnified, studied, and mimicked by your child. It doesn’t begin when you bring your baby home from the hospital. Learning begins in the womb. Your influence as a role model to another human being starts before you see your child’s face. There is never a time when your actions are not shaping your child. If that seems like a lot of pressure, it is.

The good news is you can do this. It helps to start the process by already having some strong life values in place. You need to think about what kind of person you want your child to be when they grow up. Then be that person. Here are a few values you are going to want to pass on:

Clear-Minded

Your greatest asset is your brain. And that will be true for your child as well. Their ability to think clearly and without the influence of intoxicants might be the life or death difference for them. It is the difference between doing well academically and doing poorly. It is the difference between being an employee and being the boss.

Unfortunately, it is all too easy to fall into the wrong crowd and bad habits that become debilitating addictions. If your child sees you taking intoxicants, the likelihood of them doing the same is much greater. You would be heartbroken to learn that in her late teens, your precious little angel is experimenting with methadone. Even if she does not become instantly addicted, it can destroy her opportunities.

Consider the jobs that require urine testing. So how long does methadone stay in your urine? It can be as many as two weeks. One night of partying can be the difference between success and a lifetime of struggle. Don’t play games with your mental health. In that game, your child is likely to be the biggest loser.

Sustainability

If you teach your child to love the planet while doing things to hurt it, they will learn from what you do rather than what you say. Sustainability has to be more than a slogan. It has to be a mission. You don’t get a badge for going halfway green. It is a commitment that has to permeate all your choices. You can’t have this one area in your life where sustainability doesn’t matter. Nobody is perfect. And your child does not have to see you being perfect. They have to see that it really matters to you. Show them that, and it will matter to them as well.

Make It Right

The first thing you learn as a role model is that nobody is perfect. You won’t be, either. So if you are a person struggling with substance abuse disorder, or anything else, the best thing you can do for your child is to let her see you making it right and staying on the path to recovery.

Some of the mistakes you make with your child as a witness will be pretty bad. You will not ruin them for life just because you are human. The damage comes when you don’t take measures to correct the mistake. If you treat lapses in values as if they were not a big deal, then the value you are hoping to teach will be no big deal to them. It is okay to make mistakes. But when you do, take the extra step of making it right. To make things right is one of the most important values you can pass on.

If no one told you that being a parent meant being a role model, surprise! It does. Start with the values of being clear-minded, being eco-friendly, and most of all, making things right when mistakes happen. Get those right, and you will be the greatest role models your child will ever have.

Turn Your Outdoor Desert Into an Oasis

Having an outdoor setting that lets you enjoy your yard and the weather is something that has become really popular of late. Every year as the weather warms up, people begin to spend more time in their yards, from activities, gatherings, and meals.

Designing the right outdoor space for you takes time and can be a process to get it just right. And if you try to tackle the project without a plan first, you could spend way more time and money than you want to get your “just right” yard.

The dream of relaxing, hosting, sharing time and space with loved ones is universal. Actress Rebel Wilson even went so far as to help a friend convert their backyard space to a dream outdoor “oasis.”

While you may not have a friend willing to jump in and pay for a renovation of your backyard, it doesn’t mean that your backyard has to be desolate. There are numerous ways to keep your remodel costs low, whether you hire someone or it’s a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) project.

It shouldn’t be too stressful to convert your outdoor space into your dream. Take the time to plan how you would like to transform your outdoor “wasteland” into your outdoor “oasis” that you can enjoy and share.

To help you plan your outdoor remodel, we’ve compiled a list of things you need to organize to help you get the dream yard you want.

What’s Your Plan

Designing your outdoor remodel should start with understanding how you plan on utilizing the outdoor space you have. It doesn’t do you any good to prepare for a pool if you have a small yard, so thinking about the space you have, how you’d like to optimize its use, and the type of ambiance you want to create is essential.

You can choose a design that focuses on privacy and calm for more intimate settings, such as having a waterfall, stream, or pond enclosure, or perhaps a lot of tall bushes, wildflowers, and trees.

If instead, you’re looking to host people over and want a more contemporary feel, having a gazebo, pool house, covered deck, fire pit, BBQ or other space that is open and engaging for your guests is entirely up to you.

Use Help Or DIY

Depending on the level of skill and sophistication needed to pull off your outdoor dream space, you can consider doing the work yourself. Utilizing YouTube and other online resources, you can develop a solid plan, learn how to Do-It-Yourself, and save some money in the process. The most significant expense will be your time, though even that can add up to a lot.

If you are looking for major overhauls to your space, consider hiring a contractor specializing in outdoor remodels. Of course, to hire a contractor, it’s best to be sure of what you want and how much you can budget for the remodel.

When discussing your ideas with a contractor, ask them a few of these questions:

Do you have references from similar projects?
What do you anticipate the time frame from start to finish?
What quote can you offer for the project?
Who will be coming and going from my house? Are they employees or subcontractors?
How will changes, if necessary, to the original project be handled?

To Lounge Or To Party

Your outdoor space design should also answer how you plan on using the space. Is your strategy to let you have a nice quiet place outside, or is it to host dinners and other gatherings once they become a thing again?

Suppose you plan to have outdoor dinners, designing your space should include a colorful, friendly dining table, chairs, and umbrellas. The next phase of your planning your outdoor dining space is to set up the cooking station, and there are a variety of outdoor kitchens to choose from.

You can choose from stainless steel multi-family designs with an outdoor kitchen and even get as granular in your planning as selecting the type of wood doors you have for your cabinets.

The how and the why of your outdoor remodel is entirely a personal choice. By planning on how you want to convert your space into something magical and something, you would enjoy using, start with a plan, designate how you want to utilize the area, and set a budget.

The Empty Nest: Life After Children

After many years of noise and caring for children, your home is now quiet and the time is yours. Many moms feel sad and alone. A once joyful time in their lives is no more. Fortunately, as time moves forward you will fill the void in your life and become happy once again. With your children now at college or starting a life of their own, there’s time for you.

Self-Pampering

When was the last time you were able to sit in a hot tub and truly relax? Well, the time is here. Self-pampering not only makes you feel good, it makes you look good too. Apply the latest treatments for fine lines, give yourself a manicure, create a new hairstyle and try new makeup products.

An Adult Getaway

In the past, your vacations consisted of fun children-approved places and activities. While enjoyed by all, now your vacation is catered to you and your partner. If you love the outdoors, plan a hiking trip up a mountain. Or perhaps, you’re the adventurous type and want to try skydiving. Maybe you’re a true romantic, and want to visit Italy or Paris. Wherever you want to go, it’s now possible.

Declutter Your Home

Children have many things and in short-order can take over a home. Now that they live on their own, the house is once again yours. Go room by room and start to declutter it. Rearrange furniture or buy new home furnishings that represent your taste. Organizing and decluttering the space will reduce anxiety and make you feel good.

Remain Calm

Life with kids is very hectic. There’s school, after-school activities, and homework. Now that the environment is calm you can restore calmness and serenity. There’s only you to worry about in the morning and evening. You can make dinner when convenient instead of fitting it in between homework and baths.

Me Time

While you may feel sad that raising kids is in the past, the future is bright. You probably always felt guilty about spending time on yourself. Now, every day is about you. If you want to nap in the afternoon, read a book late at night or spend a few hours at the gym it’s up to you. Meeting your spouse after work for dinner is also a possibility.

Filling Time

In the past starting a hobby wasn’t possible. Your children always came first. Today, however, you can try your hand at anything. Perfect a new recipe, grow a garden, learn to paint or write, the choice is yours.

Who knows, maybe your new hobby will turn into a second source of income.

Physical Health

As you grow older your metabolism begins to slow, making it easier to pack on a few extra pounds. Thankfully, there are ways to lose weight. Join a gym or start a new trend of taking a brisk walk every morning before work and after dinner. Cooking for two instead of a large family may cause you to order take out more often. Instead, plan healthy meals for two ahead of time.

Physical Checkup

It’s important to visit your doctor once a year and anytime you feel something isn’t quite right. Early detection will prevent a minor health issue from becoming major or life-threatening. You have a bright future ahead. Take care of your health and you’ll be able to enjoy life longer.

Many women experience depression when their last child leaves home. While those feelings are perfectly normal, it’s a compliment to your skills and dedication that they are now finding success on their own. Embrace the time you have to spend on yourself and with your partner.

Reclaiming Your Sense of Style and Beauty Amid The Pandemic

The past year hasn’t been easy for moms. You’re home 24/7 with a full house trying to help everyone adjust to the “new normal”. You’re a chef, teacher, entertainer, provider, and comforter, and the truth is, you’re tired. Be that as it may, do you have to look tired? When you look in the mirror at your frizzy hair, dry skin, and brittle nails, and you have no idea who that woman is.

Your wardrobe has dwindled to nothing more than PJs, leggings, and sweats. Honestly, your confidence is at an all-time low. Although you know beauty comes from within, your sense of fashion and beauty routines have gone down the drain. You want to do something about it, but not much has changed in your everyday life. The good news is you can give yourself a boost with little effort. Check out these ideas below.

Simplify Your Beauty Routine

You may not have the time to primp and press like you’re used to, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your beauty routine altogether. If you want to boost your confidence and appearance, the best option is to simplify your routines. There are plenty of tips and tricks out there to help you look your best in no time at all. You can use multitask haircare and beauty products like shampoo and conditioner or lip gloss and eye shadow combos.

Practical Yet Trendy Hairstyles

When it comes to doing your hair, you don’t have to stick to a messy bun or ponytail. There are plenty of practical yet trendy hairstyles to consider. You can have your hair braided in extensions, purchase some fashionable wigs, or twist your hair at night and apply a bit of natural hair oil for extra shine and bounce the next morning. If you prefer short hair, a nice bob or fade cut and color will look amazing.

Cute, Casual, And Comfy Clothes

You might not need to wear a suit or pencil-point skirt and blazer at home, but you can still rock your favorite styles. Put the business attire away and start investing in cute, casual, and comfortable clothes. A cute romper, some leggings with a novelty t-shirt and jean jacket, or even a pair of skinny jeans with a comfy sweater are all great options. Mix and match your outfits for variety and pair them with bold and attractive accessories for a touch of flare.

Get Outside

Being at home all day does not provide motivation to look your best. Sometimes, the best way to reclaim your sense of style and beauty is to get outside. Come up with reasons to get out of the house. Whether you’re going to the grocery store, taking the kids to the park, or attending an outdoor community event, you’ll be inspired to throw on your best attire in public. Try planning something out of the house at least once a week to boost your confidence and get you back in the game.

Take Care Of Your Health

Beauty comes from the inside out. If you’re not taking care of your health, your looks and appearance are bound to decline. Though it may be difficult at times, ensure that you’re maintaining healthy lifestyle habits. Eat well-balanced meals, stay hydrated with water, exercise regularly, and get at least 7-9 hours of sleep. As your health improves, you’ll see a significant difference in how you look and feel.

Sheltering in place, remote working, and distance learning were all necessary to safeguard against the coronavirus. Be that as it may, the adjustment resulted in a decline in things like style and beauty. If you’re starting to look as bad as you feel and you want to make changes, it’s not impossible. Try the above solutions to reclaim your sense of style and beauty routines. Chances are you’ll start to feel a lot better about yourself.

Family Style for the Win

While all moms, of course, love looking cute, let’s be honest, it’s also usually our job to make sure our family looks presentable as well. Although your do list is most likely already long, you might need to add a family stylist. Whether your family is taking an annual family photo, off to a reunion, heading to an intimate wedding, or need to take it up a notch, here are some helpful style tips. Ensure your photos are not only post-worthy but also that your family is happy at the end of the day.

One of the most important things to consider is the weather. Not being prepared for the right temperature can ruin an occasion, so bringing layers for each family member is essential. Also important is considering the location, as each area has different dress codes. Special events call for high-quality materials that will ensure you all look put together. Opt for classic over trendy; what looks good on someone else might not be the best look for you. It’s wise to limit striking patterns, characters, or logos as they can cheapen the look. Always give yourself a few weeks before an event to make sure all items fit and are ready for the big day. Tailors can be your friend, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s not always wise for everyone to wear the same colors, but each member’s personality should shine through. Real Simple reminds moms, as a rule, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed, no matter what the occasion.

Mom’s Come First

Let’s start with moms as you’re the person who keeps the family in top shape. If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. It is best to start by finding your look first. Accept your body and the lifestyle you’ve chosen. Once that’s done, you’ll know the color palate to coordinate the rest of the family’s attire. No matter your body type, think flowy, stretchy, but not fitted enough to show off that beautiful figure. Dark colors are usually the most flattering, but every woman is different. While it can seem easy to throw on a pair of flip-flops, at the end of the day, your body won’t be happy, and you won’t be able to enjoy your day as much. Jewelry should be subtle, not taking attention away from the fashion. It’s ok to splurge on a manicure to look more polished. A mom’s best friend is dry shampoo, lip gloss, under-eye concealer, and mascara that will make you look fabulous.

Hot Dad Vibes

There are a few rules to follow when it comes to stylish your man, suggests The Trend Setter. Most important is fit; make sure whatever clothes you select are not too tight, are ironed, have the right hem, and sticking with muted colors is best. Providing elegance and comfort, men’s designer loafers are an excellent wardrobe addition for any family man. You’ll be surprised how the simple decision to swap your usual trainers for loafers can make your outfits look a lot more put together. Try teaming them with slim jeans, chinos, khakis, or cotton shorts. You shouldn’t feel guilty about investing in quality. Make sure you book an appointment for a fresh haircut and manscape that facial hair so that the whole look comes together nicely.

Adorable Yet Practical Kids Style

It’s alright to want the perfect look for your children, but lovingly keep in mind that kids aren’t usually that concerned with fashion. Keep in mind no matter what the event, they will most likely be eating at some point, so it’s best to steer clear of light colors that will quickly get dirty. If under the age of five, it might be wise to pack a backup outfit in case of accidents. Especially when in those early years, itchy fabrics or too many layers won’t make for a happy camper. While we understand kids grow like weeds, that doesn’t mean they need to endure shoes that aren’t comfortable. Purchase footwear they can play in and wear all day.

Family memories at any event are moments frozen in time that we will cherish forever. Focus on accomplishing a cohesive look and dressing in outfits that will allow your photos to take on a timeless feel. There are plenty of style tips and tricks out there telling you what you should and shouldn’t do if you want to be a stylish mom. However, the only rule is to do what makes you feel like you when it comes down to it. Forget any rules about avoiding specific colors in certain seasons or straying away from certain styles. What makes you feel most comfortable, confident, and stylish is what you should do. Your love for your family will shine through inside and out.

The right time to shop for shirts online

Online sites want to keep their websites crammed with clothing and accessories, but they get new merchandise so frequently that eventually, items that aren’t selling must be placed on clearance so as to move it out the door. And this is where you hit.

If you recognize exactly when an item are going to be on sale, you’ll decide whether you would like to attend to shop for it on a budget , otherwise you think it’s well worth the extra cash to shop for it beforehand. Have a glance at what you would like to understand once you buy shirts online.

Understanding Sales Cycles is vital . Armed with the knowledge below, you’ll economize , look fashionable, and dress the way you would like for reasonable .

Wait Six to Eight Weeks

The typical mercantile establishment lets a replacement item hang around on the shelves for 6 to eight weeks before it’s marked down. Merchandise in retail stores is ever-changing, so shop owners can’t afford to possess old items languishing on the racks and taking over space. Furthermore, after six to eight weeks of shopping spree , there might only be a couple of pieces a selected item remaining – hardly enough to require up room on a display. Therefore, it’s moved to the sale or clearance section, usually at the very back of the shop . There, it are often lumped with other sale items to be snapped up by savvy shoppers.

Thursdays Are Best

Stores know that the majority people come to the mall or the shop on the weekend, in order that they begin preparations on Thursday to shave old merchandise and rotate new merchandise into the shop .

By shopping on Friday and Saturday, you would possibly score an excellent deal, but you would possibly even have a limited selection – that’s not good if you would like something specific. By shopping on a Thursday, you’ll have the simplest selection paired with the simplest prices to snag the item that you simply desire.

Ask Around

If you see something you would like but the pickings are slim, ask to ascertain what the shop can do for you. In many cases, the salespersons want to stay the sale in-house, so they’ll bend over backwards to form sure you’re happy. While clearance buys are often limited, most stores have inventory elsewhere, so if you actually need a batch , it’s worthwhile to ask. you’ll also check smartphone shopping apps to ascertain if they need the item available online.

Know the Return Policy

Clearance buys are often an excellent deal, but it’s important to read the fine print. You will buy shirts online for $5 but as value for money is important, you should be able to replace it if it doesn’t fit you or is damaged.

Make sure you always get information about the clearance return policy. Many online stores offer store credit in lieu of a refund for clearance clothes. Stores don’t want to ascertain out-of-season merchandise boomeranging back to the shop since they have space for brand spanking new wares. This is the reason why most clearance return policies are ephemeral, usually not more than 14 days.

Shop End of Season

One of the simplest times to urge the foremost bang for your buck is to buy round the end of a season. confine mind that retail stores are a few of months “ahead of the weather,” so you’ll still devour an inexpensive t-shirt and obtain a month’s worth of wear and tear before it’s time to bring out your winter wardrobe.

Generally, stores overhaul their merchandise in line with the New York Fashion Weeks in September and February, so keep an eye fixed out. you’ll get excellent deals on summer fashion by shopping in September, and you’ll snag winter fashion on a budget in February.

Know When to not Buy

You’re getting to pay a premium price if you shop too early or during the incorrect month. As an example , it’s unwise to shop for branded full priced t-shirts around Christmas, when you’ll probably pay top dollar for your baubles. and a few items never continue sale – high-end designer shoes and accessories are usually pretty constant in price, especially if the item doesn’t technically have a “season.”

Final Word

You don’t need to spend plenty to seem great. When you’re smart about buying during a clearance sale, you’ll dress the same as your friends, and that too on a budget. It’s the most effective way to stay within the loop without completely busting your budget

5 Promising Breakthroughs in Family Medicine

Medical breakthroughs are happening all the time, but today it seems like some of them focus on making the lives of families like yours better. The key is knowing what those breakthroughs are so that you can use them. The following are five promising breakthroughs you should know about.

Home Self Blood Test

Blood tests are necessary every so often. The problem is waiting for the results. Fortunately, recent breakthroughs in blood analysis device technology will allow the family doctor to perform accurate blood testing in their office. Rather than waiting weeks to find out if you or a loved one is suffering from disease, these devices ensure results within minutes. This means, with the help of medical professionals, families can more efficiently begin the treatment process, shortening the turnaround time from the onset of symptoms to their proper management.

Digital Consultation

Another breakthrough worth noting is the digital consultation option. This voice-activated device can help you with some small issues without going to the doctor. If one of your kids falls and you forgot how to use your first aid kit, you can simply ask your device for help. You’ll be given the steps to do what’s needed. If for some reason you forget how much medicine your kid can have in a day, you can ask the device, and it’ll give you an accurate answer. As a parent, you’ll always have questions, and thankfully, you’ll have your answers right there with you.

Video Call Appointments

When it comes to giving your all as a parent, health means everything. Sometimes it’s as seemingly simple as needing to talk to a nurse or a doctor. Going to the doctor’s office has always been a hassle for parents. Getting dressed, getting to the appointment on time, and waiting take their toll. The good thing is you don’t have to do this all the time anymore. If you simply set up a video call appointment, then you don’t have to leave your home at all to talk to a doctor or nurse. You’ll be surprised how much a doctor or nurse can do through video calls.

Smart Wristbands for All

Everyone in your family could wear smart wristbands in your family. These little things could be used to track everyone’s health in many ways. For example, it can track body temperature fluctuations, heart rate, and much more. All of this data gives your family doctor more precise information about every person in your family. The data can be stored and transferred directly to your family doctor. The information you give your doctor will be precise and helpful for your overall health.

VR Technology Therapy

At times, families have issues to work through. Some of those issues could be related to phobias or other things like that. For a long time, the only thing you could do to deal with these issues is going to a family mental health doctor, but that’s no longer the case. VR technology continues to get better and better, giving families a choice. This tech can offer vision therapy to provide you or your family members with a chance to overcome some of these issues with simulated reality. It’s a wild idea, but it also helps keep you home.

The breakthroughs everyone sees right now are pretty exciting. You’ve just learned about five, but there are many more. Just talk to your doctor to find out more.

How to Teach Your Child to Take Care of a Dog

Getting your child a dog is a potential lifelong commitment. Before you jump into getting one, make sure that your child is ready for the responsibility that it takes. Adding a dog to the family gives your child the opportunity to learn how to care for and meet the needs of someone else. Doing this can have lasting positive effects on your child throughout their life.

Commitment to Training

Dogs are wonderful and fun but they also need some training to be good houseguests. The last thing a mama wants is to have to scrub poop stains off the carpet every single day. Not only that, but you’re going to want to be able to have guests over without your dog jumping and knocking them down.

Careful consideration must happen to ensure your pet is properly trained. If you’ve never trained a dog before, visit an online vet chat room where they can teach you a bit more about your animal. Once you learn how to train them, you have to be diligent about it and stay consistent. Everyone in the household needs to be on the same page in order for it to work.

Keeping Structure

It is very important to teach your child to maintain structure with your dog. Pups need to eat at certain times throughout the day and they also need to go outside at specific times as well. To prevent your child’s pet from pooping in the house, try to let the dog outside in-between and after meals.

It is also important to set up a consistent time to walk and exercise the dog so that it can stay healthy. Your child may have responsibilities of their own that they need to learn to prioritize as well. Yes, it is very important for your pup to get care of, but it isn’t helpful if your child sacrifices their own responsibilities to do that. Thus, your kiddo needs to learn time management. For example, they need to be able to take their pet for a walk and finish their homework in time for bed.

So before you get a dog, it is a good idea to sit down with your kid and talk about how they will manage their time.

Cleaning up Messes

No one wants to clean up the mess that a dog makes. When children think about having a pet, they seem to only think about the fun parts. But it is important for kids to be the main ones cleaning up their dog’s mess.

If the dog goes to the bathroom inside of the house, have the child clean up the mess and reinforce the pup’s training. If their pet knocks something over, have your child pick it up and help teach the dog to be more gentle.

Every mess is an opportunity for both the child and the dog to learn something.

Having Lots of Fun

It seems obvious that it’s important for your child to have lots of fun with your dog. Unfortunately, once the excitement of having a new puppy wears off it’s easy for a kid to play with them less. Young kids often get distracted by and more excited about new things. If you notice this, try to remind your child that dogs need lots of love, affection, and playtime daily.

Extend a Hand

It is definitely important for your child to learn to care for their pet. But, it’s equally important for mom to extend a hand from time to time when it gets hard. Sometimes they just can’t do it all on their own. This will teach your child that it’s okay to need help. Also, it will allow them the chance to mess up without sacrificing the safety or wellbeing of their pet.

All in all, the lessons and love your youngster will learn from gaining a new best friend will be worth it.

Special Dietary Needs: Tips for Dealing with Them

When you have special needs, you can sometimes feel like a freak. It is not your fault, and you are most certainly not a freak. You are the awkward person at the party. Friends are hesitant to invite you out to lunch because they can’t go where they really want to go. They won’t invite you over to their house for dinner because they are afraid that something they give you will send you into an anaphylactic shock.

There are more special diets than you might realize. Here are just a few:

Diabetic diets
Irritable bowel syndrome diets
Gluten-free diets
Allergy diets including bread, lactose, peanuts, etc.
Vegetarian diets
Vegan diets
Pescatarian diets
High protein diets
Low carb diets
Limited calorie diets

There are tons of special needs diets. Whatever yours happens to be, you should not feel alone. The thing to remember is that your special needs diet is your responsibility, not anyone else’s. So while you are not alone, you are responsible for what you can and cannot eat. Managing it can feel like a daunting task. Here are some tips to help you get through it.

Cook Your Own Food

Going out to eat is overrated. If you have food allergies, it can also be dangerous. If you do go out, be sure to call ahead and see if they have special menu items that fit your dietary needs. If they do, feel free to ask more questions. You can even ask to speak to the chef.

If you do your own cooking, you can avoid that conversation altogether. When preparing your own food, you can get special needs ingredients including things like gluten-free flour. You are not limited to buying pre-made dishes from an expensive service. The best and safest way to handle diets is to know exactly what went into every bite.

When you visit with friends, you can bring your own food and snacks. Your true friends will understand. Those that don’t, aren’t your true friends anyway. You can also save up some of your splurge points for those special occasions. Even diabetics can have a small piece of birthday cake on rare occasions.

Consider Health Guidelines

The science of diet and health is ever-changing and evolving. It is hard to know what is okay to feed your kids sometimes. Don’t go it alone. Check the USDA guidelines for the latest research and recommendations.

You can’t just base your nutritional knowledge on what you learned in second grade about the four food groups. That is not going to serve you well today. You can’t even go off of what you looked up on some website two years ago. Even your doctor has to update their knowledge and recommendations.

If your kids are not placed on a dietary regimen by a doctor, be slow to place them on one of your own makings. Of course, there are reasonable limits. If you have a peanut allergy, don’t let any peanuts into the house. That can be a matter of life and death. But don’t let your 1,000 calorie diet be their prison. Active kids in a growth spurt can use more calories than sedentary adults. When deciding what to feed your family, look to neutral information like the USDA guidelines and not just your dietary needs and preferences.

Look into Specialized Meal Kit Services

There is nothing wrong with meal kit delivery services. If you have a special-needs diet, you might feel left out of the craze. You don’t have to feel that way. There are many healthy meal kit delivery services out there. You will find services that are devoted to specific types of special diets. Many of those services will have options like gluten-free and allergy-sensitive needs. If you don’t have time to source special ingredients and do all the cooking, healthy meal kits are a good, if not expensive alternative.

Don’t feel bad if you are stuck on a diet that no one else in your social group is on. You can actually go online and find groups in your area with the same dietary needs as you. For the rest, make life a little easier by purchasing ingredients made for your dietary needs. Keep up with the latest health guidelines. And look into a specialized meal kit service.