Showing posts with label Kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kids. Show all posts

4 Ways to Help Your Teenager With Their Mental Health

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Mental health is something that should be taken seriously at any age, but it's especially important to make sure that our teenagers are taking care of their mental health. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), one in five teens experiences a serious mental health problem each year. That's a lot of people who could use some help! In this post, we will outline four ways that you can help your teenager with their mental health.


Photo by Jesús Rodríguez on Unsplash

Talk to Your Teenager about Mental Health

This is the first and most important step. Mental health should be talked about openly and without stigma. Let your teenager know that it's okay to talk about their mental health, and encourage them to do so if they're feeling anything other than 100%. If your teenager is reluctant to talk about their mental health, try asking them questions about how they're feeling in general. How was their day? What's been on their mind lately? Just giving them the opportunity to open up can help them feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics. You can also bring up mental health in the context of celebrities or public figures who have spoken out about their own experiences. This can help normalize the conversation and make it less daunting for your teenager.


Listen to Your Teenager

Once you've opened up the conversation, it's important to actually listen to what your teenager has to say. This can be difficult, especially if they're talking about something that makes you feel uncomfortable. But it's important to resist the urge to judge or dismiss their feelings. Really try to understand where they're coming from. What might be causing their mental health problems? What can you do to help them? Showing that you care and want to help can make a world of difference for your teenager. If you're not sure how to respond, there are plenty of resources available online or from mental health organizations that can help guide the conversation.


Encourage Them to Get Help

If your teenager is struggling with their mental health, encourage them to seek professional help. This could mean meeting with a therapist or counselor or even just talking to their doctor about what they're going through. It's important to make sure that your teenager knows that there's nothing wrong with getting help. In fact, it can be incredibly beneficial! It's nothing to be ashamed of, and it can really make a difference in their life.


Utilizing Coping Mechanisms

There are many different coping mechanisms that can help people deal with mental health problems. Some common ones include exercise, journaling, and spending time in nature. Encourage your teenager to find a coping mechanism that works for them. It might take some trial and error, but it's worth it to find something that helps them feel better. And if they're struggling to find something that works, there are always professional resources available to help. For example, using the acronym dbt accepts. DBT is a form of therapy that helps people learn to cope with difficult emotions in a healthy way. If your teenager is struggling to find a coping mechanism that works for them, DBT might be a good option to explore.


These are only a few of the many ways that you can help your teenager with their mental health. Just remember to be patient, understanding, and there for them when they need you.


Important Life Lessons To Teach Your Children

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It's crucial to raise your kids in a way that will enable them to stand up for themselves and be self-reliant. The first and most important role models in a child's life are their parents. The actions you take will be followed by your kids. And every parent wants their kids to grow up in a loving, honourable, and joyful atmosphere so they can adopt such qualities. They will become stronger, healthier and be more equipped to confront the world thanks to life skills. There are many life lessons that you can teach your children from cooking to physical activity.


​​Teaching them that they are deserving of respect and affection is crucial


Your child must be free to express their emotions. Give them all your love and respect, and encourage them to do the same for you. You are the primary role model that your child looks up to. Their future behaviour will be influenced by your behaviour and what you anticipate from them. 


A low-risk request is a good approach to practise: Your child want to don mismatched socks? Allow him! Even though you'd never wear a checkered shirt underneath a party dress, supporting your child's tastes and sense of style will help create the foundation for respecting this person's differences from you in the future. Your preschooler wants to stand outdoors and watch the water pouring down from the gutters as you are trying to get out of the storm. What does it look like to respect that difference? You may remark, "You're extremely thrilled about water today! ", fetch an umbrella from the house, wait inside with a large towel, or something similar. Let's take a bath for you. Staying outside in the rain is too cold.


Obstacles will make them more resilient


Your child must learn from you that difficulties make people stronger and provide opportunities for growth as people. You shouldn't jump to their aid, for instance, when they're having problems painting. Let them solve the issue on their own. They will improve their skills as a result. You can equip them with the means to address their own issues. They will become a better person as a result in the future.


They need to understand that you are what you think about yourself


In front of your children, you must never criticise yourself. Don't constantly complain about your 'laziness' or stupidity. Your child can begin to imitate you and adopt a pessimistic outlook. Create conscious goals for yourself and demonstrate to others how to attain them. She will comprehend things better as a result of this.


Being human, we all make mistakes


They need to learn that everyone makes errors occasionally and that we all have terrible days. We become preoccupied with problems, or the only thing that matters are the differences in opinion. 


Be kind and merciful to others


Teach your child to support others in the face of a mistake or difficulty. You must let your child observe your positive friendships. Show them, for example, how to seek emotional support after a difficult day and how to be aware of the emotions and difficulties of others.


Do you make fun of unrelated people? Do you criticise your friends or family while they aren't around? Do you occasionally behave degradingly toward your partner, pets, or even your children? Apples don't generally fall too far from the tree. Your words won't have much of an effect on your child's behaviour if you tell them to be kind while exhibiting negative, nasty behaviour. Children don't follow instructions; they act on what they observe. Set a great example for your youngster.


Some families like making fun of one another, but some kids can't handle harsh mocking. Some parents may not realise their mocking is harsh, but if your child cries and storms off in response, there's a good possibility they are feeling humiliated. Would you want your child to make fun of their peers the same way you do? Children frequently take it out on their peers, despite what some parents may believe they are doing when they "toughen up" or play with their kids. Children pick up on playfulness through the example that their families set. Children will believe that cruel taunting is acceptable elsewhere if it is accepted at home.


Effort pays off


There are obstacles to overcome at every turn since life is not all fun and games. Show your child that you do numerous things not just because you "enjoy" them but also because you want to gain anything from them in the long run. Give examples of your less favourite work that you nonetheless complete in order to live the better life you desire.


Never stop learning new things


Even as we age, we continue to learn. In life, there are countless opportunities to learn. We gain so much knowledge from our personal experiences. To encourage your child to learn new things as well, you must actively pursue your own lifelong learning goals.


Children are naturally curious as babies. They are eager to learn new things and are like sponges, taking up new knowledge and abilities. However, this innate desire of learning is frequently LOST along the way. Many kids end up detesting and even dreading learning new topics in school. Research has consistently proven that children learn best through hands-on experiences. Students learn best when they move, touch, and experience. For instance, research indicates that students are more likely to provide an accurate response when they act out a mathematical word problem than when they do not. Help them in any way you can with their school work, whether that's hiring a tutor or helping them with practice tests


Show others gratitude


When someone is good to your child or their family, you must teach them to say "thank you." Teach your child to contribute to the home or the community, even if it's just by doing the laundry. Above all, you should frequently reassure your children that you will always be there for them if they need you and will assist them as needed. Ask your child to keep an optimistic outlook so they can easily overcome obstacles they encounter in life.


For toddlers and preschoolers, the concept of gratitude might be challenging because it is high-level. In their earliest years and developmental phases, they are inherently self-focused. But as kids mature in gratitude, they learn to appreciate the wants and sentiments of others. How can we instil gratitude in our kids? One option is to discuss being grateful with them. not just for stuff, but also for deeds of kindness done by others.


Teach children to express gratitude to those who help them. That can be a friend who gives them a birthday gift, their server at a restaurant, their brother or sister who helps them pick up toys, etc. Inform your children of your gratitude for them. When telling your kids they are loved and special, be precise. I enjoy it when you assist your brother tie his shoes, for instance. 


Discuss your feelings of gratitude. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, such as by offering a blessing before meals or keeping a journal of family thankfulness. Support a cause or charitable organisation. Talk to them about the significance of your deeds of kindness, whether you are donating clothes or toys, taking part in a food drive, or baking cookies for a new neighbour. Be dependable. Gratitude is a skill that takes time to develop, just like any other.


Cleaning and upkeep of the home 


There is always little maintenance around the house that children may help with because they love to be your big helpers. Simple jobs include instructing them on how to put the garbage in bags or change the toilet paper roll. Children who are older can learn how to unclog a drain, change a vacuum cleaner bag, and change a light bulb.


Parents occasionally question whether or not they should assign their children chores. After all, managing the home should be their responsibility. And given that they will have to worry about duties for the rest of their lives, don't kids need a chance to "just be kids" for the time being? Most children also have extremely full schedules. They barely have time to tidy the house or mow the grass as they dash from one activity to the next. Giving your child tasks could be one of the most crucial things you ever do, despite your worries.


While giving your children duties will undoubtedly relieve some of your stress, this is not the only reason you should anticipate your children helping out around the house. Children benefit from housework, according to studies. Kids who participate in housework feel more a part of the group. Family members' assistance is beneficial to them and inspires them to act responsibly as citizens. Children who complete chores develop responsibility and valuable life skills that will benefit them throughout their entire lives. There are different chores suitable for different ages, so make sure you don’t overload them. 


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How To Keep Your Child's Teeth In Great Condition

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How To Keep Your Child's Teeth In Great Condition

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When you become a parent, your child becomes the most important thing to you. You want to make sure they start their life on the right footing and protect them from harm. One of the ways to achieve both those goals is by ensuring you help them look after their teeth.

Giving your child's teeth the best care and attention means they will have a significantly high likelihood of developing adult teeth that won't cause them any problems in later life.

After all: the only reason you want your child to see an emergency pediatric dentist is if they've accidentally injured one of their teeth - not because they've started decaying due to a lack of care!

Taking the above points on board, the following tips and tricks can help you and your child protect their young teeth:

Regular Brushing

The most obvious way to help your child protect their teeth is by ensuring they stick to a daily tooth brushing routine. You might worry that they'll avoid brushing their teeth because they find the routine boring or annoying. But you can always make it fun!

For example, you can buy them an electric toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character on it, or you could hum a song with them if you brush your teeth with them simultaneously.

Avoiding Sugary Foods And Drinks

It's no coincidence that eating and drinking many things with high sugar levels can do bad things to teeth. The thing about sugar is that it erodes the enamel in teeth and can cause cavities to form.

The bacteria in your child's mouth can use sugar to create acids that attack enamel and can eventually cause other issues like further tooth decay and even tooth loss.

Whenever your child has something sugary, make sure they drink some water or rinse their mouth out with it afterward.

Consuming A Balanced Diet

A quick search on the Internet will reveal the many health benefits that consuming a balanced diet offers. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, for example, will boost your child's immune system and increase the nutrients and vitamins their body needs.

Ensuring your child consumes a balanced diet will also help protect their teeth because the food they eat will help promote healthy teeth and gums.

Scheduling Dental Check-Ups

Another way to help keep your son or daughter's teeth in good condition is by scheduling annual or bi-annual dental check-ups. Doing so is an excellent way to check on your child's dental progress and can help alert you to any potential problems in the future.

If you take the above steps to help look after your child's teeth, dental check-ups will be the only reason they see the dentist each year!

Drinking Plenty Of Water

One final but essential tip to ensuring your offspring drinks plenty of water each day. Firstly, water will keep them hydrated, and it's a beverage with no sugar.

Secondly, water will help flush away any food debris or sugar from anything they've consumed. Lastly, water is readily available, and you should encourage them to drink it at school, when they visit their friends, or attend a birthday party.


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What Does Your Teen Actually Need From You?

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Parenting is the most magical thing you’ll ever do, but it does present new challenges once your son or daughter becomes a teen. This is a strange time in their lives, and it can leave you feeling a little useless from time to time. However, your teen still needs you in their life.


Knowing what your teen actually wants and needs from you can seem like a battle in itself. As long as you pay attention to the following features, stunning results should follow.


To Know You Are There


Teenagers are unlikely to rely on your guidance in daily life quite like they did during the toddler years. Nonetheless, a close relationship between parent and child is still vital. Maintaining a strong relationship with your teen will give them a source of stability. It also provides an outlet for them to discuss any issues that they may face in daily life. 


Given that those issues could range from bodily changes to problems at school. Providing this platform is key. Even if your child doesn’t feel the need to open up that often, knowing that they can is an emotional safety blanket.


A Growing Level Of Independence 


While teens still need their parents, this is also a time of self-discovery. As such, they will require increased independence. It allows them to maintain popularity with friends, become more responsible over the years, and feel ready for adult life. It is particularly important if they plan to go away for college as they’d suddenly need to fend for themselves.


As well as giving them more responsibility, you should help them learn valuable life skills like how to cook. Meanwhile, paying for your child’s driving lessons can be priceless. Not least because it is a qualification that they can use for life.


A Responsive Approach To Problems


Teeneagers see their bodies undergo many changes. While many of them are normal, there are several situations that need outside support. Taking them to see a pediatric chiropractor for muscle issues that are beyond growing pains can work wonders. The realignment can combat pains. Ongoing exercises will promote a full recovery.


As well as physical damage, you should pay attention to signs that your child needs help with mental health problems. Whether it’s medication or therapy, treating anxiety at the earliest stage will be vital. Letting them suffer is never the answer.


A Chance To Thrive


Every family has a different living situation. The fact is that you can’t help the fact that you need your teen to help care for a sibling or change your financial situation. While you can’t shield them from the reality of life, they should be able to enjoy life to the full. After all, these are some of the most magical years in their lives. Or at least they should be.


Your teen may have more responsibilities than some of their friends. Even so, there should be time for them to play out or enjoy hobbies. Likewise, they deserve the opportunity to complete homework and other tasks. Time is the greatest gift you can give.


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Keep A Healthy Relationship With Your Child As A Weekend Parent

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Are you a weekend parent? Ultimately, it’s possible that your partner is the main care provider for your child due to your relationship ending. This means that you will likely only see your child at the weekends, some evenings or in the holidays. The reason for this is that courts don’t tend to provide equal custody unless you live close enough for the child to go to the same school while they are with you. This can be restricting because it limits how far away you can move from your partner and you probably don’t want to be close to someone that you have split from. 


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Keep Things Amicable 


First, you need to make sure that you work to keep things amicable between you and your partner. It’s important to ensure that your child doesn’t feel as though they are entering a battle ground when they see you or that they have to choose a side. This should start from the beginning because rather than heading to court for a divorce you can explore an option like family mediation. This will put far less of a strain on the relationship your child has with you and your partner. 


Make Your Time Together Count 


Next, you should think about the time that you spend together when they are in your care or at your house. It’s important that you make the time, however limited, count. This might mean that you should avoid going on your phone or another tech device when you are with your kids. It doesn't matter what you do as long as you are spending time that is focused on them or the both of you. 


Use The Tech At Your Fingertips


It’s important to use the tech at your fingertips when you are a weekend parent. You won’t always be able to see your child in person as often as you like. But there’s no limit on how often you can call them or speak to them. If you are comfortable with your former partner, then you can likely speak to them every day. That’s important as it ensures that you are a more active part of their life. It might seem unnecessary to ring them every day as very little is going to change in 24 hours. However, you can ask them about their day, make sure you keep up with their interests and be there if anything is wrong. 


Plan Activities 


Finally, you should think about planning out activities that you can enjoy together when your child is over or you are visiting. This will stop you from doing nothing for two days which can be dull for you and your child. Instead, you should think about engaging in lots of different activities. This could include everything from bowling to other sports or simple planning a movie night in the house. 


You might think that if you are only seeing your child on weekends or in the holidays then it could impact your relationship. The good news is that there are steps that you can take to guarantee this won’t happen. Here are some of the options we recommend. 


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Christmas On A Budget: Tips For A Fun And Affordable Holiday

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Giving gifts during the holidays can be stressful, both mentally and financially. I've compiled a list of ideas for spending less money on Christmas this year.


As you get older, your attitude toward the holiday’s shifts. Even though your feelings of happiness and friendliness should remain, your attitude toward gifts should shift.


Photo by Brett Sayles from Pexels


It goes from being something you are looking forward to being something you dread doing.


Maybe not, but when you're expected to give as much as you receive, gift-giving takes on a whole new meaning. When you're working with a limited budget, spending a large sum of money on a large number of people can feel like an imposition. It should come as no surprise that so many Americans end the year with credit card debt, unable to pay it off before the next holiday season rolls around.


Christmas shopping, on the other hand, does not have to be expensive. There are a number of strategies that can be used to reduce or eliminate holiday expenditures. All that is required is an openness to new ideas.

Make A Plan

When shoppers fail to plan ahead for Christmas, their spending often exceeds their budgets. Determine your Christmas spending budget, and then make a list of all of your responsibilities, including gifts, travel, and decorations, and stick to it. Add a monetary value to each item, erring on the side of overestimating.


Saving money this year may be difficult, but consider this: it will allow you to get a head start on your debts next year if you spend less this year.


One of the best ways you can create a plan is to read some budgeting tips on frugal living blogs

Look Out For Extra Savings 


A long list of gifts to buy? Here are a few favourite ways to look out for savings:


  • Look for coupons.

  • Join a store's mailing list

  • New subscribers usually get an extra 10%-20% savings. Even creating a new email address to receive several discounts.

  • Use a rewards card

  • Credit card with a cashback offer

  • Buy used gift cards


Talk To Your Loved Ones

If you are struggling to make ends meet, Christmas may seem like an imposition. Stress during the holidays may cause people to harbour ill will toward their more prosperous relatives and friends.


Discuss with your loved ones the possibility of skipping the gift exchange or spending less money. You don't have to tell them everything; just enough information to make sense to them is sufficient. Your brother-in-law who has recently become a parent might appreciate a year off from the madness of holiday gift-giving.

Summary

As an adult, purchasing gifts for friends and family members become a chore. Although it's not really enjoyable, coming up with non-traditional gift ideas is.


Remember that there are many different ways to be creative, so continue to think beyond the box.


Do you have any other ideas that could help? Please share some of them in the comments below. 



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5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Be Physically Active

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5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Be Physically Active


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Like adults, children need to get some exercise and be physically fit. Encouraging your kids to exercise regularly will boost their immune system, help them maintain a healthy weight, and protect them from several diseases. According to research, about 80% of kids between 11 and 17 aren’t as physically active as they should be. This can be attributed to the accessibility of technology. Here are some ways to get your kids to be physically active. 


  1. Set a good example

Kids are more likely to remember a lesson if they see a practical example in action. Therefore, to encourage your kids to exercise more, being a good role model will give them the push they need. If your kids often see you exercising, they’ll most likely mimic you, giving you an excellent opportunity to teach them about the importance of being physically active. 


  1. Get everyone involved

Exercising together can be a great way to bond with your kids, no matter the activity. You can get your kids involved by signing up for an activity you all enjoy, such as playing soccer together, swimming, playing games in the park, etc. You can even consider inviting some of your kids’ friends over occasionally to take part in these activities. Getting everyone involved will help sustain your kids’ interest and get them to be more physically active. While engaging in such activities, remember to have items such as children’s ice packs on hand to apply if your kids have a minor injury. 


  1. Walk more

If there are activities where you can walk instead of taking a car, you can consider doing so with your kids. For instance, you can take an early morning walk in the park or during the weekend, depending on your schedule. You can also walk to the grocery store if it’s close by or walk your kids to school. While walking, remember to be safety-conscious and keep an idea on your kids at all times. 


  1. Reduce screen time

Studies show that children are less physically active because they spend more time behind the screen playing video games, watching TV, etc. Therefore, one great way to get your kids to be physically active is to limit their screen time and replace it with activities that will get them on the move. Even when you and your kids are watching TV together, you can still sneak in a little physical activity by stretching together, dancing to some music, or doing some hula hoops during commercial breaks. Doing this enables you to find fun ways to encourage your kids to do more than sit behind the screen.


  1. Give them gifts that encourage them to be physically active

Whether it’s for their birthday, a holiday, or just a random day, the gifts you give your kids can encourage them to be physically active. You can consider options such as bicycles, balls, skates, etc. Giving them such gifts allows you to spend more time with them as you teach them how to use it, and will also lead them to spend more time exercising as they enjoy putting these gifts to good use. 


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