Life-Health-Happiness

Surely you have heard the old saying, “A man’s best friend is his dog.” Well, not only does this hold true for man, but for a family as well. Let’s explore how having a pet can benefit your family.

Remember back to when you were a child, and your parents took you to the local pound and you picked out your first pet. How did you feel? Exhilarated; excited, and when the dog licked your face and stuck out his paw; he touched your heart, didn’t he? This is no less true for families today. True, having a pet may start out as a gift for the kids who have been nagging you for months. But the truth is the pet is welcome by you and your spouse as well.

Pets give unconditional love; always. They trust you’ll take care of them at every turn, and they take care of you. After a long day at work, you come home to find your pet waiting for you at the front door; excitedly jumping up and down at your arrival. They are a comfort to kids when sick; and to the old when infirmed. Some dogs even have a sixth sense when you are ill and unaware of the problem. They can sense danger; and guard you and your family when necessary. They instinctively know when they’ve been naughty, and look to you for forgiveness. They comfort you in time of need like no other human. They can sense sadness and, when you pass, they mourn.

There are so many pets that need love and attention. Unfortunately, all too soon pets arrive at home only to find they are neglected or mistreated. How sad for the rest of us.
If you have the room and the time, why not consider adopting a pet. There are so many animals out there who will be put to sleep unless we afford them the opportunity to live in a home with a loving family. They ask nothing, but give so much.

What parent doesn’t want to see their child succeed in life? We all have dreams for our children, but do you know what their dreams are? Talk to your kids and see what it is they want to do, whether it is playing a sport, learning to play an instrument or going to college. Spend the time to listen to them and your own children may surprise you. But, how do you help them to succeed without doing the work for them? You teach them the skills they need to make and meet their goals. Give them tools to work with.

First, sit down with your child and make a list of all their dreams and goals. Talk about which ones are most important to them. Also discuss which ones are not practical. Then sort them into “now” things and “later” things, to teach them the concept of short-term and long-term goals. It is important for them to know that most things won’t happen immediately. Have them pick one or two short-term goals to start with, so they aren’t trying to do too much at once.

For example, if they want to go out for a school sports team, have them list everything they need to do and know to do it. Get a calendar and mark the tryout date. Working from the current date to then, write down all the things they need to do to prepare. They will need to get equipment, if they don’t already have it. They will need to exercise and get into shape. They will need to practice the various skills for the sport. Help them work out a practice schedule. Then as they master a skill, check it off the goal list. Before they know it, they are ready for the tryouts, and because they prepared, they have a better chance of making the team.

When setting long-term goals, it is a little more difficult for kids to understand that it does take time. By setting smaller, milestone goals, it makes it a little easier. They are able to see progress one step at a time. If they are saving up money for a special purchase, set up a visual chart to help them see how they are getting closer all the time. Something like a picture of a thermometer with a picture of what they want at the top. As they save money, they can color in another degree for each dollar saved.

The most important way to show your children how to plan and set goals is to set one yourself. Let them see you working toward something as well. By working together, even if for different goals, it helps them see that it can be done. You can encourage each other when the going gets a little tough. These skills will serve them well in school and the work world.

Let’s face it, taking care of a family, the house, and working full time can deplete your energy. This can have a direct affect on how you deal with your children. Sometimes, you just need to get away from it all with your husband and spend some quality time together. If you are becoming more irritable, snapping at the kids, or losing sleep, here are some suggestions on how couple time benefits the kids.

We all work hard to support our families, but in doing so we can become increasingly irritated over the small stuff. When it comes to kids, they can push buttons like no one can, right? If you and your husband are overworked and extremely tired from all you have to deal with on a daily basis, and you begin taking it out on the kids, it’s time to stop, take a breath, and arrange some alone time together.

Remember, even batteries need to be recharged. Call upon a family member to watch the kids on a Saturday, and you and your husband either go to the beach, the park, or whatever suits your fancy. Perhaps you’d like to have dinner at your favorite restaurant? When was the last time you were able to do that? Or maybe you haven’t been to a movie in ages, and would just like to watch it in peace.

Or sometimes, you just need to be able to sit and talk, catch up, and simply enjoy each other’s company. These are the things most couples with children need to do. Spending all day with the kids, you miss out on adult conversation. When your spouse arrives home, he too may be too tired to talk. Thus, the irritation builds up and you find your kids caught in the middle of your meltdown.

Kids are vulnerable to parents’ feelings. If they are unduly chastised for no reason, they blame themselves, which is not conducive to a healthy familial relationship. However, after you and your husband have had a day to yourselves, you are more energized, able to better cope with the events of the day, and especially able to take care of your children calmly, lovingly, and without undue stress.

Monitor you and your husband’s behavior, and at the first sign of a problem, nip it in the bud before it escalates. Your children will be the better for it.

Each year hundreds of dollars are lost because homes aren’t winterized properly. Heat escapes through leaks around doors and windows or by inadequate insulation, but there are steps you can take to stop those leaks and keep more of your hard-earned money. By following these simple suggestions, you should be able to save money and help keep your family and yourself a little warmer this winter.

Winterizing your home is not a difficult task. It is one that can help protect your home and keep you from spending so much to heat your home. Check each of the following to see if you’re losing money in these areas:

Air leaks — Check the weather stripping around each door and window. If it is damaged or worn, replace it. Caulk anywhere you see gaps. Don’t forget to install storm doors and windows if they were removed for the summer. Visually inspect the entry point of pipes and ducts into the walls. If there is visible space, use insulation or weather stripping to stop cold air from entering your house. Consider adding insulation behind each electrical plug that is along an exterior wall.

Attic insulation — Probably nothing that you do to winterize will have as much of an effect as ensuring you have enough insulation in your attic. Your local home improvement store should be able to tell you how much insulation is needed in your area. Check the insulation and then add any necessary to keep the cold air out.

Heating system — After the attic insulation, the next obvious place to save money is your heating system. Now is the time to have a heating professional check your system, before it is an emergency. Replace any filters your unit may have and vacuum all vents. If you have a fireplace, have the chimney professionally inspected and cleaned. Close the damper if it is not in use.

Outside the house — Take a few minutes to climb a ladder and visually walk your roof. Replace any loose or missing shingles. Clean drain gutters and downspouts. Trim any limbs that are overhanging or touching your roof. Check the flashings around the chimney and vent pipes and caulk if necessary.

Protect the plumbing — If you usually have problems with pipes freezing in the winter, consider adding heat tape and extra insulation around those pipes. Learn where the whole house shut off is so you can turn the water off in case of a major leak. If you know you won’t be using the outside faucets, drain and cover them.

Since you still have time before the really cold weather hits, now would be a great time to begin winterizing your home. By checking these areas, you will have the time needed to make the improvements so you’ll be ready for winter. These suggestions, when taken a few at a time, can be completed before winter strikes and you have an emergency to handle.

Sometimes, it’s the simple pleasures in life that make us happy. Pampering, even for just an hour, can make all the difference. If you’ve never had a pedicure, or it’s been ages since the last one; you’ll agree it is the most soothing and relaxing hour you’ll probably ever spend in a salon. However, you can also derive the same pleasure at home. Wait until the kids have gone to bed; and proceed to your bathroom. Then, follow these home pedicure tips for moms.

1. Light an aromatherapy candle, and place it on the countertop in your bathroom.
2. Fill your tub with warm water. Add either Epsom salt or your favorite bath salt.
3. Using cotton balls, remove old polish from your toenails with nail polish remover.
4. Soak your feet for ten to fifteen minutes.
5. Using a pumice stone to rub the heels and balls of your feet to remove dead skin. If you have a soft brush, you can use that as well.
6. Dry your feet thoroughly.
7. Cut your toenails.
8. Using your favorite moisturizer, massage your cuticles and both feet.
9. Gently push back your cuticles with an orange stick, and remove the excess cuticles.
10. Massage your legs with the moisturizer as well.
11. One foot at a time, apply clear nail hardener.
12. Apply your favorite color nail polish.
13. Apply a second coat of nail hardener.
14. Add cotton balls in between toes until nails are dry.
15. Use flip-flops if you need to walk around, or simply relax in your scented bathroom until nails are dry.

Wasn’t that a wonderful experience? Do you feel relaxed? Home pedicures can be just as soothing as going to a spa or salon; the only difference is it doesn’t cost anything except the price of a small bottle of nail polish. In addition, having an hour of alone time is completely worth the experience.

Having a manicure can be very uplifting, especially if you haven’t had the time to pamper yourself. While nail salons seem to be cropping up everywhere, there have been reports of infections due to insufficient sanitizing of the utensils. Also, once you’ve been to a nail salon, chances are you may have to return often. The reason for this is quite simple; nail salons tend to remove too much nail surface, leaving your nails vulnerable to breakage. Thus, a return trip is almost always required. It is much easier to tend to your nails at home. Here are home manicure tips for moms that will ensure your nails will remain strong, and ultimately avoid the unnecessary expense.

1. If you have a desk lamp, set it on your kitchen or dining room table.
2. Prepare a bowl with dish washing liquid and warm water.
3. Have all of your manicure utensils, cotton balls, nail polish remover and polish on the table as well.
4. Place a dish towel on the surface of the table.
5. Remove the polish from both hands.
6. File your nails, if necessary.
7. Using a cue tip dipped in the water, clean under the fingernails.
8. Place one hand in the bowl first, then after a few minutes take the orange stick and push back your cuticles.
9. Follow the same procedure with the other hand.
10. Use your cuticle utensil to remove dead skin.
11. Place your each hand back into the bowl; then wipe dry.
12. Massage your hands with moisturizer before you begin polishing.
13. Apply nail hardener to the left hand first; then the right.
14. Apply the polish to the left hand next; then the right.
15. Apply a top coat of nail hardener to the left hand; then the right.
16. Wait until polish is completely dry; about 30 minutes.

Note: There are cuticle removers available in liquid form. However, they tend to leave your cuticles very dry after a few days.

Manicures do not have to be expensive, nor do they have to cause infection. If you follow these tips, you will be able to give yourself home manicures whenever needed, and fully enjoy the process at the same time.

The original leprechaun has very little resemblance to our modern image of the small folk. The word leprechaun means “small-bodied fellow”, however it could also be connected to “leath bhr

Homework sure has changed since we went to high school. Algebra has now advanced to geometry and calculus, science now encompasses advanced physics, and while English embodies the study of famous writers, poets, and the classics — the leap from middle school to high school is akin to jumping over the 6 foot high bar in the Olympics.

The educational system in this country has changed dramatically. Its curriculum has not only advanced, but requires a tough and rigid standard in developing good study habits, the ability to research information, writing term papers and reports, and adhering to the standard of excellence most high schools require.

The need for such strict study habits and discipline in following a specific curriculum is to prepare a student for college and the workplace thereafter. The current salary for a student who graduates from college with a degree in technology or business is approximately $100,000.

While high school homework may be difficult for some, others who were good students in middle school and followed a methodology which enhanced their study and homework habits, the transition is much smoother than for those who “goofed off” and didn’t pay attention in school.

Conversely, while some students think the rigid learning process is somewhat alleviated in high school, they have quite a surprise waiting for them. It is in high school that a student can add to all of his former accomplishments by joining in-school clubs, tutoring fellow students, becoming a member of the school newspaper, applying for advanced courses in college, community volunteering, earning credit by taking extra courses, and becoming totally involved and immersed in the educational process. This will give them quite a resume to present to their college of choice.

High school homework should be tougher because no one is given a free pass. The world is tougher now then it was when we attended high school, and students need to have the discipline and fortitude to withstand anything that is thrown at them. They are the future caretakers of this planet, and every student should work hard in order to contribute their expertise in whatever endeavor they choose.

High school is but another chain in the link which, when advancing to college, can be clasped with pride and achievement. High school homework, while it may seem tedious and irrelevant now, is the key to a successful future for any student who aims high and wishes to grab the brass ring of success.

When we were teens, our lives didn’t seem so complicated. We went to school, were close to our immediate family, applied for part-time jobs to help with the rent, perhaps volunteered at camp during the summer, and overall had a pretty good balance in our lives. Helping your teen balance it all today can be a challenge.

Teens today have many pressures we didn’t. They also tend to do more — more clubs, sports, and even part-time jobs to help pay for increasing college costs. Some teens will volunteer their time to a charity or a summer camp, which is a prerequisite for college submission.

With all of this going on, their lives are analogous to a teeter-totter. They haven’t yet found a way to stay balanced. This is where you, as a parent, can help. Being supportive, listening to the ranting and raving, and advising without pushing your teen in a certain direction, are all tools you can use to help balance your teen in all facets of their life.

For example, if you find your teen is sinking under the pressure of studying for high school end-term exams, you can ease the load by telling them it’s okay if they freak out, have their tantrums, and stay up late at night to study. But also tell them you will act as their study partner. Put on a pot of coffee and let them direct you. Assure them that you understand what they are going through. Tell them once the exams are over, you will take them out and celebrate.

So too, if their life is spinning out of control because of issues they cannot resolve, ask if they’d like to talk. Invoke the wisdom you have gained when you were a teen. Site examples of times you felt out of control and what steps you took to resolve issues. Offer suggestions, not mandates.

Soon, your teen will be an adult and what you do in the interim will directly affect how they handle situations. Be a positive force in their life, but at the same time, allow them the latitude to figure things out for themselves. Knowing you are always available as a safety net will give them the go-ahead to figure things out on their own. Helping your teen balance it all requires you to approach a problem objectively, even though you know your child is betwixt and between. It requires a balance within you as well.

Housework is a never-ending job. No matter how much you do, there will always be more to do tomorrow. You can never get caught up. So how do you make it manageable? Divide and conquer. Children as young as two can start learning to help around the house. The earlier they learn, the easier it will be to get them to continue helping around the house.

First, make a list of all the chores that need done around the house and when each needs done. Some need to be done daily, some once a week. Sit down as a family and decide who can do which job. Some people even enjoy certain jobs more than others, just as some jobs are more age appropriate than others.

Many jobs can be shared by a couple of people. Working together can make things go faster. For example, washing dishes by hand can be a long boring job. But, if two people are doing them together, one washing, the other drying, the work not only gets done faster, you have time to talk about your day together.

Other jobs, such as yard work can be a family activity. Everyone can help with a different task. Older ones can handle the jobs that require heavier equipment. Younger kids enjoy using rakes and pulling weeds. But, when pulling weeds you have to be very careful to show them which to pull and what to leave in the ground.

Organizing laundry can help reduce the workload, but only if everyone pitches in. If you set up different baskets for the whites, colors and darks and then everyone puts their own clothes in the right basket, it will help save sorting time. Each family member has their own basket for clean clothes. Once the clothes are done and folded, the baskets are put in their rooms, waiting for them to be put neatly away. By each person helping out with their own, it saves time overall.

A chore chart can be very helpful in keeping everyone on task to get their jobs done. Flexibility should be allowed, in case of illness or special school activities. Family members should be willing to help each other out to get all the jobs done. Another way to motivate the family is after a certain amount of chores are completed without having to be reminded, no arguments and done well, the entire family can have a special day. Maybe a pizza and movie night, or go bowling or something else the family enjoys.

If everyone has a part in helping keep the house in order, they feel more a part of the family. It will help instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. The skills they learn while growing up will serve them well in their future jobs and own homes.

Having multiple births can be a blessing but, at the same time, can pose several problems. One of which is breastfeeding. Before you hit the panic button, here are some helpful breastfeeding tips for moms of multiples.

Most experts, including other moms of multiples, suggest buying a really good nursing pump. It not only stimulates milk production, but allows you to collect as much milk as you need to feed the babies. There are electric double pumps which allow you to express milk from both breasts at the same time. Although this can be costly to purchase, you may want to think about renting this kind of pump from a medical supply company.

In addition, seek and accept whatever assistance is offered by either family members or friends. This is a time when everyone needs to come together and address the concerns on a day to day basis. If you’ve had twins, try breastfeeding both at the same time. It is really whatever you feel comfortable with. There are no rules defining the right or wrong way to handle this situation.

While nursing one baby, use the pump on the other breast in order to increase milk production. Above all, when breastfeeding your baby, choose a quiet area in your home where you are most comfortable. Ensure there are no disturbances. Make certain you get plenty of rest in between feedings; reduce your stress level by engaging in a proper diet, and be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

According to experts, newborns breastfeed from eight to fourteen times a day within a 24 hours period. In addition, they suggest simulating a newborn’s feed routine in order to produce more milk. While each pumping session may take 10-20 minutes, the length of time will vary with each woman. Continue to pump as long as you have a good flow.

As long as you are surrounded by those willing to assist you with your multiples, there is nothing to worry about except you and the babies. Trying not to do everything yourself; will only complicate the process. Take it slow and easy, and everything will be fine.

Shyness can be a difficult problem, especially for a child. Whether the shyness is a result of an inner problem or simply not wanting to participate in conversation, you can help your toddler overcome shyness.

If your child has an exuberant personality but tends to shy away from strangers, there really is nothing to worry about. However, if your toddler seems to have behavioral problems, becomes angry or fearful, then shyness is a cover for something more problematic.

More often than not, children are pushed into situations they are uncomfortable with; either having to kiss a stranger invited to the home; or having to seem more outgoing that he actually is can ultimately force the toddler to become more withdrawn and akin to a turtle, put his head back into the shell. In order to help your toddler overcome shyness, don’t make a point of it. Do not treat him any different than any other child. Think of your child as quiet and reserved, and refer to him that way if asked by others. There is nothing wrong with this assessment, and the manner in which you treat him will not overstate the obvious, but allow him the room he needs to find his way.

Shy children are also fearful of strangers. If you take your toddler to a friend’s home, let him bring along a blanket or a toy. It is a familiar object which, to the toddler, represents home — which he views as safe. It can also be used as a way to communicate between the toddler and the stranger. The point is not to force your child to have to say or do anything — just be. Eventually as he sees your response to strangers appear comfortable and happy, he will follow suit. Often shy children become introverted, and it takes a lot to draw them out. To this end, invite children to your home to play with your toddler. He will feel safer at home, and the children may help your toddler to open up in ways adults can’t.

Help your toddler overcome shyness by not doting on him, but by giving him a great deal of love and support. Do not make an issue out of his shyness, nor force him to become involved in situations which frighten or make him uncomfortable. He will find his way in time, and be able to communicate and come out of that shell. He just needs to find his niche; and once he does — all will be well. Remember, children need to progress at their own pace. While one sibling may be outgoing and friendly, another may be just the opposite. The key is not to make allowances for one; but to treat each child equally.

The environment is a hot topic and many families are joining in the efforts to help improve the environment. There are simple ways that you change things around the house that can help, not only to help the environment but will also help your budget in some cases.

One of the easiest things to do is change your light bulbs. There are many new styles of light bulbs that are energy saving. They are a bit more expensive to start with, but can save quite a bit of money in the long run. Compact fluorescent lamp can save around $30 over the life of the light bulb. That not only saves you money, but also lowers the total amount of power being used in our country if everyone switches. That will help reduce the natural resources needed to produce our electric energy.

Carpooling is one of the best ways to help the environment. By sharing rides as much as possible, you save a good bit of money, especially with the ever-rising cost of gas. Not only that, it reduces the amount of emissions, which makes the air cleaner for everyone. It also helps cut down on the amount of wear and tear on vehicles, helping them last longer.

Recycling is another easy way to help the environment. It is fairly easy to set up a system in your own home to organize the recycling. Using either boxes or trashcans you can organize things that might otherwise end up in the trash. If you have a recycling center nearby, you might even be able to make some extra cash. Some towns provide recycling pick up with the trash, if it’s sorted separately from the trash. If each family member does their part to make sure their used items end up in the right container, it helps keep down the clutter. Purchasing recycled products is also a way to help the environment. It reduces the amount of things that need to be disposed of in landfills.

Volunteering to help with other projects is also a way for your family to help with the environment. Many schools are involved in clean up projects, so it’s not hard to find a way to get involved. Some may adopted a park to help clean up. Others may change an empty lot into a useful space, maybe a garden or a playground.

If your family looks at the ways they can save, you can make it a team effort. Remind each other to put that can in the recycle bin instead of the trash. Be sure to turn the water off. Turn off lights any time you’re not using it. Use lower wattage equipment. Add better insulation to the house and install better windows. All these little things can add up to a lot of savings, for you and the world.

Every year moms try to decide what to give their kids for Easter. No doubt the kids would prefer candy and chocolate, but there are healthy replacements for Easter candy baskets you can utilize. Here are some ideas.

Instead of chocolate or marshmallow candy, fill the basket with:

* Fruits and cookies. You can bake natural cookies at home that taste yummy.
* Mini boxes of raisins and low fat candies.
* Stuffed bunny rabbits and jelly beans, which are low in calories.
* A basket of brightly colored plastic eggs; with coins inside each egg.
* Coloring books and crayons.
* Small toys for either girls or boys.
* Peanut butter cookies and mini bran muffins.

These are just a few ideas on how healthy replacements for Easter candy can be utilized.
It may also be interesting to note that there are a variety of online website devoted to Easter gifts for both children and adults that do not necessarily involve candy or sweets.
Moreover, giving an actual gift for Easter is becoming a likely trend. For example, here are some ideas for kids:

* A basket of puzzles.
* Drawing pencils and 3×5 mini canvasses.
* Packages of baseball cards.
* Bead-making kit.
* Clay kit with mold and paints.
* Scrapbooking kit and throw-away camera.
* PC or video games.
* Books on Easter.
* Easter bunny cut-out books.
* Jewelry making kits.

Whatever you choose, healthy replacements for Easter candy can come in any form which will not only entertain your kids, but can become the start of a new Easter tradition in your home. Don’t forget to have the egg hunt on Easter morning. This is especially fun for kids of all ages! Finally, before engaging in any activity, remind the kids what Easter is all about and rejoice.

When the New Year rolls around and it’s time to think about what we want to accomplish, our thoughts often turn to weight loss. Many of us have extra pounds we would like to lose, but we just don’t seem to have the time or willpower to do anything about it. But this year could be the year that it happens.

Healthy eating is another goal that many of us have but few attain. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s much easier to grab fast food or fix frozen pizzas than it is to take the time to whip up a healthy dish. Eating healthy and maintaining a healthy weight go hand in hand, and these two things are very common resolutions.

How Can I Reach My Weight Loss and Healthy Eating Goals?

For most people, gaining weight is much easier than losing it. Here are some things that can help us stay on track:

* Exercise. Working out is good for the body and the mind. It burns calories, increases stamina, improves our attitudes and increases our motivation. Whether we want to lose weight or just commit to eating a healthier diet, exercise can help.

* Enlist the help of a friend or family member with similar goals. When attempting to diet together, you will both be less likely to give up. You can share healthy recipes or even take turns cooking healthy dinners.

* Find healthy foods that you like. Giving new foods a chance is a good thing, but there will be some foods that you just don’t like. Concentrating on the things you do like will allow you to enjoy your healthier diet. And it’s much easier to stick to things that you enjoy.

* Spice it up. There are plenty of spices that you can add to your foods that are healthy and won’t add many calories. Experimenting with these can enhance foods that you enjoy, and they might make foods that you’re not crazy about more palatable.

* Introduce your family to healthy foods. An appreciation for healthy foods is one of the best gifts we can give our children. If you can get them to eat a variety of healthy foods, it will make cooking much easier in addition for being good for them.

* Keep a food diary. Writing down what you eat can help you see where there is room for improvement. It can also let you know when you’re doing really well so that you may reward yourself.

Healthy eating and weight loss are two of the most difficult resolutions to keep. By getting as much support as possible and learning to enjoy healthy foods, we can increase our chances for success.