3 Mistakes Great Parents Should Never Make

Parenting can become an emotional roller coaster with plenty of highs and lows. At one moment, everything may seem very peaceful and calm, and the next moment everyone may be on each other’s necks. How do you manage to control these strong emotions and get control over your family as a parent when your children appear to act out?

As a parent, you want your children to feel good about themselves. You may want your children to develop confidence, which makes them less anxious, create healthy relationships, and improve their school performance.

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There are strategies you can use to help nature your child’s confidence, including getting a primary care doctor. However, be careful about the approach you take. Some methods may instead rob off your child their faith and make them go through a vicious cycle where they struggle to discover who they are. Instead of waiting to regret when it is too late, here are some of the biggest mistakes you should never make as a parent.

Punishing your child rather than disciplining them

When your child makes a mistake, they should know that their actions lead to severe consequences. Instead of punishing them, you need to discipline them for their bad choices. When you punish a child, they will psychologically think that they are bad hence the punishment. But when you discipline them, they will know that it is as the result of their poor choices and will make an effort toward changing for the better.

Fighting your children’s Battles

A big part of growth is learning through experiences. But for most parents, they would rather have their children not experience anything that has a negative impact. Instead, they take on the fights of their children and deal with the consequences on their behalf.

But does this protect the child or damage them even more?

You will only get to learn once you have firsthand experience of the consequences of your mistakes. But when parents shield their children in this way, rather than offering protection, the road may lead to a less than desirable outcome. As your children grow to become adults, they need to make independent decisions, but this may only work if parents allow their children to face the consequences of their choices and actions.

Projecting your goals on children

As a parent, you may want what is best for your child. But under whose perspective does this ‘best’ lie? Is it on behalf of your child or your behalf? Some parents view their children as their second chance of success.

As such, they may push their children to pursue an item they wish they did while in their youth. In such a case, your child may not know what to do. When you are giving your child advice about their future life decision, you should always take a step back and put aside your own goals. Only when you are present for them to choose what they want can you say you are a good parent.

Your child may have to get professional help if they become emotionally scarred due to trauma from negative words that show disapproval, berating, and blaming. An emotional scar can negatively interfere with their daily life. Rather than raising your voice to your child, make your tone calm when speaking to them and praise them on noteworthy occasions. Ensure that you create a safe and healthy home where they can always feel comfortable to stay.

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Tips to Create a Safe and Healthy Home

The home is where we spend most of our lives. It is where we raise a family, socialise, and relax. A home is our sanctuary away from the crazy world. It is somewhere we can be ourselves and really let our hair down. However, did you know that the house has a major influence in many different ways on our health and wellbeing? If it is not properly looked after it can have a detrimental effect on our mental and physical health in a number of different ways. These can be from aesthetics to hidden dangers that you may not even be aware of. And if you are looking to raise a family, there are many things you should become aware of as some of these hidden dangers can have a devastating effect on the development of your children. Creating a safe and healthy home, suitable for all family members is a top priority, and with these tips, you will feel a lot better, safe in the knowledge that you have tackled all the main dangers.

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Become a dust buster

Dust is not just an irritating thing that feels nothing at accumulating on your mirrors and clean shelves. It can be an allergy-causing particle. Not only that but dust is not just harmless thing. It can be extremely health-damaging as some of the particles may well be toxic, containing harmless chemicals including lead, fire retardants, pesticides, etc. Anything that may have been used in that house at one time could now be lurking as a house dust particle. These harmful chemicals are especially dangerous to young children and babies as they are still growing and developing. If your house does have a bit of a dust problem, you may be wise to remove old carpets as they are accumulators of dust. You could replace them with a non-carpeted floor, lino, tiles, or wood, perhaps. Your other bet is to invest in a high strength, extra-dust busting vacuum cleaner, and ensure that you vacuum every inch of the carpet a couple of times a week. Also, keep windows open when possible to allow as much dust build-up to disappear out of the window and fly away.

Be safe and test your home

Due to the fact that there may be many different chemicals and toxins lying about, it may be a good idea to purchase a few test kits. You can usually pick them at a hardware store, or online. The main things to be concerned about are lead and radon. Both can cause many health conditions, and leas may be abundant in old paint in your home, as before 1978, it was used in paint. The problem is that as paint gets old and worn, it begins to flake off, and this flake, some of which are tiny, basically become part of the dust in the house. So, potentially you may have lead floating about in the air. This can be a particular problem if anyone is pregnant in the house, as lead poisoning can lead to brain damage in the unborn child. If you have young children, lead is an issue and should definitely be removed. If you have any flaking paint that is particularly thick, get is tested asap. As for radon gas, this could happen to any house of any age. It is colorless and odorless and can cause cancer, especially lung cancer. It comes out of the soil and rock under the ground as part of a natural geological process. If you are worried, you should invest in a radon gas test. It may also be in your best interest to test the water coming into the home, too, as that may contain some particles from old pipes. You could invest in a water filter, or purchase bottled water in the event you discover something.

Safety and security

Can you imagine waking in the middle of the night to the sound of an intruder? There is nothing more terrifying. It is definitely a good investment to purchase security lights and a burglar alarm. Think about your doors and windows. Do you have bolts on the door to slide shut while you are sleeping? Getting a decent front door is a must too, such as the Provia front door. They can also provide you with safe and secure patio doors and windows too. You cannot put too much emphasis on safety, and with burglaries on the rise, you should prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

Use less chemical-based products

Many household products are filled with harmful chemicals, which in small doses may not cause too much of an issue, but as these things accumulate, they become more of a problem and can cause damage to you and your family. Inside the home, you should try and buy non-toxic cleaning products. There are so many alternatives to chemicals on the market now that there is no need to fill your home up with something that could be potentially harmful and dangerous. Also, outside in the garden, are you one for using pesticides to protect your beautiful flowers? Or if you have a rat and mouse issue, do you use poison? Both of these contain dangerous chemicals where overexposure can be particularly bad. Children are especially vulnerable to chemicals and toxins due to the fact they are still growing to toxins that can disrupt this process. Unfortunately, it happens all the time where children develop asthma from this sort of behavior. If a woman is pregnant, her unborn child may suffer even more as the fetus may develop learning disabilities or some other kind of brain impairment. This is a frightening thing, but true, It is far better to look for natural products, think organic. Alternatively, think of new ways to cope with some of these issues. For example, the aroma of beer is very attractive to slugs and snails, so you can use this to lure them away from your radishes and catch them in some sort of humane trap.

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Keeping Loved Ones Close to Your Heart.

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Even when your nearest and dearest are alive and well, it’s perfectly normal to have momento’s and pictures of them scattered around your home.

The sepia photo of aged Grandparents, and some kind of reminder of their cherished lives brings comfort to many, either when they live miles apart, or even if they live just around the corner.

Those school photos of gap toothed children and Grandchildren make you smile every time you look at them, and serve as a kind of growth chart. One year they had no front teeth, the next those gaps were filled. Faces filled out and they matured year on year.

And what about our animals. Indeed some people have more pictures of their animals than they do of their human relatives.

Yes we all like to keep relatives, and animals we love, close to our hearts, simply because they are so much a part of our family,history and heritage.

But what can we do when those same beloved people and pets are no longer with us, when they pass away through illness or natural causes, and we can’t reach out and touch them every day, how can we maintain some kind of closeness to them.

We will all lose a loved one at some point in our lives, and everyone has their own way of grieving. But to help bring comfort and closure, it is definitely wise to hold some kind of service to celebrate the deceased’s life, and for the mourners to gain some closure.

After death, the deceased can be buried in the graveyard attached to a church. A memorials.com stone can be erected with a small tribute engraved on it. This can be a comfort to relatives as they have a specific place to visit and to spend some time in reflection.

Some return to the grave often, taking flowers and chatting quietly to their loved ones. It’s a place to be peaceful and respectful.

For others, after a memorial service, a cremation takes place. Cremation is sometimes the only option depending on your faith and belief. After the cremation, the deceased person’s ashes can be returned to their families for safe keeping, or to be scattered in a special place at some time in the future. This could be in the sea, or somewhere that the family had enjoyed happy times together, and this then becomes the place that they can visit on the anniversary of a loved one’s death, to remember and reflect.

More and more people are now opting to preserve some of the ashes in some kind of casket which can be kept somewhere safe at home, so that the bereaved feels some kind of closeness.

For those that want to keep a permanent reminder necklaces and rings can now be made to contain a small amount of the loved one’s ashes, so that they can wear them on their body all the time.

There is no right or wrong way to deal with bereavement and preserving the ashes of a loved one is a very personal thing. But with so much choice available now, hopefully you can find the perfect solution for you which brings you comfort and solace.

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What To Think About When Planning A Road Trip

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At this time of the year, it’s natural for you to be thinking about your vacation. After all, the weather is usually awful and it’s a bit dreary after the festive season. And so, it’s always fun to think ahead to the summer and what you might do with your time. As fun as it is to enjoy a break on the beach or to head off to an exotic location, you might want to consider something a little different this year. If you all love to go on family adventures, then you may find that it’s nice to do something a bit more active or adventurous when you go on vacation. And for this reason, a road trip could be perfect for you. But, before you hit the road, there are a few things you might like to think about.

1. Where To Go

First of all, it’s where you’re going to go. Will you drive from home or fly to another spot and start there? How many places will you visit? And when? It’s fun to just get some ideas flowing here first before you decide.

2. What To Pack

The next thing that you’re going to want to think about here is what you should pack. When you’re going off on a beach vacation, it’s often a lot easier for you to think about the things you need. But you may not really know what you need when you’re going on an adventure. So, having a packing list can help you. You’ll want to be prepared for a range of things that might happen or what you might need to have fun.

3. Where To Stay

And then, you need to figure out where you plan to say when you’re on the road too. Yes, you could just hit the road and see where you end up – but that’s not all that practical with kids. Instead, you’ll want to make sure that you plan out your stops and that you have booked somewhere to stay.

4. How To Stay Safe

Another really important factor that you’ll want to think about on the trip is how you can stay safe. Because we all know that traveling can be dangerous in some regards. Why your physical safety isn’t necessarily in question, it’s more about staying safe on the road. So make sure that you have your insurances in place and that you have the details of someone like Thomas Law Offices in case you need them. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

5. How Long To Go For

Finally, you may then want to think about how long you’re going to go for. Sometimes, it’s nice to go for a few days or even a week. But then, depending on where you’re going and how long for, you’ll want to think about going for a few weeks. Maybe you really want to explore, or you love the idea of seeing where the adventure takes you all – especially over the summer break. And that can be the most fun thing about a family adventure.

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Big Family Changes And How To Prepare For Them

Every family goes through changes and upsets overtime. There are successes, challenges and usual heartbreaks along the way. But that’s part of what being in a family is. Experiencing everything together and supporting each other through it. But there are some ways in which you can prepare and get through these challenges a little more comfortable over time. All you need to do is be realistic and open-minded about everything. We as humans can overcome most things. And nothing is entirely as bad as it seems. So here are some ideas that you may be able to follow to achieve great things and be prepared for all eventualities. No matter how long you’ve been in the family for, there’s always something that crops up, so being realistic is the goal.

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Graduation

Along with a great sense of pride, comes, and certainty when it comes to graduation. It’s something that everyone works towards but doesn’t always know what they want to do next. Since unless you are an adult learner, most people tend to be still very young when they graduate. But the months leading up to graduation exams and the stress levels can really push you to your limits. And while everything is usually okay in the end and uncertainty can, of course, show a family into chaos. The best way to combat this is to stay grounded and focused on the end result. Ensuring that the person graduating, or people graduating, are well prepared, and well-rested is essential. Looking at graduate school tips and doing as much research as possible is critical. Working out what the Nextep may not be easy, but ensuring that you do everything correctly to start with will set you on the right path. If it’s your child who is graduating, then, of course, there will be a level of emotion experienced because of this, there were children grow up so fast, and graduation can seem like a huge milestone, but staying calm and collected, as well as confident will help your child be confident too.

New baby

Bring in a new baby into the family is a massive change for everybody. If you already have children, then adding a new sibling can go one of two ways, a sibling can be adored, or be a source of jealousy for many children, so thinking about this carefully and managing the situation well is essential. Unfortunately having a new baby is exhausting, so it isn’t always as simple as that. So making sure that you are taking care of yourself, putting boundaries in place for the older children, and of course, being realistic at all times will undoubtedly help your overall success of integrating the new baby into your family. Babies, of course, don’t really know what’s going on around them, so trying not to overthink it is essential, children will always adapt, and babies enjoy learning. To prepare for integrating a new baby into your family, you will want to support yourself, and the rest of the family adequately. And you should gain support for yourself too. We can’t do everything, and we shouldn’t worry too much about unimportant things, and worry more on staying calm and collected at all times if possible. This gives children the stability that they crave, and so produces a quiet environment.

Job changes

Changing your job, whether it be for financial reasons, or due to redundancy, for example, can be incredibly stressful. Still, there are times where it can also affect the rest of your family. If you aren’t too sure how to manage the stress of a job change, then start your research early is critical here. If it is an exciting job change, or maybe a promotion, then you may be very excited And not need to worry about the stress side of things. But with every job change comes a change in routine usually, so prepare for this well in advance, and ensure that the rest of the family understand what is happening, and how it may affect them. You will find the support of your family enables you to be much happier with the change. And staying open minded is essential.
Not everybody finds a job change positive, and some disappointment me and see you. So be prepared for the job change not to be what you thought it was, and work out a way to manage this scenario well in advance.

As with anything having the support and love of your family can help you achieve great things so keeping this in mind you will know that you can do anything you set your mind to.

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10 Ways To Make Your Home Infinitely More Interesting

Having an interesting looking home is something that can be really enjoyable as a homeowner. If you want to make your home as interesting as possible, there are a few different things you can try. Below, you’ll find 10 methods that will allow you to make your space infinitely more interesting – take a look and see what you can do.

1. Include Patterns In Different Ways

Patterns are a great way to make your space more interesting and really funk it up. You can include patterns in just about any way you like – on curtains, cushions, and on your walls, for example. There are no rules. All you have to do is figure out a formula of mixing patterns that you like best. Some people like to use three patterns in different amounts, while others like to use the same pattern just in different colorways/sizes. You can have fun and get really creative with this method.

2. Add Plants

Plants can do lots of things for your space. They add color and joy, not to mention texture. They can also purify the air and do other amazing things. Adding plants both small and large is great. Just make sure you learn a little about the plants and select those that suit your ability best. They should also suit the room and space you intend to keep them in. For instance, if you were to buy a croton, you’d want to keep it in a humid, moist place like the bathroom. Each plant will need to be watered different amounts and different levels of light, so bear this in mind. A great starter plant is the spider plant, or even a snake plant!

3. Use Various Textures

Use various textures by selecting rugs, cushions, and other items. Using as many textures as possible is a great way to keep things interesting and feeling cosy to boot.

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4. Add An Unexpected Twist

Adding an unexpected twist is a wonderful way to make your home more interesting. You could do this with an antique, for instance, or even patterned glass. Step away from the norm and you won’t believe how much more interesting your home can look.

5. Get A Bookshelf

A bookshelf helps you to show off your interests – as well as give you something to do away from the TV. Why not create a reading nook? A cosy space where you can grab a read will likely encourage you to do it more. You could even invest in a big cosy bean bag or an indoor chair swing if you want to make it extra appealing.

6. Collect Your Favorite Art Pieces

Art isn’t just for people with a lot of money. You can use your favorite pieces printed on high quality paper and framed – you could even create something you love yourself if you’re quite arty. Art in each room is a great way to perk the space up. A huge piece can make a statement, while smaller pieces can be used on the same wall to create an accent.

7. Use Mirrors The Smart Way

Mirrors can be used to add texture and interest, as well as make a room look bigger and better. If you use mirrors properly, you can make a small room look much bigger. Texture on a mirror can also do a lot for your decor.

8. Mix Up Your Furniture

You don’t have to buy matching sets of furniture. This is just plain lazy! Many people don’t realize that mixing their furniture pieces can actually create a more interesting space. All you need to do is make sure the same style or a similar color is used so that the space still looks unified. You can also mix up your pillows, using different sizes and styles to create an eclectic look.

10. Create Your Own Accent Wall

Creating an accent wall is a wonderful way to show off your tastes and have fun. Include art, prints, pictures of loved ones, and even souvenirs to add to the space. However, you shouldn’t do this too much. You don’t want one in every room of the house! Instead, stick to a maximum of two. Choose walls that are bare with no distractions like doors or windows. They should draw the eye when you enter a room!

Making your home more interesting is really easy if you use the ideas and methods here. Do you have any suggestions of your own? Leave them below!

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4 Funky Ways To Update Your Home’s Exterior This Summer

Here’s something you might not know about your home: the exterior is as important as the interior. Shock! Of course, think about it logically and this statement makes sense. The outside of the property is the first thing anyone sees when they roll up on the drive or cruise past, so kerb appeal plays a significant part. And, if you can make an excellent first impression, then you can add value to your home.

A lick of paint and new windows and doors, however, won’t cut the mustard. To update the outside of your house and add value, you’ve got to get funky.

Aluminium Gutters

The gutters are practical, but they’re not stylish. And, why should they be when they collect rain and leaves over the autumn and winter? The answer is simple: they act as a focal point. Considering there isn’t going to be much rain during the hottest days ever recorded, you might as well get use out of them design-wise. Replacing cheap plastic with shiny aluminium or steel makes the exterior appear less tired and outdated. This technique works well if you have big, open windows that let in lots of natural light.

Solar Panels

No, they aren’t ugly! They are different, but that’s what makes them a funky and eye-catching addition to your roof. Plus, there’s no doubt that solar panels bring contrast too. The black, reflective surfaces of the panels work well against the backdrop of neutral stone or redbrick. You can invest in stand-alone panels if you feel they would make a better addition to your garden or backyard rather than your roof. Buyers love panels in Australia because, well, it’s always sunny! If they can offset the cost of installing them by purchasing a ready-made property, it makes them well worth paying for in the long-term.

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Roof Garden

There is a lot of hard materials on the exterior of your property, and it would be nice if you could soften them a touch. However, swapping them for lighter materials isn’t practical if they aren’t as durable, right? Yes, that is true, yet there is still a solution: covering part of the roof with turf. An extension is a perfect option as it is usually smaller and easier to install. Then, you’ll get to mix textures and combine elements on the outside of your home that isn’t typically possible, meaning your property will be unique. And, originality goes a long way regarding added-value.

Natural Doors & Windows

Doors and windows take up a big surface area, which is why they are always going to be part of the conversation. What you want to avoid is following the crowd and fitting plastic or PVC entry points because they are more affordable and require less maintenance. Plastic is cheap, but it’s a bit tacky, too, and gaudy doesn’t add value. Natural materials, such as hardwood, are the opposite as the deep hues of the wood are soft and welcoming. Plus, they are sturdier, and that means you can promote a safer, more secure property.

Every buyer on the hunt for a property will pay more to keep their family safe.

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