ReportWire

Category: Family & Parenting

Family & Parenting | ReportWire publishes the latest breaking U.S. and world news, trending topics and developing stories from around globe.

  • Where to Go After the Storm

    Where to Go After the Storm

    [ad_1]

    We know y’all are going stir crazy at home so we will be slowly posting about things to do to get out of the house but we ask that you are extremely cautious on the roads, especially since not all of the traffic lights are working, pay attention, and try to stay close to home as much as possible.

    Our local businesses need your business, especially the seasonal ones, so we’ll be sharing these things to do and where to play in the coming days.

    NOTE: We are currently updating this list with all of the local organizations we have verified are open and/or offering specials to the public. This list will grow larger through the day and we will update it as we get additional information.

    Play Venues and Attractions

    Sky Zone Greenville has power, internet, and are open for regular business hours. They are not serving hot food but have have snacks and Icees. They are allowing people to charge devices and use the internet as needed.

    Children’s Art Classes is operating on regular hours. Monday-Thursdays 4-7:30pm and Saturdays 10-1:30am.

    Bricks & Minifigs Greenville are offering the community to come in to charge their devices as well as offering a safe place to bring the family to play and build with LEGO. No obligations for purchases and play time is free.

    Kids Play & Cafe, Easley SC will do one load of laundry per family and is offering free coffee or cider if you bring your own cup. Regular hours and pricing. They have wifi.

    Yellowbobbypins Art Camp has drop in art classes, a perfect place to keep the kids busy when power is out! Plus, students can stay an extra hour after class at no charge. The first hour is regular class, and the second hour is open studio time with no charge.

    Take-off Mini Golf is open w/ 20% off if you mention the linked reel.

    Trapped in the Upstate is open in Greer and Spartanburg from 2-9 pm. Use code Helene for 20% off this week. Operating on special hours Tuesday, will be open normal hours starting Wednesday!

    Group Therapy is open.

    The Upstate Pinball & Arcade Museum in Simpsonville is open. Play all day for $10/person. They are opening each day this week at Noon.

    The Mill at Fountain Inn has a huge outdoor space with wifi where kids can get out energy + they are showing family-friendly films all week. Their food is awesome also!

    Judson Mill District has wifi, light snacks and beverages, charging stations, and they are showing kids movies Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am- 4 pm. Address is 701 Easley Bridge Road, Greenville.

    Hearts of Clay is open.

    Chuck E. Cheese in Greenville is open.

    Village Play is open with Wi-Fi.

    Golden Lanes is open with skating and bowling times. They also have a limited amount of ice available.

    Palmetto Proper Play Cafe is open. They have resumed their normal hours and events. Check out their Instagram for the October calendar!

    Big Air Greenville is open. They are operating on their normal hours, and giving out a free gallon ziploc bag of ice at their cafe for anyone who needs it.

    Haywood Mall is open and has power. They have an indoor play area for you little ones to go get some energy out!

    Village Play is open! They have power, spots to charge devices, WiFi, and a place for your kids to play. Check out their Instagram or Facebook page to reserve a spot ahead of time, or click this link: http://bit.ly/VPreservation

    Spare Time Greenville is open! They have WiFi and seating, outlets for charging, and food & drink to order.

    Sassy Stables is open and having their regularly scheduled riding lessons and visits.

    Happy Cow Creamery is open! They are open from 9am-7pm. They have water, power, ice, and power if you need to charge your phone. Bring your containers and they will fill them with water, and every customer gets a free bag of ice.

    Barnes & Noble Haywood and Woodruff are both open. They have power, Starbucks, Legos, and reading nooks for you little ones.

    The Anderson County Library System has a few open locations. The Anderson Main, Iva, Pendleton, Piedmont, Honea Path, and Williamston libraries will be open limited hours on Wednesday and Thursday October 2nd & 3rd. Regular hours for these locations will resume on Friday, Oct 4th.

    Glazed Pottery Studio is open with power.

    Sk8erz Family Fun Center is open with roller skating, indoor playground, hot food, and cold drinks.

    Speed Factory Indoor Karting Spartanburg opens Tuesday October 2nd. However, make sure to bring cash since the system is still resolving.

    Companion Skate Park is open and operating on their regular hours!

    Wantec VR is open and has power!

    Vino and Van Gogh is open this week from 10am-12pm tp pick up Take-Home-Art for you and your kiddos. Place your order in person or order ahead of time online!

    Frankie’s Fun Park is open and has power. They have limited hours and attractions, but are open for business!

    Climb @ Blue Ridge is open! However, they have limited hours and are cash only until power is restored.

    Local Resources (Childcare, Urgent Cares, etc)

    Giggles Drop-In Childcare is open regular hours this week.

    Carolina Urgent Health Care is open this week.

    Local Farms and Seasonal Events Open and Closed List

    Thompson Family Farms is open Wednesday-Saturday with their pumpkin patch and some flower fields. The pumpkins are in great shape!

    MadWorld is open for regular hours this weekend.

    Denver Downs Farm in Anderson is opening on Friday at 5 PM.

    Little Cane Creek Farm is opening this weekend, October 5th.

    Edwards Farm is open all week, and is having a sale on their pumpkins since school is out!

    Confirmed Weekend Events

    Greenville Symphony Orchestra will open this Saturday with Beethoven’s Ninth.

    Attractions Outside of the Upstate

    Carowinds is open normal hours this weekend with Scarowinds running as normal.

    Lush Acres Farm and Market is open. Their Farm Market has reopened as of 10/1, and their Fall Festival is every Saturday in October, and they will be open 10/5.

    Current Closures

    The Children’s Museum of the Upstate is closed.

    The Greenville Library System is closed.

    Upcountry History Museum is closed.

    Tri-City Lanes is closed

    Pinky’s Revenge is closed

    Stewart Farms is closed. May reopen Friday, October 4th if power is restored.

    Stone Pin Company is closed

    Roller Sports Skating Rink is closed. To get power back by Friday

    Barnes & Noble Spartanburg is closed.

    Model Trains Station is closed.

    Greenville Center for Creative Arts is closed until Tuesday, October 8th.

    Sigal Music Museum is closed until Saturday October 5th.

    [ad_2]

    Bethany Winston

    Source link

  • Disabled boy finds his inner ninja

    Disabled boy finds his inner ninja

    [ad_1]

    By Louise Kinross

    In Ninja Nate, a 10-year-old boy called Nathaniel Brown wears his ninja suit and carries his sword everywhere. But underneath, he’s hiding a big change in his life: he wears a prosthetic leg and uses a cane. We interviewed author Markette Sheppard, who lives in Maryland, about her picture book geared to kids aged four to eight.

    BLOOM: How did you get the idea for this book?

    Markette Sheppard: I have a 10-year-old son who loves ninjas. When I wrote the book, I happened to be reading a story in The New York Times about a family of five cousins who lived in the Middle East in a war zone. They were playing soccer one day and one of the kids stepped on a land mine and all five children lost a limb.

    A reporter followed one of the children who had lost a leg at the hospital. He learned that in his dreams, the boy had two legs. He would wake up and forget that he’d lost a limb and jump out of bed and fall. My heart sank as a mother, and I thought how can I teach children about empathy?

    The story stayed with me, and I wanted to incorporate a subject children love, so it’s not didactic or academic. My son loves ninjas. At some point he’ll work with someone who is disabled, or have a classmate with a disability. I thought how do I introduce this concept to him?

    BLOOM: Why did you want to tell the story of a child who acquires a disability, which is different from a child who is born with a disability that becomes part of their identity?

    Markette Sheppard: It’s about self-acceptance. I don’t detail in the book what happened because it’s about the journey towards: ‘Am I going to assume this alter ego of Ninja Nate for the rest of my life, or am I going to be who I am?’ Most times, I feel like children are accepting, but adults who haven’t been exposed to different types of people have a harder time. By introducing new concepts to children I feel like I’m putting goodness into the world. I’m helping raise a generation of readers who are accepting of all kinds of people with different abilities.

    BLOOM: Nathaniel is worried about how kids at school will react on his first day back. What does he learn?

    Markette Sheppard: He learns that once he makes the decision to accept himself, everyone else will follow. We all have to be leaders in our own hero’s journey. Throughout the book, no one is telling him he’s not Ninja Nate, and that his sword is actually a cane. We understand when he falls out of bed that the dream is over, the bubble has burst. 

    BLOOM: His school friends are very accepting. Is that realistic?

    Markette Sheppard: I really think so. Kids are more open-hearted in that way. That’s how I’ve seen children react to disabled children. I’m a den leader in my son’s cub scout pack. We had a cub scout with severe disabilities who joined us two to three years after the core group had been together. All the kids were like ‘We have this new kid, he’s cool. He has this tablet we can talk to him on.’ They never asked anything about his health issues, they just saw him as a new playmate with a different, cool way of connecting.

    BLOOM: What do you hope readers take from the new book?

    Markette Sheppard: I hope it came across that even though Nathaniel Brown is pretending to be Ninja Nate, everyone around him, including the kids at the playground, knows about his new disability. I think they know the journey to self acceptance is one you do in your own time, and that Nathaniel will reveal his robotic leg when he’s ready. That’s okay, because people need to process things. 

    BLOOM: There’s often a lack of Black voices in books that touch on disability. We just interviewed a Black American policy maker who wrote a book about the racism she experienced in her work with disability rights groups. Why is it important that Black disabled children see themselves in books like yours?

    Markette Sheppard: As a Black woman journalist, I have a lot of experience with what that policy maker talked about. I started out as a digital journalist and then a radio reporter and TV reporter.

    I remember as a radio reporter I was at an Occupy rally in DC. It was outside municipal buildings where they were calling for more social services and economic justice. I was covering this story and speaking to leaders of the movement, and I had recently had abdominal surgery. I was very weak, and I found a chair to lean on as I did my interviews.

    One of the leaders who was a Caucasian man pulled the chair out from under my knee and handed it to someone else and said ‘Here, do you need somewhere to sit?’ I didn’t know whether it was because I was African American or because I looked healthy, but I couldn’t stand for long periods of time.

    I started up the interview and the same person looked at me with shock on his face. He didn’t realize I was the NPR reporter. They knew a reporter was coming from an NPR affiliate in Washington, but he didn’t know that I was that reporter.

    In that moment you can’t say anything, because it happens so much. The blatant disregard for your humanness. I know as a Black woman going into spaces in an industry that’s not dominated by other Black woman, you do feel a difference in how you’re treated. 

    I think Ninja Nate can help disabled children of colour through its mere existence. ‘There’s someone who looks like me going through what I’m going through. I’m not the only one.’ That’s comforting. 

    Ninja Nate can be borrowed from Holland Bloorview’s library. Like this content? Sign up for our monthly BLOOM e-letter, follow @LouiseKinross on Twitter, or watch our A Family Like Mine video series.

     

    [ad_2]

    lkinross

    Source link

  • BLOOM is here!

    BLOOM is here!

    [ad_1]

    By Louise Kinross

    Check out the latest issue of our BLOOM e-letter.

    Here are quotes to draw you into the content:
     

    1. From the author of a British study on suicidality in parents of children with disabilities: ‘The fact that over 40 per cent of parent carers are thinking about suicide is a sign of really high levels of distress. [This] is a clear indication that whatever we’re doing to support disabled children and their families isn’t working.’ (See Mental Health)
       
    2. From a Holland Bloorview parent whose son was hospitalized with seizures and severe brain inflammation, and then diagnosed with autism.  ‘It’s been quite a journey along our unexpected path of disability. What I didn’t anticipate was that learning about his diagnosis would lead me to wonder about whether I was also neurodivergent.’ (See Parent Talk)
       
    3. In a new book, a Black policy maker recounts her work with American disability rights groups led by non-disabled, white people. ‘When you don’t have Black and brown families sitting at the table, issues of importance to them are not going to come up.’ (See Health Equity)
       

    Like this content? Sign up for our monthly BLOOM e-letter, follow @LouiseKinross on Twitter, or watch our A Family Like Mine video series.

    [ad_2]

    lkinross

    Source link

  • “Dear Neurotypicals: I Don’t Disclose My ADHD for Fun”

    “Dear Neurotypicals: I Don’t Disclose My ADHD for Fun”

    [ad_1]

    Dear Neurotypicals,

    When I reveal that I have ADHD, I often hear about how “brave” I am for being so “open” and “vulnerable.” Granted, I like hearing that because I’m human and I like compliments. Plus, it’s better than fending off stereotypes about ADHD.

    To be totally honest, though, I’m not telling you about my ADHD diagnosis to promote diversity, make you feel more comfortable confiding in me, or whatever other altruistic reason you’re thinking. I’m telling you as an act of self-preservation, often after days of deliberation over whether I will hurt or help my case. Disclosing my ADHD is a carefully calculated risk that’s more about substantive outcomes than feel-good moments.

    Explaining ADHD to Someone Who Doesn’t Have It

    Disclosing my ADHD is really about showing you the inner workings of my mind. My day-to-day life reminds me of my choir teacher’s advice for onstage performance: “Be like a duck: calm on top and paddling like crazy under the surface.” You can’t see my constant struggles to stay on top of employment, housework, and personal affairs; you can’t hear my every thought scream for my total attention as I fail to hold onto a single one; you certainly can’t feel the smaller effects of ADHD pile on top of each other to create a web of executive dysfunction.

    [Get This Free Download: Secrets of the ADHD Brain]

    No matter how calm I seem on the surface, underneath I am paddling through constant self-assessments and adjustments.

    Without the context of a diagnosis, I’m a mess. I can’t get anywhere on time. My apartment is filled with projects that I dove into, lost interest in, and can’t bring myself to put away. Efforts to reach out are too easily put off and forgotten. And heaven help you if I’m having more trouble with my emotional regulation than usual.

    So, in more casual settings, my telling you about my ADHD is to let you know that nothing’s personal. I didn’t show up 10 minutes late and yawn when you were talking because I hate you and want to disrespect your time. While you certainly have the right to boundaries and shouldn’t just put up with certain behaviors, you should also know that my shortcomings do not reflect how I view our relationship. And, hopefully, you don’t hate me as much after I’ve confided in you.

    When Disclosing ADHD, Context Matters

    From a professional perspective, my honesty about ADHD could mean the difference between remaining employed or yet another job hunt. I’m sure that never occurred to my managers as they went on about my courage and whatnot – that I had actual goals beyond reveling in feel-good honesty. Not that I would recommend that everyone with ADHD should disclose their diagnosis to employers. Most sources suggest not doing so, and for good reason.

    Conscious and unconscious biases are inevitable, and anything that could make me stand out as a problem could also be my undoing. Though I have been open about my diagnosis and received ADA accommodations, I will always wonder if my managers are now keeping a closer eye on me for any slip-up that would go unnoticed if made by a co-worker.

    Disclosing a diagnosis, especially one like ADHD that forces me to confront some of my deepest insecurities, is unpleasant at best. I don’t do it for fun. My decision to open up to you was difficult and ultimately made in hopes of some sort of action. Maybe that’s just a bit of patience, or some help navigating a world that was not designed for me.

    I trust you enough to give you a chance to understand me better, and, in turn, learn how we can grow together. Please take that chance.

    Explaining ADHD: Next Steps

    SUPPORT ADDITUDE
    Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

    [ad_2]

    Shreya Rane

    Source link

  • Storm Recovery: Help!

    Storm Recovery: Help!

    [ad_1]

    As the Upstate strains to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, we have compiled all relevant social posts and information here in one spot to make it easier for you to find information and to help people.

    Traffic Lights

    All traffic lights with no power are 4 WAY STOPS. You must come to a complete stop before proceeding into the intersection. DO NOT FOLLOW THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU. People are getting hurt. This is critical for safety.

    Don’t let this be you!

    Free Dinner Tonight in Greenville (9/30/24)

    Free meal at Comal 864 Woodside starting at 4 pm.

    Free Meal and Prayer at Covenant Church, Greer

    Free Meal Wednesday 10/2/24

    GFN Church @ 5:30 pm

    What’s Open in the Upstate?

    We’re sitting here at Flying Fox Coffee in Greer enjoying the power and hot coffee! What else is open in the Upstate? Here’s the thread where our readers note all those important things!

    What’s Open in the Upstate

    Food Banks

    There are many food banks in the Upstate that can provide food assistance.

    Food banks in Greenville, South Carolina

    Ice

    Try the Ice2U App to get real-time information about ice availability.
    There’s also a thread on the Kidding Around Greenville Facebook Page for ice.

    Free ice Tuesday through Friday beginning at 9 am at GFN Church 1201 Haywood Road, Greenville. *While supplies last.

    ATM

    Find functioning ATMs in Greenville and the Upstate according to our readers.

    Follow the Kidding Around Greenville Facebook Page

    We’re sharing all the good news and ways the community is helping like free meals, power stations, washers, and more all on our Kidding Around Greenville Facebook Page. It’s the fastest way to see what is available for you right now.

    Hot Showers and Laundry

    Where is There Wifi in the Upstate?

    Need to get work done? Our Kidding Around Facebook page has a list of where our readers say you can find Wifi now in Greenville and the Upstate. Here’s the Instagram Wifi Thread.

    Also, check these places:

    Water

    Water service continues in Greenville, without issue.

    Anderson, SC Storm Recovery Resources

    Here’s a link to several assists in Anderson.

    Things to Do at Home

    stuck at home things to do
    Meals for power outages

    [ad_2]

    Maria Bassett

    Source link

  • New App HiveDrive Solves Carpool Chaos for Busy Families

    New App HiveDrive Solves Carpool Chaos for Busy Families

    [ad_1]


    NEW YORK, September 30, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    For millions of parents across the country, one of the most stressful parts of their day isn’t work — it’s carpooling. Juggling chaotic schedules, coordinating rides, and worrying about their children’s safety are all-too-common headaches for busy parents. According to recent polls, 51% of parents spend over five hours per week chauffeuring their kids, with 13% devoting more than 10 hours.

    Enter HiveDrive, the brainchild of two working moms, Molly Goldberg and Jennifer Geller, who were fed up with the endless carpooling chaos. Molly, currently managing carpool for her son, teamed up with Jenn, who empathizes from her past experience coordinating rides, to create a better solution for busy parents. “I found myself constantly running into other parents from the same neighborhood, all picking up our kids from the same activities,” says Molly. “It felt so inefficient.” Jenn adds, “We realized that an app could easily solve this problem by connecting parents to share rides and keep their kids safe.”

    HiveDrive is the first app designed specifically to help families manage carpools within their own trusted networks. It allows parents to create a “hive” of trusted friends, neighbors, and teammates’ parents, making it easy to organize rides without unnecessary stress or confusion. Parents can easily see who’s available to drive, and children can request rides from the parents they know.

    “We’re solving two huge problems: time and safety,” says Jenn. “Parents are already juggling busy schedules, and HiveDrive simplifies their lives while ensuring their kids are in safe hands.”

    What makes HiveDrive stand out is its focus on safety. The app only allows parents within a child’s trusted circle to offer rides, ensuring full visibility and accountability. Unlike rideshare services that leave parents wondering who’s driving their child, HiveDrive gives families peace of mind by keeping everything within their own community.

    • Save Time: Streamlined communication within the app ensures only one parent shows up for pickup, eliminating unnecessary trips and freeing up hours for busy families.
    • Safety First: Know exactly who is driving your child, with rides managed within a secure, privacy-protected network.
    • Eco-Friendly: Fewer cars on the road mean less traffic and reduced carbon emissions, all while giving families more free time.

    With HiveDrive, parents can say goodbye to the frantic “Mom, can I get a ride?” calls and hello to a well-organized, stress-free solution.

    To simplify your family’s carpooling and ensure your kids’ safety, visit gohivedrive.com and download HiveDrive today.

    Source: HiveDrive

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Dry Fruits Choco Burfi for Kids

    Dry Fruits Choco Burfi for Kids

    [ad_1]

    |
    | by

    Looking for a delicious yet healthy treat for your kids? Our Dry Fruits Choco Burfi is the perfect combination of nutrition and taste! Packed with the goodness of dry fruits and the irresistible flavor of chocolate, this burfi is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a powerhouse of essential nutrients. Ideal for special occasions or as a wholesome snack, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that your little ones will absolutely love!

    Health Benefits of Dry Fruits

    • Rich in Nutrients: Dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and walnuts are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and iron, which support a child’s overall growth and development.
    • Boosts Immunity: The antioxidants in dry fruits help strengthen the immune system, making kids less prone to common illnesses like colds and infections.
    • Supports Brain Development: Dry fruits are a great source of healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids, especially walnuts, which are known to enhance cognitive function and brain development in children.
    • Improves Digestion: Figs, raisins, and dates are rich in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and prevent constipation in kids.
    • Provides Energy: The natural sugars in dry fruits provide a quick energy boost, making them ideal for active kids who need sustained energy throughout the day.
    • Good for Skin and Hair: The vitamins and minerals in dry fruits contribute to healthy skin and hair, keeping them nourished and glowing. Including dry fruits in your child’s diet, such as through recipes like Dry Fruits Choco Burfi, can be a delicious way to ensure they get these health benefits while enjoying a tasty treat.

    Dry Fruits Choco Burfi Recipe

    Dry Fruits Choco Burfi for Kids

    Ingredients

    • Cocoa powder – 2 Teaspoon
    • Ghee – Required amount for grease

    Instructions

    • To make Choco Dates Burfi, start by blending dates, cashews, almonds, and cocoa powder in a blender until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
    Dry Fruits Choco Burfi for Kids
    • Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl. Grease your hands with a little ghee.
    Dry Fruits Choco Burfi for Kids
    • Take a small lemon-sized portion of the mixture, and roll it into a round shape before flattening it slightly to form a burfi.
    Dry Fruits Choco Burfi for Kids
    • Press a cashew nut into the center of each burfi as a garnish.
    Dry Fruits Choco Burfi for Kids

    In conclusion, Dry Fruits Choco Burfi is a delicious and nutritious treat that satisfies sweet cravings without the guilt. Packed with the goodness of nuts and enriched with cocoa, this burfi offers a delightful snack option for both kids and adults. Its quick preparation and natural sweetness from dates make it a healthy alternative to traditional sweets, ensuring everyone can indulge without compromising on health. Enjoy this wholesome treat as a delightful addition to your snacking repertoire!

    Looking for a delicious yet healthy treat for your kids? Our Dry Fruits Choco Burfi is the perfect combination of nutrition and taste!

    Dry Fruits Choco Burfi for Kids

    Looking for a delicious yet healthy treat for your kids? Our Dry Fruits Choco Burfi is the perfect combination of nutrition and taste!

    Print
    Pin
    Rate

    Course: Snack

    Cuisine: Indian

    Keyword: Dry Fruits

    Ingredients

    • 20-25 Dates
    • Cashews for garnish
    • 10-15 Almonds
    • 2 tsp Cocoa powder
    • Ghee Required amount for grease

    Instructions

    • To make Choco Dates Burfi, start by blending dates, cashews, almonds, and cocoa powder in a blender until the mixture is well combined and smooth.

    • Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl. Grease your hands with a little ghee.

    • Take a small lemon-sized portion of the mixture, and roll it into a round shape before flattening it slightly to form a burfi.

    • Press a cashew nut into the center of each burfi as a garnish.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. At what age can I introduce dry fruits to my child?

    You can start introducing finely powdered or pureed dry fruits to babies around 8-10 months of age. For older kids, whole dry fruits can be given once they are able to chew properly, typically after 1-2 years.


    2. Can I give dry fruits to my child daily?

    Yes, dry fruits can be included in your child’s daily diet. They provide vital nutrients but should be given in moderate amounts to avoid excess calories or digestive discomfort.

    3. Can I include dry fruits in my child’s meals?

    Absolutely! Dry fruits can be added to a variety of dishes such as porridges, smoothies, energy bars, and desserts.

    4. How do I store dry fruits to retain freshness?

    Store dry fruits in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Refrigerating them can help extend their shelf life and prevent spoilage.

    Buy Healthy Nutritious Baby, Toddler food made by our own Doctor Mom !

    Shop now!
    [ad_2] Hema
    Source link

  • Parent Tips: Getting Kids to Talk to You

    Parent Tips: Getting Kids to Talk to You

    [ad_1]

    Ever wondered how to get kids to talk to parents? Or how to spark meaningful conversations with kids? You love your kids and you want to hear about their day and what’s happening in their lives. But, how do you encourage your kids to talk to you? Try these tips from parents just like you for encouraging kids to communicate and talk to you.

    We have all been there (well, at least most of us). It’s the first day of school or our kid goes to camp, and we can’t wait to hear all about it. Then our kid comes home and only provides information in one-syllable answers … “fine.” Or maybe, our kid talks or at least used to, but our life has gotten so busy that we realize we haven’t had a deep conversation with them in days or even weeks.

    Talking with our kids is important. In fact, the Palmetto Basics includes talking to your kids as one of the most basic ways to help your child’s brain grow. We also know that talking with our kids and as a family can continue to strengthen relationships and our children’s personal growth as they grow older.

    What are some tips then for getting our kids to talk or better to talk to them in a way that invites conversation? We polled our readers to hear what they do to foster family conversations and these are their tips.

    how to get your kids to talk to you

    Slow Down and Minimize Distractions

    For my family, I’ve noticed meaningful discussions increase naturally when we spend more down time together. Hustle and bustle and “get out of the door right now” time doesn’t work. So, family game nights, dinner together at the table as often as possible, taking a walk or even just killing time in between activities by splitting a sandwich or a candy bar at the grocery store. When we create the environment and the space for conversations, they happen.

    Maria B.

    My immediate thought is to set the phone down, turn off the TV, and just actively listen to your kids when you’re with them. It’s amazing the things I notice my kids share or ask about when I am really paying attention.I have also found that reading alongside one another can set the scene for good discussions. My 8-year old will often ask questions about what he is reading or what I am reading and it sometimes turns into something really special.

    India M.

    • Eating dinner together
    • Inviting our kids to join us while we work whether making dinner or cleaning
    • Reading together
    • Even watching TV together can be active if you talk about what you are watching or bond around a show
    • Family game nights
    • Putting down our phones or turning off the TV when our kids are talking
    Girl and parent enjoying summer reading time

    Take Advantage of Time in the Car

    Remember carline and pickups are great opportunities to check in and make them talk.

    Liz B.

    We have had our best/most productive 1 on 1 conversations on car rides- to/from school and road trips.

    Ashley B. K.

    Have Daily Conversational Starters or Prompts

    At dinner, we’re at a table without screens and all share something we’re thankful for, usually leads to great convos. Also, use table topics cards sometimes. Other big opportunity for us is tuck in time. All my kids are ‘big kids’ now but each love their 1-1 time in their room and their agenda.

    Susannah B.

    We use everyday conversation as meaningful discussion starters like “do you know where that saying comes from?” ” Why do you think someone would say/do that?” etc.

    Jennifer G.

    We do “Best Part/Worst Part of your day” every night before we say our prayers. The kids always have the craziest stories to tell about the best and worst parts of their days. It usually leads them to tell me about other things on their minds they wouldn’t have thought to tell me about otherwise.

    Kelly R.

    • Table Topic Cards
    • Ask your kids for a “Thumbs Up” and “Thumbs Down” moment from the day during dinner or at bedtime.
    • Ask your kids what they are thankful for
    • Ask your kids meaningful follow-up questions

    Incorporate One on One Time Into Your Family Routine

    Bedtime really works with my family. Each kid gets individual mom time after everyone has said goodnight. I don’t do it every single night but often enough that they will ask to talk at night when they need it. We just lay next to each other sometimes laughing, sometimes reading and when they need to, they open up about what is on their mind.

    Sara W.

    “Bedtime really works with my family. Each kid gets individual mom time after everyone has said goodnight. I don’t do it every single night but often enough that they will ask to talk at night when they need it. We just lay next to each other sometimes laughing, sometimes reading and when they need to, they open up about what is on their mind.” -Sara W.

    Start with a warm loving Wake up and follow thru the morning routines. Pray and onto the school route … Conversation of how’d you sleep to what are we gonna do today after school is a must for us. I pray it always sets the mood for my child’s day

    Brandy K.M.

    Every night at bedtime my kiddos get 15 minutes 1×1 time with me before reading and sleep. They can choose any activity within certain guidelines (can be cleaned in 5 minutes) and it allows us time in their safe space without any distractions to really unwind and get that last stress off before sleep or celebrate daily wins.

    Danielle B.

    Bedtime Story

    Utilize Technology

    My kids are entering their teen years and while we make lots of time to have in-person conversations, I’ve found that also texting my kids or sending them a silly meme is another way to communicate that I’m there for them and love them.

    Give Your Kids a Safe Space to Share

    Every day when we get home we all 3 go on the back porch and discuss our day, good and bad. Everything is open for discussion. At supper time it’s a no phone rule, we eat and do not answer phone calls or texts, so we are spending that time together also.

    Victoria R.

    I believe it’s important to give kids space to choose how much they want to share or talk. Sometimes we can be too eager to get information rather than giving our kids the space to choose what they want to share. Sometimes just allowing silence after a short answer will give our kids the space to then decide to share more.

    It’s also important to listen and not to react forcibly to what our kids tell us. Sometimes they may tell us something that worries us but it’s important to guard our reactions so that they know that they are safe to share anything with us.

    What tips do you have for having meaningful conversations with your kids?

    See More Parenting Tips and Articles

    Parent-Tried Tips for Getting Your Kids to Talk


    Pregnancy and Infant Loss: You Have Permission to Break the Silence


    [ad_2]

    Bethany Winston

    Source link

  • Pregnancy and Infant Loss: Permission to Break the Silence

    Pregnancy and Infant Loss: Permission to Break the Silence

    [ad_1]

    Did you know October is Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness Month? This loss is more common than most people realize. Local mom and KAG Guest Contributor, Tanika Dillard, is sharing her story of infant and pregnancy loss with us today in order to raise awareness and let others know they are not alone.

    October is a month filled with raising awareness for many noble causes; some of which are less popular.  Breast Cancer Awareness, Breastfeeding Awareness, Bullying Awareness, Domestic Violence Awareness, and Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness are just a handful of the focused topics of support for the month.  While I have been most familiar with Breast Cancer Awareness in the past, I have become passionate about Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness.

    October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

    President Ronald Reagan experienced the death of his daughter, Christine Reagan, in 1940. Some reports believe she died at birth while other reports suggest she lived for nine hours before passing away.  Whatever the story may be, President Reagan carried Christine’s legacy with him over forty years later as he signed Proclamation 5890 on October 25, 1998, recognizing October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

    Since 1998, many who have been affected by pregnancy and infant loss have been personally compelled to not only participate in these events but also to be a voice of reality and encouragement for others. In December of 2007, I became marked for the cause of breaking the silence when my flawless pregnancy morphed into the fetal demise of our eighteen-week-old daughter, Destiny. Just seven months later, (July 2008) our second flawless pregnancy ended in fetal demise of our seventeen-week-old daughter, Briauna. And July 2009, our third daughter, Madison was born at nineteen weeks.  Astoundingly, she lived for nine hours before joining the road her sisters had traveled before her.

    Somehow I knew I had to unearth the strength to break the silence of pregnancy and infant loss. Statistics show one in four women experience loss due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or SIDS. I completely felt as of the statistics were not in my favor.  Despite how “unfair” our experiences seemed, I knew there were others who also knew the hollowness in my heart but did not have a safe outlet to share their pain, frustrations, dreams, anger, etc.

    My passion and priority in life is to break the silence of pregnancy and infant loss, support those who grieve, and dispel the myths and unrealistic expectations of those who are fortunate to never experience this type of heartbreak.

    After our first miscarriage with Destiny, I was amazed at how many women pulled me aside to whisper, “I’ve lost a baby also”. Most of these women were twice my age. Not only had they experienced loss but the common theme echoed in each sacred, tearful conversation was how they never told anyone about the loss and how they tried to just ” Get over it”.

    Breaking the silence

    Can I break the silence and give you permission to speak of your loss? Many carry memories in their heart for decades and never open their lips for fear of shame and the expectation to be “Over that by now”.

    My grief experience has changed my life forever in part because I choose to give voice to my suffering! In doing so, I received support from a community of people who knew a similar pain and I found the strength to live!

    It doesn’t matter if you’ve experienced loss last week or 20 years ago, you have permission break the silence and receive support.

    In August of 2010, our story had a different ending and a new beginning. My husband and I had a living baby to bring home.  Our entire world became better the day Ethan was born. Surprisingly his amazing presence and beautiful face were perfect but they were not enough to replace the painful memories of the past.

    Tanika Dillard and baby Evan

    This is one of my favorite pictures! Ethan was just a month old and I could not express my love to him enough. I watched him sleep, I held him for hours just because and I thought of how perfect life was now that we had a “take home” child. In reality, underneath the overwhelming joy in my heart, I also felt emptiness and an increased longing for his precious sisters Destiny, Briauna, and Madison. Fear gripped me many days and I wondered if something would happen to him and I’d be forced to say goodbye to him also.

    At night, I’d kiss his sweet face four times…one for each of his sisters and a kiss for himself. …just in case… The whole truth is, although my faith was renewed in God and my doctors, fear visited me frequently. Daily, I had to choose faith over fear.

    Having a successful pregnancy after a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss can never erase the pain or cause one to forget the hopes and dreams for the child they no longer hold.

    Our story did not end with Ethan’s arrival. In December 2011, our second son, Israel, was born silently at thirty-eight weeks due to a cord accident. The complexity of this cycle of grief is incomprehensible. In spite of all we had lost, the message of hope was beckoning us to not give up.  Thankfully, we held on to love for each other and our dream of a family and welcomed our third son, Evan in April 2013.

    My grief experience has evolved from dark, cold sorrow to warm, compassionate support for those who are hurting.

    I choose to break the silence on the emotions and reality of pregnancy after loss.

    pregnancy and infant loss

    Help for others, too

    Have you experienced a loss and carry the weight of a heavy heart behind a smile? How can you break the silence?

    Please visit www.ShareUpstate.com if you’re local and want to connect with a loving support community.

    If you’re outside of the Upstate of SC, please visit www.NationalShare.org to find support in your area.

    Infant and Pregnancy Loss Remembrance Events in the Upstate

    Walk to Remember, Share Upstate

    Each Fall, Share Upstate hosts the annual Walk to Remember & Memorial Service in memory of the babies that have been lost. The 2024 Walk to Remember is October 6th, 2024 from 1:00-3:00 pm. There is no charge to participate.

    You have permission!

    In October 2015, my digital single “I Am Dreaming”  was released in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. This is a captivating melody and sacred lullaby which hopes to inspire grieving parents, grandparents and anyone touched by the pain of pregnancy and infant loss to dream.

    To download “I Am Dreaming”, please click here.

    If you’d like to hear more of the story behind the melody, I invite you to read my best-selling novel, “Building A Family Breaks My Heart”. Visit this facebook page for more information.

    pregnancy and infant loss grief support

    About Tanika Dillard

    Tanika Dillard is a natural leader, motivational speaker, author, and trusted counsel to her peers. Tanika’s passion for breaking the silence of pregnancy loss positioned her as founding member and Facilitator for Share Upstate Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group. Her efforts to honor the lives of her children and increase awareness on the taboo subject have uniquely connected her with medical professionals and grieving families across the globe. Dillard earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Management from Lander University.  Tanika’s most prestigious titles are wife and mother. She and husband Christopher reside in Greenville, SC with their sons, Ethan and Evan.

    [ad_2]

    Kidding Around Contributor

    Source link

  • “How Self-Awareness Can Extinguish ADHD’s Little Fires”

    “How Self-Awareness Can Extinguish ADHD’s Little Fires”

    [ad_1]

    To live with unmanaged ADHD is to face chaotic fires that threaten to burn our sense of self-efficacy and damage our connection with loved ones, and which we spend so much energy trying to extinguish.

    But what we often fail to consider is how these fires are sparked.

    Before the consequence of unmanaged ADHD blows up in our faces, there is a long progression of unnoticed action that gradually stokes such a blaze. Unchecked ADHD, then, is more of a slow, silent, invisible flame that heats and bubbles under the surface. Everything may appear smooth on the surface, but the hushed activity below tells a different story.

    This quiet simmer is a vast collection of kindling – of distractions, impulsive actions, lack of initiation, and other issues that eventually spark and rage into an inferno — a missed deadline, a failed relationship, a lost job, a failed class. To the person with ADHD, simmers are so easy to ignore or miss altogether. Fires are undeniable.

    When the fire erupts, everybody runs wild in a panic, which increases our chances of acting upon the situation. The crisis revs up the brain chemistry that provokes fear, which makes us move and do. We run around in circles trying to extinguish the awful thing, engaging serious damage control. This usually includes saying we’re desperately sorry, groaning to ourselves that yet again we’ve screwed up. Sometimes we hide under a rock.

    This is one reason why ADHD is so hard for the larger community to accept. “How can you act like this sometimes but not all the time?” If we were blind, we wouldn’t see some of the time. The consensus among all affected by our fires — parents, teachers, spouses, friends, bosses — is that to prevent the next one, we must remain in freak-out mode because that’s the only thing that will keep us in check.

    [Read: To Infinity and Beyond, Powered by Self-Awareness]

    The problem, of course, was never the raging fire. That was only the most obvious consequence of the slow-burn of hundreds of small decisions prior to it, when we decided to do the wrong thing at the wrong time, one on top of the other. That is at the heart of what it means to suffer and struggle with ADHD.

    Living with ADHD: The Importance of Self-Awareness

    The work of preventing these self-defeating fires is more subtle and consistent than a handful of panic episodes, and more fine-tuned to the specific issue with which we struggle. The solution rests on one thing and one thing only: Self-awareness. You can’t change what you don’t see.

    It’s hard to learn how to become aware of those subtle, quiet seconds of mis-decision, especially when there’s panic in the room. Awareness is a quieter practice. It prefers to act on a stage of self-compassion, self-honesty, and wanting to change. It involves figuring out how we’re going to help ourselves to notice in the first place. But how do we build awareness when the landscape seems so unknowable, so unmapped?

    When people run from fires, nobody slows down to map the area. Self-awareness happens when we have extra bandwidth to catch ourselves deciding to do the wrong thing at the wrong time. These are those classic moments when we decide “just for now” not to study, or when we “just have to” blurt out a secret, or when we decide we’ll put away our coat or the dinner plate “later.”

    [Read: 10 Things I Wish the World Knew About ADHD]

    It’s true that negative reinforcers are so enticing, and we’ve used them since we were kids. But wouldn’t it be amazing if we could notice when we do the wrong thing at the wrong time without the fire department having to clang its bell next to our ears? That fire department – us or others – works great for fires, but not for lasting, inspired, intentional human change.

    How to Build ADHD Self-Awareness

    So, how do we build awareness around the decisions we make, especially when they seem to happen reflexively in the background? Bring to the fore in detail an understanding of what happens at the precise moment when we make these decisions. What is the setting? What are we doing? What else is going on? What do we choose to do instead? When will this most likely happen again?

    These are the kinds of things we talk about in ADHD coaching, but none of us live in a coaching call forever. These are the tricks and skills we can learn and develop. Learning to become aware might involve visualizing, talking it over with someone or with ourselves, and then asking curious questions about how to put into place support systems to help us pivot and make optimal decisions. The support options are plentiful. It all rests first on building awareness around how ADHD shows up in us.

    Then it’s practicing and tweaking so there are fewer, less intense fires — or maybe no flames at all.

    How to Be More Self-Aware with ADHD: Next Steps

    SUPPORT ADDITUDE
    Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

    [ad_2]

    Nathaly Pesantez

    Source link

  • Is Sunflower Lecithin Good for Breastfeeding Mothers?

    Is Sunflower Lecithin Good for Breastfeeding Mothers?

    [ad_1]

    Sunflower lecithin has gained popularity as a beneficial supplement for breastfeeding mothers.

    It is a natural substance derived from sunflower seeds, offering various health benefits.

    In this guide, we will explore what it is, its potential benefits for breastfeeding mothers, and how it can support lactation.

     

    What Is Sunflower Lecithin?

    Sunflower

    Sunflower lecithin is a fatty substance extracted from sunflower seeds. It is a type of phospholipid, which is a compound made up of fatty acids, glycerol, and phosphate.

    Lecithin is often used in food products as an emulsifier, but its benefits go beyond that, especially for breastfeeding mothers.

     

    Why Breastfeeding Mothers Use Sunflower Lecithin

    • Helps prevent clogged milk ducts
    • Reduces the risk of mastitis
    • Promotes a smoother milk flow
    • May help with overall milk production Source

     

    How Does It Work?

    How sunflower lecithin helps in breastfeeding:

    • Breaks down fat molecules, making breast milk less thick
    • Improves milk flow and prevents blockages
    • Reduces the risk of developing painful conditions like mastitis

     

    Dosage Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers

    The typical dosage for this supplement for breastfeeding mothers varies depending on individual needs. Most experts recommend starting with 1,200 mg of sunflower lecithin taken 3 to 4 times per day. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially while breastfeeding.

    The recommended dosage for this:

    • Start with 1,200 mg taken 3 to 4 times per day
    • Reduce the dosage once clogged ducts are cleared
    • Consult with a healthcare provider before use Source

     

    Sunflower Lecithin vs. Soy Lecithin

    When choosing a lecithin supplement, many breastfeeding mothers prefer sunflower lecithin over soy lecithin. This is mainly because it is naturally derived and does not involve chemical processing. In contrast, soy lecithin often requires the use of solvents like hexane. Additionally, this is a good alternative for those who are allergic to soy.

    Differences between the two:

    • Source: It is derived from sunflower seeds, while soy lecithin comes from soybeans.
    • Processing: It is processed without chemical solvents; soy lecithin often involves hexane.
    • Allergen-Free: It is non-GMO and free from common allergens like soy.

     

    Are There Any Side Effects?

    Sunflower lecithin is generally safe for most people, but like any supplement, it can have side effects. Some breastfeeding mothers may experience mild gastrointestinal issues, such as stomach upset or diarrhea.

    It’s always a good idea to monitor your body’s response when starting a new supplement.

    Potential side effects of it are:

    • Stomach upset or nausea
    • Diarrhea in some cases
    • Allergic reactions are rare but possible.

     

    How to Choose a Good Lecithin Supplement

    Quality matters when selecting the supplement. Look for products that are non-GMO, organic, and free from chemical solvents. Additionally, it’s essential to choose a supplement that provides clear dosage instructions and is from a reputable brand.

    Tips for choosing a sunflower lecithin supplement:

    • Look for non-GMO, organic options
    • Avoid supplements with chemical additives or solvents
    • Choose a reputable brand with positive reviews
    • Ensure the supplement provides clear dosage instructions.

     

    Summary!

    Sunflower lecithin is a natural and effective option for breastfeeding mothers who struggle with clogged milk ducts. Its ability to emulsify fats and improve milk flow can make breastfeeding a more comfortable experience.

    However, always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen to ensure it’s right for your individual needs.

    We hope you found this article informative!

    Also Read: What is a Gummy Bear Mom?

    Tinydale is on YouTube, Click here to subscribe for the latest videos and updates.

    Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Pinterest

    [ad_2]

    Sneha Talwar

    Source link

  • Teething Biscuits – A Complete Guide (For Free)

    Teething Biscuits – A Complete Guide (For Free)

    [ad_1]

    Teething is a challenging stage in a baby’s development, often accompanied by discomfort and irritability. Teething biscuits can be a helpful solution during this phase.

    They not only soothe the baby’s gums but also introduce them to different textures, promoting early self-feeding.

    In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about teething biscuits, including their benefits, safety tips, and some handy suggestions for making them at home.

     

    What Are Teething Biscuits?

    Teething biscuits are a type of snack designed specifically for babies who are going through the teething process. These biscuits are typically hard, allowing babies to gnaw on them, which helps soothe sore gums. As babies chew on the biscuit, it gradually softens, providing a satisfying texture and taste that many babies enjoy.

    Common characteristics of these biscuits:

    • Firm texture to promote gum relief.
    • Easy to hold for little hands.
    • Dissolve slowly in the mouth to minimize choking hazards.
    • Nutritionally balanced to provide essential nutrients.

    Teething biscuits come in a variety of flavors and formulations, making it easy to find a product that suits your baby’s taste preferences. Source

     

    Benefits of These Biscuits

    Teething biscuits can be a great help for both babies and parents. They offer several benefits that go beyond just providing relief from teething discomfort.

    Key benefits include:

    • Soothing sore gums: The firm texture helps relieve pressure on the baby’s gums.
    • Encouraging self-feeding: These biscuits are designed for babies to hold and eat on their own, which helps develop fine motor skills.
    • Promoting oral development: Chewing on a teething biscuit strengthens the muscles needed for eating solid foods.
    • Nutrient intake: Many teething biscuits are fortified with vitamins and minerals, ensuring that babies get some added nutrition as they gnaw.

    When choosing the right product, ensure that it meets your baby’s nutritional needs and is free from harmful additives or excessive sugar. Source

     

    Safety Tips for Using Teething Biscuits

    • Always supervise: Never leave your baby unattended while they are eating a teething biscuit.
    • Check for allergens: Look out for common allergens like wheat, dairy, or soy in the ingredients.
    • Watch for choking hazards: Choose biscuits that dissolve easily and aren’t too hard, as larger chunks can break off and pose a choking risk.
    • Limit sugar intake: Opt for biscuits with low sugar content to avoid early exposure to excess sugar.

     

    Homemade vs. Store-Bought Biscuits

    Many parents wonder whether they should buy pre-made teething biscuits or try making them at home. Both options have their pros and cons, depending on your needs and preferences.

    Store-bought teething biscuits:

    • Convenient and ready-to-eat.
    • Made to dissolve easily for safer consumption.
    • Come in a variety of flavors and textures.
    • Often fortified with essential nutrients.

    Homemade teething biscuits:

    • You have control over the ingredients, ensuring they’re free from artificial preservatives and unnecessary sugars.
    • You can tailor the recipe to your baby’s dietary needs or allergies.
    • They may be more cost-effective in the long run.
    • However, they may require some trial and error to get the right texture and hardness.

    If you opt for homemade, look for simple recipes with whole grains, minimal sugar, and natural flavors.

     

    Best Time to Introduce Teething Biscuits

    Knowing when to introduce teething biscuits is important to ensure they provide the right level of support for your baby’s teething journey. Typically, teething biscuits are introduced around 6-8 months, when babies begin to develop the necessary motor skills to handle and chew solid foods.

    Signs your baby may be ready for teething biscuits:

    • They can sit upright with little support.
    • They show interest in food and try to grab it.
    • They’ve begun teething and seem to enjoy chewing on objects.
    • They’re starting to chew food with their gums.

     

    Choosing the Right Biscuits

    • Age-appropriate: Ensure the product is suitable for your baby’s age group.
    • Ingredient list: Look for natural ingredients, avoiding artificial additives and excessive sugar.
    • Allergens: Be mindful of any potential allergens that could affect your baby.
    • Texture: Pick a biscuit with the right firmness that can dissolve slowly without breaking into large pieces.

     

    Summary!

    Teething biscuits can be a helpful tool in easing your baby’s discomfort while providing them with an opportunity to develop their motor skills and enjoy new textures.

    Whether you choose to make them at home or purchase them from a store, the key is to ensure they are safe, nutritionally sound, and appropriate for your baby’s developmental stage.

    We hope you found this article informative!

    Also Read: Sippy Cups For Toddlers – A Comprehensive Guide

    Tinydale is on YouTube, Click here to subscribe for the latest videos and updates.

    Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Pinterest

    [ad_2]

    Sneha Talwar

    Source link

  • 25 Unique Moon Baby Names (Celestial Ideas Inside)

    25 Unique Moon Baby Names (Celestial Ideas Inside)

    [ad_1]

    Choosing the perfect baby name can be an exciting yet daunting task for parents. If you’re inspired by the celestial beauty of the night sky, then moon baby names might be just what you’re looking for.

    These names, often associated with mythology, nature, and the mysterious allure of the moon, offer a unique way to connect your child with the cosmos.

     

    Why Choose Moon Baby Names?

    Moon baby names are not only beautiful but also carry deep meaning and history. Throughout different cultures and civilizations, the moon has been a symbol of femininity, intuition, and mystery. Naming your child after the moon connects them to something timeless and universal.

    Whether you’re seeking something rare or want a name that reflects the beauty of the cosmos, these moon baby names are sure to inspire you.

     

    Popular Moon Baby Names for Girls

    Cute Baby Girl

    There are many beautiful moon-inspired names for girls. Whether you want something directly linked to the moon or something subtly celestial, these options provide both elegance and meaning:

    • Luna: One of the most popular moon names, Luna is Latin for “moon” and has grown in popularity in recent years.
    • Selene: A Greek name, Selene was the goddess of the moon in ancient mythology.
    • Chandra: This Sanskrit name means “moon” and is commonly used in India.
    • Artemis: Known as the Greek goddess of the moon and the hunt, Artemis carries a powerful and unique feel.
    • Aylin: Of Turkish origin, Aylin means “moonlight” and has a soft, feminine sound.

    Each of these names has a direct connection to the moon or its mythology, making them perfect choices for parents who want a celestial twist. Source

     

    Moon Baby Names for Boys

    Baby boyBaby boy

    Moon baby names for boys are just as intriguing and hold deep cultural and cosmic ties. Here are some strong, meaningful options:

    • Apollo: In Greek mythology, Apollo was the god of many things, including the sun, but he was also closely associated with lunar myths due to his sister Artemis being the moon goddess.
    • Aidan: Of Irish origin, Aidan means “little fire,” often associated with the light of the moon.
    • Jericho: Known for the ancient city, Jericho is also believed to mean “moon” in Hebrew.
    • Atlas: While not directly a moon name, Atlas is linked to the heavens and constellations.
    • Qamar: This Arabic name directly translates to “moon,” making it a strong and beautiful choice for boys.

    These names can give your son a meaningful connection to the night sky and its mystery, helping him stand out with a unique name. Source

     

    Gender-Neutral Moon Baby Names

    For parents looking for names that can suit any gender, moon-inspired names can offer a sense of magic, mystery, and universality. Here are some of the best options:

    • Indigo: This color name is reminiscent of the deep night sky and the hue of twilight.
    • Sky: While more directly tied to the atmosphere, Sky evokes imagery of the moon hanging above in the evening.
    • River: Like the moon’s effect on the tides, River offers a poetic link to the natural world.
    • Phoenix: The mythical bird that rises from its ashes, Phoenix is associated with renewal and could symbolize the moon’s phases.
    • Nova: Meaning “new” in Latin, Nova is often associated with stars but fits perfectly with the celestial theme.

    These names provide a balance between earth and sky, giving them a beautiful ambiguity that makes them perfect for any child.

     

    Unique and Rare Moon Baby Names

    If you’re after something a little less common, there are some rare moon baby names that will make your little one stand out. Here are a few uncommon names that still hold that cosmic charm:

    • Elara: One of the moons of Jupiter, Elara is a beautiful and rare name.
    • Calypso: A moon of Saturn, Calypso also references a figure from Greek mythology.
    • Titan: This large moon of Saturn gives off a bold, strong feeling.
    • Oberon: One of Uranus’ moons, Oberon is also a famous character in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
    • Umbriel: Another of Uranus’ moons, Umbriel has a mysterious and magical sound.

    Choosing a rare moon name allows your child to have a name that is both celestial and completely unique.

     

    Nature-Inspired Moon Baby Names

    I love NatureI love Nature

    In many cultures, the moon is associated with nature, and some names combine both lunar and earthly elements. Here are a few nature-inspired moon baby names:

    • Aurora: While associated with dawn, Aurora evokes images of the Northern Lights and the quiet beauty of a moonlit sky.
    • Stella: Latin for “star,” Stella complements the moon perfectly.
    • Eclipse: For a bold name, Eclipse offers direct imagery of lunar phenomena.
    • Coral: Tied to the ocean, Coral reflects the moon’s influence over the tides.
    • Willow: A graceful tree that often grows near water, Willow hints at the moon’s gentle guidance over the natural world.

    These nature-inspired names blend the moon’s influence with the beauty of the natural environment, making them great choices for earth-loving parents.

     

    Summary!

    Moon baby names offer a sense of mystery, beauty, and meaning that can be both timeless and unique.

    Whether you’re drawn to mythology, nature, or the stars themselves, these celestial names are sure to light up your imagination and give your child a name that shines.

    Also Read: Travel Puzzle: Types, Benefits and More!

    Tinydale is on YouTube, Click here to subscribe for the latest videos and updates.

    Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Pinterest

    [ad_2]

    Sneha Talwar

    Source link

  • Lululemon Belt Bag Dupe (Affordable Alternatives Inside)

    Lululemon Belt Bag Dupe (Affordable Alternatives Inside)

    [ad_1]

    The Lululemon Belt Bag Dupe has taken the fashion world by storm, becoming a must-have accessory for people who want both style and functionality.

    However, not everyone can justify the price tag, especially when budget-friendly dupes offer similar looks and quality.

    In this article, we explore some fantastic alternatives that won’t break the bank but will still help you achieve the trendy, athleisure-inspired style that Lululemon is famous for.

     

    Why Are Lululemon Belt Bag Dupe So Popular?

    Before diving into the dupes, it’s important to understand why the original Lululemon belt bag is so sought after. The sleek, minimalist design makes it versatile enough for casual outings, travel, or even workouts. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, offering just the right amount of space for essentials like your phone, keys, and wallet.

    Plus, the quality materials ensure durability and longevity, which makes it a reliable accessory. But what if you could get all of these benefits without spending a small fortune? Source

     

    What to Look for in a Lululemon Belt Bag Dupe

    When searching for an alternative, here are a few things to keep in mind:

    • Material Quality: Look for durable fabrics like nylon or polyester that will last through daily wear.
    • Adjustable Straps: Ensure that the dupe offers adjustable straps to suit your comfort and fit preferences.
    • Zipper and Compartments: A good belt bag should have smooth zippers and sufficient pockets to organize your items.
    • Style and Color Options: Choose one that complements your wardrobe or comes in neutral shades for maximum versatility.

    With these factors in mind, let’s explore the best options for a Lululemon belt bag dupe.

     

    Affordable Amazon Finds

    Amazon is home to countless alternatives that closely mimic the design and functionality of the Lululemon belt bag. Here are some popular picks:

    • Echofun Nylon Belt Bag: This affordable option features a similar sleek design with multiple pockets, adjustable straps, and water-resistant nylon material. It’s great for everyday use and comes in a variety of colors.
    • Zorfin Belt Bag: Another fan-favorite, this dupe offers an almost identical look to the Lululemon version, with plenty of storage space and adjustable straps. It’s perfect for travel or running errands.

    These Amazon options are not only stylish but also budget-friendly, often priced under $20.

     

    Stylish Options on Etsy

    Etsy is another platform where you can find unique and handmade Lululemon belt bag dupes. These alternatives often feature custom designs and materials, offering a more personalized touch.

    • Custom Leather Belt Bags: For those who want something a bit more luxe, many Etsy sellers offer leather options that are both stylish and functional. You can even find customizable features like monograms or unique color combinations.
    • Handmade Canvas Belt Bags: If you’re leaning toward a more eco-friendly option, look for handmade belt bags crafted from sustainable materials like canvas. They often come with practical pockets and durable zippers, all while offering an artisanal feel.

     

    Budget-Friendly Alternatives on SHEIN

    SHEIN is well-known for providing trendy fashion at extremely low prices. While the quality may not be as high as the original Lululemon belt bag, these dupes are perfect for those on a budget.

    • SHEIN Solid Fanny Pack: This basic belt bag comes in several colors and is ideal for quick trips or casual outings. It doesn’t have the same high-end feel, but at a fraction of the cost, it’s an excellent dupe for day-to-day wear.
    • Letter Graphic Zipper Belt Bag: For those who want a trendy twist, this SHEIN option includes bold lettering and a modern design, making it a stylish alternative.

     

    High-Quality Lululemon Belt Bag Dupe from ALDO

    If you’re looking for something with a little more sophistication, ALDO offers belt bags that rival the design and quality of Lululemon’s at a much lower price point.

    • Aldo Quilted Belt Bag: This option features a quilted design, giving it a high-end, chic look. It’s perfect for those who want a dupe that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
    • Aldo Athleisure Belt Bag: Combining functionality and fashion, this bag offers ample storage and is designed with a sporty aesthetic in mind, making it a great match for your athleisure wardrobe. Source

     

    Summary!

    While the original Lululemon belt bag is undeniably stylish and high-quality, you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a similar look and functionality.

    Whether you opt for a budget-friendly Amazon find or splurge a little on a high-quality dupe from ALDO, there are plenty of affordable alternatives that will suit your needs.

    These dupes offer the same convenience, style, and versatility, allowing you to stay trendy without the hefty price tag.

    Hope you found this article helpful!

    Also Read: Sippy Cups For Toddlers – A Comprehensive Guide

    Tinydale is on YouTube, Click here to subscribe for the latest videos and updates.

    Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Pinterest

    [ad_2]

    Sneha Talwar

    Source link

  • The Amazing Sour Patch Kids Game

    The Amazing Sour Patch Kids Game

    [ad_1]

    As a fan of both board games and the iconic Sour Patch Kids candy, I was thrilled to try the Sour Patch Kids Game. This game has become a staple for my family game nights, offering a perfect blend of fun, strategy, and deliciousness. Here’s my personal take on why this game has become a favorite in our household.

     

    Game Components

    One of the first things that caught my eye was the game’s vibrant components:

    • Colorful Game Board: The board is beautifully designed, capturing the playful spirit of Sour Patch Kids with its bright colors and whimsical graphics. It immediately sets a cheerful tone.
    • Sour Patch Kids Candies: I love that the game includes actual candies. Using them as tokens not only adds a unique element but also gives players a tasty incentive to keep going.
    • Custom Dice: The dice add a fun twist. Rolling them feels exciting, as they determine not just movement but also different actions, creating suspense in every turn.
    • Challenge Cards: These cards bring an extra layer of fun. I’ve found myself laughing out loud at some of the silly tasks and trivia questions they present.

     

    How We Play

    Wooden dice

    The gameplay is straightforward, which is perfect for family gatherings. Here’s how we typically set it up:

    • Setting Up: Each player picks a game piece and starts with a few candies. It’s always fun to see who gets which color!
    • Rolling the Dice: On my turn, I roll the dice and see where I land. The anticipation of rolling is one of my favorite parts, especially when I’m hoping to draw a challenge card.
    • Challenge Cards: I often find myself landing on spaces that require drawing a card, and this is where the real fun happens. Whether it’s a trivia question or a goofy task, it keeps everyone entertained and engaged.
    • Winning: The goal is simple: collect the most candies by the end of the game. Each time we play, the competitive spirit comes out, and the winner gets a mini celebration!

     

    Why I Love It

    Social support for mum to beSocial support for mum to be

    There are a few key reasons why the Sour Patch Kids Game stands out for me:

    • Fun for Everyone: I appreciate that it’s easy to learn, making it suitable for my kids as well as adults. Everyone can join in on the fun without feeling left out.
    • Nostalgic Vibes: The connection to the candy I loved as a child adds an emotional layer to the game. It brings back memories and creates new ones with my family.
    • Interactive Elements: The challenge cards mean that no two games are ever the same. I love the unpredictability and how it encourages creativity and laughter.
    • Social Interaction: The fun challenges often lead to hilarious moments, making it a great way to bond with family and friends.

     

    Tips for a Great Experience

    To get the most out of the Sour Patch Kids Game, I recommend a few tips:

    • Candy Station: I always set up a little candy station with extra Sour Patch Kids nearby. It keeps the energy up and adds to the fun.
    • Custom Rules: We often tweak the rules to suit our group’s preferences. It’s great to see everyone involved, especially when accommodating younger players.
    • Team Play: If we have a bigger crowd, we’ll break into teams. This adds a layer of strategy and collaboration, making the game even more engaging. Source

     

    Summary!

    Sour Patch WatermelonSour Patch Watermelon

    The Sour Patch Kids Game is more than just a game; it’s a way to connect with loved ones while enjoying some delicious treats.

    With its colorful components, interactive gameplay, and nostalgic appeal, it has quickly become a cherished part of our family traditions.

    So, if you’re looking for a fun and sweet way to spend time with friends and family, I highly recommend giving the Sour Patch Kids Game a try.

    Roll the dice, take on the challenges, and savor the sweet moments!

    Also Read: Sour Patch Watermelon: A Sweet and Sour Candy Favourite

    Tinydale is on YouTube, Click here to subscribe for the latest videos and updates.

    Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Pinterest

    [ad_2]

    Sneha Talwar

    Source link

  • 4 Orthodontic Issues Your Child Might Experience

    4 Orthodontic Issues Your Child Might Experience

    [ad_1]

    Orthodontics… It’s something that people short on cash often really dread, because orthodonture is far from cheap. In some cases, like mine, it was either orthodonture or likely need to get dentures by the time I was 30, because of how bad my mouth was. My father’s cousin Marty had overlapping roots so badly that he lost all his teeth by then. My sister and I had the same situation (yay for genes) caused by a high arched narrow palate making there not be enough room in my mouth for my teeth, and my parents wanted to prevent that from happening, so I got expanders twice, starting from age 9 and then again at 14, and had braces twice too. My mouth wasn’t cheap. My sister also needed similar, but she didn’t have them twice. 

    So far, the dentist sent my son to an orthodontist for an examination because of a tooth he had that wasn’t coming in properly, but after a panoramic X ray she suggested pulling the baby tooth that was blocking it and seeing what happened, and it seems to have straightened out but I need to check again. But two of my kids have spaces between their teeth, and one has more or less stopped growing and has all their adult teeth, but the other still has most of her baby teeth so we’d have to see what it’s like once they come in. But even if I do end up needing to pay for orthodontics for my kids, it won’t be nearly as expensive as my mouth was.

    Here are some orthodontic situations that might come up with your children. 

    Parents only want the best for their kids. Whether that’s the best education, the best friends, or the best experiences, there can be some difficulty when certain aspects are uncontrollable. One part of a child’s life that is quite vulnerable is their health, particularly their dental health.

    Although parents can brush their children’s teeth and teach them proper oral care, there are many orthodontic problems kids can experience from a young age. Some children are as young as seven years old when they are first treated by an orthodontist.

    Four of the most common issues have been outlined below as well as how children’s orthodontics can be used to resolve them.


    Crossbite


    If teeth do not line up properly when the child’s mouth is closed, this could be a crossbite. It can affect one tooth or groups of teeth. A crossbite can cause teeth to be worn down unevenly, jaw pain, and gum recession.

    Dentists and orthodontists should be able to detect this issue; early detection is essential. To address a kid’s crossbite and realign the teeth and jaws, braces and other specialized treatments might be used. Braces have become a very common treatment in children, with roughly four million minors wearing braces in the US.


    Crowding


    When there isn’t enough room for all of the teeth to align properly in the mouth, crowding can occur. This might happen if the jaw is too small, baby teeth are lost early, or teeth are too big. Teeth can become crooked and overlap each other, which makes cleaning these teeth efficiently difficult. As these teeth are tougher to clean, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases.

    To correct crowding, an orthodontist might use braces or Invisalign. These treatments will create space for the teeth and align them appropriately. In some cases, teeth extraction might be required to ensure there is enough space for the teeth remaining in the mouth to be straightened.


    Impacted Teeth


    Sometimes a tooth will be blocked from breaking through the gum fully; this is an impacted tooth. A tooth might become impacted because of the surrounding teeth or the angle it is in. It is common for upper canines and wisdom teeth to be impacted. As the tooth is only partially erupted, it can be difficult to clean, leading to     tooth decay, infection, and other issues.

    An impacted tooth can be orthodontically aligned in some cases, but it might need to be extracted if problems arise. If it does not cause other dental issues, the tooth could be left alone as long as proper care is performed.


    Overbite


    An overbite is when the child’s teeth are misaligned; the upper front teeth protrude further than the lower front teeth. This can be caused by several factors, such as childhood habits like pacifier or thumb sucking, genetics, or issues with jaw alignment. Some overbites will become worse as the child gets older, if it is left untreated. This issue can even cause problems with chewing, speaking, and swallowing.

    In younger children who are still growing, typically between seven or eight years of age, palate expanders can be used to widen the roof of their mouths during growth spurts.

    [ad_2]
    Source link

  • Cultivating Gratitude: One of the Most Important Things to Be Doing This Holiday Season

    Cultivating Gratitude: One of the Most Important Things to Be Doing This Holiday Season

    [ad_1]

    What, a post about Christmas already? I mean, if you’ve been following the news, that isn’t so strange, as Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro ruled that Christmas starts October 1 this year, so that is quite soon. But additionally, Thanksgiving, which is sooner, is literally all about gratitude, and it is something good to have all the time.

    Shopping for gifts, planning Christmas dinner, decorating… It all seems like a lot to get done. But do you remember what the holiday season is supposed to be about? In all of this planning, you probably already forgot its original meaning: gratitude. With how commercial Christmas has become, it’s important that you don’t forget why you go the extra mile to begin with. So how do you bring back the gratitude at Christmas? Here are some practices for you to implement.


    1. Focus On Your Health

    Science has proven that too much stress can be detrimental to your health. And because of the colder winter months during Christmas, that makes you even more susceptible to disease. Forget going outside to put up holiday lights and consider the     permanent christmas lights cost instead. Get help with decorating and planning meals. Give yourself some time to spend with friends and family. By making the holiday more positive, you’ll not only be more grateful for what you have, but you’ll also improve your overall health.


    2. Look At What You Have

    It can be easy to only look at the things that you want during the holiday season. But why not reflect inwards and be grateful for what you already have? Although Christmas can be a time to focus on receiving gifts, you can increase your gratitude by making a list of things you have that some people may even desire, especially the basics. You might find that you have a lot that you take for granted.


    3. Meditation Can Help

    Meditation is turning your mind inwards and focusing on your thoughts in that moment. It works well during times of stress when you need to calm down, but it can also help you to re-establish what your priorities are in life so that you don’t get bogged down by the minute details that don’t really matter. Doing this will help you to be more mindful so that you can focus on the bigger picture.


    4. Practice Acts Of Kindness

    Christmas is also one of the best times to help out others who are less fortunate. But by giving back, donating, or volunteering, you’re helping others to have a good Christmas as well, even if they can’t give you any gifts in return. These acts of kindness can provide you with some insight as to how fortunate you are so that you can be more grateful for what you have. Studies have shown that donating and volunteering are also great for mood improvement and overall health.


    5. Writing Thank You Notes

    Has someone ever gone out of their way to make your day a little brighter? Did a random act of kindness make you smile a little more? Why not write a thank you note? Even just a small note or card saying thank you is a simple and effective way of expressing your gratitude. You’ll not only feel better, but you’re also making someone else’s day brighter as well.

    Don’t let Christmas time remain stressful for everyone. Even something as simple as a thank you can take away some of that heavy feeling that comes with the holidays. Why not make everyone’s holidays just a little bit brighter?

    [ad_2]
    Source link

  • Legal Steps to Take After a School Playground Injury

    Legal Steps to Take After a School Playground Injury

    [ad_1]

    My son is prone to injury. He’s broken 7 bones. 3 of them happened during school. In none of those cases was it on the playground, and in none of the cases was it actually caused by anything other than his actions, but people have told me that I still have grounds to sue, because there’s insurance that covers school for kids injuries there. But I didn’t feel comfortable with that, because why should anyone have to pay for the fact that my son decided to tackle another kid and hit the floor with his wrist? But in some cases, injuries at school, such as on the playground, are definitely something you might feel you need to do something about, and you may have full legal rights to do so, and sometimes even a social obligation to prevent other people from getting similar injuries there. Here are some steps you should take after your kid gets injured at the school playground.

    School playgrounds are meant to be spaces of joy and recreation, but unfortunately, injuries can occur. When a child gets hurt on school grounds, parents often find themselves navigating a complex maze of legal and administrative procedures.

    Understanding your rights and the appropriate steps to take is crucial in ensuring your child’s well-being and protecting your family’s interests.
    This guide will walk you through the essential legal steps to take following a school playground injury. By following these guidelines, you’ll be better prepared to handle the situation effectively, from the immediate aftermath of the incident to potential long-term legal considerations.


    Immediate Actions After the Injury

    The moments following a playground accident are critical. Your first priority should be seeking medical attention for your child. Even if the injury seems minor, a thorough medical evaluation can uncover hidden issues and provide crucial documentation.

    Promptly report the incident to school authorities. Speak with teachers, administrators, or school nurses who were present or responded to the accident. Request that they file an official incident report detailing what happened.

    Document everything you can about the injury and scene. Take photos of the area where the accident occurred, any equipment involved, and your child’s injuries. This evidence may prove invaluable later if legal action becomes necessary.


    Understanding Liability in School Playground Injuries

    Schools have a duty of care to provide a safe environment for students. This responsibility extends to playground areas, where proper supervision and equipment maintenance are essential. When this duty is breached, it may constitute negligence.

    Liability in playground injuries can be complex. Potentially responsible parties might include the school district, individual staff members, equipment manufacturers, or maintenance contractors.

    Determining fault often requires a thorough investigation and legal analysis.

    Premises liability laws may come into play if the injury resulted from unsafe conditions on school property. These laws hold property owners responsible for maintaining safe premises for visitors, including students on playgrounds.


    Gathering and Preserving Evidence

    Obtaining official incident reports is crucial. Request copies from the school administration as soon as possible. These documents often contain vital information about the circumstances surrounding the injury.

    Collect statements from witnesses while memories are fresh. This may include other students, teachers, or parents who were present during the incident. Their accounts can provide valuable perspectives on what transpired.

    If faulty equipment contributed to the injury, it’s important to preserve this evidence. Notify the school in writing that the equipment should not be repaired or removed until it can be properly examined.

    Photographic evidence is invaluable. Take clear, detailed pictures of the injury site, any hazardous conditions, and your child’s injuries. These visual records can strongly support your case if legal action becomes necessary.


    Navigating School Policies and Procedures

    Familiarize yourself with the school’s injury reporting process. Most institutions have specific protocols for handling accidents on their premises. Adhering to these procedures can help ensure your case is properly documented and addressed.

    School insurance policies often cover student injuries. Request information about the school’s coverage and how to file a claim. Be cautious about signing any waivers or release forms without legal consultation, as these may limit your rights to seek compensation.


    Medical Considerations

    A thorough medical evaluation is essential, even if injuries seem minor initially. Some conditions, particularly head injuries, may not manifest symptoms immediately. Prompt and comprehensive medical attention can prevent complications and provide crucial documentation.

    Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, diagnoses, and expenses related to the injury. This information will be vital if you need to pursue compensation for medical costs.

    Consider the potential long-term implications of the injury. Some playground accidents can result in lasting effects that may require ongoing treatment or impact your child’s future quality of life.


    Legal Options and Considerations

    Personal injury claims may be an option if negligence led to your child’s injury. These claims seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.

    Premises liability lawsuits focus on the school’s responsibility to maintain safe conditions. If hazardous playground equipment or poor maintenance contributed to the injury, this type of legal action might be appropriate.

    Product liability cases may be pursued if faulty equipment caused the injury. Manufacturers and distributors can be held responsible for injuries resulting from defective products.

    Be aware of the statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for filing legal claims. This time frame varies by state and type of case, so prompt action is crucial to preserve your legal rights.


    Dealing with Insurance Companies

    Interacting with the school’s insurance provider can be challenging. These companies often aim to minimize payouts. Be cautious in your communications and consider having your attorney handle these interactions to protect your interests.

    Review your own insurance policies, including health and homeowner’s insurance. These may provide additional coverage or support for your child’s injury.
    Negotiating settlements requires careful consideration. Initial offers may not adequately cover long-term medical needs or other damages. An experienced attorney can help evaluate offers and negotiate for fair compensation.


    Special Considerations for Public vs. Private Schools

    Public schools often have governmental immunity, which can limit liability in certain situations. This doesn’t mean they’re exempt from responsibility, but it may affect the legal process and potential outcomes.

    Private schools typically don’t have governmental immunity protections. However, they may have different policies and procedures for handling injury claims. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when pursuing legal action.


    Prevention and Advocacy

    Use your experience to advocate for improved playground safety. Engage with school administrators and parent-teacher organizations to discuss safety concerns and potential improvements. Your insights can help prevent future incidents and protect other children.

    Work collaboratively with the school to address any identified hazards. This might involve updating equipment, improving supervision, or implementing new safety protocols. A constructive approach can lead to positive changes while maintaining a good relationship with the school community.


    Each Case is Unique

    Navigating the aftermath of a school playground injury requires prompt, informed action. By following these steps – from immediate medical attention and documentation to understanding your legal options – you can protect your child’s rights and well-being.

    Remember, each case is unique. While this guide provides a general roadmap, consulting with a qualified attorney can offer tailored advice for your specific situation. Balancing legal considerations with your child’s physical and emotional recovery should always be the priority.

    Ultimately, taking appropriate legal steps after a playground injury isn’t just about seeking compensation. It’s about ensuring accountability, promoting safety improvements, and helping your child heal. By approaching the situation with knowledge and preparation, you can navigate this challenging time more effectively and work towards a positive resolution for your family.

    [ad_2]
    Source link

  • Why I “Have A Thing For Old Cars”… Or How People Want You To Stay Poor

    Why I “Have A Thing For Old Cars”… Or How People Want You To Stay Poor

    [ad_1]

    After a long day at the beach, sitting down next to my car at the side of the road, waiting for the tow truck after it died. This was on the one year anniversary of getting my car.

    My car is like an old person with arthritis. Its bones creak and groan. It isn’t broken, it just makes funny noises. Everything is working properly, it just… is noisy. When I pulled up to pay at a parking garage, the worker there said “I see your car is in the middle of dying”. No, it isn’t dying. It just is noisy.

    After that happened, when I next went to my mechanic, I asked him to take a look at my car to make sure those noises aren’t problematic and signifying that it needs fixing. My mechanic said that there’s nothing wrong, that the car is just old and the parts are old, so they make some noise even if not broken. I liken it to an arthritic elderly person groaning when their joints are hurting. My mechanic said, “You seem to have a thing for old cars, so this is going to be something you’ll tend to have happen.” 

    I was amused. Because I don’t “have a thing for old cars”. I mean, I can see why my mechanic might think that. My first car was a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country… and when that died, my second car was… a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country (slightly different model though).

    I explained to my mechanic that I don’t actually particularly want old cars. However, I do have an issue, because the “powers that be” seemingly conspire to keep me poor. I’ll get back to that in a second, but I first want to explain how being poor keeps you poor.

    Let me present to you the Sam Vines Boot Theory of Socio-Economic Unfairness. 

    The prolific author, Terry Pratchett, is full of wonderful lines, like his one that I quote in my foraging classes “All mushrooms are edible. Once.” But this quote from his book, Men at Arms, is profound in its simplicity, how well it explains how being poor tends to keep you poor, which is often a never ending cycle.

    “The reason that the rich were so rich, Vimes reasoned, was because they managed to spend less money.

    Take boots, for example. He earned thirty-eight dollars a month plus allowances. A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. Those were the kind of boots Vimes always bought, and wore until the soles were so thin that he could tell where he was in Ankh-Morpork on a foggy night by the feel of the cobbles. 

    But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that’d still be keeping his feet dry in ten years’ time, while the poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet.

    This was the Captain Samuel Vimes ‘Boots’ theory of socioeconomic unfairness.”

    This type of thing comes up over and over again in life, sometimes just by the very nature of things, and not someone specifically making life harder for poor people. But sometimes, it is the actions and policies of people and organizations that seem to try to intentionally keep poor people poor.

    I know politically many people might have an issue with John Oliver, so I’m going to ask you to skip to the part where he talks directly about this and less the political aspect, about halfway through. This episode about disability benefits in the US shows just how much the same benefits that are supposed to help people financially end up penalizing them. 

    • People who get disability benefits are not allowed to have more than $2000 in their bank account ever, or their disability benefits are stopped and in some cases they have to pay them back. One of the women interviewed talked about how her car is old. When it dies, she won’t be able to buy a new one because she can’t get a car for under $2000. She also can’t afford to pay for repairs that cost more than $2000. If you even get a birthday gift or charity into your bank account and it goes even one dollar over $2000, you lose your benefits. So if you have an emergency, since you can’t even have a basic emergency fund, your only choice really is taking on credit card debt, which is a bad spiral and makes you more and more poor.
    • If you work and earn more than a certain (very low) amount, even by one dollar, you lose your benefits. So you’re incentivized not to work because you are likely worse off financially if you work.

    But back to my life. And my car.

    As a single, poor, disabled mom, I fortunately am able to benefit from certain government benefits and scholarships.

    I get legal aid to deal with my divorce and custody issues (still not finished years later).

    I get disability payments for myself.

    I used to get child support from the government because my ex wasn’t paying it (and then he owed it to the government).

    I get scholarships to my son’s school and certain programs my kids have been in.

    But in every single one of them, if you have a savings account, it doesn’t matter how much is in it, you’re immediately ineligible for any of that aid.

    And for most of them, other than disability payments (I think, I’m not sure about), you are allowed to have one car in the family. And it cannot be worth more than $8500. (And cars are really expensive here, even the second hand market.) If your car is worth more than that, sorry, too bad, no help.

    Know how much my car cost? 

    My 16 year old car cost me $7200.

    So do I like old cars? No, not particularly. But if I got a newer car, it would cost more than $8500, especially if it was large enough to fit my family and enabled me to sit without being injured. So I basically have 3 choices. 

    • Get a car that is a little bit newer (like a 2012 car), which costs a little more money up front, and spend a little less on repairs, but because it would put me a little bit over the ridiculous limit set by these agencies, I’d be ineligible for legal aid, school scholarships, and when it was relevant, child support from the government. (I no longer get that because I get disability for myself, and you can’t get both). 
    • The smartest financial decision generally is to buy a car that is maybe 5 years old so it functions well and barely needs any repairs, so while you pay more upfront, the total cost is lower over the years. However, this, too, would make me ineligible for any aid.
    • Or… I keep on using 16 year my old car with bits and peices breaking on a regular basis, which means a steady expense of repairs. My old car died after six months. This one, in the last year I’ve had to fix oil leaks, water leaks, brake plates, shock absorbers, shock absorber casings, some things connected to the axels, the windows, the air conditioning, the stereo, and the most expensive repair of all, needing to rebuild the transmission from scratch, which cost about 40 percent of the intial cost of my car. This means that so far my car cost twice what I originally paid for it, once I include the repair prices in the total cost. But this way, at least, I get to keep legal aid.

    It absolutely is ridiculous from a frugal perspective to have a car this old. 5 years newer would be much smarter, but 10 years newer would be even smarter.

    But if I have any newer of a car I’d lose much more money in legal aid, school scholarships, etc.

    The system conspires to keep you poor if you’re poor, because let’s say I was Samuel Vimes and someone managed to get more expensive boots, like maybe someone had compassion and donated the leather boots to me, I’d no longer be able to get anything from the Ankh Morkpork soup kitchen the shelter that let me sleep there threw me out because of the boots which signified I was “too rich to need help”.

    My mechanic asked me whether it would just be worth it to spend less money on repairs and do without the aid, but the aid is worth so much more financially than I spend on repairs. 

    And then, on top of that, because my credit is shot because of divorce stuff I can’t get into, I couldn’t even get a loan to pay for the more-expensive but cheaper-in-the-long-run car.

    Once all my divorce things are finished and all my kids are 18 and out of school and I won’t need scholarships for them anymore (unless college scholarships also factor in the parents’ cars) and hopefully my credit score will be better, and/or I could actually have a savings account to save up money for one, and then I plan on doing the financially smart thing that will save me more money in the long run, and get a relatively new (like 5 year old) car.

    But until then, well, I guess I’ll just keep including car repair funds into my budget. And large amounts at that, just in case.

    [ad_2]
    Source link

  • On the Awesomeness of ADHD Creativity

    On the Awesomeness of ADHD Creativity

    [ad_1]

    I have a pretty cool job.

    A few years ago, I was sitting in an office at Velcro International. They needed a creative ad that would persuade their customers to stop calling their product Velcro.

    Yes, you read that right.

    I learned the product they sell is actually called Hook and Loop, not Velcro. If people kept calling their product Velcro, they could potentially lose their trademark. So they needed to reach millions of people with this habit-breaking message.

    After dropping this bombshell, the executives talked for another 15 minutes about legal ramifications, but I was ZONED out. I know that’s a bad thing most of the time, but for my ADHD brain, it was amazing. My wandering went something like this.

    Wait, how funny would it be to write an ad that begs people not to call Velcro “Velcro?”

    This is a multi-billion-dollar company. We can’t have its lawyers in a stuffy office doing this ad.

    This seems like a pretty ridiculous problem. What if we acted like it was a serious problem?

    Oh my gosh, remember “We Are the World?” Everyone was so serious, you know, because it was about starvation in Africa. But what if we did an ad with that vibe, but about something that is clearly a first-world problem?

    These lawyers could be making fun of themselves. They could be aware that this is, in fact, a ridiculous thing to ask people!

    Ooooh, we could use real lawyers!

    Oh boy, here come the lyrics….

    It was like a brainstorm session inside my own head.

    I am very lucky to have co-workers who have seen this happen to me. They explained to the nice lawyers that I had something cooking, so it didn’t seem rude.

    LIVE WEBINAR WITH KIM & PENN HOLDERNESS
    Register for this free webinar on Tuesday, October 1, and get an opportunity to ask your questions to Kim & Penn Holderness live. Plus, get the replay link to share.

    Before I got back to my office, the song was already written in my head. Here’s the final product. (Parental alert: There are some bleeped-out potty words so watch before showing your kids!)

    It went viral and got tens of millions of views worldwide.

    Still, I know you are probably thinking, “C’mon, Penn. Are you telling me that SPACING OUT sparked the flame of this very good thing?”

    Yes, I am. Allow me to explain.

    My favorite ADHD doctors are the ones who use creative metaphors to teach me more about my brain. It helps me truly “see” my ADHD. It’s also a fantastic way to explain ADHD to kids.

    The Velvet Rope Metaphor

    One of my favorite metaphors comes from Dr. Marcy Caldwell of ADDept.org. She was helping me understand how my brain works compared to the neurotypical brain. According to Dr. Caldwell, the neurotypical brain is like a VIP Club with a velvet rope and a bouncer. The bouncer does a great job making sure only elites gain access to the club, while carefully keeping out “less important” partygoers who don’t have a pass. The inside of the club is orderly, a little quieter, and much less cluttered.

    The ADHD brain? Well, that is more like Coachella, and everyone gets in! There are countless different sights and noises. Laser lights and fog machines. You can feel the wind and the weather. Sometimes it rains. There are conversations all over the place. You can see, hear, and feel it all; your attention is pulled in countless directions.

    [Get This Free Download: Unraveling the Mysteries of Your ADHD Brain]

    Our ADHD brains can eventually learn to put up a velvet rope and a bouncer, but it’s not our default mode; it takes real work.

    VIP Club vs Outdoor Festival

    When it comes to trying to make breakfast, complete a job, or get through school, the VIP club sounds much better, right? That’s the battle we ADHDers fight every day; we try to get our brains out of the open air and into a room with more order.

    But…. and it is a pretty big but… (it’s okay if you just laughed reading “pretty big but”) that Outdoor Festival is the perfect breeding ground for one of the most important qualities a human being can ever have: CREATIVITY.

    When your brain feels, sees, and smells everything, it is more likely than the neurotypical brain to notice something no one has ever noticed before. It is more likely to go down a rabbit hole and discover a new path. It’s more likely to see something in a way no one has ever seen it.

    Biographers speculated that Thomas Edison, one of the greatest creators of all time, had ADHD. Possibilities came to his Open-Air Brain and he was able to harness them by giving us light (yes, literally invented the lightbulb), sound (invented the phonograph), and sight (yep, the camera too!) He struggled just like we do.

    According to thomasedison.com; At age seven – after spending 12 weeks in a noisy one-room schoolhouse with 38 other students of all ages – Tom’s overworked and short-tempered teacher finally lost his patience with the child’s persistent questioning and seemingly self-centered behavior. 

    Sound familiar? Yeah, schools are mostly VIP Clubs, not Outdoor Festivals or Open-Air Concerts. You may not be Thomas Edison yet, but that same creativity lives within you.

    My Open-Air Brain

    My Open-Air Brain finds creativity through music. I studied music theory at a very early age, to the point that it became a second language for me.

    I stopped learning after two years because my Open-Air Brain was much less interested in being Rachmaninoff and more interested in the brand-new notes, chords, and lyrics popping up in my head. I wasn’t writing Shakespeare; just lines documenting the countless things going on in my world, and in my family. Now just about everything I experience plays like a song in my head.

    In the case of the Velcro ad, that Open-Air Brain quickly gave me access to a catalog of every melodramatic music video I’ve ever heard, every lawyer stereotype I’ve ever had, and every funny meme about first-world problems I’ve ever shared. All those ideas were welcome to the party.

    Of course, there are times that this is frustrating – it can be hard listening to someone if the story they are telling is turning into a song. I’ve had to do some really hard work to find a VIP bouncer when what a person is saying is important, and I care about that person and their feelings.

    But when there’s nothing else going on, no work to do, and no conversations to have, my mind wanders back to that Open-Air Concert. It happens on walks, at night before bed, in the shower, and sometimes in the middle of the day when I have a minute to just sit and let it happen.

    Your Open-Air Concert isn’t just a distraction; it could be the key to your success. Now, we don’t have an excuse to get lost in thought all the time; we need to be respectful of our parents, friends, and teachers, and do the best we can to hear what they have to say. But don’t ever discount those wonderfully bizarrely random thoughts coming into your head. Those thoughts are yours and yours alone, they are enormously creative, and believe it or not, they could change the world one day.

    The Creative ADHD Brain: Next Steps

    SUPPORT ADDITUDE
    Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

    [ad_2]

    Nathaly Pesantez

    Source link