Category: Family & Parenting

By Louise Kinross

Ashley Kizis recalls growing up with “people near and dear to me who felt they had to hide their disabilities for fear of being excluded.”

She’s now the owner of Kidunified, a Guelph, Ont. company that makes inclusive puzzles for elementary school kids.

“I wanted to create a learning resource I could use with my own 8-year-old son that reflected disabilities—both visible and invisible—gender expressions, cultures and ethnicities,” Ashley says. “I wanted it to be a launching point for discussion. I’m a puzzler myself, and it’s something that kids can use independently or as a group.”

Kidunified has two puzzles—a 350-piece and a 100-piece. The Children’s Makers Market Puzzle shows children in a park having a craft market together. Mission: Inclusion (see photo below) features a neighbourhood scene with kids who use assistive devices like a sensory swing, a guide dog, prosthetics and hearing aids.

“Both puzzles come with extension activities so the child can further interact with the illustration once they build the puzzle,” Ashley says. For Mission: Inclusion, there’s a search and find activity that includes hidden gadgets and assistive devices within the puzzle illustration. Kids can look for an ostomy bag, a white cane, an activity they’d like to do, and a shirt the same colour as theirs.

While some children’s puzzles may include one character with a disability, Kidunified goes for a vast range of all kinds of diversity. There’s a kid using noise-cancelling headphones, children with Down syndrome, and a child using a track ball.

“There are many representations of skin colours and hair textures and sizes,” Ashley says. “We also have non-binary children, a transgender child and children with skin differences like alopecia or vitiligo. I hear from parents how much they appreciate the conversations and discussions the puzzles spark with their child.”

The puzzles use more muted colours “that encourage calm and focus for many children, “with the hopes of better including neurodivergent kiddos,” Ashley says.

Mission: Inclusion was just released on Amazon at $29.99, so available to families and schools across Canada and the U.S.

You can also purchase both puzzles at Kidunified.

Before finalizing puzzle illustrations, Ashley has a volunteer review committee of folks with different identities who provide feedback.

Ashley hopes every child who makes the puzzle will relate to a character. “I wish for all kids to see beautiful pieces of themselves in our puzzles, and for them to recognize that they belong.”

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

“She is awful! I can’t believe she told Becky she didn’t want to work together. That’s so mean!”

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and when I hear this type of comment from teens I’m counseling, I recall a situation twenty years ago that still makes me ponder on the concept of “being kind.”

I had been so self-righteous teaching my own kiddos “to be kind” and “don’t be mean.” What’s wrong with that? But I didn’t consider other subliminal lessons being taught.

Today, bright posters line school hallways with varying verbiage of “Be Kind.” Social media is filled with posts stating things like “Kindness is free,” heralding “Kindness costs nothing, but it means everything.” 

Teens are inundated with messages to be kind

Kids are inundated with these messages as if after being told enough times, bullying will stop. But are we doing our kids a disservice by pushing the message that when given the choice between being right and being kind, ALWAYS choose kind?

Ever since my experience from twenty years ago, I find these platitudes to have the potential to be harmful as they can silence kids’ voices in fear of being “not nice.” 

The situation I am remembering requires some background…A boy, we’ll call X, was in my daughter’s first grade class, and he had many struggles. While he could be sweet, there were frequent extreme disruptions. Watching him struggle socially was heartbreaking. He visibly wanted friends, but his behavior made the other kids wary of him. 

I was determined that my kids be upstanders but at what cost?

I was determined that my own kids would be “upstanders,” defending students who were excluded by their peers. I was really self- righteous. I asked my daughter to “be nice” and include X whenever possible. We role-played ways to stick up for X when he was ostracized by their classmates and devised strategies for her to manage her frustrations with him.

She was only 6 years old. What smug expectations I had of her.

And because of her “kindness,” she ended up sharing a double-seat table desk with X from September on and was usually his partner on projects. 

We refilled school supplies that were destroyed by X, saying these were “just material things that can easily be replaced.” Her worksheets and art projects were flung to the floor, occasionally stomped on by X.

I would tell her, “Some people can’t express their feelings and act badly instead of talking about how they feel.” X banged and kicked at their table or he would roll on the floor underneath her feet. The classroom aide and teacher would try to intervene, redirecting X’s behavior or sometimes removing him from the class

My daughter reached a breaking point with another student

And then it was a broken “Mackie” crayon that was her breaking point. (The “Mackie” crayon’s official name was “Macaroni & Cheese,” a lighter pink/orange color. It was her favorite crayon primarily because “Mackie” was—and still is—her favorite meal.) When X broke her beloved Mackie crayon, she came running to our car after school in tears, declaring she would no longer try to be friends with X.

I made an appointment with her teacher. I felt terrible. It didn’t seem empathetic to request distance from another student when I was aware that child was struggling. Hesitantly, I explained that my daughter needed to have some space from X.

Surprisingly, instead of being judgmental, the teacher was understanding. “Your daughter always volunteers to work with X and always says she’s fine sitting next to him. She’s been very tolerant.”

The next day, the entire class’s seating was changed. My daughter had a new desk mate and group partner for the last few weeks of school. 

Be kind but also take care of yourself

In that moment, I learned that while I thought I was encouraging my daughter to be nice, there were other subtle, not-so-great messages, being absorbed. Just like the social media posts state, my words ended simply at “always be kind.” There was no “but also…” added on, telling her she can be kind while taking care of herself as well.

One lesson my daughter had learned was to tell others that she was fine even when she wasn’t, because it would be “mean” if she said she wasn’t okay.

She learned to tolerate it when her property was destroyed.

She learned it was acceptable to be regularly distracted from her own goals because she was nice.

And the scariest message from this experience was that she thought it was ok to defend and befriend someone who was destructive, who behaved inappropriately on a regular basis and who did not reciprocate her friendship. She did this because she had been directed to be kind whenever possible, and she was praised by adults for her decision.

I had downplayed my daughter’s discomfort

What was I thinking? Not only had I also accepted X’s behaviors, but I had downplayed my daughter’s discomfort and angst. 

I had let my daughter down.

Imagine how these underlying lessons could have translated into adult relationships. Our kids should never say they’re “fine” with inappropriate behavior from a future boss or allow a future co-worker to demean or destroy a project.

They shouldn’t allow a roommate to be inconsiderate when they’re not able to study. And they shouldn’t think they need to tolerate any type of relationship where the actions of the other person are recognized to be inappropriate, abusive, or even scary, just to be considered “nice.”

I no longer admonish my clients to just be kind

What I learned all those years ago was that while encouraging empathy is important, creating healthy boundaries and standing up for oneself, even if others think it is “mean” to do so, are needed. Because of what happened to my daughter, now when kids come into my office to discuss friendship issues, we explore their situation without admonitions for them to be kind.

Children have shown me bruises on their arms and stomach from their “friend” poking them “as a joke.” A student showed me dozens of text messages sent from a classmate in just one night, bombarding her with questions asking what she is doing, why she isn’t responding, why she is being so mean by ignoring the texts. I’ve been given screenshots of vicious posts on social media by a boy’s sixth grade classmates. 

These types of actions make kids want to avoid some of their peers or to get out of friendships, but they aren’t sure how to create distance without being perceived as unkind. They worry what others will think of them. Other people, especially adults, aren’t always aware of the dynamics underlying the interactions of the kids. They unintentionally encourage them to be “nice” so kids think to themselves, “People will say I’m a ‘mean girl’…” when in reality, they are just setting boundaries.

I work with my patients to create healthy boundaries

When this happens, the child and I work together to figure out if what is happening is a one-time occurrence or if it’s a pattern of behavior. We generate ideas for managing the situation. Involving adults to help with the separation (such as a parent supporting the statement that their child is too busy to get together) gives options for how to assert themselves. We also discuss that gossiping and spiteful actions are not acceptable ways to create boundaries.

Kids should be polite and respectful to each other, but they shouldn’t be forced to be friends or have relationships with peers whose actions are crossing their personal boundaries. As adults, we don’t always like every person we interact with and that’s okay. We just need to be polite. This is true for our kids as well.

I was wrong to encourage my daughter to choose kindness no matter what

Twenty years ago, that afternoon in April, I apologized profusely to my daughter, telling her that I was so proud of her heart and empathetic spirit, admitting that I had been wrong to encourage her to choose kindness towards X no matter what. I added that together, we could work on self-advocacy and stronger boundaries. 

We can be kind to others while also setting limits. Sometimes this may be construed as “being mean” by the outside world, but for the individual person, it can be empowering, giving them confidence in themselves and in their own judgment, which is truly the best lesson of all.

More Great Reading:

Here are the 5 Things About Kindness to Teach Your Teen

I’m here to shamefully admit that I used to be one of “those parents” when it came to college admissions. What exactly do I mean by that? Well, let me start from the beginning.

Our first-born child, a daughter who burst into the world a month early, was cerebral from the moment she opened her eyes. She talked early, she read early, and she was prematurely skeptical of childish notions like Santa and the tooth fairy and had to be begged not to reveal those truths at school and ruin it for other kids who believed. 

School came easy to my oldest daughter

School came so easy to her. She was every teacher’s dream – always paying attention, working ahead, helping other kids, and obeying every rule. We never had to ask if she’d done her homework or studied for a test. Of course she had.

She was pulled out of regular classes for gifted programs in grade school, took every honors class in middle school, and practically every AP class her high school offered. You get the picture. 

From the very first parent-teacher conference in high school, we were told she should set her “sights high” for college. Ha! There was no need to give us that little push. We had been grooming her for many years. Some might say unconsciously (and consciously) “brainwashing” her to go to our own alma maters.

My husband and I went to “competitive” colleges

Like many parents our age, my husband and I had gone to colleges that might have been considered mildly competitive to get into, back in the 80s. If you had good grades, an OK SAT score, and some extracurricular activities, you got in. 

Fast forward twenty-five years and the landscape of college admissions had gone bananas. What the heck had happened while we were busy buying Beanie Babies and fretting over the language in certain Nickelodeon shows?

The colleges my husband and I went to were now considered to be in the top 25, according to the new Bible of all things college – the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges ranking. So those tiny logo high tops I had placed in my daughter’s nursery all those years ago were already setting her up with lofty expectations. That cute t-shirt my husband got her came wrapped up in invisible pressure to get into his “top school.”

I bought into the societal craze about college

By the 2010s, terms that didn’t yet exist when we were applying to college, like “highly selective”, “wholistic review”, “yield rate”, and “early decision” were now everywhere and were living rent free in the heads of many American high school students and their parents. 

If you had a student who excelled in school, it was hard not to buy into the societal frenzy, and I bought in, hook, line, and sinker. My daughter, with her high PSAT score, stellar GPA, and all those activities was the prime target audience for all those schools sending big, beautiful brochures and dreams of strolling across an Ivy League quad. In order to have a successful life, she needed to get into one of those top schools, right? The budding college snobbery I’d somehow adopted because my alma mater was now lauded and highly ranked, clouded my reality and advanced an arrogance that my child deserved the same – or really, deserved better. 

We did ‘all the things’ that would help her get into a competitive school

So, we did all the things: paid for SAT prep classes, sought essay feedback from a college admissions counselor, paid for a summer academic experience that looked great on applications, and encouraged our daughter to run for a club leadership position. 

And all the things paid off. She got into a top ten college and oh, how proud we were. I tried not to verbally humble brag, but my inside voice was at times shouting with the superiority complex of a true college snob. 

We certainly thought our brainy girl would be fast-tracked to success with a degree that had that fine university’s name above hers.

So, then what happened?

First a brief rewind.

As is often the case, we were happily surprised and often humbled by our next child – the quintessential second born who breaks the mold and shakes things up. In addition to being a rambunctious boy, this kid liked to question every rule and do the bare minimum to get by in life, while smiling and charming everyone along the way.

Our second child did not take to school as easily as the first

There were no invitations to test for the gifted program, there were no prizes for reading the most books in his grade level, and there was an abundance of nagging to finish up homework and stop playing so many hours of video games throughout the years. 

Ahhh, so this is what it was like to have a “normal” kid! 

I honestly felt bad for him frequently during his childhood, coming just a couple of years behind the academic “golden child” and I had to readjust my expectations for his school experiences. Thank goodness he had his sports and his friends and somehow always managed to get decent grades, albeit not ones that brought those big, colorful brochures to our mailbox. 

We had to dial back the college talk

I quickly realized I would have to dial back the college snob vibes, and gosh, life just seemed so much easier. Our boy didn’t want to take any SAT prep classes, he didn’t want to join clubs just because they looked good on college apps. He didn’t stress about AP tests and couldn’t have cared less that there was no way he’d get into one of “our” schools. 

It was delightfully refreshing.

He applied to a handful of colleges, got into most of them, and decided to go to a state school where many of his friends were headed. Would the school’s name on his degree fast track him for mediocrity? Who knew, and he didn’t really care, so with that level of chill, I realized neither did I. He always managed to get by just fine and I had this deep conviction that that would continue.

Fast forward to today. 

Both of my kids loved college and both are ‘successful’

Both of our kids are now college and grad school graduates. Both loved (for the most part) their undergrad experiences and are content and thriving young adults. The one with the degree from the Top Ten school is no more “successful” than the one with the state school degree. In fact, if you go solely by salary, our son will likely be more financially successful in his career than his sister will be. 

In hindsight, I can now plainly see and fully understand that a degree from a highly selective university guarantees nothing. 

Attending one of those schools will place your child in proximity to highly regarded faculty members and other students who excelled at the unfair “game” of college admissions. In reality, that ensures zero success. In fact, it can make some kids feel intimidated and begin to experience imposter syndrome when they don’t reach the same level of success in college that they achieved in high school. 

Success does not depend on the college you attend

You’ll hear this repeatedly now because it’s the absolute truth. It does not matter where your child goes to college – their success will stem from their behavior once they are there. Grit, hard work, self-discipline, having an open mind, being flexible, and seeking out mentors will determine their path. 

We’ve witnessed so many of our kids’ friends do amazing things after college. We’ve witnessed some drop out and flounder. We’ve seen some go on to professional schools and some have achieved incredible success already in their budding careers. 

Very little of these successes and failures were correlated to where they went to college. They are a result of work ethic, personal connections, and resilience in the face of setbacks. 

My college snob attitude is gone

As for me, my college snob attitude is long gone. I know that college rankings are a bunch of BS and self-promotion on the part of higher education. If I can offer you any advice, it is don’t drive yourself crazy, spend a fortune, or push a kid who’s not interested into the fast lane of the rat race that is today’s college admissions. Don’t drink the overhyped and overpriced Kool Aid and be sure your student understands that a rejection from any school is so far from personal.

Your child’s mental health and happiness should be protected at all costs. If you as a parent harbor any bit of college snobbery or elitism, hide it deeply inside and don’t let it cause your family needless anxieties. It will fade eventually, as it absolutely should. 

The author wishes to remain anonymous.

More Great Reading:

College Admissions: 5 Things High School Seniors Want Parents to Know

Being a parent is easy. All you need to do is be informed, follow a formula and a list of things to do and voila, perfect kids, perfect life. Just kidding. Parenting is probably one of the hardest things we can do, with so many demands on us, with so many responsibilities, there are so many areas we can go wrong. But sometimes, it pays to take a look at the broader picture, what you want to try to be doing as a parent, like with this post, and then maybe pick one area mentioned that you might be able to improve on, and focus on just that one thing. And when that goes a little bit more easily, then you pick another. Of course, if you haven’t become a parent yet, or if your child is still very new, it is good to read ahead to know what things to keep in mind for the future.

But just know, no parent is perfect. And you don’t have to beat yourself up if you make mistakes. All you need to do is keep trying to do better. And being open to learning how to do that.

Raising happy, healthy kids is a top priority for parents, but in our fast-paced world, it can feel overwhelming. But, remember, healthy children become healthy adults, laying the groundwork for a better future. 

True wellbeing goes beyond avoiding sickness—it’s about nurturing their physical, psychological, cognitive, and social growth. Fortunately, this article explores the aspects of health and wellbeing as well as effective tips to equip you to help your child thrive! 

These regular interactions with healthcare providers help catch potential health issues early and keep track of the child’s health milestones, which is essential for long-term health. For resources and services, visit rexburgpediatrics.com and other reputable sites. 

2. Establish Nutritious Eating Habits 

Creating a foundation of healthy eating habits is essential for children’s health. A balanced diet should include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Setting a good example at mealtimes is key! Include these healthy options in your family meals to show kids that eating well can be delicious and fun. Letting them help plan and cook meals can also make them more interested in healthy foods and give them important life skills in the kitchen.

Healthy eating habits at home not only help children learn about nutrition but also reinforce these habits as a normal part of daily life. 

3. Promote Regular Physical Activity 

Physical activity is crucial for a child’s physical and mental health. Encouraging children to engage in activities they enjoy, such as sports, biking, or dancing, ensures that exercise is seen as a fun and rewarding part of their day. 

Parents need to be active participants or supporters of these activities, whether by playing together or by facilitating their child’s participation in organized sports. This not only keeps children active but also helps them develop a lifelong habit of regular physical exercise, which can prevent health issues like obesity and diabetes. 

4. Ensure Adequate Sleep 

Sleep is fundamental to a child’s health, affecting everything from physical growth to cognitive development and emotional regulation. 

Parents should establish a consistent bedtime routine that may include winding down activities like reading or a quiet bedtime story. This routine helps signal to the child that it’s time to slow down and prepare for sleep, aiding in faster and more consistent sleep onset. 

Ensuring that children get the recommended amount of sleep for their age is crucial for their overall health and ability to function and learn during the day. 

5. Foster Emotional Intelligence 

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and express emotions effectively. Teaching children about emotional intelligence involves more than just talking about emotions; it includes setting an example by managing one’s own emotions and reacting appropriately to the child’s emotions. 

Parents can use books, games, and regular conversations to discuss feelings and appropriate responses to different situations. This helps children learn how to cope with their emotions, interact more effectively with others, and build resilience against psychological stress. 

6. Encourage Positive Social Interactions 

Spending time with others is like a superpower for kids’ feelings and friendships! It helps them learn social skills and build strong connections. Parents can fuel this superpower by setting up playdates, joining community events, or signing their kids up for sports or clubs.

These activities offer children the opportunity to learn cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution. They also provide a fun environment where children can feel part of a group, boosting their social confidence and helping them understand diverse social cues and norms. 

7. Child-proof The Home 

To prevent accidents and injuries, it’s crucial to make your home safe for children. This means taking proactive steps like anchoring furniture to walls, installing safety gates at stairs, using outlet covers, and keeping small objects and hazardous materials out of reach. 

These precautions become even more important as your child gets more mobile and curious. A safe environment allows children to explore freely, which is vital for their physical and mental development.

8. Support Academic Skills 

Helping your child learn at home is like giving them a key to unlock their potential! There are many ways to do this, like reading stories together, talking about what you read, trying fun science projects, and lending a hand with schoolwork.

These activities not only enhance a child’s curiosity and knowledge but also strengthen the parent-child bond and encourage a love for learning. Additionally, these interactions can help identify areas where the child might need extra support, allowing for early intervention to address any learning challenges. 

9. Teach Personal Hygiene 

Teaching personal hygiene is critical for maintaining health and preventing the spread of infections. Parents should instruct their children on the importance of regular hand washing, especially before meals and after using the restroom. Other hygiene practices—like brushing teeth twice a day, bathing regularly, and using tissues—should be taught from an early age. 

By turning these into routine practices, children learn to take responsibility for their own health and understand the implications of good hygiene on their overall wellbeing. 

10. Provide Emotional Support 

Providing emotional support involves more than being physically present; it requires active engagement with the child’s emotional needs. Regularly spending quality time with a child, listening to their concerns without judgment, and showing consistent affection are all ways to build a secure, trusting relationship. 

This emotional support helps children develop confidence and self-esteem, equips them to handle stress better, and promotes a healthy emotional balance. It also strengthens the bond between parent and child, creating a foundation of trust and open communication. 

11. Manage Screen Time 

In our digital world, keeping an eye on screen time is key. Too much screen time can zap their sleep, sideline playtime, and make social skills a struggle. 

Setting clear limits ensures tech doesn’t cut into homework, outdoor adventures, or family time. Swap screens for books, arts and crafts, or fresh air to keep your child’s day balanced and their life healthy! This not only diversifies their skills and interests but also helps mitigate the potential negative effects of screen overuse. 

12. Create A Structured Environment 

A structured daily routine provides children with a sense of security and predictability. It should include specific times for schoolwork, chores, play, and relaxation, as well as a consistent bedtime. 

This structure helps children understand what is expected of them and reduces anxiety and behavioural issues. It also teaches them time management skills and the importance of balancing various aspects of their day. 

For parents, maintaining this routine ensures that all necessary activities are completed and that the child has a well-rounded day. 

13. Be Actively Involved 

Active involvement in a child’s life signals to them that they are valued and supported. This means participating in their activities, whether by attending their school events, sports games, or any extracurricular activities they are involved in. Such engagement shows the child that their interests and efforts are important and worthy of attention. 

When you get involved in your child’s activities, it’s not just about boosting their confidence. It strengthens your connection and creates a safe space for open communication. That way, they feel comfortable talking to you about anything. 

14. Educate About Safety 

Safety education is vital for protecting children from unnecessary risks and accidents. Teaching age-appropriate safety rules for their activities can drastically reduce accidents. 

This includes basic rules like looking both ways before crossing the street, the importance of wearing helmets while biking, and understanding how to interact with strangers. Regular talks and showing them how to use these rules in real life make them cautious and confident. 

15. Encourage Self-Esteem 

Building a child’s self-esteem is a fundamental aspect of their healthy development. Parents can foster this by celebrating their child’s achievements, no matter how small, and by acknowledging their efforts. 

Instead of harsh criticism, offer constructive feedback that helps kids learn from mistakes without feeling discouraged. Positive words and actions that build self-esteem are key to raising confident and valued children. This reinforcement helps them to tackle new challenges with enthusiasm and resilience.  

Wrapping Up 

Nurturing children’s health and wellbeing encompasses a holistic approach that includes physical, emotional, and social development. By focusing on healthy eating, regular activity, and strong emotional support, you’re not just investing in your child’s future; you’re creating a happier and healthier home for everyone. These simple strategies become the building blocks for a thriving family environment. 

Just reading this title probably made many of your heads itchy. Think of lice andfor many, immediately you feel phantom itchiness, almost the same way that yawning is contagious that way. Lice is a scourge and I wish they didn’t exist, to be honest, having caused me so much trouble in my life. Lice removal is such a headache, and if not done perfectly you’ll have the problem all over again… which is why many go with a lice removal service. Here’s what you need to know about that.

A seemingly innocuous note sent home from school or a sudden itching sensation on your scalp can quickly escalate into a full-blown crisis. While head lice infestations are a common occurrence, particularly in schools and among families, the feeling of being overwhelmed is completely understandable.

The good news is that there are effective solutions to tackle this problem, and professional lice removal services are increasingly becoming a popular and reliable option. These services offer a stress-free, efficient, and thorough approach to eliminating head lice, allowing families to regain control and peace of mind. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of head lice, the challenges of DIY removal methods, and the compelling reasons to consider professional assistance.

The DIY approach often fails due to a combination of factors. Thoroughness is paramount in lice removal, and it’s easy to overlook nits or miss areas of the scalp during combing. Proper technique is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of any treatment, and multiple treatments may be necessary to ensure the elimination of all lice and nits. These challenges, combined with the stress and time commitment of DIY removal, often lead individuals to seek professional assistance from lice removal Philadelphia or their local area.

Trained to Tackle Nits: The Expertise Behind Professional Lice Removal Services

When the challenges of do-it-yourself lice removal become overwhelming, professional lice removal services offer a beacon of hope. These services employ trained technicians who possess in-depth knowledge of head lice biology and behavior, as well as expertise in effective removal techniques. Utilizing safe and often non-toxic treatment products, they meticulously comb through the hair, systematically removing both live lice and nits.

When the challenges of do-it-yourself lice removal become overwhelming, professional lice removal services offer a beacon of hope. These services employ trained technicians who possess in-depth knowledge of head lice biology and behavior, as well as expertise in effective removal techniques. Utilizing safe and often non-toxic treatment products, they meticulously comb through the hair, systematically removing both live lice and nits.

One of the key advantages of professional lice removal is the thoroughness of the process. Technicians are adept at identifying even the tiniest nits, ensuring that no traces of the infestation remain. This meticulous approach significantly reduces the risk of re-infestation, a common problem with DIY methods. Beyond the physical removal of lice, professional services often provide valuable education and follow-up advice to clients, empowering them to prevent future outbreaks and maintain a lice-free environment.

Perhaps most importantly, professional lice removal services offer a sense of relief and peace of mind. The process is discreet, with options for in-home or salon treatments, allowing individuals to choose the setting that best suits their needs and comfort level. By entrusting the task to experts, families can alleviate the stress and frustration associated with DIY removal, freeing up valuable time and energy for other priorities. The higher success rate of professional treatments, coupled with the comprehensive approach, makes them a compelling solution for those seeking a swift and effective resolution to their head lice woes.

Lice-Proof Your Home: Simple Steps to Keep Your Family Safe

Preventing a resurgence of head lice is key to maintaining a lice-free environment. Regular checks of all household members are crucial, especially if a previous infestation occurred. Washing bedding, clothing, and other frequently used items in hot water and drying them on high heat helps eliminate any lingering lice or nits.

Minimizing head-to-head contact, especially during play or activities, is another effective preventive measure. Regular vacuuming of furniture, carpets, and car seats can also help remove any stray lice that may have fallen off the scalp. For non-washable items, sealing them in plastic bags for a designated period can effectively suffocate any remaining lice.

Those seeking additional guidance on prevention or seeking lice treatment Fort Worth can consult local professionals for personalized advice and support.

With the passing days, more parents are joining social media platforms like Instagram to share parenting tips and other things. So, naturally, the competition is getting tougher. In 2023, there were 474 parenting Instagram influencers.

So, starting your journey on Instagram as a parent and gaining more than 10k is not an easy one. You need the right strategies, consistency, and effort to get that increased visibility and have beyond 10k followers in less time.

Continue reading to know the right tactics to grow your parenting Instagram account to a new height and up your follower count.

How Can You Grow Your Parenting Instagram Account Beyond 10k Followers?

When it is about growing your parenting Instagram account, you need consistent efforts and strategic planning.

No matter what you do, like sharing parenting tips for new parents or giving general advice, you need to have the right technique to grow your account.

So, here are some of those tactics that can help you achieve that 10k milestone. Apply these techniques, see the desired results in no time and grow your parenting Instagram account.

Optimize Your Profile

First things first, you need to ensure that your parenting profile is optimized. Use a clear, high-quality profile picture and select a username that is easy to remember. Keep your Instagram bio engaging and concise.

It is an effective content marketing strategy for your parenting page. All these can easily grab people’s attention and they feel connected to you. After that, they not only follow your account but also suggest others do the same thing.

Concentrate More On Content Strategy

Developing a great content strategy helps grow your parenting Instagram account. Concentrate on making high-quality content and experiment with different content types.

You may upload carousel posts as they can get the highest engagement which is 1.92%. Always plan your content in advance and post something that is relevant to your audience to catch more people’s attention.

Use The Right Hashtags On Your Posts

Right hashtags are equal to improved visibility and great reach. When a parent managed Instagram account gets that boosted visibility, more people will see their content. Also, hashtag use helps take your profile to the Explore Page.

However, when you use hashtags, try to maintain a balance and use relevant ones. It will take your content to a wider range of people and help you get followers quickly.

Collaborate With Others

Working with other creators gives your parenting Instagram account the exposure it deserves. You can plan for joint giveaways, shoutouts, or co-hosting live sessions. Through this, you can introduce your profile to a new set of audience.

When it happens, you can watch your follower count grow because collaboration can help you attract potential followers. Many best parenting Instagram accounts follow this rule.

Use Instagram Features

Using Instagram features to your advantage can be the most effective tip to grow followers to more than 10k. Stay active and consistent and use different features like Reels, stories, posts, etc.

When you use these features, it will increase your profile’s engagement and make your content go viral in a shorter period. Through this, connecting with other parents becomes easier.

So, these are the surefire ways to grow your follower count quickly to over 10k for your parenting Instagram account. But how to promote your account? Let’s know that!

Ways To Promote Your Parenting Instagram Account

Promoting your parenting Instagram account needs a strategic approach. There are specific right ways to promote your account, especially when you share positive parenting tips. These ways can help you reach a broader audience and grow your followers.

Identify Target Audience

Not all people will love your tips on parenting skills or whatever you share. So, identifying the right audience is important to tailor your content to their preferences and needs.

Through this, you can make your profile more appealing to them. This approach further helps in promoting seamlessly and bringing more followers.

Engage With Your Community

Smooth interaction with your community is the best tip for new parents who just opened their Instagram account. Respond to comments on your posts, engage with your followers, and make more conversions.

When you show genuine interest in replying to the followers, it brings you the opportunity to foster a sense of connection. It becomes easier for you to promote your page by asking them to check your content.

Post At The Right Time

Scheduling your posts can impact your profile reach and engagement. For this, you can use Instagram Insights to check when your Instagram followers stay most active and schedule your post accordingly.

After doing this, when you post anything on Instagram, it becomes easier for you to catch the eyeballs and grow your parenting Instagram account.

Cross-Promote Your Instagram Account

A lot of parent-run Instagram accounts often promote their content on other social media platforms, you can do it too. Share your blogs, videos, reels, and other content on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc., for quick promotion.

With this technique, it’s easy for parents connecting with other parents, encouraging more followers from other social media accounts to your Instagram profile. It helps you tap into different audience bases and gain followers from different sources.

Use Instagram Ads

Instagram ads are one of the best ways to promote and grow your parenting Instagram account. You may invest in targeted ads to reach a wider audience base beyond your existing followers.

With a strong CTA and tailored ads, your profile becomes more engaging to target demographics. But, ensure you follow the right strategy and use Instagram ads to have more visibility and promote your profile.

Conclusion

Growing and promoting your parenting Instagram account is possible with the right tactics. Your account can cross 10k followers if you apply those strategies and stay consistent while posting.

To get more effective results, you can buy Instagram followers. If you do this, you can start your journey to building a growing, supportive, and large audience base.

But, before buying 1000 Instagram followers, do research and find a reliable provider. Then, apply these strategies and find what works for you and watch your follower count rise.

It isn’t often that you find yourself paying for something that you’re most probably not going to have to pay for again in your entire life, however, that doesn’t mean that costs like those won’t eventually come around. The most common one of these payments happens to be the cost of a funeral.

Thinking about how grim and sad death can be, it can also seriously hurt a wallet if it’s not equipped with the knowledge of how to save costs on the funeral. Funerals can cost anywhere from $5000-$20,000, and if something happens to you or any of your loved ones, you’ll need to be prepared with those costs beforehand. One way to manage these costs and ensure a meaningful ceremony is by planning your funeral in advance.

Here Are 5 Ways You Can Cut Down On Some Funeral Costs:

Having flowers at the service can feel like the right thing to do, but selecting those flowers is often an overlooked process. Funerals are a difficult time for everyone, and picking the best flowers may be what you’d want to do, but it isn’t always what your wallet can afford. Try going for either a smaller flower collection that isn’t so expensive or consider replacing the flowers with other substitutes like framed pictures or candles. The people attending are bound to get some flowers with them anyway, so you don’t have to worry about not having enough of them around.

Remember To Think About Cremation

It may vary from culture to culture, but cremation is still an extremely viable option for reducing funeral costs. If you’re worried about leaving your family with an extremely large bill for a funeral, you can always let them know that you’d prefer to be cremated. You’ll be removing the cost of embalming and also the casket. It costs an average of $2000 for cremation in comparison to the $5000 plus you’ll be paying for a traditional burial. Knowing these numbers is important for both you and your loved ones, as adding a surprisingly expensive amount onto a grieving person’s mind is the last thing you’d want to happen.

If a cremation is what you want, you can put aside the money in preparation for your death. It doesn’t have to be in a funeral plan if you’re worried about the small print. You can put aside money in a savings account and the money will enter into part of your estate when you pass. Your family will need to hire estate attorneys who can ensure the funeral costs are paid for with the money left as part of your estate and won’t have the added stress of paying for it themselves.

Explore All Your Options, Before Purchasing a Casket or an Urn

Whether you’re thinking of a regular burial or cremation, you’ll require certain things like a casket or a cremation urn. If you’re going with cremation then you’ll need to ask yourself if you want the urn to be engraved or be made out of a specific material like wood or metal. This begs the question of how much does a cremation urn cost and it highly depends on what you’re going to choose. Exploring what you specifically want along with where you’re going to get it from is the key to getting the urn you want without spending tons of money. The same goes for caskets as you’ll need to put in a good amount of research before deciding on one. Some people decide to purchase and store them somewhere in case something happens to them.

Carefully Select The Venue

Where you want to have the funeral plays a huge role in how much you’ll be paying for it. You’ll need to look up how much it costs to have it in the areas around you, as the prices can drastically differ, even from neighborhood to neighborhood. Compare prices and check the best option for your budget. An extra option is to have a memorial service at your own home, as that wouldn’t cost a thing and would still feel very personal and intimate.

Topics like these are difficult to discuss within the tragic times when a loss is experienced, that’s why they should be spoken about before you’re faced with an unexpected situation. Being caught by surprise with all these costs can be extremely stressful for either you or your loved ones, so preparing for it before it happens by either setting up a bank fund or having the allocated amount always prepared can be extremely helpful.

My family and I love pickles. And for me, they’re medicine of sorts, since I need to have a lot of salt (and on days that I don’t manage to make my sports drink, I try to have pickles to supply me with salt). I was buying cans of pickles because I didn’t plan ahead. But with the cheapest can of pickles costing me $2, and the ridiculously low price of cucumbers I’ve been seeing lately, at 10 cents a pound, I decided to make my own homemade pickles.

This pickling liquid is also great with other vegetables- I used it for pickling onions, cabbage, carrots, peppers, etc…

(Salt and bay leaves were negligible amounts)

Total cost for the recipe? $6.59.

Yield was 13 jars, so $0.50 per jar, which is 1/4 the price of a regular can of pickles.

Homemade Sweet and Sour Pickles Recipe- Water Bath Canned and Refrigerator Pickles Method

(more…)

Un article traduit de l’anglais par Chloé Saint Guilhem, formatrice certifiée Hand in Hand

Les grands-parents sont importants !

Les grands-parents sont très importants pour les familles. Notre valeur pour nos enfants et nos petits-enfants est énorme. Vos petits-enfants adorent passer du temps avec vous et vos enfants vous sont souvent reconnaissants de l’attention supplémentaire, des cadeaux et des ressources que vous offrez aux petits que vous aimez tant.

La plupart d’entre nous peuvent aimer leurs petits-enfants d’un amour sincère, libérés des soucis et des tâches quotidiennes qui pèsent sur les parents – comme déposer les enfants à l’heure à l’arrêt de bus scolaire, leur brosser les dents ou fixer des règles concernant les jeux vidéo ou les bonbons. Nous apportons également notre expérience, notre enthousiasme et l’attention dont nous avons tant besoin. Lorsqu’on leur demande ce qu’ils aiment dans le fait d’être grands-parents, presque tous les grands-parents à qui j’ai parlé répondent : “Nous avons la possibilité de les aimer pleinement et ensuite de rentrer à la maison !”

Par exemple, mon mari et moi nous sommes occupés de nos petits-fils de 3 et 4 ans pendant que leurs parents allaient dîner et voir un film.  Les garçons avaient beaucoup d’énergie et ne voulaient pas s’asseoir, alors nous avons commencé à jouer avec eux. Ils s’asseyaient sur nous et lorsque nous essayions de nous lever, nous faisions semblant qu’ils étaient trop forts pour nous. Nous avons essayé de nous sauver mutuellement de leurs griffes, sans succès. C’est devenu un jeu merveilleux, plein de cris et de rires, qui a duré une demi-heure. Enfin, nous leur avons fait faire le tour de la maison à dos de cochon, puis nous leur avons lu un livre pour qu’ils s’endorment. Après toutes ces activités, nous étions nous-mêmes fatigués et prêts à nous coucher ! Nous étions heureux que leurs parents reprennent le flambeau à leur retour !

Alors que la situation économique pour les familles devient de plus en plus difficile, de plus en plus de grands-parents apportent leur aide en consacrant beaucoup de temps à leurs petits-enfants afin de libérer les parents pour qu’ils puissent travailler à l’extérieur. Et pour des milliers de grands-parents au grand cœur, qui sont devenus les principaux dispensateurs de soins à leurs petits-enfants, il n’y a pas de retour à la maison. S’occuper d’une deuxième génération de petits enfants après avoir pris du repos est un défi de taille, parfois même écrasant.

Depuis que je suis devenu grand-parent, j’ai remarqué les différents défis auxquels nous sommes confrontés. En voici quelques-uns auxquels j’ai réfléchi.

• Nous vivons dans une société qui ne respecte pas pleinement les parents ou les grands-parents. Les grands-parents sont souvent décrits comme mignons et accessoires, ou intrusifs et critiques. Nous mettons notre enthousiasme, notre créativité et notre énergie au service de nos familles. Bien que la plupart d’entre nous ne soient pas confrontés à la même intensité de contraintes de temps et de stress quotidiennes que les parents, c’est un travail exigeant que d’être avec des enfants. Comme les parents, nous, les grands-parents, ne sommes pas toujours appréciés à notre juste valeur.
• La plupart d’entre nous vivent des tensions non résolues dans leurs relations avec leurs enfants. Ces tensions trouvent leur origine dans les défis parentaux auxquels nous avons été confrontés il y a plusieurs années. Nous nous sommes efforcés d’être les meilleurs parents possibles. Nous avons reçu trop peu de soutien. Par conséquent, nous vivons dans le regret et la tristesse des erreurs que nous pensons avoir commises, ou des erreurs que nos enfants pensent que nous avons commises en tant que parents. Nous pouvons essayer de “nous rattraper” en aimant nos petits-enfants et en faisant les choses différemment, en espérant que nos enfants s’en apercevront et nous pardonneront. Qui d’entre nous n’a pas espéré que, maintenant que nos enfants sont eux-mêmes parents, ils comprendront mieux les difficultés que nous avons rencontrées lorsqu’ils étaient jeunes ?
• Nous nous rendons compte que nous désapprouvons parfois nos enfants et leur façon d’élever leurs enfants ou de gérer leur vie ; en même temps, nous voulons les soutenir. Cela peut donner l’impression de marcher sur une corde raide ! Comment savoir quand intervenir, donner des conseils ou des informations ? Est-ce que c’est toujours bon ?
• Il peut arriver que nous soyons jaloux des relations de nos petits-enfants avec leurs autres grands-parents, surtout si nous vivons loin d’eux ou si nos enfants semblent apprécier davantage un autre grand-parent.
• La plupart d’entre nous, sommes des personnes âgées et devons faire face à des inquiétudes concernant notre santé, nos finances ou le fait de continuer à avoir l’énergie nécessaire pour bien vivre notre vie. Nous voulons rester longtemps et voir nos familles grandir ! Les enfants adorent les jeux physiques et nous sommes tristes de ne pas pouvoir courir aussi vite ou jouer aussi intensément que nos petits-enfants le souhaiteraient.

L’écoute nous aide à nous connecter

Il est important d’être écouté.  Nous avons de grands espoirs dans nos relations avec nos enfants et nos petits-enfants, et beaucoup d’amour à donner. Avoir l’occasion de parler de nos joies et de nos difficultés peut être un premier pas pour relever certains de ces défis. Lorsque nous pouvons parler des difficultés qui se présentent, cela peut apaiser les tensions et ouvrir notre esprit à de nouvelles solutions.

Il peut être utile de demander à une personne de confiance de nous écouter pendant que nous parlons de nos regrets persistants en tant que parents, de nos inquiétudes concernant notre santé et d’autres questions qui se posent. Lorsque quelqu’un nous a écouté avec attention et compassion, nous sommes plus à même d’écouter profondément les autres. Cela peut nous aider à écouter nos enfants, à mieux comprendre comment c’est d’être parent pour eux, et à leur transmettre la bienveillance et la confiance qui nous rapprocheront des parents et des grands-parents que nous avons toujours espéré être.

Lorsque nous nous associons à un autre parent ou grand-parent bienveillant pour créer ce climat de sécurité dans l’écoute, les émotions stockées depuis longtemps peuvent remonter à la surface. Le fait d’être plus à l’aise pour montrer ses sentiments et accepter l’expression des sentiments des autres est un ingrédient important pour établir un lien et une proximité avec nos proches.

Mais c’est là que les choses se compliquent. Nous vivons dans une société qui n’encourage pas l’expression des émotions. En fait, on attend des parents qu’ils gardent les sentiments des enfants “sous contrôle”. Les sentiments entre parents et grands-parents peuvent s’enflammer lorsqu’ils n’ont pas la même attitude à l’égard des enfants qui pleurent ou font des crises de colère. Par exemple, vous pouvez être à l’aise avec les pleurs ou la colère de vos petits-enfants, alors que leurs parents ne le sont pas. Ou bien c’est le contraire qui est vrai. Les parents peuvent vouloir écouter leurs enfants alors qu’ils ont de grandes émotions, et vous pouvez avoir l’impression qu’ils ne disciplinent pas leurs enfants correctement.

Cet incident illustre la rapidité avec laquelle les sentiments des adultes se manifestent lorsqu’un enfant exprime de grandes émotions : J’étais récemment dans un train bondé avec mes petits-fils de 9 ans et 4 mois et leur mère, ma belle-fille.  Nous venions de passer plusieurs heures dans un musée, il se faisait tard et nous étions tous fatigués. Elle tenait le bébé dans ses bras et il s’est mis à pleurer. Ma belle-fille a essayé de le réconforter comme d’habitude. Elle lui a proposé un biberon, puis une tétine, mais il n’en a rien voulu. Elle a compris qu’il avait juste besoin de nous faire savoir qu’il n’était pas heureux à ce moment-là. Elle lui a accordé toute son attention, lui a dit des choses gentilles et lui a fait comprendre qu’elle l’écoutait.

Pendant ce temps, j’observais les gens dans le train qui devenaient nerveux. Une femme s’est approchée de nous et a essayé de comprendre pourquoi il pleurait. Je lui ai expliqué que nous avions eu une longue journée et qu’il allait bien, qu’il avait juste besoin de se plaindre un peu. Elle a insisté pour qu’on l’empêche de pleurer et je lui ai dit poliment mais fermement que tout allait bien et que nous maîtrisions la situation. De nombreuses personnes dans le train avaient l’air préoccupées, agitées et même en colère. Savoir que nos enfants ont eux aussi parfois besoin d’être simplement écoutés est un concept relativement nouveau. Et c’est un concept qui peut nous mettre en porte-à-faux avec ceux qui nous entourent.

Pour en savoir plus sur la gestion des crises de colère en public, lisez cet article.

le respect est essentiel

Il n’est pas toujours facile de naviguer entre nos idées et celles de nos enfants sur ce qui est le mieux pour nos petits-enfants. Nous, les grands-parents, devons continuer à réfléchir aux actions qui reflètent le mieux notre amour et notre respect pour nos enfants et nos petits-enfants.

Par exemple, j’étais assise avec mon petit-fils en bas âge sur mes genoux et je parlais à un ami proche. Mon petit-fils s’est mis à pleurer. J’ai suivi la routine que ses parents avaient établie avec lui. Je lui ai parlé et je lui ai fait savoir que j’étais là. Il a continué à pleurer. Je lui ai demandé s’il avait faim et j’ai essayé de lui donner un biberon. Il a repoussé la tétine avec sa langue.  Finalement, je lui ai donné une tétine et il a commencé à la sucer, s’est rapidement détendu et s’est endormi. Mon amie m’a demandé pourquoi j’avais fait cela, sachant que je n’avais jamais utilisé de tétine avec mes propres enfants. Je lui ai dit qu’il était vrai que j’avais de grandes réserves sur les tétines et que j’en avais parlé à mes enfants, mais qu’ils avaient trouvé la tétine utile avec leur bébé et que c’était à eux de décider, pas à moi. J’ai dû prendre des décisions sur la manière d’élever mes enfants (souvent contre l’avis de mes propres parents), et mes enfants doivent avoir confiance dans le fait que je respecte leurs décisions. En fait, j’en suis venue à voir les tétines sous un jour nouveau, grâce à mes enfants qui m’ont fait part de leurs réflexions.

Ce qu’il faut retenir, c’est que nos enfants nous aiment et qu’ils ont besoin de savoir comment ils veulent être parents. Ils peuvent être prêts à écouter notre point de vue s’ils sentent qu’ils peuvent nous faire confiance. Il se peut aussi qu’ils ne le soient pas. Passer du temps à les écouter et à accepter leurs sentiments sans les critiquer peut s’avérer payant en termes de confiance. Il n’est pas toujours facile de trouver le temps de soigner nos relations avec nos enfants, compte tenu des divergences d’opinion, des vieilles tensions et des malentendus. Nous devons nous rappeler que nos enfants veulent toujours que nous soyons proches d’eux, mais qu’ils ne le montrent pas forcément. Prendre le temps d’apprécier leur travail acharné et de les respecter malgré leurs difficultés peut être gênant ou inconfortable, mais cela signifie beaucoup pour eux d’avoir notre soutien et notre approbation.

Les grands-mères et les grands-pères sont des membres essentiels des familles qui s’agrandissent. Lorsque nous étions parents, nous avons beaucoup appris sur l’amour, les relations et la responsabilité. Nous pouvons continuer à apprendre et à grandir en accomplissant la tâche merveilleuse et importante de grand-parent.

Les parents savent ce dont ils ont besoin

Lorsque j’ai annoncé à mes fils et à leurs épouses que j’allais écrire un article sur les grands-parents, je leur ai demandé ce qu’ils pensaient que les grands-parents devaient savoir. Voici leurs réponses :

“Rassurez-nous souvent. C’est difficile et déroutant et nous n’avons généralement pas l’impression de faire du bon travail”.

“Donnez-nous un peu de répit en prenant les enfants à notre place.”

“Ne pensez pas que parce que vous avez plus d’expérience, nous ne savons pas ce que nous faisons.

“Écoutez-nous. Nous sommes les parents. Même si vous n’êtes pas d’accord avec nous, respectez nos souhaits.”

Enfin, je partagerai ce doux échange avec mon petit-fils de 9 ans :

“Que dois-je dire aux grands-parents ?”

“Dis-leur simplement de faire ce que tu fais”.

“Comment ça, comme quoi ?”

“Je ne sais pas, dis-leur de faire ce que tu fais. Maintenant, pouvons-nous finir la partie de Monopoly ?”

Lire Comment devenir le grand-parent que tu veux être : un entretien avec Patty Wipfler de Hand in Hand Parenting

Emmy Rainwalker LICSW est une assistante sociale et une éducatrice parentale de Boston, MA, spécialisée dans le travail avec les adultes, les enfants, les couples et les familles, l’enseignement des compétences parentales, le conseil par les pairs et les formations sur les questions de genre. Emmy a deux fils adultes et utilise l’approche Hand in Hand depuis de nombreuses années.

Here’s everything you need to know about flat head in babies – what causes it, how to remedy it at home and if any treatment is necessary.

When you become a parent, you are likely to have many concerns at the top of your mind. Is your baby gaining weight normally? Is she getting her vaccines on time? Am I feeding him right?

Among all these, the shape of your child’s head is unlikely to feature among your top ten concerns, until it is! We’re talking about flat head in babies, an extremely common condition that affects about 50% of babies worldwide.

What is Flat Head in Babies?

Flat head syndrome, technically known as plagiocephaly, is the appearance of a flat area on the back or side of a baby’s head. Flat head syndrome can be identified by these signs:

• The baby’s head is flatter on one side more than the other
• Hair growth is less on the flatter side, creating a bold spot
• The head appears misshapen or slanting, especially when looking from above
• Ears appear uneven or misaligned, with the ear on the flat side appearing to be pushed forward
• The nose may seem slanting to one side
• The forehead, cheek or eye may seem larger on one side
• In extreme cases, the neck or jaw may be affected

These signs aren’t visible at birth; they usually appear around 6 weeks after birth. Babies are most likely to get flat head before they are able to roll over, around four months of life.

The main reason babies get flat head is because of their soft, pliable skull bones. These soft bones make it easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal and also gives the developing brain space to grow. It is this nature of the skull that also makes it prone to changes in shape like flat head.

In a nutshell, flat head in babies is more of a cosmetic problem rather than a medical one. Flat head doesn’t affect the development of a baby’s brain in any way, but it may still be a concern for many parents.

Causes of Flat Head in Babies

There are two types of flat head in babies, and each one has a different set of causes.

Positional Plagiocephaly

Positional plagiocephaly, or deformational plagiocephaly, is the most common type of flat head syndrome, affecting 50% of babies. As its name suggests, this occurs due to positional reasons, such as these:

1. Sleep position. For the first several weeks of their life, babies are asleep on their backs, which means the backs of their heads are in the same position for a long time, making it flat. Being placed in ‘tight’ spaces like car seats, strollers, bouncy seats or carriers can also make it worse.

2. Prematurity. Premature babies are more vulnerable since their skulls are softer than those of full-term babies. Besides, they also spend an extended period on their backs in the NICU which contributes to a flatter head.

3. Forceps or vacuum delivery. The use of instruments like forceps or a vacuum to pull out a baby puts added pressure on the baby’s head, which could lead to a deformity in the skull bones.

4. Being one of multiples. When the mother carries multiple babies in her womb, there is less space in the uterus. This means that the babies’ skulls are more likely to be compressed leading to a flat head.

5. Breech position. Being in a breech position in utero can make it hard for the baby to move their head sufficiently, which can cause limited mobility in the neck and positional deformities in the skull.

6. Muscular torticollis. This is medical condition that causes tight or imbalanced neck muscles, which in turn makes it difficult for babies to turn their heads. This keeps them in the same position for longer, leading to a flat head on one side.

7. Gender and birth order. Studies have found that being the firstborn child or a male increases the chances of having flat head syndrome.

Congenital Plagiocephaly

Congenital plagiocephaly, also known as craniosynostosis, is a birth defect. It is quite rare, affecting only one in every 2000-2500 births. Here, the fibrous spaces between the baby’s skull bones fuse prematurely, resulting in a deformed skull shape. The exact reason for this is unknown, but it could possibly be an inherited disorder.

Home Remedies for Flat Head in Babies

1. Cut down on the time your child spends on her back, when awake. Avoid ‘containers’ that prevent your child from moving their head in all directions, like strollers, bouncy seats, carriers, car seats and others.

2. When your baby is in the crib, don’t use wedges or pillows to keep them in a particular position so they have freedom of movement.

3. Practice tummy time by letting your child spend more time on their tummy while awake. About 10 to 15 minutes,  3 times a day is fine, as long as it’s under adult supervision. This takes pressure off the back and sides of the head while also strengthening neck muscles.

4. Change positions during the day. For example, if you tend to feed or hold the baby on the right side, switch to the left. If the baby tends to sleep with one cheek against the mattress, turn her to the other side. Alternate the end of the crib when putting the baby down to sleep, and also switch around her toys so she’s encouraged to turn her head.

5. Hold your baby in an upright position so they spend less time with their head flat against a surface. You can also let your baby lie down on your chest to reduce flat head and increase bonding.

Treatment for Flat Head in Babies

While flat head isn’t a serious medical condition and can usually be dealt with through home remedies. However, in some cases, the flat head may be too severe, or the home remedies may not be working, which is when you need to see a doctor.

Doctors can diagnose a flat head simply by examining the baby’s head and neck movement, and other medical tests are generally not necessary. Based on the kind of flat head and the cause, they may prescribe any of these treatment options.

1. Molding Helmet Therapy. This involves placing a custom helmet on the baby’s head. This helmet is usually loose near the flat area and tighter in the remaining parts. Consistent wearing of the helmet helps the skull get back into a normal, rounded shape. Helmet therapy is recommended for babies between 3-6 months and takes about 12 weeks.

2. Physical Therapy. This is suggested for babies whose flat head is due to torticollis, where the neck muscles are stiff. The therapist will show how to stretch the baby’s muscles gently, so the muscles lengthen and loosen up, enabling the neck to move more so the flat head can disappear.

3. Surgery. Surgery is only required in extreme cases, like congenital plagiocephaly, since there is no other way to fix the sutures that have fused together prematurely. Surgery relieves pressure in the skull, enabling the brain to develop normally. Delaying this surgery could lead to complications like developmental delays or seizures.

Do’s and Don’ts for Flat Head in Babies

Do:

1. Watch out for flat head in your baby by observing her carefully, preferably after a bath when her hair is wet. The back of the head should be rounded evenly. the ears, forehead and the nose should be aligned. Frequent checks will help you notice anything abnormal.

2. Start fixing it as early as you can. Your baby’s skull bones are soft and pliable in the beginning but they harden over time. This means that most fixes work best before reaching 4 months of age.

3. Maintain a safe area for your baby to enjoy tummy time and for exploration.

Don’t:

1. Put babies to sleep on their backs – it can lead to SIDS – sudden infant death syndrome. The fear of flat head isn’t a good enough reason for that.

2. Use head-shaping pillows. These haven’t been proven to work, and they can also create an unsafe environment due to a suffocation risk.

3. Try any stretching exercises on your own. Never stretch your baby’s neck muscles without expert supervision or your doctor’s advice.

While flat head is harmless, be sure to go to the doctor if you notice any of these:

• Multiple flat spots around the head
• A slanting on one side of the head
• A misalignment of the eyes and ears
• Hard bony ridges on the head
• A missing soft spot

There’s no need to worry about flat head syndrome too much since it’s something that usually resolves easily as babies grow and change positions frequently. As your child’s hair grows, any remaining flat areas will get completely hidden, and no one will notice it anymore. As long as you include enough tummy time, constantly change positions and stay alert, you’ll find that it soon goes away on its own.

References:

This post is sponsored by The Container Store but the opinions are my own. 

My younger brother is moving into his first college apartment this summer with two friends. He’s looking for ways to store all his stuff and make the space more functional. Think three guys, small space. So, I took him on a shopping trip. 

First stop, The Container Store. As we walked inside, I instantly felt immersed in a world that would bring order to any apartment chaos. The store was well laid out and was calming because everything was set up in a way that just made sense. There was a section for each room he would need: laundry, kitchen, storage, closet, and bathroom. We were drawn to the colorful and creative displays showcasing different ways to make a dorm or apartment feel like home while maximizing a small space. ​​Everyone was super friendly and helpful. 

Everything he needed had to be durable, trendy, and within his budget. He really needed underbed storage items, and we found those and more, as well as so many things I wish I’d had in my college space. Here’s what I would have loved in my dorm or first apartment.     

Best ways to organize your college dorm or apartment 

Note: We may receive compensation from purchases made through some of the links in this post. 

1. Three-Tier Rolling Cart 

This is one of the most popular items at The Container Store and it’s not hard to see why. The slender design is an excellent way to keep things in order — without taking up too much space. When I tested this out in The Container Store, it rolled easily and was also slim enough to fit inside a closet.

This would be perfect in a suite-style bathroom for toiletries, or as a snack cart in a dorm. Each tier could also be used for different items such as beauty, school supplies, and more. The optional accessories included clip-on cups for pens, pegboards and even a charging station. Available in seven great colors. Exclusive to The Container Store.  

2. Poppin Box Seat

This storage ottoman is a win, doubling as an extra seat for friends and a storage box! The dimensions are 16” x 16” x 16” and it is strong enough to hold up to 275 pounds. It collapses flat when not in use, making it super practical for a dorm room or college apartment

This can also be used as a stool for getting into an elevated bed. After my brother and I checked it out, I can tell you that the seat was soft and comfortable to sit on and it had plenty of storage space.

3. Large Tint Stacking Drawer

There might not be room for a tall dresser in the dorm room, but these lightweight, stackable drawers will do the trick. I stacked several to create the perfect-sized dresser for my dorm room, and then I hung up the rest of my clothing.

The integrated handle makes it easy to grab and carry, plus there is a drawer stop to prevent the drawers from falling out if pulled too far. In addition to clear drawers, they are available in six colors and two sizes. The color ones are transparent as well, making it easy to find things. One idea is to use a different color drawer for different items – blue for shirts, orange for pants, etc.   

$9.99 for small, $19.99 for large 

4. Elfa Printer/Fridge Cart

One of my favorite things is the Elfa Printer/Fridge Cart. Elfa is The Container Store’s original customizable storage system. A mini fridge is a dorm essential for snacks and leftovers but having it on the floor is not ideal. A cart will elevate the fridge for easy access, plus this one includes drawers below for snacks, disposable dishes and silverware. And the wheels make it easy to move. It can also be used as a printer stand and the drawers are perfect for paper, folders and other school/work essentials. 

5. Wide Underbed Storage Bin   

Adding underbed storage is an excellent way to make use of otherwise wasted space. They can use these underbed bins to store off-season clothes, shoes, extra bedding, and towels. To create even more room, elevate the bed with bed risers and then stack underbed bins and drawers below. The Container Store underbed storage bins are durable, slim, and they will last well beyond the four years of college.

6. Acrylic Makeup System

From makeup to jewelry to skincare, this clear acrylic modular storage system can hold it all in one place. There are even slots for makeup brushes, mascara, and lipstick. It’s ideal for a dorm room or college apartment where small items can get lost easily. The modular design makes it easy to create custom organization – just stack and store. Exclusively at The Container Store.

7. Vornado Fan

One of the most challenging things about older dorms can be the lack of air conditioning, especially if your teen is going to college in a warm climate. The Vornado metal fan creates a cool, quiet, constant airflow with two-speed settings and a pivoting head. This one is small enough that it won’t take up much space in an already-packed dorm room.  

8. Elfa Utility Large Wire Over the Door Rack

This easy, no-tools assembly over-the-door rack will maximize space in a dorm room. The baskets can be easily repositioned to fit your teen’s needs. Use it to store snacks, skincare, makeup, extra soaps, washcloths, and more. This was displayed beautifully at the store and I was pleasantly surprised by how large the baskets were. 

9. Fine Lumens Plat Wireless Charging Lamp

A charging station and dimmable desk lamp all in one — the top surface works as a wireless phone charger while a side USB port can power up an additional device. This stylish lamp is available in three pretty colors. 

10. Hollywood Mirror

Give your student a Hollywood-style setup with this mirror lit up by nine long-lasting LED bulbs. The professional-level lighting includes touch-button settings for brightness and color. Dorm lighting is often not great, but with this, your student will have the perfect setup for doing makeup or getting ready in the morning, instead of having to use a crowded shared bathroom.

11. Over the Door Mirror

Dorm rooms or college apartments typically don’t come with a full body mirror, which means your student won’t be able to see their outfit before they dash out for classes, meetings or social gatherings. My roommate and I used our over-the-door mirror every single day. This one is a beautiful combination of practicality and style — made with durable materials so it’s built to last and can be used all four years of college. With hooks designed to fit most doors (up to 1.875″ thick) it’s very easy to install. 

12. Calpak Tote

Tote bags are useful in college and beyond — for class, workouts, grocery shopping, the beach, or work. The organizer pockets include a 15″ laptop sleeve and a zippered exterior side pocket. The expandable base unzips to create an extra four inches of packing space and there is a luggage sleeve which makes it a great option for travel, too. Available in three versatile colors. 

13. Hanging Closet Organizer

In a small college dorm or apartment, utilizing every bit of space is absolutely crucial – especially in closets. This hanging closet organizer does just that by maximizing your closet’s vertical space for folded t-shirts, sweaters, handbags – even an extra sheet set. For concealed storage – you can add optional drawers. And it’s something your teen can use in future apartments. No tools or assembly required. 

14. Weathertight Tote Clear

These totes are a great way to store towels, snacks, medication, extra bedding, and bulky clothes. They can be put under your student’s bed or in their closet. The clear exterior makes it easy to find things. They are available in multiple sizes so try to find out if your student has a lofted or conventional bed if you plan to use them under the bed. The New York Times product review site, Wirecutter, gives the Weathertight Tote top reviews. 

15. Hydro Flask 24 Ounce, Standard Mouth

A durable and insulated water bottle is a must-have for every college student — and something your teen will use for all four years of college and after. Hydro Flask insulation keeps beverages cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours and they have 10 pretty colors. 

Prices accurate at time of publication. 

I love sharing with you when I get good deals, also because I’m excited, and also to encourage you to shop around like I do, and stock up when you can on great deals. I also like to encourage people to go to scratch and dent stores, and buy things that are banged up, in less pretty packaging, or close to expiration dates, because the food is just as good, just as safe, even the USDA says that, and it is a great way to save money. 

To be honest, I haven’t done so many trips to the scratch and dent store lately. Two of the ones I used to go to have closed down. The few times I was in the area and popped into one that was still open, the pickings were very slim there. Most of the time, it was just candy or things that I never use. I try to get things from the scratch and dent store that I anyhow would buy, but just cheaper. 

Do you know how hard I used to need to look to buy molasses? I needed to buy expensive stuff from an American store that imported American brands, where I’d buy it for $7.50 or more per bottle, and I’d hoard it and use it only sparingly. Fortunately, it began to be easier to buy it locally, and now you can get it for $4.70, but I got a few jars for $1.42 each. 

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Hmmm, I wonder what attractions offer memberships near me?” Look no further! Are you also looking to save money with a membership or pass to attractions in South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida? You can save money when you visit your favorite attractions multiple times by purchasing a membership. Memberships can range from annual to monthly, per person, or per family.

Places like state parks, amusement parks, museums, and aquariums all offer memberships to help save yourself the trouble of paying each time you go. Some places we’ve included will also get you access to attractions when you travel as a perk through reciprocity programs.

* Prices are subject to change, please confirm with the organization at the time of purchase. 

This article includes:
South Carolina Attractions with Memberships
North Carolina Attractions with Memberships
Georgia Attractions with Memberships
Tennessee Attractions with Memberships
Florida Attractions with Memberships
National Reciprocity Programs

South Carolina Attractions with Memberships

The Children’s Museum of The Upstate

Greenville & Spartanburg Annual Family Pass $120-$460

• *Bank Of America “Museums on Us”
• *Museums 4 All program 
• Unlimited visits at both museum locations for 2 – 12 members (membership pricing corresponds to the number of members included)
• Invitations to exclusive members-only events
• Discounted pricing on birthday parties and special events, camps and classes, and retail.
• Pre-registration for enrollment programs & events
• Regular family learning experiences
• A dedicated entrance so you don’t have to wait in line 

Kidding Around Review of TCMU GVL
Kidding Around Review of TCMU Spartanburg
The Children’s Museum of The Upstate Website & Membership Info

Upcountry History Museum

Family Annual Membership $105 

• *Bank Of America “Museums on Us”
• *Museums 4 All program 
• Obtain free admission to hundreds of other museums across the county through the North American Reciprocal Museum Program, the Southeaster Reciprocal Museum Program, and the Time Travelers Reciprocal Program.
• Unlimited free Museum admission for one year
• Discounts to special events & retail
• Invitations to exclusive member events

Kidding Around Review of Upcountry History Museum 
Upcountry History Museum Website & Membership Info

The Greenville Zoo

Family Annual Membership $90

• Member of the *Association of Zoos &  Aquariums reciprocal program where you can get free or discounted admission to over 130 zoos around the country
• Two named adults at the same address and up to six dependent household children 
• Discounts on educational programs, birthday parties, Zoo camp, gift shop, and concessions
• Free or discounted admission to special events, including Boo in the Zoo and Zoo Camp

Kidding Around Review of The Greenville Zoo
The Greenville Zoo Website & Membership Info

The Riverbanks Zoo

Family Membership packages are $159 – $259 

Kidding Around Review of The Riverbanks Zoo
The Riverbanks Zoo Website & Membership Info

The South Carolina Aquarium

Family membership packages $219 – $279 

• Family Plus Membership includes (2) free guest passes per day $279 
• Access to over 75 members-only events per year 
• Discounts with Charleston area partners
• Discounted general admission tickets (6 annually) 
• Discounts for photos, dining, & retail
• *Military membership discount 
• *Free admission for teachers & discounted membership 
• *Angelfish Membership for EBT cardholders $40 annually 

Kidding Around Review of The South Carolina Aquarium 
The South Carolina Aquarium Website & Membership Info

Brookgreen Gardens & The Low Country Zoo

Household Membership $125 

• Unlimited admission during regular garden hours
• Discount on additional excursions and other educational experiences
• (2) one visit guest passes 
• Discounts to special events, dining, & retail. 

Kidding Around Review of Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens & The Low County Zoo Website & Membership Info

Roper Mountain Science Center

*Family Membership $125-$175 / Teacher’s Family $120

Kidding Around Review of Roper Mountain Science Center 
Roper Mountain Science Center Website & Membership Info

EdVenture

EdVenture family membership $149 – $259

• Unlimited admission to three locations (Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Hartsville) 
• Guest passes are available for plus members and above
• Discounts on birthday parties, camps, and retail 
• Invitation to members-only events
• *Families who receive SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid benefits receive $2 admission per person. (Up to 6 people)
• *Families with a combined household income of under $29,000 per year may qualify for a $19 family membership! 

Kidding Around Review of Edventure 
EdVenture Website & Membership Info

Anne Springs Close Greenway

Family Membership $13 per month or $144 per year

• Access to 40 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities
• Special member rates on summer camps, outdoor recreation programs, educational classes, special events, and apparel
• Fishing access in Lakes Haigler, Crandall, Frances, Katherine and Stumpy Pond
• Entry and trails will be open to Greenway Members on weekends exclusively 
• *Financial Assistance for membership

Kidding Around Review of Anne Springs Close Greenway 
Anne Springs Close Greenway Website & Membership Info

South Carolina State Parks

The All Park Passport $99 

• Unlimited admittance for the family to all of the 47 SC State Parks
• A 7 day passport is available for purchase for $65 and includes all 47 parks statewide
• The ALL Park passport is half-price for South Carolina senior citizens (65+), legally blind and 100 percent disabled citizens, and active members of the SC National Guard. Must show proof of eligibility
• This pass also includes free admission and home tours for four at Redcliffe, Rose Hill, and Hampton plantations. 

Kidding Around Guide To South Carolina State Parks 
South Carolina State Parks Website & All Park Pass Info

Carowinds

Annual Pass $105 – $325 (per person) 

• Free pre-K kids annual pass 
• Free parking with the gold/platinum passed ($20 savings per visit) 
• Discounts to special events, dining, & retail
• Get free access to all other 16 Cedar Fair parks with the All Park Passport add-on starting at $110

Kidding Around Review of Carowinds 
Carowinds Website & Membership Info

Big Air – Greenville

Annual Membership $300 per person

• Free drink and snack per visit
• Valid any day during operating hours 
• Unlimited toddler time and cosmic nights
• Special discounts on parties and special events

Big Air Greenville Website & Membership Info

Big Air – Spartanburg

Annual Membership- $300 per person

• Free drink and snack per visit
• Valid any day during operating hours 
• Unlimited toddler time and cosmic nights
• Special discounts on parties and special events

Big Air Spartanburg Website & Membership Info

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Family Rate Membership $21.99-$24.99 (per person/per month)

Greenville County Parks & Rec Waterparks

Season Pass 7th Inning Splash $65 per person

Season Pass Discovery Island $99 per person

Season Pass Otter Creek $87 per person

Rec ‘N Crew Annual Pass $160 per person 

Shipwreck Cove

Season Pass $85 per person 

North Carolina Attractions with Memberships

Biltmore Estate

Annual pass $299 (per person)

• Unlimited daytime visits to Biltmore
• Discounts to special events, dining, retail, and lodging
• Free access to estate biking and hiking trails

Kidding Around Review of Biltmore Estate 
Biltmore Estate Website & Membership Info

WNC Nature Center

Annual Family Membership $89/1 year or $168/2 years

Kidding Around Review of WNC Nature Center 
WNC Nature Center Website & Membership Info

Schiele Museum Of Natural History

Family Memberships from $85-$600 

Kidding Around Review of Schiele Museum of Natural History 
Schiele Museum of Natural History Website & Membership Info

North Carolina Zoo

Family Membership $109/1 year or $208/2 year membership  

North Carolina Zoo Website & Membership Info

North Carolina Aquarium

Family Membership $89/1 year or $169/2 years

North Carolina Aquarium Website & Membership Info

North Carolina State Parks

Annual Family Pass $90 per year

• Includes entrance fees at Falls Lake, Jordan Lake, and Kerr Lake
• Pass also covers equipment rentals and swim passes for up to six people
• Boat launches at Carolina Beach and Hammocks Beach
• Ferry tickets for six at Hammocks Beach 

North Carolina State Parks Website & Membership Info

Georgia Attractions with Memberships

Zoo Atlanta

Family Membership $159 

Kidding Around Review of Atlanta Zoo 
Zoo Atlanta Website & Membership Info

Georgia Aquarium

Family Membership $320

• (4) members unlimited admission 
• Members-only events and discounts 
• Georgia Aquarium Memberships are tax-deductible
• *Atlanta City Pass 

Kidding Around Review of the Georgia Aquarium 
Georgia Aquarium Website & Membership Info

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Family Explorer Membership $150-$250 

Fernbank Museum of Natural History Website & Membership Info

Six Flags

Annual Membership $59 – $110 (per person – 1 year) 

• Free Parking ($25 value per day) 
• Unlimited admission to Six Flags White Water park 
• Monthly payments in perpetuity, for a minimum of 12 months (until canceled by cardholder)  
• Upgraded memberships include skipping the line privileges and up to 20% off food, drinks & retail merchandise 

Kidding Around Review of Six Flags 
Six Flags Website & Membership Info

Georgia State Park

Annual Family Park Passport $50 / Annual Historic Site Family Pass $50

• Rewards program for participating reservations 
• The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Areas, Stone Mountain Park, Jekyll Island, and Lake Lanier are not state parks and are not covered by the ParkPass.

Kidding Around Guide To Travel in Georgia 
Georgia State Parks Website & Membership Info

Tennessee Attractions 

Dollywood

Silver Season Pass – $174 (adult) / $164 (child) 

• Free Pre-K pass
• $5 discount on one-day tickets
• Option for 3 payment plan 
• Unlimited admission 
• Several add-ons available including dining and two-park passes

Gold Season Pass – $249 (adult) / $239 (child) 

• $10 discount on one-day tickets
• Season pass benefits 
• 15% Off Select Food And Merchandise

Two-Park Gold Season Pass – $269 (adult) / 3-month plan eligible with payments of $86.33 (child)

• $10 discount on one-day tickets
• Season pass benefits 
• 15% Off Select Food And Merchandise
• Access to Splash Country 

Kidding Around Guide to Dollywood  
Dollywood Website & Membership Info

Zoo Knoxville

Single Parent Family Membership $140 / 2 Parent Family Membership $185

• FREE admission and parking (362) days a year.
• *Association of Zoos &  Aquariums reciprocal
• Special Invitations to exclusive events and private previews
• 15% off on daily Zoo-it-All wristbands, general admission guest tickets, Zoo Shop and all retail locations, and restaurants and food stands.
• Discounts on after-hours events such as BOO! at the Zoo, Zoo Lights, and more.

Kidding Around Review of Zoo Knoxville
Zoo Knoxville Website & Membership Info

Chattanooga Zoo

Family Memberships from $110-$180 

Kidding Around Review of the Chattanooga Zoo 
Chattanooga Zoo Website & Membership Info

Tennessee Aquarium

Family Membership $195 

• A Family Membership includes unlimited Aquarium admission for two specified adults and any five kids each visit. 

Family Deluxe Membership $275 

• Family Membership benefits 
• Plus unlimited 45-minute IMAX films 

Kidding Around Review of the Tennessee Aquarium 
Tennessee Aquarium Website & Membership Info

Tennessee State Parks

Family Annual Pass – FREE 

• There is no access fee charged for any Tennessee state park. All 56 state parks in Tennessee are free to enter. 
• Some activities at parks may require permits or reservations. 
• Donations are accepted

Tennessee State Parks Website

Florida Attractions

Mote Marine Aquarium

Family Membership $175+  

• *Association of Zoos &  Aquariums reciprocal
• Party of 4 -$175 
• Party of 6 – $250
• Party of 8 – $500 
• Party of 10 – $1000
• Exclusive member-only events that include advance viewing of Mote’s new exhibits and special events 

Mote Marine Aquarium Website

Bishop Planetarium & Museum / Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat

Family Membership $150 (Pathfinder) 

Bishop Planetarium & Museum Website & Membership Info

The Florida Aquarium

Family Membership $250-$350 

The Florida Aquarium Website & Membership Info

Sealife Orlando

Annual Pass $139.99 Per Person 

Sealife Orlando Website & Membership Info

Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park

Annual Family Membership $269

• *Association of Zoos &  Aquariums reciprocal
• Free guest ticket with every visit
• Access to seasonal event series events 
• Free preferred parking (general admission parking is free to all guests) 
• Discounts on dining, photos, shopping, and Up-Close Signature Encounters
• Invitations to Members-Only programming

Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park Website & Membership Info

Brevard Zoo

Annual Family Membership $169.95+

• *Association of Zoos & Aquariums Reciprocal
• Free admission with unlimited Zoo visits for an entire year (excluding special events)
• Early admission (9am) 
• Discount on most merchandise and concessions
• BOGO kayak fees 
• Access to a members-only Facebook group

Brevard Zoo Website & Membership Info

Florida State Parks

Annual Family Pass $120 

• The Family Annual Entrance Pass provides day-use park entry for up to a total of eight people entering as a group at all but three Florida State Parks, for a total of 172 locations. 
• The pass is good for admission of up to two people, (including the pass holder) at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
• Pass holders receive 33% off admission to the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park over Tampa Bay 

Florida State Parks Website & Membership Info

Other States 

Smithsonian National Zoo – Washington DC 

Annual Membership is $92 – $122

Kidding Around Guide to Washington DC
Smithsonian National Zoo Website & Membership Info

National Reciprocity and Discount Programs 

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, it is at the discretion of the participating zoos and aquariums as to whether they will be able to honor entrance benefits during this time. Call ahead to confirm before you go.

Association of Zoos & Aquariums Reciprocity Program

The zoos and aquariums on the Reciprocal Admissions List that are located in close geographic proximity to each other are not required to offer free or discounted admission to each other’s members, although they may offer an alternative discount. “Close geographic proximity” is determined by each institution.

Association of Science & Technology Centers Reciprocity Program

Science centers and museums located within 90 miles of the science center/museum where the visitor is a member offer free or discounted admission to each other’s members. This distance is measured “as the crow flies,” meaning that it is based on the linear radius, not driving distance. To help determine linear radius distance, use the “Measure Distance” feature on Google Maps. 

North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association

The North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association is a network of over one thousand art museums, galleries, historical museums, societies, botanical gardens, children’s museums, zoos and more. 

• When you sign up with your favorite participating NARM institution you can receive reciprocal membership benefits across the United States, Canada, Bermuda, El Salvador and Mexico.
• Institution locator 

American Alliance of Museums 

Bank of America “Museums On Us” 

• Museums on Us is available to Bank of America, Merrill or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit cardholders during the first full weekend of every month 
• Present your active credit or debit card with photo ID to gain free general admission to a participating institution 
• Valid for the named cardholder only 

Museums 4 All Program

• Participating Museums 4 All locations provide reduced admission, ranging from free to $3.00 for visitors presenting their EBT card. 
• This reduced rate is available during all normal operating hours to up to four individuals per EBT card.

Memberships Our Readers Enjoy

Published: June 13, 2024 | Last Updated on: June 13, 2024
| by Hema

If you’re constantly on the lookout for kid-friendly recipes that are both nutritious and delicious, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re excited to share a recipe that’s a big hit in our household: Easy Broccoli Pasta for Kids.

Finding meals that your little ones will actually enjoy can be a challenge, especially when you’re trying to sneak in those essential veggies. This broccoli pasta recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also packs a punch of nutrients that your kids need. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce them to new flavors and textures.

Health Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli is a powerhouse of nutrition and one of the best vegetables you can include in your child’s diet. Here are some of the top health benefits of broccoli for kids:

• Rich in Essential Nutrients:
  • Broccoli is packed with vitamins C, K, and A, as well as folate and potassium. These nutrients are crucial for growth, immune function, and overall health.
  • High in dietary fiber, broccoli helps promote healthy digestion and can prevent constipation, keeping your child’s digestive system running smoothly.
• Supports Healthy Growth and Development:
  • Essential for bone health, broccoli contains a good amount of calcium, which is vital for growing kids to develop strong bones and teeth.
  • While not as high as in animal products, the protein content in broccoli is beneficial for muscle growth and repair.
• Boosts Immune System:
  • Known for its immune-boosting properties, vitamin C in broccoli helps protect against common illnesses and infections by supporting the production of white blood cells.
• Antioxidant Properties:
  • Broccoli is rich in antioxidants, including sulforaphane and glucoraphanin, which help reduce oxidative stress and protect cells from damage. These antioxidants play a role in preventing chronic diseases and supporting overall health.
• Promotes Eye Health:
  • These compounds in broccoli are important for maintaining healthy vision and can help prevent eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration later in life.
• Supports Brain Health:
  • Broccoli contains choline, which is essential for brain development and function. It helps in maintaining the structure of cell membranes and supports neurotransmitter synthesis, which is crucial for learning and memory.
• Anti-Inflammatory Benefits:
  • Broccoli contains small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the risk of inflammation-related conditions.
• Detoxification:
  • These compounds in broccoli support the body’s detoxification processes, helping to eliminate toxins and maintain a healthy liver.

Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

• pasta (any shape your kids like)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss well to coat with the garlic-infused oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Sprinkle the grated cheese over the pasta and broccoli. Stir to combine until the cheese is melted and everything is evenly distributed.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Broccoli pasta is an excellent dish for kids due to its nutritional benefits, appealing taste, and ease of preparation. Combining the fiber, vitamins, and minerals of broccoli with the comforting familiarity of pasta creates a balanced meal that supports children’s growth and health. To enhance its kid-friendly appeal, consider using fun pasta shapes, a tasty yet mild sauce, and incorporating cheese to add flavor and calcium. Broccoli pasta can be a versatile and enjoyable way to encourage kids to eat more vegetables and develop healthy eating habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Broccoli Pasta for Kids.

Today, we're excited to share a recipe that's a big hit in our household: Easy Broccoli Pasta for Kids.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Breakfast Lunch Box recipe

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Broccoli Pasta

Ingredients

• pasta (any shape your kids like)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.

• In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

• Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss well to coat with the garlic-infused oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Sprinkle the grated cheese over the pasta and broccoli. Stir to combine until the cheese is melted and everything is evenly distributed.

• Serve warm and enjoy!