Mommy Has to Work

How To Ensure That Your Virtual Team Feels Valued & Appreciated

December 14, 2022 By Anne

The chances are that when you first launched your small business, you never considered the fact that it might grow into something much larger with a whole team behind it. But, now you have a small virtual team behind you, helping you to manage and grow your business, and you couldn’t be happier with the results that they’re achieving.

Obviously, you want to ensure that you are able to retain your team members for as long as possible and don’t have to deal with sourcing new employees on a regular or even semi-regular basis. The question is, of course, how can you go about doing that? What steps can you take to ensure that your virtual team members feel valued and appreciated within their roles?

Photo source: Pixabay

For a few handy pointers for simple ways in which you can ensure that your team members feel valued, have a read of the guide below.

Give praise where praise is due

It’s important that when it comes to calling out your team members for their hard work that you take the time to always give praise where praise is due. Whether a team member has had a really great idea, has excelled on a new project, or has won your business a new client, make sure to express how happy you are with the work that has been done. Whether this is shared in person in a one to one setting or with the entire team, it’s up to you – just make sure that when due, praise is given. Your team will love you for it.

Encourage your team to map out their career goals (and support them with them)

Don’t get into the mindset that your virtual assistant will always want to be a virtual assistant or that your marketing manager will always want to remain in marketing, actually take the time to chat with your team members and ask them about what they want from their careers. Ask them where they would like to see their careers go and what timeline they would like to achieve their goals within. This is something that they will really appreciate and value you for, especially if you help them work towards those goals.

Reward your team for their hard work

It’s also important that you make an effort to adequately reward your team members for all of their hard work. If you want to ensure that your team members remain loyal to your business and the work that you do, employee retention gifts and awards throughout the year are a good way to do that, as well as offering them Christmas bonuses and gifts. You want your team members to know that you value them and their hard work, which is where little rewards can come in handy. Whether it’s a physical gift or an extra day of holiday time, it’s sure to be appreciated.

There you have it, a guide to how you can ensure that your virtual team feels valued and appreciated.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

4 Tips For Keeping Your Baby Safe

December 12, 2022 By Anne

If you’re familiar with that old show Rugrats, then you may be more than familiar with the little adventures babies are constantly up to. They’re constantly so excited and curious that they’re always trying to explore, see how something works or if they can eat it. While this is fun and cute, they’re putting themselves in serious danger, so the parents must keep chasing after them.

With babies, you can’t go a second without them getting up to something, so you’re bound to keep an eye on them. However, this means you get quality time with them and the family. So, with that said, how can you ensure your baby is well protected? Here are some tips for keeping them safe!

Image credit

Consider the natural elements

It may be obvious in the summer and winter months, but you’ll have to consider your baby’s skin everything and keep it safe from the natural elements. Not only can exposure to these elements negatively impact your little one’s skin, but they can also cause dehydration. Some of the more obvious ones would be dressing them appropriately for the season, such as wearing hats and cotton material over synthetics.

However, one of the biggest things to remember is that direct sunlight and the wind may not be good for the baby. The best way to shield your baby from the sun is by providing shade. This can be done by using a blanket, towel, or canopy. If you must stay outside for long periods, try putting your baby in a stroller with a weather guard. No matter the season or weather, keep a close eye on your baby and their skin.

Safeguarding your baby’s toys

Choosing safe toys for your baby is essential. Choking is the fourth most common cause of accidental death in children. It’s incredibly unfortunate, but this had led to cases, while not Erb’s Palsy lawsuit settlements, as these involved doctors; it’s usually some cases involving the toys’ hazards.

Check the age label of the toy. If it’s too old for your child, throw it away. You also want to ensure that it has no loose parts. This includes stuffed animals, small parts, and projectiles. Read the instructions before giving your child the toy. It’s not a good idea to give your baby toys that come with magnets or strings. Choose toys that are made of natural materials. If the toy is made of plastic, it should be phthalate-free.

Monitoring behavioral changes

Taking the time to monitor your child’s activities is a good idea – it can make the difference between a happy and healthy child and a kid destined to harm themselves or others. Monitoring your child’s activities is also a way to identify and track trends in their behavior. This helps you better understand their choices and the consequences of their actions. You can learn about their activities, which a lot of parents do anyways, plus it helps protect them while pushing for development.

Keeping your baby out of harm’s way

Keeping your baby out of harm’s way is a very important part of being a parent. This is especially true during the first few months of life. While it can be difficult to keep your baby safe, it’s worth it to help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Look for any hazards in your home, such as choking hazards. You should also keep sharp objects out of your baby’s reach. Maybe consider only allowing friends and family to hold your baby for a short period. Plus, one final thing, you should never leave your baby alone with pets or other kids (regardless of age).

Anne

Common Carcinogens You Should Know About

December 12, 2022 By Anne

Via Unsplash

There are many things in the world that can cause cancer, and it can be hard to keep track of them all. This blog post will discuss the most common carcinogens that you should be aware of. Some of these may surprise you! We will also talk about how to reduce your exposure to these dangerous chemicals.

Asbestos:

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used for insulation and fireproofing for many years. It is known to be carcinogenic, as long-term exposure can lead to the development of mesothelioma. If you think you may have asbestos in your home or workplace, it’s important to get it removed by professionals who are trained and certified in asbestos abatement. Look into what is mesothelioma, and how to reduce your exposure?

Benzene:

Benzene is a colorless and flammable liquid that is commonly used in the manufacturing of plastics, detergents, and adhesives. It has been linked to an increased risk of leukemia and other cancers. Workers who are exposed to benzene should be sure to wear protective equipment such as masks and gloves. If you think you may have been exposed to benzene, see your doctor for a check-up right away!

Formaldehyde:

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas produced by burning wood or other materials. It is found in many products, such as glues and resins, furniture, and building materials. Exposure to formaldehyde can lead to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma. To reduce your exposure, use only formaldehyde-free products and make sure that any furniture you buy is made with non-toxic building materials.

Arsenic:

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in soil, water, and some foods. Long-term exposure can increase your risk of skin, lung, bladder, and kidney cancers. The best way to reduce your risk is to avoid using products that contain arsenic or eating food that has been grown in contaminated soil or water.

Cadmium:

Cadmium is a metal used in batteries and other materials. It is also found in some foods and cigarettes. Long-term exposure to cadmium can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer, so it’s important to limit your exposure as much as possible. Avoid smoking or eating food that contains high levels of cadmium.

BPA:

BPA stands for bisphenol A and is a chemical used to make plastics more durable and strong. It is commonly found in water bottles, food cans, dental sealants, and other products. Studies have shown that long-term exposure can increase the risk of certain types of cancers, so it’s best to avoid products containing BPA whenever possible.

olycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs):

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are chemicals that are released from the burning of coal, oil, and even wood. They can also be found in grilled foods and cigarette smoke. Long-term exposure to PAHs can increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer, so it’s important to reduce your exposure as much as possible.

Sunlight:

Although the sun is essential for life, too much exposure can be dangerous. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. To reduce your risk, wear sunscreen when you’re outside and avoid tanning beds.

It’s important to be aware of the carcinogens that you may be exposed to on a daily basis. While some, like asbestos and benzene, are found in products and materials, others, like sunlight and PAHs, can come from everyday activities. By reducing your exposure to these dangerous chemicals and following safety guidelines when working with them, you can reduce your risk of developing cancer.

Anne

Moon Pod Bean Bag Chair

December 12, 2022 By Anne

Do you remember as a kid sitting in your bean bag? It was so comfy. Now as an adult those small chairs – not so comfy. What if there was an adult version? A luxury bean bag?

I was recently introduced to Moon Pod. The Moon Pod is a zero-gravity beanbag chair that relieves stress and anxiety, mimicking the sensations of flotation therapy. Moon Pod’s zero-gravity technology acts as your personal cushioning system, so you can sit back and relax.

I was sent the original Moon Pod and the Crescent. The crescent can be placed right on top of the Moon Pod for added comfort.

So what makes these products so good? The beads inside the bag are responsive high-density beads. It’s similar to floatation therapy. Floatation Therapy has been known to reduce stress and anxiety levels.

Each product was shipped with the cover off. I quickly threw them in the wash and hung them to dry. I was kind of fun to stuff the bean bag into the case. Definitely a two-person job. LOL. My daughter and I were super excited to try them out. Oh my goodness. The Moon Pod is sooo comfortable! Once you are in you really do not want to get back up.

This is me after a long day at work, standing on my feet all day.

Oh boy, please ignore all the cat hair! haha

We really enjoy relaxing on our Moon Pod. My daughter says “It’s like laying on a cloud!”

Did you have a bean bag chair as a child? Would you get an adult version?

Anne

What Can You Do if Your Child is Not Developing as They Should?

December 9, 2022 By Anne

Pexels – CC0 License

We all want our children to be the best, and it’s when our children slowly start showing signs that they’re not developing as they should that could ring alarm bells. However, before we start to panic, there are practical solutions that we can use to ensure that they get the right support. While it’s critical that we don’t wait to see if our children outgrow these concerns, here are some of the things we should do right away.

Act Early

Your concerns are crucial. You know your children the best, and if you have any concerns about their development, you need to go to the doctor. They will ask you a number of questions about your child’s development and if you have any worries. This is why you need to spend some time acutely observing your child over time.

If you have any concerns about the speech, or aspects of their physicality, your doctor can recommend additional resources. For example, pediatric therapists like https://www.metroehs.com/ can help by providing a variety of services to ensure that your child gets the support they need.

Understand Where They Should Be According to Their Age

It can be difficult to determine what course of action you should take because if you voice concerns and they get brushed off, it can make you feel reluctant to do this if there is a major problem later on. The best thing we can do, as parents, is to get an understanding of where our children should be based on their age. There are a number of developmental milestones that we can measure our children against.

On the https://pathways.org/ site, there are all the developmental milestones available for you to see, so you get a greater understanding of where your child should be. It is incredibly difficult when our children are really young because the signs that they are or are not developing as they should can be tough to spot. When you have a series of benchmarks in place, you can get a far better understanding of how your child measures up.

Helping Them to Develop in Other Ways

Sometimes, we can have major concerns that our children are not developing as they should, but this might be in a very specific way. To ensure that your child is not just developing according to specific benchmarks, you can start to help them in other ways. For example, you can harness their creativity and help them to express themselves through play, especially if they are not communicating in the ways they should.

It’s also important to recognize that when it comes to something like speech, your child may be slow at the outset, but they can soon play catch up, which is why it’s so important to help our children to express themselves in so many different ways.

If your children get frustrated and throw tantrums, it could be because they are not able to communicate properly. There is a lot that we need to bear in mind, but if you have concerns that your child is not developing as they should, you know your child best, so you should get a valid opinion.