Mommy Has to Work

Nurturing Independent Living Habits in Kids

July 1, 2022 By Anne

At some point, your children will be on their own in the world and have to fend for themselves. Independent living can take many forms, so if you want them to move into adult life effortlessly, it’s sensible to start cultivating independent living habits from a young age.

Household Chores

Nobody relishes the thought of household chores, but they have to be taken care of; it’s one of those life skills it’s good to cultivate early on, so it becomes an effortless habit. So while children can’t always handle a deep clean, they should manage some age-appropriate household chores.

Chores such as washing dishes, sweeping floors, tidying toys away after use, and helping to wash the car are all helpful ways to make your child more dependable and focused. In the beginning, creating a reward incentive like money can be beneficial, but don’t make it the focus.

Menu Planning

The last thing you want is for your child to head off to college and be unable to cook for themselves; this leads to unhealthy eating habits and health issues down the line. If you want your college kid to be comfortable in the kitchen, start their training while they’re still at home.

If you don’t want your college kid to eat fast food all the time while they’re away, teach them to value the process of shopping for healthy food and preparing simple meals. Eating mindfully with other people is also recommended. Visit Stephen Troese Jr for more tips on college life.

Taking Responsibility

Responsibility comes more naturally to some people than to others. Still, either way, it’s good practice to instill a sense of responsibility in kids when they’re young. Then, you know they will be reliable and grounded when they head off to college, and you have nothing to worry about.

One of the best ways to teach children about responsibility is to put them in charge of a younger sibling. Whether playing in the house or on a family day trip, give some instructions to the older child to follow. If a child doesn’t have siblings, consider buying them a pet to keep.

Solo Outings

As children become older, they fly solo more often, which might mean a sleep-over with a friend, a birthday party, or a sporting activity. Solo outings might be scary at first for both children and parents, but they’re inevitable, and they are an excellent way to learn independent living habits.

Start small, arrange some play dates at your home and give your child some autonomy over the games and events they want to play. Make sure they have their own space during the event and follow up with a conversation on how it went. This helps grow healthy, independent living habits.

Volunteering

Volunteering is an excellent way to nurture responsibility and kindness in your children, and while it might not be the best fit for younger children, it’s perfect for teenagers and young adults. So whether it’s volunteering in the local area or sending them to summer camp, don’t miss out.

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!

5 Facts About Teeth Staining

June 25, 2022 By Anne

Almost everyone suffers from tooth staining. For most people, the problem is minor and does not detract from the beauty of their smile. Some individuals develop severe staining, which causes their self-esteem to become reduced. Learning facts about tooth staining will help individuals learn how to prevent staining and what to do if they experience problems.

Although most people know certain foods cause teeth stains, there is more to this problem than meets the eye. The following offers five interesting facts about teeth staining. Those who have tooth stains need to seek treatment from All Dental Care.

Teeth Color Is Genetic

A person’s teeth color comes directly from their genes. Many people mistakenly believe everyone starts with the same teeth color, but this simply is not true. Pearly whites are not common naturally. Most people either have ivory or yellowish teeth even without any stains.

There Are Two Types of Teeth Stains

Many people also mistakenly believe all teeth stains are the same, but this is not correct. There are two types of teeth stains: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic staining occurs deep within the dentin layer of the teeth and is practically impossible to remove. Extrinsic staining occurs on the outermost layer of the teeth in the enamel. Extrinsic staining can be removed with teeth whitening treatments.

Age Causes Teeth Stains

As people age, they begin to develop teeth stains naturally. The enamel on an older’s person’s teeth becomes thinner over time, leading to a yellowed appearance. Even people who take good care of their teeth will notice yellowing as they age.

What Stains Carpets Stains Teeth

Individuals often wonder what foods they should avoid because of teeth staining. If a food or beverage will stain the carpet, it is likely going to stain teeth. Wine, fruit juice, coffee, soda, and tomato sauce are some of the worst offenders. Brushing after consuming these foods and beverages can help prevent staining.

Fluoride Can Stain

Many people do not realize too much fluoride is a bad thing. Exposure to too much fluoride causes a condition known as fluorosis. This disorder causes brown spots or white streaks to develop on the teeth.

Teeth Stains Do Not Have to Become Permanent

Those unhappy with the appearance of their teeth because of stains need to schedule an appointment with the dentist to learn about their treatment options. Today, advanced teeth whitening treatments can remove years of staining, allowing a person’s smile to return to its natural beauty.

Teeth whitening treatments use special dental bleach. The dentist applies the solution to the teeth and leaves it in place for a specific amount of time. This bleaching treatment removes the extrinsic stains on the teeth and makes them several shades whiter.

Some will need more than one treatment, depending on the severity of their stains. The results of teeth whitening typically the last one to two years as long as a person brushes, flosses, and sees the dentist as often as recommended.

Schedule a Consultation Appointment

Those interested in learning more about teeth whitening and the benefits it provides need to schedule a consultation appointment. The dentist will determine if the patient is a good candidate for teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening treatments help people overcome all types of extrinsic stains to regain their smile confidence. Schedule a consultation appointment today to get started.

Anne

Mom’s Guide To Coping With Stress-Related Mental Health Issues

June 22, 2022 By Anne

Credit – Pixabay CC0 License

Modern life is stressful Not least when you have to juggle motherhood with housekeeping, a career, a social life, and more. Left untreated, it can lead to a range of physical and mental health. Therefore, it’s imperative that you take the necessary steps to manage the situation for the sake of your family as well as yourself.

It can seem very daunting, especially when you are not in a position to make major life changes. Nevertheless, implementing the right steps can unlock significant benefits. Here are some of the best options to consider.

Get your finances under control

Financial worries are the most common source of stress. If your money concerns are harming your mental health, it’s vital that you regain control of the situation ASAP.

It may take months (or even years) to transform your financial health. Nonetheless, you can take significant steps to get more organized. From consolidating debts to tracking your bills to avoid late payment fees, each move is a step in the right direction.

Learning to build your credit score is another significant step to take. Credit reporting agencies can provide guidance relating to this matter.

Find ways to relax your body and mind

Many people suffer from stress-related issues because they allow it to build without any form of escape or release. Introducing daily relaxed vibes will pay dividends.

Whether it’s a few minutes of meditation or using THC-O in the evenings is up to you. The chance to increase your emotional wellness and bring a little balance to your life will make a big impact. Not least because you know the safety net is there when needed.

However, it is equally crucial to take vacations and days out to inject some relaxation into your life. Again, the concept of bringing balance to a hectic lifestyle is key.

Talk to an expert

Most people will experience stress on a daily basis. However, if you have lost control of the situation and experience anxiety or depression, you should seek help.

Reported mental health cases have soared since the pandemic. Talking to your doctor about your issues instantly lifts a weight from your shoulders and shows that you’re not alone. It can be the first step to gaining the right treatment or medication.

As well as speaking to your doctor or mental health therapist, you can head to forums to find people experiencing the same things. There should be no shame or embarrassment.

Credit – Pixabay CC0 License

Look for housework shortcuts

When you regularly experience stress, it is probably heavily linked to a lack of time. Household chores are one of the chief reasons why this situation develops.

Thankfully, there are ways to overcome this problem. Choosing robotic vacuums, a Crock Pot, and dishwashers will help. Meanwhile, a minimalist approach to interior design means that you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying the home.

Gardening is another issue that can be very time-consuming. But it can also be therapeutic. Look for shortcuts like adding artificial lawns while still doing the tasks you enjoy.

Review your support network

We are all influenced by the people around us. So, the value of your support network cannot be ignored for a second. Because toxic friends could be the source of your stress.

Maybe they lead you to poor decisions. Or perhaps they borrow money and never pay it back. Either way, stepping back from negative influencers will allow you to focus more time and energy on people who have a positive impact on your life.

It is also a wise idea to review the accounts you follow on social media. FOMO and inferiority complexes can surface when you see fake lives.

Sleep well

Frankly, the impact that healthy sleep patterns can have on your physical and mental health is huge. Not least because it regulates your cortisol level.

Investing in an Emma mattress or another quality product will provide the perfect starting point. For the best results, though, you must consider your pillows, duvets, and evening routines too. It’s not just about getting to sleep. You need the REM phases.

Most adults should get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. If your child’s sleeping habits mean you have to adapt your daily routines, let it be.

The final word

There is no way to eliminate stress from your life entirely. With the above steps at your disposal, though, you should notice a reduction in its frequency and impact on your life. Right now, that will feel like a life-changing success.

Anne

9 Golden Rules for Taking Stunning Social Media Photos

June 20, 2022 By Anne

Social media provides crucial opportunities for garnering audiences for a small business’s site. Pictures are critical for conveying messages to potential customers. Unfortunately, many people struggle with creating the perfect picture for their social media sites. Learning how to take the best photographs will help small business owners showcase their talents.

Tips for Taking Quality Photos for Social Media

Multiple tips help businesses create the perfect pictures for their social media pages. Those interested in a photo shoot need to book one with a professional photographer. The following tips will help ensure social media photos look stunning.

One of the most overlooked aspects of taking a beautiful photo, especially on a cell phone, is cleaning the lens. Camera lenses get dirty, clouding a picture and making it look less professional. Clean the lens before every photo session for the best results.
Whether a company is using an expensive camera or a cell phone, they need to secure the proper lighting. Lighting is essential for any photo. Lighting not only conveys mood but also ensures the subject matter is showcased clearly. Avoid using flash since it can create a yellow or dull light on the subject.
Use the rule of thirds to keep the subject matter interesting. Do not worry about centering the subject. Use the rule of thirds to align the subject with the intersection of where the other items reside in the photo window.
Make sure to use horizontal photos instead of vertical ones. Landscape photos are much easier to edit and crop on social media. Using the landscape setting will ensure the photos display properly on all social media sites.
Try to avoid zooming, especially on a smartphone. Instead of zooming in, get closer to the photographed subject. Zooming in often causes blurriness that makes pictures look less sharp.
Just before hitting the button to open the shutter and take the shot, click on the subject. Tapping tells the camera where to focus so the picture will turn out clearer.
Backgrounds are important but should not detract from the subject matter. Simple sets are more beneficial than elaborate ones. The outdoors or a colorful background will be perfect for most shots.
Do not pose for all images. Candid shots of people get more likes on social media than other types of photos. Allowing some candid snaps will keep the photos interesting and more down-to-earth.
Businesses should ensure they are using editing tools. Many editing tools are free and uncomplicated to use. Using these tools will take photographs to the next level, making them look more appealing and professional.

What Shots Should Businesses Post on Social Media?

When small business owners want to make a splash on social media, they need to post multiple photos to keep their audiences engaged. The following are some of the shots business owners should consider posting.

User-generated images
Photos of employees
Photos of products
Behind-the-scenes images
This-or-that photos

Try These Out Today

Small business owners have an excellent opportunity for customer engagement using social media. Sharing photographs on social media is essential for business owners.

Try the above tips to become a professional at taking shots for social media platforms. With the right subject and lighting, photographs are more engaging. Pictures tell your business’s story, so make sure that story is told in the right light.

Anne

Easy Ways To Live A More Sustainable Life

June 16, 2022 By Anne

It’s clear to pretty much everyone that we have to make some changes if we’re going to avoid the worst of the effects of climate change. While the bulk of the responsibility lies with the big companies that emit carbon into the atmosphere, we should all do our bit to ensure that future generations get to enjoy the planet as much as we can. If you haven’t yet begun the transition towards living a more sustainable life, then fear not: it’s not as tricky as it sounds. In fact, there’s a host of extremely easy things that anyone can do that’ll have a positive impact.

In this blog, we’ll run through some of these easy-to-enact options. Make them part of your life, and you’ll be well on your way to living an eco-friendly life!

Pexels – CC0 Licence

Ditch the Car

OK, when we say ‘ditch the car,’ we don’t mean ditch it forever and ever. We just mean reconsider if you need to use it as much as you currently do. Many people automatically get into their cars as soon as they leave their homes, but there will likely be other options available. For instance, could you walk, cycle, or take public transport? All of these options will have additional benefits, too. If you walk or cycle, you’ll get fitter. If you take public transport, you’ll be encouraging investment in the infrastructure, which will mean more people will use it, too.

Invest In Your Home

Most people’s biggest carbon footprint impact comes from the energy they need to run their house. We all want to be warm in winter and cool in summer, after all. However, it’s important to ensure that you’re not using more energy than is really necessary. All too often, the cool/warm air we pump into our homes ends up getting lost in the atmosphere, all because of the home’s infrastructure. Switching to solar, or solar-powered energy providers, could also result in being a hugely beneficial step to making your home a greener space in the long-run. Among all energy sources, solar energy has the least detrimental effects on the environment. It does not damage the water or release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In contrast to nuclear power plants, for example, which need 20 times more water, it also uses a very little amount of water for maintenance. Since many solar installations, including household solar panels, are located in metropolitan areas, the fact that solar energy production produces no noise is a significant advantage. On top of that, you will need less electricity from the utility provider if you generate it yourself. Your energy bill will immediately decrease as a result of this. Additionally, you can profit by returning the excess electricity you’ve produced to the grid: the more energy you produce, the less you will need from the supplier which will increase your energy self-reliance. If you can add double-glazed windows and insulation, you’ll find that your home conserves energy much better — and that your energy bills are cheaper, too.

Your Meals

The food that you’re eating may be having a bigger impact on the environment than you think it is. It’s always important to buy ingredients that you know have been produced with a care for the environment in mind. For your meat and dairy products, look at getting them from a company like Superior Farms; they always keep one eye on sustainability. You should also avoid food that contains palm oil; that’s one of the most environmentally destructive products out there!

Reduce Consumption

Finally, perhaps the best way to push yourself towards a more eco-friendly way of life is to reduce your consumption. Every product you buy has a footprint. The less that you buy, the smaller your carbon footprint will be! If you do have to buy things, then take a look to see if you can buy a second-hand version first. That’ll have next to no environmental impact and it’ll also be a lot nicer for your bank balance, too.