Mommy Has to Work

How To Help Your Child Return to the Classroom

October 20, 2021 By Anne

Is your child getting ready to return to the classroom? If so, you might be wondering if your child is ready to make the big switch. It has been tough for children and parents during the past year as they have been forced to make the migration to a virtual setting. Now, there are a lot of people who are excited because children are going to be returning to the classroom. At the same time, parents need to make sure their children are ready for this switch. What do you need to make sure your child is ready to return to the classroom? Take a look at a few tips below, and remember that you do not have to go through this alone.

Be Open With Your Kids

First, you need to make sure that you are open with your children. They are going to have questions about returning to the classroom. For some kids, they are going to be in the classroom for the first time in their entire lives. Because there are going to be some challenges, let your child know that it is OK to not be OK. If your child knows that you are there for them, they are going to enter the classroom with a greater sense of confidence because they know they can ask for help when they need it. Remember to check in with them from time to time. Even though children need to develop a sense of independence, they also need to know they can ask you for help when they need it.

Give Them Extra Resources

It is entirely possible that your children may require some extra resources when they go back to the classroom. It is a big switch to go from virtual school back to regular school. For example, there are lots of parents who are asking questions about extra reading and math problems that may help their children. Can a parent buy i-Ready? This is one of the best resources that is available for children. There are also other questions parents are asking as well. Is i-Ready free right now? Parents need to take advantage of these extra resources because they could help children tackle difficult concepts. Every child is different, and some kids may need to have concepts explained in a different way. If you provide your child with access to additional resources, they will have an easier time grasping difficult concepts when they return to school. Make sure children know that it is OK to ask for help when they need it.

Talk To The Teachers

Finally, you also need to make sure you talk to your child’s teachers. Make sure you are keeping tabs on how your children are doing. Your child’s teacher may reach out to you with questions and concerns from time to time. Make sure you address them. You may also want to talk to your child’s teacher about how your child did during the pandemic. This can help your teacher place your child in a good position moving forward. Teachers are going to need help as well, and they may reach out to you with questions or concerns. Make sure you are available to them.

Ask for Help When Needed

These are just a few of the most important tips you need to keep in mind if your child is getting ready to return to the classroom. Even though it can be intimidating for children, you need to make sure your child remembers that he or she is not alone. Expect that your child is going to have some difficulties one going back to the classroom. That is why you need to keep an open line of communication between yourself, your children, and the teaching staff. Furthermore, you may want to take a look at a few extra resources that could be available to help kids during this difficult time. If you let your child know that he or she is not alone, he or she is going to be more comfortable going back to the classroom. This can help you place your children in the best position possible to be successful during the school year.

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!

If You’re Thinking About Getting a Pet Dog, Read This First

October 20, 2021 By Anne

The holidays are around the corner and you can start to think about what you want to get as gifts for the family. One thing that is always a popular thought, especially for families with children, is getting a dog. It could be the ultimate gift for the holidays and make a lot of people very happy.

The thing is, falling in love with the idea of a dog, or dog itself if you have seen one you like, is the simple part; it is easy. Having a dog in the home can be something that brings a lot of joy, so there is no doubt that you can get a lot of loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love from your dog or puppy. In fact, having a pet in the home, especially dogs, has shown to relieve stress after a long day. When it comes to getting a dog, though, you need to think carefully about it. It isn’t something that you should do on a whim or something that you take lightly. It is a big commitment, not only because you will have the dog for the rest of their life, but it is a commitment to time and money. The average lifespan of a dog is fifteen years, so you need to be in it for at least that length of time.

Having a pet in the home can be very enjoyable and very satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a playmate for the kids or for a companion in the home, it is something that is very gratifying. It is a big commitment and responsibility, though. With all of that in mind, here are some of the things that you need to think about now, before you dive in headfirst to get a pet dog. When you plan it out and think carefully, you’ll know that you’re making the right decision for your family or not.

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What are your reasons for wanting a dog?

This is something that you need to think about deeply, as it will help to answer if you’re ready for a pet dog or not. If you don’t ask yourself this before getting a dog, then it could lead to problems or you wanting to rehome the dog after a little while. If you just think that it will be a fun thing to do or everyone seems to have a dog so you should get one too, then it is likely to be for the wrong reason. If the children beg for one then it could end up being a mistake. You will have a new member of the family to care for so you need to know what you’re in it for the right reasons and want to get a dog to really meet a specific need.

Do you have enough time for a dog?

Dogs will become part of the family. However, unlike little children, they can be left alone from time to time. That being said, leaving them for hours on end isn’t going to be a good idea. You can’t just forget about them or head out to work all day without putting plans in place. Dogs do require a lot of care, so if you’re not able to commit that to them, then it may not be the best decision that you make. If you can afford to have a dog walker come in through the day to help out, then that could work. But otherwise, you need to think wisely about how much time you can realistically afford to give.

Can you afford a dog?

As much as dogs can offer love and affection, you still need to think about the realistic costs of having a dog and if you can afford one yourself. Getting a dog is a life commitment, and over their lifetime, there are a number of different costs to think about. You need to consider food and insurance costs, as well as toys and accessories like bedding. Not only that, but you may need to take your dog to training classes, get them groomed, as well as thinking about dog walker costs of boarding costs for when you’re out of town.

When it comes to the costs, you can essentially spend as much or as little as you’d like to. You can choose to make your own food or buy in bulk, and how many extras you get is up to you. However, you need to understand that there are some costs upfront to think about, so dogs should never be seen as something that is cheap to have.

Is your living situation conducive to having a dog?

You might be in it for all of the right reasons, but you also need to consider your living situation to check that will work for you too. For example, a lot of rentals don’t allow dogs to be there, or if they do, have some specific rules around it. If you are renting, then this is something to consider so that you don’t end up being kicked out of your home. Even if you own your home, you might need to be realistic about if it is a good place for a dog to be. A small apartment can work if you choose a small dog, but a larger dog would be better suited to a home with a backyard, for example. Are there places to walk the dog nearby? If not, then each time you need to take them out, it can be a big drive to get to somewhere suitable.

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Is this the right time to get a pet dog?

If you have a baby, then getting a dog on top of having a new baby could feel like a little much. Some people do it, but it can be a lot of work. If you have young children, then as much as they might like a dog, it could be a good idea to wait for a couple more years until they’re able to help out a little more.

Many dog breeds will be full of energy, which can be too much for some children. You also need to make sure that if you have children, that they are mature enough to care for the dog in the right way. You should consider your lifestyle too. If you travel a lot as a family or go away for work a lot, will it be a good time to get a dog when you’ll have to keep putting it in boarding kennels? If you are in the military, then that is something else to consider as you could have long deployments overseas and military housing might not work with a pet.

A dog is for life

This might feel like a long list of things to ask yourself, but it will help you to be in the best place to decide whether getting a dog is what you should do or not. There are several responsibilities that come with having a pet dog and you shouldn’t forget about them or think that they aren’t as important as they are. Many dogs can end up being rehomed or put into a shelter because people just got a dog on a whim and didn’t take into account the full duties they would have as dog owners. Think about how life can change when you have a dog, because although very rewarding, it is a big change and a big responsibility that you need to be ready for. Additionally, considering options like open banking and revenue based loans can provide financial support for pet-related expenses, ensuring you can meet your obligations as a responsible pet owner.

Anne

The Must-Haves to Succeed in the Fitness Industry

October 17, 2021 By Anne

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The fitness industry is booming with opportunities for success. You can be an instructor, a personal trainer, or even open your studio. But to succeed in this competitive field, you need to have the necessary skills. If this is something you need help with, then keep reading for excellent tips.

Lead by Example

This is an essential tip to follow when in the fitness industry. When you’re at a gym, always lead by example with your workout techniques and routines. You should also dress well so that members will know this is a severe environment they are entering into. For example, you can wear workout tanks or tee shirts for quick changes after classes if needed but never come in sweats unless it’s part of an activewear uniform.

Go for Standard Certifications

If you’re new to the fitness industry, it’s essential to go through specific training courses that can help bring your career on an excellent upward trajectory. This means going after Barre Certification from reputable companies, which have been around for decades. Their programs provide members with thorough knowledge of how this business operates while also giving them practical skills to succeed at any gym.

Be Passionate

It’s not easy to wake up at the crack of dawn for a boot camp class, travel across town during rush hour traffic, or spend your entire day in front of oncoming people. But, this is why you have to be passionate about what you do. You never know who might walk through that gym doors.

You could find out that they are actually related to someone famous or even help them achieve their dreams by losing weight and becoming fit again after years of being inactive due to an illness or injury.

Never Be Intimidated by a Challenge

Challenges will occur daily in this industry, especially when it comes to dealing with difficult people. For example, a member might come up to you and say they’re unhappy that the treadmill speeds are too low, or maybe another tells you not to correct them during their squats.

This can be frustrating for anyone because, after all, you only want what’s best for them, even if it’s something they don’t want to do or understand. It might sound intimidating working at such gyms, but be sure that every member leaves feeling better than when they came in after each workout session or class.

Improve Your Skills and Knowledge Constantly

The fitness industry is constantly changing, so it’s essential to be able to change with it. This means reading books, attending seminars, and taking advantage of any other learning opportunities within the field so you can stay ahead of trends that could help or hinder members from succeeding at their goals.

Remember that this career isn’t easy, but if done right, you will follow, and as long as you’re willing to work hard, nothing can stop you from becoming a true leader in this business.

Conclusion

In conclusion, many aspects are needed for success in the fitness industry, but these must-haves should undoubtedly be on every list when beginning a new career within this field.

Anne

Work-From-Home Moms: 7 Clever Ways to Reduce Stress

October 17, 2021 By Anne

With a home to manage, endless to-do lists, and kids to care for, many work from home moms are even more anxious and stressed than before. And if you are a mom working from home, this anxiety can sometimes feel overwhelming. Besides your everyday work, you are also taking care of your kids at the same time. When this occurs, it gets pretty hard to rest.

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Regrettably, stress can rob you of the joy you have in the things you love most in life, for instance, working and taking care of your kids. Besides, it can really take a toll on your mental and physical health at the same time. And while stress can be part of everyday life, you must keep it under control. So, if you find yourself stressed too much all the time, the following are some ways to help you reduce stress, maintain your sanity, and become a happier mom.

Be organized

This is an essential skill that every mom should have. Getting organized is the secret to reducing stress. Besides, getting organized, particularly at work, extends to various other areas of your life and can help get rid of stress. You will need less time looking for stuff and scrambling in multiple situations. However, some areas carry the most benefits when you organize them.

Start by organizing your house. Remember that a cluttered home can rob you of your energy and other hidden costs of a cluttered home. This is why you should get your home organized. And while you need to have your books stored logically or your shoes lined up according to their color or the date they were bought, it is vital to have everything in its proper place.

Next, organize your time. Are you one of those people that find themselves rushing all the time and have trouble remembering some things? As a working mom, you have everything but time. Therefore, getting organized can make a significant impact on your life. And when making a plan, never overbook yourself and remember to plan for activities you have time for.

Ask for help

As a mom, you might have the feeling of handling everything yourself. However, that endless need to handle everything can eventually become stressful. So, don’t be hesitant to ask for help whenever you need it. This might mean asking your partner or any family member to help manage your kids or the job. It can also mean delegating some tasks to your older kids and getting help to solve the source of your stress, like going to alcohol rehab. Remember to lower your expectations, especially when delegating some chores to your kids, and in the process, you will reduce your anxiety and stress.

Exercise

As earlier stated, stress is a prevalent factor in many working from home moms. Exercising triggers the production of endorphins, the hormone that fights stress and improves your sleep. Also, according to many studies, working out improves your mental health, allowing you to concentrate better and be more productive at work.

Besides, you don’t have to hit the gym to gain the benefits of exercising. There are some types of exercises that you can do from home. For instance, you can try high-energy activities that increase the heart rate and produce endorphins. In addition, you can try yoga as it involves some stationery moves that help improve the body’s natural reaction to relaxation, making you feel more relieved and healthier.

Have boundaries

As a working mom, you are playing many roles and want to be the best. This sometimes results in the act of not being able to say no to anything. So, to be the best version of yourself, you don’t have to say yes to everything. In fact, saying no to the things that are irrelevant to your success and your family’s wellness allows you to say yes to the things in life that are good.

On the other hand, being overbooked is another major cause of stress in working from home moms. Since many want to feel like role models, they feel like they have to make everyone happy to be successful; this is not true. Make an effort to learn not to overcommit yourself to irrelevant things. Instead, pay more attention to the things that bring joy and happiness to your family.

Think again about multitasking

Working from home moms are used to balancing a busy work and home timetable. Besides, it is what they do best. However, according to the American Sociological Review, multitasking makes working moms even more stressed and decreases their efficiency. So, instead of trying to handle everything simultaneously, try focusing on one task at a time. Once you have done that, tick it off your to-do list. That way, you will be more driven to keep working.

Eat right

It is important to note that your body will only get more stressed when you fail to eat right. Although, as a working mom, you can get too busy and be tempted to grab some sugary snacks, it is advisable to consume foods that have low sugar content. Foods that make you feel good, like baked goodies and sugary snacks, can improve your mood for a short time; however, you will be left with an enormous energy scarcity which is a killer if you are trying to get rid of stress. Therefore, try as much as you can to limit foods with high sugar levels, caffeine, Trans fats, and foods containing preservatives. Also, find a healthy diet that will help you meet all your health objectives.

Take a break

One of the biggest obstacles for working moms is that they feel the pressure to spend the entire day working. While it is a good idea to ensure you are dedicating enough time to your work, filling in the gaps of your everyday business is not healthy.

You must have a balance between work and relaxation. Besides, recreation and rest are the things that keep everyone in charge. So, if you find that you have overworked, take some time off to play with your kids or do something that you love. This will give you a stress-reducing break you need.

Final thoughts

Being a work-from-home mom can be very challenging and a blessing at the same time. And when you are overwhelmed with stress, it can be hard to see the blessing in the middle of the stress. So as you incorporate these stress-relieving tips into your daily routine, remember to get plenty of sleep and give yourself some elegance. Raising kids and working from home is a tremendous job, and the reality is that you are doing a great job, more than you realize.

Anne

Essential Italian Recipes You Need To Master

October 13, 2021 By Anne

If you are keen to try and cook Italian at home as well as possible, there are many essential recipes that you will need to master along the way. Italian food is arguably some of the most delicious food in the world, and it is a well-loved cuisine which pretty much everyone enjoys eating at least some of the time. If you are keen to improve your Italian cooking, first consider getting these basics down as strongly as you can. You will then find that the rest follows in turn pretty easily and quickly, and you are going to be able to keep a lot of people happy this way.

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Marinara Sauce

Every great Italian restaurant or household has its own marinara sauce. This is simply a basic tomato sauce, but the beauty of it in Italian cooking is that it can be used as a base for many other meals that are important in Italian cooking, from pizza to pasta dishes and beyond. Good marinara recipes are straightforward and yet complex; easy to learn but hard to master. But once you have your own homemade marinara sauce down, you will find that your Italian cooking improves greatly thereafter.

Pizza Dough

What would Italian cooking be without its pizza? This is arguably the single most popular Italian cuisine export, as it is now one of the most beloved foods all over the world. If you want to make true Italian pizza at home, you will first need to learn how to make a fantastic pizza dough. There are many methods to do this, but a traditional Napolina pizza dough consists of 00-grade pasta flour mixed with a little strong bread flour. And the really important thing is to leave it to rise for a long time, and always stretch the dough to size – never roll it with a rolling pin!

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Homemade Pasta

Pasta is one of those beautiful things which appear to be very difficult to make but are actually very easy indeed to make – and yet, it’s absolutely delicious, and one of the most versatile foods in the world. To make pasta, all you need to do is combine 100g of pasta flour with an egg yolk, mix it with a fork or just with your hands on a work surface. Knead it into a dough and then you can roll it through a pasta machine, or simply use a rolling pin. Fold it over and roll it out again and again to make it silky. The more work you put into it, the better of course. Then it’s just about turning it into whatever preferred shape you might have in mind, and adding it to your favourite sauce or recipe. Carbonara, anyone?

Those are three of the most important Italian recipes to master at home. Each of them is perfectly within your grasp, if you want to learn them. And you will find them incredibly satisfying to create for yourself, your friends and your family.