Mommy Has to Work

4 Best Steps to Take For a Child with Disability

August 28, 2019 By Anne

We all want what’s best for our children. As a parent, you will go above and beyond to ensure the happiness, safety and well-being of your child. Having children is never easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. Children are the pride and joy of our lives!

Having a child with a disability can be tough. It can be isolating, and those generalized help books and well-meaning advice won’t always apply to a child with different every day needs. Of course, each disability can be incredibly different to the next, so excuse us if we, too, generalize. Yet, we’ve come up with some (hopefully) useful tips to consider when bringing up a child who is disabled.

1. Find support groups

This is probably one of the most beneficial things you can do, not just for you, but for your child. These can give you genuine, real life, real people support. Finding out how other parents help their loved ones can give you some guidance when you need it. You may find out things you never thought about that can transform your lives for the better.

If you can find a support network for your child too, this can make them feel more involved and less alone in what they are dealing with. From the less debilitating to the more restrictive of disabilities, all children can benefit from speaking to others with their condition.

The social aspect for both of you can be very wholesome too, especially so if the disability is one that is more physically limiting, meaning you and your child might not get out as much as you would like to.

Alternatively, if this is the case, the beauty of the internet and social networking sites is that there is a larger scope for support networks. This aids in the everyday motivation that sometimes you both need when times get tough, as well as building up friendships that are accessible when you and your child need it most. Look over this NDIS registration guide to learn more becoming a registered provider.

2. Household equipment

There’s a lot of useful medical equipment out there, and some might not actually know it’s an option. From disabilities like Cerebral Palsy, to Multiple Sclerosis or chronic pain, manual equipment can make life that bit easier.

You can find adjustable beds, stair lifts, ramps and physical therapy equipment all from jamesonmedical.com.

Have a look around too and see if there are other household additions that have been proven useful for others with the same disability as your child. From different kinds of aesthetic aspects to even something seemingly small like cutlery, there are tweaks you can make to every day items to make your child’s life easier.

3. Do your planning

Having a child with particular needs does require you to be a bit of a planner. Which you may have figured out by now! If they have a physical disability, check about stairs and wheelchair access. If you’re going to a new city or country, find out about the landscape. Some places can turn out to be quite physically exerting.

Wherever it is you’re going, even if it’s just to a new restaurant, think of the things your child will need. Toilets, calm atmospheres, wheelchair ramps, and special dietary requirements may be just some of the things that you need to keep in mind when heading out.

4. Speak to the right professional

As incredible as doctors are, when it’s a specific healthcare need at hand, some can be quite unsure on how to deal with it. Seek out a professional that specialize in your child’s disability. This helps prevent the misinformation and ignorance you can occasionally find in general healthcare professionals.

Alongside specialists, it’s good to get a team together who can help with each aspect of your child’s life. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, care givers and dietitians can all be useful people to help you both through your journey.

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!

A Quick Overview Of Baby Development Milestones

August 28, 2019 By Anne

While every baby grows and develops at a slightly different rate, there are well-documented average baby development milestones. Most babies will fall within these ranges along a well-defined timeline. Ensuring that your baby receives adequate nutrition and care throughout these stages can go a long way towards keeping them growing within these normal parameters.

To put your mind at ease regarding your baby’s development, it is important to familiarise yourself with these milestones. Being sure that your baby is coming along nicely can reassure you that you are doing a great job as a new parent. Verifying with your doctor that these milestones are being met is also important for ensuring the future health of your child.

To this end, let’s look at a quick overview of the standard baby development milestones.

At One Month

Babies who have reached the one-month point display similar behavioral and motor skills across the board. If they are growing properly, they will make shaky arm movements and be able to bring their hands to their face. They will be able to move their head weakly from side to side while lying down.

In terms of cognitive development, babies will noticeably prefer human faces to other shapes. Even at the one-month stage, babies can hear quite well and begin to recognize their parents’ voices.

At Three Months

Three months of age is a big stepping stone for a new baby. Now, they may be able to more proficiently move their upper body while lying down and kick their legs while lying on their backs. They can now bring their hands to their mouths and open and close their fingers.

Cognitively, babies now reconnize people more easily and some can begin to make sounds from their mouth. They may start to enjoy playing with their caregivers and may even begin to cry when this play stops.

At Six Months

After six months of growth, babies are getting bigger. It is a big deal when your child sits up for the first time and now is when you may begin to see just that. Coordination is beginning to improve. At six months, your child may be able to transfer an object from one hand to the other. Most babies can also roll at this time and a few may even start crawling.

Interpersonal skills are also rapidly catching up. Babies can respond to their own name at six months and may become increasingly vocal themselves with sounds, not words. This is a time when games like peek-a-boo may be fun for your child.

From Six Months To First Birthday

The next six months of your child’s development are filled with many developments and changes. These include the first vocalizations of “dada” and “mama” as well as more imitation abilities with regards to watching and coordinating when seeing others. Other sounds but not quite words might now be noticed.

By one year, many babies can take a few steps and can even understand basic instructions. Expect lots of hand gestures and even pointing at distinct objects. Your child may even be able to drink from a cup at this time, but that is not common.

Time Goes By So Quickly

In the first year of your baby’s life, they will grow very rapidly and undergo many changes. Whether or not you have more children, the baby years are highly memorable, usually in a good way, for new parents. Be sure to enjoy these moments with your child and take the time to provide the care and nurturing that makes for healthy infant growth and development.

Anne

Why You Should Always Buy Infant Formula From Trusted Sources

August 28, 2019 By Anne

Looking for high-quality infant formula in Australia can be a difficult task for new parents. Given the diverse array of products on the market, as well as the many conflicting sources of information on the topic, narrowing down the options to find the best for your child can take time and research.

Fortunately, there are trusted sources of infant formula that can provide certainty and reassurance. Sticking with these trusted sources is a safe bet to ensure that your infant grows up healthy, strong, and in line with standard developmental milestones. If you are thinking about skimping when it comes to sourcing your infant formula, we have included some reasons why you should think twice about that decision.

Let’s take a closer look at some of those reasons why you should always buy infant formula from trusted sources.

Established Track Record In Infant Health

If the provider of your child’s infant formula has been around for years with a proven track record of success in ensuring healthy child development, you can be confident in your decision. Knowing that many other children have used the same product you are feeding to your infant can give you the reassurance you need that your child’s nutritional needs are being met. While sometimes established sources of infant formula can charge a higher price than less well-known brands, it is worth the cost to guarantee that you are receiving the highest quality product.

Ensures That Your Child Develops Properly

Sourcing your infant formula from a trusted source can ensure that your infant will develop according to established growth milestones. While every child is different, infants who receive proper nutrition will generally tend to grow at a rate falling within a well-documented range.

By using a trusted source of infant formula, you can be sure that what is on the label of the product is actually in the formula itself. Therefore, you can be aware of precisely the amount of nutrition your child is receiving and determine whether or not it is sufficient for optimal health.

Keeps Your Child’s Unique Needs In Mind

Trusted sources of infant formula also know that your child might have dietary particularities that need to be accounted for. If your infant appears to be allergic to milk, for example, established brands have formula variants that can account for these conditions. For instance, there can be considerable benefits of goat milk formula when there is a cow’s milk sensitivity or an infant is experiencing digestive problems. At the same time, these alternative formulations contain the same nutritional value derived from other sources. Trusted sources of infant formula are very familiar with the needs of growing infants and make sure to include the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need to be healthy and happy.

How Do I Find Trusted Sources Of Infant Formula?

One of the best resources you can use to find a trusted source of infant formula is word of mouth from friends and family. If your relatives and friends’ children all seem to be developing well, then they must be doing something right. Inquire as to what formulas they have used for their infants and you will get solid advice on who you can trust in the formula industry.

As always, your family physician is a great source of information on what source of infant formula to use. Always consult with your doctor about your child’s nutritional needs especially before making serious modifications to their diet. You can also use your doctor as a reliable guide to ensure that your infant is hitting the right developmental milestones on an appropriate timeline.

The Best Choice For Your Child

Buying your infant formula from trusted sources, even if this comes with a more expensive price tag, is the best decision you can make for your child’s development.

Anne

Fun Ideas For Your Next Family Game Night

August 15, 2019 By Anne

Family game nights can be the perfect time for everybody in your family to bond, let go of any stress they’ve been having, and just have fun. You could have a game night once a week if you’re ambitious, but even having one once a fortnight or once a month could be a great idea, if that’s all you have time for.

Below, we’ll take a look at some fun ideas for your next family game night. Take a look and see what you can do to have the best time!

Rotate The Games You Play

Your family probably has some favorite games that they love to play, but this doesn’t mean you should stick to them the whole time. Make sure you rotate the games you play and give all kinds of other games a chance. There are all kinds of fun games out there, including picture games and card games like solitaire, snap or go fish. You have so much choice! Ideas include:

Nerf Gun games
Twister
Cluedo
Monopoly
Pie face
Kerplunk
Jenga
Domino’s
Uno
Scrabble

All you have to do is make sure you choose games that are suitable for the kids. You don’t want to challenge them to a game of scrabble and have to let them use the Scrabble word finder because they aren’t old enough to play.

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Do Stuff Other Than Games

Life is exciting when we have a little novelty, and you can use game night to introduce novelty into your life and have an amazing time. For example, why not let the kids eat ice cream or another dessert for dinner? You could also have a backyard camp out night, and perhaps even a ‘no rules’ night. During a ‘no rules’ night, you still have to stay safe and avoid disrupting the neighbors at 3am, but other than that, everyone can do what they like.

Make Believe

Make believe comes so easy to kids, and not so much to adults. However, this is the perfect reason for everybody to get into it and do it! Dress up and put on accents and pretend to be different people. You can do this while playing a game, watching a film, or even eating your dinner. This can be so much fun and you’ll love seeing how far everyone’s imagination can stretch.

Use The Hasbro Game Demo Site

This site can give you an idea of what to expect from a game before you splash out on it. Take a look if you’re in the market for a new game! You can also look at game reviews on YouTube, so you can get a well rounded idea of what the game you want to buy is about.

Don’t Neglect Puzzles

Puzzles are a great brain training exercise that keep everybody engaged. They might not be a traditional game, but they can still be a lot of fun and help everybody to use critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Are you ready to host your next family game night? What will you play? Leave any of your own tips and ideas below!

Anne

Talking the Future Through With Your Teen

August 15, 2019 By Anne

You remember their first day at school as if it were yesterday. The nerves that needed calming down and those new school clothes that started off so immaculate and clean. Yet, those years have gone by in a flash and it’s time to help your teenager find the next step along the road to their career or educational success.

If you’re at a point where your teen needs to make some crucial life decisions about what and where to study, we’re here to help you all through the process that can be at times stressful and confusing for everyone involved.

The Basics

Your teen has put the work in and found subjects that they have both enjoyed and found they have a natural aptitude for. They’ll also know what they find difficult and challenging.

It’s time to sit down with your senior year teen and talk about the reality of their grade scores and what they are looking at and what they’ll need to secure a college place.

To help your child start to take ownership of the process have them write down all the factors that they’ll need to take into account. Yes, grades are the first place you should start but they should also consider any awards they’ve received. Their achievements in sports and their hobbies and interests outside of school.

Then the very best thing you can do to help is simply to ask them what they want to do? They may opt for the traditional route of going to college, though this option is sometimes far harder for some students to pursue than others. Or they may not. They may feel that going to college isn’t for them that they would rather find a job or enrol on a course that teaches some practical skills, perhaps coupled with an apprenticeship.

Whatever your child says at this stage, you’ll need to respect their decision and above all you mustn’t act disappointed as this will only serve to make your child feel guilty or, on the opposite end of the spectrum, dig their heels in even more. Remember what it was like to go through this decision-making process yourself and be patient as they figure things out.

College

If your teen does decide that a college course is for them then it’s time to start looking. Your first port of call is going to be the internet but where to start? Work with your child to narrow down the type of course they would like to enroll on. One of the easiests ways to start the process is to ask your child how far away they would be prepared to travel.

Once you’ve established how many hours max they’d be prepared to go you can narrow down the search to within a set radius.

You might also want to ask your child what kind of qualities they’d like the college to have. Will they have a strong sports presence or have a great college orchestra? Keep an open mind and choose between six to ten that your teen feels drawn towards. Some might seem out of reach but be prepared to include them even when the entry requirements seem particularly tough or the fees are a little on the steep side.

While college can be expensive, there may be help in the form of grants, loans and other federal financing that might help to bridge the gap.

Career

While college might be your dream, that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the dream of your child’s. If they have a firm idea in their mind of what they want to do and where they want to start then that desire to work and earn a living should be applauded.

Encourage them to look for employment that has a clear career progression. Help them to find an employer who takes on school leavers with a view to training and seeing them progress up through the ranks of their industry.

Don’t just take the first job that comes along but instead think further into the future and ask your child where they’d see themselves in five years’ time in the ideal job.

Image courtesy of Pexels

Break

It might be that your child really is lost and has little clue what they might like to do after school. You worry that they’ll take the first job on offer or that they’ll enrol on a course that will see them drop out before long. If this is the case then let them take a break. Have them volunteer with a charity that speaks to them and spend the time talking to a school guidance counselor about where they want to head to in life. Sometimes, a little space can make all the difference.

Practical Training

If your child has shown an aptitude towards a specific skill or has their eyes set on learning a skill closer to home then very often a technical training college can be the answer. Find a school that specialises in construction, robotics, like the Pinnacle Academy, and so forth. Helping your child find their passion in life is half the battle.

Entrepreneur

Your budding genius may have just hit on a startup idea that’s worth talking about. If your young entrepreneur has thought carefully enough about starting up a business, how about letting them explore that idea and seeing if they can make it fly?

Like any new business it will take some work and some commitment but with the right idea and your support, they might just be a success.

Whatever your child chooses to do, they’re looking to you for your support. Your idea may not be their idea and that’s ok. It’s fine to disagree but just remember that this is their life and not yours.

Be proud of what they have achieved so far and of what they have to offer. Lend a supportive hand and help your child achieve a future that they’ve always wanted, whether at work, college or as an entrepreneur.