HOW ENCOURAGING YOUR CHILD TO BE A STORYTELLER COULD CULTIVATE HIS EMPATHY

Posted on May 24, 2021

We live in a world where some may say there is an overemphasis in academia and education public policy on STEM (Science Tech Engineering and Math) and where technology addiction is a thing, and children are growing up lacking basic social skills. The tech part of children’s brains and lives do not necessarily cultivate or stimulate interpersonal development when it comes to human in-face interaction.

In fact, I know I am not alone among the many parents scrambling these days to figure out how to teach their children empathy.

I know there is not a day that goes by that I am not lecturing my children about the importance of exercising basic social decorum and practices. I want them to always say “excuse me” when they pass in front of someone, and to do so audibly so the person hears. I want them to run to help when they see an elderly person struggling to open a door or carry a package. I want them to look people in the eyes when they have a conversation with them. I want them to show interest in other people’s lives and days and their well being, and to do the minimum and ask others how is their day is going.

I know young people are ruled by the ego and that they are generally, self-centered and self-interested. But I know that it is possible for them to also show interest in others at the same time.

Personally, I am at the point that I am not considering enrolling my three children into social etiquette classes because I figure, they may better respond to an instructor and instructional class setting where they can practice these habits with others in a controlled classroom environment.

I don’t know.

As I am considering this drastic approach, I was skimming through my copy of The Formula: Unlocking the Secrets to Raising Highly Successful Children and noted one passage in the chapter called “Raising Storytellers: Cultivating The Power of Empathy“, where authors Ronald F. Ferguson and Tatsha Robertson, might have come up with one solution: storytelling.

They write that ” the act of storytelling – of imagining the lives of real people – stretches the brain.”

The two researchers posit that “storytellers have to come up with words their character will use, the ways they’ll move, and even their vocal inflections and emotions. They must imagine how characters will interact with one another and how one doe will affect what the others will do.”

In short, the authors state, “storytelling builds empathy: it teaches the storyteller how to put themselves in other people’s shoes, which in turn increases their ability to ‘read” (and respond to) others’ thoughts and feelings.”

Storytellers, they explain, have a highly developed “theory of the mind” – what scientists call the ability to anticipate how other people think.

So today, after your child comes home from school or wakes from a nap and you read them a story, ask them to tell YOU a story or tell you a story about what happened the other day or imagine what another friend is grappling through.

I will try though I highly doubt my older two will engage me, but I’ll try.

Good luck!

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10 RULES OF EMAIL COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR EX AFTER DIVORCE

Posted on May 24, 2021

Although this is a celebrity pregnancy blog, the fact of the matter is a lot of couples do not last the pregnancy. As blogged before, Kelis, Amber Rose, Christina Milian, Heidi Klum, January Jones, Melanie Brown, Denise Richards and Shar Jackson and several other high profile women’s relationship and marriages fell apart before baby could arrive.

It’s a bitter pill to swallow but many times, the separation is best for all parties involved including baby. In the case of divorce, or in other scenarios, the child usually binds the couple together for life.

Communication becomes a touchy subject, and to help exes navigate this area, matrimonial lawyer Jacqueline Newman has penned a new book called “The New Rules of Divorce“, available now from Simon & Schuster, matrimonial attorney Jacqueline Newman recently shared her 10 practical tips for communicating with an ex during this tumultuous period.

1. Try to limit the topics to no more than three issues in an email. I find people do not tend to read or retain more than three points at a time.

2. Number the points and separate each point by a space. If you number the points, you increase the odds of all three questions being answered, and spacing makes it seem less overwhelming than a huge ranting paragraph.

3. Try to phrase your questions so answers of yes or no are possible. If you can get back a simple yes or no, you increase the odds of your questions being answered.

4. Keep the three points short. If it takes someone more than one thumb swipe on their phone to read the whole email, the odds drop that your full email will be read.

5. Try to use email for issues that do not need an immediate response. Use the phone for emergencies and figure email should have a window of twenty-four to seventy-two hours for response.

6. Try to use neutral words because you need to assume that the written word will be taken in the worst tone possible.

7. Don’t cc other people on the emails and suck them into your drama. That gives the response a bigger audience and will cause more reaction. (You can just forward it to your sister to read after you send it instead.)

8. Try to write your emails at times of the day when you know he/she will read them. If you know your ex has a manager’s meeting every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m., do not write your emails during that time.

9. Do not write an explosive email while he is spending parenting time with the kids.

10. Try to end all emails on a positive note—even if you don’t mean it.

Good luck!

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Parenting

BECOMING A PARENT VIA ADOPTION: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Posted on May 24, 2021

Becoming a parent is an exciting, transformative time in one’s life, and that is true whether you’re carrying your own baby, working with a surrogate, or adopting a child into your home. For would-be parents looking at the wide range of options out there for expanding their families, adopting a baby or a child can be a controversial decision because of widespread social attitudes about biological heredity.

The fact is, adoption represents a way to put children with loving families and to make lives better for the biological parents, the adoptive family, and the kids themselves. If you are ready to move forward with the process, there are a few things you should know before you get started.

Understanding the difference between adoption systems, as well as the fact that they vary from state to state in their requirements, is vital to making sure you know how to navigate this process before you plunge in.

Voluntary vs. State-Sponsored Processes

In most states, there are separate resources for would-be parents who are looking to adopt an infant through a voluntary process and those who are looking to adopt through the foster care system after parental rights are terminated, because generally speaking the state’s child welfare resources do not concern themselves with voluntary adoptions. Instead, the transfer of legal parenthood happens through a court petition.

While adopting a baby from a voluntary biological parent is generally a smooth process because both parties are seeking the arrangement, there are details to negotiate that can represent some sticking points. By contrast, when seeking an adoption through state placement, the process involves weighing the best placement choice for the child. In the U.S., 59% of all placements are through the child welfare system.

Here’s what you should know about the two systems:

State welfare agencies seek to act as quickly as possible after parental rights are terminated, provided placement can be found and proven to be in the best interests of the child
Some states include placement subsidies to help cover the costs of children adopted through the system, especially older children
Most state placements will not be infants, although many are very young children
Placement takes longer when you have more specific requirements, whether those are related to age, genetic background, or other factors, and regardless of the type
Voluntary adoptions can be open or closed, with several degrees of compromise, if parties want the biological parent to be involved

If you do choose to use the voluntary system, then you need to know how to navigate it, because there is not a centralized system for administering placements when you are adopting a child who is voluntarily placed with a family. Luckily, there are information networks to avail yourself of if you’re looking.

You might need to put more time and effort into the search, taking on a few processes for yourself that state placements handle for you. On the other hand, you have additional options, including international adoptions, which can increase your chances of finding the perfect fit for your new family much more quickly.

Networks for Parents Adopting Privately

Private placement agencies are operating around the country to identify and facilitate these processes, and some lawyers even specialize in this niche as part of a family law practice. They tend to have resources for finding available parents looking to place children soon after birth, so they can help. Lawyers do have costs, though, as do agencies that do the legwork to bring people together.

Private religious institutions are also known for both placing children through voluntary processes and also for maintaining larger networks with other organizations looking to place kids.

Catholic organizations are especially good at this, in part due to the church’s international efforts toward child welfare and in part because of its traditional investment in institutions like hospitals. If you are seeking a private process and you’re intent on adopting an infant, these networks can be a huge help. Luckily, for those who are considering adoption as a biological parent, the demand is high enough that working with a good agency that has an established reputation should be all you need to find a range of possible placements for your child.

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My Husband Wants Another Baby

Posted on May 22, 2021

When are we getting the next one?

When is your son getting a brother or sister?

These are the questions I have been getting for the last 6 years and my son is 7 years old ! Firs let me

just say these inappropriate questions really need to stop!

My Husband and I have an 8-year age difference and when we got our son, I was 23! I just had

graduated, and I had a plan. But clearly, we plan God laughs. 3 Months into my first Job I realized I

was pregnant- and this was not in the plan. Soon, all that had a scent made me feel like throwing up.

After my 6-month Probation, I quit, moved in with the father of my child and joined him in his travel

agency business til I gave birth.

Baby on the way and broke , I was incredibly stressed and to put Icing on the Cake, my dad

committed suicide when my baby was 3 months old. I was already battling postpartum depression as

it was and now, I had to grieve. I could not produce milk anymore and had to turn to formular milk. My mother-in-law was not much of help because she did not approve of me. Soon after the funeral, I had to make a tough choice to

go back to work.

My husband at this point has his life back on track, like nothing has happened. The late night out, the

drinking and all things you could think of So clearly, I was flying solo. Tradition was not much oof

help as people from my tribe believe if we are not married and I live in my Parents in law’s

compound, my family could not visit.

So now, I fall into real depression! God came through for me and got a job. I had to forget my fancy

First Class Honours Degree and became a receptionist at a Brothel! It was quite a learning curve for

me. Barely 6 months after it closed and I was jobless again, but God yet again came through for me

and I got a Marketing Executive job at a trave agency.

At the end of the month, my pay cheque was half of what we agreed upon and I had to commute for

about 4 hours to-and-fro daily. I would leave my house on a daily. I would leave so early that I left

my baby asleep and came back so late he was asleep. This got me into so much depression one day I

just quit. It was not worth it. I remember walking home because I did not have any money. My

husband scolded me in his drunkenness you would have though I was a naughty toddler that took

the car for a joy ride. His argument, I remember so clearly was that he would now have to take care

of all the bills.

Again, God, came through for me barely a month after quitting and I got an amazing job. I got to be a

Content Manager and Editor for of the biggest Entertainment Magazines in the country. I rubbed

shoulders with the who is who and finally, started getting out of depression. I got to interact with

people my age and learnt how to survive this harsh world. I got to provide for my son and what was

so great about this job is, I got time to spend with my son.

6 years later, the first case on COVID -19 was announced and my husband calls me and tells me how

his business just got a major hit. Tourists Cancelling left right and centre. That Friday evening, I went

home not knowing it was my last day at the office. We went into quarantine and lockdowns were

imposed by the government. I became the bread winner in the house with working from home.

My husband’s drinking habits did not change; in fact, they became worse. Like the good wife I am

expected to be I would sit and wait for him to get home after curfew hours. Upset as I was, I would pray for his protection. Why because part of me still loves him and part of me would not want to end

up a single mum.

In March, of the same year, he comes home drunk, and his phone was buzzing! So, in the morning I

really had to see why I could not sleep. I found out he was cheating on me not one but multiple. I

was distraught and when I confronted him. Let us just say I would not be writing this article. I run,

literally, and involve his parents and sisters. He confessed he was tired of me and I could not stand

me anymore and he wanted a divorce.

To everyone’s surprise, I stood and said fine . He can leave if that is what he wants. All I want is

everyone to know that I am not moving, and I am keeping the child. I did not fight because I wanted

to see how far this would go. On that night I got countless phone calls from his friends asking me to

take him back and my standard answer was, it is impossible to take someone back yet he chose to

leave!

He tried calling me and I blocked him, just like he used t do me when he was out ! Talk about having

a dose of your own medicine. So, I was called in by my mom and both his parents and he came back

home. Hoping things will be different. Shock on my black behind! Things did not change soon he was

out again, this time later than usual.

The truth is I did not care anymore! I paid the bills, rent and all….. So now here comes my 30th

Birthday. Ever seen this Meme, the birthday parties I throw verses the ones I get?

On the eve of my 30th Birthday, he comes home with a bleeding face. My son sees him, and he

became really upset. I was able to calm him down and that night, I moved out of the bedroom and

started sleeping on the couch.

Yeey! I am now 30! I took my son out for breakfast and had a great day out there. When I came

home, It felt like going into a battlefield. Not knowing what was going to happen next…… As always, I

heard the scripted apology and because of my child I moved back to the bedroom.

He promised he was done drinking and all and I honesty did not believe anything he had said at this

point. I mean what a memory for a milestone age! Things did not get any better financially for him

and I had to step up even more….

At this point my goals became, to keep the lights on food on the table, pay rent on time and that’s it!

In the second part, I will share about what happened to my dreams, goals, expectations and what

happens when my husband wants a second baby.

Did I mention he is yet to ask me to be his wife officially?

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6 SECRETS OF LOOKING NATURAL WITH MAKEUP

Posted on May 20, 2021

So you want to look put together, but you don’t want to look like you’re ready for a night on the town.

Achieving a natural makeup look isn’t as easy as it seems, but here are six tips to help you look radiant and polished without looking like a clown:

Customize Your Base

Depending on your skin type and how confident you are about exposing your natural face, you can do a number of things with regards to your foundation or primer base.

If you simply need some overall coverage, you can make your base makeup look lighter and more natural by mixing it with moisturizer. This will give you a more dewy and refreshed appearance that looks less thick and caked on than without moisturizer, so it’s a great way of making your makeup look more natural without having to sacrifice the coverage you get.

For those of you with naturally good skin who only use foundation as part of a complete makeup look, skip the base altogether and opt for a shimmery moisturizer instead.

Brows

Getting your brows in order is a great way of making your makeup look natural because a striking brow can really frame your face, meaning you won’t have to worry so much about spending a long time on your makeup.

There are so many different options for brows nowadays, and plenty of tutorials online on how to achieve the perfect brows.

So, If you really want to make an impression without caking on layers of makeup, try your hand at eyebrow grooming and shading before even reaching for your other items of makeup.

Nude Lip

If you want to avoid looking like you have too much makeup on, one of the best ways to begin is to start with a nude lip. You simply cannot achieve a natural makeup look if you want to have red or purple lips.

Nude colors are tones of pink, blush, or might have slight brown undertones. Nude lips and eyes are the general palette you’re going to be working with if you want to look natural.

Just make sure you know your own skin tone before you buy makeup, because certain tones look better with warmer undertones, while others look better with cooler ones.

Avoid Eye Liner

There are one or two exceptions, but eyeliner and natural makeup looks do not go together very well. This is because eyeliner is a dramatic highlighter of the eyes, essentially, and is best reserved for high drama looks

The most popular choice for eyeliner is still black, and it’s almost impossible to wear it in a manner that looks natural. The only exception to this is if you have an incredibly steady hand and can put a subtle line on the outer eye, at the corners.

This should follow the natural line of the eye and not extend into a wing or cat’s tail, of course. Still, this look is pretty difficult to achieve, so it’s best to avoid eyeliner completely when you want to look natural.

Accentuate

The key to a natural makeup look is to accentuate your natural features, not try to exaggerate them or create new features entirely.

For example, a cat’s eye eyeliner look might be fun and dramatic, but it’s giving you features you don’t have naturally, so it’s never going to look natural. If you want to be a pro at creating a natural makeup look, simply study your face and figure out what you like most about it. Do you have striking eyes? Then your natural makeup should highlight your eyes.

Maybe you don’t like your eyes, but you love your sharp cheekbones? Then you will highlight your cheekbones and avoid accentuating the eyes. A natural makeup look is all about accentuating, not creating.

Emphasize

Another excellent tip for achieving a natural look is to emphasize. Similar to accentuate, emphasizing is all about emphasizing one feature only. When you emphasize more than one feature, you will always end up with a heavy makeup look.

For instance, if you choose to accentuate your eyes with smoky eyeliner on the top and bottom, and then also highlight your lips in a berry red, you are going to end up with a heavy makeup look. It might look stunning, but it certainly won’t look natural.

As we’ve seen, you should avoid eyeliner altogether for natural makeup looks, generally speaking. Berry lips, even if they’re coupled with a nude eye, are never going to look natural either. Thus, the key to emphasizing when you’re trying to achieve a natural makeup look is to only go a few shades darker or lighter than your natural one.

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10 TIPS FOR TEACHING YOUR KID TO RIDE A BIKE

Posted on May 20, 2021

Teaching your child to ride a bike can be either a fun or a frustrating experience, depending on how you approach tackling the task. If you know that you have a problem with patience, you may want to leave the job to someone else. On the other hand, the time spent bonding with your child during bike riding lessons can be a lot of fun, and will definitely create memories that will last a lifetime. Check out these tips to make the lessons less stressful.

Confirm that your child is ready to ride – Remember that kids develop differently. Your 3 year old may be ready to ride, while your 5 year old would rather keep both feet planted firmly on the ground. Don’t push your child into riding. Kids will let you know when they are ready.
Check out different methods of learning to ride – Check with your local bike shop for lessons or tips they might have available. Finding a method that works for you and your child will make the experience better for both of you.
Get the right size bike for your child – Whether you are getting a tricycle, bicycle or unicycle, make sure you get the proper size. Your best bet is to go to a bike shop and let the experts size things up for you.
Get the correct size helmet – Helmets protect your kids from head injuries in the event that they fall. It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to get the correct size helmet for your child. If you are using a previously owned helmet, make sure that it is in good shape and has no damage. Wearing the helmet correctly is just as important as getting the right size.
Training wheels or not – Some kids do very well with training wheels, while others do not. If your child wants to try to learn without them, give it a try and see how it goes before you automatically rule it out.
Find a good practice spot – You will want to find a large, flat space that is smooth and free of traffic. Either a concrete or asphalt area is good. A large driveway, an empty parking lot or an empty basketball or tennis court will work nicely.
Tires need to be inflated properly – When the tires are inflated correctly your child will have a smooth, even ride and will be better able to coast effortlessly.
Learning without pedals – Taking off the pedals and letting your youngster get the feel of the bike is a good way to start the learning process. Put the seat down to a level where your child can still sit, but has her feet flat on the ground. Take off the pedals and let your child scoot around using her feet to push off and keep balance. Once she is comfortable with scooting around, she can practice turning and coasting.
Learning with pedals – When your child is comfortable with scooting around on the bike, put the pedals back on and teach her about starting and stopping. It may take a few tries at first, but soon she will get the hang of it.
Go over rules of the road – Impress upon your child the importance of following the rules of the road. Review the rules from time to time so that your child will know you are serious about safety matters.

Teaching your child to ride a bike is one of the most rewarding things you will do. Once a child learns to ride, it is a skill they will never forget. You’ve given them a gift that will last a lifetime. Family bike rides will provide bonding time, exercise and precious memories.

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20 WAYS TO SAVE ON YOUR CHILD’S NEXT BIRTHDAY PARTY

Posted on May 18, 2021

Celebrating the anniversary of your child’s birth is a momentous occasion, but it’s also one that can quickly become prohibitively expensive. Thankfully, there are plenty of places where you can cut corners to save money while still ensuring that your child and his friends fully enjoy their soirée.

Clip Coupons – Clipping coupons is not only a trendy hobby in the face of recession chic, but also an effective method of netting valuable savings on the things that you purchase every day. Party supplies are no exception, so check both online and print resources for coupons in your area that will allow you to score the things you need at a fraction of retail price.
DIY Invitations – Rather than sending out the same store-bought invitations that everyone else in your child’s class used, why not make something original? Not only will you be taking a more unique tack to announcing his birthday party, but you’ll also be saving a bit of money in the process.
Email Over Snail Mail – If you’re really in a financial pinch, skip the paper invitations and work solely with email and social networking invites. In a social climate that demands eco-conscious behavior, you’ll be earning points with the adults by saving paper while you’re also saving money on supplies and postage.
Skip the Location Rental – It may be the height of fashion to rent out a kid-friendly venue for birthday parties, but it’s smart to keep your child’s age and developmental abilities in mind. A toddler will not only have difficulty remembering his party later, but may also not be quite big enough for a day at the bouncy castle with all of his pint-sized pals. Save the money you’d spend on a high-end location rental and invest some of it into fun, inexpensive games your guests can play at your house.
Keep Decorations Simple – Miles of streamers, truckloads of balloons and a ton of confetti simply aren’t necessary for a small child’s birthday party. Keeping the decorations understated will not only save you money, but will also keep the dreaded “tacky” label at bay.
Do Your Own Baking – You may not be the next Ace of Cakes, but popping a few trays of cupcakes into the oven is nowhere near as challenging as baking, assembling and decorating an extravagant cake. It’s also significantly cheaper.
Cut the Catering – There is absolutely no reason to spring for extravagant party catering for a group of finicky children. Put out a decent spread of kid-friendly, affordable snacks instead.
Don’t Provide a Full Meal – Strategically scheduling your child’s party in the afternoon, between lunch and dinner time, will allow you to skip out on providing a full meal for a group of hungry kids.
Keep the Guest List Manageable – It’s tempting to invite every child you know to your little one’s party, but larger guest lists mean higher costs. Trim the list wherever possible to save money.
Consider Plain Plates and Napkins – Branded party merchandise splattered with the most popular cartoon characters can be gaudy, and they’re almost always more expensive than the plain variety. Choose a few branded accent items, then spring for cups and plates in plain, coordinating colors.
Forgo Goodie Bags – In an era of food sensitivities and eco-responsibility, providing goodie bags full of potentially problematic candy and disposable toys is more likely to be met with scorn than accepted eagerly.
Forget the Entertainer – It may be tradition to hire a magician or a clown, but birthday party performers can be very expensive. If you feel confident in your ability to keep a group of children happily occupied, there’s no reason to shell out that kind of money for a painted man who makes balloon animals.
Plan Early – The earlier you start planning for a party, the easier it is to wait for big sales and specials that will allow you save money on essentials. It may feel strange to start planning six months out, but it can pay off in spades in the long run.
Join Forces – If your child has a friend whose birthday is near his, it’s more cost-effective and easier to team up with his parents than to compete with one another for the Best Birthday award. Splitting expenses helps your two families give your little ones the party they want, without sacrificing their chances of going to college.
Rent a Helium Tank – Purchasing and transporting helium balloons that are pre-filled can be both a hassle and quite pricey. Check with party rental services in your area regarding the price of a helium tank; you may be surprised at how much cheaper it is to fill balloons yourself.
Hit Discount Stores – Discount stores are your best friend when it comes to party planning, because most stock items of reasonable quality for a fraction of the price at larger department stores.
Bulk Buying – Fans of buying in bulk can score big on party snacks and supplies if they apply their purchasing power to party planning.
Be Realistic About Your Skills – Saving money by doing things yourself is a great idea, provided that you’re actually able to pull them off. Spending money on supplies only to be forced to turn around and buy a pre-made replacement product at the last minute is wasteful, so carefully consider what projects you can take on confidently and which ones are beyond your skill level.
Choose Themes Wisely – The theme of your child’s party can be inherently expensive, or naturally cost-effective. A Princess theme culminating in a trip to Disneyland will naturally cost far more than one that allows you to decorate minimally and stay on your own property.
Think About Who You’re Trying to Impress – At a young age, kids aren’t really concerned with how much money a party costs. They just want to have fun, and they don’t have to go to an amusement park at the end of the party to do it. If you’re spending money extravagantly on birthday parties because you want the parents of your child’s friends to be impressed, you may want to re-evaluate your priorities.

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7 FACTS ABOUT STRESS AND INFERTILITY

Posted on May 18, 2021

While stress is not a cause of infertility, research has shown that high levels of longstanding stress can significantly impact the ability to conceive during infertility treatment. The positive news is that by decreasing stress, couples can experience higher fertility potential as well as healthier and happier well being.

“Many couples don’t realize how much stress impacts health and fertility potential,” explains Dr. Jennifer Hirshfeld-Cytron of Fertility Centers of Illinois. “Stress is one of the fastest variables to change in the body, and taking proactive action through yoga, psychotherapy, meditation and potentially acupunture is not only beneficial, but enjoyable.”

Hirshfeld-Cytron and Beth Heller (M.S., R.Y.T.) of Pulling Down the Moon will be discussing the controversial link between stress and infertility and how to take control of your well-being in the free webinar Yoga, Meditation, and Conception on June 11th at 7 p.m. CDT (register here). The duo offers seven facts about stress and infertility.

Stress does not cause infertility. Unfortunately, infertility can cause stress. A study in the journal, Human Reproduction, found that 30 percent of women seeking infertility treatment have depression and anxiety.
High levels of stress can double the risk of infertility. A recent scientific study found that women whose enzyme alpha-amylase levels, a stress-related substance, were in the highest third had more than double the risk of infertility
Stress affects the reproductive potential of the male and female body. Stress can lengthen the amount of time required to become pregnant, negatively impact semen quality, decrease the success of fertility treatment, and cause depression and anxiety.
Reducing stress is good for the body and mind. Taking positive action to reduce stress through mindfulness-based activities has been shown to reduce blood pressure, decrease anxiety, lower depression, enhance a positive mindset, calm the mind, improve sleep, and help overall wellbeing.
Consistent stress-reducing activities can aid in pregnancy. A study from Fertility and Sterility found that women who underwent a 10-week stress management program while undergoing IVF treatment had a 52 percent pregnancy rate compared to a 20 percent pregnancy rate in the control group.
Yoga can reduce stress and boost pregnancy. Yoga has been shown to be effective in the treatment of depression as well as decrease inflammatory response to stress events. During a six-week Yoga for Fertility class at Pulling Down the Moon where participants learned yoga poses specific to reproductive function, breathing and medication instruction and group discussion, participants experienced significantly decreased anxiety as measured by the State-Trait inventory.
Psychological treatment can improve emotional symptoms and lower stress. Receiving support, whether in a group or individual setting with a psychologist, has been shown to be important and effective stress management. Treatment can improve mood, decrease anxiety and depression, and positively impact pregnancy rates during fertility treatment. Mindfulness training programs also give helpful tools for relaxation and increased peace of mind, which can ease the stress of fertility treatment and prove a valuable life skill.

Stay stress-free!

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BEFORE PICK A SUMMER CAMP: 10 THINGS TO CONSIDER

Posted on May 14, 2021

It’s kinda late right now to be finding a Summer Camp for your child but you might as well know the ten ways to choose the perfect camp for your kids anyway.

Find Out Where Their Friends Are Going – It’s a good idea to start your journey by finding out where your child’s friends will be camping – and don’t send them there. In addition to depriving your child of a valuable opportunity to make new friends and learn to socialize with a new peer group, you’ll also be ensuring that the same cliques and social hierarchies follow them. Though kids might protest initially, they’ll quickly come to appreciate the clean slate.
Look Into Club-Sponsored Camps – For kids who are active in scouting programs or clubs, it might be a good idea to check into summer camps sponsored by those programs. The tenets and aims of the camp will be familiar to kids who participate in the same activities at home, giving them the chance to meet new people while still retaining that sense of familiarity.
Take Special Interests Into Account – Budding thespians might get more enjoyment out of a theater camp, while aspiring athletes are much more likely to have the time of their life at a sports camp. Tailoring the summer camp experience to your child’s interests is one of the best ways to ensure that they have a great vacation.
Research Special Needs Camps – Kids with learning disabilities or special needs are not automatically excluded from the sleep away camp experience. There are many summer camps created solely for special needs kids; with a bit of research, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your special kid.
Decide if Religion is a Factor – For families that strongly emphasize religion, summer camps with a similar emphasis might be the best fit. Speaking with a clergy member can help you find great religious camps, as can a bit of online research.
Location, Location, Location – One of the most important things to consider when looking at summer camps is the location of your favorites. Families on a budget might have a hard time making parents’ weekends after incurring travel expenses to accompany their child to and from camp.
Make Visits For Next Year – If possible, start scouting summer camps the year before your child will be attending. Visiting while the camp is in session is a great way to get an idea of how things will be the following year, whereas an off-season tour will only showcase facilities.
Consider the Financial Implications – Private camps can run well into the thousands for an eight week session, while non-profits like YMCA camps and others of their ilk are considerably cheaper. Don’t be fooled by a hefty price tag, either; some of the highest-rated camps in the country are lower cost non-profits. In the case of summer camps, it’s not always a “get what you pay for” situation.
Examine First Aid and Infirmary Facilities – Kids get hurt. From daredevil stunts to simple carelessness, bumps and bruises are just part of the territory. Because of this fact, you’ll want to make sure that there are adequate first aid and infirmary facilities on-site, and that medical help can be quickly secured in the event of an emergency.
Let Your Child Play a Part in the Decision-Making Process – Having a conversation with your child about their wants and needs from a summer camp experience is an important part of the process, as well. Listen to and consider each of your child’s points before choosing a place for him or her to spend the majority of their summer vacation.

There are so many things to consider when choosing a summer camp that the task can be overwhelming for many parents. Taking the process one step at a time, looking at each camp from every angle is the best way to be sure about your decision. Because it can be quite time-consuming, it’s also a good idea to begin your search far in advance to avoid last-minute snap decisions made out of desperation.

The American Camp Association accredits summer camps and is a great place to begin your summer camp search.

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MANAGE SUMMER ACTIVITIES WITH THIS FOOL-PROOF PLAN

Posted on May 14, 2021

Summer is known as that lazy, relaxing time of year. While all kids deserve a break, they still need structure and stimulating activities that nurture their growth and development. What are some pro tips to keep in mind when it comes to your kids this summer?

Vinay Saranga M.D. is a child psychiatrist and founder of Saranga Comprehensive Psychiatry offers this advice:

– Create A Summer Schedule: You don’t have to schedule something for every second of the day. The idea is to develop apredictable but flexible daily schedule that can help children thrive. Remember, sometimes boredom can bea trigger for bad behavior. The idea is to still have a routine and agenda, but know that it’s okay to be a little laid back when it comes to sticking to it.

– Create A Calendar: Make it visible to your entire family. Write down daily activities and include a chore/activity chart. This helps children understand what’s expected of them. It also helps enrich their sense of responsibility and integrity all while building their confidence.

– Don’t Skip Reading: Reading should be part of their everyday routine this summer. Whether in the morning or before bed (or both), make it a priority to read with your kids. Of course, the goal of reading is to make it enjoyed. Get your child involved by going to a local library and scouting out the latest book by their favorite author.

– Sleep Is Still Essential: Sleep, especially at a young age, is essential for healthy growth and brain development. We all benefit from a good night’s rest! Even if you extend bedtime during the summer, make sure your child is getting the recommended amount of sleep each night. Try not to get too far off of their school routine because it will be back in session before you know it!

– Cut Back On Screen Time: Sometimes it’s too easy just to turn on the TV. When they’re not swimming or riding bikes, find something productive for them to do. Stock up on fun and educational activities that will help your kids continue to grow and learn over the summer break. Coloring books, crosswords, puzzles and board games are all great ideas.

– Some Downtime Is Good: Remember that long days at the pool/beach can cause exhaustion which leads to frustration and overwhelm. Figure out what the right amount of activity is to stimulate your child and incorporate enjoyable activities into their summer routine.

– Keep them social. Summer camps, group play and trips to the local playground are all ways to entertain children without screen time. Social settings often encourage imaginary play and creativity all while developing social skills that are essential for a child’s development.

– Incorporate nature. Let nature be your inspiration this summer! Get your children outdoors for some fresh air. Plan a game of hide-and-seek or set up a nature scavenger hunt that will keep them entertained in a healthy way.

– Make time for family: Our kids grow up so quickly, so make time to enjoy the summer as a family no matter how old your kids are. Whether planning a vacation out of state or simply a day trip to the beach, the best activities are enjoyed together.

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