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 practicespot – 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.
Parents may want to use this opportunity to give their child’s teacher a nice gift as a thank you for the school year so far.
In a lot of school systems, it may be not permissible to spend too much money on a gift so I curated a guide of 9 unique and thoughtful novelty gifts, all under $20, that would put a smile on the face of your child’s fave teacher and may be used in the classroom for years to come, even…
This funny mug by Tekoware is microwave and dishwasher safe and is a clever take off of the “tears” drinking-memes in the Internet e.g. drinking the tears of someone who is whining or complaining. Typically, it is short for “save it! I’m not falling for it.” A teacher with a good sense of humor would appreciate this mug.
This unique clock signals the time with a simple math equation that equals the number that would ordinarily be on an average clock. This novel gift would warm your kid’s math teacher’s face and make a fun classroom ornament.
Any teacher would appreciate this eco-friendly handmade leather cover journal by The Great Indian Bazaar. It is not lined so it can be used to jot down notes, doodle, sketch, as a recipe book, organizer or travel journal. It is unisex and can be given to a male or female teacher. It has an old world charm to it.
The art or photography class teacher will just love this linen cotton covered pillow featuring an old time camera on it. The 100% natural blend pillow by Monkeysell is 18×18 shaped and is a delightful and attractive home decor item that can also be used to support teacher’s back during a long or late afternoon class.
Whether it’s a teacher retreat or planning day or a continuing education lecture, every teacher needs to organize and chronicle her mental notes into some nice space. This 3-pack of field notes journals is perfect and functional. Show your fave teacher that you got her back!
Though every teacher considers his/her students to be perfect angels, there is no doubt that s/he need some pampering and self-care time to decompress after challenging lesson or after grading 30 papers on the Gettysburg address. Phew!! Give her some eye relief with these aloe-vera eye gels that can be cool or hot.
The one thing that is on every school supply list every year is a composition book. And wouldn’t it be cute to gift your teacher this 100% cotton tote made of a print like that same book? The company “Out of Print” makes this bag and gives to charity one bag for each bag purchased. Your gift to teacher would also give back! How perfect! With this gift, your teacher will be the talk of the next teacher convention or retreat!
These fun socks by Socks n Socks come with science, nature studies and other school subject themes printed on them. They are a zany but fun gift for any teacher. They have spandex in them and can fit anyone wearing men shoe size 7 -12.
During the busy school year, your teacher may not realize sitting in a room while a scented aromatherapy candle burns may be just the therapy s/he needs after a rough semester. You can come to your fave teacher’s rescue by gifting her/him Chesapeake Bay candle company’s Peace and Tranquilty candle from its Mind and Body collection. If permissible, teach can burn this candle after recess to get rid of that gym class funk! ha!
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.
Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 13 and as it is getting down to the wire, some may be racking their brains looking for ideas and suggestions on what to get mom, or the mom-to-be in their lives.
Here are 10 simple and mainly free or inexpensive ideas:
Do-nothing day—plenty of moms would love to spend a day not having to lift a finger or spend the day doing just what they want to do. So give your mom a card that tells her she is entitled to a day off—and be sure to honor it!
Spa day—many spas offer Mother’s Day specials for massages and other services, so call around to find the best deal.
A clean car—Mom’s car can get downright disgusting after shuttling kids around all the time. So grab the kids and have them help you wash the car.
Customized necklace—May isn’t a good month to buy jewelry because stores often hike prices in anticipation of Mother’s Day. However, you can find affordable necklaces with charms that can be engraved with children’s names online at Etsy.com.
Photo mug—plenty of companies create mugs with photos on them for about $11. This gift is ideal for grandmothers who appreciate a creative way to show off pictures of the grandkids.
Plants and flowers for the yard—rather than a bouquet, buy a potted plant, flowering bush or tree that will last for years. Or let Mom buy plants for the garden and then plant them for her.
Photo album—most of our photos are now digital and we rarely print them out. So print out your pictures, put them in an album and let mom enjoy looking at them the old-fashioned way.
A clean house—give Mom a break from her daily chores and do them for her (the way she would want them done). Wash the dishes, do the laundry, sweep the floors and make the beds.
Frame the kids’ art—Moms will surely get a few pieces of handcrafted art from the kids for Mother’s Day. Make it easy for her to display and store them with a frame that lets you do both!
Make a donation in Mom’s name—for the Mom that already has everything, make a donation in her name to her favorite charity or motherhood-related organization.
Bonus idea—Take the time to sit down with your mom and ask her to share family stories that you can record or write down in a journal that can be shared with other family members.
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to start making those gift purchases for the special Moms in your life. Finding the perfect present for these ladies can be a challenge; here are a few tips to help ease the stress of coming up with something a little more lasting than breakfast in bed.
Gift Baskets – While there are certainly a staggering array of pre-made gift basket options, putting one together yourself is both surprisingly easy and the best way of ensuring that each and every item is handpicked for the guest of honor.
Personalized Gifts – It’s possible to personalize almost any gift you can come up with; adding a birthstone, a monogram or any other signifying features is one of the best ways to give your selected item a personal touch.
Jewelry – There are entire lines of jewelry, all with varying price points, designed for the Mother’s Day gift-buying set. From necklaces with charms to symbolize each of her children to bracelets with each child’s birthstone, there’s definitely no shortage of precious adornments created with Mom in mind.
Flowers – Though it might be so common that it’s almost a cliché, flowers are the perfect gift for a friend or relative with children. While you might want to step it up a bit for your own mom or the mother of your children, they’re a time-honored tradition for moms that aren’t immediate family.
Day Spa or Salon Gift Certificates – The frantic pace of today’s world makes it difficult for women to fit a day of pampering and preening into her schedule. A gift certificate for just such a thing makes a spa day seem like less of an indulgence and more of a treasured gift.
Gifts Tailored to Her Specific Interests – Everyone is different, and harried moms are no exception. Taking your special lady’s interests and hobbies into account when selecting your gift is a good way to go the extra mile and provide her with something that she’ll actually use and appreciate.
Family Tree Artwork – Artwork that incorporates genealogical information can range from minimalist and sparse to very ornate, so there’s a style to suit any décor. Moms are sure to love a family tree painting or print, and there are several retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar, that specialize in them.
Luxury Items – “Luxury” items don’t have to be big-ticket purchases; they’re simply things that Mom might want but would never get for herself. For families that have been forced into serious belt-tightening by the economic climate of the last few years, a luxury item can be something as simple as a more-extravagant-than-usual dinner or a bottle of her favorite perfume.
Handmade Gifts – Moms of small children are sure to be moved to tears by a gift they helped to make, so giving little ones a hand in creating her gift can be a big hit. However, handmade gifts aren’t restricted to the smaller set; crafty or artistic grownups can get in on the fun, too!
A Day Off – Though it might seem simple, often the best gift that a mother can receive is to spend her special day alone, pursuing her own interests with no responsibilities. Sending her along the way with reassurances that the kids and household will be well looked after in her absence will give her a break that is likely to be much-needed.
Just as there’s no one-size-fits-all Mom, there are no one-size-fits-all gifts. Take the interests and tastes of the Mom in your life into account when choosing her gift, rather than falling back on the old standards. Even a small amount of effort will go a long way!
Parents of all kinds worry about their neighborhood. They don’t want crime to influx their local community and cause harm to those that they care about. However the leading reason why parents want their local area to be safe is for the sake of their children.
If your kids go to the local school the last thing you want for them is to be caught in the middle between criminals and the police.
There’s no knowing what could happen and that’s why parents with children in a bad neighborhood tend to move out altogether. But it’s not just crime that is an issue in neighborhoods, but the lack of activities for children to do.
Boredom creates mischief sometimes and for some kids without any direction or hobbies, doing risky and bad things just becomes a form of entertainment. Mental health is also a big issue in local communities as people that you might know and are friends with, could have episodes where they do things out of character such as start arguments or fights.
All of these things and more, lead many parents to try and be a force for good in their neighborhood and surroundings communities. Here are a few ways you could become this kind of person.
Community activity leader
Most likely you have heard of local community centers. These are places where children can go to play games and get various forms of help from other kids and adults.
The typical community center will have games like foosball, video game consoles and plenty of extra activities that involve going outside the center. Going out into the world to go do various activities at sporting centers is also a common thing. Kids that have never touched a bow and arrow before, can be taught the basics of archery. Of course the usual games in the park like football, basketball, tennis and many others can be learned as well.
The person who is providing these activities to children is often known as the community activity leader. A figurehead in the community, they are trusted by parents to take care of their kids while they’re out doing fun things that they cannot do at home.
How can you become this person, or at least help and work alongside the community activity leader? Going to your local authorities and volunteering is one way. Another way is to sign up as an adult volunteer at the community center itself.
Going up and speaking to the leader or a member of the community board at local meetings is a great way to mingle and see what opportunities are on offer. However, many universities also offer places for volunteers who want to help their local students with extracurricular.
Many students need to earn credits to further their education and that often means engaging in things like sport or helping the local community. University student groups often go out into the local neighborhoods to help the poor as well.
Working with the next generation
Most of the time local communities send their children all to the same schools. This means that the next generation of those communities are essentially in one place at once during at least 6-8 hours in the day. You can help these children deal with their issues, which they could not feel comfortable speaking to their friends about. A child social worker is a role that is becoming more and more accessible.
You have the opportunity to become an apprentice of a company that will teach you the ropes on the job. There will of course be written work to complete which will ultimately evaluate your competence and intelligence for the role you want.
There’s also a chance to learn about child psychology at many after-hours or night schools. Open universities also have courses for those that want to work in this field which you can take during the afternoon and evening hours.
What will your job entail if you were to pass and become certified? Well, you would be part of a school faculty. As a support staff, you work with children that have a pattern of misbehaving. Often times children don’t misbehave purely for the sake of it. Usually it’s a sign of frustration and it’s your job to find out what is causing that shift in mood. Some kids just have a general lack of focus.
This could be due to mental health conditions which again, you need to test and evaluate by asking certain questions and playing cognitive skills-based games with them. This way children with problems at home, with their skills and intelligence as well as mental health concerns can be treated as individuals.
Your end result is to find the best care and quality of life for them while they are at school and if need be, even at home.
Rolling the beat
If you have paid attention to any of the modern police force initiatives, you will know that there is a desperate need for members of the communities to come forth and join. Quite evidently, some communities see the police as a cause of friction and sometimes see them as people who are not on their side.
This is why more and more law enforcement officials are encouraging local police departments to try as best they can to hire members of local communities as police officers. When people in communities that have prevalent violence and many disturbances due to anti-social behaviour see familiar faces wearing the badge, they are less likely to see them as the enemy.
A much better grasp of the situation can be had and dialogue can occur when a friend and local of the community is part of the police force that patrols the neighborhood.
How could you get your qualifications to actually become a police officer? Taking a course in criminology is definitely one of the best ways to get your foot in the door. You’ll learn about police psychology which shows you how to think like and the opposite to criminals.
Mental health and justice is a key topic for the modern police officer and local communities. The more people can understand certain conditions and what that could mean for the behavior of individuals that are afflicted by them, the better relations can be forged between the police and the public.
However you’ll also be taught the psychology of crime and why certain crimes are trending as well as how criminals approach their misdeeds. Quantitative methodologies in criminology is the area where you learn complex problem solving which helps in investigations and on the scene questioning to victims, suspects and witnesses.
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The local watch
Working with police departments you can become a part of the the local watch. So much crime at night can be stopped just by local members keeping an eye out for each other. This would simply involve being in contact with each other at all hours of the evening and night.
How local watches work is by local members working with the local authorities and government. This would mean that you get some funding if you need it, and you will have a relationship with law enforcement that is beyond just the general sense.
What local watches do is meet every couple of weeks to discuss what they might have seen or any kinds of trends they are seeing evolve in their communities. Of course this involves how crime is spreading or being kept at bay in the area, what kind of preventative measures can be taken, how best to inform local people, and what kind of help or assistance they need.
Volunteering at the local police station or going to a town hall meeting with the local government are the best ways to get in on this kinds of program. However it’s not just as easy as turning up, but you will need to show proof of residence as well as being competent with some menial tasks.
There’s usually a hierarchy so that there is a chain of command and more responsibility is taken by those that are more competent or simply just more available. The first task you will be given is to talk about how you keep your own home secure, and what kind of advice you would give to someone who has now prior knowledge of how to do this. Then another task might be to make a week-long report of the things you see that might be suspicious or just details of each day and night in general.
This is to prove that you have a keen eye and can be of good use to the local neighborhood watch team. It’s a great way to just get involved with the community care at ground level and help to keep your children safe at night. Neighborhoods with excellent watches are less likely to be targeted by criminals in future.
Parents should actively work with local authorities to help make their neighborhoods a safer place of their children. However you can go multiple steps further and become a police officer with great training and skills to be a true force for good.
Raising a kid is never easy; coping as a single mom is even harder. Looking after a kid alone without support can be emotionally exhausting, and single mothers are often overwhelmed by daily stressors, some to the extent of resenting their child. Parenting for single moms comes with a set of emotional challenges that can take a toll on their mental wellbeing. If left unattended, these issues could drive someone to depression, PTSD or anxiety disorders. Here are eight challenges single moms face and how to handle them.
Inadequate Self Care
When a father is not involved in bringing up a child, the mother is compelled to be a superwoman. After a long day at work, she is confronted by a pile of mommy duties at home, leaving little to no time for self-care. This implies that a spa day in a month is a pipe dream and fixing exercise time in her schedule is nearly impossible. In such circumstances, it would help to fix some me-time in the busy schedule forcefully; an hour a week is sufficient. During this time, a mom could write a journal or take a walk in a bid to reconnect with whom they were before they became parents.
Conflict with Baby Daddy
Dealing with separation or divorce is stressful enough without having to handle constant conflicts with the child’s father. Constant confrontations with an ex-lover are extremely unhealthy, and it could ultimately erode a mother’s mental health. Such conflicts are brought about by sensitive matters like finances and parenting methods. It’s not unusual to find a single mom facing constant manipulation and bullying from her ex, not to mention a violation of the divorce agreement. This includes withholding child support. Such challenges can be overcome through positive thinking. For instance, the mother can choose to view the father’s input in the child’s upbringing as useful ideas rather than fight triggers.
Financial Insecurity
Economic hardships and poverty can easily trigger stress and anxiety. As a consequence of loss of a partner or divorce, single moms often find themselves economically vulnerable. Even when working full time, minimum wages and multiple bills leave them below poverty levels. The ultimate solution to this challenge is living within one’s means. A mom should constantly remind herself that her priority is purchasing necessities like food. She ought to create a budget for the entire month, which will allow her to keep track of her income and spending. Also, exercising regularly will go a long way in making her feel less stressed.
Sleep Deprivation
A single mom is often plagued with multiple responsibilities, including housekeeping, laundry, studying and night shifts, which undermine her chances to get sufficient sleep. Despite their responsibilities in providing the necessities for their children, sleep time should never be compromised. Lack of enough sleep has seen many people dozing off at work, not to mention poor job presentation, lowered quality life, and emotional distress. Stress is a major cause of sleeplessness at night, which is where essential oils come in handy. Moms can use a device to disperse essences like lavender in the bedroom, which boasts fundamental relaxing effects for both the body and mind.
An Abusive Past
In modern society, the rate of domestic abuse and violence has reached insufferable levels. A big number of moms are forced to leave their abusive marriage, and while this gives them peace, psychological trauma remains. The worst part is that most victims have no one to turn to; some have no idea where to start when looking for help. Without resources and support, a big number of single moms end up carrying a heavy emotional burden, which ultimately causes depression and post-traumatic stress disorder among other mental health challenges. It, therefore, helps to consult with a psychiatrist or join a support group after a breakup, which is especially true if the reasons for separation or divorce were violence related.
Stigma and Judgment
Poor judgments towards a single mother is not a strange phenomenon. This often emanates from fellow parents in a stable relationship, coworkers or even the child’s teacher. The daily assault in the form of negative comments and assumptions regarding their moral character and parenting skills is unfair and demoralizing. For those facing this challenge, they should connect with other single moms on social platforms in addition to practicing self-care.
Loneliness
This often occurs when the kids are away with the other parent. Getting used to the idea of being without the kids for a day or two is often a daunting task. Most single moms have experienced extreme emptiness like the air has been sucked out of the home when the children go visiting their dad for an entire weekend. The best solution for this situation is planning out the free time; a mom shouldn’t give herself a chance to get bored. She could, for instance, schedule night outs with friends singing karaoke or even go to dinner with a boyfriend.
Lack of Emotional Support
When a woman converts to single motherhood whether by choice or due to other compelling circumstances, her close friends and family might drift away. Her friends may find it hard adjusting to the reality of her new status, feel awkward and terminate the friendship. Others might choose the ex-husband’s side, which could serve a blow to her self-esteem.
Once a single mom is excluded from the community in which she previously thrived so well, she may end up feeling hopeless and alienated. The best thing to do when the old friends leave is to reach out for new ones. This includes joining book clubs, single mom support groups and church fellowships among other activities.
Finally
Single motherhood will often trigger a set of challenges that detrimentally affect one’s mental health. For a single mom, each day comes with multiple responsibilities and stressors, and finding consistent emotional support is not always easy. Even those whose family members are willing to offer a helping hand will often find such assistance inadequate. From dealing with baby daddy drama to handling financial insecurities, single moms don’t seem to catch a break.
Every single mom should be comforted by the fact that countless other mothers are grappling with the same issues. Thus they should not shy from seeking professional help. It’s also imperative to surround oneself with compassionate friends, family members and support groups in a bid to get creative solutions to everyday challenges. From the overwhelming responsibilities coupled with the stressors these mothers face on a daily basis, it’s evident that single moms are the modern day superheroes.
When you’re pregnant, you’re not only growing a tiny human – your body will also undergo a range of amazing (and not-so-amazing) changes, as well. One common change experienced by expectant moms is weight gain, which tends to make your feet swell and ache. If you’re pregnant with sore feet, then you’ll know exactly how uncomfortable this can be. So, the best thing that you can do for yourself during pregnancy is to invest in some comfortable, supportive shoes.
Why is the Right Footwear Important During Pregnancy?
Even if you haven’t gained much weight as a result of being pregnant, the additional weight from your growing baby bump can make your feet swell up. As your body grows and changes shape, your center of gravity will also change, which affects the way that you walk and impacts your back, ankles, and feet. The right footwear is crucial for getting the best support and avoiding symptoms such as feet and leg swelling, varicose veins, heel pain, ligament trauma and sprains, and back pain.
What to Look For:
When your feet are comfortable and supported during pregnancy, you’ll also feel happier. So, take the time to choose the right pair of shoes for your needs. When shopping, it’s worth buying footwear that is a size or at least half a size bigger than the one that you would normally go for. This is because if your feet do swell up during pregnancy, your normal size may become uncomfortable or even painful for you, so give your feet some extra room. And, it’s a wise idea to opt for shoes that offer a good arch and ankle support. They will provide comfort along with helping to reduce joint pain and aches that you may experience during pregnancy.
Wearing Heels During Pregnancy:
You’ve probably seen glamorous photographs of celebrities wearing heels whilst heavily pregnant, but bear in mind that wearing heels for too long or too often during pregnancy isn’t always a good idea. This is because the changing center of gravity of your body will mean that you walk less steadily when pregnant. In addition, loosened ligaments can make you more susceptible to muscle and joint instability. As a result, most pregnant women are at a higher risk of suffering a fall from wearing heels when pregnant. If you need to wear heels for an event, it’s a wise idea to opt for a more supportive style, such as block or wedge heels.
Top Tips for Selecting the Right Shoes:
When shopping for shoes to wear during pregnancy, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choice, so keep these top tips in mind:
• It’s best to opt for flat shoes, but if you need to wear heels, wide and low ones are the best option.
• Avoid footwear with stiletto heels or more than two inches of heel.
• If you are unable to find footwear with the right kind of arch support, consider wearing additional insoles to offer extra support and comfort to your feet.
• Opt for footwear that allows your feet to breathe and does not make them sweat. Mesh and canvas are great options.
• Opt for footwear that has a wider toe area, rather than narrow or cinched.
• Loafers are usually a safe option; they are both smart and trendy along with being extremely. comfortable.
• For the summer, flat sandals are a great footwear choice.
Opt for High Quality:
You will be pregnant for nine months and if you expect to be on your feet a lot, you will want to get footwear that’s going to last you for the entire duration of your pregnancy and beyond. If you are in the early stages of pregnancy, choose shoes that you know are able to continue offering the support and comfort that you will need as your bump grows. High-end sneakers are a great choice as many designs can be paired with both smart and casual outfits, whilst offering superb comfort and support thanks to the quality of materials and craftsmanship used. Gucci sneakers are a popular choice; they are stylish, whilst very comfortable to wear. You can look for sneakers on the SSENSE website; there’s a large range of sporty and trendy styles to choose from on this designer footwear site
Choosing Shoes for Work:
If you are working throughout most of your pregnancy, it’s a wise idea to avoid wearing heels for work. Unless your place of employment has a relaxed dress code, wearing comfortable sneakers may no longer be an option. In this case, you may want to consider supportive flat ankle boots, dolly shoes or smart loafers instead.
It’s important to choose the right footwear to support you through your pregnancy and lessen the impact your growing bump will have on your feet. Do you have any shoe recommendations for expecting moms? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Hey friends, if you’ve ever wanted to launch your very own blog, keep it up and active for longer than a month before giving up on it, and growing an audience of dedicated readers, I’m launching a 7-day challenge to show you how!
It will start in about a week and this week, I’m letting more people beyond my circle of family and friends, many of whom have signed up already, know about it!
In 7 days, you will actually create a blog and launch it live, have a first post, share it in social media and among your family, friends, colleagues, followers and have a continuity system, meaning to keep it going, active and fresh…and not one that will get abandoned and neglected after a month or two!
I’ll show you all the tricks in my bag from being a 20+ year vet profitable blogger. I’ve been creating content since I worked at the University of Maryland’s Office Technology in 1992 which is literally the first years of the internet itself and have launched several profitable blogs including my hair blog JJBraids, my tech blog Techyaya, my biz blog Jenebaspeaks.com and this one.
The course will consist of 5-15 minute daily videos and short quick assignments that will take just 15-45 minutes to do because I know people are busy and don’t have much time in their day.
So…join by signing up here to get alert when we start, access to a small intimate private Facebook group I will open up for those going through it and access to the daily modules.
Let me help you stop procrastinating on your plan to launch a blog this year and getterdone!
Here is another Flashback Friday gem of a post from the past including a PregnancyZone inforgraphic about how to tell if you’re having a boy or girl that I’m resharing while the kids have me busy during Spring break:
Some old wife beliefs to know if it’s a girl or a boy are given in the following part of the article. If you are having a boy then some of the indications include having a heart beat of more than 140 per minute, an out front bulge, basketball looking belly, large and dark nipples, bright yellow color of the urine and having amazing looks.
Some of the signs indicating a baby girl includes heart rate of less than 140 per minute, bulges in the back and the hips, watermelon looking belly, dull yellow urine color, breasts that are blossom and appearance less than normal.
If your wedding ring movement on belly is in circular motion then it is considered to be a boy whereas the sideways movement indicates baby girl. Craving for salty and sour foods are known to be there in case of baby boy whereas sweets and orange juice cravings indicate baby girl.
Another way to find out is by adding your current age to the month of perception and if the number comes in even then it is a boy and if it comes an odd number then it is considered to be a girl.
If you wish to conceive a baby girl then prescribed diet includes food items like corn, eggs, yogurt, coffee, beans, plums, fish, meat and liver. The restricted food items should be oranges, watermelon, alkaline foods and potatoes.
If you wish to conceive a boy then you should include lentils, pine nuts, sprouts, almonds, avocado and royal jelly in your diet.
Dairy products and foods having calcium and magnesium should be avoided.
