7 Life Ways to Get Your Child Ready For Kindergarten

Posted on August 23, 2018

Whether she is heading to pre school or kindergarten, before your child goes to classroom, there are certain skills a parent or caregiver can help them develop.

Stimulate the kids’ imaginations throughout the day. Research conducted by Dr. Woolley and her team at the Children’s Research Laboratory discovered that it’s okay for kids to use their imaginations in life and in play. The study looked at when kids are able to start separating fantasy from reality. The results showed that by the age of 3 most kids can determine the difference, even though many children continue to believe in Santa and the Tooth Fairy until they are 8 or 9. The reason they believe, however, is because adults persuade them to continue to believe. By using her imagination in play she is more likely to be able to write creatively in school, and she will be better able to imagine what the Civil War was like. And while humans use their imaginations every day, as they grow older they begin to use it less and less. The less you use it the more you lose it. Helping kids grow their imaginations will lead to smarter and more talented kids.

Go on outings to interesting and educational places. Children are like sponges when they are young, and they are able to absorb tons of information. The more that you can expose him to interesting and educational information the smarter he will become. The smarter he becomes the more prepared he will be for school. Trips to the zoo or to a museum are a great way to help spark his imagination.

Work on noticing letters and words when you go on outings. When you are out and about you are surrounded by words and letters. Notice these things with the kids. Ask questions and congratulate her when she gets the right answers. Make learning a game and an adventure. Create a list of things that you want to find while you are out. For example, try to find a stop sign, a restaurant sign, and a street sign. Work together to find everything on your list.

Play games to teach the kids how to win and lose gracefully. Teach him how to play card games and board games. Don’t let him win every time, and let him see how you win gracefully. When he does win a game, make sure that he also wins gracefully and does not brag about his win or make his siblings feel bad about losing. When you lose make sure that you congratulate the winner and show him how to handle losing with grace

Develop morning routines for getting themselves ready. One big difference that will take place when she goes off to school is that she will need to get up earlier and start to take care of a few things herself. Have her get up and put on the clothes that you have laid out the night before. Encourage her to put her dirty clothes into her hamper and to make her bed. She should be able to get herself to the table for breakfast on time. Make sure that the backpack is already packed and ready from the night before so that there is no drama in the morning about where things are. Finally have her brush her own teeth and hair and then head out the door to the bus or carpool. Keeping a chart in a central location is an effective way to remind her of the things that need to get done before school without having to nag her.

Help the kids learn how to be empathetic. Empathy is an emotion that everyone could use a little more of. Lead by example and help your charges show empathy for others. If a child falls down while you are at the playground, ask him how he thinks that child feels. Remind him of times that he fell down. This is especially important to do if he had anything to do with the other child falling down. If you see a child crying you might ask her what is wrong. When he sees you being kind and empathetic he too will learn how to be empathetic.

Keep a routine with the children so that the school routine will not seem so hard. During the day you have a lot of things to do and places to go no doubt. Try to keep the children on a schedule or in a routine of sorts. For example, go to the library for story time every Tuesday at 2. Kids will learn that they go to the library at the same time every Tuesday and they will look forward to it. Don’t be surprised if they are upset if you miss a day. Children thrive on routine and consistency. Once she starts school her whole day will be scheduled, and having an idea of what keeping a routine feels like will make her better able handle it.

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What to Look For When Shopping for a Nursing Bra

Posted on August 21, 2018

It is an undisputed truth that your breasts and cup size are likely to double or maybe triple during pregnancy, while nursing and afterwards. The process of growing a baby includes producing milk in your breast ducks. It’s nature’s way of making sure your infant will be able to have nourishment when born.

The term engorgement refers to the overproduction of milk that has not been expressed (squeezed out by hand or a pump) or consumed by baby. This also causes a new mom’s breast to no longer fit in the bras she wore before becoming pregnant.

Many expecting and new moms will go up in bra size as well. This growth will require her to get an entire new selection of nursing bras, sports bras, lingerie, work bras and more. Fortunately, there are a lot of all-in-one bras on the market to ease the cost of having to go out and purchase a lot of new bras.

Personally, I still wear the bras that I got for nursing because they usually are made of superior material and are quality-constructed to last the test of time. They have to be given all that snapping and unsnapping required while breastfeeding an infant. Some women breastfeed their babies until 18 months and beyond so they have to invest in a top notch bra like Knix which makes a comfy 8-in-1 evolution bra that is multi-functional and stylish.

When shopping for a new nursing bra, make sure to get one that is 100%, a blend of cotton and Lycra or another stretchy synthetic that grow with your fluctuating breasts. This feature is important because if a nursing bra is too tight and puts pressure on your breasts, it can increase risk of mastitis and clogged milk ducts.

Women with larger busts should look for bras with wide-set strap with extra cushioning, a back band that has at least three or four rows of hook-and-eye closure options and side seams that sit almost under the armpit.

Also, a nursing bra shouldn’t cut into your breasts or cause them to spill out. The straps shouldn’t dig into your shoulders, and the band across your back needs to sit horizontally without riding up.

Good luck nursing shopping!

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Parents’ Guide to 10 Gluten-Free Birthday Cake Alternatives

Posted on August 21, 2018

I was in my generic chain local drug store the other day on a hunt for vegan snack options and bumped into an entire section filled with paleo, whole 30, keto, vegan, GMO and gluten free options. The fact that many conventional stores are accommodating people with varying dietary restrictions made me smile.

I am always sad for kids who cannot partake in birthday celebrations at school because of a peanut or gluten allergy and because of innovation in foods, they have more option. Whether you’re going for custom Kroger cakes, a large heavily discounted Costco or BJs wholesale market cake, or a specialty baker, you can now request these larger outlets create a yummy cake without the offending items!

Parents may have a challenging time finding alternatives to the traditional birthday cake for a child who is gluten intolerant. However, with some creativity, a sense of adventure in baking, or a willingness to try the unusual, it doesn’t need to be a challenge at all. Here are some fun alternatives that kids are sure to enjoy.

Chocolate Mousse – For the chocolate lovers, serving chocolate mousse in cute little dessert dishes with sprinkles on top is just the ticket. Use candle numbers and secure them to the serving plate. Arrange the individual dishes around the candles.

Ice cream parfaits with gluten free cookies

Using parfait glasses or clear dessert dishes, layer different flavors of gluten free ice cream on top of each other. You can add fruit and/or nut layers for even more variety. Add a candle for the birthday child and you’re all set.

Sundaes

Set up a table with all the fixings for sundaes and let the kids build their own. For birthday flair, you could bring out the ice cream bucket with candles lit and sing birthday greetings to the lucky child. Make sure that the ice cream you choose is gluten free. Some ice cream products do contain gluten, but that information should be listed on the container.

Chocolate fountain

Kids and adults alike love chocolate fountains. You can use fruit, marshmallows and gluten free cake squares for dipping. When deciding what type of chocolate to use for the fountain, check to make sure it is gluten free. Chocolate is gluten free, but some companies use additives that include gluten.

If the information is not on the package you can go to the company’s website to find out whether or not the product contains gluten.

Shaved Ices

Party on a hot day? Serve shaved ice in a variety of flavors. Kids love shaved ice, and on a blazing summer day it’s the perfect birthday treat. You can get creative and make rainbow ices by putting different color syrups on the ice. You can also use two colors to make three by using colors that mix; for example, use yellow and red on each side and an orange strip will appear down the middle where the syrups meet.

Garnish servings with gluten free cookies.

Chocolate covered fruit – If you don’t want to go the route of the chocolate fountain, you can get or make chocolate covered fruit. Strawberries and pineapple are perfect for dipping. You can purchase readymade treats or you can do it yourself. If neither of those appeal to you, consider using a fondue pot and let the kids dip their own fruit in the chocolate.

Gluten free Peter Rabbit carrot cupcakes – A Peter Rabbit themed party is perfect for spring or for kids who love Beatrix Potter. For something a little different, try making these cute gluten free cup cakes.

Crispy rice cake – Rice Krispie Treats are a long time favorite of kids, and now Kellogg makes a brown rice gluten free product for those who have allergies. This product is also Kosher. Making the marshmallow treat in a cake shape and adding frosting makes a nice alternative to the traditional birthday cake. Erewhon also offers a gluten free brown rice crispy cereal that is available at Whole Foods.

Cupcake tree – If you have a good gluten free cake recipe, you can make cupcakes and arrange them on tiered serving plates. Some moms make regular and gluten free varieties and place designs on each to signify the difference.

Gluten free pound cake – If you really need a cake and it has to be gluten free, there is a great pound cake recipe at cookingglutenfree.com. This recipe includes instructions for making the cake and a recipe for making gluten free flour substitute.

Birthday cake alternatives are becoming popular for all kinds of reasons. From ice cream cakes to birthday pies, the list of alternative desserts continues to grow. If you have a child that’s gluten free, these 10 options will ensure that he still has a birthday filled with treats, despite being gluten intolerant.

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The Budget Stylish Mom’s Back To School Capsule Wardrobe (Under $100)

Posted on August 18, 2018

A lot of families are going to be outlaying a lot of cash for Back-To-School shopping, including on school supplies, new bookbags, shoes, uniforms, computer equipment and more.

There may be little to nothing leftover for mom to update her wardrobe and prepare her for a new year catching up on the playground gossip with her mom friends before and after school.

I’m in the same boat so to help out my fellow budget stylish moms who do not want to sucumb to the frump and to stay current, I curated a 10-item capsule collection, including accessories, with items that are all about $10 each!

Because late Summer, early fall days require flexibility, a light jersey shirt, perhaps in a neutral color like gray, would make a great item. I found that Missguided sells its Active Gray Long Sleeve Sports Tee for $4 now

Grab a pair of Athletic Works Women’s Ballet Flat for $8. They can be slipped on in the morning rush!

A comfy pair of stylish blue denim jeans is in order as well. You can get H&M’s Slim Ankle High Jeans for $8. Stay warm in an air conditioned building by always packing a cardigan. I like UNIQLO Women’s Supima Cotton Uv Cut V-Neck Cardigan which also runs for about $8.

Alternate the jeans for casual yoga pants. Generic Women’s High Waist Tummy Control Yoga Capris Pants Leggings Bodyshaper Shapewear is also around $8!

No time to do your hair!? No problem! Throw on a cap. Forever 21’s Gingham Cap is just $4!

I am a fan of shirt dresses because I think they flatter most shapes in a

Minimalist but chic way. H&M has a Long Sleeve V Back Dress for close to 12 bucks!

An accent scarf is good to always carry on you because it can double as a shawl, be used to cover items in an open tote or a head covering in case you’re caught out in the rain.

I love Forever 21’s Plaid Oblong Scarf which is selling for $11 right now.

Speaking of totes. Every mom needs a large shopper tote that is big enough to fit her stuff and her kid’s forgotten lunch, toys, snacks and other accessories. A canvas tote will do or get one in a durable leather like Avenue’s $21 Filipa Tote!

The sum total of This capsule wardrobe that you can mix and match with other pieces for this late summer early Fall is just…

Total= $92??

I know right! Well it won’t be this too long! Great items and these types of prices sell out fast!

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Get Your Back To School Organization Life On With These Tips

Posted on August 16, 2018

It’s the start of a new school year in my home and I’m determined to make sure we have a smooth, clutter-free and positive school year.

As an avid believer in and the positive impact of having a decluttered and organized home, I believe having an organization system and clutter and junk free home are essential for ensuring positive energy flow and clear thought.

I highly recommend that parents use the beginning of a school year as another excuse to get organized, not just for the school routine, but the family home in general. So even if you did Spring or New Year cleaning, use the late summer/early fall to re-organize your life and priorities as well.

Even if your kids have already gone back, you can still get started. Here are some declutter and home organization tips that I’ve put together that I hope can help get you through the year.

Clean and Declutter the Kids Play, Work Rooms and Nursery. Limit the number of toys and books in the kids room. Get rid of old broken toys. Give away old books and toys to the Salvation Army, Good Will or another family member with children younger than yours. Keep only a few of the favorite story books and the toys your child or children play with regularly. Don’t let them know you’re getting rid of the stuff they don’t even play with. They likely won’t even know it and you don’t need the headache of having them plea for you to keep it.

Infuse Calming Scents in the Home. I’m a also a big believer in aromatheraphy and that scents guide the mood. Buy Glade or some other brand’s plugins to keep the air fresh and clean smelling. You can burn candles when you’re home or if you’re an incense type of person, those work too. Consider using those with essential oils or scents such as chamomile, rose, vanilla and lavender. They are calming scents.

Thoroughly Clean the Room. Wash and Wipe down the walls, baseboards, windows and floors — with natural cleaners. Repair wall holes, cracks, squeaky windows, peeling paint. A clean home is great for fostering clear thoughts and just clarity, in general.

Set up Calendar and Chore Lists. Even if you’re a stay-at-home mom, you shouldn’t be doing all of the cleaning and upkeep. Set up a chore sheet for the refrigerator for after school chores. Also, start a new family calendar for keeping up with back to school nights, upcoming field trips, sports activities and other events so everyone knows what’s going on. If you’re the family manager as mom, you shouldn’t be the only one aware of what days are soccer practice. Sitters, your spouse and house guests should too. Also, a chore list is great for keeping up the principles of feng shui which are all about clean spaces.

Keep Toys Dedicated to ONE area of the home (or maybe two) Avoid the chaotic mind that comes when you have toys and other things sprinkled in every nook and cranny of the home. Toys should be kept only to the play room, the kids room or one area of the apartment that is quartered off and situated with a toy chest, storage bin or some place where you can quickly toss all the toys hanging out all over the house. The tough part may be to stick to this one simple rule.

When the kids are not playing with a toy, there is really no need for it to be taking up space on the kitchen table or creating a tripping hazard for you or a guest. Either you, your partner or trained kids if they are old enough should make a concerted effort to gather all errant toys and keep them in the designated area.

It seems pretty intuitive, huh?

Over time, it will become a habit or second nature and you will find toys are not strewn about as much anymore. I do this with other areas of my home and life. All papers, books, newspapers, invoices, magazines are usually put away in our home office. All clothes go in a hamper, closet or bedroom. Dishes, cups and silverware discovered anywhere in the house are picked up and taken in the kitchen

Think of this mantra: “There is a place for Everything and Everything in its place.”

Organize the Paper Trails. Each year, families accumulate reports, information from school, permission slips and the such. It will get mixed in with bills, receipts, warranties and other paper that come into your life.

This Home Organization plan will make it easy for you: Get a binder or two and dividers or one of those mega accordion file folders with tabs and divide them in the following categories:

School Category

Car maintenance schedule/Receipts
School schedules and holiday list
Lunch menus
School information page
School reading lists
Summer Camp and programs information
Medical information sheet for each family member
Emergency directory
House-sitter information sheet
PTA newsletters and rosters

Health Categories

Prescription drug record
Health insurance information

Home Vacation

Travel packing checklist
Before-we-leave checklist
Vacation idea list

Home Renovation

Home renovation contractor lists
Contracts and Bids
Warranty information
Utilities/services directory
Home decorating ideas

Home Business

Business records
Tax Documents for Business
Consultants and Independent Contractor records
Liability Insurance
Business & Office Equipment registry

Financial

Tax Documents for Personal
Big Ticket Items receipts
Life insurance information
Budget/spending record
Bills to pay

Hope these Declutter and Home Organization Tips are helpful to you as you get yourself and your family organized for the season! Good luck!

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National Middle Child Day: Why Middle Kid Syndrome Doesn’t Exist

Posted on August 13, 2018

Middle children traditionally complain about being forgotten. And alas, yesterday was , National Middle Child Day and I indeed forgot to blog about them though I managed to sneak in a post about why eldest children are awesome!

Shame.

Each year on August 12th, National Middle Child Day is celebrated across the United States. This day gives special recognition to the middle child/children in the family.

According to the National Day Calendar website:

National Middle Children’s Day was created by Elizabeth Walker in the 1980s. It was originally intended to be observed on the second Saturday in August, however, along the way it has become generally accepted to celebrate it on August 12. In a newspaper article submitted by her grandson, Litton Walker, III, Walker stated that she wanted to create a National day to honor those children “born in the middle of families” whom she felt were “left out”. The name was later changed to National Middle Child Day.

I am like many people who believe that birth order plays a pivotal role in the personalities of children, and adults.

Birth order is known to contribute to the Big Five personality traits; extroversion, neutroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness to experience.

The “Middle Child Syndrome” states that the first-born is often the leader and the role-player while the youngest one is always considered the baby of the family, therefore, leaving the middle child without a special “role”.

One personality study claims that middle children tend to be artistic and creative.

I have a very energetic, middle child who is a joy but also a challenge because he demands attention and acts out when he doesn’t get it and oh boy does he know how to be seen! This kid will not be ignored.

My own sister who is a middle has told me periodically and numerously over the years, “You’re the oldest, Hawa is the youngest and SB is the only boy (also in the middle), I’m just here stuck in the middle and no one cares about me!”

However, as the years have gone on, my middle sister has been able to use being in the middle to her advantage.

For example, she enjoys the fact that she can hang out with me at events, spend vacations and loads of time with my family and she is the closest sibling to me and she could kick it with our youngest sister too and has the best relationship with her too.

See, middle child angst isn’t something that has to be a reality if you take a glass half full approach.

Some psychology articles claim that Middle Child Syndrome just doesn’t exist. One in an old Mashable article stated that despite the challenges middle children may face, some of the suggested symptoms of middle child syndrome (MCS) might be slightly hyperbolic.

In the book “You’re a Better Parent Than You Think, Dr. Ray Guarendi defines MCS as “feelings of isolation, of not belonging. Enjoying neither the parental attention and expectations given to the eldest, nor the relaxed parental standards experienced by the youngest, the middle child is supposedly lost in the shuffle, caught in between with no unique position of his own.”

…Even though many people believe MCS is linked to identity problems, withdrawal and behavioral issues, Guarendi explains that middle child syndrome, as a clinical disorder, just doesn’t exist. It’s merely a “prime example of how to create pathology using only a name.”

Some researchers have even pointed out that gender and socioeconomic factors also play into disrupting the order.

I have a friend who is the middle and only girl in her family so she behaves as and has been treated more like an eldest because she has had all the responsibilities parents usually give to girls thrust upon her. She didn’t have the luxury to be ignored when meals needed to be cooked and domestic work done. Also, as a girl, she was more focused in school so her parents put in extra attention to make sure she got an academic scholarship to college.

But there are consistent themes in attitudes and behavior that cannot be ignored.

“It is pretty clear, I think, that they get less attention and investment from their parents,” one of the scientist Mashable interviewed said. “Now, whether or not that causes a problem is a bigger question.”

I’m sure Middles who are adults will say they are perfectly fine as is being shaped to be independent and figure life on their own, they take it by the horns and go!

For parents that want tips on how to care for their Middle Kid, check out this post with tips!

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10 Reasons Why First Born Kids Are Awesome!

Posted on August 12, 2018

Yet another scientific research study was released recently stating that first born children are usually smarter than their younger siblings.

This tickles me pink being a first born myself. I am a big believer in birth order playing a role in the development and personality of a child.

These are 10 facts from our friends at Nanny.net about the effect of birth order on the eldest children, some of which may shed new light on behavioral quirks and personality traits of your firstborn.

They’re More Reliable – First born children are often expected to look after younger siblings and take on a greater role of responsibility than children born into the family after them, and as a result they often grow into more reliable and dependable adults.
They Tend to Be Higher Achievers – Almost half of all United States presidents have, to date, been first born in their families. In contrast, only four have been last born children. High achievers tend to be eldest children, who place a higher value on achievement and success than their younger siblings.
They’re Natural Leaders – When a child is born first, she’s generally something of an authority figure over her younger siblings. That dominance often becomes a hardwired personality trait, which leaves them more likely to find themselves in positions of leadership in the adult world.
They’re More Likely to be Perfectionists – Unlike younger siblings, who tend to have a more relaxed approach to life, first born children are more likely to be perfectionists, often setting almost impossibly high goals for themselves.
They’re Not as Likely to Rebel – Alfred Adler, the father of the birth order psychology movement, asserted that older children often feel “dethroned” by new babies in the household and, as such, may be more likely to actively seek the approval of their parents and the other adults in their lives. In many cases, this drive to please continues throughout adulthood and they’re less likely to be rebellious as teenagers.
They Benefit from Teaching Younger Siblings – When firstborns teach their younger siblings new skills or information, they’re benefiting from what’s known as “the tutor effect.” That’s one of the reasons why firstborn kids tend to be higher academic achievers and to pursue intellectual careers as adults.
They Care More About What People Think of Them – Free-spirited people who aren’t concerned with what society as a whole or even the people closest to them think about their choices tend to be younger siblings, as firstborns generally have a very real drive to be people pleasers.
They Value Organization and Order – Firstborns are more likely to be list-makers, organizers and to bring order to their surroundings than their more haphazard, disorganized counterparts who are lower in birth order.
They’re Self-Motivated – Because of their desire to please and determination to succeed, older kids tend to be more self-motivated than their younger siblings and to require less encouragement to work towards the goals they’ve set for themselves.
They’re Individuals – There are more studies on the subject of birth order than one could shake a stick at, but one thing that holds true across the board is that there’s more at play than simple birth order when it comes to determining a child’s personality. Genetics, for instance, will have some role in the habits and methods of a person’s behavior, as will environment and other important factors. Knowing a bit about the typical firstborn pattern is helpful, but be careful not to box your child in with expectations that may not hold true in her particular case.

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The 8 Things You Can Do To Keep the Rest of Summer Safe

Posted on August 11, 2018

Summer is a great time to get out and have fun, but be mindful of the following safety tips:

Make sure your CPR and first Aid certifications are up-to-date. Accidents happen regardless of how many safety precautions you take. Being prepared to handle whatever may come up helps you stay calm during an emergency, take the correct action quickly, and keep injuries to a minimum. If your certifications have lapsed, contact your local Red Cross or American Heart Association to schedule a renewal class. Proper training can literally save a life.
One of the best ways to spend a summer afternoon is playing at the pool, lake, or ocean. But water can be deceptively dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year about 800 children drown. Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1 to 3, and the second-leading cause among kids under 15. Keeping a watchful eye on all children and staying within an arm’s reach of younger children is essential to keeping them safe at the pool, lake, or ocean. Don’t assume children who are strong swimmers are automatically safe around water. Every child can fall victim to a cramp, tiring, or an unseen undertow.
Staying hydrated is one of the most important safety precautions you can take during summertime. Instead of stocking up on juice and sports drinks, invest in a quality water filter and plenty of refillable water bottles. The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends that “water, not sports drinks, should be the principal source of hydration for children and adolescents.” What about kids involved in summer sports? The AAP says, “Sports drinks can be helpful for young athletes engaged in prolonged, vigorous physical activities, but in most cases they are unnecessary on the sports field.” Making sure kids drink plenty of water throughout the day will keep them hydrated and ready to take on summertime fun.
Putting sunscreen on kids 6 months and older every time they go outside is a must. Applying sunscreen 30 minutes before children are in the sun ensures they have full protection. Teaching kids to spell BEENS will help you remember to cover often forgotten spots: Back of knees, Ears, Eye area, Neck, and Scalp. Reapplying sunscreen every two hours, more often if the kids are swimming or playing in the water, will help keep kids safe throughout the day.
Insects are an unavoidable part of summer and painful or itchy bites can quickly dampen any outdoor activity. Using a safe and effective bug repellant makes time spent outside a lot more enjoyable. The American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control recommend parents and caregivers use an insect repellant that contains 10% to 30% DEET on children 2 months and older. Combination sunscreen / insect repellent products shouldn’t be used because sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, but insect repellent doesn’t.
Ticks are another troublesome part of summer. They can infect both children and adults with bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause serious illness including Lyme disease. Even when using an insect repellant with DEET children can pick up ticks, especially when playing in areas where ticks thrive like the woods and grassy lawn areas. Doing a full body check for ticks each day is the best way to ensure your charges stay tick-free. Adding a daily tick patrol to the evening bath routine makes a routine check easy and fun to do. If you do find a tick, grasp it with tweezers, as close to the skin as possible, and pull it straight out.
Summer is the perfect opportunity for you and older children to enjoy a bike ride on local trails or through a favorite park. Making sure kids are wearing a quality correctly-fitting helmet is necessary to prevent injury in the case of an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says, “A properly fitted bicycle helmet reduces the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent and the risk of brain injury by as much as 88 percent.” Helping kids personalize their helmets to reflect their own interests and hobbies is an easy way to get them excited about adding it to their safety routine.
Bikes aren’t the only thing that requires a helmet. Blades, scooters, and skateboards all pose their own risks. Knee and elbow pads are a smart idea for children of all skill levels. Pads should have a hard plastic shield, not interfere with movement, and fit snugly without cutting off circulation. For beginners, outfitting kids with additional gear such as wrist guards, gloves, and mouth guards will offer added protection and peace of mind.

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Tips

These Plane Travel Tips Could Save you Neck and Back Pain

Posted on August 9, 2018

Vacations are usually meant to be relaxing, but traveling can cause increased stress on the body, and ultimately be a pain in the neck!

Especially for moms-to-be or women who have recently given birth, the seats in airplanes, cars, trains, and buses are not always the most comfortable. With 80% of Americans suffering from back pain, the thought of a long trip can be discouraging. Luckily, the pain associated with travel can be greatly reduced, and in many cases avoided.

Dr. Kenneth Hansraj, a spinal and orthopedic surgeon specializing in cervical, thoracic and lumbar procedures for example laminectomies and spinal fusions, offers these travel tips to help keep your spine comfortable and healthy while on the go:

Check Your Posture: Sitting for prolonged periods can strain your back, and your positioning can make it even worse. To provide yourself with the most relief, make sure your back is aligned against the back of the seat and your headrest is supporting the middle of your head. Keep your shoulders straight and avoid rounding forward. Both feet should be firmly resting on the floor

Smart Preparation: Reduce the time spent standing in lines by planning ahead. Purchasing electronic tickets, acquire elite frequent flyer status, take advantage of digital electronic check-in by smart phone, and check your luggage curbside

Travel Light: Resist the urge to over-pack and reduce the stress on your shoulders and spine. Choose a light suitcase with wheels and a handle for rolling

Tilts: Tilting your seat backward, with a pillow behind your back in proper posture will lead to the efficient loading of your spine. Behind your neck rests are usually two foldable pads that can be adjusted close to your neck. This prevents sleeping with your neck in an awkward position

It’s all in the legs: Keep your legs out in the extended position. The bent or flexed position leads to your leg veins being stagnant, and may lead to a blood clot. It is important to get up and walk, stretching the legs and arms at least once an hour

Stretch: When all else fails keep moving! Simple stretches of the neck, shoulders, and back will help keep the blood flowing. Blood brings important nutrients and oxygen to the structures of the back. This helps to stimulate the soft tissues in your back and keeps them from stiffening, which can reduce aches. Even a few seconds of stretching and moving is better than not doing anything at all!

Breathe: Place your hands on your abdominal area and feel your belly move as you inhale and exhale. Do this as many times a day as possible to improve your posture and overall spinal health.

Intention: Realize that the trip itself is a destination to be planned and thoroughly enjoyed. Watch your intentions. “I have a gorgeous hour to listen to my music, my book, or chat with a friend” is a better intention than “Ugh, I’m a prisoner on this trip.”

Best Hours: Face it! Some of our best hours of our lives are spent travelling. Be thoughtful about it. Choose a vehicle that is safe, ergonomic, comfortable and that you love. Upgrade to business class if possible (less expensive, booked 1 month early).

See Opportunity in Delays: Expect delays. Look for the opportunities to read a book, or watch a movie and connect with your travel companion. Anger and frustration leads to shallow breathing, stiff muscles and pain.

Safe travels!

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Back to School Hairstyle for Girls

Posted on August 7, 2018

If you are planning Back to School First Day of School hairstyle ideas, we invite you to check out mom of 3 Jill Ehat‘s Instagram account.

Daily, to her 45,000 89,000 followers (updated since we first discovered her a few years ago), Ehat shares some of the creative styles she puts on the heads of her twin daughters, Hallie & Brighton.

When Ehat isn’t styling the girls’ hair, she is managing their performance careers along with that of their older old brother.

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