Now that we’re getting into August, a lot of parents are scrambling to make the most of the remaining summer. If your kids are part of that generation who are determined to experience the world through a screen, then you may want to show them what the great outdoors is all about. Your first camping trip with your kids can be wonderful, but you need to put some time into planning. Here are some important tips to take with you.

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First of all, try to keep it simple. When you were young, you may have gone camping and fishing all the time, and still retain everything you know about it. However, your kids are likely a different story. To make it as enjoyable as possible for everyone involved, I recommend that you don’t do anything too ambitious. Choose a camp ground which isn’t too far from home, with all the nearby facilities you could need if things go wrong. If you really wanted to guarantee their comfort on the trip, then you may even want to buy a motorhome from a lot like RV Center. You may have a vision of getting into some real wilderness miles from any civilization. While this could also be a great trip, it’s better to build your kids up to it in baby steps!

When you make it out to your spot, be sure to get your kids involved. If you’re a parent, then you’re certain to be familiar with that tired, drawn-out whinge of “I’m bored!”. Without the constant stimulus from their smartphones and tablets, it’s fairly likely that you’re going to hear this at some point during the trip. The idea is to spark a life-long love of camping and the outdoors in your children, right? I know it may feel slightly nerve-wracking, but getting your kids involved in everything is the best way to do this. Show them how to pitch a tent, find the best firewood, and generally get their bearings at a new campsite. If your kids are old enough, you may even want to get them in on building a great fire and cooking over it.

Finally, plan some activities. Again, most kids aren’t happy with simply sitting around a campfire, soaking in nature and getting away from it all. However, you can still make the great outdoors exciting for them by planning some fun activities throughout your trip. If your kids are particularly crafty or creative, then bring some yarn down, find some good sticks, and make a Mexican god’s eye. Tell some campfire stories, just make sure you don’t give them any nightmares! During the day, do some of the traditional outdoors things like fishing or swimming. If you’re not camping on too tight of a budget, you might want to hire a canoe or some kayaks from places like Up a Creek. Even if all you do is capsize, you’re sure to have some fun!

Tech can do some amazing things, but it’s still possible to show your kids how beautiful the great outdoors is!

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Every parent goes through the same arguments with their child every night. Yes, you do have to have a bedtime. Yes, you do have to have a bath and brush your hair. And then the big one that everyone dreads: yes, you have to brush your teeth. And while we’re at it, no, running a bit of cold water over your gums doesn’t constitute a proper tooth brushing.

Every parent knows that this is a behavior you have to install early. Habits are learned, and the sooner you begin them, the easier they are to continue. You want to get your child associating with fresh teeth with cleanliness and good oral health as quickly as possible. This isn’t just about teeth looking good; there can be severe health ramifications to poor oral care. Unfortunately, those arguments don’t tend to fly with a child.

If you’re tired of the daily battle, then there are a few tricks you can use to make the process simpler. First and foremost, however, investigate if there could be a legitimate reason your child doesn’t want to brush their teeth.

Are You Using Appropriate Tools?

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Toothpaste that is overly-minted can be deeply uncomfortable for adults, never mind children. If your child associates brushing their teeth with a burning tongue, it’s only natural they’re going to want to avoid it. The same goes for toothbrushes. Most adults use a medium or hard brush, but this might be too much for a child to handle. Soft bristles are generally more friendly, and studies have shown they are just as effective.

Child toothpaste does exist, in more attractive-sounding flavors like strawberry. Unfortunately, they’re also packed with sugar- the exact thing you want to keep away from teeth! Look for options that use Xylitol as a sweetener- not only does it have a good taste, but it’s also good for oral health in its own right.

Are Your Child’s Teeth In A Good State To Begin With?

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As soon as milk teeth are appearing, it’s a good idea to take your child to a dentist for an examination. Regular check-ups help prevent problems before they happen, though this can be a strain on the family budget. Nevertheless, the importance can’t be underestimated. You can look to come to an agreement with your dentist or investigate insurance plans like Guardian Dental to help meet the costs. Then you can just focus on getting what’s needed, rather than going with what you can afford. You need to give a good basis to go from with at-home care.

With the above taken care of, it’s time to put on your most persuasive hat and get down to it.

Stick Over Carrot

Perhaps this more suits your parenting style, or you just generally don’t like to beat around the bush. Working this way means your child is brushing their teeth, and their thoughts on it don’t matter. You give strict instructions and supervise the process.

The upside to this is that teeth get brushed. The downside is that forcing something onto a child rarely makes them want to repeat it. There is a chance your child responds well to no-nonsense discipline like this, in which case, don’t break it if it’s not broken.

Simple Rewards For Simple Tasks

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Think of a food your child loves but that you would rather they didn’t have too often. It doesn’t need to be something sweet, and try to keep it low calorie and as healthy as possible – but it’s got to be appetizing. You’re going to teach your child how to “earn” it. Pick up some star stickers from a stationery store and create a weekly chart on some paper. After every successful tooth brushing, you give a star. At the end of the week, they’re rewarded with the Forbidden Food – and of course, have to brush right after it! Knowing their efforts are moving towards something can help.

Make It A Family Thing

Many toothpaste ads show the entire family in front of the sink brushing their teeth, but how many of us actually do that? If you make it a family, group activity, then it appeals to your child’s natural instinct for inclusion. You can even give them special tasks, like setting the two-minute timer and keeping an eye on it. That way they feel useful, and you can supervise – without it being obvious you’re doing so – from up close.

Compliment Their Teeth and Smile

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If your child is going to spend time doing this activity, they need to know it’s worth it. Every few days, take a moment to tell them how good their smile looks. “Your teeth are sparkling,” you comment, with admiration. They immediately connect the activity with the self-esteem boost. We’re all programmed to do things that earn us compliments and praise, and we’ll keep repeating them for the same excitement. By reinforcing well outside of the actual event of toothbrushing, you bring the consequences into reality. Talk to friends and family and ask them to do the same.

Get Out Of Jail Free Card

Incentives work for some children, such as the above sticker method resulting in a favorite food. For others, they’ll do anything to get out of certain tasks. If there is a household chore, you know your child hates, switch out the reward and instead make it a pass from doing that chore. One full week of stickers means they get to sit out the task the next time it needs doing. They’ll quickly learn to associate clean teeth with avoiding things they don’t want. Yes, it gives you an extra chore to pick up, but it’s worth it for a lifetime of good oral hygiene.

Finally, if you are still struggling for months on end, do see a dentist for help. There might be physical or psychological issues your child is struggling, so get them ironed out at a young age. Happy brushing!

If you have children between 13 and 18, chances are they are experiencing some of the many issues the average teenager comes across. However, no matter where they are in this 5-year process (although it may be longer or shorter), there are ways to help them through. Here are a handful of suggestions. Pick one or try them all; the choice is yours. But whatever you choose, remember that the benefit is for more than just them. Happier teenagers make for a happier home, and any improvements in mood will positively impact you and others in the house as well.

Give Them Time Off

They get up early every weekday to go to school and then spend all day learning. They’re learning to cope with lots of different pressures, from dating to exams. The teenage life is rarely an easy one, and in fact, can be very exhausting. This is why your teenager needs a bit of time off every now again. This could be excusing them from washing up one night a week, or arranging for them to go on a day-trip with their friends. Just as adults need to recharge our batteries, so do our teens. A bit of time off will revitalize them for the next day. Their energy levels will raise and their moods will improve.

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Arrange Creative Therapy

From arts and crafts to outdoor pursuits and theater, the creative arts can be highly impactful on teenagers. This is no matter their attitude or nature. Take Wilderness Therapy For Troubled Youth, for example. These programs are all about empowerment, improving the choices the kids make and teaching them ways to cope and break bad habits.

Meanwhile, joining a local amateur dramatics society can help boost the self-esteem of a particularly shy teen. Or, if you’re kid struggles to make friends as they have less mainstream interests, get them involved in a group that nurtures this. If they prefer gardening to football, for example, cater to this.

Organize Counselling If They Need It

As has already been discussed, the teenage years can be highly challenging. It may be beneficial for your teen to have someone to talk to who is removed from your family. They will likely be able to be more open and honest about any issues they are having. This is especially true if they are awkward or uncomfortable situations to discuss with parents. The might be topics like safe sex and STD worries, for example. You’ll also be empowering them to be independent, and showing that you trust them. Help your teen find someone they feel comfortable with, and then leave them to it. Despite the confidentiality agreement, the counselor can tell you if anything very serious has been discussed.

Watch Their Diet

The older our kids get, the less control we have over what they eat. If you suspect your teen is eating lots of bad food when not in your care, make up for it when they are. Home-cooked meals are generally far healthier than anything pre-packaged or ready-made. You are in control of the ingredients, and can tweak as necessary. For example, if a teen is anemic, you can increase the amount of red meat they’re eating with their evening meals.

Children everywhere will have their ‘moments’ when it comes to eating. Most will grow out of it or become more accepting of a wider range of foods over time. But sometimes, kids can be so stubborn! As a parent, it is easy to worry about how much nutrition a child is getting. It’s natural, but often no cause for concern. However, if your child is determined to be a picky eater, there are plenty of ideas out there to help:

Familiarity

One of the best ways to get kids to eat their dinner is to keep offering the same foods over and again. Let your kids see you eating and enjoying those vegetables with each meal. Presenting the things they refuse to try will eventually wear them down. It may take twenty or more times of seeing it on their plate before they give it a go, so don’t give up.

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Understanding more about the foods they fear can help them become more familiar. Humanizing vegetables and fruits help to give them friendly characters that kids can grow to like. Show them pictures, TV shows, movies and books that feature the foods they’re fussy about. Coloring in pictures, or making stuffed toys in vegetable shapes can help too!

Hidden Gems

Sometimes parents feel very strongly that a child should be eating a particular type of food. They may even endeavor to hide it in their child’s favorite dishes. This can be a great way to make sure they’re eating a wide range of foods. Pureed fruit and veggies can make lovely sauces over pasta, for example.

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The excitement of eating out can be a great way to encourage more rounded eating. The crew at La Vera Pizza say that Italian pizzas can cater for lots of different tastes. And what child doesn’t like the idea of eating pizza? Whether you make your own at home, or head to an award winning restaurant, pizza can be a great way to enjoy veggie toppings.

Food Combos And Good Trades

Other techniques for helping a child to enjoy a wholesome meal is to try combining the different flavors on the plate. One vegetable with a piece of meat will taste different to another vegetable combined with a french fry. You could ask your child to describe the textures using words like squishy, chewy, crunchy, or juicy. Combos can be made with colors, textures, food types, or anything else your child might happily explore.

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Good trades can help your child find reward in eating something that he doesn’t like the taste of. A spoon of peas for a spoon of pudding when he’s finished. Or maybe a spoon of carrots for a spoon of jello. You don’t need to provide more sweets or treats than you were already prepared to serve. But a measurable reward for effort can sometimes be a great motivator.

Kids are fussy at times. So are some adults! But if we keep eating something, we might soon grow to love it. Enjoy your meal.

There’s nothing worse for parents than when their child gets sick. It’s not just the worry and the stress that’s the problem but also the cost. It’s no secret that healthcare can be expensive, which is what makes caring for a sick child even harder to deal with. The problem is that knowing when to take a child to see a doctor can be hard to judge. As a parent, it’s easy to rush them to the doctor’s office at the first sign of any sickness. But it’s important to realize that a lot of childhood illnesses can be safely treated at home.

Many parents struggle when it comes to their child getting sick as while they want them to get the best care. However, they don’t want to pay for medical treatment unnecessarily. It’s a tricky situation and one that a lot of moms struggle to know how to cope with. With that in mind, this guide should help parents to decide the best ways to care for a sick child and when to take them to see a doctor. As well as a few useful tips for keeping health care costs as low as possible.

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Google their symptoms

When a child gets sick, it can sometimes be hard to work out what’s wrong with them. As a parent, this can make things even more stressful as it’s easy to panic about what it could be. The best thing to do in this situation is have a look online and do some research. Obviously, it’s important to realize that often, the internet gives the worst case scenarios. However, look past these and focus on the everyday illnesses that are common in children. Getting an idea of what could be wrong with a child that’s sick is important, as this will help to make it easier to work out the next steps to take. Things like coughs, colds, sickness bugs and viruses can be treated at home. Infections, however, require medical attention.

Keep an eye on the child

As a parent, the best thing to do when a child is sick is keep an eye on them. Often, they’ll act differently, when they’re sick to how they act when they’re healthy. These signs can be subtle, but as a parent, it’s important to look out for them. Lots of moms worry that they won’t be able to tell if their child is really sick, but it’s obvious when a child is severely unwell. A child who is very unwell will sleep all day, have a raging fever and may even be delirious. Any of these symptoms requires immediate medical attention.

Leave it 24 hours

As long as the child doesn’t have a high fever or is delirious, it’s often okay to monitor them for 24 hours before taking them to see a doctor. Obviously, this depends on how sick the child is, but in most cases 24 hours of monitoring is the best thing to do. That way, the child can be watched to see if they start to improve or if they seem to be getting more unwell. If a child appears to be getting more sick, it’s important to take them to the doctors as soon as possible, to ensure that they’re getting the right care.

Check their temperature

The most important factor when a child is sick is their temperature. Most fevers – high temperatures, are mild and disappear on their own. However, if a child is burning up with an extremely high fever, it’s important to know how to get it down. Temperature spikes can be dangerous for young children, so knowing how to relieve a fever is a must for all parents. The best way to do this is by giving them painkillers, if after an hour, their temperature is still high, it’s time to call a doctor.

Make a doctor’s appointment

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If the child has a raging temperature, has been getting more and more sick or is delirious, a doctor’s appointment is essential. Health care can be expensive, especially if the child isn’t covered by medical insurance. However, that shouldn’t stop a sick child from seeing a doctor. While most medical facilities are expensive, there are some that offer low-cost or even free care. Many parents aren’t aware of this but low-cost medical care does exist, it’s just a case of finding it. There is also help available to help parents on a low-income cover the cost of medical bills. There’s even prescription assistance available, to help make medicine more affordable.

Do as the doctor says

Doctors don’t give advice for it not to be listened to. If a child is sick enough to see a doctor, it’s important that the advice given is taken on board. If a doctor recommends that a sick child should spend two days in bed, this should be followed. Many parents take a child to see a doctor and then don’t heed what the doctor says. It’s important to take the advice on board that’s given, to help speed up how quickly it takes the child to heal.

Ensure the prescription is completed

It’s also essential that if the child is given a prescription, the whole course of medicine is completed. Far too often, once a child starts to feel better their parents stops giving them their medicine because they believe they no longer need it. However, that’s not the case, for medicine to be effective, the entire course must be completed. Even if the child is much happier and more active, it’s still essential that all their medicine is taken. This helps to prevent the illness returning and strengthens their immune system making them less prone to future bouts of the same thing.

As a parent, any time a child is sick it’s incredibly worrying. However, it’s important to be rational and decide whether it’s essential that a sick child sees a doctor. Take the time to research their symptoms and monitor them and then decide whether or not they need to see a professional.

Watching your daughter grow up can be as terrifying as it exciting. It’s incredible to watch your children morph into young adults. But at the same time it’s frightening and a little bit sad to lose your little ones. Nevertheless, they have to get older and eventually start living independent lives. You can still enjoy all the moments along the way, though. There are lots of big events in your daughter’s life, from special birthdays to getting her first job. Marking these occasions with a gift is one way to recognize them for the significant moments they are. If you’re looking a gift to mark a special occasion in your daughter’s life, consider one of these.

Grown-up Jewelry

Many little girls start wearing jewelry when they’re fairly young. But there’s a world of difference between that and something a grown woman can wear. Buying your daughter jewelry that’s going to last is a good way to recognize that she’s an adult – or at will soon be one. If you’re trying to think of a 16th or 18th birthday present, you could get her diamond earrings or a necklace with Akoya pearls. You’re showing her that she’s ready to care for something valuable and to truly appreciate it too. You could also consider a watch, which can be both functional and beautiful.

A Laptop or Tablet

It might not be the most sentimental present, but there are many time when a new laptop or tablet will go down well. Your daughter is certainly going to have periods when she doesn’t have much money of her own, but she needs to work. Some good times to give her a new computer include when she graduates high school or is about to start college. You might also give her one for her college graduation, or when she begins her first proper job or maybe grad school. It might not be a gift that lasts a lifetime, but it’s practical and extremely useful.

Furniture or Accessories for Her Home

Moving out from the family home is a huge stage in anyone’s life. Your daughter might be going to spend term-time in her dorm, taking a semester abroad or moving out altogether. She’ll have her own space away from the family home for probably the first time. Help her make herself at home by getting her something to decorate with. However, you might want to work with her on this once. Your taste might not be the same as hers, so try not to impose your style on her home.

A Supportive Gift

Showing your daughter that you support something she does can be as simple as giving a gift. It could be her career, hobby or another choice that she makes for herself. For example, you could get her a set of paints to show that you support her love of art. Perhaps she’s starting out in her dream job, and you could get her something for her office.

A gift to your daughter can say a lot on significant occasions. If you can’t find the words, say what you want with a present.