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Don't Panic Getting Your Anxious Child Ready for School | amotherworld
parenting

Don’t Panic: Getting Your Anxious Child Ready For Another School Year  

by René Brooks

Many children (and adults) are preparing to go back to school. It’s one of the most hectic times of the year, and some of us find ourselves dreading it.

There is a ton of thought, preparation and purchasing to do. We have to get new clothing, meet new teachers, and make a variety of selections on merchandise that most of us frankly don’t give a fig about. If this is a nightmare for the neurotypical, just imagine how it feels for those of us suffering with anxiety.

Anxiety involves persistent worry over the unknown variables of life. When you’re going back to school for the year, there are a ton of unknown variables: Who am I going to sit with at lunch? What am I going to wear the first day of school? Will I have friends? Will they make fun of me like they did last year?

Those are just SOME of the worries that can go through your child’s head as they’re preparing to start a fresh new year. Being a parent is being in a constant state of anxiety over your child. We don’t want them to suffer, and we’ll do just about anything to smooth their path. Let’s work on getting that anxious child ready for another school year.

Preparation is key

The less that is unknown, the less there is to worry about. That means it is time to go to work!

Pack up book bags a week in advance if you need to, put it in the spot you’ve asked your child to keep their bag in during the school year. Plan two or three outfits a few days before, so the child has options if they wake up that first school day and decide their wardrobe doesn’t meet the cool quotient.

If your child has a close friend who will be in their classes with them, have them get in touch with them two days to a night before to make plans on a spot to meet up so they won’t be alone.  If it is a new school, find a member of the staff to meet your child and escort them around the building so they won’t be alone in a completely unfamiliar place. A little bit of preparation goes a long way to preventing anxiety.

Rest easy

It can’t be emphasized enough that a well rested person is far less anxious. The problem is, worrisome thoughts can keep a body awake at night. There are a few ways to help your little one get to sleep. Start transitioning them into their school sleep schedule two weeks in advance; they won’t appreciate it now, but they will when that early alarm goes off.

Make sure you give your child enough time to lay awake and settle their mind before going to sleep, a half hour should be long enough. Any more time than that and they could start to worry about not being able to fall asleep, that’s the LAST thing you want.

Talk it out

Find out what your child’s hopes and fears for the coming year are. Do they have a difficult time making friends? Has a special friend moved away? Maybe they just feel shy around people, or they are concerned that their clothing isn’t trendy enough. These seem like small concerns to adults, but remember when you were a kid and the main thing you wanted was to fit in? That’s true of all children, and we should honor that.

Spend some time goal setting, or researching the latest fashions together. All of this is bonding time for you and your baby; plus they will realize that you see their concerns as valid. We all need validation, no matter how young we are.

Our greatest desire for our children is that they have an amazing education. Don’t let anxiety get in the way of your children’s academic success. Start working now to soothe their anxious minds and get them ready to take the year on.

Don't Panic Getting Your Anxious Child Ready for Another School Year

 

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Keep Moving This Summer
lifestyle

Keep Moving This Summer

How active are you in the summer?

We are a fairly active family, especially during the summer when we tend to spend more time outdoors. While the kids are riding their bicycles or playing basketball, my husband and I enjoy long walks, and gardening.

Because I work at a desk most of the day, my muscles tend to tighten up. Taking frequent breaks, and keeping my body moving is crucial to help with long-lasting muscle pain. I’ll get in a workout at the gym, or go for a power walk in the neighbourhood. But there are times when the muscle aches and pains are unbearable! I find myself making more frequent trips to the massage therapist and chiropractor.

I hate the idea that I’m getting older, but the truth is, my body doesn’t bounce back as quickly from physical activity as it used to! However I’m not ready to stop doing the things I enjoy because of the aches and pains.

“Long-lasting body pain may be more common as we get older, but it shouldn’t stop us from enjoying life and accomplishing all we want to,” says Dr. Jeff Habert, a family physician in Thornhill, Ontario. “Research has found that a combination of treatment methods, including physiotherapy, massage therapy and medications, show good results when managing long-lasting pain.”

Keep Moving This Summer - Advil 12 Hour

Often I need to take a pain reliever to manage the pain, and just one Advil® 12 Hour pill provides fast-acting plus long-lasting relief of muscle, back, joint and arthritis pain for up to 12 hours.

This summer, don’t let long-lasting body pain interfere with your ability to stay active or accomplish the things you want to! These three simple tips can help relieve your pain:

Advil 12 Hour “Keep Moving This Summer” Tips

Stay Active: Body pain may lead you to avoid physical activity. But low-impact activities like walking, stretching or light exercises can actually help manage pain and even increase strength and flexibility.

Get Relief: To help relieve your pain so you can accomplish everything you want to, try a non-prescription pain reliever. Just one Advil 12 Hour keeps working throughout the day for up to 12 hours.

Hot and Cold: Direct heat from hot packs or a warm bath can help relax tight muscles, while ice packs can help reduce inflammation and ease pain.

These tips are suggestions and do not replace medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Keep Moving This Summer with Advil 12 Hour

Ibuprofen, the active ingredient in all Advil products, has been clinically proven to relieve pain from inflammation. Canadians trust the effectiveness of Advil as a non-prescription pain reliever.  Advil 12 Hour’s effective immediate release/extended release formula works to relieve pain with a quick-dissolving layer for pain relief that’s fast and an extended release layer for relief that lasts.

Look for Advil 12 Hour in your local pharmacy, and also read and follow the label or speak with your doctor to ensure Advil 12 Hour is right for you!

COUPON

Visit Advil.ca to download a coupon for $3 off the purchase of Advil® 12 Hour, and find it in your local pharmacy.

ENTER TO WIN

One lucky reader has a chance to win an Advil 12 Hour “Keep Moving This Summer” Prize Pack, valued at $250! The Prize Pack will include:

  • Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate Plus Fitness Tracker
  • 20oz Water Bottle
  • Yoga Mat

Advil 12 Hour “Keep Moving This Summer” Prize Pack

To enter, tell us how you would spend an active summer day, if pain wasn’t holding you back?

Use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

win an Advil 12 Hour “Keep Moving This Summer” Prize Pack, valued at $250

This post was sponsored by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare Canada, but the opinions shared are my own.

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Fun Family Beach in Ontario Port Stanley
Family Travel

Fun Family Beach in Ontario: Port Stanley

I absolutely love about Ontario is that there is so much to explore right in our own beautiful province. Thanks to the Great Lakes, we have a number of fun family beaches to enjoy all summer. Where is a fun family beach in Ontario? Port Stanley is a great choice! If you haven’t visited Ontario’s south west, you are missing out!

Beach vacations, outdoor adventures and foodie escapes all await you in Elgin County near Lake Erie, which is about two hours from Toronto. One great fun family beach in Ontario you need to explore? Port Stanley, a historic fishing village located on the north shore of Lake Erie, south of London, Ontario. With one of the finest stretches of sandy beach on the north shore of Lake Erie, Port Stanley has been a popular tourist destination for decades.

Fun Family Beach in Ontario- Port Stanley

What to do

Port Stanley Beach

We packed a ton of activities in Port Stanley, a popular family beach destination in Elgin County.

Port Stanley’s Main Beach is a long sandy beach on Lake Erie’s north shore, and is one of only 26 in Canada to have earned official Blue Flag status for its commitment to strict water quality and safety criteria. The boys jumped right into the water – no fear of the chilly temps. Lifeguards on duty help make parents feel a little safer. There are long beach mats leading up to near the lake so the beach is accessible to people using wheelchairs or strollers.

Fun Family Beach in Ontario: Port Stanley Fun Family Beach in Ontario: Port Stanley

Port Stanley Terminal Rail

The train ride is fun for the littles as you can ride the open air car on a slow, scenic routine. The Port Stanley Terminal Rail ride is about a half hour each way; you can get off the train and look at some of the old train cars which all the kids aboard the train seems to enjoy.

Fun Family Beach in Ontario: Port Stanley Train Terminal Fun Family Beach in Ontario: Port Stanley Terminal Rail Port Stanley Terminal Rail

Clovermead Adventure Farm

We thought the kids wouldn’t be interested in going to a farm as they’re older, but Clovermead was a pleasant surprise. The boys enjoyed all of the activities at the heritage honey farm in Aylmer, a 20-minute drive from Port Stanley and 20 minutes outside of London. There is an fun playground for kids including jumping bouncers, animal farm, a Bee Discovery Station with Ontario’s Largest Glass Bee Display Hive. Make sure to buy some honey from The Honey Gift Shop, a shop for unique treasures and honey treats.

Clovermead Family Farm Aylmer

Clovermead Adventure Farm Elgin County Clovermead Adventure Farm Clovermead Adventure Farm ` Fun Family Beach in Ontario

Bridgeview Marina

Surprised to say that this was our first time kayaking ever, and we enjoyed it at the Bridgeview Marina. Bridgeview offers canoe, kayak, and stand up paddle board rentals, as well as some shiny new jetskis for rent! We opted for kayaks for a more relaxing afternoon on the water.

Bridgeview Marina Port Stanley Bridgeview Marina Port Stanley Bridgeview Marina Port Stanley

Port Burwell Marine Museum & Lighthouse

Originally built in 1840, renovated in the 1980’s, the Port Burwell lighthouse is one of the oldest wooden lighthouses serving the Great Lakes. The lighthouse has very narrow, steep stairs but only 55 steps so it’s worth the climb. The museum has some cool artifacts from Port Burwell and naval history, and a few hands-on exhibits for the kids.

Port Burwell Marine Museum & Lighthouse Port Burwell Marine Museum & Lighthouse Port Burwell Marine Museum & Lighthouse Port Burwell Marine Museum & Lighthouse Port Burwell Marine Museum & Lighthouse

Port Burwell Provincial Park

We didn’t have a chance to visit Port Burwell Provincial Park on this trip due to the weather and time constraints, but there is a playground for kids, clean bathrooms, campground, sandy beach, dog beach too.

 

Where to stay

Port Stanley Beach Hotel

If you want to stay right on this beach, the Port Stanley Beach Hotel is the spot! The hotel is steps away from the beach and restaurants, and a 10-minute walk to the downtown area. The room we stayed in had a queen bed and pull-out bed, which works for a family of four. It also offered a small kitchenette with small fridge and sink. All rooms have outside access. Ours opened onto a parking lot that was adjacent to Mackie’s, so there isn’t any privacy but the beach-front makes up for that. Breakfast is included at Buccaneer’s. For a family, the stay is great value for the quality of the accommodation right on the beach and breakfast.

Port Stanley Beach Hotel

Where to eat

Mackie’s

Mackie’s has been serving “good food fast” on the beach in Port Stanley since 1911 as well as Mackie’s Orangeade “The drink that made Port Stanley Famous”. Perch and chips a must here, as well as Mackie’s dipping sauce for the fries. The boys tried the Orangeade and I had to try a sip – was it ever delicious! Sweet orange pop but made with real oranges including the pulp? Not sure what the recipe is but is it ever tasty.  I was pleasantly surprised that this good eats spot on the beach has gluten-free options!

Mackie's Port Stanley Beach Mackie's Port Stanley Beach Mackie's Port Stanley Beach

GTs Beach Bar & Grill

GTs Beach Bar & Grill is a great spot to be able to enjoy some food and drinks, while looking out at the beach and lake. Because it’s a beach patio, the atmosphere is super casual. Still need to be dressed though, no swimsuits allowed. I ordered the perch tacos wrapped in lettuce; the boys has chicken wings. Because it was super busy we had to wait longer than our server told us; she then gave us 50% off our bill for the long wait! GTs has 8 beach volleyball courts, lounge chairs, full menu, weekday food specials and live entertainment weekends.

Port Stanley GTs Beach Bar & Grill GTs Beach Bar & Grill GTs Beach Bar & Grill Port Stanley Port Stanley GTs beach volleyball

That Breakfast Place

Again, pleasantly surprised that this great breakfast and lunch spot in Port Stanley had gluten-free bread – yay! Boys enjoyed their fluffy pancakes and bacon and eggs, and I had a few coffee refills at That Breakfast Place.

That Breakfast Place Port Stanley That Breakfast Place Port Stanley

The Buccaneer Restaurant

The Buccaneer Restaurant’s dining room and patio serves full breakfast (included if you stay at Port Stanley Beach Hotel), lunch and dinner. They are well known for their Lake Erie Yellow Perch, and ribs and steak dinners. The patio is busy and a great spot to dine outdoors with the breeze from the lake.

The Buccaneer Restaurant The Buccaneer Restaurant

Broderick’s Ice Cream Parlour

Broderick’s Ice Cream Parlour is a favourite destination in Port Stanley. It has a cute 1950s vibe. Broderick’s has 30 flavours to choose from, including sugar free & dairy free options. They also have frozen yogurt too. Broderick’s hand-make waffle cones every day on site!

Broderick’s Ice Cream Parlour Broderick’s Ice Cream Parlour Broderick’s Ice Cream Parlour

Village Square Coffee House

You can easily see that the Village Square Coffee House is not only a tourist spot, but a local favourite. It’s a cozy coffee shop that reminds me of Perks in Friends! Everyone seemed to know each other. The coffee is delicious, and they have gluten-free goodies too; chocolate banana bread, flourless chocolate muffins and more.

Village Square Coffee House Village Square Coffee House Port Stanley

Simply Scoops

If you drive out to Port Burwell, then you’ll need to have lunch and dessert at Simply Scoops. Their ice cream is delicious, and they serve generous portions.

Simply Scoops Port Burwell Simply Scoops Port Burwell

To help plan your trip, visit Ontario’s Southwest.

 

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How Kids Are Affected by What They Read See on the News
News

How Kids Are Affected by What They Read and See on the News

by Megan Scott

Do you remember the first time a news story impacted you personally?

For most of us, this happened when we were young and might involve the Space Shuttle Challenger’s ill-fated flight, the breaking apart of the Berlin Wall, or our favorite team winning the Stanley Cup. As children, our access to these news stories was probably limited to the local channels, radio stations, magazines, and newspapers. Now, fast forward a few years, and we live in an increasingly connected world that allows news to stream into our homes and lives at any given minute.

Many psychologists are finding a correlation between today’s online culture and news media with an alarming rise in our anxiety levels. Unlike the days of our childhoods, today we are constantly greeted with stories of terrorism, school shootings, violence, bullies, fake news, angry politics, and more. As parents, this influx of negative news and heart wrenching stories might cause us to question how our kids are being affected by what they read and see on the news.

How the News Affects Kids Emotionally

It should come as no surprise, that Common Sense Media research discovered close to two-thirds of our boys and girls feel depressed, scared, worried, and upset after encountering today’s news media. It went on to unearth that younger adolescents were more likely to express these feelings than older teens. While there are a variety of factors to consider, we need to take into account a child’s maturity and their youthful mindsets for processing increasingly adult subject matters.

While it might be tempting to shield our sons and daughters from the doom and gloom, there is hope. Within the same body of research, they found access to news and current events left children feeling empowered and informed. Surprisingly, 70 percent of the kids surveyed actually felt smarter after hearing, reading, or watching the news- even if it was uncomfortable or scary.

“Fake News” and Its Impact on Children

Realizing the news isn’t harming our kids might feel comforting, but we need to also consider “fake” news. Fake news is a current hot topic, mainly regarding American politics. While many of us write this off to political madness, there is actually a bit of truth lurking behind the headlines. Unfortunately, fake news is real and is solely published with the intent to mislead people with sensationalism, exaggeration, and attention grabbing headlines.

The problem with fake news is that it can be hard to discriminate between real newsworthy stories. This common form of clickbait is geared to increase readership and online sharing by using eye-catching headlines and thrilling stories. For children, this type of questionable journalism can be difficult to recognize and the sensationalism may lead to increased fear.

A survey of 853 children, between the ages of 10 and 18 in the United States, found that 30 percent of the group reported they had mistakenly shared a fake news story online sometime during the past six months. The children went on to say they discovered later the story had been inaccurate or wrong. This highlights the problem of how kids can have trouble distinguishing real news from fake stories.

How Kids Are Affected by What They Read See on the News | AMOTHERWORLD

5 Essential Tips to Help Kids Understand the News

Among all this bad news, there is some good news to share: we have a unique opportunity to help our kids understand the news with a little reassurance and direction. To help on this journey, we have put together five essential tips:

Talk about ways to differentiate reliable news sources from fake ones. Encourage children to consider the source of information, read beyond the headlines, do a little fact checking, and check the date of the article will help kids discern facts from fiction.

Discuss news as a family. According to the previous Common Sense Media study, children are more likely to believe news if it comes from trusted family members. We need to take advantage of this opportunity, making sure kids have access to correct information. It will also give us a chance to begin ongoing conversations and reduce any concerns if they have any.

Keep it simple. Younger children just want to know the basics and what it means for them. Use straightforward explanations and age appropriate vocabulary to help keep them informed.

Find media and news sources geared toward children. Instead of allowing unlimited access to adult centered news, consider setting screen limits and look for news outlets created for kids.

Help children feel safe. Today’s news can cause anxiety and fear, but our kids need to see us calm and collected. Remind them they are loved, safe, and encourage them to talk about any fears.

 

What methods do you use to help children make sense of the news?

 

Megan Scott is a writer and mother of two beautiful twins.  She wants to use her knowledge and expertise to help others lead a better life. Her hobbies include writing, long distance running and travelling with her beloved family. Follow her on twitter as @meganscotts

 

 

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Stop Blaming Kids For Their Downfalls
parenting

Stop Blaming Kids For Their Downfalls

Written by Elizabeth MacDonald

Children are generally, to an extent, a product of their environment. Study after study has shown how detrimental it is to have a positive, supportive relationship between a parent and child. And while no parent, child, or relationship is perfect, there needs to be a conscious effort made by the adult to set the ground work for a strong and confident child.

There seems to be a natural swing of the pendulum throughout the generations of parenthood. There was a society once made of extreme discipline, followed by one relaxed and laid-back, followed by another of helicopter parenting, with several variations along the way. The pendulum seems to be hovering in between two drastically different parenting styles right now. So many families throughout this society have realized just how important their time, effort, and relationship is with their children, while others are still strong believers in ‘Do What I Say, Not What I Do” parenting. This typically includes quite a bit of preaching with very little teaching.

While many parents are opening their arms to their children’s differences, accepting them as who they truly are, there are still so many who believe a child is choosing these differences – and that they can be changed. These parents, some teachers, even grandparents are blaming the children for what they have labeled “downfalls.” It has become apparent that placing blame is not only wrong, but can impact children in lifelong negative ways.

It’s safe to say that most parents belittling their children may not even know they are doing it. In fact, there are those who do so without caring, and those who would never imagine that they are harming their children. For the sake of sanity, this article will focus on the parents and adults who are working to better their ways and striving toward a healthy relationship with their children.

Stop Blaming Kids For Their Downfalls

The following are several ways in which a parent may be unknowingly placing blame on their child. After reading them, it is easy to realize just how common these moments are, but one thing that children are is forgiving, so fear not; there is time to change.

These three phrases are spoken all too often, at home and in public:

“Why would you….?”

“How could you….?”

“I don’t understand why…”

In a frustrated tone, a parent bites her lip and speaks harshly, placing blame. Speaking to a child using words such as, “I don’t understand why you would do this!” set a parent apart from the child instead of bringing them closer together. It’s a moment of anger because the parent truly doesn’t understand, but the truth is that the child probably doesn’t understand either. Most children are acting out in age-appropriate ways, and the others are acting out for attention-seeking reasons they cannot describe. Using intense, almost threatening statements like these cause a child to shut down and withdraw from the parent.

Yelling

The voice begins to rise, the child begins to cower. A parent believes a lesson has been learned, but all that has occurred is utilizing a fear tactic to end a situation. A child feels guilty for his faults and believes it is his own downfalls that cause problems.

Overpowering

When a parent overpowers a child by standing taller, pointing a finger, and belittling a child while a certain behavior or action takes place, the child will again feel as if it is his fault. He may begin to shut down and hide his true feelings from his parent in fear of being wrong.

Not Allowing a Child to Speak

Silencing a child forces emotions to be swallowed and guilt to surface. It can be worsened when a child is then sent to be alone. A child’s voice should not be weakened; by denying the child a chance to speak, it is telling the child that he is not worthy of explanation. It is showing him that no matter what he thinks, he is wrong.

Being a Silent Parent

Many parents rely on ‘The Look’ to control their children. Without saying a word, a parent can scare their child or show just how disappointed they are in him. No words are even needed for the child to feel guilty and alone.

 

Remember that children absorb so much, and that guilt can weigh heavy on the mind – and heart – over a lifetime. By speaking with kindness and understanding, a parent can bond with their child instead of push them away. Talking openly and honestly with a child goes a long way.

Instead of struggling with the above harmful tactics, consider the following as options:

  • Take a deep breath or walk away until a sense of calm has returned
  • Sit or kneel while talking with the child
  • Understand that a child will make mistakes
  • A downfall is nothing more than a part of a child that will change or remain over time, but should be acknowledged and addressed in a supportive environment.

 

About the Author

Elizabeth is a researcher, author, and content writer for My Baby’s Heartbeat Bear – one of the best online stores for unique pregnancy gifts. She spends her days as the ringleader of a never-tiring circus; one full of tightrope walkers, nerf gun shooters, mess makers, and danger-seekers. Elizabeth is currently expecting baby #5 and homeschooling the rest of her tribe. She exists on toddler kisses, caffeine, and tears of (panic) happiness. Read Elizabeth’s pregnancy blog to find out the dos and don’ts and other important things about pregnancy.

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Will My Kids Ever Stop Fighting | amotherworld.com
parenting

Will My Kids Ever Stop Fighting?

Written by René Brooks

So, it’s Summertime. Exciting, right? Wrong. You have children who are bored to death and full of energy. That means one thing: fighting.

That’s right, from dusk until dawn, they are bickering as though their very lives depended on it. Wait, did they take a break? Nope, they were just pausing to eat you out of house and home, then return to fighting.

I know you’re on the verge of tearing out your hair, but the question still remains: will my kids EVER stop fighting? There are a couple reasons why you’re being subjected to this racket from dawn until dusk.

Siblings

Let’s face it: siblings are going to be siblings. Since Cain and Abel, siblings haven’t seen eye to eye from time to time, and there has been (hopefully less drastic than the aforementioned) evidence of that playing out in real time in your living room. There are toys that they want to play with that someone else has. A special plate that everyone wants to use, but only one can each off of. There is a TV remote at stake here. Siblings squabble over turf, and it is just a fact of life.

They want attention

A child who wants attention, either from you or from their sibling, goes about it in different ways. One of those ways is finding a child who is happily playing, and pushing him off of the couch. Got her attention, didn’t it? The only problem is, now the once-peaceful child has a sore butt and a disrupted whatever she was doing. Hence, screaming, fighting and hair pulling.

It can also demand your attention as the cries of injustice are certain to pull you from wherever in the house you were to find out what exactly was going on. More attention. See, children don’t always care if it is positive or negative, they want what they want, and that’s that. Grin and bear it, mom. Sometimes they just want the undivided attention of EVERYONE and the best way to do that is to be the squeaky wheel.

Stress Reliever

Surprisingly, children also argue because they are just a little bit stressed out. According to this article from The Washington Parent, children sometimes fight with their siblings because they feel safer. After all, your friends and neighbors aren’t obligated to be nice to you, but you know who is? Your big brother. If not, Mom might come and lay down the law. When you have backup, it is a lot easier to express your displeasure over someone using the pink blanket when they know you prefer that one.

Solutions

Here’s the part you’ve been waiting for: what do I do? Well, according to the experts, nothing. That’s right. Let them fight it out. According to this article by Psychology Today, it is best to stay calm, relax, and let them sort it out themselves. Allowing children to fight it out allows them to develop problem solving skills, manage tricky emotions, and prepares them for the real world conflict they will one day face away from your home. AKA, unless they are getting out of control, you get to stay out of it. I bet you’d spend your whole summer as a referee, huh?

In short, siblings fighting is not only normal, it is a healthy part of their development. You might be sick of hearing them shriek and torment each other, but they’re learning life skills. That’s what it is really all about, right? Now grab some noise canceling headphones, and enjoy the rest of summer break without worrying.

Will My Kids Ever Stop Fighting? amotherworld.com

 

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the ta ta towel
Beauty

The Ta-Ta Towel Gives Your Boobs Sweat-Free Freedom

How well-endowed are you? If you’re a busty woman, then you must know that having a nice cleavage isn’t all cracked up it appears to be. Large-chested women often have trouble dealing with strap marks, back pains, and during summer, excessive sweating.

The worst sweat a woman can have in heat wave is sweat underneath boobs. It’s uncomfortable, and feels just gross. Now imagine if they could be help up – without wearing a bra?

Someone took that idea and turned it into reality.

A new beauty product called the “Ta-Ta Towel” is now available for pre-order. Yes, the ta-ta towel holds your ta-tas in place so your girls can be supported and stay dry when you’re lounging around the house. So you take a shower, wrap a towel in your hair, and one around your boobs. Genius!

Ta-Ta Towel founder, Erin Robertson, says the idea for the invention came to her while she was getting ready for a date in a sweltering apartment.

“I couldn’t be the only person to have boob-sweat issues while getting ready,” she writes on the Ta-Ta Towel site. “There had to be something on the market to fix this. So, I went home and got online, looking for an answer. But all I could find were maxi-pad-looking things that you stick in your bra. I didn’t want to wear a bra while I was getting ready or just lounging around the house.”

Then, the Ta-Ta Towel actually happened. People on social media seem to love it.

 

Would you wear the Ta Ta Towel?

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How to Work from Home in Summer with Kids | amotherworld
News

How to Work from Home in Summer with Kids

We are half-way through the summer school break! The kids have been off school for a while now, but you’re still working from home! How to work from home in summer with kids? It seems impossible!

But you can make it happen without pulling your hair out. It takes some organization and strategy – here’s how to do it.

Reading

Set aside reading time every day, even just a half hour. If you have a reluctant reader like I do, let them choose one or two books to read before the end of summer, and have them write up a book report afterwards.

Writing

While they’re writing their book reports, have them also write in a summer journal. Ask them to share their thoughts about their day, or vacation, or write a creative story about anything!

Create a craft bin

If you don’t already have a craft bin or creative/art area, go to the dollar store stat. Have supplies at the ready including construction paper, paints, markers, playdough, coloured pencils, and other kid-friendly art supplies so they can create and “work” right alongside you.

Workbooks and Colouring Pages

Most kids enjoy colouring workbooks and coloring pages as well. Have a variety available so you can pull out a different activity each day.

Create an outdoor play area

For younger kids, make sure to have some space in the backyard where your kids can play and explore while you work (and while you can watch them). A backyard playground, sand box, water table, lawn bowling, can provide hours of fun.

My kids are old enough to ride their bicycles and scooters outside on their own, and go to the park, and play basketball at our school across the street.

Look for activities

If you’re working from home, it might not make sense to enroll your children into full-day summer camps. Check with your town for half-day activities; some local businesses such as gyms and dance studios may offer lessons a few hours a day. Also check with your local community centre for half-day activities as tennis, golf, or swimming. My kids have done a morning basketball camp, and a two-hour hockey clinic during the summer break.

Playdates

If you need a couple hours of totally uninterrupted work outside of naptime, consider creating a sort of babysitting swap with other moms. You each take a turn scheduling a play date with all the kids, and use that time to run errands or do something fun alone.

Take breaks to play with them

I find blocking time into hourly increments helps to keep productivity up, and kids busy. Say you block an hour or two in the morning, and warn the kids that that is mom’s working time; when you’re done, then you can do something fun together. They can then manage to find something to do during that time frame too, knowing that mom will be free soon.

Screen time

Television or screens in small doses is okay, as long as they’re not watching movies or shows all day long. Putting on a movie or allowing your kids to watch a couple episodes of their favourite cartoon doesn’t make you a neglectful parent. Don’t feel guilty about some screen time, just as long as they have equal active time too. They’ll be entertained and you’ll be able to get things done.

Hopefully these tips will help you juggle working from home and taking care of the kids this summer! And if your kids utter the words, “I’m Bored!”, you can point them in the direction of cleaning their rooms or better yet, the toilets!

 

More fun ideas: 50 Fun Things for Kids to Do Outside

How to Work from Home in Summer with Kids | amotherworld

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Building Healthy Relationship Skills Now - For Life!
parenting

Building Healthy Relationship Skills Now – For Life!

 

Parents and caregivers know from experience that healthy relationships are key to a happy, healthy life.  Be it with self, family, friends or romantic partners, learning relationship skills need to start at a young age. And just like other skills children develop, like playing soccer, math or reading, healthy relationship skills need to be learned one step at a time.

Parents and caregivers are important role models when it comes to healthy relationships. But schools also have a part to play —after all, kids spend almost 200 days a year at school! Ophea and White Ribbon have programs and resources for teachers, students, and parents to develop healthy relationship skills in children and youth.

Ideas on where to start

It’s important to encourage children to ask for help when things don’t feel respectful or safe. Help children and youth recognize the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships: honesty, trust, good communication, caring, respect, equality, and feeling safe, versus feeling pressure, control, humiliation, abuse, and violence. The foundations of healthy relationships can be taught at home and at school and include:

  • Knowing and setting personal boundaries
  • Asking for permission before touching another person
  • Respecting the boundaries of others

Developing the ability to become aware and communicate a wide range emotions.

Supports for your schools & communities

This past school year Ophea, a not-for-profit that champions healthy, active living in schools and communities, launched Campaign Messengers: Taking a Stand! This project trained over 100 students and teachers from across Ontario to lead activities related to the promotion of healthy relationships, consent, respect, and equality in their school communities.

Funded by the Government of Ontario, this project empowers students to lead conversations on these important topics with their peers so that they can make informed decisions about their safety, health and well‑being. The project will extend this fall to 40 new elementary schools through a free training event for teachers in October 2017. Campaign Messengers is delivered in partnership with White Ribbon, the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres, and Egale Canada.

Also look to White Ribbon, whose mission is to inspire men and boys to embrace the positive role they can play to promote healthy relationships and end violence against women end violence against women and girls. Their male role modeling initiative It Starts with You. It Stays with Him. inspires men to promote healthy, equal relationships with the boys in their lives.

Check out the Government of Ontario-funded White Ribbon Draw the Line campaign which encourages conversations about the topics of healthy relationships, consent, and sexual violence prevention. It empowers youth to play a positive role and promote consent and healthy relationships with their peers.

Let’s work together to give kids the crucial relationship skills they need now and for life.

Ophea is a not-for-profit organization that champions healthy, active living in schools and communities through quality programs and services, partnerships and advocacy.

White Ribbon is the world’s largest movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls and to promote gender equity, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity.

 

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The Boss Baby now on DVD Bluray
Entertainment

Kids (and Parents) will Love Boss Baby

There are family movies that are sweet and fun for little ones to watch… but don’t keep parents’ interest piqued. Then there are other family movies that are fun for both kids AND parents.

When the jokes in a movie are intended for parents, I’m all over it – like The Boss Baby which was released on Blu-ray DVD on July 25th. Parents might have even more fun than their kids with this one!

Featuring the voices of Alec Baldwin (Boss Baby), Toby McGuire (Adult Tim/narrator), Lisa Kudrow (Mom), Jimmy Kimmel (Dad), The Boss Baby is a hilarious family friendly movie that jam packed with laughs and adventure.

Seven-year-old Tim Templeton suddenly finds his share of parental love plummeting when his new baby brother arrives—wearing a suit and toting a briefcase—and makes it clear to everyone that he’s in charge. When Tim discovers that Boss Baby is on a secret mission, he reluctantly agrees to team up with his pint-sized sibling for an epic adventure that might just change the world!

The animated comedy has a premise and characters so absurdly hilarious that it is pretty much impossible not to laugh! You will also notice some clever easter eggs, hidden details, movie references in Boss Baby! Of course the kids LOVED the physical comedy, and the toilet humour – who doesn’t love a cute baby bottom?! We also loved seeing Tim’s fantasies play out as he has a vivid imagination.

We adored Alec Baldwin’s Boss Baby, and we couldn’t help be reminded of another character the actor portrays in the media right now…  Steve Buscemi was appropriately cast as Francis E. Francis, the vindictive CEO of Puppy Co., the main target of Boss Baby’s mission.

The movie’s plot takes sibling rivalry to the extreme! My two boys could relate as they are very competitive with one another. Particularly for them, it was nice to see that brotherly love won in the end and sent a positive message about family.

The Boss Baby Special Edition Blu-ray includes many bonus features including:

  • New Mini Adventure, a 3-minute action-packed journey through time featuring Boss Baby and Tim
  • Featurettes
  • Deleted Scenes
  • And More!

The Boss Baby is available on Blu-ray DVD NOW!

The Boss Baby now on DVD Bluray

This post is brought to you by The Boss Baby Blu-Ray but the images and opinions are my own.

 

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