The World Needs More Nurses: How to Decide if Nursing is Right for You

Nursing has always been the backbone of healthcare. They do so much more than just support doctors. They are the primary figures in care and rehabilitation. Yes, most will not have the ability to diagnose and run tests. They won’t be performing surgery. What they will be doing, however, is providing the care and treatments. They are the ones that help you through your aches and pains. Who are there to comfort you through your darkest moments. Who help loved ones through their own pain. 

Nurses are the most important figure in healthcare. No one can be replaced, but it is nurses that provide most of the services that get people back up and enjoying their lives. 

They are so incredibly important, and yet there are not enough of them. There are on average 4x more RNs than physicians, and yet today there is an estimated 800,000 shortage, with over 1 million more positions expecting to open up when the oldest generation of RNs retire. More positions still might be available now that telehealth is finally getting the attention it deserves and is set to become a more critical component to healthcare in the future. 

And that’s just RNs. APRNs are even more scarce, despite how much they help offset the shortage of qualified physicians and provide exceptional care all on their own. The highest level of APRNs can even hold doctorates, making their expertise invaluable for patients and healthcare as a whole. Family Nurse Practitioners, for example, help offset the lack of general physicians, and can even open up their own clinics. 

The world needs more nurses, and you could be one of them. This guide will go through all your options, and will help you decide whether nursing is right for you: 

Qualities that Make for a Good Nurse 

Nurses are natural caregivers, but they need to be more than that. They need to be resilient, dedicated, and passionate. It is what will help them complete online nursing programs, and succeed in their career. 

If you have the following qualities, you could make a good nurse: 

1. You Care for Others 

2. You Have Great Communication and Interpersonal Skills 

3. You are Highly Empathetic 

4. You Have a Great Attention to Detail 

5. You Are a Good Problem Solver 

6. You Have a Good Sense of Humor

7. You Are Committed and Dedicated to your Goals

8. You Are Willing to Learn Every Day 

9. You Are Good with Time Management 

10. You Are a Natural Leader 

    
    

However, a commitment to helping others and the ability to care for your own health and mental wellbeing are all you need to get started. Being a nurse is a lot of work, but if you are committed to becoming a great nurse, you can learn a lot of these skills along the way. 

Nurse Salary and Career Expectations 

Wanting to get paid to help others is not an unreasonable expectation. It takes a lot of physical and emotional labor to be a nurse, and unless you work towards the highest level of nursing, you often won’t be compensated as well as you should be.

Registered Nurses 

RNs are what many of us think of when nursing comes up in conversation, and the wage they earn will differ depending on where they live, what online nursing programs they have completed, and their experience. 

The biggest discrepancy is between degrees. Registered Nurses that hold an Associate’s Degree in Nursing, which is a shorter to complete than other online nursing programs, but limits your future career option, only make $62,000 per year on average. 

In comparison, BSN holding RNs earn an average of $77,000 per year. 

It isn’t just pay that you should care about, however. By not achieving a BSN as part of the online nursing programs you pursue, you cut off your future. Not only that, but many states are pushing for 80% of their RNs to hold BSN degrees, making it difficult for ADN RNs to find work. 

Always, always go through the extra effort of earning a BSN. It will mean you can apply for more online nursing programs, like an MSN or DNP. It will also make it easier to find work and make you eligible for higher pay. 

You will also save more likes. Just a 10% increase in BSN RNs will result in a 4% reduction in death amongst patients. Your skill and knowledge when you have a BSN cannot be underestimated. 

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses 

The amount that an APRN can earn differs wildly depending on their specialization. 

At the highest end of the spectrum is the nurse anesthetist, who works alongside doctors and dentists to provide anesthesia in a variety of settings. They typically earn $181,000 on average, but it isn’t unheard of for CRNAs to earn over $200,000 per year. 

Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists all earn around $100,000 per year, though again they can and often do earn far higher in larger cities and with greater experience in their field. Nurse Practitioners can even consider opening their own practice, as their role, more than any other, work to offset the shortage of doctors in general healthcare. 

Nurse-midwives can also work for themselves, and also earn around $100,000 per year for their work. Midwives are becoming an increasingly popular and preferred option for expecting parents, who want a more personalized approach through their pregnancy. 

There are so many different types of APRNs, and most will earn around $100,000, and all will have the potential for you individually to earn above this. APRNs are at the pinnacle of their career, and those that go on to become doctorate nurses (those who hold a DNP) have access to the higher end of the pay scale. 

Nurse Educators 

Nurses don’t just work in healthcare. You can work as a nurse educator to train up the next generation of nurses as well. Though Nurse Educators don’t tend to make as much as APRNs working in healthcare, they do still bring home an average of $80,000 and enjoy a very healthy work/life balance. 

Telehealth Nurses 

All nurses have the option to move into telehealth and provide care to those isolating or located in remote areas. Telehealth is set to become one of the main pillars of healthcare and has the potential to completely revolutionize care just by making it more accessible and easy for patients to be monitored from home. Nurse Practitioners who move into telehealth earn more than their in-hospital averages as well and earn between $110,000 and up to $240,000 per year for their expertise. 

Nurse Management 

Nurse administrators and managers are also well paid for their roles. They may not deal directly with patient care, but their efforts impact the overall quality of care and, more crucially, the health and wellbeing of the nurses themselves. 

Nurse administrators earn $100,000 on average. The Chief Nursing Officer or CNO, however, earn an average of $148,000, and up to $211,000 for hospital CNOs. At the higher end of the pay scale, for CNOs with ample experience in large cities/hospitals, the average salary is around $300,000 per year. 

Online Nursing Programs You Will Need to Complete 

Being happy with the pay of APRNs or the CNO is one thing, being prepared to take on the work and education necessary to qualify you for these roles is another matter entirely. 

Thankfully in nursing, it is easy to direct your career to the role you want. There are online nursing programs perfectly suited to whatever goal you have. There are MSN options for those who want to become educators, those who want to become administrators, and those who want to become working APRNs. 

If you aren’t in nursing yet, however, you are going to have to work your way from the ground up. 

Start Working as a Nurse ASAP 

You can start working as a nurse with just a few weeks of training. This route is ideal if you need to start earning and working as soon as you possibly can. You simply take a Certified Nursing Assistant course and then pass the state exam. CNAs clean out bedpans, support RNs, and perform other non-medical assistive duties. 

You will want to work your way up to a Licensed Nurse Practitioner as soon as you can, however. This will require a few months of education and another state exam, but once you do, your responsibilities will be more advanced. 

As an LNP, your next step will be to become an RN. Though the Associate’s Degree in Nursing can seem appealing, as it will allow you to become an RN faster, it is always better value to work towards the BSN. 

The BSN Nursing Route 

You can actually become a nurse with a BSN right off the bat. If you already have a degree that includes a few key science credits, then you can even fast-track yourself into a nursing career just like that. It will be faster, more affordable, and allow you to earn a better wage as a nurse from the start. 

This option isn’t for everyone, but it is a good choice if you want to change careers into nursing and already working in another career. 

Either way, a BSN should be seen as the gateway to your nursing career, as it is what will allow you to become a Registered Nurse, finally earn a healthy salary, and of course, put you on the platform that will allow you to start customizing your career. 

Use your time as an RN to explore other areas of medicine, as well as other working environments if you can. You want to be sure about the direction of your future. Nursing is very straight forward. Choose from the online nursing programs, and qualify for the position that you want to aim for. The fact that there are such strict requirements for nurses is a great thing, but it leaves little room for error. 

By being sure that the area of medicine you will be going into interests you the most, you can safeguard your future. Nurse educators, nurse administrators – these are all APRNs who take their specialty and career and go one step further with them. They earn a DNP degree or an Ed.D or even an MBA. They can be worked towards later on, but when choosing what type of APRN you want to be, always go with the area of medicine you are most passionate about. 

The MSN 

A Masters of Science in Nursing is specialized from the start. You will need to choose what type of nurse you want to become. Typically the options will be between: 

1. A Nurse Practitioner 

2. A Clinical Nurse Specialist 

3. A Nurse Anesthetist  

4. A Nurse Midwife 

There are dozens upon dozens of other options, but knowing which of the four main pathways you want to get involved in will help massively. 

The DNP, Ed.D, or MBA 

Nurse educators, CNOs, and even higher level APRNs all pursue more online nursing programs for the sake of their career. Those who want to go into policy-making or leadership positions benefit massively from a business degree in nursing. Those that want to become an educator need a specific degree in education. 

Nurses who want to apply for higher pay or even senior roles in nursing will benefit from a Nursing Doctorate, as it will allow them to become “doctors” in their own right, though you will need to clarify you are a Doctor of Nursing or a Nursing Doctor, to clear up patient confusion. 

Nursing Sound Right for You? 

If you have the right characteristics of a nurse, if you want to help others, if you are ready to put in the ongoing effort of taking on your career while working on completing online nursing programs, then you are a good fit to become a nurse. Just remember there are so many places you can work – on movie sets, on sports fields, in schools, privately, in clinics, hospitals, while travelling, and so on. If you don’t like where you work, you can still continue being a nurse. Just stay true to what makes you feel fulfilled, and explore all your options while progressing your qualifications. 

 

Nursery Ideas for Your Newborn

 

Having a baby is an exciting, life-changing moment, and one of the things you have to look forward to is designing their nursery. If this is your first child, there's the added thrill of doing it all for the first time—so exciting that shopping for diapers can seem like fun. Remember that your baby will spend several hours in this nursery, and it's where you'll experience most of their formative moments together. From changing diapers to hearing your baby's first laugh and seeing their first attempts to climb out of the crib, there's a lot of fun things to anticipate. 

Even though decorating a nursery is fun, it can be an overwhelming task for a first-time parent. You don't want to spend your pregnancy trying to determine whether you need a bassinet and a crib and whether a changing table is essential. If this is your first time buying things for a baby, you're probably wondering whether you need all the accessories, like wipe warmers, diaper genies, and baby swings. You also have to think about the color palette, whether you want a specific theme or an evergreen look that you can quickly transform into another room later. 

All the options may make it seem like too much to handle, but there's a way to make it a fun, easy task instead. Make a list of everything you may need before you start, and incorporate the rest slowly after the baby is born. If you want to design your dream nursery before bringing your newborn home, here are a few great ideas. 

1. Invest in the right crib mattress. 

The bed that your baby sleeps on may not have anything to do with whether they sleep soundly through the night. There's nothing wrong with your baby waking up several times through the night—sleepless nights are part of life with a newborn. Still, there's no reason why your baby shouldn't have the best bed you can get for them. So, start your nursery-decorating by buying a great crib, and follow that up with a comfortable crib mattress. 

Consider a durable mattress that you can get custom-fitted to the sort of crib you're thinking of buying for your baby's room. Reliable mattresses from a reputable brand—like one from the Stearns and Foster mattress collection—are the best option. Make sure you consider whether you need the new mattress to have an adjustable base and what the warranty covers before making your decision. 

2. Dress up your walls.

If you're planning to paint the walls of your nursery, consider using color psychology to pick the best shade for your baby. While you may think it doesn't matter much to your baby, babies are exceptionally perceptive about color. It's also important to consider texture and durability when you're picking paint or wallpaper for your nursery. You don't want rough wallpaper to scratch your baby's skin or chipped paint falling where your baby could accidentally ingest it. 

Go beyond paint or wallpaper when you're decorating your baby's room and add some character to the walls. Cartoon character-themed wallpaper is excellent, but consider adding paintings, framed letters, or other wall accessories to the room. Commissioning a canvas painting or buying a ready one is a great way to perk up the nursery. You can also get a DIY canvas kit from an artist website like Paint Loose. You'll be surprised at what you can create with a canvas, a palette of watercolors, oils, or acrylics, and your newborn as inspiration. 

3. Personalize your baby's room.

Whether you're shopping for curios, toys, curtains, or pillows, think about how you can personalize them to fit in with your baby room décor. A well-designed nursery deserving of space in a home-design catalog sounds good, but it isn't as cozy as a personalized space. Add a touch of familial warmth with knick-knacks from friends and family, a wall of pictures, or a customized photo-blanket. 

You can get a custom activity play mat, put your baby's name up in lights on the wall, or create a custom baby mobile to hang above the crib. If you don't already have wallpaper or freshly painted walls, consider leaving one wall blank so you can create a mural on the wall for your child. 

4. Make babyproof items look good. 

While it's fun to focus on the aesthetics of your baby's room, remember to focus on safety as well. It's crucial to know how to keep your baby safe from accidents, whether you're in the house or outside. Before you spend too much on toys and accessories, invest in quality babyproofing products. 

Remember that babyproofing doesn't have to be boring. You can customize everything from a door latch cover to a crib bumper to make it match your design theme or to look more attractive. You can also create many babyproofing items yourself. For example, consider making a wall of softness inside the crib with thin pillows or thick fabrics and foam, so your newborn isn't hurt by the bars on the side of the crib. 

5. Plan to convert it into a toddler room.

You may be decorating it as a nursery now, but your baby will eventually need a more grownup room. Since not everyone can afford to update their interiors every few years, it's a good idea to ensure that things like furniture and wall color are evergreen. This way, you can switch the room around to suit your child as they grow without any major renovations.

Pick removable wall accessories, easily removable wallpaper, and consider buying a crib that has space for a larger mattress than your baby needs as a newborn. You can put up a bed frame as your baby grows old enough to sleep outside the cot and still save on having to get a new mattress immediately. 

You can also build a changing table on top of a dresser instead of buying a dedicated table to hold diapers and baby products. Once your baby is potty-trained, you can still use the dresser or chest of drawers. Do the same with the pattern on your rugs, and consider ditching character-themed curtains. Instead, pick curtains in durable fabrics in a variety of different colors that will look great in a baby's room as well as a toddler's. 

6. Choose fun lighting options.

A great way to add a little fun to your baby's room is to focus on the lighting. Pick overhanging lights with fun, hanging fixtures, lamps with cartoon characters on the shades, and nightlights in fun shapes. You can also have some fun with ceiling lights—buy LED lights in various shapes and colors to fix to the ceiling instead of tube lights or recessed lights. You can use light-up letters as a nightlight for your baby or get a soothing night light that doubles up as a sound machine to help your baby fall asleep faster.

7. Consider durable furnishings.

Are you already worried about all the spots and stains on your rugs, furniture, and walls? You won't have to think of any of that if you get durable furnishings. Use outdoor or washable fabrics on any furniture in the room. If you're using old furniture, add removable covers to it so you can switch them out when there's a spill. Another good idea is washable wallpaper and putting plastic sheets or mattress protectors under your bedsheets to avoid ruining the mattress.

5 Ways To Keep Snakes Away From Your Tepee Tent While Camping

Finding snakes while camping in the wild is common. However, seeing a snake in the tent could freak you out. It is better to wait outside of your tepee tent until the snake slithers away on his own. Calling the hazmat team at that time may go out of your option as you may end up having zero signals on your cell-phone. 

Your best option is to avoid handling snakes on your way. However, they become an uninvited guest sometimes and enter your tepee tent. Few snakes can be deadly, yet this doesn’t scare the brave campers from camping.

Easy Ways to Keep Your Tepee Tent Snake Free

1) Choose Snake-free Area

Snakes are likely to be spotted hanging on the trees. Before setting up your tent, make sure you find a relatively clean area that is away from snake hideouts. Avoid places like vegetated areas, rock piles, or outcrops areas where it becomes evident for snakes. Ignore the areas where you see a lot of deadfalls or surrounded by massive bush.

2) Check Your Tent before Entering

Snakes are likely to live in shady places such as under the tent. It is always recommendable to leave your tepee tent zipper completely closed without leaving any gap while unattended.  Always check your tent after returning to ensure not to find an uninvited guest waiting underneath your tent. Make sure to shake out your sleeping bag to ensure that the snake hasn’t accidentally sneaked in. Also, check your boots before wearing them as they are one of the potential hiding places for snakes.

3) Ensure Tour Tepee Tent is Hole-free

Apart from keeping your tent closed, you must also check for holes in your tepee tent. Snakes can easily sneak into your tent if it has holes. You wouldn’t want to take a small chance of making it easy for snakes to get inside your tent. In case you find holes in your tent, make sure you carry some mending tools such as small scissors, sewing awl, grommet setter, and straight pins while packing. These tools will help quickly fix the holes in your tent to avoid the chances of the snakes getting inside the tent. If the holes are not repairable, then you can always look for high-quality tepee tents at theCampingGear.com.

4) Keep Food in Air-Tight Containers

Snakes barely have any interest in eating human food. However, your food can attract smaller animals, like rats and birds. If you leave your food unattended or in an open container, then these small animals may try to sneak in to eat it. However, these animals are food for the snakes, which inadvertently makes the snake enter your tepee tent. We recommend never leave your trash bag outside of the tent and avoid dropping crumbs near your tent. Make sure to store your food in an air-tight container avoiding indirect snake attraction.

5) Spray Chemical Repellent

If you have a phobia of snakes, then we recommend you carry some chemical repellents. The snake repellents have potential chemicals that keep the snakes away from your tepee tent. You can find these snake repellent spray at the nearest outdoor and camping stores of your house. Pack these snake repellent sprays before planning your camping trip. In case you couldn’t find them, you can always buy them online. To ensure your safety, make sure you spray the snake repellent after setting up your tent.

If you are someone who is afraid of snakes but loves camping, make sure you follow the tips to stay protected and safe.   

3 Reasons to Consider Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

For centuries, mental distress has been seen as either weakness or cause for outcasting. These predetermined notions could not be further from the truth. If you're experiencing any signs of mental struggles, therapy can be the tool you need to live your highest quality life. Not sure where to begin? Here are three reasons why you should consider cognitive behavioral therapy as your first method of treatment. 

All-Encompassing

What many fail to realize, is that mental health is closely linked with physical and emotional health. When one of these aspects is off-kilter, it directly affects the rest. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is rooted in the idea that a person's thoughts, behaviors, and emotions are all connected. Should you choose to attend CBT sessions, your therapist will work to find the root of your triggers and create a tangible plan to reduce their effects. 

This concept of discovery and preparation will equip you with the ability to recognize your triggers moving forward and apply your coping mechanisms. In short, you'll be ready to face the things that cause your stress and anxiety, and stop them before they reach a point of debilitation. Finding this correlation between your behaviors, internal thoughts, and emotions will help you in both the short and long-term. 

Face Your Fears

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most widely-used forms of treatment. Why is it so successful, you ask? It's not a one-and-done system. When you attend CBT, you're not looking to place a band-aid over your issues by merely talking them through. This method of aid will equip you with all that you need to continuously face your mental duress. Consistent attendance in CBT can combat daily anxiety, past traumas, and specific future events. 

When you're able to pinpoint the exact trigger of your mental illness, it opens up a world of options to face them. Many CBT sessions are offered as group therapy. In these sessions, under the supervision of a professional, attendees are encouraged to face their fears head-on. For instance, if you're experiencing crippling social anxiety, you'll be encouraged to make small talk with another attendee that you have yet to meet. Other members of the group can offer their feedback as to when/where you struggled most, and the therapist can provide suggestions. These interactions continue until you gain confidence in social interactions. This process takes time, but with the right help and effort, it's often quite successful. 

Tangible Applications

In many forms of therapy, patients are encouraged from their first session onward to talk out their fears and stressors. Often, this treatment approach is successful simply in airing out what is kept inside. However, for many, talk therapy is not enough to see the desired, daily change. CBT therapists often give a homework assignment for each patient to work on throughout their week. The goal behind this method of behavior therapy is to apply what's learned in session to daily life. 

This form of CBT treatment is meant to challenge its patients—when a licensed professional deems them ready—to apply their newly-learned skills in triggering circumstances. Assignments can be as simple as documenting your behavior patterns that accompany a specific problem you face. What were you doing or saying when the trigger arose? What were you feeling and thinking in that moment? Did you do anything that relieved the heaviness? Did anything make it worse? When you meet in the next session, you'll present these notes to your group or your therapist. You'll then test various responses given to you by your behavior therapist to see if you can create a behavior change moving forward.

3 Signs It’s Time to Take Your Child to the Doctor

If you're a new parent, the debate on whether to go to the doctor may seem a bit bizarre because it seems obvious: if your child is unwell, they need an appointment with their pediatrician. However, planning a medical visit is not always this straightforward. Here are some signs to look out for to determine if your child needs that doctor's appointment. Please note that this information is only meant to guide you, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. 

1. Complaints About Trouble Hearing

Newborns in the United States undergo a screening test to detect and begin treatment for profound hearing loss and other hearing problems. Young children may also develop hearing problems later in life due to an ear infection, a genetic condition, a reaction to a medication or an injury to the ear. If your child has been complaining of an earache or trouble hearing, the best way to avoid or prevent extra damage to your child's hearing is to schedule an appointment with a pediatric hearing doctor. Your child's pediatrician or otolaryngologist can refer you to one near you. 

An audiological exam with a hearing specialist is an important first step to finding an effective treatment option for a potential ear infection or hearing problem. After the hearing test, your audiologist will recommend treatment based on the severity of the medical condition. Where hearing loss has been diagnosed, the audiologist may recommend surgical treatment or hearing aids.

A hearing aid is an assistive hearing device fitted within the ear canal or behind the ear of the patient. It enhances an individual's hearing ability by making ambient sounds audible to the wearer. A typical hearing aid consists of a microphone, speaker, and sound amplifier and serves to alter or diminish ambient noise to suit the degree of hearing loss. As your child develops, they will need recurrent hearing tests and hearing aid fittings as recommended by their audiologist.

2. Time for Periodic Preventive Care Screenings

Preventive care involves regular medical check-ups, immunizations, and screenings for your child. Depending on your family health insurance plan, most preventive health services for children come at no extra cost to you. This is true if you're enrolled in a plan through the health insurance marketplace or if you have Medicaid coverage. All Marketplace health plans and private health insurance companies are required to cover preventive health care services for children, even if you have not met your yearly deductible.

Well-visits for your child will provide you with important information about your child's health and development. Your child's pediatrician will also offer medical advice on how to keep your child healthy. Common preventive care screenings for young children involve nutritional advice on a healthy BMI, screening for Autism, immunizations (including flu shots), developmental assessments, and a hearing test.

It is important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics has clarified that these preventive care guidelines, "are designed for the care of children receiving competent parenting, have no manifestations of any important health problems, and are growing and developing in a satisfactory fashion."

3. Complaints of a Sore Throat

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsil glands found at the back of the throat. These glands support the immune system by fighting germs present in the mouth. Tonsillitis can occur in children of all ages and are often accompanied by the flu, a cough, or a runny nose. A child with tonsillitis may exhibit symptoms like a sore throat, pain while swallowing, fever, bad breath, and poor appetite.

If you suspect that your child has tonsillitis, seek a pediatric specialist for a proper diagnosis. A health care provider may suggest a tonsillectomy depending on how often your child's tonsils get infected, or if their size is making it difficult for them to breathe at night. Tonsillectomies used to be more routinely recommended. These days, experts are less inclined to pursue this course of treatment. A tonsillectomy may be recommended if a child has more than six sore throat episodes in a year. 

Always consult your child's pediatrician when you notice unusual health changes in your child. By addressing issues more quickly, you'll have more treatment options available and will be able to help your child overcome illnesses and get back to being a wonderful, healthy, joyful kid.

How to Break an Intergenerational Cycle of Alcoholism

Did you know that family members of people with alcohol abuse disorders are three times more likely to abuse alcohol and two times as likely to abuse other illegal drugs?1 More often than not, the impact of addiction is extremely powerful and ripples through families, leaving destruction in its wake.

If you are a parent who has experienced addiction firsthand, you likely want to make sure your children don’t have the same experience. Breaking the intergenerational cycle of alcoholism isn’t easy, but it can be done with education, understanding, and intentional action.

Why Does Addiction Pass From Generation to Generation?

Just like healthy traits can pass from one generation to another, so can unhealthy ones. Alcohol addiction is a perfect example. Alcoholism is a very difficult cycle to break and children are particularly vulnerable.

When a parent is addicted to drugs or alcohol, it inhibits his or her ability to respond to the physical and emotional needs of the child.2 This not only disrupts the natural attachment of the parent-child relationship, but it also prevents the child from developing the tools necessary to manage difficult emotions.3

Children who grow up in homes where substance abuse is the norm also develop unhealthy coping mechanisms to survive. While these methods of coping may work in childhood, they can prove to be detrimental later in life.

For example, instead of testing boundaries like most kids naturally do, children who grow up in homes where a parent is addicted tend to rely on compliance to cope. Due to the chaos at home and the unpredictable actions of the adults in their lives, children typically try to blend in and not make any waves. Being compliant becomes a survival tool.

Generally, children of addicted parents are also forced to grow up much faster than their peers, as they may take on many mature roles at home. This may include cooking, cleaning, caring for younger siblings, or providing financially. This caretaker role leaves little time for recreation or fun.

As adults, these individuals may find themselves unable to trust other people, they may be uncomfortable with leisure activities due to a lack of exposure as a child, and they are usually unwilling to separate themselves from the guilt and victim mentality they’ve carried around with them for years. Since they may have never developed a healthy attachment with a parent, they are also much more vulnerable to stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.4 

Not surprisingly, these factors are a recipe for disaster and the addiction is likely to ripple down through the next generation. But it doesn’t have to.

How to Build a Life That’s Free From Addiction

An estimated one in ten children in America lives with at least one parent who is addicted to alcohol or drugs.4 The majority of these children are five-years-old or younger.

As awful as this statistic may be, these children aren’t doomed to a lifestyle of addiction too. Just because these children were exposed to a harmful upbringing does not mean they are destined to live a life plagued by addiction.

If you are a parent who has experienced generational addiction, there are several ways you can protect your children by establishing healthy relationships and a substance-free household where they can thrive.

Lose the victim mentality.

As a parent with a history of addiction, you must understand that you have the power to choose. You are not bound to the same mistakes your parents made and you are free to create whatever kind of life you want for yourself. “Many people enter addiction treatment with the mindset that they can’t change their fate. Accepting their ability to choose is a freeing mentality that empowers them to make lasting lifestyle changes,” says Mat Gorman, CEO of Eudaimonia Recovery Homes. 

Be honest with your kids.

If you struggled with addiction in the past, sharing with your kids in an age-appropriate way may be a great way to establish trust. Try not to share too much, but let them know how alcohol addiction affected your life and make it clear that they can come to you with any questions. Being available to listen, even when they make mistakes, is a crucial part of guiding your children down a healthy path.

Get help for yourself.

If you’re struggling with alcoholism or you relapse, don’t be afraid to get help from a detox center, rehab, or therapist. Let your children see you do it and show them that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. It’s extremely brave to face your addiction and admit that your life has become unmanageable. Your children will learn by example as they watch you face your fear and strive to be the best version of yourself, despite your past and your family’s history with addiction.

Establish healthy habits.

Regularly practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga and prioritizing a healthy diet with regular exercise will do wonders for your mental health. These things will also help you manage stress, deal with difficult life circumstances, and build your resilience so you can face the challenges of life without a bottle in hand.

Lead by example.

If your family history is tarnished by substance use disorders, your children will greatly benefit from a positive example. Although you’ll never be perfect, just try to do the best you can for yourself and your family and remember that you can only change your own thoughts and behaviors.

References:

1. Pears, K. C., Capaldi, D. M., & Owen, L. D. (2007). Substance Use Risk Across Three Generations: The Roles of Parent Discipline Practices and Inhibitory Control. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 373–386. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1988842/
2. Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2014, October). Parental Substance Use and the Child Welfare System. Retrieved August 28, 2020, from https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/parentalsubabuse.pdf
3. Solis, J. M., Shadur, J. M., Burns, A. R., & Hussong, A. M. (2013). Understanding the Diverse Needs of Children whose Parents Abuse Substances. Current Drug Abuse Reviews, 135–147. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3676900/
4. Lander, L., Howsare, J., & Byrne, M. (2013). The Impact of Substance Use Disorders on Families and Children: From Theory to Practice. Social Work in Public Health, 194–205. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3725219/

Author bio:

Kelsey Brown is an Austin-based writer, a wife, and a mother. She received her B.S. in Journalism from Missouri State University and writes about addiction recovery, health, and well-being for Nova Recovery Center. In her spare time, Kelsey enjoys outdoor activities with her family like hiking, camping, and kayaking.

7 Safe Pleasures You Can Enjoy While Pregnant or Nursing

When pregnant, you would like to do something to uplift your mood. Several body changes take place when you are pregnant. It is good to look for a way you can stay comfortable during this time. There are several things you can do to keep your days happy and comfortable. Take time to check out what you love and do precisely the things you love. An understanding partner can make your pregnancy journey enjoyable. Be free to your loved ones, and they will help you get different things rolling during your pregnancy.

1. Making Mocktails Using Monin Flavors

Choose delicious Monin flavors and make yourself the best mocktails. If you love something tasty, then making the mocktails will be a great idea. You can take time and make something for yourself. There are many flavors at Monin. Try different combinations and create a drink just for you. The process will also make other members of your family happy as they can join you and enjoy a drink too.

2. Search for Baby Names

During pregnancy, you are expecting a new life. It will be fun if you can start searching for baby names. There are several names you can find, but they will have different meanings. Check out the meaning of the names, and it will be easy for you to enjoy the fun. Your partner may suggest some names. It is on you to go the extra mile and check out the meaning of such names. Some names you will love immediately; others will take some time to think about and decide if you like them.

3. Go on a Date

You can go on a date even when pregnant. Ask your partner for an outing, and you will get to enjoy the sunny days or cool evenings. Choose the perfect location for your date and you will get to improve your mood. There are several ideas you can embrace as you go out for your date. For instance, you can go for a picnic at a park or find a spot in the mountains or on the beach. The time you will spend outdoors will make you enjoy your free time and you will get the benefits of fresh air. You can create time to enjoy this with all your family members if you want to.

4. Henna Your Belly

During pregnancy, your belly will grow. Take a bath then proceed to henna your belly. Ensure you get a lead free henna and apply it on the belly. It will take time, but you will enjoy the whole idea. After you create patterns on the belly, you can take attractive photos. You can fill the pregnancy photo album. You may be bored in the evening not knowing what to do. You can take a moment and come up with a different photo session.

5. Prenatal Yoga

You can spend your time performing yoga. There are specific pregnancy-safe stretches you can perform and they will improve your health. Ensure you know how to perform the safe moves. Your trainer can pay a great role in helping you master the different moves. The session can take a good part of your time during pregnancy. Having a regular yoga session can contribute to improving your blood flow during pregnancy. You can, as well, apply yoga to ease tension. You can get a yoga CD and practice in your home.

6. Prenatal Massage

There are several health benefits associated with massage. Start by doing research to know the best massage locations. Visit them to get the best treatment. The massage session will allow you to enjoy good health. Some health complications can come up during pregnancy. You can deal with such issues if you can embrace the massage session. Ensure you choose the massage therapist well. He or she should be well trained in massage therapy.

7. Try Gardening

You can spend time in the garden picking flowers and fruits. The time you will spend in the garden will allow you to enjoy the outdoor weather. It is a move that can contribute to help you enjoy your free time. It is good to look for things you can change during your pregnancy. Spending an afternoon outdoors in your garden will make you break the monotony of having to spend your time inside.

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Being a Supportive Parent for Your College Student

Leaving the nest is a mixed bag of emotions for both the parent and the child. From this moment forward begins a journey to independence for your son or daughter. There are many ways you can help whilst, at the same time, giving them their breathing room to grow into adulthood. A role you’ve known for years will be altered but always remember the strong bond of family never breaks no matter how far your child may go. This article will offer some advice on how you can be there for your college student as they take on this incredible adventure.

Figure out the Finances 

For many bright teens, college is now a rite of passage, but it comes at a hefty price. Be realistic, upfront and honest about what you can contribute financially. Arrange for your child to take out a private student loan to help cover the costs and alleviate some of the stress from you. Don’t tip toe around talking about money with them and make sure to explore all options for securing financial aid. Your child is going to have to learn how to budget what they have and learn the true value of money. They will see what they have from you, their loans and their own funds and discover how to pay for a variety of things. Always be there to advise but be sure to encourage them to work it out for themselves too.

Stay in Touch 

This doesn’t mean calling them every hour of every day to put them through an interrogation. Nor does it mean radio silence. Perhaps you could agree certain times but with a flexible attitude as you’re both bound to be busy with your new schedules. There are so many ways to communicate now too. You can Facetime, send pictures, tag each other in memes, Skype and chit chat on WhatsApp. You’ll have lots to talk about but let them tell you in their own way and allow them to have fun and enjoy themselves. Comfort them when they’re homesick by sending pictures of the family, pets and local places. Help them through these emotions by getting them to send photos and videos of their new home and tell them how great it looks.

Be Prepared for a Rollercoaster Ride 

Your child could become overwhelmed with the workload, be embroiled in the party scene, get intofinancial difficulty or feel isolated. The point is that, sometimes, some students face bumps in the road as a certain expectation meets its reality. In these instances, you can offer warm words, advice if they ask for it, send care parcels and plan visits. These means are in your control. Nevertheless, you aren’t physically there with them and both parties have to accept that adults have to source out their own solutions. Encourage them to seek out what’s available to them – for example, campus counselling, support groups, charities, tutors and advisers. Remind them of how proud you are of what they’re doing, be positive and tell them to embrace the whole experience. Your son/daughter will thank you for all you do in years to come.