17 Study-from-Home Career Options for Moms

Being a mom can feel a lot like a full-time job when you consider all of the duties and responsibilities that come with it. Within that hectic daily lifestyle, the idea of studying for a future career path can seem daunting. While attending a university campus may not be an option for most moms, there are many online degree programs that will let you study and complete courses from home.

Imagine being able to work towards your degree while the kids take a nap. Having that kind of flexibility is a must for many parents who simply don’t have the time or ability to adhere to an offline schooling schedule. Being able to study from home also keeps you from having to cover the cost of childcare, which can add up to a significant expense over the course of a month.

Since tuition fees, materials, and other academic expenses can already be burdensome, having the option to earn a degree without needing an on-call babysitter is a luxury that every mom will appreciate. With that said, here are the top 17 study-from-home career options that moms everywhere should look into:

1. Nursing

Studying to become a nurse at home doesn’t just equip you with the credentials needed to launch a lucrative and stable career, it also gives you the skills needed to be a better caregiver and guardian for your children in emergency situations. Although some nursing specializations will require lab experience, an entry-level degree program that provides Registered Nurse (RN) certification can be completed in just 2 years via a fully online coursework. Numerous regional schools offer online programs, so you can earn your nursing degree through an accredited university from the comfort of home. For example, Texas Woman’s University offers one of the most popular online nursing degree programs.

2. Business Administration

A business administration degree equips you with a skill set and credential that will position you as an ideal candidate for high-paying managerial jobs. In addition, you’ll also be gaining the expertise needed to increase your chances of success within your own entrepreneurial endeavors. You can earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration in as little as two years and then study for your master’s degree in your spare time. Since most businesses are managed digitally nowadays, it makes sense that business administration courses can be completed 100% online.

3. Accounting

Accounting is another digital job that can be studied and performed remotely without being tied to any physical location. Plus, as an accountant you’ll be able to give your kids solid financial advice as you get older. This is a good career option for moms who did well in math class and don’t mind crunching some numbers in their spare time. Accounting is a mom-friendly job because it can be done from anywhere you can access the internet and use an accounting software. Plus, you’ll have the option of becoming a CPA at a local accounting firm if you’d prefer a more stable and structured approach.

4. Hospitality

The hospitality industry never stops growing because it expands along with the population and tourism rates, which are always on the rise. Knowing how to manage a hospitality venue will give you the ability to apply for a job as a hotel manager in your area. This is a good route for moms to consider because many employers in this sector will provide room & board to their managers, including full room service and on-site childcare. While that won’t be the case in all hotels, certain luxury establishments offer very cozy accommodations for their managers and administrators. Since hospitality management is mostly a digital process, degree programs in this field can be completed entirely online.

5. Human Resources

Every large company has a human resources (HR) department, so there’s an ever-growing need for qualified HR professionals in every industry. With the advent of HR software and cloud-based project management platforms, managing an HR department no longer involves dealing with stacks of paper at a desk or a cubicle. Salaries in this industry can vary widely from $50,000 to $100,000 or more, but there are usually a decent number of remote jobs available as well. Plus, as a mom you’re already managing human resources on a very small scale within your own home, so it’s a career that plays into your maternal instincts as an intuitive planner and provider.

6. Marketing

Marketing is one of the most universally applicable degree types because it gives you a skill that can help any business succeed. You also don’t necessarily need to earn a degree to be considered a marketing expert, as there are many online courses and certifications that you can add to your resume in just a few weeks or months. Any proven expertise in marketing will improve your chances of being hired a high-level employee because entrepreneurs want to put their companies in the hands of people who understand advertising & promotion in all its forms.

7. Healthcare Administration

Healthcare administration is another job that’s primarily performed on the computer, so there are plenty of fully online study options to choose from with this career path. During your online studies, you’ll be learning how to manage and supervise healthcare facilities like hospitals and clinics. Entry-level healthcare administrators earn about $50,000. However, with a few years of experience, that figure increases to $70,000 - $100,000. According to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs available in this sector is expected to increase by 23% within a decade.

8. Communication

A degree in communication makes you a more eligible candidate for so many different jobs, as there are many specializations to choose from within this field. For example, you could specialize in business communications or telecommunication. Generally, hiring mangers tend to favor applicants with communication degrees because all forms of business require communication in one form or another. With most kinds of business communication being digitally based nowadays, it’s possible to complete a full communications degree program from the convenience of your laptop. Being a strong communicator will also help you perform better in job interviews and communicate with your kids in a more constructive manner.

9. Graphic Design

Many moms have a passion for art but have never thought about turning it into a career. The demand for custom artwork and graphic design has never been higher, as there are millions of entrepreneurs and businesses that need logos, websites, and other visual components to complete their branding efforts. Since graphic design is purely a digital activity, every degree program in his field of study can be completed fully online. If you’re not ready to commit to 2 years of studying graphic design, you could opt for course certification instead and have a resume-boosting credential in a matter of weeks or months.

10. Web Development

Becoming a web developer is an interesting option for moms to consider because it’s a creative career that is almost always done remotely. The degree itself can help you land a job, but the biggest advantages of pursuing this path come from the skills that you obtain. Being able to design your websites and offer web development services as a freelancer will give you a level of flexibility and control over your schedule that any mom would enjoy. Plus, your kids can help you with your work by providing their opinions and feedback.

11. Fitness Trainer

You might think that you’d need to attend a gym to become a certified fitness trainer, but that’s not necessarily the case. You can take online fitness classes and become certified in the same way you would through a local gym by using video chat interfaces to interact with your instructor. As a certified fitness expert, you’ll be able to apply for jobs at gyms and physical therapy clinics, or you can start your own online fitness training service as a freelancer.

12. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Any kind of degree related to language can be earned online, but teaching English is one that aligns well with your goal of being a better educator as a mom. Furthermore, this kind of degree can give you the opportunity to travel abroad with your family, or you can choose to provide remote tutoring services through various online platforms. TESOL teachers are in high demand worldwide due to the rapid adoption of English as a universal language. Developing nations are in need of TESOL experts, so you’ll always have a job waiting on you. Plus, this kind of degree program isn’t as complicated as other English-related educational courses because the topics are meant to be introductory enough for speakers of other languages to understand.

13. Writing & Journalism

Writing is a job that you can always take with you anywhere you can bring a device or notepad. Many moms leverage journalism and writing degrees to become column writers for online magazines or other remote writing jobs. Most writers are freelancers, so you’ll not only be able to study from home, you’ll also have the option of working from home throughout your career. You can also use your newfound writing skills to start a blog or produce your own web content for entrepreneurial efforts.

14. Information Technology

Information technology (IT) is a fast-growing industry that is in desperate need of more credentialed professionals. As another digitally oriented job, becoming an IT expert gives you the flexibility of studying and working remotely. It will also make you part of the minority of moms who are tech-savvy on a professional level. Furthermore, let’s not forget that IT administrators can earn very desirable salaries. There are an estimated 500,000 open computing jobs available at this very moment, and that number is growing every year.

15. Education

Most education degrees can be earned fully online and can then be used to land work-from-home teaching and tutoring jobs. The world needs more educators, and your kids need you to be the best educator you can be around the house, so you’ll be helping society and your little ones becomes smarter, one textbook at a time. Of course, teaching is always a kid-friendly career, and with how badly teachers are needed in today’s world, you might even wind up teaching your own child's classroom. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistic reported that there would be nearly 2 million teaching jobs available from 2014 to 2024.

16. Engineering

The thought of a mom working as an engineer might seem uncommon, but this is a worthwhile study-from-home career option nonetheless. Between civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial engineering, there are more than 750,000 engineering jobs available right now. Being a mom and an engineer can be quite the balancing act, but it’s doable nonetheless. Besides, with the hefty salaries and prestigious positions available in this field, becoming an engineer is an achievement that any mom would be proud of.

17. Diet & Nutrition

Having a professional understanding of diet & nutrition will help you give better advice to your kids while also equipping you with a job that is in high-demand everywhere. Nutritionists and dietitians earn high salaries and their jobs are relatively easy once the advanced tenets of healthy and holistic eating are learned. The number of dietitian and nutritionist jobs available in the U.S. is expected to grow by 11% between 2018 and 2028. Studying and Working from Home as a Mom Won’t Necessarily Be Easy Most people who study or work for home make the initial mistake of taking a very lackadaisical approach to their own schedule. While it might seem like you have the freedom to “choose your own hours,” if you actually want to graduate and proceed with your career in a reasonable amount of time, then you’ll need to set specific deadlines and goals to keep advancing at a decent pace. Ultimately, self-paced programs could wind up taking longer than on-campus classes if you don’t have the discipline to take the same kind of structured approach.

Six Top Tips for Staying Sane as a Mom Returning to College

Making the decision to return to study can be a huge one, whether you have decided to improve on your current education in order to gain a promotion at work or look around for a better position, or whether you’ve decided that a complete change of career is in order. Regardless of your decision and the stage of life that you are currently at, there’s no denying that returning to education can be a tricky situation to find yourself in. But when you are a mom, it can be even more difficult – especially if you need to give up work to study, or have to change your existing working hours to fit everything in.

There are many benefits to be had for parents who study – gaining more qualifications, seeking a higher-paid job, or finding more satisfying work in the long run are just a few. However, putting yourself in a position to get these benefits can come with challenges; loss of income and struggling job constraints are some of the most common. So, as a mom, what can you do to make sure that you can fit studying around your busy life as a parent without losing it?

#1. Use a Study Timetable:

There’s something about having your schedule mapped out in front of you that makes it easier to stick to. When you have a timetable in front of you on paper, on your computer, or on an app on your phone, you can see exactly where you need to be and at what time, making it easier for you to juggle work with study, childcare, and everything else. Start mapping out your study timetable a few weeks before you start your course; that will allow you to make adjustments when needed in the run up to your studies commencing and make it easier for you to get started straight away without needing to worry about managing your time.

#2. Study Online:

When it comes to juggling studies, work, and your little ones, then an online program could have all the answers that you are looking for. You can find all kinds of different topics available to study online from high school diploma level qualifications to an MSN leadership and management degree for nurses who want to take their career to the next level. When you study online, there’s no need to be there in person for lectures and tutorials at 9am in the morning, and you won’t need to worry about changing your working hours as other than the occasional tutor session, you can pretty much fit your studies around your life and determine when is best for you, whether that’s at the weekend, during the evening, or early in the morning.

#3. Get the Kids Involved:

If your kids are old enough, getting them involved with your studies is a great way to not only help them learn new things, but to continue doing things together as a family and make sure that you are spending quality time together – something that many moms who decide to return to education are worried about. You can do homework sessions with your kids; for example, write some questions and answers on flashcards and get them to test you on your knowledge; this can be made into a really fun game and your kids will feel super smart. And who knows – it might be the thing that sparks interest in them in what you are studying, inspiring them to follow in your footsteps.

#4. Make a Priority List:

As a busy mom, it can be all too easy to get quickly overwhelmed with the amount that you need to do when you’re also studying for a degree or other qualification. So, a priority list rather than a ‘to-do’ list could be a better idea if you’ve begun to feel like you simply don’t have the time or the energy to get everything done. Write down your to-do list as normal, but then pick just a few things that you need to do first, and separate them from the ones that can wait. This could be any task, whether you need to start working on a big assignment, or you’ve got stuff that needs doing around the house. Do this every day, and eventually you’ll find that it’s much easier to work through your to-do list without it getting you down.

#5. Take Time for Yourself:

Don’t forget that taking time for yourself is just as important as spending time with the kids, revising and going to work. The last thing that you want is to find yourself suffering with symptoms of burn-out, so make sure that when you put your timetable together, you give yourself at least an hour or so of uninterrupted ‘me time’ each week. This could be to do anything that you enjoy from getting in a nice bubble bath with a new book, to shopping with friends, hiking, going to the gym or spending time on a hobby you like. Lean on your support network of family and friends so that you can have a little bit of child-free time to focus on you when you need to.

#6. Ask for Help When You Need It:

Last but not least, it’s most important that moms returning to study don’t feel that they are alone. There is no shame in asking for help when you need it, regardless of who you are asking. If you have a supportive partner or family members, be sure to take them up on any offers of help and support when you need to. Or if you’re on your own, your friends will certainly be there for you if you ask them, whether you need them to come over and have a coffee because you feel you haven’t socialized in days, or you need a babysitter so you can get some important essay writing done. And finally, you can always reach out to your college tutor if you feel you are really struggling – they are there to help!

What will you be studying as a mom returning to education?

How to ease your child's stranger or separation anxiety?

Leaving your baby with a stranger can be extremely difficult. However, don’t worry moms, you can do it!

Maternity leave is almost over and you still can’t succeed to leave your baby with a nanny or a family member? Your baby cries and screams whenever someone else is holding them? It might be the fact that your bundle of joy is experiencing what’s called stranger anxiety.

So, can you let a stranger babysit your child? Absolutely! All that your little one needs is a little bit of help to adjust to the new people in their life. Read on to find out what strange anxiety is and how you can help your child overcome it.

What is stranger or separation anxiety?

It isn’t rocket science to understand what your baby is feeling when you leave them with a “stranger”, be it a nanny or relatives. Babies learn to identify their parents since their very first months of life. They start to recognize their parents’ voices, faces, and smell.

After turning 6 months old, whenever someone else, other than their parents hold them, they experience the so-called stranger anxiety. However, fear of strangers isn’t something that new parents should worry about. It is actually a normal stage in a child’s development.

As your bundle of joy grows up, they start to become more and more aware of what surrounds them, including the people. They start to seem interested in other people too and sometimes even engage with them in being goofy and laughing. However, you were the person they have been with since their birth. So, it is natural for them to feel anxious when they know that you are not around.

Stranger anxiety happens as your baby’s cognitive development is reaching a higher stage when they learn to recognize faces, other than yours and your partner’s. So, it is important to note that the anxiety your baby displays has nothing to do with an emotional problem and it is just a sign of normal mental development.

That being said, maybe now it is easier for you to not feel the guilt of leaving your child in someone else’s care.

Help your child feel comfortable

Naturally, although they are very little, babies have a very strong connection with their parents. So, if you feel sad or anxious, it is very likely for your baby to experience the same mood. Whereas, if you display a positive behavior around them, they will also feel comfortable and happy.

So, the key to helping your baby adjust with a stranger is to display a positive and friendly attitude towards the new person. The feelings of anxiety will go away once you help your child develop a sense of safety and trust in other people.

For example, when hiring a babysitter, before leaving your child alone for the first time, spend some time together so that your baby is able to see your attitude towards the nanny. Prior exposure to the situation of being around that person will help your baby gradually get used to the babysitter. Also, remember to display only positive attitudes and behaviors towards the caregiver such as calmness and friendliness. This will help to create a feeling of security for the baby.

However, in order to do that, you must also feel completely comfortable with the caregiver. If you can’t ask a relative to help babysit your little one, don’t panic! There are a number of sites that recommend trust-worthy sitters. For example, UrbanSitter has a number of reviews and recommendations from other parents who are currently or used to work with the caregivers. This way you will make a well-informed and safe choice for your baby.

Create “goodbye” and “hello” rituals

Experts believe that one of the best strategies to resolve the feeling of separation anxiety in babies is to help them develop trust in their parent’s return. And this just makes sense because your baby is anxious thinking that you will never come back to them again. A great strategy to deal with separation anxiety would be to create “goodbye” and “hello” rituals that your baby will associate with your leaving and coming back. As they grow up, babies learn patterns very quickly. So, as soon as after just a few days, your little bundle of joy will understand that when you will be leaving, you will also come back.

Don’t struggle to find a complex ritual, just look for something that makes your little one happy. For example, whenever you are leaving, give your baby triple kisses at the cubby or leave their favorite toy in their cradle. When you return home, provide them with a different gesture to show your love and attention.

However, remember that goodbye rituals should never be too long. The longer you linger, the more difficult it will be for your child to let you go.

Find the ideal nanny

Sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether your baby is really experiencing stranger anxiety. Sometimes, the reason behind their crying, screams, and agitation can be the fact that they aren’t with the right person.

Leaving your baby with a stranger isn’t easy neither for you nor your baby. And, if you don’t completely trust the caregiver and their skills and knowledge, your baby can sense it too. So, one important step in leaving your baby in someone else’s care is to find the ideal babysitter.

Finding the ideal babysitter takes research and a strict interview in which you will find out whether you have found the right person or not. You can reach out to your community for recommendations such as your friends or work colleagues. Or, if you are looking for an innovative and modern approach, you can shift your focus to the Internet to find online sitter services such as the ones you can find with Sittercity.

Once you have narrowed down your list of candidates, you must observe your child’s interaction with the babysitter and see if your child can overcome their reluctance from the beginning. If yes, you can be confident that your child will be well-cared while you are away.

The trick for surviving your baby’s stranger or separation anxiety demands preparation, finding the ideal babysitter, and giving them time to adjust to these changes.

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10 Essential Resources for Parents Working with Autistic Children

Working with autistic children is a unique challenge. As a parent, you end up having two jobs. One of helping the child develop and cope with autism and second, to be their guardian.

Some days are harder than others. Some days you want to throw in the towel. It’s okay to feel this way. Everyone does at some point. If you use your resources and create a support system, you can make things a little easier on yourself though. Let us be part of your support system. Here is a complete guide on how to help your child with autism thrive.

1. Familiarize Yourself with Autism

If your child shows signs of autism or if they are diagnosed, the best thing you can do for them is to get yourself familiar with it. The more you learn about it, the better equipped you'll be to help the child through it. Read up on treatment options, ask their doctor questions, and be an active player in their treatment. If you're not sure where to start with your research, check out a few autism apps. Some of them are informative.

2. Pay Attention to Your Child

All autistic children will respond differently to outside stimuli. You should pay attention to what causes certain triggers in your child. Find out what agitates them or makes them happy for example. Once you sort out what triggers them, it will be easier to create and alter their schedule around these things.

3. Accept Everything About Them

When you see how everyone else's child is developing, you may start to compare them to your own. Instead of focusing on how slowly or differently your child is developing, learn to accept them for who they are. Autistic children have their own quirks that make them a joy to work with. It makes them unique.

4. Allow for Consistency

It can be hard for your child to retain the information they learned in class. You've got to reinforce the learning by creating consistency. Sit down with their therapists to ask them what sort of exercises they are doing in school. Apply these concepts to things that they learn at home. Also, ask their therapists if there is any way to do a few at-home sessions.

5. Create a Schedule

One thing that you should know about autistic children is that they like structure. This being said, your child will thrive best if you put them on a schedule. There are no limits to the things that you put on this schedule. Pencil in time for school, therapy, even sleep, and mealtime. Once you've written out their schedule it's important that you are strict about sticking by it. If something comes up and there's no avoiding changing things around that's fine but take the time to prepare your child for this unwelcome change.

6. Check for Non-Verbal Cues

Some children with autism don't or can't use words to communicate what they want. What they will do is give you non-verbal cues. It will be up to you to decipher these cues and act accordingly. Look at their expressions or the sounds they make when they're tired, agitated, happy, or hungry. This goes back to the "paying attention to your child" point we made above. If you miss the cues or don't bother to learn them you may risk agitating your child. You would be frustrated too if you were trying to tell someone that you're hungry and they ignored you or didn't know what you were saying.

7. Make Room in the Schedule for Fun

When you're making their schedule don't forget to leave a place in there dedicated to fun. Every child needs to have some form of play in their life in order to develop certain skills. Make sure that their playtime doesn't feel like therapy or homework. If you do that then they won't want anything to do with it. Also, don't be afraid to get down on the floor and play with them. They want to connect with you and spend time with you. Don't deny them that.

8. ADS Support Groups

There will come a time when you feel like you're at the end of your rope with your child's development. It's during this hard time that you would be glad that you joined an ADS support group. These groups are full of parents that are going through the same things that you're going through. They've been in your shoes and can offer a lot of great advice. On top of advice, they can also act as your friends by giving you emotional support.

9. Respite Care

Everyone needs a chance to breathe now and again. That includes you. Do yourself a favor and give yourself a break with respite care. If you're unfamiliar with respite care, it's when another caregiver comes in and takes over things for a little bit while you take a break. You can take advantage of their services for a few hours or even a few days if you really need it.

10. Don't Give Up

The last thing to keep in mind when working with an autistic child is to never, ever give up. Your child will develop differently than other children. That doesn't mean that they will never develop or never be able to live a normal life. Your child has an entire lifetime to grow and become the person that they want to become. The best thing you can do is be there for them through it all.

A Parent's Guide to Working with Autistic Children

Working with autistic children is a fun and unique challenge, but a challenge none the less. If you equip yourself with the right of knowledge, you'll find that helping them thrive is a little easier than you thought. Try out some of the tips you read here before and after you get their diagnosis. Set your baby up for success. Being a parent can be hard, autism or no. We're here to help.

What Are The Best Games To Play With Your Toddler?

Free time with kids can be a lot of fun! Rather than sitting around in front of another video game or watching television, let's get creative, become imaginative, and interact with our little ones in game play that sparks their mental development along the way. Fun, educational games give us the ability to have fun while our kids learn! Not all games are suitable for every child. Within this guide, we'll look at some fun games to play with young children.

Simon Says

PokiesHQ offers a lot of fantastic information regarding casino games. These are excellent for adults, though not suitable for children. Still, similar games are played by kids each day, and too often these children seem to have troubles listening or following directions as they get older. Simon Says is a perfect game for small children to interact with parents and develop close listening skills. It's a game everyone can play, and fun for all.

It will help your child develop and perfect their listening skills. On top of that, you’ll be able to use this game to bond with your child. With that being said, you should start with this game and try others if you have more free time to kill.

One For You And One For Me

While you’re at it, you should think about playing “one for you, one for me”. This is a very fun game that will teach your child the importance of sharing. It is a good choice for young toddlers. The concept is very easy and this makes it suitable for everyone. On top of that, you won’t be required to buy anything special. You need to find objects that you and your child are going to love. For instance, you can use coins or cookies. Anything similar to that should do the trick. Your child should distribute the items while saying one for you or one for me.

Once all of the items are gone, you can enjoy them if they’re edible. Either way, this game can be fun and educational.

Hot And Cold

This is a very good chance that can help your child develop many skills. It will encourage them to move around a little and they’ll also need to use their problem solving skills. How does it work? Well, you’ll need to find an item that your child loves. When they’re not looking, you should hide it in a good location. Now, it is time for the toddler to begin looking for the item in question. When they do so, you can let them know how close they are by saying hot or cold. You say hot when they’re getting closer and cold when they’re getting further away.

This will prove to be very beneficial for your child. After all, it’ll improve their patience and it’ll teach them to never give up. Again, this is a game that requires very little besides time. It offers a whole lot in return.

Parachute

If you have multiple kids or you’re running a daycare, you should think about playing the parachute game. This is very similar to Simon Says since it will require your toddlers to pay attention. How does it work? Well, you’re going to need multiple people and a large sheet. Now, you’ll need to give out commands. Remember that you can give commands and play along too. Everyone will need to work together to ensure that you’re successful. You’ll want to say up, up and up! Or, you can say down, down, down!

The children will need to follow orders. This will turn the sheet into a parachute and it will be very entertaining for your children.

Hide And Seek

Finally, you should think about playing hide a seek. This is a classic game that will keep your toddler entertained for hours. On top of that, it can be educational and helpful. Just remember that you shouldn’t hide too well. If you do, you might make it too difficult on your child and they might not find you.

7 Things to do Before Baby Arrives

Life is completely different after the arrival of a baby. A baby comes with more responsibilities and commitment. Therefore, you might not find time to do the things that you normally do. Generally, wherever you go, your baby will go to, especially in the early days. This is not always straightforward and there may be some things you can no longer do now that you are a parent. So, prior to your baby's arrival make the most of uninterrupted sleep and freedom to go where you please, when you please. Self-care and having some good times before your new arrival comes is important.

Below are 7 things you might like to do before your baby comes.

1. Spend more time with friends

A newborn baby is a blessing. However, after the baby arrives, it means you will have to cut or rather minimise some of the activities you were fond of. Spending more time with friends is a good example of the activities you will have to compromise to accommodate your little angel. Have quality time with your friends before the arrival of your baby. Go out with them and call them often too. Some of the friends who are experienced in baby care will prepare you mentally and psychology on what to expect. Big crowds, loud music and noise from bars and clubs are not exactly baby-friendly. Visit these places when you still can, so as to not feel left out when the baby finally arrives.

2. Treat Yourself

Your self-care routines, hair and nails makeover, shopping and even time for showering will also reduce once you deliver your baby. Most of your energy will be focused on them. Now is the time to do most of the household chores, clothes and shoe shopping. Make having enough sleep at night and naps part of your daily pattern. You might miss them in the near future. You might also consider pampering yourself prior to the birth so you are ready for when your due date comes.

3.  Attend Baby Classes

Every single person aspires to be a good parent. Here is a chance to learn more about what parenthood is all about. There are various options available for couples expecting to be parents to learn about parenthood. These include counselling sessions, blogs and vlogs and clinics. Talking to older parents could help as well. This will give you knowledge of what is to come. You get to learn about healthy meals to have when pregnant as well as when breastfeeding. Also, during your baby classes you will be taught on the importance of keeping your baby safe. This will mostly include the importance of having a baby car seat, installing it correctly and in accordance with the government’s regulations.

4.  Finish up on Important Projects

Before your baby arrives consider the additional items that will need to be bought to take care of your baby. There will be items that you have to buy on a regular budget and you need to ensure you consider this. It would be advisable to consider finishing up other family projects before the baby arrives. Be it buying that car, finishing up with the construction and repairing of the house.

5.  Decide on a Pediatrician

Children are vulnerable and sensitive to most of the atmospheric reactions. A newborn baby was used to being in their mother’s womb. Coming into the world is a change of climate for them. They could possibly get an irritation or fall ill. As a parent, you need to pick on the best paediatrician before your baby arrives. You want to know where to turn should your baby need quality medical assistance. 

6. Shop for baby’s clothes, toys, and bedding

A newborn baby needs a lot of clothes, bedding and toys too. A baby will have a change of clothing at an average of six times in a single day. Often usage of the same clothes makes them wear out faster. The same applies to beddings. Toys will get broken or misplaced too. Prior to baby arriving ensure that you have adequate supplies of some of the essential items you will need when baby comes. Getting to the shops immediately after birth can be tricky and so make sure you have done a decent shop prior to baby arriving.

7.  Have Insurance Plans for Baby

Having insurance plans for a baby means that you are securing the life, health and education of the baby. Having a health insurance policy will make your baby’s clinical visits easier and affordable while giving you peace of mind.

Day Trips and Excursions from Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is in and of itself, a beautiful place to visit and the Lake Tahoe area offers plenty to do and see!

Winter

When you’re visiting Lake Tahoe in the winter, be sure to pack a snow jacket, kids snow pants, and gloves, as skiing is what much of the activity centers around. You can ski resorts like Heavenly Mountain Resort or Northstar, and there are also cheaper ski resorts in the area like Diamond Peak. Along with skiing, there are other winter activities such as sledding and tubing.

Summer

In the summer months, Lake Tahoe is just as beautiful, and you can enjoy boating, swimming or jet skiing. The water at Lake Tahoe is crystal clear, and the lake is surrounded by hiking and biking trails.

Lake Tahoe has good restaurants, shops, and villages that surround it too. Beyond these things, there are day trips and excursions in and near Lake Tahoe that you can take advantage of.

Some of the best family-friendly Lake Tahoe day trips and excursions include:

Yosemite Valley Tour 

The Yosemite Valley is a place you can reasonably day trip to from Lake Tahoe, although it can make for a long day so be prepared. When you do a Yosemite Valley tour, you can see the waterfalls and granite peaks the area is known for, and many of the tours will also include lunch. These sightseeing tours may take you over Tioga Pass which crosses the Sierra Nevada Mountains. That gives you a view from nearly 10,000 feet. Choose a tour where you enter Yosemite National Park and you can see the alpine meadows and streams. Some of the well-known spots you might enjoy on a Yosemite day trip tour include the Half Dome and El Capitan. There’s also the Tenaya alpine lake, and the eight-mile Yosemite Valley itself.

Virginia City, Nevada 

If you’re looking for family-friendly day trips from Lake Tahoe, consider a trip to Virginia City, Nevada. Virginia City is around 20 miles south of Reno, and it’s a historic town that once was a hub of mining. During a day trip to Virginia City, you’ll be transported back to the mid-1800s as you walk along the wooden sidewalks and visit a saloon. There are steam engine rides and haunted ghost tours, as well as the Historic Piper’s Opera House, which has played host to the likes of Mark Twain and President Grant among others. The Fourth Ward School was built in 1876, and it’s now a museum dedicated to the American West. The Virginia & Truckee Railroad is the most famous short-line railroad, and you can take a ride on it from Virginia City to Gold Hill.

Apple Hill 

Apple Hill is home to many ranches and vineyards. You can visit Apple Hill and purchase fresh fruit and in particular, apples. There are also options to purchase wine, apple donuts, and apple pies, among other freshly baked items. Apple Hill is located in the western Sierra Foothills, in El Dorado County. There are not only fruit orchards and wineries but also breweries and tree farms. Peak season at Apple Hill is in October, so be aware the crowds will be heavy at this time. You can pick your own apples at the farms in the area, or you can buy them already picked. Boa Vista Orchards is a farm where you can pick up a fresh apple tart, or you can go to Indian Rock Tree Farm, particularly if it’s near the holidays.

Grover Hot Springs 

Finally, one of the lesser-known gems that makes a great day trip from Lake Tahoe is Grover Hot Springs State Park, which is in Markleeville, California. The park is on the eastern side of the Sierra, sitting at the edge of the Great Basin Province. The park has hot springs, as the name implies, as well as areas for picnicking, hiking, and camping. The hot springs are green because of mineral deposits on the bottom of the pool, and there are many trail options if you’d like to hike while you’re there. For example, the Burnside Trail takes you to a waterfall if you take a three-mile round trip. There’s also Burnside Lake, which is a 10-mile round trip. There is one hot pool you can sit in with temperatures usually ranging from 102 to 105 degrees, and that pool is fed by six mineral springs. There’s also one cool pool. You can have a relaxing soak while enjoying the 10,000-foot Hawkins Peak located to your northwest, and the 9,400-peak of Markleeville to the southwest.

Lake Tahoe - Fall

The Pros and Cons of Vaping CBD

CBD vape juice, also known as cannabis e-liquid or CBD e-juice, is often considered one of the most beneficial and convenient methods of consuming CBD. One of the best things about vaping CBD liquid is that it doesn’t get you high, but does deliver the medicinal and therapeutic properties of cannabis. If you’re considering including CBD vape oil in your lifestyle, then you may be concerned about the pros and cons.

#1. Pro: Health Benefits

CBD is well known for its range of medicinal properties, and for helping with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression and more. It can also have a positive effect on preventing degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, and has been used as treatment for issues like arthritis. It has even been used as a cancer treatment. Vaping CBD oil has a fast-acting effect and high bio availability, making it one of the best ways to get all the health benefits.

#2. Pro: Fast-Acting

As mentioned earlier, vaping CBD oil is a popular choice today due to the fast-acting effects. In fact, the effects are almost immediate; once you vape CBD oil, you will quickly begin to start feeling the calming and relaxing effects on your body. The health benefits will begin to take effect almost immediately as the substance is taken straight into your lungs and absorbed into your bloodstream, where it is redistributed throughout the body.

#3. Pro: Discreet and Convenient

Another advantage of vaping CBD is that the devices used are portable and convenient. Vaping CBD is very easy; all you need is a vape pen and the vape juice. The best thing about these devices is that they are usually easy enough to fit in your purse or pocket, and due to the widespread popularity of vaping, it’s easy to discreetly vape with nobody knowing that you’re vaping CBD e-juice. Check that you are getting your vaporizer device from a reputable brand. Many are white label products such as these private label CBD vape pens, which may be sold under different brand names but originate from the same supplier. If you’re unsure about a brand, it may be worth checking if you can find out who the supplier is.

#4. Con: Health Risks

The good news is that vaping CBD is very low risk, but it’s always very important to be cautious about the techniques that you are using and the amount of liquid that you vaping at one time. You should also be careful when it comes to the temperatures at which you are heating the e-liquid. Inhaling CBD liquid can also cause coughing and even nausea if you over do it, so it’s important to be extra careful if you have any pre-existing health conditions, particularly lung conditions.

#5. Con: Addiction

Although doctors and researchers have cited that CBD e-liquids and oils are unlikely to be addictive on their own and can even be used in a positive way to help cure addictions to other substances, other studies have found CBD vaping to have the potential to become addictive. Some people can become preoccupied with the aspect of vaping CBD oil due to its ease and convenience compared with more traditional consumption methods.

If you want to experience some of the main health benefits of CBD, then vaping is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to do so.

Fighting Negative Body Images in Teens

In a social culture that is constantly seeking perfection, teens can find it difficult to be happy with their body, self-image, or looks. They may want curly hair, straight hips, to be taller, bigger pecs, or a smaller nose. No matter what the teen focuses on, that part of their body becomes a negative issue that can follow them for their entire life. Here are some of the many topics pushing teens to develop negative body images and how to fight against them.

Fashions

The clothes teens cover their body with are more than just fabrics they slip on each morning. Their idea of fashion is a means of individualistic self-expression, personal social status, and identification of which group he or she belongs to. The fashion industry often preys on teens by creating images of waifs dancing through streets to meet buff young men, and the happy, joyful group embraces and wanders into the future. For the youth that wants to emulate these ideal fashion icons, problems arise when there are five extra pounds to lose, or they aren’t tall enough. The need to build abs or lose belly fat are real emotional battles the teens face, and that is why the fashion industry and eating disorders have been linked so many times. Teaching teens early that no one is perfect is an important first step in the creation of a positive body image. Being comfortable in the skin you have can take a long time for many people, but it is an important lesson to learn.

Peers

Most teens do everything with their friends. They hang out and discuss their feelings, shop for the latest fashion trend, and talk on the phone for hours. This is how many teenagers bond. Using their peers to mirror their self-esteem is an important way they can build and affirm their sense of belonging and importance. The problem with this sense of self can come when teens realize they are different from one another and begin to disassociate with something about themselves in order to associate with something in their friends such as perfect, blemish-free skin, ability to attract the opposite sex, or perfect teeth. While one person may be tall, another may be short, and this can have a large impact on the youth that is trying to be perfect in a world he or she is still trying to understand through the eyes of his or her friends. Constantly worrying about how others perceive their clothing, laugh, nose, and figure can result in emotional and mental problems. That is why it is important to emphasize being unique is essential in a society of sameness, i.e., Steve Jobs, J.K. Rowling, Albert Einstein, and Oprah Winfrey.

Social Media

The teen years are rife with pressures from inside and outside, but when social media sprang out of nowhere, the pressure multiplied by hundreds of times. Not only were the teens able to compare themselves to those around them, but all the sudden they could evaluate themselves against a world of photoshopped bullies. Hidden behind a keyboard of false representation, the images people presented to the world suddenly became created instead of natural, what they wore was fake, and where they spent their time was falsified. Teens can innocently be drug into comparing themselves to these false images if they are not made aware of the unreal world social media can create. Preventing feelings of inferiority to a world that does not exist is important as a teen begins to create his or her own story with a narrative about what makes him or her strong and positive. Teaching the youth to remove the unrealistic expectations he or she develops about a world that doesn’t exist is vital for both tweens and teens as they flip through their social media sights. They must also understand how to perceive the trolls and bullies of the media world and how to navigate around the faceless negativity as they learn to look at the comments with a grain of salt.

Products

The world is bombarded with products that are guaranteed to make the users look better and feel healthier. From makeup to protein powder to energy drinks, the shelves are lined with products that present unrealistic expectations to get everyone to use them. Advertisements are created that prove using the item will get the user a fast car, better skin, a cuter boyfriend, or a whiter smile. Since the teen consumer can be especially vulnerable to this type of marketing, the products often focus on this age group. For many, marketing has a negative impact because of the reverse psychology involved. If the teen doesn’t use the product, they won’t have a fast car, get clear skin, or build bigger muscles. Trying to make a teen understand he or she doesn’t need to try the product to begin building a positive body image is a difficult task because teenagers believe what those they admire have to say.
No one is perfect, yet everyone wants to be a better image of who they believe they can be – especially the vulnerable teens. The best thing parents can do to help teenagers develop a positive body image is to create an atmosphere of openness and discussion. Making sure home is a positive force, and protective environment that keeps the bullies and negativity at bay can allow the child time to discover who he or she is and what strengths he or she can fill the world with. Encouraging uniqueness that includes all body types is the best gift you can give your teenager.

Three Easy Ways to Keep Your Eyes Healthy

If you want to improve a certain aspect of your health, such as your weight, your skin or even your mind, there are certain practices and treatments you take to accomplish it. This also applies to your vision and the overall health of your eyes. When you embrace certain healthy actions, you can improve the condition of your eyes and even prevent certain diseases from affecting them. Consider following these tips to maintain your eyes and improve your vision.

Exercise and Stay Active

Keeping an active lifestyle improves your overall well-being. This also extends to your eyes. Daily exercise helps oxygen and blood flow throughout your body, including your eyes, keeping them healthy. Staying active also prevents a condition called diabetic retinopathy. It is common in Type 2 diabetes patients and occurs when an excess of sugar in the bloodstream affects the walls of the arteries in the retina, causing blood leakage and sight impairment.

Consume Vitamins and Minerals

Some eye conditions degenerate the eye over time and severely impact your vision. However, you do not need to be an experienced ophthalmologist like Kang Zhang to prevent them from emerging. By eating foods rich in certain vitamins and minerals, you can improve your chances. Primarily look for foods and drinks rich in vitamins A, C and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, to improve your sight and prevent eye diseases.

Take a Break from Screens 

It might be difficult in this technology-reliant time to let your eyes cool off from digital screens. Organizations like the American Optometric Organization recommend taking a 20-second break for every 20 minutes in front of a screen to look at something 20 feet away. This practice prevents digital eye strain, which irritates your eyes and can even harm your vision.
Your eyes are subject to a variety of hazards that can have long-term consequences. Take these simple tips to improve your chances at keeping your eyes healthy for a long time.

11 Rainy Day Activities for the Kids

Along with the rain coming down outside your heart might be sinking wondering what new activity you can dream up to do with your children. Luckily, this list contains 11 fun-filled activities that can be done rain or shine and will keep the whole house happy!

1. Have an Arts and Craft Day

Every kid loves an arts and crafts day, and it can keep them entertained for hours at a time. Some fun ideas that you could try are making a cardboard town, rock painting, making pictures with pasta and finger painting. Once you've decided what you’re going to do for the day head out to the store and pick up some supplies. Most of what you need will be fairly cheap and easy to find.

2. Create a Pillow Fort

This is a super fun activity that you can do on a rainy day that costs nothing at all! Raid the cupboards and find all the sheets and pillows you can in your house. Take them into your living room with a bunch of clothes pegs and some twine and create the most elaborate pillow fort you can. You can even set a little competition among your kids to see who can build the best fort. It will also give them somewhere to hide away for the rest of the day to read or play games.

3. Seek Out an Indoor Playground

There are loads of indoor playgrounds that you can go to in towns and cities, and they are the perfect way to spend a fun day when you can't get to an outdoor playground. An indoor playground is just as fun if not better and has many different obstacles such as trampolines, climbing courses, rope swings, and indoor slides. Most of these indoor play areas will have an adult area too where you can grab some food and a coffee which your little ones tire themselves out.

4. Teach Your Children to Swim

Taking a trip to your local swimming baths can be fun for the whole family and it’s a cheap way to spend a rainy day. Some pools might even put on special children's days where there are inflatable toys put in the pool for them to play with. If your children aren’t that confident in the water, it could be a good opportunity to give them a swimming lesson or book them in to have a swimming lesson with a coach at the pool.

5. Re-Decorate Your Childs Room

This one may take a bit more planning and isn’t something you can just do on an impromptu basis but it can be great fun if you’re prepared. If there is painting to be done then that may be best left to the adult but if you are picking out new furniture like curtains or a bed then it’s a great opportunity to head out to a store and let them pick what they want in their new room.

6. Create a Home Movie

Have you thought about tapping into your kids' creativity and getting them to star in their own home movie? Going through the whole process of writing a short script, choosing parts and choosing costumes is all part of the fun. You could even go as far as painting some cardboard to create different scenes. After that you can start filming. All you need is a cell phone or a camcorder and you will be creating your very own masterpiece. Then, at the end of the day you can all sit down with popcorn and attend your very own home movie premier.

7. Go and See a Movie

If you’re not finding the inspiration to write and film a shirt home move yourself then that’s okay because someone has already done it. There’s nothing quite like heading out to the movie theater to see the latest release. Soda, popcorn and sweets all add to the experience and it’s a great way to treat those well-behaved children!

8. Visit an Aquarium

If you head to one of the bigger aquariums then it could take you the whole day to go around so checking the size of the aquarium beforehand is important if you're on a timescale. Kids love aquariums and getting to see big and little fish up close and personal is really quite exciting. As well as fish they might also have reptiles and birds like penguins as well as furry little creatures like otters.

9. Play Some Board Games

Usually the instant reaction when suggesting board games is that they are boring but there are so many games out there that you are likely to find one that will keep them interested. Games like Operation are great because they are really simple but have different elements and noises. More recently there are board games that have come out that make use of an iPhone or tablet to give a traditional boardgame a digital twist.

10. Bake Some Cakes and Cookies

Cakes and cookies are really easy to make and taste delicious which is why kids love making them so much! To make cakes and cookies you only need some basic ingredients which you might even be able to buy as part of a baking kit at the local grocery store. If you’re making cookies or biscuits then you could also buy some cookie cutters and decorations so you can decorate them too. Sprinkles and colored icing are always a popular choice.

11. Make a Scrapbook of Your Day or Holidays

If your children are on their summer break then one great way to capture all the fun moments you’ve had is to create and keep your very own scrap book or picture diary. Taking lots of pictures and printing them out so they can be stuck into the scrap book is a great way to get your children writing about what they’ve done, what they created and the things they enjoyed most. It’s great fun for them and it will give you something to keep too!

Is CBD Safe to Use During Pregnancy?

With regards to questions regarding CBD and its efficacy for pregnant women, the safest answer is to talk with your doctor regarding any plans to use cannabidiol during pregnancy.

As of writing, there is no conclusive proof of the effect CBD has for the fetus or the mother’s health. This means that referring to your OB-GYNE is imperative to know whether taking CBD is safe for fetal growth and development, and also to your health.

CBD-containing products such as CBD oil has made rounds in the news and social media after the US 2018 Farm Bill has been passed. This removed industrial hemp from the list of controlled substances. Hemp being the source plant from which CBD is extracted. It’s also not just in the US; CBD has made quite an impression all over the world. In Europe and China, several CBD brands and shops have popped up, all aiming to cash in on this popular venture.

There are also many online stores that you can check out, all offering CBD oil and CBD-infused products that are beneficial for a number of medical conditions.

Why is CBD so popular? CBD or cannabidiol is lauded for being a miracle remedy for various ailments, including stress relief and pain management. It’s also pretty controversial for the fact that CBD is extracted from the same source plant as marijuana, a psychotropic substance. However, it does not produce the ‘high’ as cannabis does due to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content.

With users claiming that CBD is very effective and safe, it’s no wonder why everyone is clamoring to try one and see if it works better than over-the-counter drugs or prescribed medicines. Expecting mothers are part of the demographic that wishes to experience how CBD can help in the dilemmas of pregnancy, particularly in nausea and other physiological changes related to it.

Why are pregnant women taking CBD Oil?

Pregnancy causes a lot of bodily changes. While the famed “pregnancy glow” might make it seem like it’s easy to carry another life inside your womb, it’s harder than it looks. There are several undesirable symptoms that come with this significant life event, and it is thought that CBD oil can be the answer to many, if not all, of these dilemmas.

Here are some of the symptoms in pregnancy that CBD oil might just help alleviate, which makes it interesting for expecting moms to try out.

Pain

A growing belly to accommodate the development of the fetus inevitably causes general pain and discomfort. It causes back pain and muscle cramping, especially on the arms and legs.

The CBD oil has been noted to treat inflammation and extreme pain, which makes it a very attractive natural remedy to gestational discomfort.

Nausea

Not every mother experiences morning sickness, but those who do know how taxing it is to wake up and feel drained every morning. A study from 2011 states that cannabinoids may indirectly activate serotonin receptors, which produces the anti-nausea effects of CBD.

Sleep

More than half of pregnant women suffer from insomnia at different stages of their gestation. Pain and discomfort might cause sleepless nights for an expecting mother, but this can also be attributed to stress and other mental challenges during pregnancy. There are several studies that show how CBD can increase total sleeping time for a person and maybe therapeutic in people who have trouble sleeping. This evidence may be the answer to pregnancy-related insomnia, too.

Anxiety or Depression

The emotional effect of pregnancy in women is pronounced and can be quite problematic if not handled properly. Some commonly associated psychological changes with gestation are anxiety and depression. Such conditions may be caused by hormonal changes, but can also be due to the fact that child-bearing is a stressful event in anyone’s life.

CBD oil is known to reduce anxiety, and users are praising it for being a natural combatant to stress. This may prove useful to expecting mothers who want to be as stress-free as possible and make the pregnancy much easier to bear.

Is it Safe?

CBD oil is considered by many to be a therapeutic remedy and even a nutritional supplement. Although it is not addictive like marijuana, it also has its own setbacks, namely that not many clinical trials and studies are made around CBD.

Pregnancy is a delicate process, and introducing any new substances is generally frowned upon by medical practitioners. CBD might be decorated with a lot of therapeutic properties, but most of these claims aren’t proven.

Also, different researches are a very contradiction at the moment. A meta-analysis revealed that THC, which is also found in cannabidiol although in lower doses, may result in the baby’s low weight and complications after birth. On the other hand, one study showed that there are no noted significant changes in babies whose mothers have consumed THC during gestation.

It is very unfortunate that much research and clinical studies need to be done to establish CBD’s efficacy in pregnancy. Expecting mothers would greatly benefit when taking CBD oil to make child-bearing an easier and more enjoyable experience. For now, it is considered unsafe for pregnant women and lactating mothers to take any CBD-containing compounds until researches prove otherwise.

If you are pregnant but want to try CBD oil, arrange a meeting with your doctor to discuss whether it is the right course of treatment for you. You may also want to check out alternative remedies for the different symptoms of pregnancy.

Help Someone Get Help

If you suspect that a family member is abusing alcohol or drugs, it is normal to be worried and confused. You may feel hurt by their behavior. At the same time, you want to get your family member into professional treatment. Remember that addiction is a disease with psychological, social, and physical factors. It is difficult for an addict to get clean without professional help.

Recognizing the Signs of Addiction

The 2018 Monitoring the Future Survey from the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 37 percent of high school seniors have tried vaping. Teenagers report lower use of other drugs than in the past. According to this study, abuse of illegal drugs other than marijuana has dropped 30 percent. However, the consequences of drug addiction are so severe that you cannot let down your guard. Teenagers are prone to making impulsive decisions under peer pressure.

You may have noticed changes in your loved one's behavior that have led you to suspect excessive alcohol or drug use. Perhaps they have become withdrawn or moody. Sometimes people stop taking care of their bodies with regular baths and wear unclean clothes.

When your family member comes home at night, you may see red eyes and dilated pupils. Perhaps they use excessive air freshener in the car to cover up smells. A teen may take up a sudden new habit of chewing gum or using breath mints.

You may suspect that your loved one lies to you about their activities. Families report spotting substance abuse addiction on social media when they see pictures from raves. Alternatively, a post may report being in a location or doing an activity other than what you expect.

Getting Someone Into a Program

In the long run, additions lead to legal, career, and health problems. Drug use increases the risk of cancer, heart problems, breathing issues, hepatitis, and HIV. Liver and kidney damage occurs over time. Brain changes due to drug use could lead to depression, anxiety, and paranoia. If the person is pregnant, she is putting the unborn child at great risk.

The challenges of addiction impact not just the person who uses drugs, but also family members. Children experience inconsistent, neglectful, or abusive parenting. Spouses manage finances and household chores abandoned by the person with the addiction.

The longer that the problem is allowed to continue, the worse the spiral of dysfunction becomes. Therefore, it is important to help someone get into rehab sooner rather than later. It will be much more difficult to undo the damage down the road.

As a first step, contact a doctor for recommendations of treatment programs. Call the programs and determine whether they participate in your health insurance plan. Estimate, to the best of your ability, the costs and how you will pay for it. Identify the best program for your loved one which has an open bed. If you have the program chosen in advance, you will make it easier for your family member to make the choice to get help.

Next, confront your family member with the problems you have observed and ask them to accept treatment. A trained interventionist is helpful to guide and facilitate these conversations. If your loved one refuses to acknowledge a problem, you can ask the person's primary care doctor to discuss addiction during a routine check-up appointment.

Once your family member has entered the program, remember that successful treatment requires family support. Attend all meetings offered to you, and seek counseling for yourself to help you relearn healthy patterns of relating to your family member.

Addiction takes a toll on people and their families. Helping someone get into treatment is a gift to them, their family, and their community.

The Roles of Palliative and Hospice Care in Healthcare

When we hear palliative care and hospice care, most of us think they mean the same thing. Palliative and hospice care may seem like two peas in a pod, but they have their own differences.

Patients often panic when doctors suggest they get palliative care—they think this means that they are dying. But palliative care is not the same as hospice care.

Read on to know how they differ once and for all.



What Is Palliative Care?

Doctors usually suggest palliative and hospice care to people who suffer from a terminal illness. But unlike hospice care, palliative care is not just for the terminally ill.

Palliative care is a must when creating a treatment plan for a patient from the time he or she is diagnosed with an illness. People with chronic conditions, such as COPD, Parkinson’s, or cancer, may receive palliative care in conjunction with their treatment.

A chronic illness usually brings symptoms and distress to the patient, affecting his or her daily living. Ultimately, it decreases one’s quality of life.

By delivering palliative care, chronically ill patients receive medications that relieve their symptoms while they are continuously monitored and treated. For example, a doctor performs chemotherapy and monitors oxygen saturation for a patient with lung cancer. Meanwhile, a nurse administers pain meds to the same patient to relieve any pain and discomfort.

What Is Hospice Care?

While palliative care is different from hospice care, hospice care is actually a form of palliative care.

Like palliative care, hospice care also aims to provide comfort and quality of life throughout a patient’s dying days. Doctors will usually suggest hospice care if the patient only has six months to live or less, if the illness was to follow its usual course.

Another thing to note is that during hospice care, patients stop receiving treatment for their disease. Instead, they receive treatment that can help relieve any pain and discomfort that come with it. As an example, a bone cancer patient will no longer anymore receive chemotherapy but will be treated for the pain.

The final days can instill fear and grief to a person. During such time, the hospice care team will also provide unwavering emotional and spiritual support through coaching and counseling. In fact, even simply listening to the patient’s thoughts and feelings may help them feel better.

The good thing about palliative and hospice care is that both also extend support to the patient’s family. Having a sick member can take its toll on the entire family. When the morale of caregivers are deeply affected, this negative emotion can pass on to the patient himself and affect their quality of care.

How Palliative and Hospice Care Enhance Healthcare

In order to achieve overall health, healthcare providers need to extend their care beyond the physical aspect. This means tapping into the psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects as well. By providing comfort and support through palliative and hospice care, the healthcare team is able to boost a patient’s morale, keep his dignity, and enhance his quality of life.

Alternative Ways to Reduce Stress

If you are suffering from stress, you may feel overwhelmed and not know what to do. Here are some of the best, natural ways to lower stress levels, without going to the doctor or taking prescription medicine. 

Take a Hike

Hiking has an incredible amount of benefits, both for your mental and physical health. Being outside for even a few minutes every day helps you stay more alert and happy, and combining that with the endorphins released from exercise, you have a powerful remedy for when you may not be feeling up to par. It is also a great family activity that you can do on a weekend or school break. Try discovering new hiking trails in your area, and let the adventure begin.

Medicinal Cannabis Use

Marijuana, where legal for medicinal purposes, is a great way to feel much more calm and relaxed, especially when you are anxious or depressed. You may want to try integrating it into your daily routine. There are many varieties and potencies available to suit your needs. For example, if you do not wish to smoke, edibles are another option, as well as creams, oils, and tinctures.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care has its own individual meaning to each person who practices it. Self-care is anything that will help you to feel better on a physical or mental level. Usually this comes in the form of a mental health day off from work, or a relaxing hobby. You may view self-care as going to the spa for a few hours, or cleaning out the garage and getting rid of some boxes that you had been putting off. Make a list of things you can do that will help you to feel better when you know the stress is building and you need to take a break.

Try Meditation

Even if it is only a few minutes every day, meditation can have a powerful effect on your stress levels. Because it involves trying not to think about anything during your practice or repeating positive mantras, you can distance yourself from whatever is causing you strife. Additionally, sometimes stepping away from a problem is the best way to find a solution, so consider meditating if you are struggling with inventiveness or originality.

You do not need to immediately turn to pharmaceuticals in order to provide stress relief. With these solutions, you can live a happy and healthy life, and learn to alleviate your symptoms naturally.

Keeping In Touch With Your Kids When They’re Old Enough for a Smartphone

Photo by Brett Sayles

Choosing when to give your child access to a smartphone is a big decision. Some kids might be more mature than others, and there are also special situations to consider. For instance, if you and your child’s other parent are divorced, a smartphone might be the best way to keep in touch with them when they’re at their other parent’s home.

There is no right answer to when the best time is for kids to have a smartphone. However, you should make sure you know how to actually keep in touch with kids who have reached that age. There’s a common misconception that smartphones get in the way of communication. While that certainly can be true, it doesn’t have to be for your family.

How do you keep in touch with kids when they’re finally at that infamous smartphone age? What tools are at your disposal for keeping kids close and safe? In this guide, we’ll discuss the importance of knowing when your kids are ready for a smartphone as well as how to best keep them close.

When Are Kids Ready for a Smartphone?

As we mentioned earlier, there is no magic age where kids are suddenly ready for a smartphone. It’s a much better idea to consider the child’s maturity level. Some kids mature faster than others, and some might need more time to adjust to the responsibility of a smartphone.

It’s important to think critically and rationally about this. Just about every kid today wants a smartphone but most don’t need a smartphone. Here are some questions to guide this process:

• Are your kids showing signs of responsibility? 
• How are your kids at protecting their belongings? 
• Do your kids need to be available quickly for safety reasons? 
• Will your children use their cell phones responsibly? 
• Do they understand the social responsibilities of a smartphone (i.e. not using it to bully others digitally)? 
• Can they adhere to your smartphone limits?

Answering these questions will help you understand if it’s time to make this change. If you’re not entirely sure, there are still some options for testing your child’s ability to have a smartphone responsibly without the same large risk. You might choose a prepaid phone or a child-locked phone with limited features. Both of these are a good option for a smartphone “test run.”

Smartphone Guidelines for Setting Rules

Rules and smartphones generally go hand in hand, but where do you start? How do you set rational yet realistic rules for both yourself and your children around smartphone usage? Creating clear rules upfront will help you establish boundaries and communication expectations. Here are some suggestions for creating smartphone guidelines for the entire family:

Practice what you preach.
First, you need to make sure you’re following any guidelines you set around phones. For example, if there’s a “no phones at the dinner table” rule, you’ll need to make sure all adults and parents follow this rule as well. If you’re not practicing what you preach, it’s hard to expect kids to do the same.

Look for balance.
In today’s society, smartphones are used more than ever, even with younger kids. Tech-savvy kids actually have a lot of advantages in life, such as more interest in STEM fields, adaptability, and so on. Promoting healthy, positive technology usage can actually be a good thing.

This is why it’s essential that you balance both tech and non-tech time. Showing kids how to responsibly use their own smartphones is a great first step, but it doesn’t have to end there. Allow ample time for exploring these smartphones, but also leave time for family.

Be involved.
Finally, include yourself in your children’s smartphone usage. A lot of parents make the mistake of pushing kids away by putting too much control over how they use their devices. While you should set ground rules, it’s much easier to simply be involved by showing interest.

If your kids are playing games online, ask to learn more about the game. If they’re on social media websites, add them on these platforms. Be involved will help you make smarter choices about their smartphones.

Photo by Anastasiya Gepp 

Use Safe Connectivity Tools

Finally, you can use the right smartphone tools to keep in touch with your kids. A lot of modern messaging and video chat services are easy to use or affordable, but do you really know how they use your data? In addition, are their advertisements safe for kids of all ages?

The best option is to use a secure, family-friendly tool like Say: Share Together! a Group Video Chat Network. This type of platform is designed for keeping families close, and it's distraction and ad-free so you can trust kids of all ages on this app. It’s important to know you can reach your children quickly, and Say makes it simple.

Be Confident About Smartphones

Smartphones aren’t the negative, harmful tool they’re often made out to be. While it’s true you need to be proactive about guidelines around these devices, you also shouldn’t be too worried. As long as you’re involved in the process, you should feel confident that your kids will be safe and secure online.

Most kids get a cell phone at age 10, but it will depend on your own child’s needs and maturity level. If you feel like it’s time for this next step, be confident in your decision. It isn’t as scary as it sounds, and you can help them use these tools responsibly.

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