Support For military families
U.S. veterans are at a greater risk of several different types of cancer, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and more. A cancer diagnosis is devastating to family members — especially children and teenagers. However, veterans can learn how to talk to children about their cancer diagnosis to help ease their worries.
Family Financial Planning SUpport
HOW PARENTS CAN GET STARTED WITH
A FINANCIAL PLAN
A FINANCIAL PLAN IS CRUCIAL FOR ANYONE, BUT IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY, THERE ARE OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER. IDEALLY, YOU’LL LOOK ATYOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION BEFORE HAVING KIDS SO THAT YOU CAN WRAP YOUR HEAD AROUND STATISTICS SUCH AS HOW THE AVERAGE COST OF RAISING ONE CHILD IN THE US IS $227,000 — NOT INCLUDING COLLEGE. YOU SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER WHETHER OR NOT YOU CAN AFFORD BIG-TICKET ITEMS, SUCH AS A LARGER CAR OR HOME, AND A CHANGE IN EXPENSES, FROM EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS TO CHILDCARE COSTS.
OF COURSE, IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO INSTITUTE A FINANCIAL PLAN, SO GET STARTED BY HAVING A SOLID UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR CASH FLOW AND EXPENSES BY TRACKING BOTH VIA AN APP, A SOFTWARE PROGRAM, OR A SIMPLE PEN AND PAD OF PAPER. DON’T FORGET TO PROJECT ITEMS SUCH AS VACATIONS AND GIFTS. THIS EXERCISE CAN HELP YOU HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WHERE YOUR MONEY IS GOING SO YOU CAN DETERMINE WHERE YOU CAN MAKE CUTS, IF NEED BE. HERE’S WHAT TO CONSIDER.
LIFE INSURANCE
IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE ADEQUATE INSURANCE COVERAGE SO YOUR FAMILY IS TAKEN CARE OF WHEN YOU’RE GONE. IT’S ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT BOTH PARENTS GET LIFE INSURANCE — ESPECIALLY IF ONE OF THEM STAYS AT HOME WITH THE CHILDREN AND DOESN’T CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO THE HOUSEHOLD — IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL BE COVERED BY A PAYOUT OF AT LEAST FIVE TIMES THE HOUSEHOLD’S ANNUAL INCOME.
CALCULATE YOUR CASH FLOW, CURRENT SAVINGS, ANY INVESTMENTS, AND RETIREMENT ACCOUNT VALUES IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE COVERAGE THAT IS BOTH AFFORDABLE AND EFFICIENT (THERE ARE ONLINE CALCULATORS THAT CAN HELP YOU). NOTE THAT BEFORE PURCHASING LIFE INSURANCE, YOU SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE TYPES OF POLICIES, AS WELL AS HOW THE CASH VALUES AND PREMIUMS VARY. KEEP IN MIND THAT YOU CAN SELL YOUR LIFE INSURANCE IN RETIREMENT TO FREE UP CASH, IF NEED BE.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN
IT’S CRUCIAL THAT YOU START SAVING FOR YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THE THREE MOST EFFICIENT WAYS TO DO SO INCLUDE 529 COLLEGE PLANS, WHICH WORK MUCH LIKE ROTH IRA OR 401(K) PLANS, AND PREPAID TUITION PLANS FOR THOSE WHO PLAN ON ATTENDING AN IN-STATE PUBLIC SCHOOL — KEEP IN MIND THAT IF THEY WIND UP GOING OUT OF STATE, THEY WON’T RECEIVE A RETURN ON THE FULL VALUE OF THE PLAN.
PLAN FOR RETIREMENT
IF YOU HAVE A RETIREMENT PLAN THROUGH YOUR EMPLOYER, MAKE IT A REGULAR POINT TO VISIT YOUR PLAN’S WEBSITE OR USE AN ONLINE CALCULATOR TO DETERMINE HOW SECURE YOUR RETIREMENT IS LOOKING. WHILE CALCULATORS AREN’T ALWAYS 100 PERCENT ACCURATE, YOU CAN STILL MAKE ESTIMATES. FOR EXAMPLE, COUNT ON A THREE-PERCENT INFLATION RATE OF RETURN BEFORE AND AFTER RETIREMENT, AND BE CONSERVATIVE WHEN CONSIDERING YOUR RISK ASSESSMENT. THE STANDARD 401(K) OR 403(B) — ESPECIALLY WHEN PROVIDED BY AN EMPLOYER WHO MATCHES EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS — IS ONE OF THE BEST AND EASIEST WAYS TO START SAVING, AS THE MONEY IS WITHHELD WITH EACH PAYCHECK AND YOU CAN ROLL IT OVER IF YOU CHANGE JOBS. IF YOU’RE SELF-EMPLOYED, CONSIDER A SOLO 401(K) OR SEP IRA — IN OTHER WORDS, A SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION. A ROTH IRA IS A GREAT WAY TO GROW YOUR MONEY TAX-FREE, BUT YOU MUST MAKE LESS THAN $193,000 IF FILING WITH A SPOUSE.
DEBT AND EMERGENCY RESERVES
WHETHER IT’S GOOD OR BAD, DEBT IS DEBT, SO YOU NEED TO ESTABLISH A PLAN TO PAY DOWN ANY OUTSTANDING OBLIGATIONS WHILE MAINTAINING AN EMERGENCY FUND THAT COVERS SIX TO 12 MONTHS OF EXPENSES. KEEP IN MIND THAT IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL YEARS TO OBTAIN A LARGE ENOUGH NEST EGG TO TACKLE BOTH ISSUES. SOME WAYS TO MAKE THIS PART OF YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN MORE ATTAINABLE INCLUDE STARTING SMALL BY CUTTING BACK ON EXPENSES AND INVESTING YOUR TAX RETURN INTO THESE TWO POOLS.
BECOMING A LEADER AT THE OFFICE (AND AT HOME)
RE-INVESTING IN YOURSELF MAY SEEM LIKE A DAUNTING TASK, BUT IF YOU WANT TO GROW YOUR CURRENT SKILL SET IN BUSINESS, AN MBA COULD BE THE NEXT STEP YOU HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR. AN MBA CAN LEAD TO SALARY INCREASES OF UP TO 50% OVER WHAT YOU CURRENTLY MAKE. THAT KIND OF FINANCIAL SECURITY IS AN INCREDIBLE STEP TOWARDS SETTING UP THE FUTURE OF YOUR FAMILY FINANCIALLY. THIS HIGH LEVEL BUSINESS TRAINING CAN ALSO LEAD TO MENTAL IMPROVEMENTS AT WORK AND HOME, TOO.
DEALING WITH FINANCES CAN BE OVERWHELMING, SO CONSIDER WHETHER OR NOT YOU NEED TO TAP A FINANCIAL ADVISOR FOR ASSISTANCE — ESPECIALLY IF YOU’RE MAKING INVESTMENTS. RESEARCH HAS PROVEN THAT THE USE OF A PRO CAN INCREASE YOUR RETURNS BY AS MUCH AS 3.75 PERCENT. OTHER BENEFITS INCLUDE ASSISTANCE WITH DEVELOPING AN OVERALL INVESTMENT STRATEGY, MINIMIZING TAXES, REBALANCING, AND CREATING A TIMELINE FOR WITHDRAWALS FROM RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS. JUST BE SURE TO DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE SIGNING SOMEONE ON SO YOU FEEL CONFIDENT THAT THEY UNDERSTAND YOUR CURRENT AND FUTURE PLANS.
NEED PARENTING OR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION GUIDANCE? FAMILY FACTOR CAN HELP YOU WORK TOWARDS GOALS THAT WILL SUPPORT YOUR CHILD'S NEEDS.
PHOTO CREDIT: PIXABAY
A FINANCIAL PLAN
A FINANCIAL PLAN IS CRUCIAL FOR ANYONE, BUT IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY, THERE ARE OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER. IDEALLY, YOU’LL LOOK ATYOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION BEFORE HAVING KIDS SO THAT YOU CAN WRAP YOUR HEAD AROUND STATISTICS SUCH AS HOW THE AVERAGE COST OF RAISING ONE CHILD IN THE US IS $227,000 — NOT INCLUDING COLLEGE. YOU SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER WHETHER OR NOT YOU CAN AFFORD BIG-TICKET ITEMS, SUCH AS A LARGER CAR OR HOME, AND A CHANGE IN EXPENSES, FROM EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS TO CHILDCARE COSTS.
OF COURSE, IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO INSTITUTE A FINANCIAL PLAN, SO GET STARTED BY HAVING A SOLID UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR CASH FLOW AND EXPENSES BY TRACKING BOTH VIA AN APP, A SOFTWARE PROGRAM, OR A SIMPLE PEN AND PAD OF PAPER. DON’T FORGET TO PROJECT ITEMS SUCH AS VACATIONS AND GIFTS. THIS EXERCISE CAN HELP YOU HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WHERE YOUR MONEY IS GOING SO YOU CAN DETERMINE WHERE YOU CAN MAKE CUTS, IF NEED BE. HERE’S WHAT TO CONSIDER.
LIFE INSURANCE
IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE ADEQUATE INSURANCE COVERAGE SO YOUR FAMILY IS TAKEN CARE OF WHEN YOU’RE GONE. IT’S ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT BOTH PARENTS GET LIFE INSURANCE — ESPECIALLY IF ONE OF THEM STAYS AT HOME WITH THE CHILDREN AND DOESN’T CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO THE HOUSEHOLD — IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL BE COVERED BY A PAYOUT OF AT LEAST FIVE TIMES THE HOUSEHOLD’S ANNUAL INCOME.
CALCULATE YOUR CASH FLOW, CURRENT SAVINGS, ANY INVESTMENTS, AND RETIREMENT ACCOUNT VALUES IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE COVERAGE THAT IS BOTH AFFORDABLE AND EFFICIENT (THERE ARE ONLINE CALCULATORS THAT CAN HELP YOU). NOTE THAT BEFORE PURCHASING LIFE INSURANCE, YOU SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE TYPES OF POLICIES, AS WELL AS HOW THE CASH VALUES AND PREMIUMS VARY. KEEP IN MIND THAT YOU CAN SELL YOUR LIFE INSURANCE IN RETIREMENT TO FREE UP CASH, IF NEED BE.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN
IT’S CRUCIAL THAT YOU START SAVING FOR YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THE THREE MOST EFFICIENT WAYS TO DO SO INCLUDE 529 COLLEGE PLANS, WHICH WORK MUCH LIKE ROTH IRA OR 401(K) PLANS, AND PREPAID TUITION PLANS FOR THOSE WHO PLAN ON ATTENDING AN IN-STATE PUBLIC SCHOOL — KEEP IN MIND THAT IF THEY WIND UP GOING OUT OF STATE, THEY WON’T RECEIVE A RETURN ON THE FULL VALUE OF THE PLAN.
PLAN FOR RETIREMENT
IF YOU HAVE A RETIREMENT PLAN THROUGH YOUR EMPLOYER, MAKE IT A REGULAR POINT TO VISIT YOUR PLAN’S WEBSITE OR USE AN ONLINE CALCULATOR TO DETERMINE HOW SECURE YOUR RETIREMENT IS LOOKING. WHILE CALCULATORS AREN’T ALWAYS 100 PERCENT ACCURATE, YOU CAN STILL MAKE ESTIMATES. FOR EXAMPLE, COUNT ON A THREE-PERCENT INFLATION RATE OF RETURN BEFORE AND AFTER RETIREMENT, AND BE CONSERVATIVE WHEN CONSIDERING YOUR RISK ASSESSMENT. THE STANDARD 401(K) OR 403(B) — ESPECIALLY WHEN PROVIDED BY AN EMPLOYER WHO MATCHES EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS — IS ONE OF THE BEST AND EASIEST WAYS TO START SAVING, AS THE MONEY IS WITHHELD WITH EACH PAYCHECK AND YOU CAN ROLL IT OVER IF YOU CHANGE JOBS. IF YOU’RE SELF-EMPLOYED, CONSIDER A SOLO 401(K) OR SEP IRA — IN OTHER WORDS, A SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION. A ROTH IRA IS A GREAT WAY TO GROW YOUR MONEY TAX-FREE, BUT YOU MUST MAKE LESS THAN $193,000 IF FILING WITH A SPOUSE.
DEBT AND EMERGENCY RESERVES
WHETHER IT’S GOOD OR BAD, DEBT IS DEBT, SO YOU NEED TO ESTABLISH A PLAN TO PAY DOWN ANY OUTSTANDING OBLIGATIONS WHILE MAINTAINING AN EMERGENCY FUND THAT COVERS SIX TO 12 MONTHS OF EXPENSES. KEEP IN MIND THAT IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL YEARS TO OBTAIN A LARGE ENOUGH NEST EGG TO TACKLE BOTH ISSUES. SOME WAYS TO MAKE THIS PART OF YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN MORE ATTAINABLE INCLUDE STARTING SMALL BY CUTTING BACK ON EXPENSES AND INVESTING YOUR TAX RETURN INTO THESE TWO POOLS.
BECOMING A LEADER AT THE OFFICE (AND AT HOME)
RE-INVESTING IN YOURSELF MAY SEEM LIKE A DAUNTING TASK, BUT IF YOU WANT TO GROW YOUR CURRENT SKILL SET IN BUSINESS, AN MBA COULD BE THE NEXT STEP YOU HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR. AN MBA CAN LEAD TO SALARY INCREASES OF UP TO 50% OVER WHAT YOU CURRENTLY MAKE. THAT KIND OF FINANCIAL SECURITY IS AN INCREDIBLE STEP TOWARDS SETTING UP THE FUTURE OF YOUR FAMILY FINANCIALLY. THIS HIGH LEVEL BUSINESS TRAINING CAN ALSO LEAD TO MENTAL IMPROVEMENTS AT WORK AND HOME, TOO.
DEALING WITH FINANCES CAN BE OVERWHELMING, SO CONSIDER WHETHER OR NOT YOU NEED TO TAP A FINANCIAL ADVISOR FOR ASSISTANCE — ESPECIALLY IF YOU’RE MAKING INVESTMENTS. RESEARCH HAS PROVEN THAT THE USE OF A PRO CAN INCREASE YOUR RETURNS BY AS MUCH AS 3.75 PERCENT. OTHER BENEFITS INCLUDE ASSISTANCE WITH DEVELOPING AN OVERALL INVESTMENT STRATEGY, MINIMIZING TAXES, REBALANCING, AND CREATING A TIMELINE FOR WITHDRAWALS FROM RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS. JUST BE SURE TO DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE SIGNING SOMEONE ON SO YOU FEEL CONFIDENT THAT THEY UNDERSTAND YOUR CURRENT AND FUTURE PLANS.
NEED PARENTING OR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION GUIDANCE? FAMILY FACTOR CAN HELP YOU WORK TOWARDS GOALS THAT WILL SUPPORT YOUR CHILD'S NEEDS.
PHOTO CREDIT: PIXABAY
Lacie Martin, Mother and Parent/Family Advocate
Three Reasons to Meditate During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic requires us to constantly adapt to unprecedented difficulties, and meditation is a particularly effective coping strategy. You’ve probably heard that meditation reduces feelings of stress, but it can also do much more than that to improve your well-being and lessen the negative impact of self-isolation.
Here are three unexpected reasons that meditation is a great tool to help you weather challenges as gracefully as possible and add some positivity to your life.
Better communication
In a time when couples, families, and roommates are forced to spend all their time together in an enclosed space, good communication is more important than ever. It can ease tension, help people support one another more effectively, and foster a sense of connection. But it’s not as simple as just listening and speaking. Effective communication requires you to be mentally and emotionally present with a person, which isn’t always easy when you’re feeling stressed.
Meditation can improve your communication skills by making you less reactive, more empathetic, more patient, and more self-aware. When your head is clear and you are able to show up for a conversation, it is much easier to both listen and speak in a way that is constructive and supportive. You don’t need much meditation experience to start noticing the ways in which mindful communication can ease tension in your relationships and help you become a better communicator.
Improved concentration
Difficulty concentrating is one of the most common results of prolonged stress. This can impact all areas of your life, from your work and your relationships to the enjoyment of hobbies. Losing the ability to focus on anything while under the pressure of the pandemic is understandable, but it’s no fun when you lose the ability to enjoy a good book or carry a conversation.
It goes without saying that practice focusing your mind makes it easier to focus your mind. Research shows that meditation can actually change the functioning and structure of your brain. The way you breathe – a key element of many meditation practices – impacts brain health. When more blood (and hence oxygen) can get to your brain, thinking and focusing become easier.
Meditation is for everyone
Anyone can practice and benefit from meditation. The type of meditation that you choose should be suited to your particular needs. Pay attention to what feels right for you, as how and why you meditate is a very personal decision. Be aware that you don’t have to sit quietly on your own in order to meditate. In fact, this can be a negative experience for some – such as trauma survivors or those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this case, you may need guidance in finding a safe and effective method of meditating.
If a sitting meditation practice does feel right for you, you’re ready to set up space and get started. You can try several different locations in your house to see where you feel most comfortable. By clearing out an area and transforming it into a designated meditation space, you can bring some refreshing positivity to your home. When you do start, you might picture a person sitting cross-legged, but this isn’t the only way to meditate. As long as you’re comfortable, you’re in a good position.
Although the global pandemic has caused a number of stressful challenges, meditation can help you cope. By improving your ability to communicate and concentrate, it can restore some of your personal and professional well-being. Try out different types of meditation, different positions, and varying frequencies to get an idea of what will work best. You’ll know you’re on the right track when you feel calmer, more focused, and more connected to the world around you.
If you’re trying to regain some control over the past 12 months, Family Factor can help. Book a consultation with one of our experts today.
Image via Pexels
April Meyers, teacher, guide and mind/body health expert
Here are three unexpected reasons that meditation is a great tool to help you weather challenges as gracefully as possible and add some positivity to your life.
Better communication
In a time when couples, families, and roommates are forced to spend all their time together in an enclosed space, good communication is more important than ever. It can ease tension, help people support one another more effectively, and foster a sense of connection. But it’s not as simple as just listening and speaking. Effective communication requires you to be mentally and emotionally present with a person, which isn’t always easy when you’re feeling stressed.
Meditation can improve your communication skills by making you less reactive, more empathetic, more patient, and more self-aware. When your head is clear and you are able to show up for a conversation, it is much easier to both listen and speak in a way that is constructive and supportive. You don’t need much meditation experience to start noticing the ways in which mindful communication can ease tension in your relationships and help you become a better communicator.
Improved concentration
Difficulty concentrating is one of the most common results of prolonged stress. This can impact all areas of your life, from your work and your relationships to the enjoyment of hobbies. Losing the ability to focus on anything while under the pressure of the pandemic is understandable, but it’s no fun when you lose the ability to enjoy a good book or carry a conversation.
It goes without saying that practice focusing your mind makes it easier to focus your mind. Research shows that meditation can actually change the functioning and structure of your brain. The way you breathe – a key element of many meditation practices – impacts brain health. When more blood (and hence oxygen) can get to your brain, thinking and focusing become easier.
Meditation is for everyone
Anyone can practice and benefit from meditation. The type of meditation that you choose should be suited to your particular needs. Pay attention to what feels right for you, as how and why you meditate is a very personal decision. Be aware that you don’t have to sit quietly on your own in order to meditate. In fact, this can be a negative experience for some – such as trauma survivors or those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this case, you may need guidance in finding a safe and effective method of meditating.
If a sitting meditation practice does feel right for you, you’re ready to set up space and get started. You can try several different locations in your house to see where you feel most comfortable. By clearing out an area and transforming it into a designated meditation space, you can bring some refreshing positivity to your home. When you do start, you might picture a person sitting cross-legged, but this isn’t the only way to meditate. As long as you’re comfortable, you’re in a good position.
Although the global pandemic has caused a number of stressful challenges, meditation can help you cope. By improving your ability to communicate and concentrate, it can restore some of your personal and professional well-being. Try out different types of meditation, different positions, and varying frequencies to get an idea of what will work best. You’ll know you’re on the right track when you feel calmer, more focused, and more connected to the world around you.
If you’re trying to regain some control over the past 12 months, Family Factor can help. Book a consultation with one of our experts today.
Image via Pexels
April Meyers, teacher, guide and mind/body health expert
Budget-Friendly Tips to Help Your Kids Make Healthy Choices
Encouraging your kids to be healthy is about more than choosing fruit over french fries — though that’s important, too. It’s also about the environment in which one lives and how to deal with negative emotions, such as stress and sadness, in a positive manner. It’s never too early to start teaching your kids how to make the right choices, which you can do while saving money. Here are budget-friendly ways to help set your kids up for a lifetime of success and good health.
Autumn McFarland from Family Factor can support your child through observation assessments and by finding them the ideal learning environment. Call 805-335-1681 or email [email protected] to learn more.
Create a Stress-Free Home Environment
Mental health is just as important as physical health, so make sure your kids understand the importance of living in a clean, clutter-free living space. Experts agree that mess equates to stress, inhibits creativity and productivity, causes sensory overload, makes it difficult to relax, and creates feelings of guilt and embarrassment. Make cleaning up a family affair, and save money doing so by using coupons for cleaning products. Also, teach your kids how to put their toys away after playtime. As they get older, institute chores so that they understand cleanliness doesn’t come without a little elbow grease. To keep your home free from clutter, designate a box in the garage for donations where everyone has to contribute at least one or two items each month before dropping it off at a local shelter or second-hand store.
Make Healthy Eating Accessible
When it comes to trying to get your kids to make healthy food choices, one of the worst things you can do is label specific foods as good or bad, place restrictions, or nag when they make a “bad” choice. Despite the obesity epidemic, it’s not uncommon for kids and teens to develop eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, so make eating about balance, not rigid rules. Instead, involve your kids with meal planning and grocery shopping so they can look forward to mealtime. Have “build-your-own” dinners (think a taco, pasta, or salad bar) that promote freedom of choice. While it’s okay to have a few treats laying around, always make sure you have healthy snacks on-hand. Snacks high in protein like chickpeas, hard boiled eggs, and tuna wraps can give the whole family a boost of energy. Grocery stores such as Sprouts offer coupons that can help you save money on meals and healthy snacks.
Stay Active Together
Making exercise a family ritual can help kids learn the importance of physical fitness early on, but don’t focus on weight loss. Rather, talk about how regular activity is important for muscle and bone development while reducing the risk for mobility issues later on in life. Whether you take a stroll around the neighborhood after dinner, go for a bike ride on the weekend, or play a team-based sport like baseball, make sure you stock up on clothing, footwear, and other items your family will need.
Stow Away Harmful Substances and Objects
Along with making sure you practice what you preach, make sure you keep your grown-up belongings out of harm’s way by using affordable child locks. For example, having a welcome wagon filled with booze doesn’t set the right example, so remember to lock away bottles in a cabinet. The same goes for firearms, medications, chemicals such as paint, and cleaning supplies. Establishing this rule early on sets the tone for normalcy within your home.
With these tips, you can make money-saving choices that will help your child live a healthier life. Learning to clean up after themselves, eat healthfully, stay active, and keep away from harmful items can also lead to a healthy and successful adulthood. The earlier you teach your child to make healthy choices, the better.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Amanda Henderson, child health advocate, http://safechildren.info
Autumn McFarland from Family Factor can support your child through observation assessments and by finding them the ideal learning environment. Call 805-335-1681 or email [email protected] to learn more.
Create a Stress-Free Home Environment
Mental health is just as important as physical health, so make sure your kids understand the importance of living in a clean, clutter-free living space. Experts agree that mess equates to stress, inhibits creativity and productivity, causes sensory overload, makes it difficult to relax, and creates feelings of guilt and embarrassment. Make cleaning up a family affair, and save money doing so by using coupons for cleaning products. Also, teach your kids how to put their toys away after playtime. As they get older, institute chores so that they understand cleanliness doesn’t come without a little elbow grease. To keep your home free from clutter, designate a box in the garage for donations where everyone has to contribute at least one or two items each month before dropping it off at a local shelter or second-hand store.
Make Healthy Eating Accessible
When it comes to trying to get your kids to make healthy food choices, one of the worst things you can do is label specific foods as good or bad, place restrictions, or nag when they make a “bad” choice. Despite the obesity epidemic, it’s not uncommon for kids and teens to develop eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, so make eating about balance, not rigid rules. Instead, involve your kids with meal planning and grocery shopping so they can look forward to mealtime. Have “build-your-own” dinners (think a taco, pasta, or salad bar) that promote freedom of choice. While it’s okay to have a few treats laying around, always make sure you have healthy snacks on-hand. Snacks high in protein like chickpeas, hard boiled eggs, and tuna wraps can give the whole family a boost of energy. Grocery stores such as Sprouts offer coupons that can help you save money on meals and healthy snacks.
Stay Active Together
Making exercise a family ritual can help kids learn the importance of physical fitness early on, but don’t focus on weight loss. Rather, talk about how regular activity is important for muscle and bone development while reducing the risk for mobility issues later on in life. Whether you take a stroll around the neighborhood after dinner, go for a bike ride on the weekend, or play a team-based sport like baseball, make sure you stock up on clothing, footwear, and other items your family will need.
Stow Away Harmful Substances and Objects
Along with making sure you practice what you preach, make sure you keep your grown-up belongings out of harm’s way by using affordable child locks. For example, having a welcome wagon filled with booze doesn’t set the right example, so remember to lock away bottles in a cabinet. The same goes for firearms, medications, chemicals such as paint, and cleaning supplies. Establishing this rule early on sets the tone for normalcy within your home.
With these tips, you can make money-saving choices that will help your child live a healthier life. Learning to clean up after themselves, eat healthfully, stay active, and keep away from harmful items can also lead to a healthy and successful adulthood. The earlier you teach your child to make healthy choices, the better.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Amanda Henderson, child health advocate, http://safechildren.info
Talking to Children About a cancer diagnosis can be very difficult for a family to navigate. It can be especially difficult to tell your child that their loved one has terminal cancer. That said, there are many ways to support your children as they face the challenge of a sick loved one. Learn more about tips you can use when talking to your children about cancer.
Is CONTROLLING their Media Too much? Or just right.
As a parent, your number one life priority is to keep your child safe. This has never been an easy task. But as the world gets more digital, open, and complicated, your kids are exposed to even more dangers. Keeping them safe is as hard as ever. This isn't meant to scare. Just inform. We need to be serious about the real threat kids face and come up with solutions to prevent them. Although it's true you will not be able to completely protect your child from danger, there are still plenty of things you can do, one of which is to make smart use of parental controls.