Early Education Advisement Services

You’re never too young or old to start a business, and famous entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg, Bernie Marcus, and Steve Jobs have proven this to be true. Zuckerberg was already a billionaire by the time he turned 23, while Jobs was 21 when he and Steve Wozniak founded Apple. Marcus, on the other hand, didn’t start Home Depot until the age of 50. 
 
As you can see, age is really just a number when it comes to launching a business. As long as teens are passionate about their idea and have an adult to assist them with the registration of their business, they can easily pursue entrepreneurship in adolescence. These tips and best practices from Family Factor help to make it possible. 

Benefits of Youth Entrepreneurship
There are monetary benefits of starting a business early on in life — especially since most teens earn minimum wage— but the advantages of launching a business are so much more than receiving a bigger paycheck. These benefits include:

• A flexible work schedule. Teenage entrepreneurs are better able to balance work with school, friends, and extracurricular activities. 
• Improved chances of college admission. Entrepreneurship looks impressive on college admissions applications, as it demonstrates a student's ability to think critically and creatively, solve problems, make decisions, and communicate effectively.
• Financial literacy. About 22 percent of teenagers lack basic financial skills such as budgeting, but entrepreneurship teaches us how to wisely spend, save, and borrow money; build credit; and find investment opportunities. 

Best Practices for Teenage Entrepreneurs
Coming up with a great business idea is the first step toward entrepreneurship, and it’s important for teens to choose one that aligns with their skills, talents, and interests. As one example, they could turn a hobby into a business — like knitting, baking, or crafting. These items could be sold for a profit on Etsy or other websites such as Amazon Handmade, Storenvy, or Goimagine.
 
For a few other ideas, teens could coach or tutor other students; start a dog walking or pet sitting business; or help out the community with tasks such as running errands, mowing lawns, and repairing computers or other tech devices. 
 
After choosing an idea, there are some best practices teens should follow when getting their businesses off the ground. These include:

• Choosing a legal structure. Common options include limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships. 
• Registering the business. If teens are younger than 18 years of age, they’ll typically need a parent to register the business on their behalf. However, these rules vary by state. 
• Opening a business bank account. Again, teens 17 and younger may need to open an account with a parent or another legal guardian. 
• Marketing the business. Teens can use social media channels like Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram to market their products and services online. 

 
Moreover, there are some traditional marketing strategies teens should use in addition to promoting their businesses on social media. Teens, for instance, can use free online graphic design tools to create flyers and brochures that may be distributed to neighbors, community members, and other students. These same online tools can be used to create business cards, as business cards make it easy to share contact information with others and leave a lasting impression on potential customers and clients. 
 
To design printed materials online, teens can use a flyer, brochure, and business card app to create the documents they need. Lots of customizable templates are available to choose from, making it easy to add logos and other images, change the color scheme, or switch up the fonts. 

​Start Early in Life
Whether you’re interested in raising a kidpreneur or teenpreneur, early education sets your child up for a lifetime of success as an entrepreneur, small business owner, or freelancer. Start by scheduling a consultation with Family Factor so you can find the best possible learning environment for your child. The right academic environment will support your child’s learning style while encouraging your future entrepreneur to find and follow his or her passions. 

In Conclusion
​Whether your teen pursues entrepreneurship is up to him or her, but this will push your child in the right direction. There’s a whole world of possibilities out there, and entrepreneurship is just one of them. 
 
Are you searching for the right learning environment for your child? Family Factor can help. Book a consultation today and choose from three packages: Academic Observation, Individual Assessment, and Academic Observation & School Placement. Contact Family Factor to learn more: 720-431-3346 , autumn@familyfactor.org 

As a mother of two I have found it eternally challenging to keep going. School shootings, Children are being left behind, academics are failing them more than we know. Social anxiety is on the rise, and I think one of the damn planets is moving again and screwing with the universe (No, I do not believe this is true but right now I will blame anything). I have been struggling with a GI issue over the last three months which I have not openly talked about because it is embarrassing, and it is shameful. I started opening up to people about it only to find that SO MANY WOMEN struggle with GI issues and you know what many of them tie it to either partially or completely? Mental health, their anxiety and depression that causes the need for medication intervention which is hidden because it too is shameful and embarrassing which ties into the feelings of shame and insecurity thus creating a beautiful and completely impossible loop of agony that must be navigated on top of motherhood, spouse hood, careers and life. I am EXHAUSTED of acting like the struggles I have with anxiety and depression are something to be ashamed of. I am tired of pretending like that part of me doesn't exist for fear of being abandoned by those who are afraid that if they see the honesty they too will feel the pain.

If I had a weak heart I would be given support and understanding and space to be who I was. So I proclaim a weak nervous system, one that threatens my very existence and leaves me exhausted, short of breath, low on energy and physically ill.

If you have never struggled with mental suffering, you cannot imagine the strength it takes to pull yourself out of it. 

I shared my illness with my 9 year old this week and I didn't load it or over explain. I simply looked at her and said "I struggle with something called anxiety and depression and it sometimes makes me sad or angry or frustrated and I don't always know why". I told her it was not her fault when I struggle, I told her I will be okay, I told her I take medicine to keep myself healthy. We can all advocate for mental health awareness but we HAVE TO TEACH It in a way that helps the next generation feel empowered and freed from the shame and embarrassment of being anything less than perfect. Is it safe to ASK FOR HELP? People say it is, people offer support but the truth is that until we engrain mental stability into the next generation so that it is part of a routine list of illnesses OR ELSE nothing is going to change. Be the change you wish to see in the world? I wish to see those who suffer alone while in a crowded room SET FREE. 

How to Prepare When You're Expecting a Child with Disabilities
 
If you’re expecting a child with physical or mental disabilities, it can be hard to know what to expect, which can make traversing early parenthood with a special needs child extremely confusing. It can be hard to find resources and information.
 
Having a child with disabilities is a lifelong adjustment. Here, we share a few things you can do at the beginning that will make the changes easier.
 
Preparing Your Home
 
A baby with disabilities might need special accommodations in their room and the home.
If they have a physical disability, this might be quite obvious. But, children with mental disabilities will likely need accommodations as well.
 
Every child with special needs is different, however. You will need to learn about your child’s particular disorder and determine what accommodations they might need.
 
If your child has a physical disability, it’s important to speak to their doctors about possible accommodations. Some children might not need any accommodations at first, while others might need special sleeping situations or extra implements to help them eat.
 
Even if your child doesn’t need accommodations right away, you should look toward the future and consider saving upmoney now for future accessibility improvements. You should start researching the possible cost of modifications now so you can know what to expect in the future. 
 
Insurance
 
Many families have questions about insurance when they learn that their child has disabilities. Many states have passed laws requiring insurance companies to cover childhood disabilities, but the required coverage can be minimal and might not help much.
 
It is essential to take specific steps to maximize your possible insurance benefits and keep yourself from paying more than you have to. Research which providers are in-network to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
 
You should not be afraid to challenge an insurance company if a service is denied. In some cases, all it takes is a phone call or two for an insurance company to approve a previously denied claim.
 
If you need extra help paying for your child’s expenses, you might qualify for specific programs that can help. Even if you think you might have too much income to qualify, it is important to check. Having a child with a disability can make you eligible for coverage, even if you make a significant amount of money.
 
Plan for Additional Expenses
 
Checking out programs you might qualify for and reviewing your insurance policy are the first steps to planning financially for the future.
 
But, it is also important to review your budget. While you might not know exactly how much your child’s disability might cost, you can somewhat plan ahead and figure out how much you can afford.
 
Take Care of Yourself
 
Taking care of yourself can be incredibly important when you have a child with special needs. Often, when you have a child that requires a lot of attention, you can forget that you have individual needs too.
 
Practicing self-care can help keep you at 100 percent so you can tackle whatever life throws at you. Psychology Today recommends recognizing your limits and cutting back if you begin to do more than you can handle.
 
Having a child with disabilities can mean heading into unknown territory. While we can’t provide you with a detailed map of the way ahead, some careful research will provide you with a few key landmarks that can help you find your way.
 
If your child needs early education support, Family Factor can observe and support your child and help find the best academic environment for their needs. Sign up for a free consultation. 
 
Photo Credit: Pexels
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Tips for Raising Healthy Children Through Every Age 
Raising healthy children may sound pretty straightforward, but there are many facets to health that parents can overlook. Plus, parents have to maintain a constant battle against unhealthy behaviors like staying up late, indulging in sugary snacks, too much screen time and inactivity. Encourage your children to develop habits that will support their cognitive and physical development and help them stay healthy when they finally venture out on their own. Family Factor offers the following resources to help you learn more about raising healthy kids!
 
Helping Your Children Get Enough SleepSleep directly impacts children’s mental and physical development, so make sure your little ones get enough sleep every night.
 
Sleep: Benefits and Recommended Amounts 
Best Ways to Help Children Fall Asleep at Nap Time
How to Help Teenagers Get More Sleep
 
Nutrition and ExercisePrevent your kids from developing unhealthy eating habits and sedentary behaviors by encouraging nutrition and exercise.
 
Go Outside and Play: Tips to Get Kids Moving
9 Must-Eat Nutrients for Your Child
Healthy Eating for Teens: 6 Ways to Improve Your Teenager’s Diet
  
Mental Health HelpGood mental health will allow your children to cope with life’s stressors and succeed in school.
 
What Every Child Needs for Good Mental Health
Five Ways to Help Teens Feel Good About Themselves
 
Be a Role ModelSetting an example is one of the best ways to encourage the behavior you want to see in your child. 
 
Model Respectful Behavior
Encourage Your Children to Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Personify Resilience By Going Back to School
 
 
Parents play an essential role in the health of their children. Unfortunately, we can’t always get our kids to do what’s best for them. Set a good example for your kids by making healthy choices yourself and modeling the behaviors that you would like to see in them. The best way to raise healthy kids is to make health a family affair!

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How to Help Your Child Overcome Nature-Deficit Disorder

 
Nature-deficit disorder (NDD) is based on the idea that human beings, especially children are spending less time in nature than before, resulting in issues such as stunted emotional development, increased chances of falling sick, and more. To help your children overcome NDD, this article by Family Factor explores various outdoor activities to partake in this winter!
 
Adventure Activities
 
The best way to break the monotony of being indoors and addiction to electronics is to immerse yourself in nature. Here's how:
 

• Plan a camping trip to your nearest national park. Spend the nights sitting around a campfire and watching the night sky decorated with stars. Remember to carry appropriate equipment for the trip.

 

• According to Planetware, if you’re a fan of skiing or snow hiking, the states of Colorado and Utah have numerous resorts waiting for you to visit.

 

• Take your kids for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of viewing northern lights! As reported by Travel & Leisure, Idaho, Minnesota, and Alaska are the best destinations to view nature’s amazing light show.

 

• If you live somewhere with more temperate climates, where snow and ice-cold temperatures aren’t a problem, there are always amazing outdoor opportunities to consider. From bike rides down nature trails to spending a little time on the beach, you’ll have more to explore than other areas of the country. 

 
Backyard Activities
 
Winter is a great time to turn your backyard into a wonderland of fun through these activities:
 

• Instead of waiting for the ice to melt, use it to create a classic snowman or fort. While these seem easy to do in cartoons, they’re no less than a good workout.

 

• Take this activity a step further by organizing a snowman competition. Call your child’s friends over, arrange prizes and make it into a memorable day outing.

 

• Teach your kids the art of shoveling snow off the driveway. Additionally, seek to help others who may need the same for their homes, such as the elderly or the specially-abled. 

 

• Again, if you live in an area of the country that’s a little warmer, you won’t have to worry too much about snow-related activities. Instead, plan family activities that require you to get outside, like campouts or cookouts. Don’t rule out things like playing in the rain — sometimes cutting loose is exactly the thing you need.

 
DIY Projects
 
With nights becoming longer, it provides the perfect chance to decorate your outdoors with some winter-themed projects:
 

• Buy multiple sets of string lights that can be attached to your deck railing or hung across trees.

 

• Find a suitable spot in your backyard and construct a fire pit, which will keep you warm while spending quality time outdoors.

 
As your kids will be spending greater time outdoors this winter, install a fence around your home to ensure safety and privacy. When looking for the best professionals to hire, a simple search on Angi for “cheapest fence company near me” will do the trick.
 
Whether you choose to travel or stay home this winter, these activities are guaranteed to help your kids overcome NDD. 
 
 

Teaching Financial Literacy to Kids Under the Age of 10
Thank you to my guest writer- Laura Pearson 
​​
Teaching children sound financial habits from a young age is important to prepare them for leading responsible and comfortable lives once they reach adulthood. As reported by Freedom Sprout, schools are infamous for overlooking the need to teach financial literacy and passing on the responsibility on the shoulders of parents. In this article by Family Factor, we explore numerous ways parents can make their children financially literate.
 
Teach Them to Track Money
 
Provide your child with various avenues to earn money, this can include allowances and pay for completing household chores. As they start earning, help them in keeping a track of income and expenses.
 
An effective method is teaching them how to create a simple income statement. Take a page and divide it into two halves, namely income and expenses. Instruct your child to note all their earnings and expenses to the page as and when it happens. At the end of the month go through their statement and ask them how they felt about the decisions they made. Did they feel they needed more money? Did they regret making any expenses? Tracking expenses will make kids mindful of spending money, enabling them to make informed decisions in the future.
 
As a next step, ask your child to create a list of things they want to buy for the following week or month and their plans for affording it. A great way to test their decision-making skills is to go grocery shopping. At the store, observe how well they stick to the items on their list and prevent themselves from giving in to impulses to overspend.
 
Focus on Delayed Gratification
 
On the way back home from the store, your child would be thinking of things they weren’t able to buy. This could include a new action figure or an art set. The drive to attain these will motivate them to earn more from chores or restrict expenses. This process will teach them the valuable lesson of the need for delayed gratification i.e. resisting the temptation of immediate satisfaction in exchange for a better, long-lasting reward in the future. According to research, delayed gratification helps kids to develop better social skills and effectively handle stress, in addition to making sound financial decisions.
 
As the parent, you will play a big part in teaching your child delayed gratification. Instead of buying them toys or taking them to the amusement park each time they demand, use it as milestones they can achieve once they meet a threshold of time or money.
 
Go Beyond Cash
 
Teaching how to earn and save money will form the bedrock of your child’s financial education. But, strive to go beyond it and expose your child to other financial concepts, such as:
 
Investing: The simplest investment they can indulge in is depositing money into their savings account instead of their piggy bank. Use your bank statements to educate them on how they can earn interest on their money, simply by keeping it with the bank. The focus is to expose your child to the concept of making their money work for them.
 
Debt: It is a useful financial instrument to which your child will surely be exposed in the future. The key is to educate them about good and bad debt and how to manage it. If you’re looking to refinance your home, it can be a great example to teach your child about good debt.
 
In simple terms, refinancing means replacing your existing mortgage with a new one with lower monthly payments and favorable interest rates. Create a sheet with the definition of words such as assets, interest, mortgage, etc., and complement it with illustrative online videos of the same. 
 
Unfortunately, these are important concepts that schools will never teach your child, putting them at a severe disadvantage once they become adults. However, the education you provide will widen their understanding of debt, allowing them to make wise financial decisions in the future.
 
As a parent, create a safe space for your kids to ask questions, make mistakes and take risks with money. Over time they will develop a strong understanding of finances and become competent in handling financial decisions.

If parenting is easy, you are doing it wrong.
Okay, I am sure I lost half of my readers just from that title but for those of you who hung in there, you feel me right!? Now, I am not saying parenting is miserable, terrible, no good, and ugly. I am saying the opposite actually. I am saying that the things we work  the hardest for, are the things we love the most. I always chuckle inside when people talk to me about running. I usually say something like “I love running”, “running is the best”, “the feeling of running is unlike anything else”. Some people hear what I am saying and know what I mean while others look at me shaking their head and say “how? Running hurts everywhere and is terrible” to which I think…yes, it hurts my feet and my knees and sometimes my back and occasionally I roll an ankle and have to limp around for a few days and sometimes I get side-aches and headaches and last but not least I get mental fatigue about just wanting to STOP…
It is not these moments of pain that define the run, it is the way I feel after. It is the reflection on what I have done, what I have tackled and how I have overcome something that challenged me. Now I am not saying that every run hurts or even that every run is hard, but running is hard and running does hurt and those days when 5 miles feels like 1 and my body feels 19 again and everything lines up with the stars, well those are like perfect parenting days and while they happen, we have to be honest with ourselves in saying those are the exception and not the rule. 
So I will say it again, if parenting is easy, you are doing it wrong. It is the Luke warm cups of coffee, the stained clothes that you thought were clean, the bags under your eyes and the grey hairs growing from your head that are your badges of honor. They make you shine brighter because they signal what you are putting into parenting each and every day.  I am here to tell you that being a mom is the only job I have ever wanted, I yearned for it and I am in love with my kids more and more every day and yet this shit is hard! I cry, and I mean I ugly cry where no amount of makeup will save me and yet I wake up and do it all over again because well, it is the best. 
So hold your head high and remember, the challenge makes you stronger and when you are done with these early years of parenting you will look back, you will reflect on it all and notice things you could not see before. You may regret some moments and long for other moments, you may be able to feel moments as if they are happening right now so don’t hide behind forcing it to “all be okay” and to be “easy”. It is not supposed to be easy, it is supposed to challenge who we are, shake us to our cores, mix us up and settle us down, remind us of how capable, strong, resilient and incredible we are. 
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”  - Pooh Bear

On the topic of babies. You know that feeling when you first fall in love and you feel addicted to another person and in some ways it is almost too much, overstimulating and all consuming? When you see your baby for the first time or maybe the 10th time or maybe even before you actually see them, something in you changes, you fall in love with something that changes who you are at your core and that addiction, that overwhelming sense of perfection and belonging and beauty, it lasts forever. Even in the shit times when life feels overwhelming and exhausting and impossible. It is still there. 

My brother recently asked me about having children, about how it is and what it is like. Staring at parenthood from the outside is like watching a free fall without a stopping point. As parents we know the chaos is there, we know it is all consuming, we know it effects those around us who we love and wish we could deliver a calm environment even when we can’t and we accept the reality that is before us, the reality of raising tiny humans. I look at my girls and I want them to have everything and in the same moment I am saddened by those things I never had and the two emotions bind this intense sensation in my stomach that makes me stronger, makes me get up every day and do it over and over again. I made a choice, I made a promise and I made a vow to myself, my partner, my children and the world that I will dedicate all of who I am (as much as I can give without losing myself) and I will make these tiny humans into incredible human beings.

One of my daughters teachers recently had a baby girl and she is terrified. It was unplanned, it was scary and it was not in her plan. I was thinking about her and what a life change that is when you are not expecting it and then I realized that even when you are, expecting it that is, it catches you off guard, throws curveballs and delivers you moments you never though possible. The reality of parenting is no different than anything else you tackle for the first time. Of course it is terrifying, you have no training, you have no way of knowing how it will turn out and you have never done it or attempted it before. The thing is that each of us has it in us, we just have to know where to look to find it and sometimes when we look at ourselves and turn over those leaves of strength we also find fear and anger, past experiences that challenge or hurt us and even disappointment in ourselves. So remember, life is not about what we have done perfectly. Life is about what we have fumbled on, what we have messed up and how we have risen to the occasion despite that. 

I think COVID broke my mom setting 

As parents we have many roles that we play each day. The simple concept of what we need to accomplish in a 24 hour period is almost laughable. I will not resonate with everyone on this topic simple because what we each do day-in and day-out is so different that there is no actual comparison. I will hope that the concept of what I am saying helps you to feel …normal? I really am asking you as my readers for advice here because sometimes even those of us who are so tuned in and so focused end up on the floor balling their eyes out in their in-laws house because their children are so loud, how are they this loud! So how do you do it? How do you wake up in the morning and look at those sleepy eyes only to fall in love all over again and yet know that come 7:30pm tonight your house will be a war zone. There will be shrapnel in the form of toys and pee soaked panties, sweatshirts used as napkins and unfleshed toilets, piles of sand on the floor, food on the counters and unforeseen water spills in the middle of the floor. That reminds me, there is spilled milk on the rug….I should probably tend to that. SO I am really asking you, my readers, to share their stories, their parenting woes, and wins and battles to the bedtime. Send them to autumn@familyfactor.org.

HOW PARENTS CAN MAKE MONEY AND GET FIT WALKING DOGS

​(Thank you to my guest writer, LACIE MARTIN)
If you’re a parent, you probably weren’t expecting that having children would slim your wallet and send you up a few pant sizes. As Lifehacker contributor Melanie Pinola observes, even dads struggle with gaining weight after having kids. And while you may have known that having children is expensive, recent estimates show parents spend an average $233,610 on child costs from birth until the age of 17. Many parents are unprepared for the costs of things like diapers and daycare. 
 
Lately, the term “side hustle” has grown in popularity as people young and old alike utilize the gig economy to connect them with freelance work. Side gigs allow people to build a sizable nest egg on top of what they make from their 9-to-5 job. Parents can benefit from these jobs as they come with flexible hours that can be accommodating for the busy schedule associated with raising children. One side gig, in particular, can have the double bonus of helping new parents get back in shape while making extra money: dog walking. Family Factor presents some things you should know before accepting a dog-walking gig.
 
The Benefits of a Dog Walking Side Gig
 

• Walking dogs is great exercise. You can burn 200 to 250 calories per hour, depending on your weight and speed. 
  
  
• A dog walker living in an urban area can make $12 to $15 for a 30-minute walk and $20 to $25 for a 60-minute walk. One dog walker estimates she makes an average of $600 a month by walking two or three dogs a day for about an hour and a half each day.
  
  
• When you work as a dog walker, you get to know people in your area as you care for their precious pooch. This increased socialization is a welcome change for new parents who spend most of their time communicating in baby talk. 
  
  
• Dog walking gets you outside where you can enjoy all the benefits of fresh air and sunshine. 
  
  
• Walking dogs is also good for you psychologically. It helps manage stress and reduces feelings of anxiety and loneliness. 

 
Starting a Dog Walking Business
 
In order to start your own dog walking business, you’ll need money to establish a web presence, market costs, and insurance. You’ll also need to register your business with the state, though you can use formation services to guide you through the process. Also, keep in mind that if you intend to operate your business using a name that’s different from the one you registered, you’ll need a DBA name, which will require you to file more paperwork. Again, you can use online services to assist you.
 
As a business owner, you’ll also need to network. There are currently several apps with the sole purpose of connecting dog owners to walkers and caretakers. These apps are convenient for people just getting started because they do their own advertising and have already established a built-in clientele. Unfortunately, these companies also take a generous slice of your earnings. 
 
If you have the connections and motivation, it is totally possible to start your own dog walking business without the help of an app. With your own company, you are responsible for your own marketing. The good thing is you don’t have to reach out to people nationally -- just to dog owners in your immediate area. Instagram is a great platform you can use to reach nearby dog lovers; people love scrolling through photos of cute, snuggly pups. However, it’s important to choose the right hashtags so your exposure is effective. 
 
New parents can make extra cash while getting in some exercise by picking up an active side gig like dog walking. Not only can you make money while burning calories, but you also get the emotional and psychological benefits of being around dogs and spending time outdoors. When starting your dog walking business, you can either use a third-party app to connect with clients or do the work yourself. While apps make things easier, they also charge fees for every dog you walk. Meanwhile, starting your own business is a lot more work, but you have more control and it is more profitable in