By submitting your story you will be added to our VIP list with these benefits:
1. First Dibs on Limited Edition Prints (special access before the public can buy!)
2. Get exclusive deals on new prints
3. Chance to help Handsocks become a household name and launch an actual collection of prints once a month for all our parents and babies.
Looking forward to hearing all about your family!!
XO,
Handsocks
P.S.
Here's a throwback to prints we sold out of named after our owner's children!
If your baby does scratch him or herself, don't panic. I love using Cheeky Salve to heal any scratches – it works within hours and is natural!
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"At the end, it's all worth it." Andrea said after she told me about how insane yet rewarding is it to become a new Mom.
"When my baby hugs me and give me a smile, I feel energized and inspired." she added while showing me the picture of her 7-month old daughter.
"But. I won't sugarcoat it. When she started crying and when I don't have any decent sleep, I can't help but weep and feel desperate."
Andrea's story is not new. Wonderwoman is overrated for a Mom's job is beyond. Motherhood is a 24/7 job with no salary, no vacation leave, no sick leave and sometimes no lunch breaks. It's a roller coaster of ups and downs with twist and turns.
However, without our amazing Mothers, it's almost impossible for us to imagine where we will be. So here are five things every Mom needs to hear and most of all must remember.
Motherhood is a 24-hour job and if it's a career, you are already due for a promotion. Yes, we all know about how exhausting and rewarding this journey for you. But taking it slowly and having a break from time to time is not only something you need, but you also deserve it.
Do not feel guilty. You are a Mom and your family needs you that is why your physical and mental health is important. Share your struggles, accept that you can't do everything, allocate responsibilities, ditch perfectionism and relax.
2. It’s okay to cry.
There will be days when you will be locking yourself in the CR and find the urge to scream at the top of your lungs. Does it make you a failure? We all have bad days, and when you're a Mom it looks like you don't have the prerogative to cry. But go on. Release it. Crying doesn't make you weak, only giving up completely will.
3. You are the Hero of your child.
Maybe you wish you could do better at parenting, but in the eyes of your child, you're already a hero. This is regardless whether you think you are or if you are even qualified. You become a hero when you make time to play with your child. When you support their dreams, when you have their back when they fail, when you teach them what matters most in life and every time you love them unconditionally. Always remember that your job is not to become a perfect Mother, but to be a present Mother and that all makes the difference.
4. Things will get better.
Not to spoil everything for you, but things will get better. This might sound too cliche and you might not see it coming, but eventually, it will. Your kids will grow up, they will have their own lives in the future and what will you impart them is your legacy. So enjoy parenting because before you even realize it, they are already grown ups.
5. You are beautiful and powerful.
Maybe it's a rough and a busy day. To-do list here, waiting list there and deadlines everywhere. Perhaps, you don't even have time to even comb your hair and you constantly feel insecure and ugly. While taking care of yourself is a must, what makes you a beautiful woman is beyond skin deep. You are tired, but you keep going. You are overwhelmed, but you never quit. Most importantly, you are afraid, but you are full of hope.
To all the Mother's in the world. Hat's off.
Don't forget to tag your amazing Mom!
XO,
Casey
With everyone eager to bid farewell to 2020, it’s important to do so safely. As the world aims to flatten the COVID-19 curve, here are some tips to ring in the New Year, sans exposure. Celebrate with Family You can host a small gatherings with family members in your household and continue that throughout Jan. Decorate with twinkly lights and serve festive New Year’s dishes not just on the date, but extend it out through the month: In the South, black-eyed peas are believed to bring good luck, and collard greens signify money and financial prosperity. In Asia, long noodles indicate a long, prosperous life. If you didn't get it on on New Years Eve itself, consider the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes—one for each stroke of the clock to mark the New Year. I'd save those kazoos, silly string, and sparkling cider and keep the fun going. Folks are even leaving up their lights in support of front line workers. Let's keep the positivity going. Zooming in the New Year Host a regular zoom call with family and friends. Invite participants on the call to share any blessings they experienced in 2020 and great things already happening in 2021, in spite of the pandemic. Also spread positive vibes by sharing any New Year’s Resolutions with the group. Earn brownie points by sending participants goodie bags to family and friends before these calls with activities, hats, game pieces etc. Outdoor Celebrations With temperatures dipping this time of year, consider hosting a small outdoor party from time to time. Gathering around a fire provides a festive mood. Have everyone jot down what they want to “let go” on a piece of paper and toss it into the fire. To avoid accidental sharing, drinks can be served as individual serving-sized bottles or use different colored glasses or glass rings. Tips to Planning Ahead for 2021
If you’re a planner, you may already have penciled in outings for 2021. But before you make those plans permanent, consider adapting a flexible attitude. It’s on the schedule. Now what? Having plans gives us purpose. If we get in the habit of having a plan B (and maybe even a plan C), we are less likely to get flustered when new safety precautions interfere. Feeling down about staying home? If you canceled vacation plans, save the money you would have spent. For every outing missed, add the estimated amount you would have spent to your “pandemic fund.” Once the world returns to normal, you can enjoy an extended vacay with all the amenities. What’s Good? Above all, look at the silver linings in life. An attitude of gratitude can thwart negative feelings when our plans get derailed. Think of three things you are grateful for when you wake up, and again when you go to bed. Wishing you and all of your families a warm start to the new year!
2021 will be one we remember :)
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1 year ago, I received my phone call of all phone calls. To feel my wife in tears, say “They don’t know what is wrong” will be forever engraved on my heart. A lifetime of “dreams” died within that second and felt it all taken away, the thought of “normal.”
It felt like I was adrift within the strongest of seas, with waves growing in each uncertain word that followed. To hear that my “perfect” little boy I held so tightly minutes before faces a battle that I’ve never seen, felt like the weight of a thousand worlds colliding.
Not knowing what to do or where to turn brought with it an indescribable level of failure, and with answers few, “hope” took on a new and daunting meaning. But at this moment, 4AM that same night while crying in my mom’s arms, was when I finally felt the true purpose of hope.
It felt as if I had been given a warm blanket amid a blizzard and reassured me that the beauty of who we are, is within the choices we make. There was no thought of running from, but only rising to, meet the unknown challenges ahead with hope as our spark.
Hope ignited itself through our communities being the muse; the community of those we know, those may not; those we see, those we admire and those we love. Every word spoken, message written, hug held, and love shared, show us that we now can turn to the countless lessons that others live each day...and learn, inspired to do more.
The lessons of love from family, the dedication of Debra of America and EBRP on the front lines of the EB battle and the inspiration of all who must face their unique fight lends so much beautiful motivation for Archer to meet each day with strength. These truly are the reasons that Archer smiles; the reasons that do not see the sickness before the beauty. We are so thankful to you, and so many who continue to show us the contagious hope that we need to #FightEB each day together.
As things progress, we fully understand that physically, this will most likely be the best it ever will be for Archer's body. With this, we are trying to celebrate and enjoy as much as we can before consistent scarring and blistering really begin to take their toll. Trying to establish his routines with the “abnormal normal” that EB creates is always challenging. Each day presents something new, but he rises to meet each obstacle with a sage composure that reminds you of the heroic stories that last throughout the test of time.
Armed with a such an awesome and expanding network of EB friends and new insights, we have continued to try and do what we feel is best for Archer to help spur positive developments. We have been able to meet some of the great EB minds, caregivers and providers on our path, as Archer has had exceptional care at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan, the EB clinics at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital and Cincinnati Children's Hospital. We are hoping to make the trip to Stanford soon as, in hopes to fully learn all options available.
We are just beginning down the path of fully getting to understand as much as we can about Archer and EB, we hope for the possibility of procedures, treatments and clinical trials that he may qualify for in the future; Not only to help solve his, but also to contribute to the entire EB puzzle. The amazing care that Archer has received has connected us with several different EB resources across the nation and the globe, and we have been able to gain so much fortitude in being around so many champions of strength who are going through the same.
So many remarkable people in our lives have shown that no one does anything great purely alone. There is always someone or something that acts as a catalyst for greatness and convinces us that something isn’t impossible. That our goal can be reached. It can be surpassed. And it can become the rule and not the exception.
We have learned that advocacy is one of the obstacles to overcome in the battle against EB, and each person to read, share or speak of Archers story is the support that can aid in finding a breakthrough. It’s the spark that we need so much more than we let on; one that shows in our boys’ smiles, each one so genuine, unique and frequent that sometimes we even ask how we have been so lucky.
Among so many of the overarching messages that have shown through it all is that love always is, was and ever will be the strongest armor that we must have to fight anything of consequence. We each have something that we are grappling with, and none necessarily more important, severe or deviant from the other in many ways. Anything that causes us to worry, stress, change or alter our lives is important, no matter the stigma it may carry with it, big or small. Simply put, it all matters if it matters to you.
To wage conflict against such challenging obstacles requires an unwavering fortitude, one which will bleed into our actions like pride beats in our hearts. It consumes us, eventually bonding together all of what we stand for in order to welcome all the reasons we are each unique. Love ignites passion and sparks the fuel of character that we broadcast each day. And as we continue to learn with every breath, love, is what we fight to have, live to achieve and ultimately, give to die.
To our family, Handsocks and its mission are so appreciated, respected and admired for the tireless work you do. Finding solutions for those who search for their voice during such testing moments is true valor and gives so much more hope and time than you know! Thank you so much!
-Kirk Brazeau
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When is disagreeable and your children are stuck inside, you may have trouble finding positive ways to direct their energy. Thankfully, you have a wealth of possibilities at your fingertips. With appropriate outlets, you can turn foul weather into opportunities to encourage health and learning.
Expend energy. As KidsHealth explains, exercising is good for children. It improves their physical well-being, builds their coordination, and encourages them toward a healthy lifestyle. Children who are better when emotional and physical challenges arise, they are happier and more positive, and they enjoy healthier sleep patterns. Exercising can also be part of your teaching toolkit. If your kids are really wound up, it can be difficult to get them to focus on tasks. Similarly, sometimes they hit a lull in the day, and moving around might help them.
Non-textbook math. Many children benefit from learning math in a “hands-on” manner. As HomeAdvisor explains, math is a key component in most career choices, but children often find learning math dry and boring. Some experts suggest this is because traditional learning methods can feel too restrictive, while everyday life applications can make math fun and interesting. For instance, you can ask your children to do the measuring for you when you’re baking or cooking. When they get the hang of things, have them alter how they tally the portions by using different-sized measuring cups, like the quarter cup instead of half. Another great idea is to opt for a fun science experiment. What child won’t enjoy making a glass of “lava”? Blobs of lava float up in a glass in this simple but fun and effective exercise.
Art tutorials. Doing something creative is a great way to engage your children. Try some online art lessons to encourage and inspire them and found KlineCreative.com offers drawing tutorials which provide a firm foundation for pursuing artistic endeavors. Videos are appropriate for virtually all aspiring artists, from young children to adults. If you prefer to add colored pencils, acrylics, and pen and ink to your child’s repertoire, ArtyFactory.com provides lessons on a nice variety of skills and concepts. Your youngster can explore everything from portraits to stylized pop art while learning techniques. Try How-to-Draw-Cartoons-Online.com. Lessons are free and separated into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Children can learn to draw everything from dragons and castles to angels and toucans.
Music lessons. The internet offers a wide selection of lessons for budding musicians. For instance, one reviewer suggests trying DanmansMusic.com, where you can find an abundance of information. Everything from how to read music to how to play there, including tutorials on guitar, trumpet, clarinet, violin, flute, piano, and drums. Kids can even learn to strum the theme to “Power Rangers” or play instrumental duets together. A huge variety of musical styles are represented, so you’re sure to find something your child enjoys, including folk, blues, classical, rock, big band, jazz, and everything in between. There are also supportive teaching tools, such as word puzzles to help reinforce music-related vocabulary. And if your children’s instrument of choice is their voice, that’s covered, too, with a substantial selection of vocal lessons.
Entertain and educate. Bad weather doesn’t have to mean children! There are fun and exciting learning opportunities available via the Web. Encourage kids to exercise, find ways for them to enjoy math, get them to try some art tutorials, and even engage them in music lessons. Explore the possibilities to keep children learning and entertained!
Contributed by a friend of Handsocks, Maria Cannon, who started her website hobbyjt.org because she wanted to share her passion for hobbies and how hobbies can impact our lives for the better, especially a positive impact on mental health/depression/anxiety. Thank you so much, Maria, for your insight on this subject!
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When given a choice between a hand-me-down crib with sentimental value (say, the very crib you slept in as a baby) versus a new, modern crib, we choose the latter. Although more expensive, many of the
Inside the crib, make sure there aren’t any pillows, teddy bears, or other items that could suffocate the child. Suffocation is one of the main causes of unintentional deaths in kids under four years of age, according to National Safety Council President and CEO Deborah A.P. Hersman.
For more mobile children, install window guards and replace corded blinds with cordless treatments. Avoid keeping the corded baby monitor close to the crib too. Similarly, keep all wires and decorations out of the child’s reach. You can also try a pair of Handsocks for babies who tend to pull and tug.
Toddlers grab anything and everything around them for support when learning to crawl and pick themselves up. One child is treated for a TV-related injury every 30 minutes, so mount yours on the wall instead of using a TV stand. Also, keep the remote control away from them; they may open its cover and get their hands—or mouths—on the batteries.
To avoid injury, cover the sharp edges of your coffee table, fireplace
The kitchen is perhaps the most dangerous room in the house. Everywhere you
First, lock the cabinets and drawers containing sharp objects, like knives and scissors. Keep the microwave and other countertop appliances far enough back where the child cannot reach—not even on their tippy toes.
Refrigerators and ovens are particularly dangerous, especially if they’re easy to open. Install a latch if the oven does not lock on its own. Lock or remove the knobs when the stove is not in use. Install a refrigerator door lock, which you can purchase from Safety 1st, LIVSafe, or Dreambaby.
As your child gets older and starts potty-training, they may start taking the initiative to go to the bathroom on their own. An open toilet may be treated as a kiddie pool. For sanitary reasons, secure the “grown-up” toilet with a latch.
Lay anti-slip bath mats down and a gripped tub liner to keep kiddos from falling on their way in and out of the bath. Put a soft guard over the faucet and keep all soaps and cleaning supplies out of reach.
To avoid any hot water-related injury, ask your plumber to install a temperature controlling device. If your hot water heater is malfunctioning, call your warranty provider to get it repaired right away by a certified technician.
The yard is practically the wilderness to a child. Plants, insects, and animals are interesting but can be threatening in some form or fashion.
Always research the toxicity of plants before incorporating them into your garden and avoid treating your lawn with harsh chemicals.
A fence is a nice
Contributed by Paige A. Mitchell.
Paige is a freelance writer who enjoys sharing practical advice on how to make our homes safer, healthier, and overall more enjoyable.
]]>We all want our children to grow up happy and healthy, and mental and emotional growth is just as important as physical growth. Children first learn how to learn in the home, this love for learning as early as a year old. Here are five ways you can make sure your home is a natural learning environment for your little one.
You are your child’s first and primary role model. They mimic your words, actions, and attitude—good or bad. To instill a desire for learning in your children, you too must show enthusiasm. Read books with your children, take them to the zoo or aquarium and talk about the animals, go outside to play and talk about the different types of trees, birds, butterflies, or bugs.
Celebrate your child when they learn something new, identify strengths and tell them. If you see your child showing an affinity for something—bugs, for instance—you can serve as an inspiration. You might get them a butterfly net or books about bugs, you might take them on nature walks or find community groups at your local library where a bug expert comes to talk.
The older children get, the more they will understand “failure.” Make sure the home is a safe place to get something wrong. For example, if a school-aged child is having trouble with a subject, provide encouragement, reminding them that they can problem solve and overcome this challenge.
Let them know that it’s OK to be frustrated or upset so long as that frustration is expressed in a healthy way.
As your children grow, they will not only be able to handle more autonomy, they will need more autonomy. By the time your child enters there is room for them to develop their own autonomy. You can encourage this by allowing them to help brush their teeth, letting them help pick out clothes for the day, or letting them choose between two healthy breakfast options.
Allowing your child to be autonomous encourages them to explore, discover what they like and what they don’t like, and build the confidence necessary to develop and grow.
Activities like painting, drawing, dancing, singing, storytelling, and games are an excellent means for creative expression. There’s no shortage of benefits of creative play: encouraging impulse control, building confidence, promoting social skills, and intellectual discovery.
By making your home a safe space for creativity, you facilitate your child’s learning and mental growth.
Contributed by a friend of Handsocks, Matilda Davies, who is a health and wellness writer based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
]]>Growing a human being inside you is no easy task; in fact, it’s exhausting. Now more than ever, you need a good night’s sleep for the sake of your health and your baby’s.
While there is no way to completely avoid sleep disturbances, there are ways to optimize your sleep environment, sleeping structure and your bedtime routine to get the quality ZZZs you so desperately need.
You may have never thought to optimize your room for pregnancy, but here are some easy tips to make your bedroom optimal for great sleep.
Before the creation of alarm clocks, the light was responsible for communicating our time to get up. If you are having trouble sleeping, make your room as dark as possible to avoid triggering your brain into thinking it should be awake.
That means blocking out both natural and artificial light. To block natural light, try using blackout curtains to keep from streaming in at the crack of dawn. To minimize artificial light, turn your alarm clock away from your bed and avoid using the TV to help you fall asleep.
A cluttered room achieves the exact opposite of creating a haven for peaceful sleep. According to a study by UCLA researchers, physical clutter overloads your senses, which leads to stress. Stress that results from a messy room is the last thing you need impacting your sleep. Why lose sleep over something you can easily manage? Not to mention, the last thing you want is to trip making one of your many middle-of-the-night bathroom trips.
It’s no secret you have to pee A LOT when you are pregnant. You to getting up multiple times a night to make a trip to the bathroom. Instead of risking a fall while navigating through the pitch black abyss known as your room, consider adding a low-blue night light the bathroom. These night lights emit 90% less blue than normal light bulbs.
The wrong solution?
If there is one word, to sum up the reality of pregnancy, it would be uncomfortable. As your body changes, you are more prone to get hot which can make it hard to sleep.
Did you know, the temperature has the largest impact on sleep quality? That’s because to fall asleep our core body temperature must decrease. According to Dr. Robert Oexman of the Sleep to Live Institute, the ideal temperature for sleep is 65 - 68 degrees.
“If that’s too cold for you, just pile on more blankets. As long as your head is exposed to that cold air, you will decrease your core body temp.”
Lavender is known for its calming effects. Research shows that the aroma of lavender eases anxious thoughts and insomnia. Psychologists at Wesleyan University even found this essential oil increased the amount of the very deep, slow-wave sleep (where your heartbeat slows and muscles relax) in respondents who were exposed to it for less than 10 minutes.
Maybe it’s time you splurged on the $30 essential oil diffuser you have always wanted! It’s not for you, but the baby (wink, wink).
You may not be able to do anything about external noise if you live near a busy highway or but you do have control over your internal environment. Try your best to fall asleep without the TV on or keep your head away from a shared wall, especially if you share a wall with your kiddos or the laundry room.
If you have done all you can do to minimize noise and you still can’t fall asleep, try using ear plugs or a white noise machine to mask noise. Dr. , no music or crashing waves.
So now your room is a haven for peaceful sleep. But you can’t forget about the tool you use to achieve the best sleep possible - your bed.
Did you know that you should consider changing your mattress every 5 years? The condition of your mattress in terms of cleanliness and structure is important for pregnant women, both to prevent dust-borne illnesses, pain and insomnia. Since over 50% of pregnant women experience insomnia, make sure you have the right mattress for you. Choose a mattress based on your sleeping habits and for the recommended sleeping positions for pregnant women. For example, after the first trimester, sleeping on your back is discouraged and side sleeping is encouraged.
Pregnancy pillows help you avoid tossing and turning which can cause you to at night and also snore. The idea is for this pillow to support you while you lay on your side
These cooling products are designed to maintain and body temperature while you sleep. Mattresses can act like heat traps and some women hotter than others when they sleep. Such products help regulate your temperature so you can get the sleep you need!
By completing these two steps, you are sure to improve your sleeping conditions for your sake as well as for your unborn baby. Now catch some ZZZs like you deserve!
Contributed by a friend of
Lisa Smalls is a freelance writer from NC. When she isn't busy wrangling up her kids, she enjoys finding new healthy recipes to try out for her family.
]]>Did you know that everyday household items like paper products, paints, bathroom cleaners, and water bottles can contain pathogens like formaldehyde, asbestos, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), flame retardants, and BPA? It’s hard to believe, we know! You can be proactive and prevent many of these chemicals from entering your home though by following guidelines and rules of thumb for non-toxic household item shopping.
Unfortunately, dust is dangerous in more ways than one - it can house several toxic chemicals that can be particularly risky when exposed to newborns. The health risks to babies from pollutants in house dust may be 100 times greater than for adults, where house dust is the main exposure source for infants to allergens and a slew of toxic pathogens. So what can you do about all this?
You can make a huge difference by dusting the house once every two weeks. Dusting effectively helps eliminate the chemicals that house themselves in the dust.
You also want to make sure you take proper care of your mattress. Do you remember the dust just discussed? No matter how clean you are, one major source of dust and dust mites, bacteria, and other microorganisms will be on your mattress after five years of use. So it is super important to use a mattress protector that prevents bacteria build-up and to change once a week while letting your mattress air out. Vacuum your mattresses regularly, and replace your mattresses occasionally. See tips on how to minimize dust throughout your bedroom.
Did you know that indoor air is actually two to five times more polluted than outdoor air? Sources of indoor air pollutants include asbestos, VOCs, formaldehyde and more. Plants save the day when serving as a natural absorber of these toxic chemicals in your home in order to improve indoor air quality. Consider ten top choices for house plants.
While there is no way to make your home 100% free, there are preventative measures you can take to significantly cut down on home exposure to toxic chemicals. You are empowered to minimize the impact such toxic chemicals make in your home.
Contributed by a friend of
Lisa Smalls is a freelance writer from NC. When she isn't busy wrangling up her kids, she enjoys finding new healthy recipes to try out for her family.
]]>You want your spectrum child to enjoy the same comforts as other children. However, the bedroom is one place you should not try to emulate the norm. Kids with autism need a clean, organized, and comfortable space designed around their unique needs.
Bright colors, busy murals, and posters of your children’s favorite superheroes are tempting to add to their bedroom decor. But before you do, consider that these items may be overstimulating when it’s time to relax. Stick with soothing paint colors such as gray, light blue, and beige. Pay attention to lighting, as using the wrong type of intensity can cause your child undue stress at night. Lighting experts from Eaton, a national commercial lighting solutions developer, say that customized and controllable light is best for those considered neuroatypical.
Sleep is essential for all children, perhaps more so for those on the spectrum as it is a time when the brain processes and purges information from the day. When sleep is difficult to master, discuss with your child what’s keeping them up at night. It could be they’re getting too hot, too cold, or don’t feel secure and comfortable enough to relax. If their mattress is more than a few years old, it could be made from materials that don’t allow the body to cool or retain heat properly for eight to 10 hours. MatressAdvisor explains that new technology in memory foam mattresses, which hug the body and eliminate excessive bounce when moving around at night, are available with special foams and gel layers that can help keep your child comfortable.
In addition to your child’s mattress, pay attention to the type of covers they use. Lorna Jean King, Autism.com contributor and founder of the Children’s Center for Neurodevelopmental Studies, recommends a mummy-style sleeping bag. This style of sleeping bag is designed to fit around the body more smugly than a traditional sleep sack and may provide your child a sense of security. A sound machine to drown out exterior noise is helpful.
What works for one child on the spectrum won’t necessarily work for another. You must consider the individual when designing a bedroom for a child with autism. Start with a minimalist approach and then cater their bedroom to their likes and needs. Most children do best when their room is segmented with a space designated for sleep and one for play. Your child will also need a space where they can relax, decompress, and get away from visual and auditory interruptions that can jumble up their thoughts. A hanging swing chair placed in the corner of their bedroom is a great option. Choose a chair that is enveloped in material to provide a “cocoon.” Keep it far enough from the wall that your child can move freely.
Sleep disturbances are a key characteristic of autism, with more than half of children and adults on the spectrum experiencing issues getting or staying asleep. The exact cause for this remains unknown. Some researchers speculate that it is due to a disruption in the body’s ability to produce melatonin, a hormone that promotes restful sleep. What is known, however, is that a lack of sleep has a direct and dire impact on mood, behavior, and cognition. With this in mind, remain patient, calm, and accepting as you find a sleep solution that works for the long-term.
Changing your child’s bedroom may not eliminate their sleepy-time struggles. It’s a good start, however, and one that can help you discover ways your child self-soothes. Remember that comfort, color, calm, and compassion are the keys to a good night's sleep.
Image via Pixabay and Unsplash.
Article by: Maria Cannon
]]>Photo via Pixabay by Venturaartist
Hobbies have been shown over the years to be wonderful tools for people of all ages. They increase confidence and self-esteem, build brain power and physical strength, reduce stress and anxiety, teach patience and fine-motor skills, and foster creativity, all of which can be hugely beneficial for both physical and mental health. For kids, having a hobby can help immensely with a feeling of belonging and learning important social skills, both of which are important in just about every grade level.
Hobbies can also point your child in the right direction when it comes to both finding a possible career choice and making healthy decisions. Studies have shown over the years that kids who are involved with sports, music, art, dance, or outdoor activities are at a much lower risk of making poor choices when it comes to getting involved with abusing substances or giving in to peer pressure.
Keep reading for some great tips on how to help your child find the right hobby and what the benefits will be.
Get outside
Most kids love to be outdoors year-round, so it might be a good idea to look for hobbies your child can enjoy outside. These might include family-friendly activities like bird-watching, geo-coaching, or backyard camping, and there are many benefits, including daily exercise, fresh air, and a mental health boost. Look for ways you can incorporate your child’s favorite activities into an outdoor hobby, such as bike-riding or playing a sport, and think about getting involved yourself.
Play an instrument
Playing an instrument--whether it’s during personal time or at school--can have a wonderful effect on kids. Not only can it boost confidence and social skills, playing music can help with learning math concepts as well. It can also help your child learn fine motor skills, patience, and working with a group toward a shared goal. Help your child find the right instrument based on his age, and look for music classes or programs at school that will help him grow.
Get experimental
Many kids love science, especially when it’s hands-on, so help your child find some fun experiments he can perform at home. There are tons of great ideas online for all ages (like this one for creating “elephant’s toothpaste”), and these will help your child learn skills he’ll need both at school and in life, including a knowledge of following directions and how to plan ahead when you’re creating something.
Gardening
Gardening is a wonderful hobby for kids; it teaches them how to be responsible for another living thing and the benefits of being able to reap the rewards from all their hard work. It’s also great exercise, and it can provide the perfect goal for summer break. Allow your child to choose several different types of seeds--whether they’re flowers or veggies--and start your garden together. Have him take responsibility for watering and weeding every day, and take pictures of the area each day so you can look back at all the changes it undergoes. You might even encourage your child to keep a garden journal.
photos via kidsgardening.org by Sarah Pounders
Helping your child find a hobby will allow him to broaden his horizons, boost his self-esteem and confidence, and help him gain social and academic skills that will benefit him for a lifetime. Take your time choosing the right one, and remember that parental interest in hobbies helps kids stick with them longer, in part because you’re showing your child that what they are doing is worthwhile.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A friend of Handsocks, Maria Cannon, started her website hobbyjt.org because she wanted to share her passion for hobbies and how hobbies can impact our lives for the better, especially a positive impact on mental health/depression/anxiety. Thank you so much Maria for your insight on this subject!
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Caring for a child who is on the autism spectrum can be one of the most joyous, most overwhelming things you’ll ever do. On the difficult days, it can be hard to know how best to keep your child safe and happy. Not only that, you also have to think about making your home a place your child feels comfortable in so she’ll be more open to interaction.
Creating a safe, healthy home for your child on the autism spectrum doesn’t have to be difficult. It’s a matter of finding ways to allow her to grow and take in the world at her own pace. It will take some patience; you may make changes to your space only to find that the lighting is problematic, or that there’s too much visual stimuli. It might take a bit of time, but working with your child will ensure that your home is the perfect place for her to learn and grow.
Create a soothing place
Many children on the autism spectrum live with sensory overload, which means they are overwhelmed easily by certain colors, lights, sounds, and textures. Parents tell us that even wearing Handsocks can help with this sensory overload and provide comfort. Talk to your child’s doctor about the best ways to create a relaxing home for your child, as everyone is different and has different needs. Generally, it’s best to go with neutral colors on the walls, keep the lighting simple, and keep the area relatively quiet, especially in her bedroom. Wood furniture is typically the best way to go since it has a soothing texture.
Make it safe
Take a look around your home with a keen eye; are there potential hazards for your child? Even seemingly benign items like houseplants can be dangerous to a curious child on the autism spectrum. Furniture with glass or sharp edges should be replaced immediately; cabinets, drawers, and closets should be secured with latches that are out of your child’s reach. If she’s a wanderer, it’s a good idea to install a motion sensor alarm on the exit doors in your home, and always keep them closed securely. You can find a ton of helpful information on making your home safe at Redfin.com.
Think about the lighting
Most children on the autism spectrum have issues with lighting; your child’s pediatrician may be able to help you figure out the best type of light to have in your home. Fluorescents are generally problematic, while natural or incandescent light tends to be best. Turning your house into a calming center can help your child de-stress after a long day at school, so be careful with your choices.
Make your home a classroom
It can be difficult for many children on the spectrum to understand consequences, and they may be literal in their translation of something you say or do, so it’s very important to make your home not just a safe place, but a place of learning. Even if your child is school-age and already attends class, there are many things you can do to help her learn to better interact with others or to understand the things that don’t come easily to her. For tips on creating learning opportunities at home, read on here.
There are many ways to help your child thrive at home, but don’t forget to make downtime special, as well. Everyone needs a chance to wind down after a long day, and your child on the autism spectrum can benefit from creative, relaxing activities, such as baking, painting, or working with soft clay. Every child is different; think about the best ways you can help your loved one make the most out of every day.
Author Danny Knight
Danny is a dad living in Philadelphia. He enjoys DIY projects almost as much as raising his two children. He is the co-creator of FixItDads.com, which offers tips for home improvement projects.
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What is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder is a term used to define a range of conditions characterized by certain challenges some children face. These challenges include issues with social skills, repetitive behaviors, nonverbal communication, and speech. Furthermore, children with autism also tend to have unique strengths that make them different. One in 68 American children is on the autism spectrum.
There are three different types of autism:
Autism and Play
Children need time to play. It is so important, the United Nations declared play as a human right in the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Playtime is instrumental in helping children develop gross and fine motor skills, language and communication skills, thinking and problem-solving skills, and social skills. Playing outside has its own importance. Outdoor exercise helps boost immunity, promotes imagination, hones problem solving skills, reduces stress, improves vision, and provides a healthy dose of vitamin D.
Parents of children with autism often have difficulty playing with their children. Children with autism may lose interest in directives or involve themselves in repetitive, seemingly pointless acts of play that isolate them from other children. However, play can be an incredibly useful tool for teaching a child on the autism spectrum valuable developmental skills. Many parents use Handsocks as a way to provide a safe and fun environment for children with autism, by allowing comfort and control to be the main focus of play time.
Custom Backyard for Children with Autism
Creating a safe, accessible, and functional backyard where children with autism can be active and engage with others encourages healthy play. The stress reducing benefits of outdoor playtime can be very therapeutic, as well. The backyard is also a prime environment for planning various sensory integration activities which are hugely beneficial for children with autism who often explore and learn about the world through touch.
Here are some of our favorite tips for customizing your backyard.
Autism comes in many different forms and is characterized by symptoms including language delays, problems with social skills, communication challenges, and unusual behaviors or interests. While play is important for a child’s development, parents of autistic children often have problems holding their child’s attention when playing. Creating a safe environment conducive to play can help develop gross and fine motor skills, language and communication skills, thinking and problem-solving skills, and social skills in children on the autism spectrum.
Author Danny Knight
Danny is a dad living in Philadelphia. He enjoys DIY projects almost as much as raising his two children. He is the co-creator of FixItDads.com, which offers tips for home improvement projects.]]>
My kids just turned 3 and 4 and as I see them officially turn into real toddlers, I find myself needing to purge some of their baby things. There are some new inventions now that I wish I had a few years ago. But looking through these products, there are some things that’ll never change and always be a necessity!
Boppy pillow. This thing was awesome! I Love that you could get replaceable covers that zipped on and off easily to wash. It was really great to be able to use it for feeding when they were babies, and then assisting to set up when they got bigger. It was also awesome for travel! Many times I use this myself in the car or on the floor next to my baby’s crib to take a nap!
Cloud B sound machine. Now I will say, we still use these with both kids. Every time they would lay down for a nap or bedtime since they were born, I put it on a particular sound and it eventually became a trigger for them to fall asleep. But we do have an extra one that we don’t need multiples up! I know that another family member will thoroughly enjoy this. I know of a lot of adults that you sound machines to. My older son likes the bubbles and my younger son likes the dolphins. This particular brand has a stuffed toy on the outside of the machine so it also serves as a cuddle buddy. It has a wonderful Velcro strap to attach to the child’s bed, crib or pack and play during travel. Very convenient!
Bumkin bibs. Now these are awesome! They are so thin and light weight but are still able to repel spills. But the lightness of the fabric helps it dry very quickly if you need to wash it in the sink during a huge spell! When my kids got older, they made an art smock. It was just like the smaller baby bibs but technically made for kids to do artwork. Are used it for my kids after church, Easter or anytime they were in a nice outfit, especially long sleeves. Totally covered everything on their body! Mom win!
Munch mitt. Now this for us has been a godsend. For multiple reasons. With my first son, he wasn’t a teether per se, but he did like to stick his fingers in his mouth a lot. Just put this little glove over his hand and bam! No nastier germ hands in the mouth, just the rubber mit! My younger son had horrible problems with teething. And it just got worse with age when those motors came in. We ended up getting two of these, one for each hand and also sometimes to rotate putting them in the freezer so that the cold would feel good on his mouth. Easy to clean and great for travel. The Velcro closure was also very comfortable for them but secure enough around the wrist to where they couldn’t pull it off.
Aden + Anais swaddles. OK guys, both my kids are still obsessed with these! And now we have transitioned to their dream blanket line as well in the spring and fall when they need a little warm but not hot comforter. These things are amazing quality and super absorbent for spills or spit up. Are used the smaller ones and some of their other fabric products when they were babies. And now they still need one of the swaddles or Blankey as they call it, to sleep. You also can’t help but love the cute patterns too!
Zipadeezip by the sleeping baby company. Have you all ever heard of these? If not, definitely take a look at their Facebook page. This is an amazing sleep garment for babies that are over three months to transition them out of the swaddle. For my youngest, this was a godsend! He was obsessed with being swaddled but began to roll over around four months old. I was preparing not to sleep at night at all! And the first night I used one of these, he slept 11 hours! And the reviews are fantastic! They also have a bigger transition garment for when they get older. And the quality is incredible. Just toss it in with your normal wash!
It’s sad to know that the wheels of change in motion and the kids are growing up. But I’m thankful for these products that helped us get through some tough parenting times!
XO,
#mamakelly
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With heart month beginning in just a few days, I just can’t help but blog about it! Why not right!? Maybe I should explain why I am so passionate about heart month.
My second son was born with heart disease. He spent the better part of the first year of his life in the Hospital enduring ten surgeries including an open heart surgery. Last January, his heart was weakening again and just this past September, he had yet another open heart surgery.
Even before Finn, I had a passion for spreading heart awareness. When I was in second grade, my dad collapsed in front of me during a sports for kids game. We found out he had heart disease and since then has had several heart surgeries including an open heart surgery for a valve replacement in 2011.
Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States, especially for women and CHD, what my son has, effects 1:100 babies. In Virginia alone there were over 1000 babies born with heart defects just last year and 25% of those kids will need open heart surgery to survive.
So this February, it’s all about awareness. Take care of your heart so that you can take care of others. Be aware and last but not least, a happy heart is a healthy heart. Do things that bring you joy, laughter and peace. Life is short.
Happy Heart Month!
XO,
#MamaKelly
Handsocks mama
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Aww we are so glad you hopped over to see us :) .
This Giveaway Hop is being Hosted by MamatheFox and RitaReviews . We are so glad they included us!
Handsocks are the best you could ask for winter mittens for your sweet little babes NB to 3T+. Great too for protection from scratching and pulling.
TO ENTER: COMMENT ON THIS POST!
Leave a comment on this post with your favorite winter activity and we'll select a winner on Feb 1.
WIN: A free pair of Handsocks, any size/color!
This event runs 1/16 - 1/31 starting at 9 am EST.
Winner will be drawn on 2/1.
Events open to US, CA and UK entrants.
MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.
VISIT OTHERS IN THE GIVEAWAY USING BELOW!
]]>If you came to my front door today without any notice, you would find a scene similar to this. I'm curious. What do you see? What would be your first thoughts walking into my living room? Even better, what if I dropped by and it was YOUR living room?
If I am honest, most of the time I see a mess. I see work. I see it as a chore. And I feel tired looking at it. I can't be the only one who thinks this way. I see piles of laundry needing to be put away, toys out of place, things stacked on surfaces that don't belong, clutter, unfinished projects, blankets that need folding, and more and more... And this is only one room! BUT I also see dreams come true. I wanted this mess. I chose this mess. It came with the wife and mother territory and has the holiday season sprinkled all over it right now. And I'd never trade it. Yet, I'd be embarrassed for most of you to show up at my door unannounced. Why? Because I think most of us like others to think that we have it all together and can keep up with everything, ALL the time. If this looks like a mess to me, then it must seem that way to others, right? (HINT: Actually, that's less often the case.) I'd default to an apology and maybe even scramble to tidy up a few things or rattle off an explanation for why the house is in the condition you found it. I'm trying to change that though. Nothing's wrong with wanting a tidy home for guests. If I knew you were coming, I'd surely spend any spare moment sprucing up all around, putting everything in place, and making sure it smells nice. But what you see above shouldn't be embarrassing because it's real life.
You see, I have these beautiful little creatures with me 24/7 and our home is for playing and learning. Their Daddy and I also live here, along with a dog and a cat in a space some would say we've long outgrown. I can't pretend that I really like the accumulation of things out of place, but I love and adore these kiddos enough to know that they are more important and I'm balancing their requests to do things with them against my feeling of constantly needing to tidy up. Also, I'm tired! Maybe you can relate? I hope someone can. Let it serve as an encouragement.
Life has seasons and this is the one I'm in right now. I rest in knowing that the hard parts don't last forever, but even more, I'm trying to make it last for the sake of keeping these little ones small for as long as I can! When the clutter is gone, they will be too. So, for now, I'll keep the clutter. And if you happen to show up at my front door, you might be a witness to it too, but I will try really hard to not make excuses for it and neither should you in your own home.
Love,
Mama Tamara
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Oh Mommyhood! Moms, I need your help! My boys are just turned four and about to turn three. A few weeks ago, I learned that the famous April the giraffe is pregnant again! The boys were asking me about it because I was watching a video of her so I BRIEFLY spoke about her second baby giraffe. Fast forward to this week. They have had the movie Boss Baby on repeat all week.
Now, if you haven’t seen Boss Baby, it’s adorable. BUT, it talks about where babies come from and NOW my kids are obsessed with asking a zillion questions about babies, where they come from, how they get in the belly, how they get out and many more. If I give a general answer, they are relentless until they get a legit answer.
I wasn’t prepared for this yet! I thought I had at least a few more years!!! So tell me, what do I say!?
#MamaKelly
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When your day-to-day is reasonably predictable and things usually go the way you expect them to, even a small thing out of the ordinary can catch you off-guard. Recently, one morning threw me a little curve ball. We were leaving my one-year-old's checkup and headed for an x-ray of her hips instead of home for her nap time and schoolwork for the big kids.
I tend to be a worst-case-scenario thinker. My baby could possibly have an issue that would need correcting. It could be stressful, inconvenient, uncomfortable, and a complete interruption to our norm for several weeks. I have to make an intentional choice to not worry about things that "could" be. There is a verse in the Bible (Philippians 4:8) that reminds me to think about what is true and not dwell on worries that are made up in my head. So, I reminded myself of that and went on with the day, waiting for the Dr. to call with results.
More on Handsocks Blog: Postpartum Depression: Why I have to Fight
Hey all! I need Christmas help! How do you all figure out your Christmas gifts for your little ones? Do you separate it out into a gift for each person? Or maybe one thing they need, one thing they want and one thing for the future? Do you do nothing and then take them over and let them pick? Do you do one big gift? How do you do a budget? Do you budget a certain amount for each child or no? Since the child doesn’t know how much each item cost!
My kids are turning 3 and 4, they are a year apart. Before this year, Christmas was more about how fun the box was than the actual item in it, but this year they have really caught onto commercials on TVs and things that their friends like. But of course, they have no limit to what they ask for! They also seem to have a different favorite thing each day. This will be my first gift-giving Christmas to my kids where I actually need to think hard about what I’m going to wrap up!
I’ve also seen some parents put all of the gifts in a big Santa sack and then I’ve seen some people wrap up each package individually. Also, do I have to make sure that one child unwraps the same amount of things or the other? So many things to think about this year!
Help mommas help! Any suggestions?
- MamaKelly
Holiday shopping can be overwhelming for busy Mommas with all the things happening in our lives from left to right. But HEY!, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year to relax.
Remember that in buying gifts for your little ones, opt for value, durability, variety, and use. There is no such thing as a perfect gift, but here are some ideas so you can begin polishing your Christmas Gift List.
You can check this awesome post from Parent.com : Best Toys of 2017: Babies and Toddlers
What about yours? Comment your suggestions below.
Love,
- Mama Casey
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Hadsocks Mamas!
Let’s talk food! Are we team purées, Baby LED Weaning, or a happy medium of both? And if you’re all about purées- did you buy the pre-made jars or did you put your chef hat on and get to work in the kitchen?
Being a first-time momma, who loves to cook, I decided with baby boy I was going to make all his food. Boy! Was that a huge task to take on! Although I never regretted it, I wonder if I’ll do the same for my second babe.
More on Handsocks Blog: Easy Meal Time: 2 fast finger foods
Once baby turned 6 months, Sundays were dedicated to baby food. My kitchen literally turned into a Gerber baby food factory. It was rewarding and oh so satisfying, especially after seeing baby gobble it down, but BOY was it exhausting. By 4 pm on Sunday, I was POOPED!
Breakfast, lunch, dinner & 3 snacks a day. That was A LOT of work. But don’t get me wrong, I loved making my baby his food, knowing exactly what was in it & can I tell you- it’s soo MUCH cheaper than buying the prepared baby food.
But I noticed as month 7 & 8 rolled around I was giving him more and more table food and he was loving it. Still loving his purées too but it got me thinking... “Hey, I can probably scale back on the baby food factory if he’s eating what we’re eating”. By month 10 I had stopped making baby food altogether and baby ate exactly what we ate; breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
I can honestly say it is so nice to have my Sundays back to do whatever I want and not be stuck in the baby food factory!
But I wonder with next baby will I just try full on BLW?? I’m leaning more towards yes. Mainly because with the 2nd baby I’ll also have a toddler to run after. Not sure how much energy I’ll have to dedicate an entire day, every week, to make him/her food.
What about you guys? What did you do? Store bought baby food? Homemade purées? Baby Led Weaning? Whatever you do- FED IS BEST!
Handsocks Momma,
XO #mamachante
P.S.
My baby food recipe:
I just chopped the fruit or vegetable up into large chunks and either steamed/baked it. Then threw it into my ninja food processor with either chicken stock (for veggies) or water (for fruits) & blended it up! I started out with adding breastmilk but only did that for about 2 weeks!
P.P.S.
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You are in the grocery store buying your weekly supplies when your 3-year old started to point on a jar of candy and becomes furious when you say no. You tried to condone your child, but the crying is getting louder and other shoppers are now looking at you. AH, ha. It could be anything in the store really. Depending on the mood of the day your sweet baby turns into WOWZA.
Perhaps, you are in a restaurant for a celebration and your child starts shouting and crying because she wants to get out of the chair and play. Sound familiar? Or if you are like my husband and I you end up at Outback with one child under the table and one trying to crawl on top. We don't win parents of the year awards out in restaurants :) ... which is why we don't go much with our littles.
Tantrums are typical for toddlers, in fact, it is a part of child development. According to a study conducted by the Psychologist, James Green of the University of Connecticut. The study reported that: Tantrums display a pattern and rhythm. First is yelling and screaming. The second involves physical actions. And the third includes crying and whining. When understood, parents can tell the distinction of common tantrums and those caution signals of an underlying disorder.
Perhaps, tantrums are normal, but it doesn’t mean that you cannot do anything about it. So before losing your cool and starting your own meltdown (me?! never!) , check out these 7 ways on how to handle toddler tantrums.
Rule number 1 is to relax. Keep your cool. You are not a bad mama. Even though you are steaming on the inside your kid is not naughty.
Tired? Hungry? Bored? Hurt? It won’t hurt to listen to your child and ask what he or she wanted to get or happen. Find out what is stressing or frustrating him and calmly discuss. It may take a few minutes. I've tried to do this with my kid shouting over me. Sometimes holding and rocking helps.
What if your kid wants to eat food that he or she is allergic? Or she wanted a toy that is not hers? In this case, you can give them alternatives, like a healthier food that is equally tasteful or maybe giving her another toy. Distraction can also be a beautiful thing. Sometimes I start talking about things totally non-related or singing or being silly and they totally forget what they were mad about.
If calm, talking and distraction is not successful and your child already abandoned all logic, try to wait and let him or her cry it out. Sometimes a good cry feels good to get out.
5. Hugs and Kisses!
Hug her, kiss her and rub her back. This will help her to settle down as you acknowledge her frustrations and confirm your love for her.
This is important. As early as 3 years old it is important that a parent will discipline their children – of course with grace and love. Explain to your child calmly what happened during their tantrum and how can they show their frustration aside from shouting and crying. Teach her on how to better communicate and the importance of waiting. You can give her examples or some moral short stories.
Filter your words when you are speaking to your child because they are in the foundation stage. Words like bad boy, bad girl, naughty kid, disobedient child may stick to them and can result in bad behavior and low self-esteem in the future.
Try to avoid telling your son that he is a bad boy, instead explain to him that what he did is bad. The difference is that his action or mistakes is bad and not him. Be clear why his action is inappropriate and encourage good behavior. Tell them good behavior makes you "proud and happy".
Tantrums can be draining for any parent, but hopefully these help.
How about you? Do you have any hacks or ideas on how to manage toddler tantrums?
Comment your answers below and help the rest of us out :)
XO,
Casey
Raising kids is such a wonderful and empowering moment. They are really heaven sent and I never imagined that as a parent they will also teach me wisdom. Indeed, there's no hood like parenthood. Here's the top 5 life lessons I learned so far.
One time, I gave my daughter a box of cookies and she immediately shared it to her brother and her Dad. When I asked her why did she shared her cookies, she told me that it’s fine, after all I gave it to her and she’s sure that I can buy some cookies again next time. It is such an eye opening experience. Adults use to squander their blessings because they are afraid that they will lose it or run out of it. Contrary, kids believes that sharing is caring and that the earth is full of blessings and they don't need to be afraid that it will run out.
During playtime, kids may fight over the small things, but they easily forget it and begin playing again. Unlike grownups, kids forgive and forget easily. Yes, they may fight and argue, but at the end of the day, they will still sit down and play with each other. Adults on the contrary will not speak to each other for years for silly reasons. Kids reminds us that life is better spent without any hidden anger in our hearts because Hey!, Life is too wonderful for that.
Do you sometimes wish you’re a small kid again? You’ll wake up in the morning, Mom will give you a fruity cereal, Dad will play with you, you’ll watch your favorite morning cartoon, play hide and seek with your friends and take a nap when you get tired. Kids do not worry about paying bills, getting employed, doing the laundry and pondering what to do with the rest of their lives. How laid back is the good old days?
Though I believe that as adults, we need to make sensible plans, I also believe to live our life one at a time. My kids remind me that life is indeed simple, but we love to make it complicated. We need to be truly contented in life, where we are grateful for the things we have and we are also hoping that the best is yet to come.
When a kid received a gift from an Aunt or Uncle, parents will usually ask their children “What will you say?” The kid will get the present and with a cute voice will say “Thank You!” Now, that is a reminder of being grateful. We raised our children to be grateful for any gift, but sometimes we are guilty of being ungrateful in our lives. No matter how simple and small it is, there are still things to be grateful for.
Kids have this sense of wonder and invincibility as if everything in this world is possible. When we are young kids, we dream of changing the world, but when we grow up, the world changed us instead. We are eaten by the realities of life, but whenever I look at my child’s eye as she tell me her dreams, it reminds me the beauty of having faith and believing that everything is possible – because it is.
How about you? Share the wisdom and learning your kids taught you about life.
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How many of you remember the concern you had making sure your seat was just right in your car and the big decision to choose a seat that would be safe and comfortable. We make so many decisions as parents, but this would would be super important to make sure our travel was secure.
Recently I met an amazing woman on a mission to do much for the parent community. She's from Favoredby which is an online community where parents can see awesome info on parenting and rated quality products. She also throws quite possibly the most fabulous children's safety event out there in the month of September. *Busy mama!
September is National Baby Safety Month and one of the exciting events that happens annually is this wonderful RED CARPET SAFETY EVENT. It is a fun filled, educational, inspiring and engaging event for parents and kids! The event aims to help spread awareness about Car Seat Safety as well as other areas of safety that affect parents and their precious loved ones.
This past September, celebrity families flocked to Los Angeles, CA to attend the fifth annual Celebrity Red CARpet Safety Event and drive national awareness for child passenger safety as well as safety for all baby, toddler and child products at our event. It’s a fun and successful event and everyone is looking forward this September 2017.
Here’s our short interview with Sarah Samadani from Favored.by
What's your favorite thing about planning the big RED CARPET SAFETY EVENT each year?
The "ah-ha moments" that happen to parents (both celebrity and community families). They come to the event to have some fun, learn about new products, and some safety tips. And throughout the entirety of the event, I see moments of learning that happen for kids and parents alike. It's all kinds of awesome. :)
Is there anything you are most excited about for the 2017 event particularly?
This year is planning on being bigger and even more interactive. I'm really excited for our list of celebrities/influencers and parents that are going to come and enjoy the event.
What's the most valuable thing you have learned over the years with planning for your business and event?
To always watch and listen. Every single year I take many observations that happen throughout the event, and roll them into something improved and bigger the following year. Even if it's great one year, I always want to make it greater. I also take into account any comments and topics that families are interested in learning about, and including them in the following years.
How do you balance putting together such a wonderfully large event, all of your work for FavoredBy and your own family time?
Very carefully! Sometimes there is a piece of my time that gets the short end of the stick, but it's always alternating. Finding that right balance of time for work, family, and self is constant. But managing my time is the best way I do it all, and taking advantage of all the time I have as well. I guess you could say I'm really embracing any and all opportunities of time that I have to make sure each area of my life is successful.
How would you say your passion for the children's industry and products have grown since your own babies were born?
Safety has always been a passion and a concern of mine. I've always erred on the side of caution. From health/wellness to mom/baby products. Since having kids I think it's just become even more of a passion and I have most definitely become more of a stickler for being safe.
What do you love most about living in CA?
The WEATHER!!
We are coming up on summertime, is there anything you and your family love to do during the summer?
The Pool. We spend so much time at the pool during summertime and it's so much fun. One of the best parts about spending time in the pool, is that by bedtime the kids are really ready for bed. LOL!
You know we love talking to fabulous people making a difference for parents and hope you have enjoyed this post! Please check out their pages and stay in touch!
XO,
Casey
Kids naturally love colors and nail painting is one of the most popular mother and daughter bonding moments. But sometimes kids can't help to put their fingers in their mouths and this means that they might digest the chemicals.
When Melanie Hurley, a mother of two was painting her daughter's nails and a drop of nail polish got on a styrofoam plate, she noticed that the solvent-based nail polish left a hole in the plate. Yikes! Any flammable substance is not acceptable to be put in children's fingers that might end up in their mouths. This experience paves way for Melanie to create Piggy Paint, a water-based and eco-friendly nail polish for kids.
Let's chit-chat with her and see what she has to say!
What do you love most about what you do?
- I love that work has not just worked, but rather one of my passions.
What's a day in the life of you look like?
- Every day varies, which is what I love. My days are filled with creating, brainstorming, and the daily grind of business. My evenings are filled with my favorite peeps. My girls are at the ages where life is extremely busy with sports and activities, and I LOVE watching, encouraging, and cheering them on!
What's your favorite thing to do with your babies?
- No matter what we’re doing, we always have fun together. Even mundane activities like grocery shopping or sitting in traffic can be an adventure when you chat & laugh together.
How do you find energy to balance work and family?
- Balancing a healthy family and work life is hard. When things are so hectic, I constantly remind myself of my priorities. My family is number one.
How can our parent community help you spread the word?
- If you’re a fan of Piggy Paint or Rock the Locks, I would love for you to tell a friend. For the most part, our brands have grown organically from word of mouth. There’s nothing more powerful than Moms sharing with other Moms.
How was your Mother's Day?
- Awesome! My daughter had her 13th birthday party the night before, so I woke up with 10 Junior High girls at our house. We also cheered her sister on at her softball game, and ended with two of my favorite foods: ice cream and pizza (in that order). Dessert before dinner makes any day amazing!
PIGGY PAINT
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/PiggyPaintNailPolish/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/piggypaint
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/piggypaint/
Ah well, you can tell she is awesome! Make sure and check out her products and grab some for your littles. We love her!
XO,
Casey
]]>So, I met Collette walking around the ABC Kids Show in Vegas in 2016. Her booth was amazing, dangling all the most beautiful bonnets I had ever seen. I remember trying to find great hats for my littles and struggling. Problem solved, so I wanted to make sure I shared with all our parents! Wish I had taken a picture with her in her booth....next time :)LOOK AT THESE AWESOME HATS!!!Check out her awesome story and fall in love with her sweet sincerity.