Ringing in 2021 Pandemic Style
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 FamilyYou 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,...
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A Father's EB Story of Hope and Love
On January 19th, 2018 at 3:24PM, our youngest son, Archer McCormack Brazeau was born happy, "healthy" and without visual complication in Toledo, Ohio. Just hours later, everything changed as we were told Archer had Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB). 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...
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Indoor Activities to Entertain (and Educate!) Kids on Inclement Days
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...
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A Room-by-Room Guide to Childproofing Your House
Parents have the unenviable task of keeping children safe at home. Childproofing is a topic that’s close to our hearts. We’ve covered it before and we’ll cover it again because many child injuries happen at home, according to KidsHealth. Here is a room-by-room guide to childproofing your house. Baby’s bedroom 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 cribs parents grew up in are now illegal in...
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How to Create a Learning Environment in the Home
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. 1. Show enthusiasm for their learning 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...
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How to set up your bedroom for ideal sleep while you’re pregnant
According to the National Sleep Foundation, 78% of women reported disturbed sleep while pregnant. Twenty-six percent reported symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS) and 30-50% experienced gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Pregnancy just got a whole less pretty. 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...
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5 Steps to Removing Toxic Chemicals from Your Home
As a mom or dad, you naturally want to ensure you have a toxin-free home for your children and especially newborns. Even though toxic chemicals are not typically harmful in small doses, exposure to larger amounts can impact you, your partner, and your children over time. Just like we follow detox diets to cleanse our bodies, it pays off to detox your house as well. By following these five steps, you can take charge of significantly minimizing the impact of toxic chemicals for your children: 1. Consider the types of products you bring into your home...
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Autism, Overstimulation, and a Good Night’s Sleep
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. The Color Conundrum 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...
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The Best Hobbies For Kids And Their Benefits
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...
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Submit Your Story!
Every child is special and has a story. Submit your child's story and our next Handsocks design could be named after your child! PLUS, win a pair, too!* *No purchase necessary. We share stories too and your child could be featured! Here's a great example of sweet Sia! Submit Your Story 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...
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How To Create The Best Home Environment For A Child On The Autism Spectrum
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...
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Customizing Your Backyard for Children on the Autism Spectrum
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: Autistic disorderor “classic autism” is characterized by significant language delays, problems with social skills, communication challenges, and unusual behaviors or interests. Autistic disorder may be accompanied...