It’s hard balancing the demands of parenting while also supporting a family member with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Yet, with small, consistent changes, you can find the balance you need to handle everything life throws at you. Here we offer helpful and compassionate advice to parents who need time-saving solutions tailored to their unique challenges.

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Laying the Foundation

Establish Priorities That Really Count

While life is filled with obligations, everything is not equally urgent. Take some time to decide what should have your attention. Each week, write down three things that are the most critical to your family—everything from getting to therapy appointments, and eating together, to scheduling downtime. This clarity will enable you to sift out the distractions and zero in on what really matters.

Develop Realistic Schedules

Routine is comforting, especially when one has different responsibilities to attend to. Establish daily routines that everyone in your household can count on, but don’t overfill them. Include predictable times for meals, therapy sessions, and even quiet times. A well-paced routine minimizes stress for all.

Be Flexible When Necessary

While routines are important, life can be quite unpredictable at times, especially when supporting an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn to make graceful turns when things don’t go as anticipated. Instead of getting discouraged, look at these moments as opportunities to adjust your approach. Being flexible will save you from unnecessary frustration.

Organizing Your Day for Efficiency

Batch Similar Tasks Together

One of the surprising time-saving ideas is to group similar tasks. For instance, one day of the week can be devoted to meal preparation or grocery shopping. Another block of time can be devoted to making phone calls, sending and answering emails, or doing paperwork. This reduces mental fatigue and allows one to stay focused.

Let Technology Work for You

Avail yourself of equipment and apps that lighten your daily load. Set cell phone reminders about medications or appointments, use family calendar apps for shared scheduling, and investigate automation of routine bills. Sometimes, technology does the job of a silent assistant for you.

Get Help Without Guilt

You will not have to do all this work singly. If friends or family offer to help, take them up on it. Babysitting, meal prep, transportation—anything you can get off your plate frees up the space on your plate for more important things. And asking for help? That’s not a sign of weakness; that’s a sign of resourcefulness.

Finding Time for Yourself

Redefine Self-Care

It isn’t necessary to indulge in extravagant spa days or pricey trips; simple pleasures can be just as rewarding. Enjoying a hot cup of tea, reading a chapter from your favorite book, or taking a brisk walk around the block can all qualify as self-care. These small moments are invaluable—they help to recharge your energy. Even dedicating five minutes to yourself during a busy day can make a world of difference.

The Little Things

Celebrating and acknowledging small achievements, no matter how inconsequential they might seem to be, create an atmosphere of success and cemented bonding. This can be as simple as learning any new skill or even finishing a project alone. Such acts of encouragement bring in zeal and enthusiasm to every member of the family, spreading ripples of motivation.

Challenges

Balancing the demands of parenthood with the responsibility of caring for a loved one with disabilities is undeniably challenging. However, with thoughtful planning, a readiness to utilize available resources and a focus on maintaining your own well-being, it’s possible to build a life that feels not only manageable but deeply rewarding. Every moment you devote to supporting and nurturing your family adds up to something truly meaningful.

Leveraging Community Support

Explore Local Resources

Most communities have services that will help families in similar situations. Look for organizations offering workshops, support groups, or activities in your area for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These resources will not only enhance the life of your loved one but also lighten your responsibilities.

Think About Support Services 

If you’re looking for structured daytime activities for a family member with disabilities, adult day programs could be a great option. These services create environments focused on skill-building, social interaction, and personal growth, giving you the opportunity to focus on other priorities. Knowing your loved one is in a safe and caring setting provides immense peace of mind.

Connect with Other Parents

Building connections with parents who share similar experiences can be incredibly valuable. Whether through social media groups or local meet-ups, these relationships can offer practical advice, emotional support, and a sense of community. Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone can be the greatest comfort.

Supporting Your Loved One While Managing Your Time

Independence Where Possible

Encouraging your loved one to take on small tasks independently can free up some of your time while building their confidence. Start with simple activities like organizing personal items, preparing snacks, or following a checklist for daily routines. It’s empowering for them and gives you a moment to focus on other priorities.

Use Visual Aids for Routine Management

Visual schedules, charts, or picture boards will help your loved one understand and follow daily routines more effectively. The time used to explain the same thing over and over again is reduced, thus freeing up more efficiency in your day. Plus, visual aids are fun and can be tailored to their needs.

Celebrate Small Wins Together

Celebrating and acknowledging small achievements, no matter how inconsequential they might seem to be, create an atmosphere of success and cemented bonding. This can be as simple as learning any new skill or even finishing a project alone. Such acts of encouragement bring in zeal and enthusiasm in every member of the family, spreading ripples of motivation.

Balancing the demands of parenthood with the responsibility of caring for a loved one with disabilities is undeniably challenging. However, with thoughtful planning, a readiness to utilize available resources, and a focus on maintaining your own well-being, it’s possible to build a life that feels not only manageable but deeply rewarding. Every moment you devote to supporting and nurturing your family adds up to something truly meaningful.

How should you choose the ideal flooring for your home? Functionality and aesthetics are two of the top priorities, yet they must take a backseat to something far more important: safety! 

What good is an attractive flooring option if it leads to more accidents around the home? Some flooring types are slightly more dangerous than others. Tiles are (arguably) the most dangerous due to their hardness, and the grout between each tile can cause people to tip over. 

This brings us to the question: what is the safest floor type for your home? Rather than singling out one, here are three very safe flooring choices: 

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Carpet

Let’s begin with the obvious choice: carpet! Everyone knows the benefits of carpet – one of the key reasons to choose it over other flooring types is for enhanced safety. It’s the softest flooring option money can buy, providing a cushioned surface to walk on. If anyone falls over (mainly your little ones), they shouldn’t be badly hurt. Carpet acts as a buffer and absorbs the fall, so they get off with a small burn at the most. 

You also lay carpet down in one piece, which means there aren’t any gaps between it; it’s one big surface. As a result, it’s very hard to trip over the carpet, and it’s not prone to slip-and-fall accidents. If you spill water or grease on a carpet, all you have to deal with is a stain. While annoying, it’s a lot better than handling bruises or broken limbs! 

Tongue and Groove

This flooring type differs from the rest because it’s not technically a material. Instead, tongue and groove flooring refers to specific types of hardwood, engineered wood, or laminate flooring. It gets its name because each piece of flooring is installed with a “tongue” piece poking out and a “groove” piece for the neighboring tongue to slot into. 

As a result, seamless wooden flooring is produced without gaps or nails and with minimal nails. This makes the flooring much safer, as it’s harder for people to trip over nails or stub their toes in the small gaps between planks. 

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Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is a modern option for people who want to replicate the look of wood but with additional safety benefits. It’s made from synthetic materials, which gives it a softer touch and feel than other flooring types. You won’t feel the same softness as carpet, but it’s just below it in the rankings. 

The beauty of vinyl lies in how it can replace tiles or hardwood and give you a faultless stretch of flooring without any cracks, bumps, or things to slip on. Likewise, it’s water-resistant and nowhere near as slippy when you spill things on it! That’s why loads of homeowners pick it for their renovation projects. 

Aside from being incredibly safe flooring options, these three choices come in all kinds of styles and varieties. You can easily use a combination of all three throughout your home in different rooms. Get vinyl in your kitchen & bathroom, tongue and groove in the hallways, and then carpet in the living room and bedrooms! 

If you want to make sure that your home is always nice and clean then there are a few things you can do about this. Believe it or not, you probably don’t need to do a deep clean every week. Sometimes you just need to make sure that you are keeping on top of the little jobs, which will make a monumental difference moving forward.

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Do One Load of Laundry

One of the first things you need to do is make sure that you are doing one load of laundry, every single day. Depending on the loads you do per week, you might not want to do this every day, but with that said, it can make a major difference. You also want to put a load in the washing machine and then turn it on when you get home. If you can do this while making time in your day to complete the load then this will make a major difference overall. 

Be Happy

If you are a perfectionist then you probably want your home to be clean and tidy, but that doesn’t mean that everything has to be perfect. You should try and follow the 80/20 rule if you can. This means you should be happy with getting 80% of the cleaning done. Getting caught up with the little details can often mean that you end up stressing yourself out and it will also be a huge drain on your time and your energy. Although sometimes, certain parts of your home will always end up being left, you should be content rather than trying to focus on getting to them all the time. If you can do this then you can stop yourself from getting burnt out with your cleaning routine.

Get the Family Involved

You also need to take the time to get the family involved if you can. It’s easier to get the job done yourself a lot of the time but this is something you’ll want to avoid getting into the mindset of if you can. If you can recruit family members then this will work in your favor even more. Start by working to have your kids pick up after themselves, and tell them to pick up their coats, and to put their shoes away. Get them to clean their room and add in chores where you can. It’s truly amazing what a difference this can make if you get jobs like this done. Over time, this will become a habit for them, which is great, to say the least. If you just can’t get motivated to get your cleaning done then you’re not alone, and it’s important to ask for help when you feel as though you need it. Hiring an apartment cleaning service is a good idea, as it not only takes the stress off you, it also allows you to feel as though the job has been done to a very high standard.

Clean Up at Night

Another thing you can do is try and get the cleaning up done at night. Make it a routine to do just 15 minutes a day, and you will see a notable improvement. If you can get the whole family on board here, then this will help you quite a lot. If you want to help yourself, then one thing you can try and do is start with what is making the biggest mess or that is creating a lot of clutter. If you can keep this in mind, then it will help you a lot of moving forward. 

Ideal,

Prioritize

It’s important to prioritize, too. Remember that not all cleaning is equal. Make a list of what has to get done in an ideal world and then prioritize the biggest jobs. Given the time that you have available, you need to write down a few realistic cleaning goals and then stick with them before you move on. You may find that it is very difficult for you to write out a list, but things like this are great if you want to stay nice and focused. On top of this, you may also find that it is a good way for you to break down the total jobs you have to do so they don’t become overwhelming. If you can keep things like this in mind, then you will see that everything becomes easier to deal with and that you can also feel more confident overall in your ability to keep your home nice and clean.

Businesses have a moral duty to be eco-friendly, but there’s also a business imperative, too. Studies have shown that customers increasingly prefer to give their money to businesses that show care and appreciation for the natural world, and that’s only likely to increase in the years to come. Plus, with governments around the world setting ambitious carbon-zero targets, it’s likely that eco-friendly practices will become essentially mandatory in the near future anyway.

You’ll likely already be turning off unused lights and limiting paper use. They’re tips from two decades ago. In this post, we’ll run through some additional methods for turbocharging your environmental friendliness. 

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Review Your Suppliers

It’s one thing for your business to be environmentally friendly. However, the good work that you do in that area could become undone if the suppliers that you work with are not also environmentally friendly. It’s best to measure your carbon footprint in terms of your entire contribution, not just the one that happens on location at your business. There will be suppliers who are environmentally-friendly, and ones who will not be. Make sure you’re working with the former. In the process, not only will you be strengthening your eco-credentials, but you’ll be encouraging eco-friendly businesses (like your suppliers) to thrive. 

Managing Waste

It doesn’t matter how many earth-benefitting practices you incorporate into your business; it’s inevitable that your business will produce waste. All businesses do. What matters is what you do with that waste. The best policy is to try to recycle and reuse as much as you can. You’ll already know that you should recycle paper and plastic, but what about other, more complicated waste? Working with a scrap yard can ensure that as much of your waste is repurposed as possible. Plus, not only is this approach good for the environment, but it can also be good for your bottom line since these types of businesses typically pay for the metal they take from you. 

Encourage Ridesharing

Remember above, when we mentioned how it’s not just what happens at your business that counts, but what happens around it? Well, that includes how your employees get to work. Your earth-boosting practices will be diminished if all of your employees are driving vehicles to work. You can get around this in two ways. One is to allow your employees to work from home, which will essentially remove the issue altogether. If that’s not possible, then encourage your staff to ride share. The earth would be in a much better place if every car had five people inside, rather than just one. 

Offsetting Carbon Emissions

Finally, consider offsetting your carbon emissions. This is a great way to not only reduce your impact on the planet but to actually have a positive impact. There are a number of projects you can invest your business’s time, energy, and money. For instance, could you fund a reforestation project? At the bare minimum, look at buying carbon credits — it’s an easy and quick way to offset your impact. 

Image Credit: Jason Briscoe from Unsplash.

When you buy a home, you’ll naturally love almost everything about it. At a certain point, though, you’ll want to make a few changes. There are plenty of home renovations you can focus on to make your house even more amazing. All of them can offer more than a few benefits.

Most of these revolve around the aesthetics and functionality of your home, but others can even improve your property value. They can be more than worth considering because of that.

That doesn’t mean all of them are recommended. Some could be much more worth it than others because of the impact they’ll have on your home. They could be much more appealing because of that, so there’s no reason not to focus on them from the start. 

Seven of these could be more than worth it. They’ll each offer more than a few benefits, so there’s no reason not to consider them.

1. Solar Panels

Solar energy has become more and more popular in recent years, especially for younger homeowners. It can be more than worth focusing on as soon as you buy your house. There are more than a few ways you can do this, with solar panels being one of the more notable and helpful.

These don’t cost too much to install, and you could even be eligible for grants. They’ll help to bring down your energy bills more than you’d think, making them an even more cost-effective home renovation. As long as you have somewhere to install them, you’ve no reason not to.

2. Window Upgrades

It’s always worth considering your windows whenever you want to make changes around your home. They play much more of a role in the aesthetics than you’d think. At the same time, they can impact your energy efficiency, helping to save you money on your energy bills.

While you’ll need to hire a window installation company to make sure they’re put in right, this shouldn’t have to be too expensive. Keep the savings in your energy bills in mind with this, and they could end up paying for themselves in time, making them well worth it.

3. Garage Door Replacements

Garages can often be a great addition to a home, but you’ll need to put some time and effort into maintaining it. That doesn’t just mean the inside of the garage. It’s also worth considering the garage door, too. Naturally, this plays a vital role in how functional your garage is.

Replacing the garage door every few years could be more than worth it. As time goes on, the doors go through a lot of wear and tear, and they’ll develop more problems because of it. By replacing the door, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

4. Roof Renovations

Your roof is one of the more important parts of your house. Despite that, it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Make sure you put some time and effort into it, especially when you have an older home. This doesn’t just mean you should carry out any repairs that pop up.

Renovating your roof is almost always recommended. Even something relatively minor could have much more of an impact than you’d think. Take the time to figure out if you need a roof upgrade, and don’t be afraid to actually invest in it. It’ll turn out better than you’d think.

5. Deck Lights

If you’re lucky enough to have a deck or patio in your home, then it’s always worth putting some time and effort into this. You could try to make it much more usable and functional by putting a little work into it. This doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort, though.

In some cases, it could just be a matter of adding some lighting to your deck. This could be especially useful during the winter months. It lets you enjoy your deck during the evening hours without needing to worry about it getting dark.

6. Kitchen Backsplashes

Kitchen upgrades are always one of the more notable areas to focus on. Many of them can be relatively expensive, though, and you mightn’t be able to afford them right now. That doesn’t mean there isn’t anything you can do with your kitchen. You could consider a kitchen backsplash.

This adds a unique visual appeal to your kitchen, helping certain parts of the room stand out. You’ll just need to use it to compliment the rest of the kitchen. You could even install a kitchen backsplash yourself to help save on a bit of money without needing to spend much time on it.

7. Exterior Siding

Exterior siding can often be one of the better home renovations to go for. It offers more than a few benefits. One of the more notable is it could improve your curb appeal. There are plenty of designs and styles you can go with, so you should find one you love easily.

At the same time, it can protect your external walls against the weather, so you shouldn’t need to worry about any wear and tear or water damage. It’s also one of the more affordable home renovations you can go with, and it shouldn’t take long to put up.

Once you move into your house, you’ll want to turn it into a home. Decorating is one way to do that, but it’s also worth considering home renovations while you’re at it. There are more than a few reasons why that’s the case. They could improve your property value, add to the aesthetics, and more.

That doesn’t mean all of the home renovations you can go for are as recommended as others. Some could stand out much more than others, making them worth considering.

They’ll have more of an impact on your home in various ways. Most of this depends on your personal preferences, but it can still be worth focusing on a few of them. That way, you shouldn’t have a problem making sure your home is amazing.

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Moving house is such an exciting milestone in life. But it’s also one of the busiest ones! When you’re packing up your whole life, saying goodbye to a place that was once your home, and heading to somewhere new, it can be quite overwhelming. Not only does it require a lot of work – making it feel very stressful indeed – but it can be such an emotional time for you too. So rather than it becoming something you dread, it’s a good idea to look at how you can make the whole process more manageable. Let’s take a look at seven ways to do this.

1. Start Early

First of all, you’re going to want to make sure that you start this process as early as possible. When it comes to moving, the more you can get ahead of everything, the better. Now, this isn’t always that easy to time. Of course, you’re usually given one day to do it all on. Because of this, time can be tight. But getting organized and planning early is a simple way to make it all feel much more manageable.

2. Create a List

Then you’re going to need a list. There will be a series of things you need to do as part of this process and knowing what they are from the get-go can really help you. Writing out everything you need to do, what you need from others, people you want to hire, important dates, and various other important things can help. Then you have a clear picture of what you need to do.

3. Hire Professional Help

Something that can make this process as stress-free and seamless as possible is always going to be the option of hiring professional help. If you know that you’re going to be overwhelmed and feel stressed out during the move, getting a moving company to help you can be a great idea. You’ll find that they’ll do all of the heavy lifting for you, meaning you will have less to think about on the same day. You can also think about hiring a packing and unpacking company if this isn’t an option with your movers. It could save you the stress of packing too.

4. Be Organized With Packing

From here, you’re then going to want to make sure that you’re as organized as you can be when it comes to packing. It’s hard to know what to pack when – especially when you need to use a lot of the things in the weeks before you leave. Here, getting ahead and being organized with your packing will make such a huge difference. You want to ensure that you’ve got what you can packed away (particularly the things you won’t need) as early as possible, and have a plan for how and when you’ll do the rest!

5. Make Extra Meals

One of the things that can add to your feeling more prepared is having meals to turn too. Moving can be such a busy and chaotic time – and cooking isn’t really something that’s possible. Having snacks prepared and easy-to-grab lunches and breakfasts can help. When it comes to dinner, having make-ahead recipes in batches that you can heat up can feel like a life-saver! That way, when you’re spending days unpacking on end, you don’t have to worry about cooking – as everything is ready for you!

6. Rope in Extra Help

It’s always a great idea to see what help you can get here too! With all hands on deck, the moving day itself should feel like a breeze. Asking family and friends if they can be on hand to provide support will feel like you’re dealing with everything yourself. Whether it’s help with unpacking, keeping an eye on the children during the process, or just being there for moral support – being surrounded by people can make a huge difference. If you want to make the process manageable, avoid doing it all alone!

7. Manage Your Stress Levels

Finally, you have to make sure that you’re taking steps to keep yourself calm here too. Moving can certainly be one of the most stressful events we all experience in life – but if you can anticipate this, it helps. So think about ways to keep yourself calm. Contingency plans can really come in handy here. At the same time, knowing that you have things in place to help you, such as relaxing oils, meditation, and even planning to book into a hotel during the chaos of the move can help. It’s all about doing what you can to ensure everything goes as smoothly as it can.

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Too often, these days it’s way too easy to wake up with a grumpy cat attitude. You know, the one that says, “Nope, I am not in the mood for today.” But guess what? You don’t have to stay stuck in that emotional quicksand! Below are some simple, and possibly life-changing ways to lift your spirits without needing a magic genie lamp or a credit card meltdown.

1. Laugh Like Nobody’s Watching

Ever realize how giggling at a random meme or a cheesy TV sitcom can flip your frown into a half-smile? Laughter literally hijacks your brain’s stress response, flooding it with feel-good chemicals faster than you can say “double-chocolate brownie.” Try scheduling a daily 10-minute “laugh break” (yes, that’s a real thing). Whether it’s watching blooper reels on YouTube or scrolling through your favorite stand-up clips, let yourself crack up until you feel just a little bit ridiculous. Mission accomplished.

2. Soak Up Some Sunshine

Remember those times we were told to get outside and play? Well, our childhood had some brilliant ideas. Exposure to sunlight helps your body churn out vitamin D, which is basically happiness in vitamin form. This doesn’t mean you have to roast yourself for hours. A quick 15-minute stroll around your block or just a few minutes of mindful sipping of your morning coffee on the porch can give your mood a surprisingly easy boost.

3. Move It (Without Making It Weird)

Not a fan of burpees or any exercise that sounds like it was invented by someone with a grudge? Fear not! Dancing alone in your living room, power-walking with your dog, or even a quick stretch break can do wonders for your mental state. The aim isn’t to become the next fitness influencer; it’s just to get your blood pumping and your limbs reminding you that they can do more than scroll through social media.

4. The “Super” in Butea Superba

You’ve probably heard of various herbal mood enhancers, but have you met Butea Superba yet? This Thai plant is known for its energy-boosting, libido-lifting qualities—so basically, it’s like the wingman (or wing-plant?) for your mind and body. Used in traditional medicine, Butea Superba can potentially help with stamina and overall vitality. Definitely worth exploring if you’re hunting for a little pep in your step without gulping down your tenth cup of coffee.

5. Gratitude, Not Just a Platitude

Yes, the internet is stuffed with “gratitude journaling” advice, but don’t dismiss it as yet another self-help cliché. There’s something deliciously rebellious about finding things to be thankful for—especially when the world seems dedicated to raining on your parade. Not into journaling? Just say out loud three things you appreciate before you crash at night. It might feel corny, but you’ll thank yourself later (see what I did there?).

6. Embrace the Snooze Life

One of the sneakiest mood-boosters is quality shut-eye. Not sleeping enough can turn you into a caffeine-guzzling zombie with a short fuse. Aim for a solid 7-8 hours. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with a power nap. Just 20 minutes can feel like a mini brain vacation—without the TSA lines or questionable airplane snacks.

7. Veg Out (But Actually Eat Veggies)

There’s a reason health gurus won’t shut up about kale or spinach—they’re brimming with vitamins and minerals that your brain adores. Bonus: eating healthy won’t just make your body happy, it’ll make your wallet a little less miserable than ordering takeout every night. Plus, now you get to say “I’m basically a gardener of my own happiness.”

Boosting your Mood? Ask Mother Nature!

As parents, we cherish every little milestone our babies achieve, from their first smile to their first steps. One of the most frequently asked questions among new parents is, “When can babies start wearing shoes?” The journey to those first tiny shoes is exciting yet filled with uncertainty. Understanding when to introduce shoes and what to look for in a first pair can significantly affect your baby’s comfort and development.

Milestones in baby foot development

Initially, infants have soft, pliable feet composed primarily of cartilage. At this age, they don’t need shoes. However, at around the 3-month mark, a pair of winter booties for babies may help keep baby warm during the cooler months of the year. Around the 6-month, babies typically start kicking more energetically, signaling early muscle strengthening. By 8 to 10 months, many begin pulling themselves up to a standing position and cruising along furniture. These activities are indicators that your baby is preparing for walking. Observing milestones like standing unaided and taking those first steps can help you determine when to introduce shoes. Pay close attention to your baby’s foot shape and size during these stages, as rapid changes often occur.

The right time to start using shoes

The ideal time for introducing shoes generally falls between 10 to 18 months, aligning with when most babies begin to walk. It’s crucial to evaluate the specific circumstances of your baby’s activities. Protective footwear becomes necessary if your child often walks outside, especially if the ground is uneven or cold. Being barefoot is preferred to foster better balance and muscle strength inside the house. When shoes are needed, opt for flexible and soft-soled ones to avoid restricting natural foot movements. Always consider your baby’s comfort and the specific environments they navigate, ensuring their first experiences with shoes are positive.

Selecting the best first shoes for your baby

Choosing the right first shoes is vital for your baby’s foot health and comfort. Look for shoes with a flexible sole made from breathable materials like leather or cloth. These materials allow air circulation, reducing the chance of sweaty feet and potential discomfort. The shoes should be lightweight to avoid straining your baby’s legs and spacious enough to let their toes move freely, promoting natural foot development.

Velcro fasteners are a practical choice as they are easy to adjust and secure, making putting on and taking off shoes quicker and less stressful. Opt for shoes that are easy to put on but difficult for the baby to remove independently. This ensures they stay on during active play.

Avoid purchasing shoes that are too tight, as they can restrict blood flow and proper foot development. Conversely, shoes that are too loose can cause instability, increasing the risk of trips and falls. Ensure there’s about half an inch of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe to accommodate growth and movement.

Be mindful of the shoe’s design. A soft and cushioned interior can prevent blisters and irritation, especially as your baby becomes more active. Rounded toes provide extra space and reduce the likelihood of discomfort. Additionally, check the shoe’s flexibility by bending it in your hands; it should easily bend at the football but still provide enough support for walking.

Measure your baby’s feet regularly to account for growth spurts, and replace shoes as needed. Remember, the right pair of shoes can significantly impact your baby’s walking experience, supporting comfort and natural movement.

Guidelines for safe and comfortable shoe use

A proper fit is essential for your baby’s comfort and safety. Measure your baby’s feet every few months as their feet grow quickly. Shoes should be about half an inch longer than the longest toe and wide enough to let toes wiggle. Once your baby starts wearing shoes, give them time to adjust by letting them wear them indoors for short periods before venturing outside. Encourage your baby to walk on different surfaces to help them get used to their new footwear, making the transition smoother.

It’s also important to check the fit regularly, especially during growth spurts. Inspect your baby’s feet for any signs of redness or pressure marks, which can indicate that the shoes are too tight. If you notice any discomfort or unusual walking patterns, consider reassessing the fit and style of the shoes.

Rotate between different pairs of shoes to ensure even wear and prevent any one pair from becoming too tight too quickly. Keep the shoes clean and dry, as damp shoes can cause irritation and even infections. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as worn-out soles or frayed materials, and replace the shoes promptly to maintain adequate support and protection.

Remember to listen to your baby’s cues. It might be time to reassess the fit and comfort if they seem unusually fussy or reluctant to wear their shoes.

Selecting the right time and shoes for your baby can significantly impact their comfort and developmental milestones. Prioritizing your baby’s comfort and safety will help them confidently explore their world, fostering healthy foot development.

Moving is rarely a fun or easy thing to do, but when it comes to helping elderly loved ones do it, the process can feel especially difficult – it’s emotional and overwhelming a lot of the time. That’s because it’s not just a question of packing boxes, it’s about someone leaving a home behind that’s filled with memories and adjusting to a new environment – plus all the little (but important) details in between. But you can help massively during this time, and ensure that the move, no matter why it’s happening, is a positive experience all around. With that in mind, here are some tips on how to make moving less stressful for elderly loved ones. Read on to find out more. 

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto

Start Early And Take It Slow 

One of the biggest mistakes people make when they’re helping older loved ones move home is rushing the process – that’s just going to make it all seem a lot more stressful than it needs to be. Instead, take your time and start planning well in advance so you can avoid all the last-minute chaos you’d otherwise have to deal with – no one wants that, and it’s totally unnecessary anyway. 

Another good idea is to break all the tasks down into manageable chunks, so instead of trying to pack up the entire house over the course of one weekend, just tackle one room at a time. That not only makes things easier logistically, but it’s also an excellent way to ensure your loved ones are able to process the changes slowly but surely rather than all at once. 

Involve Them In Decision-Making

One of the reasons that moving isn’t something most people enjoy, even if the outcome is an exciting and positive one, is that they feel out of control, and that can be especially true for older people who might already feel as though other areas of their lives and independence are disappearing anyway. That’s why you’ll need to involve them in decisions about what to keep, what to donate, what to throw away, and so on – it’s sure to help. 

True, it’s always going to be tempting to just jump in and take over, but remember, just because you can’t see the value in something, that doesn’t mean it’s not there, and the reality is that every object has a story, so be patient and let your loved one make their own choices because, in the end, it’s not your place to do it. 

Plan For Comfort On Moving Day

Moving day can be hectic, as you’ll probably know – it’s busy and frantic and there’s a lot going on all at once. However, whatever else is happening, the priority should be keeping your loved one comfortable and stress-free because that’s better for everyone. It’s important to find a quiet, comfortable spot for them where they can relax while the rest of the move takes place, and that could be in the house, in the backyard if the weather is nice enough, or perhaps with a family member or friend, depending on how much has to be done and how much space there is. 

If the older person is moving to senior living, it’s wise to take them to visit their new place ahead of time, just to familiarize themselves with it – especially if it’s been a while since they were there. That will help to ease any anxiety, especially if they get to meet their new neighbors and any staff on site, and just this small thing could be what turns a stressful move into a happier, exciting one. 

Downsize Carefully

Downsizing is often part of the process, but it can be difficult and it’s always going to take a toll on your emotions – and the emotions of your elderly loved one. As we’ve said, items that just look like rubbish or clutter to you might have the deepest of sentimental value to them, and the last thing you’ll want to do is harm anything or throw out things that mean a lot. 

This is a job to do together if at all possible, and it’s a job that’s going to take time (as it should). Talk about the items and get the history behind them – some will be family heirlooms, or perhaps there are photos of people you don’t know but who are very special to your family member, and so on. And if things really won’t have space in the new place, something that might work is to take photos and make a book of them all – even if the physical item isn’t around anymore, the photos might be a good alternative. Or what about a keepsake box?