Clutter isn’t only annoying – it’s been proven to have a negative effect on mental health and can also add to additional stress. Clutter is a bit like a magnet, drawing more and more mess to it, until one day your home looks as though it’s been adopted by a hoarder. As a parent with kids running around (both teenagers and small) you quickly realise that if you don’t have a plan to nip clutter in the bud, you are going to end up drowning in mess.

Here are five simple tips to help get you started and on your way to a calm and clutter-free home.

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Treat your items as if you were a stranger to them

While it sounds like a simple concept, it’s actually pretty challenging, even for most adults. Studies have shown that we have emotional attachments to many of the objects that we have in our homes, particularly those that are in some way related to our self worth or are related to unique and meaningful memories. 

If you are serious about decluttering your home, then it’s best to approach the items in your house as if you were a stranger, preceding any emotional attachments that you might have. If you find that you are struggling with this, invite a friend over and ask them to help you with their emotionally unattached eyes!

Sort out what you want vs what you actually need 

Our current culture is so focused on material items and constantly having more and more that it takes some work to shift this mindset and come to terms with the fact that we probably don’t even need half of the things that we have in our homes. They are nice to have, sure, but do we really need them? 

Try to look to minimalism to help you through the process, which is more about being mindful of our shopping habits and leaving us only with the things that bring us joy.

When going through the different rooms in your house, you need to decide if an item is really needed and is it actually loved or enjoyed, or if it’s just there for the sake of it. Depending on what it is, maybe it could be donated where it can find a new home and bring a need and joy to someone else.

Include the things outside your home 

A cluttered house first starts outside of the home. A cluttered garden, shed or garage is often the gateway to a messy interior further down the line, so try and nip it in the bud as soon as possible to save you a headache later on. Ask yourself questions such as, how often will I use this? And, will I have enough space to store it? If you find yourself with bigger outdoor items that you do not have the storage for and need, such as lawnmowers, paddling pools, specific garden equipment etc. it might be worth looking into extra storage solutions. This will make your life easier and outdoor space neater!

Everything needs a home 

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Leaving items out makes the home look very cluttered – even if it’s just visually. Every single thing that is in your house should ideally have a home and somewhere to live. If this isn’t a cupboard or a drawer and you are sure you want to keep this item, then think about investing in some new containers. Use clear, white or wicker containers to make your space look crisp and clean, while also brightening it. Organise these by size and also make sure to have containers which are larger and visually heavier, closer to the ground, while placing smaller ones higher up. This results in a more unified and visually gratifying look and feel to your rooms. Remember to be cutthroat – if you find that you are struggling to make a home for something, then it has to go. 

Remember to make sure that your storage is organising the things that you love and need, rather than being a quick fix for items that don’t really belong in your home anymore.

When it comes to shopping 

Before you even go to the shops, really think about what you need and make a shopping list before going out. Make sure to stick to it when shopping, and only purchase the items on your list as these are the ones that are needed.

Remember that just because something is on sale or on offer that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to buy it, especially if you have absolutely no need for the item. Lastly, be smart and avoid your trigger shops where you know that you will be tempted to make impulse purchases that you might later regret.

If you’re a busy mother, the last thing on your mind might be to go back to school. Unfortunately, a lot of parents simply give up on their dreams in order to focus on raising a family. While raising your children is one of the most important jobs that you’ll ever have, you also need to work on securing your financial future. This can only be done if you have a solid education behind you. By going back to college and earning a degree, you’ll open up an array of possibilities in terms of both income and career opportunities.

Look for Night Classes

If you are in charge of caring for your young children during the day, you won’t necessarily have time to attend a local college class. Sure, you can put them into a daycare system, but this is sometimes more expensive than it’s worth. There are plenty of nighttime classes specific for busy working people. You can sign up on the college’s website itself or by contacting their main office. These courses are sometimes cheaper and more affordable as well, And before you know it, you’ll have secured a bachelor degree singapore.

Take a Course Online

There is nothing more convenient than doing your schooling on the internet. You don’t always have to attend a local university just to be able to reach your career goals. Online college courses and certification courses are readily available for a number of different fields and industries. It’s up to you whether you want to continue where you left off or learn something new that could help you follow your passions and earn money while doing it. For example, if you are an artist or would like to branch out into blogging, take courses that teach you how to monetize it and how to market to a broader audience by collaborating with an SEO Service provider or other experts. What’s more, you can study while staying at home with the kids, so it won’t be a burden to your schedule. Put what you’ve learned into practice and who knows, someday you might just become a mom who is also an entrepreneur!

Consider Student Loans

One of the main reasons so many mothers give up on going back to school is because of the costs involved. College is expensive and the tuition and textbook fees can be a real issue if you’re already living on a budget. Thankfully, student loans can help to pay for just about every aspect involved with going to college. You can apply for the loan and be approved in a short period of time. You can apply for the loan without the need of a cosigner and be approved in a short period of time. You typically won’t need to pay the loan back until you actually graduate.

Apply for Grants

Grants essentially provide money to students who need financial assistance when paying university fees. For a busy, active mom looking to get her degree, you are eligible for a range of different grants. In order to be approved for these funds, you’ll need to start writing to different organizations and institutions. Grant writing is a skill in and of itself, but if you’re approved, you won’t need to worry about finding a way to pay for your classes on your own.

Take Your Time

There is absolutely no rush when it comes to getting a degree and beginning the journey to higher education. Sure, college kids who just graduated from high school can devote their whole lives on their schooling, but as a busy mom, it might take you a bit longer to earn your degree. Don’t put pressure on yourself to finish classes within months just so that you can be done with them. If it takes a few years to get to where you want to be, you’re still moving in the right direction.

If you’re counting the days until Mother’s Day, you’ve probably started to realize that self-isolation can affect your plans. Indeed, it’s become evident that things are not going back to normal any time soon. For families, this means having to celebrate Mother’s Day separately. However, if you can’t get to your mom for the day, you can still find ways of reaching out to her. Now’s the best time to get creative. Here are some ideas to get you started and spread some joy on Mother’s Day 2020. It’s certainly going to be a memorable experience for everyone, so let’s make the most of it while we can.

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A unique gift that says I love you

Unfortunately, you can’t invite everyone at home and plan a BBQ party in the garden for your mom and the family. But don’t let it stop you from finding exquisite Mother Day’s presents. If you are a talented crafter, seize the opportunity to create a piece with your children. A family painting of a rainbow, along with a few thoughtful words is easy to send via the post. If you are not confident in your skills, why not look for presents that can be customized with her name, such as these personalized Mother’s Day shirts? Simple things, such as a handwritten letter, can also say a lot. Did you know that stationery sales have exploded during the lockdown? When was the last time you sent your mom a letter of appreciation?

Have a zoom meeting

Just because you can’t be together in the same room doesn’t mean you can’t share a meal. You can invite your mom to a Zoom meal with the family, provided you both have the required tools like a center screen webcam and headphones with a mic to be able to see and hear each other clearly. Zoom, a smart video conferencing solution, allows several participants to join the same meeting so that you can still have a family reunion. A few tips to make it work, though: You can decorate your background wall with colorful artworks and fresh flowers. It will make the video meeting more appealing. Besides, it’s the occasion to create a lovely display that everyone can enjoy just as if they were in the room with you.

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Every mom deserves a cake

You can’t cook your mom’s favorite meal for the day. But you can still surprise her with a sweet delivery. A lot of independent bakery businesses remain open to take orders. Having a delicious cake delivered to your mother is a lovely gesture that is guaranteed to make her smile. You can also have a look for chocolate artisans, as many are offering a small menu of their bestselling items. On the one hand, you’re helping businesses to survive the lockdown. On the other, you’re celebrating Mother Day’s with a delicious treat!

Plan for after

According to the latest news, we can expect a coronavirus vaccine to be ready within a year. However, scientists worldwide are working together to design antibody tests that can help speed up the end of self-isolation. As such, it’s not too early to start planning your first family reunion post quarantine. You could discuss with your mom what she would like to do with you when everything is over.

The bottom line is that we need to be creative to stay together despite geographical differences. While being in quarantine makes it hard to meet face-to-face, it doesn’t have to stop you from planning a wonderful Mother’s Day for your family. Be creative, be inspired, and, above all, bring joy to those you love!

Do you ever worry about being caught up in a car accident? It’s a perfectly rational fear to have, even for those who drive diligently and with their eyes on the road at all times. However, while you can control your own actions on the road, the same can’t be said for those who choose to drive recklessly, under the influence, or distracted behind the wheel.

Thousands of people fall victim to car accidents each year and when those accidents aren’t their fault, it can turn their lives upside down in an instant. Click the link for views of a Dallas accident lawyer.

In terms of the vehicle itself, some come out of an accident better than others and if you do end up in an accident then it is worth using things like Crash repair services to try and reduce the cost or difficulties that come with switching over vehicles. However, of course, this depends on the severity of the crash.

So, is there anything you can do to try and minimize the probability of you being involved in a crash? Here we’ll look at some simple driving tips that will hopefully keep you safe on the road.

Don’t drink and drive

“Been out and had a drink after work? Or enjoyed a nice meal with your loved one? If you’ve enjoyed a drink that’s fine, but don’t get behind the wheel,” says an experienced boise car accident lawyer. Not only are you putting your life in danger, but you’re endangering the lives of other motorists and pedestrians. If you’ve had a drink, don’t drive.

You should also know that if you are drunk and yet you choose to drive, and you get caught, then you are likely to be charged with a regular DUI, extreme DUI or super extreme DUI depending on your blood alcohol concentration. This would be a serious charge and you would then need an experienced DUI attorney (like those at Salwin Law Group) to represent your best interest in court.

Don’t allow yourself to become distracted

The kids arguing in the back seat, an engrossing podcast or loud music, and what about that new notification you’ve just received on your phone. All of these things sound perfectly normal but combined with driving and they’re a recipe for disaster. Don’t allow yourself to become distracted or take your eyes off the road for a moment, all it takes is a second for things to change on the road.

Stick to the speed limit

Always be aware of the speed limit in the area you’re driving in. Especially if you’re heading into a built-up area. And even if you’re running late, you should always stick with the speed limit. Speeding and rash driving can be extremely dangerous; you could miss a vehicle coming your way and end up in a major car accident. In the worst-case scenario, someone could end up dying. Now, can you go to jail for accidentally killing someone, I am not sure; but either way, no one would want to be in such a situation, especially since it could have been avoided so easily.

Keep your cool

Just because there’s an impatient driver behind you or someone who is trying to engage you in aggressive driving behaviours, it doesn’t mean you should risk your life. Keep your cool and don’t let any aggressive behaviour get to you. If you need to call the police, pull over to do so. In case of an accident with another driver, contact an injury lawyer (to know know more, you could check firms like Grillo Law) for guidance on what to do next.

Never assume

Just because someone has their indicator on, you shouldn’t assume that they’re going to turn, wait until you’re sure before you move on. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

And its another day in the house. It’s the same every day. Sigh.

Dorothy had a break down yesterday and it broke my heart. I was downstairs and she was upstairs with her dad in the office. I heard her shout, “I just want to be at school. I don’t want to be around you all the time!” Then she burst into tears. I ran upstairs to hold her. I couldn’t agree more with her. We are so tired of this. All of us. We are surviving but we miss the freedom of being out of the house. Being with friends. Doing anything not together. We all love each other and are really getting along so well, but we are needing a break from each other too.

I keep wondering when things will “open” back up again. When we can go to a store for fun. When we can go to a public park. When we can go to the library again. When we can get a hair cut (James and Max’s hair is getting pretty wild). Trump claims he wants us to open up soon and fast but that seems foolish and unsafe to me (and to the medical community). So to make our spirits go up we talk every day as a family about all the places we want to go to and things we want to do when this all passes. We chat about LEGOland, Great Wolf Lodge, Cedar Point, visiting my family in Illinois. Things that put us in close proximity to other people… I am hoping we get to be in social settings this summer. I really hope so.

Will life ever be the same again? Probably not. I will most likely always worry about not having enough toilet paper. I will probably always have frozen loafs of bread, extra canned and boxed goods. I will have extra hand soaps. Will I always have the threat of a global pandemic in the background of my daily thoughts?

James and I are still doing puzzles. Kids are still Zoom (video app) with their teachers. I cook some days, but we prefer to order out. I think it also has to do with the chance to be out of the house and drive something that is really appealing.

I now school the kids everyday. We are getting into a groove now so that is making them fight it less. I try to get organized on Sundays and set up my plan for the week. Dorothy’s getting far less difficult work than Max. This has to be the public vs private standards. Max has a research project to do and to make a Google PowerPoint presentation on Jackson Pollack the artist. In kindergarten…..kindergarten. I started to have a panic attack while watching the 20 min video from his teacher. I then told James this is something I am punting to him. I cannot manage this project, not mentally at least. He agreed, of course.

The internet connection keeps dropping. It is not a connectivity issue, its a DNS issue. James talked to our provider on the phone today. Obviously we know more than the guy on the phone.  I hope this resolves fast because when the internet drops we cannot get the school work done and that is super annoying. I aim to get all the schoolwork done before lunch. It happens some days and other it does not.

My weekly and monthly bible studies are now via conference call. It was interesting to be on the phone at my own home instead of at someones home. I miss my friends. I miss seeing them face to face. I am very grateful we have the technology to stay in touch. Facetime, Zoom, Google chats, Marco Polo and other apps help keep us all connected and able to “see” each other.

This past Sunday was Easter. We stayed inside all day. I did eggs and baskets and the kids were very happy and appreciative of their new soils. We dyed 2 dozen eggs and played with their new toys. It was a very nice slow paced Easter. While I missed seeing my family and doing the traditions which we always do on Easter Sunday, I was happy to relax and not worry about driving all over the place trying to see different families. I ended up ordering from Boston Market. It was actually really good and using paper plates made it the best to clean up afterword.

Our babysitters live in our neighborhood and are the sweetest girls ever. They hid Easter eggs in their yard and baskets for my kids! We tried to social distance but ended up standing closer than 6 feet at times. We never touched and were outside… This was the first interaction my kids had with someone outside of our home in over a month. My kids have not left our home/neighborhood in a month. Over a month. This special outing and out pouring of love was beyond amazing. We are so blessed to have such a great family in our lives.

Going to stores and public places is very different. Very different. Giant Eagle now has one way exits and entry doors. You have to go in one place and go out the other side. There are signs and tape on the floor showing where the 6 foot distances are. The deli counter now has a small table next to it. You no longer can reach over the counter and grab your bag of sliced turkey breast. You have to allow them to place the bag on the table and then you can walk up to the table and get your items. There are arrows showing which was is the “in” way to and aisle and which is the “wrong way”. No one was paying attention to those signs and that flustered me. I am trying to practice the correct social distancing which was put in place and others seem to not care. Some people are now wearing homemade masks. I made myself a mask from a pair of old Lularoe leggings. It works well for me for the time being.

Some people, like my brother and sister-in-law, are cleaning their groceries that get delivered. They just had a new baby (CJ) and are doing all the extra measures to keep safe from the virus. They put the bags on large towels. They wipe every items down and take anything out of the box or container that they can. Literally washing their cans and  boxes. This is the world we are living in.

Most days we all are on your cell phones and iPads. Clicking around on apps and websites. People are making Meme’s (images with words) and sharing them. I will post a few of my favorites here.

Our bodies are finely tuned machines capable of doing some incredible things. At our most fundamental level – our musculoskeletal level – we’re held together by a network of muscle, tendons and joints and this is where the world of orthopedics exists. Let’s have a quick look at some of the common orthopedic conditions and how to notice them early on, so you can avoid exacerbating these injuries.

Treatment Basics for Orthopedic Conditions

Orthopaedic conditions and treatments of orthopaedic conditions will usually start with an x-ray or MRI to determine the extent of the damage or issue and inform your orthopaedic doctor on how best to treat your specific condition. This might be as simple as rest, stretching and physical therapy, or wearing an elbow sleeve for tennis elbow, for instance. If it is more serious, it might also involve a surgical intervention to correct. Orthopaedic conditions and treatments of orthopaedic conditions will usually start with an x-ray or a private MRI scan to determine the extent of the damage.

Back Pain

Your back quite literally supports your entire upper body and as such is also susceptible to strain and is a common complaint of pain in the body. Usually, back pain is associated with abnormalities, inflammation or damage to the tissues, nerves, discs or vertebrae that make up the spine. The list of specific injuries that might cause back pain is long and extensive and you can learn more at Yale Medicine to see what they entail. The most common include pinched or compressed nerves, bone spurs and inflamed or damaged discs.

Back pain can be very limiting and depending on the severity usually requires medical intervention to return to a normal way of life. Visiting a chiropractor like this Fakhoury Medical and Chiropractic practice can help with spinal pain, whilst visiting a masseuse can relieve muscle pain.

Foot Pain

We spend a lot of time and put a lot of strain on our ankles and feet, so it’s no surprise that orthopedic conditions involving the foot are quite common. These might include physical injuries and conditions like fractures, sprains and strains that are caused by physically damaging your foot through sports, exercise, or accidents, but there are also more latent issues to be aware of. Arthritis, for example, can affect your feet just as it can your hands, and chronic inflammation problems like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis might also see you seeking the help of an orthopedic specialist.

Hand and Wrist Pain

When it comes to our musculoskeletal system, another common area of complaint is hands and wrists. The most common condition associated with the hands, particularly as we age, is arthritis, but it’s not the only orthopedic condition that may cause hand or wrist issues. Arthritis is a serious condition that needs to be monitored by an Arthritis Specialist if you have any symptoms. If you’re ever unsure or worried about a pain in your hand/wrist, speak to a doctor.

However, there are other serious hand and wrist injuries too. Office workers and those who work long hours on a keyboard might suffer from conditions like repetitive strain injury or carpal tunnel syndrome, both of which are severe disorders. These issues might eventually end up needing surgery to correct. There are also many tendons in the hands that make them susceptible to conditions like tendonitis.

Additionally, with the growing popularity of gaming, as a hobby and career, gamers can also confront severe injuries related to hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Some of the common gaming injuries seen are sore joints, hands sensitivity, torn and inflamed tendons and ligaments in thumb as well as in wrist, etc.

There are a good number of different musculoskeletal conditions that you might encounter in your lifetime and each pose different challenges and treatment options. While there is a host of information online that you can use to help you, nothing will ever beat the expertise and experience of a healthcare professional.

Gingivitis is a very common health problem and if it is not treated properly, it can lead to infections and even tooth loss. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that is usually caused by poor dental hygiene. The early symptoms include sore or red gums, bad breath, and bleeding when brushing. If you have gingivitis, it can make you feel very self conscious, especially if it causes bad breath. If the problem gets worse, gaps can form between the gums and teeth and you may eventually lose some of your teeth if it gets particularly bad. The good news is, there are plenty of simple things that you can do to prevent gingivitis before it becomes a problem. And if you need professional help, you could consider this Dentist in Arlington for oral treatment solutions or similar others in your area.

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Good Oral Hygiene

Gingivitis occurs when bacteria and plaque turn to tartar and cause infections in your gums. The easiest way to stop this from happening is to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Make sure that you are brushing properly, and use an electric toothbrush if possible.

You also need to floss daily and use mouthwash to reach the areas that you can’t get with brushing. This should stop the buildup of bacteria and prevent any infections. You need to make sure that you are seeing a dentist at Comprehensive Family Dental or a similar clinic on a regular basis as well. They might be able to tell if you are at risk of developing severe tooth wear or gum diseases like gingivitis and give you advice on how to stop it before it becomes a big issue.

Fix Crooked Teeth

It is much more difficult to keep your teeth clean if they are misaligned. Even when you floss between your teeth and use mouthwash, plaque and bacteria are much more likely to accumulate there and are much more difficult to remove. This is why it’s crucial that you receive orthodontic treatment from a dentist at a facility like DeFabio Dental Design. Many adults put off having their teeth straightened because they fear having to wear braces for a long time and feeling self-conscious.

But there are some great new dental health technologies that can fix crooked teeth in no time at all. If you opt for Fastbraces, you will not be wearing them for years, it will be more like days, so there is no need to worry about it. Once your teeth are straight again, your smile will look so much better and it will be a lot easier to maintain oral hygiene and avoid gingivitis.

Cut Back On Sugar

Everybody already knows that sugar is bad for your teeth, but if you are concerned about gingivitis, it is so important that you limit your intake. Sugar causes a lot of plaque to build up on your teeth and even if you have a good oral hygiene routine, eating a lot of sugar massively increases your chances of developing gingivitis.

Make sure to cut out all of the sugary foods that you eat, and always check the labels when you are shopping because there are a lot of foods with hidden sugar in them. Reducing your sugar intake will improve your overall health and help to protect your teeth at the same time.

Gingivitis can do a lot of damage to your teeth and gums but it is easily avoided if you follow these simple tips.

It’s so hard to live a healthy lifestyle because there is a lot of conflicting information out there. There are so many different fad diets out there and they all claim to hold the key to good health. Unfortunately, a lot of them don’t work and some could even harm your health. So, how are you supposed to stay healthy? 

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Even though it is tough to know what you should do, there are a few key changes that you can make that will definitely improve your health, and cutting out sugar is a big one. There is refined sugar in so many foods, and you may not realize just how much sugar is in your diet. It has a lot of negative impacts on your health, and cutting it out is one of the best things that you can do for your health. These are just some of the reasons why you should avoid sugar if you want to be healthier. 

Managing Insulin Levels  

When you eat sugar, your body releases more insulin to process it. The problem is, insulin signals to your body that it needs to start storing fat, so eating a lot of sugar will cause you to gain weight. Over time, your body can become resistant to insulin if you are eating a lot of sugar, and that is how you develop diabetes. It is vital that your body is able to manage insulin levels properly, and eating too much sugar makes that impossible. If you develop diabetes as a result of too much sugar, it can cause other health issues, like poor eyesight, for example. 

Improving Dental Health 

Everybody knows that sugar is bad for your teeth, but the problem is, we often don’t realize that we are eating sugar. Things like fruit juices, for example, have a lot of sugar in them, so even if you think that you are being healthy, you may still end up with dental emergencies as a result of your sugar intake. Before you buy anything, it is important that you check the label to see whether it has a lot of added sugar or not. You also need to maintain a good dental hygiene routine to stop plaque and bacteria from forming and causing damage to your teeth. 

Boosting Your Immune System 

Your immune system is your body’s defense mechanism that fights off illness and keeps you healthy. But did you know that eating a lot of sugar can actually damage your immune system? After consuming sugar, the efficiency of your white blood cells is lowered for a few hours, and your immune system is compromised. If you are eating a lot of sugar, that means that your immune system is never working as it should. If you notice that you are always getting sick and it takes you a long time to fight off illnesses, it could be down to your sugar intake. 

These are just some of the reasons why cutting out sugar is the best thing you can do for your health. 

You want your kids to grow up being as healthy as possible. Unfortunately, they don’t really know much about life at all. In fact, most of what they learn comes from listening to and following you. As such, they’re guilty of some bad habits that you probably used to be guilty of when you were little. Thankfully, you learned that these habits are bad, and you can teach your kids to steer clear of them. 

Keeping that in mind, here are a few rules to drill into your kids:

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Don’t sit too close to the TV

This is a classic one, but it’s so important. Sitting too close to the TV can cause all sorts of issues for your child that impact their life forever. Mainly, they can damage their eyesight forever. A lot of young children need permanent glasses because they have too much TV time and spend too long sitting close to the screen. Get them to move back to a safe distance to protect their eye health and keep their vision in check. Also, sitting too close can lead to hearing loss in young kids as they’re in close proximity to the loud speakers of the TV. 

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Don’t put cotton buds in your ears

So many children will see cotton buds lying around the bathroom and start using them however they like. Normally, this means putting them in their mouth, nose, or ears. It’s the latter of the three orifices that’s the real problem here. Kids may try and clean their ears using cotton buds, but this is dangerous. It can push wax deeper into the ear canal, and the buds themselves can poke the eardrum and cause all manner of issues. Some children have permanently damaged their ears by doing this, leading to them wearing hearing aids from a very young age. Plus, putting things in their ears can cause infections as well. Get them to stop doing this to protect their hearing health. 

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Brush your teeth every morning and night

It’s quite shameful that the majority of children in hospitals are there for dental reasons. Too many kids are having teeth extracted because they’ve become filled with cavities. The number of child fillings is on the rise as well – it’s a serious problem! Kids aren’t looking after their oral health, and this stems from not brushing their teeth every day. Force your children to brush their teeth in the morning, preferably 15-30 minutes after eating breakfast. Then, most importantly, make them brush in the evening right before bed. The evening brush is essential to ensure that any sugar or food particles are removed after a long day of eating. This keeps their mouths healthy, avoiding a host of oral health problems that can turn into general health problems. Be sure to also get your teeth troubles sorted at Boynton and go for regular check-ups.

Start teaching these rules to your children if you want them to remain healthier. Obviously, you’re in charge of other aspects of their health – like making sure they eat good foods and cut down on sugar. Still, these rules are ones that they can learn from a young age and stick to throughout life. 

Today is April 1st. A day usually filled with pranks and silliness.

I cannot bring myself to prank my family.  While we are trying to live life and carry on, being a jokster today feels off. I feel sad today instead. I saw a ‘meme’ image on Facebook. One suggesting parents trick their kids and tell them they get to go back to school today. That would be so cruel in my opinion. These kids are dying to see their friends. To be in the same room as them even. It would be beyond sad to me to see them crushed by the reality of their current situation.  So I am choosing to not mention that it is April fools day.

On a good note I have been really joyful about cuddling my kids. They are 6 and 7 years old. My 6 year old will still sit with me. I think he knows his feelings are intensified too. He is willingly sitting on my lap, wrapping his fingers around mine, and pulling my arms into a tight hug around him. I think he feels safe and happy as he is craving this physical attention. We are trying to sit as a family at night and watch a TV show or movie together.

While we are all in the same house it feels like we are always together but at the same time living very separate lives. My husband is working in the office. I am teaching the kids and getting them on Zoom calls with their teachers and classmates. We are in the same house but all living differently. I am not doing life how I would normally. There are people always around me and now cleaning seems like there is never a good time to do it. My schedule and routines are all messed up. I am not joyful about that.

How can I be so happy and unhappy at the same time? My emotions are truly getting the best of me today. I love being with my kids. Seeing them play and laugh. I love being around my husband so much. He is usually at work for 10 or more hours per day. I am seeing them but loosing myself. I cannot believe how bad I am craving to be alone. I love being around people. I was never at home. I was always out running errands, hanging out with people, going to museums and libraries. I am overstimulated by being around the ones I love the most.

In an attempt to bring some joy I have started a Easter Egg Hunt for my town. My kids and I made some construction paper Easter eggs to hang in our windows. I made a Facebook post telling the parents of my town to please do the same. Then, we can drive our kids around the town looking for the eggs, a social distancing Easter egg hunt.  I got the word out to my daughters elementary school principle to share it on a bigger scale. I really hope this brings joy to our community this Easter. I love Easter. The true story of Jesus resurrection. The gift he gives to His children of eternal life.