Category: Article

Getting Started With Investments: A Guide For Parents

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It is a well-established fact that raising a child is expensive, so it makes sense that most parents tend to focus their financial thoughts on the here-and-now when they first choose to have children. However, over time, many parents begin to think about their future finances too, with concerns over the need to fund college courses and property down payments in future slowly becoming all the more pressing while also trying to set up their retirement.

If you have previously been focusing on present-day financial matters, turning your thoughts to the future can initially seem overwhelming, especially given the massive variety of available investment opportunities. This is why many couples go to financial advisers middlesbrough so they have help on planning their investments and savings. They know their money is safer if they get advice from a professional rather than trying to do it themselves. In an effort to provide a little clarity, below, we have detailed the types of investments that you may wish to consider…

Peer-to-peer lending

Peer-to-peer lending is a relatively new innovation, but one that has enjoyed increasing popularity over recent years. The idea is simple: you, via an intermediary, lend money to another person; hence “peer”. The person you lend to will then pay back that loan, along with interest; the rate of which is usually higher than that offered by standard savings accounts. The idea is that everyone benefits: applicants can access the funds they require far more quickly than they can through conventional lending methods, and you – as a lender – receive a good return on your investment.

When all goes smoothly, peer-to-peer lending works exactly as described, and both you and the person you loan to can enjoy the benefits of this innovative practice. However, the downside is that the process doesn’t always go smoothly, which can mean that your funds are never returned – the platforms that facilitate peer-to-peer lending do not usually take responsibility if your funds are not repaid, nor are there any government protections in place. Due to this risk, it’s usually best to only turn to this form of lending for relatively small amounts, to thoroughly research peer-to-peer companies and only opt to use platforms that do all they can to ensure their applicants are able to repay.

Stocks

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When people hear the word “investment”, nine times out of ten they will immediately imagine the stock market – and then immediately cringe. Most of us know that the stock market is inherently volatile, and there’s every chance that you might lose a significant amount of money, so why would we even suggest it?

Quite simply, because it works, and the returns can be far higher than you would see with a conventional savings account. While the stock market can crash, and substantial sums can be lost, there are ways and means of preventing your entire savings going up in smoke – primarily through diversification. When you are looking to safeguard your portfolio try investing in the best dividend stocks. It is a combination of the fruits of capital gains and regular income payments.

However, it’s important to note that investing in stocks is every bit as tricky as you have heard, so you will likely need the assistance of an experienced expert in order to protect your investment and see good returns. While it is possible to take a DIY route, this adds extra volatility and risk to an already-risky proposition, so it’s best to play it safe and seek the advice of the experts (click here for more information).

Overseas real estate investment

Overseas real estate investment enjoys similar benefits to domestic property investments, such as good rates of return and a relatively low risk profile, but a few added bonuses. For one thing, local property tends to be expensive; in contrast, overseas properties can be far more reasonable, which helps to ensure you get the most bang for your buck, so to speak. Secondly, any property you buy overseas can also function as a vacation home for your family for a few weeks each year, which could save you a small fortune on holiday costs. Last but not least, when you’re not staying, you can let the property to other travelers – a choice that can often be far easier to manage, and cause less stress, than earning an income from long-term tenants. If you’re looking to invest in real estate investment in Australia (for example, Warrnambool), you could invest in apartments or hotels warrnambool so that you could enjoy your vacation and also, get revenue out of it when you’re not in the city.

Most first-time overseas investors will find the process simpler if they choose an English-speaking country; so Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are worth considering, with the opportunities available in Singapore via a resale HDB portal also potentially lucrative. It’s worth noting that the UK would once have been on the list of countries you could potentially invest in, but unfortunately, the uncertainty of Brexit makes it less favorable, so it’s best to focus on the English-speaking countries who are enjoying more settled times.

Passive income investments

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In their simplest form, investing involves using a sum of money in order to achieve a financial return. As a result, investing does not necessarily mean putting money into something separate and external; it can mean investing in your own small business. The result of doing so will largely be the same: you pay a certain amount of money and receive profits in return.

If you’re not looking to actively start a business, then investing in the establishment of a passive income stream is likely to be the best choice. The idea of a passive income is relatively straightforward: an income that you receive with little to no regular effort. Check out click bank affiliate marketing as a form of income. While you may have to create the source of the income, when it’s set up and in place you should be able to look forward to a continual rate of returns – which makes investing in establishing a passive income form an unusual, but viable, type of investment.

There are a number of different types of passive income to choose from, with affiliate marketing perhaps the most common choice. You’ll then need to spend some time getting your chosen passive income stream up and running, which can be time-consuming, but most investments require some form of time dedication either in terms of research or searching for the right opportunity. After this initial setup period, however, you should be able to look forward to a continual income with minimal extra effort required on your part. An unconventional form of investment, but one that could well work for you.

Money market or investment accounts

Money market and investment accounts have enjoyed continued popularity and, upon inspection, it’s easy to see why. This type of account tends to earn higher interest than a standard savings account, are easy to access, and most accounts are FDIC-insured. There are many banks providing different kinds of accounts for investment purposes, with some you can even choose where the investment goes. For example, if you are interested in the environment you could Make sure your money is invested in sustainable businesses with Atmos Financial.

The one issue with money market accounts is that you’ll usually need a decent amount of money to invest if you wish to use one. You’ll also be somewhat limited in terms of the number of withdrawals you’re allowed to make, with up to six per month permitted – more than enough for most people, but still worth noting.

While you wouldn’t want a money market account to be your only form of investment, the fact that funds are relatively easy to access is undeniably beneficial if you’re just getting started with investments.

Gold

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Investing in gold is one of the oldest forms of investment in the world, but its continued popularity is a testament to how reliable it is believed to be.

The process of investing in gold is incredibly simple; you buy gold, keep it, and then sell it as you see fit – most commonly as a result of a market rise. People tend to be drawn to gold investments because they are tangible rather than just numbers on a screen and because the market is relatively stable. However, buying gold should be after proper research on the value and specifics like how much is a gold bar worth. If your goal is an investment, see which is the more viable option, a gold bar or jewelry.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed, and there may well be a future in which gold is no longer in demand, and thus you’re left with a lump of metal. However, such a scenario seems unlikely, and if you buy gold at a good price, then there is a strong chance you’ll be able to generate a good return on your investment.

In conclusion

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It’s important to note that the investment ideas listed above can work in concert with one another. There’s no need to choose just one approach; in fact, it’s actually preferable to spread your investments across a few different channels in the name of diversification. It’s therefore best to pick a couple of ideas from the options above to explore further, which should then allow you to embrace a secure financial future for you and your family.

Leading Causes of Baby Dry Skin Rash And Simple Remedies

 

Baby dry skin rash is a common skin condition that typically affects newborn babies but can be experienced by children of all ages. Although most skin irritations are harmless and easy to treat, the discomfort, pain, and fever that accompany a baby dry skin rash can cause distress to both children and parents. If not treated immediately, a diaper rash can result in fungal infection, bacterial infection or more serious medical issues. In rare cases, babies and toddlers can die from severe diaper rashes that escalate to untreatable infections [1].

 

Instead of fretting over every red spot, parents should familiarize themselves with common types of rashes and simple home remedies.

 

Types of Baby Rashes

 

Diaper Rash

Diaper rash, also called nappy rash, is a skin inflammation that generally occurs in babies’ diaper areas. However, it can travel up the torso. Its symptoms include swollen or raised red bumps that sometimes include skin breaks or ulcers. The more severe the rash, the redder in color. Moderate or severe diaper rash can cause discomfort.

Cause

Nappy rashes have many causes. However, one of the main culprits is the prolonged wearing of a wet or soiled diaper. The combination of the friction of the diaper, irritants in the urine (ammonia) and feces (bacteria) causes redness and irritation. Sometimes, the skin irritation can also cause small openings in the skin’s surface that allow bacteria and fungi to generate a secondary infection.

 

An allergic reaction to the diaper material or diaper wipes may also result in a diaper rash.

 

Remedy

The best way to avoid a diaper rash is to keep a baby’s diaper area clean and dry. Choose baby-friendly diapers that do not include harmful chemicals that further irritate the skin’s surface. Also, avoid using soaps and detergents with harsh chemicals that aggravate itchy skin. Finally, do not use wipes that are made with harsh chemicals that can be absorbed into a baby’s sensitive skin [2].

 

If a baby has a persistent diaper rash, schedule a visit to the pediatrician. Some rashes are caused by fungal infections. These must be treated by specific anti-fungal creams and may require prescriptions.

 

Prickly Heat

Prickly heat or heat rash appears as small, red blisters on a baby’s skin. It can cause extreme itching and spread around the head, shoulders, neck and the folds of the skin [3].

 

Cause

Prickly heat is caused by a high humidity level. When a baby’s sweat glands are blocked, sweat is trapped under the skin. This irritates the surrounding areas and results in a rash.

Remedy

The best treatment for prickly heat is prevention. Dress babies in lighter clothing that is preferably cotton. In warmer climates, keep babies cool by turning on the air-conditioning or a fan. To eliminate sweat, use only fragrance-free skin care products specially formulated for babies.

 

 

Impetigo

Impetigo is highly contagious. Symptoms of this skin infection include red, itchy, raised and pus-filled sores or blisters. These sores develop for a couple of days before erupting, then they turn into honey-colored scabs. Scratching the sores and touching other parts of the skin can spread the infection to other parts of the body. Pain and discomfort due to impetigo range from mild to severe [4].

 

Cause

Impetigo is ordinary and harmless in children aged two to six, but it can be fatal for newborn babies. Impetigo is a superficial infection caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria. It can develop from any break in the skin including a cut, rash, insect bite or scratch. The infected wound becomes moist and red, then it develops pus. After four to six days, yellowish scabs form.

 

Remedy

The best treatment for impetigo is prevention through proper hand-washing. Since this skin condition is contagious and caused by a bacterial infection, affected children should use their own drying cloths or towels. Consult a pediatrician as some doctors prescribe an antibiotic tablet, cream or ointment.

 

 

Baby Acne

Baby acne is normal among children, especially in newborn infants. Newborn baby acne, also known as neonatal acne, is similar in appearance to teenage acne. Symptoms include rough, bumpy rashes that exhibit anywhere on the face and can also affect that mouth and back [5].

Cause

Baby acne is thought to develop during pregnancy. Mothers can pass acne-causing hormones to their babies while they are still in the womb. These hormones can also cause acne in mothers during pregnancy and after birth. Milk, spit, harsh soaps and rough fabrics that come into contact with a baby’s skin can also cause skin reactions that further aggravate baby acne.

Remedy

Neonatal acne is harmless and usually clears up in a few weeks or months without applying any cream or treatment. Only use gentle baby skin care products during bath time.

Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that causes inflammation, dryness, redness, itching and scaling on the neck, hands, mouth and folds of the skin. There are three known types of eczema. The first is atopic dermatitis which causes itchy patches and is common in babies with food allergies in their families. The second type is seborrheic dermatitis. Unlike atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis does not itch, but it can cause scabbing on the scalp called cradle cap. Contact dermatitis, the third type, is similar to hives but with symptoms such as moist blisters [6].

Cause

The exact origin of eczema is unknown. It is believed that baby eczema results due to many factors. The most popular belief is that eczema is hereditary. If either parent has recurring eczema, chances are the baby will likely develop the same skin problem. Atopic dermatitis and cradle cap can also be triggered by allergens such as dust, mites, pollen, detergent, foods and itchy fabrics.

Remedy

Since eczema in babies tends to create cracked skin, apply anti-inflammation barrier cream or skin care products that have moisturizing ingredients such as coconut oil. A moisturizer for babies can be used after every bath or two to three times a day if the child has an ongoing eczema episode. For persistent eczema, consider talking to a doctor about other healing creams or treatments.

 

Drool Rash

Drool rash is typically found around a baby’s cheeks, mouth, neck and chest. This commonly appears as flat or slightly raised red bumps on the skin. Sometimes the rash may appear as chapped and flaky skin. A drool rash is not contagious [7].

Cause

The number one cause of drool rash is saliva. Too much saliva left on the skin for a prolonged period of time creates the perfect condition for drool rash. Teething or fevers are possible causes for outbreaks since these both increase the amount of drool created.

Remedy

The best remedy and prevention for drool rash is to secure a soft cloth for burping, and promptly wipe saliva whenever it is present. If a baby develops the rash, wash the affected area with gentle skin products to avoid any further irritation. A doctor will also recommend healing creams or moisturizers that act as barriers and treatments for the baby’s skin.

References

  1. Common Skin Rashes in Children. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26280141
  2. Skin care for your baby. U.S. National Library of Medicine;  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2528704/
  3. Babies and heat rashes. U.S. National Library of Medicine: Medline Plus; https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001966.htm
  4. Impetigo: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment. The Nemours Foundation; https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/impetigo.html
  5. Is that acne on my baby’s face? American Academy of Dermatology; https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/newborn-acne
  6. Infant Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis). https://www.skinsight.com/skin-conditions/infant/atopic-dermatitis-eczema?Imiw9cApl
  7. How Best to Treat and Prevent a Drool Rash. Jessica Timmons; Karen Gill, MD. (2017, August 7). Retrieved from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/drool-rash#treatment

 

Being A Fulfilled Mother In Today’s World

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As a mother, you have a duty to your children, but you also have a duty to yourself. This is something that many moms forget. In this article, we’ll talk about ways in which you can start being a fulfilled mother in today’s world.

 

Find job satisfaction.

You can start to become a fulfilled mother in today’s world by finding job satisfaction. As we’ll discuss in the next point, plenty of mothers forego their personal happiness and health because they focus on their children, but you can be a much better mother when you take care of yourself too. Don’t dismiss the importance of your personal fulfillment. That’s the whole point being made in this article. You need to find a career that suits both your personality and academic sensibilities. If you’re a caring individual then you could go into teaching. Perhaps you could even look at healthcare roles. You might want to study for a nurse practitioner program online. That would give you the qualifications necessary to pursue a career in healthcare.

 

Take care of your health.

Whether you have a newborn baby or your children are close to leaving home, it’s so important to take care of your health. Many mothers neglect their personal well-being for the sake of looking after their families, but this is counterintuitive. If you want to be the best possible mother to your kids then you need to be happy and healthy; you need to be in a fit state to care for them. That should be your incentive to take care of your health if you struggle to prioritize your well-being. You need to watch your dietary habits, for starters. That doesn’t mean you should switch from overeating to undereating; it means you need to eat more of the right food. Opt for an organic diet that’s full of nutritious whole foods. Consider supplementing with some of the top rated cannabidiol oils for weight loss, as outlined in this HMHB.org post. Finding these oils near me was made easy thanks to the local store guides also on HMHB. You can also find other CBD oil for sale.

Keep building your relationship with your children.

No matter the age of your children, it takes work to maintain a good relationship with them. Love is always unconditional in any family, but friendships aren’t always guaranteed. Obviously, as young children, your kids need to view you as a responsible and authoritative figure rather than a friend, but this can change once they gain their own independence in later life. During their formative years, however, the important thing to remember is to get the balance right in terms of disciplining your children whilst maintaining a loving and caring relationship with them.

 

Remember that you have to prepare your children for the world. You might like the feeling of them depending on you in terms of your personal relationship, but it is your responsibility to think about their future. If you want your kids to be able to adapt to the adult world then you need to give them the tools to do so. It’ll benefit your relationship in the long run. It doesn’t make you redundant as a mother to teach your kids how to look after themselves. It’ll make them well-rounded and happy individuals, and that will benefit your relationship with them both in the present and the future.

How to Encourage Your Kids to Be Way More Active

If you know that your kids aren’t too active, then as a parent it is understandable that you would want to do something about this. If you want to get some help with that then you can take a look below.

 

Give them Control

 

It’s important that you don’t push your child towards a specific activity. You need to let them find something that they are going to love, and you also need to encourage them to try a lot of different things too. They may opt for an activity that you don’t know much about, and that’s okay. As long as you support them, there is no reason why they won’t end up sticking it out.

 

https://www.pexels.com/photo/boy-child-clouds-kid-346796/

 

Promote Teamwork

 

When your child joins a team, you need to encourage them to become friends with their teammates. You also need to encourage them to join in with celebrations as well. The more you do this, the easier they will find the sport and the more they will relate to the people who they are playing with. Team sports are ideal for boosting your child’s psychological health and they can also help them to interact more. Trust and conversation is also boosted when your child partakes in team sports, so there really are endless benefits.

 

Encourage

 

You need to let your child develop at their own pace. Sure, they may not be as good as their teammates and they may make a mistake from time to time as well. This is completely understandable, but if you want to help them the most then you need to encourage them regardless. Show them that you care about them, and never criticize.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/shallow-focus-photography-of-child-1688253/

 

Equipment

 

If your child finds a sport that they absolutely love, then you need to be willing to invest in it. Don’t delay buying them the equipment they need just because you are worried that it “won’t last”. The main reason for this is because your child will pick up on these emotions and it will demotivate them. Show them that you have faith in them by paying the enrollment fee for the team, and also find out what equipment they need. When you do this, you can help them to feel as though they are part of the group and that they are not being left behind. If your child is taking part in a high contact sport then it helps to have the number of CHIP doctors as they can work with you to make sure that every bump they take does not turn into something more

serious.

 

Set an Example

 

If you want to help your child be more active, then it is so important that you set a good example. You need to show them that you are willing to push yourself too.  One way for you to do this would be for you to go out on walks with them, or get both of you a pair of roller hockey skates and go skating together, you could also take part in team sports yourself. The more you do this, the more you show your child that being active is always a good thing.

 

pediped Penny Egg Hunt!

pediped – Sitewide Penny Egg Hunt! ?

 

Win a pair of shoes for ONE PENNY & FREE SHIPPING when you find an “Egg Hunt” egg on pediped.com! Each day they will hide three eggs on the site between 10AM and 2PM PST at random times Monday-Friday.

 

Step 1: Search pediped.com for a colorful “Egg Hunt” egg.

Step 2: Select your size/gender, add to cart.

Step 3: Place your order FAST!

 

Each Penny Egg will redeem a NEW Spring/ Summer style in your size and gender selection for ONE PENNY & FREE SHIPPING!

 

⭐Follow along on Facebook and Instagram stories, as we will be announcing when a new Mystery Egg has been hidden!⭐

 

 

 

Exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort, and distinctive styling have made the award-winning company the fastest growing children’s footwear brand in the United States. pediped® footwear has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for the promotion of healthy foot development, and preeminent orthopedic medical professionals, Dr. Mininder S. Kocher and Dr. Thomas W. Vorderer, deem pediped® shoes an excellent choice for parents/caregivers who want their children’s feet to develop naturally and healthily. pediped® has received numerous industry awards and accolades including recognition from Earnshaw’s, the premier media resource serving the children’s market. In 2015 pediped® was recognized by the Footwear Industry Awards as the Children’s Footwear Brand of the Year and earned a 2016 Earnie Award from Earnshaw’s magazine as the Footwear Brand of the Year.

 

pediped® is sold in over 750 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide with an offering of more than 120 designs for boys and girls between its three lines, Originals®, Grip ‘n’ Go™ and Flex®. The award-winning footwear is available in EU sizes 17 to 38 (US newborn to 6 Youth). For more information, visit www.pediped.com.  LIKE on Facebook at /pedipedfootwear and follow on Twitter and Instagram @pedipedfootwear.

 

 

Five Things People Don’t Tell You About Getting Pregnant

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Starting your own family is an incredibly exciting journey to take, but for those that are first-time parents, it can be a little bit daunting, whether conceiving was easy or you required help from the best fertility clinic. Not know what to expect throughout your pregnancy can definitely lead to a little bit of worry and a lot of stress, especially if you haven’t had anyone close to you go through pregnancy too. To help prepare you for nine months of pregnancy, here are five things people don’t tell you about getting pregnant:

 

– It Can Takes Years And Years Of Trying Before You See A Positive Test

 

If you have been trying to get pregnant for a long time and you’re not seeing the result you want, it’s important not to get disheartened. Whilst it would be amazing for it to happen the first time, some people can try for years before they finally see that positive result on a pregnancy test. Try not to let it deter you and keep trying. You might just be stressing for no reason. If you’re concerned something is wrong, it may be best to speak to a women’s infertility doctor who can give you test-based accurate results on your situation. Many times, it can simply be anxiety and paranoia, but it would be advisable to get the confirmation. They will be able to run tests and if you are unable to conceive, they can give you an IVF guide.

 

– There Is Such Thing As A False Positive

 

When you’re trying you will most likely take a million tests, all of which will have conflicting answers. If you do find you have a positive result, make sure you’re taking a couple of tests to be sure. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to book a doctors appointment where they will confirm the good news.

 

– You Will Start To Doubt Whether Or Not You’ve Got The Symptoms

 

When you’re trying to get pregnant you will start to doubt whether not you have got any of the symptoms, and whether or not your rests have given you the wrong results. Whilst this is normal, it’s it important not to let it panic you. If you find something that worries you, speak to your doctor and they will be able to confirm everything for you! It may just be that you’re not experiencing the same symptoms as everyone else.

 

– You Will Be Offered Lots Of Advice And You Definitely Don’t Need To Take All Of It

 

When you announce your pregnancy you will find that absolutely everyone who has ever been pregnant will try to offer you their little bit of advice. Whilst some of the tips will be absolutely incredible, you really don’t need to listen to all of them. Everyone experiences pregnancy in a different way and what may work for some, won’t work for others. Be sure to take everything you’re told with a pinch of salt – unless it’s coming from your doctor!

 

– It Will Be The Best And Worst Experience Of Your Life

 

Finally, whilst pregnancy can be uncomfortable, scary and stressful, it will also be one of the best things you ever do. Whilst you’re growing your little one you will develop a bond that no one can replicate, and it’s something you’ll cherish forever.

 

Are you thinking of starting a family? What are you most looking forward to about pregnancy? Let me know in the comments below.

 

How to Love Your Life As A Pregnant Woman

There are only a handful of life experiences that really stand out, that you know are life-changing. Most of what passes in life is just a stepping stone — it’s one small step. Being pregnant is not one of these things. This is a giant leap, an all-encompassing, transformative experience that is without comparison. Of course, it’s not easy — oh no, it is not easy. But despite the discomfort, the worries, the everything, there is space to enjoy the experience. This is a moment that’ll be over before you know it — make the most of it! Below, we take a look at some tried and tested ways to make being pregnant even more magical and fun.

Source: Pexels.com

Accept the Attention

You’re going to receive plenty of attention when you’ve got a bun in the oven! If you’re one of those people who typically shy away from the attention of others, then this might be a little comfortable — but there’s something to be said for learning how to enjoy the well-wishes and interest of others. Of course, we’re not talking about the attention and compliments of strangers. If you don’t feel not comfortable with that, then don’t entertain it. But your friends and family? Let them make a fuss. It’s going to happen anyway, and you’ll be able to relax if you accept that fact! Plus, it’ll ease you into letting other people help you. You don’t need to feel guilty for accepting a cup of tea made by a family member.

You are being lavished with attention because you most likely require it. Moreover, while pregnant, everything may appear complicated, but your family and friends may be able to support you much better. A loved one is likely to do anything for you, whether that means taking you for regular check-ups, getting a high quality ultrasound appointment, taking you out for a ride, talking to you when you’re feeling down, or whatever it is that you require at that moment. That kind of attention and care can help you overcome the negative thoughts and anxiety that are common during pregnancy.

Talk It Through

This is a special period in not just your life, but also the life of other people around you. Especially your parents. They’ll be thrilled that they’re to have a grandchild, even more so because they’re not the ones with all the responsibility for making sure the child is well-fed, educated, and all-around a decent human being. Why not use your experience to connect with your parents on a level that you probably haven’t connected with them before? Take a stroll down memory lane with them, and talk about their pregnancy experiences. Were they scared? What were they in their lives? What do they wish they’d done differently? These types of conversations have multiple purposes. For starters, it’s always fun to get a glimpse into another side of your parents. Second, you’ll come to understand that they were just as clueless about becoming parents as you are, and they turned out OK!

Meet New Friends

You’re not the first person to have a child, and you won’t be the last. You’re not the only person who’s currently pregnant, either. There’s a whole world of other expectant mothers out there! Why not look into getting together with them, and enjoying the ride together? By being around, talking, and simply observing other mothers, you’ll be able to learn something about yourself. You’ll be able to do something that you otherwise couldn’t — you can see what you must look like from the outside. A pregnant woman is a sight to behold — seeing the joy, concern, and glow of others will be a small window into how others see you.

Throw a Party

Now, you don’t need an excuse to throw a party at any period. But when you do have an opportunity, make sure you’re making the most of it! A baby shower is a great way to celebrate your pregnancy, and also receive some much-needed baby related gifts from your friends and family. But of course, it’s not enough just to gather your loved ones, and hope the magic happens. It needs a little bit of planning! Make the space look the part — if you’re holding it in your house, make sure you’re decorating the room, for instance. You’ll also want to make it fun; take a read of 30 fun baby shower games so that everyone loosens up and has an enjoyable day. Since it’ll be an alcohol-free affair, you’ll want to put the emphasis on the food. Make sure you’re serving some delicious appetizers!

Source: Pexels.com

Partner Connections

You have to focus most of your energy on yourself, but it’s important to remember that there is another player involved in this process too — your partner. They’ve got just as much invested in this as you have! And throughout all your time together, it’s highly unlikely that you’re going to go through anything quite as intense as having a child together. Make sure you’re setting some time aside to enjoy other’s company, and to appreciate the moment that you’re living in. Life’s going to be pretty busy after it’s all over. Spend some time as a couple talking about where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re going.

Get Dressed Up

Everyone talks about the glow of a pregnant woman. It’s pretty darn radiant! So don’t just keep that energy all to yourself. Get yourself dressed up, and head out. No-one says a pregnant person has to stay curled up on the couch for nine months. Put on your best dress, and head out a restaurant. You’ll never feel so empowered.

And Get Dressed Down!

But of course, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible unwinding and relaxing. Enjoy the freedom you have to do nothing but eat what you please and binge watch television shows. Comfortable clothing, a couch, living the good life. You don’t get too many opportunities to live this way — enjoy it.

Know That It’s Temporary

Ultimately, you’ll want to keep in mind one important fact: that this is temporary. It’s not going to last forever. There’ll be a point, many years down the line, when you’re telling your son or daughter the story of their birth. By that time, all the worries and small problems you navigated along the way will have faded into the background. You’ll remember the good parts. So make sure you’re enjoying them not only when you’re looking back in the future, but when you’re actively living it. It’s intense, sure, but there’s a lot of magic in there!

How to Grow Your Blogger Business When Pregnant

If you started a blog hoping that you can turn it into a full time income, and it has finally taken off, it might be time to scale up your operations and take a step back, so you can start enjoying your life and the money you have earned, or take time focusing on your pregnancy. If you are still spending hours blogging and writing and cannot get away from the computer, there might be a better solution. You will be able to grow your business and let it run without you most of the time. Find out how below.

Make the Most Out of Your Time

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It is crucial that you manage your time efficiently, and know exactly how long it takes you to research a topic or write a post. There are plenty of great productivity tools you can utilize, such as the Pomodoro widget that will improve your focus and reward you with short or long breaks after completing a task or two. You don’t want to get distracted, as your productivity will suffer, and you will end up staying up late to finish your daily tasks.

Schedule Your Posts Ahead

In case you are not making the most out of the latest technology, you might be wasting your time and resources. Your brain takes around half an hour to switch from one task to another, so it might be a good idea to block schedule your time. Instead of writing a post at a time, you can do your entire week’s blogging and social media in just a few hours, so you can focus on other tasks for the rest of the week.

Market Research

You must keep an eye on the feedback and engagement on your blog. Creating a free survey will only take you a couple of minutes, and help you understand your readers better. Encourage them to comment and give you constructive criticism on your posts. That can help you learn about their preferences, values, and the problems they are facing, so you can address them in the future. It can work well with your SEO as well. If you are not well versed with content optimization and related strategies, you should consider getting help from a SEO Company. Optimizing a blog’s content and architecture is important for search engine visibility.

Add Affiliate Marketing

To increase your blogging income, you might also want to add affiliate marketing like jvzoo to your revenue stream. No matter if you sign up for a CPA network and pick and choose your own offers, or opt for automatic placements, maybe represent one company and create reviews, you can increase your income and work smarter instead of harder. Of course, the greater your audience is, the more chances you will have to make a sale.

Automate Your Social Media

Most bloggers are guilty of spending too much time on social media. If you are the person who gets easily distracted, you might want to limit your screen time and schedule your posts ahead. There are plenty of great tools out there that allow you to create posts and set up your own schedule, based on when your audience is online. After all, you don’t want to spend hours with boring admin tasks.

Outsource

Pregnant Stand By Pregnancy Birch Family Tummies

Image via Max Pixel

Once you are planning a family, it might be time to focus on the big picture and take a step back. Similar to how small business owners hire a hubspot agency to automate basic tasks and also attract potential customers to their business, you can outsource design, writing, and other tasks in your business, and enjoy the fruit of your hard work. You will, however, need to find a way to manage your freelancers’ productivity. You will be too busy reading up on parenting or learning how to time contractions, and find it hard to focus on your work at these exciting times.

Measure Engagement

To have more time to spend with your baby and family, you might want to automate some of the processes in your blogging business, such as creating and analyzing statistics. You can measure the engagement rate for each of your blog posts and social media content, so you can make adjustments and stop shooting in the dark. It is important to monitor your performance, track touch-points, and evaluate your metrics, rather than just focusing on the fan and follower acquisition, engagement, or pure sales metrics. If you lack time for all these, you could then outsource these tasks to a iTonic paid social media advertising type of digital firm, and they could do the job better for you. After all, you will have more important things to do and enjoyable tasks than crunching numbers and keeping your website going while you are preparing for the arrival of the new family member.

Expecting a baby is one of the most exciting times in your life. You should not get stressed over keeping your blog going, instead focus on simplifying your processes and making sure that you are working smarter and not harder. Make use of help from freelancers and the latest technology so you can take a step back and plan your family life instead of sitting in front of the computer all day.

Family Future: Developing The Right Relationship With Adult Children

 

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The relationship you have with your kids has the potential to be like no other. Spending a huge portion of your time with them, from the day they are born to being ready to leave home, and this builds a powerful bond. Of course, though, as they get older, the way that your relationship works will have to change. Expanding their knowledge, becoming more mature, and building their own lives won’t work so well if you continue to treat them as if they are small. So, to help you out with this, this post will be exploring some of the key considerations to make when you’re trying to figure out how you want to develop the right relationship with your adult children.

 

Over-Dependence

 

Throughout a child’s development, they will heavily rely on their parent’s to provide for many aspects of their life. Food, shelter, and safety are some of the most important parts of this, but the umbrella is very far-reaching, covering loads of different jobs. As they enter their teen years, the amount of work a parent does for their child should start to decline. If a person is unable to experience independence during the early stages of their life, it will be extremely difficult for them to adapt in the future, leaving them unable to look after themselves as they get older. Not only does this make their life difficult, but it could mean that you never get the chance to stop being a full-time parent.

 

It’s easy to see why so many people fall into this trap. Even when their kids are very young, a lot of parents will be too generous with their time and money. Of course, though, while they are your child and you want to give them a good life, spoiling them will only build a sense of entitlement, making it a challenge for them to function properly around others. It can often be hard to see when people are relying on one another too much, making this something which you have to watch out for. It can be hard for someone to hold down a normal job or relationship when they are dependent on their parents.

 

Weight Of Responsibility

 

Throughout history, most cultures have built traditions around looking after the elderly members of their communities. This job will usually fall to the children to handle, with jobs like shopping, banking, and general life-administration being far easier for a younger person to get to grips with. Along with this, though, a lot of families end up caring for each other’s personal medical needs. Even when someone is very sick, it is usually a bad idea to have their kids look after them, and this only becomes more important as you get older.

 

Most kids will be more than happy to provide care to their loved ones, but this doesn’t mean that they should be helping you like this. Personal care will often involve very intimate and embrassassing procedures. This means that providing care to parents is not only a learning challenge, but it can also be a very emotional one, often changing the way that the whole family looks at each other. It’s not worth going down this route to save a little bit of money, with care at assisted living facilities being a far better alternative. Saving yourself the stress of looking after someone like this is a always a good idea.

 

Of course, though, there is another side to this area, and it’s an issue which most people will want to avoid. People often pass away when they are receiving care. This doesn’t mean that the caregiver is doing something wrong, instead being a natural process which can often be unavoidable. If a child supports their parent in this way, only to have them die, it can easily make the kid feel as though they didn’t do enough. This is tragic and well worth avoiding, especially if your kids are still quite young.

 

Managing Money

 

There are a lot of things about adult life which schools simply don’t teach. Managing money is a big part of this, and loads of kids leave school without the knowledge they need to be successful in this area. The essential financial skills which every adult should have are surprisingly easy to learn. As long as your child is started off nice and early, they should find it easy to give themselves a head start in this field. A lot of parents make the mistake of giving their children too much money as they grow up. While it might be nice to give them a treat, it will harm their chances in the future if you don’t teach them early.

 

Being Friends

 

When a person is young, it will be very hard for them to relate to adults. Not only will they have limited knowledge of the world, but they will also be interested in very different things, with a lot of the elements of adult life appearing to be extremely dull. As time goes on, though, you will have the chance to change the way that this part of your relationship works, as the children start to develop their adult minds. At this stage, it will feel natural to have deep conversations with your kids, with the interests of both parties fall much more in-line with each other.

 

Ensuring that you’re able to build something like this will always take some time and effort. During their teenage years, it’s likely that your kids will work as hard as possible to be different to mum and dad, though this will start to change as they get a little bit older. Respect is a very important part of all this. No one likes to be treated like a baby, even by their parents, making it essential that you respect their opinions, views, and knowledge, despite the challenges which can come with this. When you show someone that you respect them, they will almost always return the favor.

 

Keeping In Touch

 

With a busy life underway, it will often be a challenge for a young person to keep on top of their family relationships. Thoughts of catching up and spending time together won’t often hit their mind, and this makes it hard for a lot of parents to keep up with their kids. To help out with this, it’s worth setting up some habits before they leave home. Going out for a meal every weekend is a great example of this approach, as this will make it hard for your children to forget or let too much time pass before showing their face.

 

Modern technology has improved the way that families can communicate with each other to a huge degree, with loads of people enjoying the benefits of email and instant messenger. As your children are still fairly young, these tools will be very normal for them, and they will probably be using them all the time. You may have to put some time into learning them, though. Thankfully, this shouldn’t be too tricky, as long as you’re happy to make a couple of mistakes before you get it right. Most young people won’t want to talk over the phone each day.

 

Keeping Them Afloat

 

While it is important to be careful with the support you give a young adult, it doesn’t make much sense to watch them sail towards oblivion without offering to help them out. The process of building a career is never an easy one. There will be times when they have nearly no money available, making it hard to cover things like rent and bills. It doesn’t take much to lend them  a little bit of cash until they are on their feet again. Of course, though, this should always be a loan, or you will lose out.

 

Along with helping them with money, you also have a big resource which they simply can’t access; experience. When they are making a bad decision, you should always be there to offer alternatives and explain why you think they should look elsewhere. There is a delicate balance here, though, and it’s crucial that you hit it correctly. If you are too authoritative, your kids will find it hard to take on board your suggestions, and may act against them. Along with this, though, not offering enough could see them going down the wrong path. It can be hard to know how hard you should be on them, especially when they are getting older.

 

With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to get started on the healthy relationship you will have with your kids once they have reached adulthood. A lot of parents struggle with this, often failing to see the distinction between adults and children, despite having gone through the process of growing up themselves. Of course, though, this doesn’t mean that you have to make the same mistakes. Instead, as long as you’re willing to put the time and effort into it, solving this should be a simple matter of taking the right steps.

The Many (Non-Ghost-Related) Reasons You Could Hear Something Rattling Under The Floorboards

If you hear something rattling, whining or gurgling in your home, there’s no need to call the priest. Well, not immediately. It turns out that there are many reasons that you could hear strange noises in your home that have nothing to do with the supernatural.

This article should be viewed as a kind of diagnostic aid – something that will help you discover what those strange noises you hear at night actually are. No spooky explanations required.

Clanging Sounds When You Turn On The Central Heating

Central heating is a marvel of the modern world, providing all the rooms in our home with a steady supply of heat at minimal cost – no need to light a fire in your bathroom – always a plus. But central heating comes with some annoying side effects, notably its habit of making clattering and clanging sounds as it switches on. The noise from heating can be especially unnerving when it turns itself on automatically first thing in the morning before you’ve woken up fully. What are all those noises? Is there a ghost in your attic?

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The primary cause of central heating noise is that of the pipes expanding as hot water runs through them. Hot water causes the metal in the pipes to grow and then rub against the frame of the house. This rubbing can then cause knock-on noises which can sound somewhat ghostly. It’s important to remember that it’s normal to hear some clicking and knocking as the central heating fire up – that’s just the sound of pipes groaning as they expand. You should only start worrying if you hear a whirring noise: all the pumps in the system should operate silently.

Scratching Behind The Walls Or Under The Floorboards

Another common sound is muted scratching or scraping noises that appear to emanate from behind the walls or under the floorboards. If you’ve never heard these noises before, then it can be a big mystery what’s causing them. But nine times out of ten, it means that there’s a critter that’s made your house its home.

You don’t want wild animals taking up residence under the floorboards. Not only will they cause damage to your home but they also pose a risk of disease. You can learn how to get rid of rats here. Getting rid of pests should be a priority. If you see droppings, then it’s a sure sign that you have a problem with rats. Rat droppings are shaped like little sausages and come connected in long strings. Trying to get rid of rats or any other pests by yourself may not be the best idea. If you do notice the signs of an infestation, then get in touch with a company that specializes in Pest Control Kingston or closer to you. These problems are best handled by professionals with plans and techniques to get rid of the pests for good!

The Sound Of Running Water Even Though There Are No Faucets Open

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If you can hear running water when no faucets are open, then you could have any number of problems.

Running water could be caused by the following:

  • A cracked pipe under the foundations. Broken pipes are a common issue. Pipes can break for all kinds of reasons, especially those under the foundations. Foundations can shift over time, putting pressure on pipes and eventually causing them to crack, resulting in a loss of water.
  • A problem with your irrigation. The sound of running water outside the home could indicate a problem with your irrigation system. Check your hoses for leaks.
  • A busted pipe in the wall or floor. Pipes can eventually fail after repeated use, especially around joints.

The first thing you should do if you hear running water is shut off the main valve. If the noise goes away, then you know that the leak – or whatever the problem is – is located inside your house. If it continues, then it suggests a problem on the other side of the valve. In either situation, it’s good policy to call a professional plumber rather than attempting to solve the problem yourself. Amateur plumbing attempts usually end in disaster.

Whistling Noises From Your Furnace

Furnaces rely on filters to keep internal components clean and free from wear. Over time, though, these filters can become clogged, and it becomes more difficult for the furnace to pull in air from the outside. The motor that sucks in the air starts to work harder and harder, eventually causing damage that leads to annoying sounds, like whistling. Moreover, there is another issue with furnaces that can come with the kind of cables that are used in them. While stainless steel might be a strong contender, it can melt in extremely high temperatures, unlike tungsten cables that have a high melting point and can withstand the heat of the furnace without losing the original cable strength (you can read more of its other uses on this post about tungsten cable benefits).

You can start by checking if your furnace filters are clogged. Then check the motor: does the noise continue even after you’ve cleaned out the filters? If the sound continues, then you may have to replace components, like the cables, on your furnace.

To avoid this problem in the future, be sure to clean the filters in your furnace every few months or so. You want to prevent the stove expelling exhaust gases into your home, or drawing in air from your living space.