Busy mammas have a lot to deal with, and sadly some things such as ear health can end up being shunted down the list in favor of more obvious issues and concerns. However, our families ears and hearing are a vital part of their overall health and well-being and should be cared for as such. A topic you can read more about in the post below.
Do treat ear health as seriously as any other issue.
If your child fell down and broke their arm, you wouldn’t tell them to get up and stop moaning, would you? Of course not you would be straight to the energy room to get them assessed and treated so they can heal as quickly as possible.
Of course, this is precisely the same process that you need to adhere to when it comes to hearing and ear health. After all, loss of hearing is no joke, and as that is what some ear conditions can lead to it really pays to get any issue, however small it seems, to be checked out.
Luckily, there are ear health specialists know as audiologists that are experts in this field. To access one, you may wish first to attend your GP’s office, although it is also often possible to book an appointment directly with them. This being something that will allow you to get your ear health issue resolved as quickly as possible.
Don’t use cue tips.
One of the biggest mistake that many people in the US make is that they clean their own and their family’s ears with cue tips! The problem with this being that sticking such a device in the ear can be incredibly dangerous. The reason being that it can easily travel too far down the ear canal impacting wax, and even in the worst-case scenario, bursting the eardrum.
Happily, there are now other ear cleaning options including alternative therapies such us Hopi candles, and even modern devices that prevent anything from penetrating too far and causing damage.
Do get educated about ear problems.
Next, if you want to take your family’s ear health seriously, then it’s crucial that you learn to look for possible issues and problems. In particular, older relatives with hearing loss may not realize that they are listening to the TV at a very high volume. While younger, pre-verbal children won’t turn around when you call them or make a loud noise.
It can even be useful to learn about things like tinnitus symptoms, which includes ringing in the ears, and then educate your family on this, so they know what to look out for. Then, if they do start to experience any problem with their hearing or ear health, it won’t go unnoticed, and you can be sure to deal with it as quickly as possible.
Don’t forget that tech is changing all the time.
Lastly, when it comes to ear health don’t forget that the technology, both in diagnosis and treatment is moving at an increasingly fast rate. What this means is that issues you may have thought undetectable, or incurable may no longer be so.
In fact, tech such as hearing aids are becoming increasingly sophisticated while shrinking in size, meaning that there really is no reason to suffer in silence when it comes to ear health.
I felt blindsided after the birth of my first child. I remember walking round in a zombie-like state, a dazed expression on my face, my bloodshot eyes straining to stay open after a long night, and a guilty inner monologue whimpering around my foggy brain as if on a loop exclaiming “What were you thinking?” As a new parent, you will know exactly what I am talking about. Reality had hit. I was in full sleep deprivation mode, puzzling why it never came up in conversation, pre-birth, from all the bundle of joy evangelists. And nothing prepared me for the after-shock realization that I probably waved goodbye to my last night of decent sleep probably right before I even got pregnant!
Anxious for our “Mother of the Year” Award, we feel compelled to dedicate every waking (and sleeping) moment to the well being of our babies and all their needs (don’t we?). But no one can prepare us for the mounting sleep debt that we will succumb to, the toll it will take on our health, or how we can take control of our restless baby sleep nightmare – until it’s too late and we are already in dire straits.
Newborn sleep seems to be without rhyme or reason sometimes. It can be for two hours or four hours at a time – shorter or longer. Every baby seems to have their own unique rhythm. But, one thing’s for sure. It would be easier for me to promise you a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow than to give you an exact prediction of what to expect.
So… what can you do, if anything to survive your baby’s first year of sleeplessness?
Give yourself permission to let things slip sometimes. Your health and that of your baby outweigh the importance of keeping a pristine home. Super moms exist. They seem to be able to do it all; but why? No-one’s going to give you a medal, so give yourself permission to take a break instead. Any opportunity you get to let go of impossible ideals in favor of grabbing as many restful moments with baby – take them. Focus on those precious early bonding moments. Let your baby’s biological clock rule your day more than the one on your wall.
Set up the nursery to create the kind of environment that works with, instead of fights against, your baby’s urge to doze and help it to establish sleep patterns that work with your sleep needs. Things like keeping the room light in the morning and dark in the evening, making sure the ambient temperature is comfortable, and infusing the room with natural aromas like lavender.
Nap when baby naps. Despite trying to get the baby to fit in with your life, you are tethered to their patterns at first. Leverage their nap times to reduce your sleep debt. Turn off your phone, dim the lights, drink some warm milk, wear loose clothes, visit the bathroom, and find your most comfortable place to rest (this is not always the bed. It could be a comfy chair or love seat). Only you know. Go to your happy place!
Avoid anything stimulating like caffeinated drinks, using the computer right before your expected napping time and exercising just before you intend to unwind (there is a place and time to get out in the fresh air and move, but before you rest is not the best time!). If you must use your phone, utilize night mode or the blue light filter on your cellphone.
Make sure baby is clean, comfortable and well-fed.
Now, for my biggest words of wisdom (I apologize in advance for the shameless plug). Invest in a Baby Shusher. Using the natural calming tones of a human shush, Baby Shusher has been proven to put even the most sleep- resistant baby into a gentle slumber. By using a Baby Shusher as part of your sleep routine, you can almost guarantee that your turn for an uninterrupted and long-awaited nap will occur just a few minutes later. Baby Shusher does the shushing, so you don’t have to. By lessening the amount of pacing, bouncing, rocking you need to do, you increase your opportunity to concentrate on your own rest. The Baby Shusher is the #1 selling product of its type and there’s a reason why Baby Shusher has won several awards; it works! Anecdotal evidence suggests moms use the Baby Shusher on themselves too. Give it a shot. The only thing you have to lose is the insomnia!
Charlotte Wenham is the co-founder of pNeo, a Dallas-based brand accelerator. pNeo’s grass roots are in product design and consulting. By bridging the gap between products and consumers, pNeo has a solid reputation for high quality, innovative products that serve a real-world purpose.
Charlotte’s professional life began as an ER nurse, working in the busiest ER in Australia. She has channeled this experience into to making each day better for her community and this guides her decisions. pNeo specializes in juvenile and consumer healthcare products, drawing on the team’s real-world understanding as parents and healthcare professionals.
Charlotte’s passion and drive spills over to her personal life. She actively seeks new experiences and ideas. To this end, you will frequently find her immersed in a book, or challenging herself by jumping out of planes.
pNeo are always looking out for creative, innovative solutions. Charlotte would love to hear from innovators, investors and retailers interested in partnering to grow revenue. Contact her at: charlotte.wenham@pneo.org or 877-737-9177.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know.
The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
– Dr. Seuss
As a child I hated reading! I remember it being hard, I remember being made fun of for making mistakes, and I remember my heart pounding whenever I was asked to read aloud.
It never really became a huge issue until I hit high school and was struggling in my honors math and science classes!
MATH and SCIENCE!
The problem was I couldn’t read fast enough to complete my tests. I eventually took speed reading classes to better improve my efficiency and develop better strategies for tests and note-taking.
After high school I pursed my dream to become an elementary teacher and quickly became passionate about children’s literacy. I took additional classes on phonics as well as studied children’s illustrations, language arts methods, and best practices for teaching in a pluralistic society. After graduation I took my first job in the inner city as an academic specialist. My job: get title 1 3rd and 4th grade students to read at grade level.
The love for literacy only continued to grow as I taught elementary school kids, after school programs, and then eventually my own children.
I was the determined teacher training first graders to read silently for 45 minutes a day.
I was the innovated dance teacher incorporating literature into tap class.
I was the passionate mom reading books to my 1 day old baby in the hospital.
I am THAT homeschool mom checking out the maximum number of books from the library.
I have experienced first hand how reading can actually change your life for the good or bad. I’ve seen the facts, statistics, and testimonies how early exposure to books can build a beautiful foundation for children.
PC: Cherish’s Literacy Corner VIP’s
So when I met Cherish, I was instantly inspired by her love for literature and learning! As a past high school English teacher her knowledge of literature is extensive, while her heart for student learning is enormous. As a mom, Cherish has establish a home that invites learning with fun and engaging activities
But her passion for education doesn’t end there, Cherish works to enrich the families around her by helping bring high quality books in their homes through Usborne books.
As an Usborne book consultant, she is passionate about equipping parents with the best resources for raising life long learners!
In 1973, Peter Usborne saw TV and comics controlling the attention of kids and wanted to give non-fiction books a fighting chance. This led to the birth of Usborne books and the mission to make both reading and learning fun, not intimidating. The magic of Usborne books is that they break down children’s resistance to reading and learning at home. In return, it opens the door for parents and children to explore and absorb the world of learning together.
Today Usborne books are high quality, innovative, engaging, and educational! There are over 2000 titles to choose from covering a wide variety of subjects and age ranges.
Usborne in my Home
As a past educator, a mom, and homeschool teacher I can’t express the amount of times I’ve been grateful for Usborne products in our home.
It all started with the That’s Not My collection. From a young age my children were drawn to the high contrast but simple illustrations. They loved to feel each new texture as well as look for the silly mouse hiding on each page. We read the same book too many times to count until I happily discovered Usborne had a HUGE collection of That’s Not My books. I honestly did not love reading the same type of book, but I persevered because those books helped open a world of reading to our children. At a young age they were exposed to the wonders of reading and built stamina to sit through 2-3 long picture books each night.
Now with preschool aged kids, Usborne’s collection of activities are a real hit. Usborne provides hands-on educational activities for babies to middle school aged kids. My family uses their sticker books for long car trips, water painting books for quiet independent play, and craft books for art projects.
As a homeschool mama I’ve only just had a tiny taste of how Usborne can enrich and support our curriculum.
Each month we study a different theme that supports and connects to the Core Curriculum standards for preschool age children. Some of the topics include family units, habitats, space, hygiene, and plants. I was delighted to see Usborne’s books align with State Standards and therefore I could find at least one developmentally appropriate book for each of my units.
For most subjects I have a variety of titles and forms to choose from; peek-inside, lift-the-flap, Big Books, wipe-clean, young beginners, and so much more. Cherish even went the extra mile to examine my preschool syllabus and offer book recommendations for my units.
Usborne wipe clean books have also been instrumental in developing my children’s fine motor skills as well as practicing and refining their writing. The lively illustrations and game-like set up makes handwriting drills a fun reward rather than a frustrating mundane task.
Working with Cherish
Cherish is not just an Usborne consultant that throws parties and sells books. She works almost daily to post innovative ways to bring reading into your home.
Cherish posts fun activities she is doing with her little ones and ways she incorporates reading into her home.
In addition, her literacy corner keeps followers up to date on Usborne new releases! Often when there is a big release Cherish goes live on social media to give followers an inside look into the books. If there is a book you have your eye on but not quite sure, Cherish helps to provide you with a real view video so you can fully see the illustrations, text, and story line.
Last but not least, her page provides insider deals and specials!
Check it out!
I’ve truly only scratched the surface on Usborne’s collection. Their website is a must see when looking for quality literature to bring into your home! To take it the next step further follow Cherish’s Literacy Corner to join a community of families who love and pursue the benefits of reading!
Are you looking for high quality bedding for the little ones in your life?
MamatheFox wants what is best for her kids, probably like a lot of you too. At times finding out what materials are used in bedding can be tricky, but not with Joli Moli’s line of Milo & Gabby bedding. They are transparent with their materials, process and manufacturing.
This Milo & Gabby comforter is silky soft and lightweight, which will make it your child’s favorite blanket year-round. It’s generously sized and will fit your toddler’s bed perfectly. These comforters features Milo & Gabby’s adorable animal characters, and even have a mini-stuffed friend attached – how cute! Not only is this comforter soft and adorable, it provides a safer sleeping environment for your child thanks to FRESiL’s innovative Silver Ion Technology. By incorporating safe silver ions into the fibers, the filling becomes naturally antibacterial, deodorizing, durable, and allergy friendly, all without the use of harmful chemicals! – Joli Moli’s Website
Knowing that this comforter and pillow are hypoallergenic, mite-resistant, breathable and are quick to dry make them a hands down winner in our home. The pillowcase is Silpure® which means it is naturally anti-bacterial, providing lasting cleanliness and freshness. The pillow itself is filled with hypoallergenic microfiber fill, which is light as down but very resilient, making it very comfortable…so comfortable I would use it myself it it wasn’t such a favorite bedtime item of my son!
One of the coolest features of the pillow itself it that you can open the pillow and remove the stuffing! If you want it thinner for a smaller kid, or a child who prefers a more flat pillow, you can remove the stuffing. Then you can add it back later on when they are older or if they now want a fluffier pillow. I have never experienced such a feature on a pillow before!
This pillow is the perfect option for children with allergies, asthma, or other sensitive skin issues.
Theme – Open
Minimum prize value of $10. Must be a new item.
Date: 4/16 – 4/30
Start time: April 16 – 9:00 am EST
End time: April 30– 11:59 pm EST
Winner(s) must be drawn on 5/1. Events must be open to US entrants.
Adding your link means you agree to the following terms:
Your post must include the following:
The full HTML which will be provided by email.
A clear form of entry (a giveaway form or a blog comment)
The giveaway hops image (in HTML and also included by attachment to the email)
The linky must be included in your post (code will be sent in email)
Your giveaway item(s) have a value of $10.
Must include disclosure included in email
A Link to the hosts: MamatheFox (https://mamathefox.com)
This giveaway must be dedicated to this event only
If you sign up and can no longer participate please let me know so I can remove you from the linky.
Theme – Open
Minimum prize value of $10. Must be a new item.
Date: 4/1 –4/15
Start time: April 1 – 9:00 am EST
End time: April 15 – 11:59 pm EST
Winner(s) must be drawn on 4/16. Events must be open to US entrants.
Adding your link means you agree to the following terms:
Your post must include the following:
The full HTML which will be provided by email.
A clear form of entry (a giveaway form or a blog comment)
The giveaway hops image (in HTML and also included by attachment to the email)
The linky must be included in your post (code will be sent in email)
Your giveaway item(s) have a value of $10.
Must include disclosure included in email
A Link to the hosts: MamatheFox (https://mamathefox.com)
This giveaway must be dedicated to this event only
If you sign up and can no longer participate please let me know so I can remove you from the linky.
When the word “attic” comes to mind, we normally associate the word with this large dark, dusty space filled with things that are old or broken. The place usually smells musty and old and sometimes, you can see spiders and rats crawling among the dusty boxes and tarpaulin covering certain items. It’s a place that you would normally explore during the day but would stay away from at night because it was too dark and scary to be in there when you were a kid. For many, those are the images that the word “attic” conjured up. However, that’s not the case today.
Today, many people across the globe are finding new and innovative ways to upgrade their attics. 90% of the time, you no longer come across these spaces that are dark, dusty and musty. Instead, you find yourself in a beautiful space that is being used in a plethora of ways to make it more beautiful and useful to homeowners. Can you upgrade your attic? Of course you can! As for where to start, here are 8 ways to upgrade your run-down attic.
A Nursery For the Baby
For those of you who have children or who are planning on having children, this would be a really good option for you. Babies need a big, clean space to play in and an attic is a right fit for the job. All you have to do is clean up the attic, check for any problems such as termites or seepage, paint it up and do the floors, move your baby’s stuff in and you’re done. When doing it up, make sure to make the nursery nice and bright with lots of natural light. This can help contribute to the wellbeing of the baby.
Guest Bedroom
You can never go wrong with a guest bedroom. Especially when someone decides to pay you an unexpected visit of sorts. The space of the attic can be used to fit a bed with a desk and chair to be used by your guests. A skylight will also ensure that the room receives natural light and adds to the ambiance of the room. Some fake plants and topiary trees will also brighten up the ambiance of the room and will make your guests feel right at home. They won’t even be able to tell if the place is an attic or not!
Hideout Room
Every kid needs a place to hide out and play. Though outdoor games are fun, it’s always good to play inside every once in a while. Turning the attic into a hideout room for your child would be extremely beneficial in this case. You can add some shelves and cupboards to store board games and video games and set up a video game console in the room. You can also consider getting an attic fan cover, in case yours don’t have any already. Because during winters, it’s going to be a blessing to keep the cold drafts at bay. Throw in a bed/couch and a couple of bean bags and the hideout room is open for use!
Your Own Office
If you work at home or are planning on working from home, don’t stress about using any other rooms in your house. With your attic, you have more than enough space for your desk (or why not treat yourself to one of the stunning antique desks available online?), chairs and other office materials. If you want to liven up the office space a little bit, you can throw in a few artificial trees and artificial floral arrangements to give your office space a beautiful aesthetic. Beats a cramped up cubicle any day!
Library
If you are an avid reader who lives their life through the pages of a book, this would sound like heaven on earth to you. Add lots of shelves with your favorite books and relax on your couch in the comfort of your attic-turned-library. Be sure to keep a skylight for ample reading light and add some artificial plants and treesto make the space more comfortable for you.
Greenhouse/Garden
If you are a fan of gardening, you can convert your attic into a little greenhouse or garden. By adding some skylights on the top of the roof, your plants will get enough sunlight to thrive and grow. Be sure to keep some windows for fresh air for the plants as well. To make your greenhouse a literal greenhouse, you could install some boxwood mats on the floor and a boxwood topiary on the walls for a beautiful forest effect. Not only will it add aesthetic appeal, but it will also cool down the room for the plants.
Study
Whether you’re a student or a working professional, a study room is a must for when you need your private time to work. The attic can provide ample space for all your materials and is cozy and quiet enough for you to work in. By adding some fake hydrangeas or an artificial bonsai tree or two, you can enjoy a peaceful and serene ambiance along with some beautiful looking plants for your work. Or even if you want to bring in an energetic atmosphere that motivates you to get the work done, brighter colors and wall posters with some never give up quotes or your favorite motivational quotes could be a great addition too!
Your Own Bedroom
Considering that good space for a bedroom is hard to find these days, it’s not a bad idea to use the attic as your bedroom. You would have ample space for your bed and wardrobe and it would be peaceful and perfect for you to use. If you want to make your bedroom look a little cool, you can install a boxwood topiary on the walls or put some boxwood mats on the floor to make the room look visually appealing. If you prefer minimalism, you can go for high-end artificial plants or faux trees to add some green to your attic.
These are just some of the ways in which you can upgrade your run-down attic into a beautiful space. The list does not end here though. There are many creative and useful ways to turn your dusty attic into a livable or workable area. As you do more research on some of the things you would like to do with your attic, you will slowly find what suits your interests and carry out those ideas.
Consider using some faux plants to add to the appeal of the decor. It is not necessary to use a lot of foliage but use just the right amount to showcase your style and uniqueness. Unlike real plants, these are easy to maintain and their resemblance to their real-life counterparts is uncanny. Continue to research and find out about what decor will suit your needs and taste and surely enough, you will end up with a beautiful space that can be likened to a piece of art.
My family has been slowly working our way toward a plastic free home. Let me tell you, it’s not easy.
Plastic is cheap, and other materials like stainless steel, glass, and silicone are on the more pricy end.
It’s an investment.
Making the switch takes time.
Making the switch takes money.
The Pura Stainless bottles will make your switch a whole lot easier.
Being 100% plastic free and fully recyclable, the Pura bottles are free of everything you don’t want in your home.
These bottles are all interchangeable between each other. All Pura bottles work together with all Pura tops using their patented lid system. This saves you a lot of time, energy, and money.
This bottle for adults is a great addition to your non-plastic lifestyle.
The convenient finger loop is so great for on the go living. I constantly find myself using the finger loop to ensure that I don’t drop the bottle. It has seriously come in handy in so many instances.
Despite the large body of the bottle, it fits in standard cup holders and bike cages.
I love the insulated bottles because it eliminates sweating. Not only that, but it keeps liquid cold for up to 24 hours with ice.
The interchangeability of them allow these bottles to grow with your child. One set of these bottles can be used for many years, simply swap out the lids.
This bottle is perfect for kids. The durability it gives is incredible. The bottles are light too, which is perfect for little hands.
My only complaint about these bottles is the size. For my three and one year old, we re-fill them so quickly.
I completely understand the size of the bottles though, because they are made to use from infancy to elementary. Use it as a baby bottle or use it as a bottle for the kids at school!
The Pura Stainless bottles are the perfect way to switch from plastic to stainless. The time, money, and energy you’ll save with these bottles is completely worth the small investment.
