Things to Consider When Facing an Empty Nest Divorce
Divorce can be a tumultuous journey, stirring a pot of mixed emotions and uncertainties. Yet, when you’re facing an empty nest divorce, the challenge amplifies. The echoing quietness of the home that once resonated with laughter and chaos, combined with the reality of marital dissolution, can be overwhelming. But this transition offers a chance for reflection, reinvention, and renewed strength. Here, we delve into seven critical considerations when navigating this unique juncture in life.
The Double Whammy: Divorce and an Empty Home
Experiencing a divorce is like weathering a storm; it’s challenging, unpredictable, and requires immense resilience. Now, imagine facing an empty nest simultaneously. The home, once bustling with activity, the daily joys, challenges, and the ever-present rhythm of family life, suddenly stands eerily quiet. The empty corridors and vacant rooms are now poignant reminders of a family that once was.
The compounded emotions of an empty nest coupled with divorce can be overwhelmingly devastating.
Therefore, facing an empty nest divorce can be likened to navigating two storms at once. Each alone is daunting, but together, they create a unique maelstrom of emotions that demands understanding, patience, and time. As you stand at this intersection of change, acknowledging the weight of both experiences becomes the first step toward healing and rediscovery.
1. Embracing Emotional Well-being
The emotional whirlwind of facing both an empty home and a pending divorce can be overwhelming. Prioritizing your emotional health becomes paramount. Engaging in self-care activities, from attending therapy sessions to rejuvenating spa days, can act as a salve for the soul.
Furthermore, the role of support groups and community during divorce is invaluable. These platforms don’t just offer a listening ear, but they also present real-life tales of resilience, coping strategies, and avenues for healing. By sharing and listening, you gain perspectives, enabling you to process emotions healthily.
2. Redefining Identity Beyond Parenthood and Partnership
With the culmination of decades-long roles as a parent and a spouse, one’s self-perception can sometimes become blurry. The question looms large: Who are you beyond these identities? This transition presents an unparalleled opportunity to embark on a journey of self-reclamation.
It’s a phase to dive deep into passions pushed aside or perhaps explore new pursuits that ignite the spirit. Maybe it’s a musical instrument you’ve always wanted to master, an art form that calls out to you, or even academic courses that pique your intellectual curiosity. This isn’t merely about filling the void but a genuine chance to craft a vibrant mosaic of personal identity that resonates with your true essence.
3. Considering Relocation
Staying anchored in a place saturated with memories can sometimes amplify the pain of a lost relationship. Each corner and room can serve as a silent testament to moments gone by. For many, the thought of relocating begins to hold appeal and becomes an enticing proposition, not just to distance oneself from poignant memories but to find rejuvenation in new surroundings. As you research where to move to after divorce, explore different locations and consider not only the geographical change but the emotional and psychological reset it offers. Relocating to a tranquil countryside, a bustling metropolis or a seaside town becomes more than just a physical move—it’s a symbolic step into a world of new possibilities and fresh experiences.
4. Navigating the Social Seas
The social dynamics shift post-divorce. Events with mutual friends or family gatherings that were once routine might now feel like navigating a minefield. It’s crucial to tackle these social situations with grace, ensuring no additional stress or drama.
When facing an empty nest divorce, seeking support, be it professional guidance or a comforting loved one, is vital.
Avoid speaking ill of the ex-partner and maintain dignity and maturity. At the same time, expanding your social circle, perhaps by joining clubs or attending workshops, can provide an escape from the familiar and introduce you to new, refreshing experiences.
5. Building Financial Security
Navigating the financial waters post-divorce can feel both daunting and empowering. The split means not only dividing assets but also taking the reins of personal fiscal responsibility. For many, it’s the first time managing expenses, investments, and savings all on their own.
Diving into this realm might involve familiarizing oneself with taxation intricacies, re-evaluating investment portfolios, and strategizing for future goals. Attending financial seminars or collaborating with a financial advisor can provide clarity and confidence. Embracing this challenge head-on ensures financial independence and fortifies one’s sense of self-worth and capability in a new chapter of life.
6. Openness to Future Relationships
The end of a marital chapter doesn’t imply the close of your personal narrative on love and relationships. While healing is paramount and rushing is ill-advised, remaining receptive to future connections is a testament to human resilience and hope. The world is filled with experiences and potential partners who could resonate with your journey.
Whether it’s the simple joy of new friendships, the thrill of casual dating, or even the profound decision to remarry after divorce, each opportunity is a window to growth and understanding. Embracing this openness with self-awareness ensures that future relationships become pillars of support and joy rather than mere rebounds.
7. Strengthening Bonds with Grown-Up Children
An empty nest doesn’t equate to empty relationships. In fact, this is an opportune moment to redefine and deepen bonds with your grown-up children. Shift the dynamics from caretaker to confidant.
Reinforcing connections with grown-up children can be a heartwarming anchor during tumultuous times.
Engage in mature conversations, seek their opinions, and build a relationship rooted in mutual respect and understanding. Remember, they, too, might be adjusting to the new family dynamics, and a strong bond can be a pillar of strength for both sides.
A New Chapter Awaits
Life’s transitions, like facing an empty nest divorce, can be intense. Yet, with every change comes the promise of renewal, growth, and rediscovery. As you stand at this crossroads, remember that the path ahead is brimming with opportunities—fresh experiences, new relationships, and personal evolutions waiting to be embraced. Armed with knowledge, resilience, and optimism, you’re poised to embark on a journey that’s not just about recovery but also about flourishing in vibrant, uncharted territories. So, celebrate this new dawn and the endless possibilities it heralds.
Author’s Bio:
Rebecca Mitchell is an accomplished content writer with over a decade of experience crafting insightful articles across various subjects. Having navigated through her own life’s challenges, including a divorce, she writes with genuine empathy and depth. When she’s not weaving words, Rebecca is an avid traveler, keen on exploring the world’s myriad cultures, and an enthusiastic bibliophile, always with a book at arm’s reach.
Is Your Child Struggling at School? Here Are 5 Useful Strategies to Help Them Overcome Learning Difficulties
It’s no secret that all parents want their kids to do well in school, especially during their formative years. The concepts and behaviors kids learn early on play a major role in the development of their personalities and the choices they’ll make later on in life. But, it’s important to understand that every child has unique needs when it comes to education and method of learning. Hence, if your child is currently struggling in the classroom, don’t fret, as there are a host of ways you can step in and help them.
In this article, Jack Jack the Cat will present a handful of useful strategies parents can utilize to help their children learn beyond the classroom.
1. Use Technology to Make Learning Easy
Kids who are visual learners can find it difficult to grasp concepts in class, especially if discussions are the go-to method used by teachers. An effective way to help your child overcome this difficulty is to use tools such as videos and e-books.
Whether you want to teach your child STEM subjects such as math, science, or languages, there are a host of easy-to-understand videos that can be found on YouTube, Khan Academy, and other prominent websites. Additionally, CodeProfs.com can be a great resource to help your child learn the basics of coding!
There is also great reading content online! If your child struggles to read, but loves animals, check out Jack Jack the Cat and his many adventures.
2. Download Learning Apps for Subjects They’re Weak In
Using learning apps is a great way to complement educational videos. Additionally, apps provide the convenience of allowing your child to learn anytime, anywhere, whether it be on the way back from school, during their free time in the evening, and more.
Leveraging the power of AI, most educational apps will personalize the content based on your child’s needs. For instance, if your child prefers to complete quizzes, the app will curate a series of quizzes for each topic which can be used to test their understanding of concepts and serve as a great revision tool during exam season.
Additionally, when it comes to teaching kids STEM concepts, gamification can help kids grasp seemingly difficult concepts through a series of mini-quizzes or challenges.
3. Use Real-Life Examples
Learning by doing is a hallmark of kinaesthetic learners, as it helps them grasp concepts better in comparison to reading concepts from a book. Some young learners find it difficult to grasp abstract concepts such as decimals, fractions, etc., and using real-life examples is one of the best ways to help your child overcome their difficulties.
For example, when it comes to teaching math concepts such as fractions, allowing kids to lend you a hand in cooking can be of great help, according to Alessia Adora. Take a packet of pasta and empty it into four bowls of equal quantity. Each of the bowls will represent 1/4th (25%) of the entire packet. You can take it a step further by getting a larger bowl and asking your child to fill it with ½ (50%) or 3/4th (75%) of the packet.
4. Help Them Find a Hobby
As reported by Parent Circle, hobbies are a great medium to promote creativity and curiosity among kids. Additionally, it provides them with an engaging and fun outlet to learn new concepts and skills. As a parent, you’ll play a key role in helping your child find a hobby that they love, whether it be playing an instrument, learning how to paint, dancing, and more.
5. Develop a Reliable Schedule
Helping your child overcome the difficulties they’re facing in the classroom will require you to provide them with consistent and reliable support. Understandably, between work and personal responsibilities, finding time to spend with your child daily can be challenging. However, here’s where creating a realistic schedule will be effective. Whether it is 30-45 minutes in the morning or evening, block a time in your schedule to help your child with their learning challenges.
Learn to Help Your Child and Other Kids Through Coursework
It can be very rewarding to help others, especially children. There is nothing like the joy you feel when you’ve found a way to help a child understand a concept they were struggling with. If you decide that supporting kids in this way is a passion of yours, consider making it a career! This deserves a look if you are considering pursuing a degree in education that could make it possible for you to support your own child and other children who are struggling to learn.
Support Your Child’s Learning
Implementing the above-mentioned learning strategies will go a long way to help your child overcome in-class difficulties. Regardless of the strategy you choose to use first, remember that the key will be to remain consistent in your efforts and support your child every step of the way.
Author Laura Pearson Edutude.net = Where education has an attitude!info@edutude.net
The Impact of Divorce on Extended Family Relationships
Divorce – a word that stirs up a potpourri of emotions. This event often leaves a trail of change for the individuals directly involved and those in the periphery. The impact of divorce on extended family relationships can reverberate as a pebble dropped in a pond, touching lives far beyond the immediate family.
The Ripple Effect of Divorce: Beyond the Nuclear Family
A vast landscape of relationships lies beyond the realm of the couple and their children. When a couple of parts ways, this landscape also experiences a seismic shift. It’s not only the couple who navigates the stormy waters of separation but extended family members, too, are set adrift
So let’s explore six ways divorce impacts extended family relationships, showing that the implications of this process, regardless of the type of divorce you had, reach far and wide, intertwining lives in complex ways. And more importantly, let’s learn how to make the most of this difficult period.
1. Shifting Dynamics and Boundaries
Divorce instigates an undeniable shift in the dynamics and boundaries within the extended family structure. Once clearly defined, family roles may morph into new shapes and structures as extended family members adjust to the new reality. Grandparents may be stepping into more prominent roles, aunts and uncles may become key support figures, and siblings may have to adjust to varying degrees of presence and distance.
This transformation can be challenging, requiring family members to handle shifting relationships with tact and understanding. Amid these changes, the onus often falls on the extended family to create an environment that lessens the overall stress of the divorce. They must do so while respecting the new boundaries and ensuring their actions and attitudes foster a positive atmosphere for healing and adaptation. Balancing these responsibilities can be demanding, but ultimately it is essential to maintaining healthy relationships after a divorce.
2. Emotional Upheaval and Stress
The emotional impact of divorce extends far beyond the couple involved. Extended family members, too, may find themselves grappling with an assortment of emotions – sadness, confusion, anger, and a sense of loss. This emotional upheaval can be extremely taxing, causing anxiety and stress that affect overall well-being and relationships within the family.
In such emotional turmoil, communication may suffer, and misunderstanding may rise, leading to strained relationships. Extended family members may feel uncertain about how to address the situation, or they might find their actions misinterpreted, exacerbating the tensions. Maintaining open communication channels becomes crucial, and exercising patience and practicing empathy to sustain the relationships and ease emotional distress becomes crucial.
3. Altered Family Traditions
Family traditions often serve as the glue that binds extended families together. These traditions – from shared holidays and birthday celebrations to annual family reunions – foster a sense of belonging, unity, and continuity. However, divorce can invariably change these deeply ingrained family traditions.
There might now be discomfort and awkwardness where there was once joy and anticipation. The gatherings, once a source of fond memories, may become a battleground of conflict and resentment. In such circumstances, it becomes vital for extended families to adapt with understanding and grace. They may need to reframe traditions, establish new ones, or find alternative ways to maintain connections and celebrate family bonds while managing their emotions and those of the couple and children involved in the divorce.
4. Impact on Children’s Relationships with Extended Family
The ripples of divorce reach far and wide, and nowhere is it more pronounced than in the relationships children share with their extended family. Divorce can introduce shifts in these relationships due to factors such as custody arrangements, geographical relocation, or moving on short notice. On top of that, the responsibility to make the experience less stressful often falls on the family members’ shoulders, requiring sensitivity, tact, and respect for the new boundaries.
Children might spend less time with their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins or engage with them differently. These changes can cause feelings of loss, confusion, and instability in the children. On the flip side, extended family members also need to adapt to these changes, ensuring they continue providing support and stability to the children.
Therefore, it’s important to maintain consistency and keep lines of communication open with the children during this time. These connections with extended family can serve as an anchor, helping the children navigate the tumultuous waters of divorce with a greater sense of security and understanding. That is one of the best ways to minimize the impact of divorce on kids.
5. Potential for Conflict and Sides-taking
The talk about your divorce doesn’t end when you break the news to your family and friends and have that difficult conversation. In the aftermath of divorce, extended family members may unwittingly find themselves in a position where they feel compelled to take sides. That can inadvertently create conflict, cause rifts, and strain relationships within the family. It can be challenging, fostering an environment of tension and unease and inhibiting open communication.
Family members must strive to remain neutral and provide support without fostering division. That might involve avoiding derogatory discussions about the divorced couple, maintaining equitable relationships with both parties, and ensuring their actions do not incite conflict. Such actions can go a long way in preserving the unity and harmony of the extended family during such difficult times.
6. Opportunity for Evolving Relationships and Personal Growth
Despite its challenges, divorce can also be an unlikely catalyst for growth and evolution in extended family relationships. The very challenges thrown up by divorce can push family members to adapt, learn, and grow. It can foster resilience, empathy, and understanding as family members learn to navigate change, manage conflict, and support each other.
Such situations can bring family members closer together, strengthening bonds as they jointly navigate adversities. Moreover, individuals may experience personal growth, develop resilience, and better understand their strengths and abilities. In this way, the impact of divorce on extended family relationships is not entirely negative but can lead to profound personal and relational growth.
Turning the Page: Lessons From the Impact of Divorce on Extended Family Relationships
Unquestionably, the impact of divorce on extended family relationships initiates a transformation journey. While the path may initially seem fraught with challenges, it’s crucial to perceive the potential for positive change within this upheaval. As dynamics shift and evolve, so do opportunities for growth, understanding, and deeper connections. Embracing these changes, rather than resisting them, can turn the tide in favor of resilient and meaningful relationships. Remember, change is not synonymous with loss, and even in the wake of divorce, enduring familial bonds can be both a beacon of hope and a testament to familial resilience.
Author bio:
John Hastings is a seasoned content writer at Centennial Moving. With a knack for crafting engaging content, John provides insights and advice on various topics, including relationships, life changes, and wellness. He enjoys reading and playing baseball with his two boys in his spare time.
Navigating Divorce as a Recovering Addict: Strategies for Success
Going through a divorce can be emotionally and mentally taxing for anyone, but it poses unique challenges for those in recovery from addiction. Divorce can trigger stress, anxiety, and the temptation to revert to old destructive habits. However, with the right strategies in place, it is possible to navigate divorce while staying committed to your recovery successfully. This article will explore practical tips and techniques to help you prioritize sobriety, manage stress, and foster healthy coping mechanisms while navigating divorce as a recovering addict.
Prioritize Your Sobriety
Maintaining your sobriety should be your top priority during the divorce process. Ensure you have a solid support network, including a sponsor, therapist, or support group. Reach out to them regularly for guidance and encouragement. Attend recovery meetings consistently, as they provide a safe space to share your feelings and receive support from others who understand your struggles. You lay a strong foundation for successfully navigating divorce by prioritizing your sobriety.
Seek Professional Support
Navigating divorce as a recovering addict can stir up intense emotions and trigger relapse triggers. Engaging the help of a qualified therapist or counselor experienced in addiction and divorce can provide valuable guidance and coping strategies tailored to your specific situation. They can help you navigate the emotional rollercoaster, manage cravings, and develop healthy coping mechanisms to avoid the pitfalls of relapse.
Practice Self-Care
During divorce proceedings, prioritizing self-care is crucial to maintain your emotional and mental well-being. Engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress relief, such as meditation, yoga, exercise, or journaling. Take time to nourish your body with nutritious meals and ensure you are getting enough sleep. By practicing self-care, you provide yourself with the strength and resilience needed to face the challenges that arise during the divorce process.
Create a Supportive Environment
Surrounding yourself with a supportive environment is crucial for your recovery and well-being. Communicate with your friends and family about your needs and boundaries, making it clear that you require their understanding and encouragement during this difficult time. If necessary, consider creating physical boundaries, such as moving to a new space, to create a fresh and supportive environment that fosters your recovery.
Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Divorce can bring a surge of emotions, and it’s essential to develop healthy coping mechanisms to handle them effectively. Seek healthier alternatives to cope with stress, such as engaging in hobbies, practicing mindfulness, or talking to trusted friends or professionals. Explore new activities that provide a sense of fulfillment and distraction from negative emotions. You reduce the risk of relapse by channeling your energy into positive outlets and promoting personal growth.
Establish Boundaries and Manage Conflict
Divorce often involves conflict and disagreements. Establishing clear boundaries and developing effective strategies for managing conflicts without compromising your recovery is essential. Communicate your needs and expectations calmly and assertively, and be willing to compromise when it aligns with your overall well-being. Consider seeking the guidance of a mediator or divorce coach to facilitate productive communication and minimize unnecessary stress.
Practice Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques
Mindfulness and stress reduction techniques can be powerful tools for navigating divorce as a recovering addict and managing the emotional rollercoaster of divorce. Engaging in activities like deep breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness practices can help you stay present, reduce anxiety, and cultivate a sense of inner calm. These techniques allow you to respond to challenging situations with clarity and resilience rather than reacting impulsively or seeking solace in addictive behaviors.
Attend Support Groups for Divorcing Individuals
Connecting with others who are going through or have gone through a divorce can provide invaluable support and insight. Look for support groups specifically tailored to individuals navigating divorce while in recovery. These groups can offer a safe space to share experiences, exchange advice, and find comfort in knowing you’re not alone in your journey. It can also help you discover the link between codependency and addiction to which your marriage may have contributed. Learning from others who have faced similar challenges can help you gain new perspectives and coping strategies.
Focus on Financial Stability
Divorce often brings financial uncertainty, which can add stress to an already challenging situation. Take proactive steps to secure your financial stability and minimize anxiety. Consult with a financial advisor or divorce attorney who specializes in cases involving addiction to ensure your rights are protected, and your financial future is secure. Develop a realistic budget, explore potential income sources, and consider seeking educational or vocational opportunities to enhance your earning potential.
Embrace the Healing Power of Forgiveness
Divorce can be emotionally charged, with feelings of anger, resentment, and betrayal. However, holding onto these negative emotions can hinder your recovery progress. Embracing forgiveness, both for your ex-partner and yourself, can be transformative. Forgiveness doesn’t mean condoning past actions but rather releasing the emotional burden and freeing yourself to move forward. Seek guidance from a therapist or support group to help you navigate the complex process of forgiveness.
Rebuild and Rediscover Your Identity
Divorce offers an opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. Use this time to rebuild your identity outside the marriage and reconnect with your passions, interests, and goals. Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Rediscovering your identity as an individual in recovery allows you to strengthen your sense of self-worth and create a fulfilling future based on your values and aspirations.
Conclusion
Navigating divorce as a recovering addict is undeniably challenging. However, by implementing these strategies and making your sobriety a priority, you can successfully navigate the process while staying committed to your recovery journey. Remember, seeking professional support, practicing self-care, creating a supportive environment, and developing healthy coping mechanisms are key to ensuring your well-being and long-term sobriety. Stay strong, and know that you have the strength within you to overcome this challenging chapter in your life.
Author’s Bio:
Oscar Barajas is a passionate writer and advocate for mental health and addiction recovery. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals navigating divorce while in recovery, Oscar seeks to provide practical strategies and support through their writing. Drawing from personal experiences and extensive research, they aim to empower others to prioritize their sobriety, maintain emotional well-being, and navigate the complexities of divorce with resilience and grace.
Meta Description: Discover effective strategies for successfully navigating divorce as a recovering addict. Learn how to prioritize sobriety, manage stress, and foster healthy coping mechanisms during this challenging period.
Why Owning a Pet is Beneficial for You and Your Family
The majority of us have great experiences growing up with pets in our homes. They are usually our very first closest friends, and they help us get through some of the most difficult periods in our lives. However, pets are much more than just furry friends. Owning animals can genuinely improve both mental and physical health, as well as the development of young children who live with cats, dogs, and other family pets.
Therefore, think twice before rejecting your child’s request for a cute dog or kitten the next time they make the request. You could be pleasantly surprised by the advantages of keeping a pet for your kids. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider:
- More sympathy, care, and respect for others
According to research, kids who often engage with pets have an edge when forming connections with other people. Even for adults, socializing may be difficult, so you can only imagine how frightening it can be at times for kids. Pets are an excellent way to practice developing relationships since they don’t judge your child whether they forget to be polite or are having a bad day. But most importantly, they want accountability and care. As they look out for their pets, children will grow more sensitive to the needs of others.
There’s no denying that kids and animals can connect on a unique level—we’ve all read books and watched movies about kids and dogs that have unbreakable relationships. Giving your kids responsibility for the care of your pet will strengthen this attachment and teach them valuable lessons. Simple duties like feeding the dog in the morning or cleaning the cat’s litter box can be included. When your children finish up their pet chores, compliment them and give them greater responsibility if they show signs of maturity.
- Better mental and physical well-being
The benefits of having a household pet are not just limited to cats or dogs; experts have also found relaxing effects from having fish and other small animals at home. Both kids and adults do better emotionally and physically when they have a pet.
- The happy hormones that promote positive feelings like pleasure, happiness, and even love, can be increased by playing with pets.
- Owners of pets have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than non-pet owners, which are risk factors for heart disease.
- When under extreme stress, people who own pets have lower blood pressure than those who do not.
- A close companion for your child
Every week, parents spend many hours attempting to keep their kids happy and engaged. Simple daily activities for your child, like petting the household cat or taking the dog for a walk, can be enjoyable and calming. Additionally, playing with pets is a wonderful method for your kid to develop relationships with these beloved members of your family.
Friendship issues can arise in children of any age. While a 15-year-old might be concerned about rifts splitting their buddy group apart, a 5-year-old might be worried about making friends at school. But despite all the difficulties we face in our interactions as children and adults, our pets remain our loyal, loving companions.
- Opportunities to learn
The best pets are those that have been taught; they can follow simple instructions, act appropriately in public, and are safe with other animals and people. With the proper equipment and some parental assistance, the majority of children are quite competent in training friendly, non-aggressive animals. Even training a new dog or cat may be a family effort that strengthens your bonds.
Your children will develop their patience and consistency by training a new pet. They’ll develop healthy habits and learn the advantages of exerting themselves to accomplish a task.
- A bond that will last forever
Owning a pet is like expanding your family by one. They are always around you and are likely to accompany you on camping trips, family reunions, and other significant gatherings. They will appear in family portraits and be the center of many great memories. In addition, your children’s bond with your pets may be their first exposure to loving and caring for someone who is more innocent than themselves. They won’t ever forget those precious memories.
Pets can be a wonderful addition to any household and have a lot to give. To find the ideal pet for your family, it is essential to do as much research and explore the market as you can. Although getting a pet requires a substantial commitment, the benefits for your family make the effort worthwhile.
Author is Michael Morris of 6XD Media
Spring and Summer Safety: Tips to Protect Your Kids
As parents, we instinctively want to shield our kids from danger. Sometimes, however, the outdoors can present hazards we might not even dream of, especially during the warmer months of the year. Courtesy of Jack Jack the Cat, we share some tips for ensuring your children are protected.
Outdoor Inspection
Even if you took precautions last fall, it may be time to tidy up once spring arrives, as winter can be hard on a home’s exterior. Take a walk around your property, looking carefully for potential concerns. Trim trees and shrubs to prevent growth from encroaching on your home, and cut them back at least two feet to keep pests from getting too cozy or to eliminate any hazards to your children.
You should also inspect the fence that surrounds your property, if you have one. Make sure there are no areas that need to be replaced or repaired. Strong fences are especially important if you live in a high traffic area or a neighborhood with a low walk score. In other words, if foot traffic is low because the area doesn’t have many shops within walking distance, then you are likely to experience more auto traffic. Then, a good fence is important for your kids’ and your home’s safety.
Also, sometimes when we live with things, we don’t think of them in terms of posing dangers. Eliminate sources of standing water such as toys left in the yard or flipped open garbage bin lids, as they also provide opportunities for mosquitoes and other pests to thrive.
Pool Safety
Pools are an obvious source of potential danger. If you have a pool, the Red Cross recommends having your children take swimming lessons. It’s vital to keep ladders and steps secure to prevent children from falling into the water, and remove ladders when the pool is not in use. Install protective barriers and use a safety cover. Also keep the water clean and ensure the chemicals are at the right levels.
Secure Equipment
Outdoor equipment can be inviting to curious children. Ensure items such as grills, lawn care equipment and electrical appliances are secured properly. Pick up and properly stow sharp objects and tools. Also lock storage sheds, garages and barns, and install childproof locks on gates.
Sun Exposure
Just like adults, kids need some sunshine to help their bodies produce vitamin D. However, too much can damage your youngster’s skin. Raising Children explains it’s particularly important to keep toddlers and babies safe from damaging ultraviolet rays. Dress your child appropriately, using a hat to protect your child’s head from the sun’s rays. Infants do best in soft hats that allow babies to relax comfortably. Choose one with a chinstrap or tie, and if your little one objects, keep trying until she or he accepts it as part of the normal routine.
Also, prolonged exposure to sunshine puts your child at risk for future cataracts. Sunglasses can help guard against damage to your child’s eyes; opt for close-fitting, wraparound glasses for the best protection.
Riding Toys
A big part of warm weather fun is getting on a tricycle, skateboard or bike. If your youngster has riding toys that come out as soon as temperatures rise, ensure the proper safety equipment is at hand. Some experts recommend helmets when riding on toys, but note helmets should be removed for playground or swing set play as they pose choking hazards.
When using strollers, use the safety straps provided by the stroller manufacturer, and if your baby is too little to sit up on her own, steer clear of hauling her in wagons with low sides. If your kids are old enough for bicycling on streets, Healthline notes you should teach them the rules of the road, such as riding the same direction as traffic, obeying traffic signals, using hand signals, watching for other vehicles and not riding on sidewalks.
Preparations Mean Safety
Keeping your child safe is one of your first priorities. Warm months present special hazards, but with proper preparations you can prevent tragedy. Working parents often need support during the summer, like trading play dates with neighbors or having a teenager watch the kids while you work. It’s important that you share these tips with anyone who might be watching your child so that everyone involved provides your child with a safe environment through carefully thought-out precautions.
If you’re looking for some summer reading options, check out Jack Jack the Cat. Whether Jack Jack is at home or exploring the jungle, he is sure to find himself in the middle of an adventure. Check our website for more information about Jack Jack and his weekly adventures for plenty of summertime fun.
How Single Parents Can Better Manage Stress
Life can be stressful for single parents and their kids. For parents, there is financial stress, job stress, interpersonal stress, and the overarching stress of having to raise the kids alone. For kids, there is a completely different type of stress – fear of the unknown and feeling self-conscious about coming of age without their mother or father in the picture. As a single parent, it’s hard to manage it all.
Here are some tips to help give you some ideas on how to minimize stress.
Cut Yourself Some Slack
The first tip is likely the hardest, but it’s something you must strive toward. Single parents often set high expectations for themselves – often too high. However hard it may be, try to cut yourself some slack. Despite any shortcomings, you’re doing the best you can.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
The seemingly obvious way to reduce stress is to remove the stressor from your life. Unfortunately, when it comes to managing a single-parent household, this isn’t always an option. So take steps to alleviate the effects of that stress instead. This is where relaxation techniques come into play.
Meditation can be very effective. Listen to guided meditations or try to focus on whatever brings you inner peace. Simply put, meditation is being mindful in the moment.
You can repeat a mantra, or you can just be in the moment consumed by your present surroundings. If your kids are old enough, you can even get them in on the practice. As Psychology Today points out, meditation is scientifically proven to boost all the best parts of life while removing negativity.
When you’re meditating, make sure you’re in a quiet space in your home to promote relaxation. Wearing comfortable clothes like leggings and a roomy T-shirt can also help you focus.
Get Your Kids Involved
You’re not being a bad parent if you want some free time. You need it if you want to keep your sanity. One way to increase your alone time is to get your kids involved in activities. After-school clubs, sports, community arts groups — you can find an organization that specializes in facilitating the exploration of their interests.
Cultivate their love for community service and volunteering by registering for animal welfare or environmental organizations. If your child is athletic, team sports are a great way for them to meet new people and encounter new role models. Talk to your kids about their interests, and there will surely be something they’d love to get involved in.
Foster a Stress-Free Home Environment
You spend most of your time at home, so it’s naturally going to have a lot of impact on your stress level. A messy, disorganized home is a stressful home. Even if you aren’t a super tidy person, excess clutter can be a problem. This is especially true for a family run by a single parent who is already busy. Take some time to fully declutter your home from top to bottom so it’s more manageable. You can also use some sensory tips and tricks to reduce stress. Plants, essential oils, aromatherapy candles, and natural light can help people feel relaxed. Open those curtains and let the sun shine in.
As a single parent, you are managing a family alone. There’s no way around that. There will be a lot of stress to deal with — both your own and that of your kids. Try to combat this stress by getting your kids involved in engaging activities, making sure you have a clean, organized, calming home environment, and setting some time aside to practice relaxation exercises.
Author Janice Russell believes the only way to survive parenthood is to find the humor in it. She created Parenting Disasters so that parents would have a go-to resource whenever they needed a laugh, but also to show parents they aren’t alone. She wants every frazzled parent out there to remember that for every kid stuck in a toilet, there’s another one out there somewhere who’s just graced their parents’ walls with some Sharpie artwork!
5 Steps to Entrepreneurship for Stay-at-Home Moms
For single, recently divorced mothers, figuring out how to balance work with childcare is challenging. Maybe it’s time to consider starting your own home-based business. And with a little support from Wendi of Global Guide to Divorce, you’ll feel confident about becoming a “mompreneur!” If you’re interested in opening a home-based business, these tips will help you in every step of the process.
Come Up With a Business Idea
Naturally, deciding on your business idea should be the first item on your to-do list! Frugal Budgeter recommends thinking about possibilities like becoming a bookkeeper, a proofreader, a social media manager, or even selling arts and crafts.
You’ll also need to decide how you want to price your products or services. To determine how much you’ll charge, consider your own fixed expenses, the cost of any materials you’ll need, and what your time is worth based on your previous income from W2 jobs.
Hire Freelance Help
As a business owner and stay-at-home single mom, you’re inevitably going to have a lot on your plate — but you don’t have to handle all of your entrepreneurial responsibilities on your own! Instead, you can hire freelance experts for help.
For instance, you could work with a freelance web designer to set up your company website or a social media manager to outline a digital marketing plan. And rather than trying to design a logo on your own, you can hire a graphic designer — to illustrate, freelance graphic designer pricing is approximately between $15 and $35 per hour. To find a graphic designer (or any other freelancer, for that matter), you can browse online job platforms and check out reviews, estimated delivery times, and rates before hiring someone.
What if you also need support navigating your divorce and getting back on your feet? You can turn to Wendi Global Guide for Divorce for coaching!
Start Networking
Now, you’re ready to work with your first clients or customers! But how can you land those initial sales? The secret is networking. As a new entrepreneur, you need to get the word out about your business! Startup Nation recommends joining groups with other professionals in your industry. If attending networking events in person with your kids in tow would be tough, you can connect with virtual groups instead.
Working From Home With Kids
When you’re running a business and raising a family at the same time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To stay productive while working from home with your kids, Healthline recommends picking out a few quieter activities that your kids can do during the workday, sticking to a regular schedule for the household, and aiming to get more work finished while the kids are napping. If your kids spend time with their other parent as part of your custody agreement, you can also plan to get extra work done during those days. Hiring a babysitter on your busiest days is also an option.
Bring an Assistant on Board
If you need a hand with your business, you may want to hire a virtual assistant to help you stay on top of everything you need to do, freeing up more time for you to spend with your kids! To find a reliable assistant, you should look for someone who has fantastic attention to detail, the ability to multitask effectively, great writing skills, and basic accounting skills.
After a divorce, it can take some time to move forward in your personal and professional life. If you’re staying home with your children for the foreseeable future, starting your own business can give you a new goal and a sense of fulfillment. With these tips, you’ll be prepared to succeed as a “mompreneur!”
Are you trying to navigate life after a divorce? You’re not alone, and the resources from Global Guide to Divorce can help you make it through. Reach out to Wendi for a coaching session today.
Author Kelli Brewer is proud of her military family and is passionate in supporting military families. Together with her husband, they created DeployCare to offer understanding and support to our service members and their families before, during, and after deployments.
Tips for a Less Stressful Move: Advice for the Whole Family
Children Helping Unload Boxes From Van On Family Moving In Day
It’s no secret that moving can be a hassle, especially if you’re divorced, have kids, or both. Did you know that more than 15.9 million Americans moved during the pandemic, according to USPS data? Since moving is one of the most stress-inducing milestones in life, it’s important to know how to make it a more enjoyable process.
Maybe you’re leaving a small apartment to finally have more space, or maybe you’re moving across the country to start a new life after divorce. Even if your children are looking forward to the move, they probably also feel unstable as they experience a ton of changes. When you’re divorced, there are even more considerations and logistics to keep in mind.
There are plenty of stress-free moving tips you can follow that make life easier, fortunately. Although one of the best solutions is to look into the cost of hiring a moving service, if that’s not possible, at least try to follow some of our hacks that are particularly helpful if you’re a divorcee.
- Keep a master binder for moving. Organize all documents: contracts, receipts, and other important records in one organized place.
- Schedule your move to happen mid-month or mid-week. There will be less traffic and the cost to move furniture might be lower during these times.
- Be careful about how you pack! Take care of wrapping fragile or tedious items first so you’re not rushing and leaving room for error (and damage.)
- Avoid leaks, lost items, or other mishaps by keeping expensive and valuable personal belongings close and remembering to pack items like cleaning solutions, paints, and sharp tools in clear plastic bins (rather than cardboard boxes.)
- Be sure to organize your boxes using color-coding. Consider giving every room a different color packing label. You can download our free packing labels to add to your boxes below!
- Make extra cash by selling unnecessary items on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or a yard sale.
- Schedule a pickup with WePickUp.org or a similar site if you have a lot of items you’d rather donate than sell. It’ll save you a trip to Good Will or Salvation Army!
- Paint the move in a positive light when talking to the kids. It’s easy to constantly talk about how stressed you are with the moving process. Remember, your kids are always listening and internalizing those sentiments — try to stay positive.
- Notify your home insurance agent to see if moving insurance is included in your policy. If not, you’ll want to look into moving insurance to protect your belongings.
- Be prepared for inclement weather. For example, bring old towels, extra cardboard and plastic wrap to protect items in transit when there’s rain or snow.
You can find more actionable tips here, and feel free to download the printable resources below to help with the moving process: an inventory cheat sheet, contact notification sheet, and moving labels.
Author of this article is Gabrielle Gardiner. She is a Content Marketing Specialist
siegemedia.com
3 Tips that Make Budget-Friendly Birthday Parties Easier for Parents
Kids look forward to celebrating their birthday party every year. If you are a parent who is working with a tight budget, however, you may not be looking forward to the costs of hosting a party in your home. Thankfully, putting together an unforgettable home birthday celebration for your child doesn’t have to cost a fortune if you use these budget-friendly tips.
Keep Kids Busy without Worrying About Extra Expenses
The whole point of a birthday party is to celebrate and have fun, so make sure you incorporate some savings-savvy party activities into your plans. Hosting a sleepover can offer some super creative ways to entertain all of your little guests, especially when you can put together a backyard stargazing party that’s practically free and oh so much fun! You can use a telescope you already own or have kids build their own. Party guests will be so excited to check out the stars at night, and backyard astronomy lessons are educational as well.
Looking for more activity ideas for a fun birthday bash? Check out these budget-friendly ideas, like a treasure hunt or a chance to stomp on balloons. Just be conscientious of any children who may have sensory processing issues, and try to have alternate games set up for them. Bingo and rubber duck hunts are autism-friendly activity options if you want your celebration to be inclusive of children who have special needs.
Feed Those Hungry Party Guests without Going Over Budget
To keep kids from getting cranky, you will want to have few snacks and beverages available. If you plan on hosting your children’s friends for a full meal, try to plan a menu that won’t break the bank but will still satisfy picky eaters. A hot dog bar is a fun way to fill those tummies, or you could go with pizza for a super easy crowd pleaser. Want to avoid the costs of a big meal? Schedule your party between mealtimes. Time is important when you have a super-slim food budget, so aim to have your event happen between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Of course, no birthday bash is complete without a cake. Instead of overspending at a gourmet bakery, go to your local grocery store and give a plain cake an easy makeover that will wow everyone. Cakes from grocery stores are less expensive, and you don’t need to worry about ordering ahead. Simply scrape off any typical store decor, and replace it with your kid’s favorite candy or cereal.
Plan Your Party Around a Theme to Make Decorating Simple
Planning out activities and food options will help you keep party costs under control. You can make planning easier by coming up with a fun theme as well. Some of the most popular party themes let you get as fancy or basic as you want, and you can create most of these pulled-together parties for minimal costs.
If your child loves nature, consider a magical enchanted forest theme, and use free decor, like pine cones and tree branches, to spruce up your party space. You can even use pine cones for additional craft activities, which can save you even more. Complete the look and functionality of any birthday party theme by picking up supplies to match too. You can shop online for inexpensive party kits that come with everything you need to add the finishing touches to your celebration. From fun party plates to eco-friendly straws, you’ll have all of your birthday party bases covered.
By celebrating your child’s birthday at home, you’re already on the right track to stay within your budget. Make sure you save even more, and still keep everyone having fun, by using the handy party-planning tips above. After all, your guests will care much more about the memories they make than they will about how much you spend on the party itself.
This article was written by Natalie Jones of homeownerbliss.info
Co-Parenting A Teenager That Is Vaping Behind Your Back
Raising a child as a single parent thanks to divorce is no mean feat. If that child is a teenager, then things often become more complicated and you need to know how to handle it..
Take, for instance, the vaping craze that’s exploded among teens. What happens when you discover that your teen is vaping behind your back? How will you handle it? How do you and your ex work together to discover a solution?
Why is Vaping Dangerous?
You might be wondering why vaping is a serious issue. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Most parents and teens are under the impression that vaping simply involves inhaling harmless water vapor and flavor. There’s a misconception that e-cigarettes are better than conventional cigarettes.
However, while e-cigarettes are smoke and tobacco-free, most still contain nicotine. This is a dangerous, highly addictive substance that can wreak havoc on teens’ developing brains, affecting their learning ability, attention span as well as their mood and impulse control.
Additionally, the CDC reports that the vapor or aerosol from e-cigarettes isn’t as benign as once thought. It contains chemical fruit or candy flavorings that have been linked to certain lung ailments. What’s more, the nicotine in e-cigarettes might put users at risk for addiction to other drugs in the future.
Co-parenting A Vaping Teen
Teens can turn to vaping for several reasons including acting out because of divorce or because of peer pressure. Here’s how you and your ex-spouse can handle the situation:
Discuss the issue with your ex-spouse.
You and your ex-spouse need to sit down and discuss how you’re going to handle this situation. Things won’t work if one of you sees that vaping is a problem and the other thinks there’s nothing wrong with it. Get on the same page on how you’ll raise the issue with your teen, the consequences they’ll have to face and what kind of help they should receive, if necessary.
Have a discussion with your teen.
Next, have a discussion on vaping with your teen either separately or together as his parents. Avoid scolding or lecturing and instead, ask open-ended questions to initiate dialogue. This way, you have a chance of discovering the root cause of their behavior. During the discussion, educate your teen on the dangers of vaping.
Outline consequences to your teen.
For consistency, both you and your ex-spouse should agree on suitable consequences for your teen’s vaping. These consequences should be clear and should match the committed offense. For instance, you could ground your teen for some days or withdraw some of their privileges for a while. Ensure that consequences set are enforced by both of you and that rules are the same at both homes.
Seek professional help.
Finally, if you both notice that you’re not having any impact on your teen, seek professional help. It can be hard to quit vaping but it is possible as long as your teen is willing to do it. There are trained professionals who can guide your teen on how to become vape-free.
As parents, both you and your spouse should find ways to co-parent your teen through a vaping incident, keeping in mind that his well being is the most important thing.
Author of this article, Tyler Jacobson, enjoys going to the mountains near his home in Draper, Utah to connect with his wife and children through camping, hiking, and quality time together. When he isn’t rebooting in the outdoors, he shares his fatherly experiences with the world through writing and creative work. Tyler shares the ups and downs of family life and the solutions he’s found through lengthy research and involvement in the industry and his own experiences to help parents everywhere. Follow Tyler on: Twitter
Combat Your Teen’s Narcissism By Teaching Them Sincere Empathy
Teenagers are notorious for two things—teen angst and narcissism. In fact, many parents wonder where they went wrong in bringing up their kids to become so self-centered.
The good news is, your teen’s self-absorption is not a reflection of your parenting. They are just going through the normal phases of growing up. It turns out that being egocentric is a normal part of teen development, as it helps them figure out their unique identities separate from their families.
However, normal teen narcissism should not be confused with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). The latter is a diagnosable condition and people with the disorder normally experience difficulties in having normal lives.
Also, those with NPD often struggle to maintain healthy relationships, and the disorder usually affects their education or employment. Teens who are diagnosed with NPD require lengthy treatment and a change of environment like that provided at a therapeutic boarding school.
Dealing With Your Narcissistic Teen
The key to dealing with a self-centered teen lies in building empathy. You will need to find ways to help your teen learn how to understand and share other people’s feelings. Here are some strategies that might help.
Get your teen to volunteer.
Volunteering has several benefits for teens including opening their eyes to what others go through. Through volunteering, your teen will learn how to be a giver, not just a taker. They will come to experience the satisfaction that comes with helping those who are in need.
Help them see other alternatives.
Teens have a way of assuming other people’s behavior is somehow related to them. For instance, your teen might think that the teacher who gave him a poor grade doesn’t like him. So help your teen see that while his conclusion is a definite possibility, there could be other alternatives as well.
Don’t overindulge your teen.
Set limits on how much cash or presents you give your teen and avoid showering them with too many lavish experiences or gifts. Those only reinforce the notion that their self-worth lies in material things and showing off to others. Instead, teach your teenager that self-worth comes from the inside out and help them develop confidence in their abilities.
Limit their social media use.
Social media can encourage your teen to become superficial and obsessed with having perfect looks or material items. Limiting their screen time is a good place to start. You can also encourage them to take up other pursuits and hobbies that will help them become well-rounded teenagers instead.
Don’t shield your teen from failure.
Another excellent way to fight your teen’s narcissism is allowing them to face the consequences of their actions and not shielding them from life’s failures. Allowing your teen to experience disappointment and failure once in a while is actually good for their healthy development. Just remember to equip them with the necessary problem-solving skills to address situations on their own should they get into trouble.
While it’s normal for teens to be a little narcissistic, you should still encourage your teen to change their behavior by instilling the values of empathy in them.
Author of this article, Tyler Jacobson, enjoys going to the mountains near his home in Draper, Utah to connect with his wife and children through camping, hiking, and quality time together. When he isn’t rebooting in the outdoors, he shares his fatherly experiences with the world through writing and creative work. Tyler shares the ups and downs of family life and the solutions he’s found through lengthy research and involvement in the industry and his own experiences to help parents everywhere. Follow Tyler on: Twitter