What do you find your family doing during free time? Do you notice that everyone seems preoccupied with their own interests? The next time your family has time to spend together, try getting outside to participate in one (or many) of these activities: Create an outdoor scavenger hunt Who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt? Make a list of what everyone should look for. Nature provides a lot of different items such as acorns, pinecones, flowers, and rocks. Choose how long the hunt will last and select someone to keep track of time. Whoever finds the most items before the…
Author: Lizzie Weakley
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Every day, something new comes out about how technology is ruining intrapersonal relationships and family time. While admittedly your child or teen may be burying their head in a screen a little too much, technology does have its benefits. Technology has helped families stay better connected, and some tablets or computers for family game night. Still, if you’re looking for something you take your family night to the next level, below are three possibilities. Drones are the next big thing as they have begun capturing everything from fireworks shows to weddings. While mini-drones can be found at mall stands and…
It may only be July, but there have already been a lot of great family-friendly movie choices in 2015. This is more important than ever in a time when movies continue to get more violent. These are the 10 best family-friendly movies released in 2015. Inside Out “Inside Out” is an extremely inventive film from Pixar that follows the emotions living inside a small girl’s mind. “Inside Out” lets children know that felling emotion is normal in a funny story that will entertain the whole family. Cinderella The classic fairy tale is retold using live action. “Cinderella” does not veer…
A huge milestone in any teen’s life is the day that he or she gets a driver’s license. It’s a big step towards adulthood that brings a new level of independence. For parents of teens, this can be both an exciting time as well as one filled with new anxieties. You may be excited that your days of shuttling your child around are coming to a close, however, you know the dangers that exist on the road. Review these five safe driving keys with your child often before you hand over the keys to the car. 1. Review the rules…
Being a mother is a full-time job, and you may find yourself overwhelmed by your parenting role from time to time. Your responsibilities start as soon as you wake up in the morning, and they never cease. In addition to your duties as a mother, you also may be a hard-working, career-minded woman who puts long hours in at your job every day. If you can relate to this, one of the best things you can do is hire a cleaning service to help you keep your home clean, and there are several good reasons for this. A Clean, Sanitized…
When you are preparing for your child to drive a motor vehicle, it can be a harrowing time for you emotionally. Making preparations for your child includes a varying number of things that will make your life much more interesting. Try each step to be sure you and your child are ready for them to drive. The Car When you know that your child is going to be driving, they need to be behind the wheel of a car that you know they can drive safely. The family car you allow them to drive should be safe, small and easy…
When the weather cools down and the flakes start to fly, keeping your home clean can seem like more of a chore than ever. Between closed windows, children running rampant because they’re stuck indoors, and a never-ending parade of snow and salt, there’s plenty of opportunities for your cleaning schedule to get derailed. Fortunately, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Use the seven tips below to keep your home neat and tidy all winter long. 1.) Institute a no-shoes policy, and mean it. If there’s snow on the ground, there’s probably snow and salt on the bottom of…
As much as parents would like to protect their children from any type of harm, the reality is that bumps, bruises and broken bones are often part of childhood experiences. Eventually, most children experience some type of major accident at some point in childhood. Though the child is the one who experiences the physical pain of being in a car accident or other traumatic encounter, it is the parent who is often left with the responsibility of what to do next. The Moments Following A Major Accident After a child has been involved in a major accident, the moments that…
Reasons for Injuries If you are a parent, then preparing for severe injuries is vital to save a child’s life. No one wants to think about an emergency situation occurring to a child, but a bicycle, pedestrian or vehicle accident is possible at any time of the day or night. Accidents also happen at home or school due to playing rough contact sports or falling down a flight of stairs. Begin First Aid Procedures Everyone should take a first aid class to learn updated lifesaving methods for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. You will understand how to check for external or internal injuries…
Don’t settle for the same old thing in 2015. This year check out these 7 special events for the whole family to love: 10th Annual Stueart Pennington Running of the Tubs Downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas shows off on May 16, 2015 as costumed teams humorously jump into authentic bathtubs on wheels primed to roll family-lined streets. Come one, come all in your house slippers, shower caps and PJ’s for an exciting, free day loaded with wholesome good times. Water guns definitely allowed! National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC Love a parade? This fabulous, color-filled festival promises delightful…
There are dozens of great winter activities that are healthy, fun, and exciting. The best way to get rid of the winter blues is by planning a fun trip. Some creative thinking and research can reveal wonderful opportunities. Cold weather RV travel Cold weather RVing is a new sport that is appealing to families. People can go to Aspen to ski the slopes, to Maine to hike the numerous trails, or to Canada for ice skating. An excellent list of tips for cold weather traveling can be found at the FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association). A little research and proper…
While most parents know the importance of taking their child to the dentist, many do not know about the need to take a child to the orthodontist at a certain age. This article will tell parents at what age they should take their children to the orthodontist, as well as what to expect when the time for the appointment arrives. What’s the Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Regular Dentist? Orthodontics is a dental field that deals specifically with diagnosing and treating malocclusion, which literally means bad bite. Orthodontists do this by studying the facial growth and development of their…
Homeowners looking to complete major renovations in Prince George should consider DIY projects that include reclaimed materials, real wood trim, and customization options. Customizing a home is a splendid way to make renovations easier to handle. Homeowners can do a number of things to soften the feel of the home when the job is done. Old wood Using the wood from old barns and homes is an excellent way to save some money, and help the environment. It is also a comforting way to soften the ambiance of a room. Using reclaimed wood to make custom pieces of furniture or…
Due to hectic work and school schedules, family visits throughout the year can sometimes be few and far between, but the winter holidays are a great time to get the entire family together to enjoy the Christmas spirit. Whether you are interested in a low key hotel to enjoy or would rather a more Christmas themed getaway, the possibilities are endless. Listed below are just a few of many different Christmas getaways available. New Hampshire Polar Express The Polar Express is a beloved childhood story about a little boy who takes a ride on a train while searching for the…
It seems kind of funny when you think about it. It’s probably easier to travel with a group of strangers than it is with your own family — you might think that you know them, but you probably really don’t. Not to worry. With some simple, easy to follow advice, you can make your travel plans a success. Plan ahead, talk to each other, avoid surprises It may be obvious, but members of the same family probably don’t speak to each other nearly enough. Before any travel plans, especially before a major holiday like Christmas, it’s a good idea to…
As a new mother, you always want the best for your child. From the minute you realize you are pregnant, you are trying to protect them from the harmful things in the world. Mothers to be change their diet, avoid toxic air, and start exercising to boost their chances of having a happy, healthy baby. When that precious baby is born, the need to protect does not go away. If anything, it becomes stronger and it seems everywhere you turn is some sort of danger. Luckily, there is no need to put your child in a bubble. With a few…
Don’t overlook fall for your next family vacation. Smaller crowds, empty roads and cooler temperatures can make this time of year the best time to travel. With a little planning, you can have just as much fun under the changing leaves as you did under the bright summer sun. Family Matters: How to Plan for a Family Vacation this Fall Choose Your Destination Not all destinations are suitable for fall travel, so make sure your first choice is the best choice. For example, fall is hurricane or monsoon season in many tropical locations, so it’s best to skip these options…