5 Ways to Jumpstart Your Child's Success in Life!

Helping set your kids up for a happy and healthy future is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. From helping them with finances to eating right, I have 5 easy tips that anyone can do!

Set Your Kids Up for Financial Freedom:

Wouldn't we all love to be able to have financial freedom? I know I wouldn't mind it, haha. With time being on your child's side, you have the ability to help your child get to that place with a custodial Roth IRA. Once your child gets their first job, such as a formal job, or even babysitting, lawn mowing, etc., it's important to help guide them in saving a nice chunk of that money for their future. As their guardian, you can act as the custodian of the account until they turn 18 or 21. The age depends on the state in which you live, and at that time it's turned over to your child. 

You can contribute to the custodial Roth IRA account as much as the earned income of the child for the year, up to a maximum of $7,000. Parents are also allowed to add money to their child's account, however you cannot exceed the amount that your child earned in income for the year, or the annual limit ($7000), whichever is less. This will make for a wonderful nest egg for your child and they will be thanking you later when they start making those withdrawals!

Promote Education:

Instilling the importance of education in our children will be a benefit to them all their lives. We as adults are always learning, whether on the job, or even when we get a new cell phone. Learning is an on-going process and part of our daily lives. By teaching your children that learning is an important part of life, this will help them to understand the importance of going to school and doing their best. Whether they are in grade school, college, trade school, or any other sort of training. Having a solid foundation of skills helps to set up our children for a bright future.

Eating Healthy:

It's important to start healthy eating habits when kids are young. This way they are used to eating foods that promote a healthy body and lifestyle. A cycle that you want them to continue doing when they are older. It's never too late to pull back on the sugary drinks, drive past the fast food joints, and walk past the processed meats in the grocery store. You can do this!

If you are looking for some easy ways to get healthy, check out my 10 Ways To Get Healthy Fast post! 

Start Exercising:

When our children are young and they run around outside, little do they know or think about the fact that they are actually exercising! Sure, they are having fun, playing, maybe kicking a ball around the backyard, or chasing after bubbles, but they are also keeping their body strong. 

When kids are older, they tend to want to always be on their phone or computer, but it's just as important as ever to keep them active. By setting up routines now, they will be more likely to continue them through adulthood. 

Some fun, easy ways for the whole family to exercise include taking family walks, going to the park, riding bikes and playing sports. Things everyone can enjoy!

Exercising can help us not only control our weight, but improve our mood, build our self-esteem, promote better sleep, and combat health conditions. The benefits are endless. 

Get More Sleep:

This is something I am sure we could all use more of, sleep. There are tons of benefits to getting enough sleep. Everything from getting sick less often, to lowering your risk for serious health problems like diabetes and heart disease. Most adults need 7 or more hours of good-quality sleep (and on a regular schedule) each night. Teens need 8-10 hours, school-aged children need 9-12 hours, preschoolers need 10-13 hours (including naps), toddlers 11-14 (including naps), babies 12-16 (including naps) and newborns 14-17 hours a day.   

By setting up routines for our children when they are young, you are helping to set them up for success in the future. Creating healthy patterns that your child can easily replicate on their own is key. And don't worry! If your kids are already in high school, college or beyond. It's never too late to start. There's nothing more rewarding than knowing you are doing all you can for your children. 

Best wishes for you and your family!

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Preparing for Your Child's Financial Future with a UGMA Account!

I think it's safe to say that we all want the best for our kids. We want them to have good health, happiness, an enriching education and of course, financial stability when they get older. While we make sure to give our kiddos healthy food to eat, time spent outdoors for playing or reading them a bedtime story, we are working to give them that "best" we wish for them. However, there's another important thing we can do as well, and that's helping them to plan for their future financially.

If you’re looking for an easy way to give your child a jump start, a great way to do so is by setting up a UGMA account. If you aren’t familiar with what that is, it stands for Uniform Gifts to Minors Act and I am going to break it down for you.

A UGMA account is an investment account that allows you, as the parent (or guardian), to invest on behalf of a minor. This investment will be held and managed until the child reaches adulthood. Even though the account is in the child’s name, the guardian will have control over the investments until the child reaches a certain age, typically 18 or 21. This age depends on your state regulations.

UGMA accounts have no income or contribution limits and no early-withdrawal penalties or restrictions on how the funds are used for the child. Basically, these are easy-to-open accounts used to invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and more… all to give a child a better future. 

A really nice feature of this type of an account is that family and friends can make contributions to the account. There are no contribution or income limits and contributions are made with after-tax dollars (meaning donors don’t receive an income tax deduction). However, please know that once a deposit has been made into this account, it is permanent. The transfer cannot be reversed once placed.

Have you ever had a family member say… I don’t know what to get “____” for their birthday or holiday gift? Having the ability to make deposits for your child can be a great option. Knowing they are investing in your child’s future would make a meaningful gift.

If there ever becomes an emergency for your child and he/she needs some money before they turn the age of majority in their state, you are allowed to make a withdrawal. There are no withdrawal penalties, but the reason has to be an expense that benefits the beneficiary.

If I piqued your interest in setting up a UGMA account for your child, you can easily do so through a bank or a brokerage institution. Happy saving!

*Please note: Since these assets are owned by the minor, they do count on their application for federal financial aid for college. This could potentially decrease their eligibility. How Does a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) Account Work? (investopedia.com)

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The Freedom to Multitask: Why Wearable Breast Pumps Are a Game Changer for Modern Moms

There was a time when conventional electric breast pumps were considered to be the pinnacle of breast pump technology, but not anymore! Regular electric pumps need either a wall outlet or a battery and both of these are not ideal for on-the-go moms. Modern moms need something that suits their lifestyle because motherhood today is a juggling act between feeding schedules, household responsibilities, and career goals. This is why wearable breast pumps are a game changer – they are a hands-free, portable, and efficient solution that enables you to multitask without compromising your baby's nourishment or your comfort.

Benefits of Wearable Breast Pumps for Modern Moms

Discretion
The most significant advantage of wearable breast pumps is the discretion they provide. Gone are the days of noisy breast pumps drawing attention. Modern wearable breast pumps utilize noise-reduction technologies so that they emit a barely audible hum. This discretion is particularly beneficial in professional or public settings so that you can pump confidently without attracting undue attention. There are plenty of wearable pumps in the market but not all of them are equally silent or equally good. This is why you should check the best wearable breast pumps that have been vetted by independent experts to help you decide which one is best suited to your needs.

Comfort
Any mom from the 90s will attest to the discomfort caused by conventional breast pumps with their painfully rigid plastic flanges. On the other hand, wearable pumps feature soft silicone flanges that mold gently to your body. This design not only enhances comfort but also creates a better seal, improving suction efficiency. Furthermore, these pumps are lightweight and designed to fit naturally within a bra, making them suitable for extended wear.

Easy Cleaning
Conventional pumps contain several parts that are not easy to clean which can make this task frustrating and time-consuming. One of the toughest things to clean is the tubing which comes with its own thin cleaning brush. According to FDA recommendations, all parts of the pump that come in contact with milk need to be rinsed as soon as possible and then each piece needs to be washed separately with warm water and then thoroughly rinsed once again with hot water after every use. Most wearable breast pumps do not have tubing, and they also have fewer components which makes it a breeze to clean them.

Freedom
Regular electric pumps need either a wall outlet or a battery and both of these are not ideal for on-the-go moms. The pumps that use a wall outlet require you to stay put while you pump while the conventional portable ones have comparatively large batteries. When using a conventional pump, you need to find a private space where you can pump but a wearable pump fits right into your bra so that you can use them as you go about your day. You can run errands or even exercise while you pump.

Customizable Settings
Unlike conventional pumps that only have a few basic settings for suction and speed, wearable breast pumps are integrated with apps so that you can fine-tune the settings so that they are perfect for you. These pumps also have two phases – stimulation and expression which are based on your baby’s natural sucking pattern. Research shows that this is more efficient and comfortable and increases milk output. Many wearable pump apps also track your output, and you can also set reminders for when you need to pump again which is very useful when you’ve not yet established your pumping routine.

Cost-Effective
When wearable breast pumps first hit the market, most of the models were priced at almost $1,000. However, with newer manufacturers entering the market, the price has fallen significantly and today, you can get a good wearable pump for $200 or less. Furthermore, since the newer pumps are so efficient, you will not need to invest in any other pumping devices. Some insurance plans partially cover the cost which will further reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, but you will need to check your plan to know how much is covered.

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Setting Your Child Up for Success with a UGMA Account!

Being a parent is a huge responsibility. Caring for your child from the time they are in the womb all the way through to adulthood… you always want the best for your kids. This is why it’s so important to think of and plan for their future. One of the best ways you can help your children is by investing in their future.

If you’re looking for an easy way to give your child a jump start, a great way to do so is by setting up a UGMA account. If you aren’t familiar with what that is, it stands for Uniform Gifts to Minors Act and let’s chat about it.

A UGMA account is an investment account that allows you, as the parent (or guardian), to invest on behalf of a minor. This investment will be held and managed until the child reaches adulthood. Even though the account is in the child’s name, the guardian will have control over the investments until the child reaches a certain age, typically 18 or 21. This age depends on your state regulations.

UGMA accounts have no income or contribution limits and no early-withdrawal penalties or restrictions on how the funds are used for the child. Basically, these are easy-to-open accounts used to invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and more… all to give a child a better future. 

A really nice feature of this type of an account is that family and friends can make contributions to the account. There are no contribution or income limits and contributions are made with after-tax dollars (meaning donors don’t receive an income tax deduction). However, please know that once a deposit has been made into this account, it is permanent. The transfer cannot be reversed once placed.

Have you ever had a family member say… I don’t know what to get “____” for their birthday or holiday gift? Having the ability to make deposits for your child can be a great option. Knowing they are investing in your child’s future would make a meaningful gift.

If there ever becomes an emergency for your child and he/she needs some money before they turn the age of majority in their state, you are allowed to make a withdrawal. There are no withdrawal penalties, but the reason has to be an expense that benefits the beneficiary.

If I piqued your interest in setting up a UGMA account for your child, you can easily do so through a bank or a brokerage institution. Happy saving!

*Please note: Since these assets are owned by the minor, they do count on their application for federal financial aid for college. This could potentially decrease their eligibility. How Does a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) Account Work? (investopedia.com)

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Common Eye Conditions in Children: Statistics and Insights

The importance of maintaining good eye health in children cannot be overstated. Their visual well-being plays a vital role in their overall development, academic performance, and quality of life. Unfortunately, various eye conditions can affect children, ranging from common refractive errors to more complex conditions. Understanding the prevalence, risk factors, and potential consequences of these conditions is essential for early detection and proactive management.

Let’s take a look at some of the eyewear industry statistics regarding common eye conditions in children. It’s important to know these statistics, so parents, educators and healthcare professionals will be more aware about the impact of these conditions.

1. Refractive Errors

Refractive errors, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, are common eye conditions in children. According to the American Optometric Association, around 25% of school-aged children have some form of refractive error. These conditions can affect a child's ability to see clearly and may lead to difficulties in reading, learning, and overall academic performance if left uncorrected. Regular eye examinations are essential for early detection and timely correction of refractive errors in children.

2. Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, is a condition where the brain favors one eye over the other, leading to reduced vision in the weaker eye. It affects approximately 2-5% of children. If left untreated, amblyopia can result in permanent vision loss. Early detection and intervention, such as patching and vision therapy, can help with lazy eye correction. This can help correct the condition and improve vision. Regular eye screenings during early childhood can help identify and address amblyopia at its earliest stages.

3. Strabismus (Crossed or Misaligned Eyes)

Strabismus is characterized by an eye misalignment, where the eyes do not focus on the same point simultaneously. This condition affects around 2-4% of children. Strabismus can lead to impaired depth perception, eye strain, and difficulty with eye coordination. Timely intervention, including eye exercises, glasses, or, in severe cases, surgery, can help align the eyes and improve visual function. Routine eye examinations are vital for early detection and management of strabismus.

4. Color Vision Deficiency (Color Blindness)

Color vision deficiency, or color blindness, affects approximately 8% of boys and 0.5% of girls. This condition impairs the ability to perceive and differentiate certain colors. It is most commonly inherited and caused by a genetic mutation. While color vision deficiency is generally a lifelong condition, early diagnosis can help children understand and adapt to their color perception differences. Educators and parents can provide appropriate support to ensure optimal learning experiences for children with color vision deficiency.

5. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the front surface of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. It is often caused by viral or bacterial infections, allergies, or irritants. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and commonly affects children. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, about 5 million cases of conjunctivitis occur in the United States each year in children under the age of 17. Proper hygiene practices, avoiding touching the eyes, and timely treatment can help manage and prevent the spread of conjunctivitis.

6. Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is an eye disease that primarily affects premature infants. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels develop in the retina, potentially leading to vision loss or blindness. ROP affects around 14,000-16,000 premature infants each year in the United States. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by an ophthalmologist specializing in ROP are essential to minimize the risk of visual impairment. Regular eye examinations for premature infants can help detect and manage ROP effectively.

7. Retinal Disorders

Retinal disorders, such as retinoblastoma and retinal dystrophies, can occur in children and have varying degrees of severity. Retinoblastoma is a rare form of eye cancer that primarily affects young children. Retinal dystrophies, such as retinitis pigmentosa, are a group of genetic disorders that cause progressive degeneration of the retina. Early detection through routine eye exams is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention in these conditions. Treatment options range from chemotherapy and radiation therapy for retinoblastoma to genetic counseling and low vision aids for retinal dystrophies.

8. Ptosis (Drooping Eyelid)

Ptosis is a condition characterized by the drooping of one or both eyelids. It can occur in children due to congenital factors or acquired conditions. Congenital ptosis is present at birth and may be caused by a weak or underdeveloped levator muscle, which is responsible for lifting the eyelid. Acquired ptosis can occur later in childhood due to factors such as trauma, muscle weakness, or neurological conditions. Ptosis can affect a child's vision, obstructing their visual field. Surgical intervention may be necessary to correct significant cases of ptosis and improve both vision and appearance.

Awareness of common eye conditions in children is crucial for early detection, intervention, and proper eye care. By understanding the statistics and insights surrounding these conditions, parents, educators, and healthcare professionals can prioritize regular eye examinations, promote visual health, and provide appropriate support to ensure optimal vision and well-being for children.

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Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret DVD Review + Giveaway!

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

Winner Will Receive: 

a DVD of the brand new movie
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

This classic book has finally been turned into a movie for a new generation. With amazing actors, this book has come to life and I have your chance to WIN your very own DVD at the bottom of this post! 

 

In this long-awaited movie adaption of Judy Blume’s classic, groundbreaking novel, eleven-year-old Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson) is uprooted from her life in New York City to the suburbs of New Jersey, going through the messy and tumultuous throes of puberty with new friends in a new school. She relies on her mother, Barbara (Rachel McAdams), who is also struggling to adjust to life outside the big city, and her adoring grandmother, Sylvia (Kathy Bates). A timeless coming-of-age story, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret sparkles with insightful humor while candidly exploring life’s biggest questions.

BLU-RAY/DVD SPECIAL FEATURES:

• Finally That Time: Making Margaret
• Are You There Margaret? It’s Me, Judy.
• The Secret Crew Club: Margaret and Friends
• Bringing the Period to Life: Designing Margaret
• Deleted Scenes
• Roundtable Discussion
• Theatrical Trailer

CAST:

Rachel McAdams    The Notebook, Mean Girls

                  Abby Ryder Fortson    Ant-Man and the Wasp, Forever My Girl

         Elle Graham                TV’s “Secrets of Sulphur Springs”
Benny Safdie            Licorice Pizza, Good Time

                and Kathy Bates            TV’s “American Horror Story,” Misery

 

Official Site: https://www.itsmemargaret.movie/
Instagram: @margaretmovie
Facebook: @margaretmovie
Twitter: @margaretmovie 
Hashtag: #ItsMeMargaret

 
Rating: PG-13 for thematic material involving sexual education and some suggestive material
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Feature Run Time: 1 hour, 46 minutes

Open to entrants from the United States only. Must be 18+ to enter.

Giveaway Dates ~ 6/26 8:00PM EST through 7/24 11:59PM EST

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winner will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. Winner has 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

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You Can Get Life Insurance Without a Medical Exam!

Getting life insurance is an important step in life. It's a way to make sure your family is provided for, just "in case". No one wants to think about those "if's" in life, but having life insurance can give you a wonderful sense of peace and security.

If you're someone who worries that you might not be able to get life insurance, or aren't a fan of going to the doctors, I have a solution for you. You can always get life insurance without a medical exam. That's right, no doctor visit, no physical, nothing!

Please know though, that you should weigh your options between a life insurance plan that doesn't require a medical exam, to one that does. You will also find that there are many different types of insurances for each option. Some other factors to consider are; your budget, health, desired return and length of the insurance (such as term or whole life).

According to Forbes Advisor survey... at least three in four American adults have some form of life insurance, but that women (22%) are twice as likely as men (11%) to lack life insurance. Come on ladies, let's step up our game! We can do this!

If your not sure how much life insurance to get, it's estimated that you should get between 10-12 times your annual income. If you check out the previous link, you will also find helpful information that includes; calculators, the best time to get health insurance and the difference between whole and term insurance policies. Plus, much more.

By getting life insurance, you are ensuring that your family has a bright future and that they will be taken care of. Life can throw us curveballs and being prepared is your best line of defense.   

Yes, there's a lot to consider when deciding on a life insurance policy, but please don't get disheartened. It's worth the effort and knowing that you don't need to get a medical exam to get a life insurance policy can give someone a whole new outlook, especially for those who thought they would never be able to get a policy.

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Ensuring Your Children a Bright Future with Life Insurance

When you have kids, there are so many different things to plan for. Whether it be for a new baby and you need to put their nursery together, or packing your child’s belongings to go away to college. There are many milestones along the way with lots of happy tears and moments of joy.

Sometimes, we can get caught up in life’s everyday routine and busyness, especially when there is always so much going on. But that's exactly why I wanted to write this article. We all need that friendly little reminder sometimes... me included!

One of the most important things you can do as a parent is set up a life insurance policy. This will give you piece of mind knowing that you have ensured your children a solid start to their future. Even though no amount of money can replace what you can give them as their parent, this is your way of providing for them no matter what should happen.

It's disheartening to learn that over 1/3 of parents with children under the age of 18 don't have a life insurance policy, according to CNBC. That’s a lot of people! If something should happen to you, who would raise your children? Perhaps your parents? Are they retired? If so, they would definitely benefit from a life insurance policy to help ensure they have the means to care for your children on perhaps an otherwise tight budget. 

Maybe your interest is peaked now and your thinking about purchasing a policy, but don't know how much you should get. There is a general rule of thumb when it comes to purchasing life insurance. Ideally, you should look into getting a policy that is equivalent of 7 to 10 times your income. However, details of how much and what kind of insurance will depend on your family’s needs and future goals.

Future goals can vary from what type of college you would like your child to attend and even a general overall lifestyle you want them to have. There are many things to consider once you find out your pregnant.

No one wants to think about these upsetting “If’s”, but knowing that you have taken care of this crucial part of your children’s future will certainly give you a sigh of relief. It's a big item that you can cross off your to-do list and you can rest easy knowing you did all that you can for your children.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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4 Tips For a Happier Family Life

No one said that having a family would be easy. They just said that it would be worth it. There’ll come a point when you look back with pride with all that you achieved during your family life. But of course, that doesn’t mean that the only enjoyment should come once you’ve completed the task of raising a family. You should be happy during the process, too. If you can create a happy family life, then the task of raising your kids will be much more straightforward. So how do you nudge your family happiness in the right direction? Let’s take a look at some tried and tested tips.

Quality Time At Home

It’s hard to have happy family time if the family isn’t together! In this day and age, people are working longer hours than ever before, and unfortunately, that means that many parents don’t get to spend as much time at home as they would like. But if the coronavirus pandemic taught us anything, it’s that it is very much possible for workers to conduct their duties from home. So if you have a problem with your work/life balance, speak to your boss about working from home. This will give you more control over your schedule, eliminate the commute, and so forth.

Fun Outings

It’s normal to get sucked into the regular old routine when you’re a family. And of course, there are benefits towards having a routine -- it helps to create a stable environment, for instance. However, it’s also important to set aside some time for having fun as a unit too. As should be obvious, there’s no shortage of activities that you can do as a clan. You could go for a trip into nature, visit a theme park, take a vacation, and more. They will produce fun memories that will last a lifetime -- and also help with family bonding.

Taking Care Of Issues

The goal shouldn’t be to have a happy family life all the time. After all, that’s not possible. The goal should be to have a happier family life -- it’s all about making minor improvements. And a big part of that will involve taking care of issues at the earliest stage. For example, if your child has behavioral issues, then you could look at starting Parent Child Interaction Therapy. It’s all about getting them the help that they need. You should also pay attention to conflict resolution practices. There’ll always be arguments within a family unit. It’s how you deal with those issues that will determine how much they impact your family.

Freedom To Be

Finally, remember that if every member of the family is happy within themselves, then the whole unit will be happy. So take the time to ensure that everyone has the freedom to be themselves, and to be the best version of themselves, too. There’s a lot of joy to be derived from knowing that all your children are doing what they want to do and following their dream.

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DIY Simple and Easy Festive Holiday Light Ball Decorations!

I love decorating for the holidays and there's nothing more fun than showing your holiday cheer! I made these festive hanging light balls that are a simple and easy decoration for you to make with your kids!

Watch my video below as I break down these simple steps to make these decorative and fun light balls! You can hang them from a tree (like I did), place them on the ground, use them inside your home, or anywhere you like! They will bring holiday cheer to all those who seem them! 

Watch my video here:

If you are interested in making some of your very own, here is a list of the necessities as well as supplies that will make the project even easier! You may already have most, if not all, the needed supplies. 

Here is a list of supplies that can be purchased on Amazon (aff):

Chicken Wire (25-Foot x 24-Inch With 1-Inch Openings)

Lights: Red LED Lights / Green LED Lights / White LED Lights

Tin Snips

Gloves

Pliers

Measuring Tape

 

Happy crafting and Happy Holidays!

I hope you enjoyed my video! Make sure to give this video a "Thumbs up" and SUBSCRIBE to my channel on YouTube so you will never miss a new video!

 

Have a great day!

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Grandma & Me Explore The Outdoors Activity Kit Unboxing Video + GIVEAWAY!

  

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

Winner Will Receive a:

Grandma & me: Explore Outdoors

An activity kit that inspires creative outdoor play with Grandkids ages 4 and up.

About the product:

Don’t just give a gift…give an “explore outdoors” experience!

Encourage a special grandmother/grandchild bond with an activity kit that makes outdoor play a delight! Exploring nature ignites curiosity, sparks conversations, and lays the foundation for memory-making moments. Start the adventure by reading together and personalizing the child-size backpack. Then fill it up with the kit's many included pieces (Magnifying glass! Paint pens! Solar prints!) and head outdoors to enjoy the fun activities in the keepsake Outdoor Activity Journal.

Grandmothers: A perfect gift for your grandchild to explore outdoors with you. Choose a different activity for every walk you take!

Parents:  Gift this kit to any child or grandma in your life to promote the interactions you most value between generations.

This content is sponsored by @LittleBridgesActivityKits

What's in the Kit: 

A nature storybook

10x magnifying glass

solar print kit

drawstring backpack

Outdoor Activity Journal (with dozens of fun and easy-to-do ideas)

3 fine-point paint pens

sidewalk chalk

Watch our unboxing video below to see everything you can WIN in action!

Enter below for your chance to WIN all of these prizes!!

 

Open to entrants from the United States and Canada only! Must be 18+ to enter.

Giveaway Dates ~ 7/30 9:00AM EST through 8/27 11:59PM EST

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winner will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. Winner has 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

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PAW Patrol Summer Fun Water and Sand Toy Unboxing Video With New DVD Releases!

Our favorite PAW Patrol pups are back with a whole new DVD line look and a 3 TV Movie Pack! 

So exciting!

We had the pleasure of unboxing a whole bunch of PAW Patrol goodies themed after their brand new releases, that are getting us ready for their theatrical debut! That's right, PAW Patrol: The Movie is coming out on August 20th!! Woo hoo!!

Watch our fun unboxing video to learn about all these great fun toys and see them in action! If you are loving the items found in this video, like we are, I included Amazon (aff) links so you can purchase them below. Happy Shopping!

A big thanks to Nickelodeon for the gifts!

Watch our unboxing here:

If you would like to purchase the toys and products featured in this video for your kids, 

here are the direct links on Amazon (aff)! 

Included Toys: 

DVDs: Ultimate Rescue/Jungle Rescues DVD 2-Pack Ready, Race Rescue/The Great Pirate Rescue DVD 2-Pack Mighty Pups/Pups Save Puplantis DVD 2-Pack 3 TV Movie Pack Toy Goodies: Beach Towel Water Rescue Pack (similar option) Marshall Swim Trainer Life Jacket Spring & Summer Fun Set (Walmart) Pawsome Shades Intex Crystal Blue Inflatable Pool (45 X 10") Banana Boat Kids Mineral 50+ Sunscreen

DVD Info:

In anticipation of the PAW Patrol’s first-ever theatrical release PAW Patrol: The Movie (coming to theaters Friday, August 20), Paramount and Nickelodeon Home Entertainment are releasing an all-new line look of the top-selling catalog titles of 2020. Each DVD features a faceplate that showcases a fan-favorite pup and includes a giant sticker that introduces each pup’s unique movie look. Parents and kids will want to collect them all!

Also, being released is a separate 3 TV Movie Pack featuring all three PAW Patrol TV movies! This 3 DVD gift set, which also includes a large sticker sheet featuring characters from PAW Patrol: The Movie, is the perfect addition to any fan’s collection. The 3 TV Movie Pack will include all three original TV movies (Mighty Pups, Ready, Race, Rescue, and Jet to the Rescue)!

Release Date: July 13, 2021

Thanks for watching our video! 

Make sure to give our video a "Thumbs up" and SUBSCRIBE to our channel on YouTube so you will never miss a new video! Have a great day!

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How To Cope When Your Child Has Learning Difficulties

Each child is unique and learns at a different pace, so what might work for one of your children will not necessarily mean you can adopt the same learning method to develop your child’s skills. It is all about being patient and allowing your child to thrive, so that later on in life they will have the necessary tools they need to survive and be successful.

Identify Their Needs

Knowing what learning difficulties they have will help you to establish what sort of encouragement they will need and how they are able to learn. Are they more of a visual learner whereby the use of images can be helpful as a visual tool, or do they respond better to audio words that are answering questions through speech? Identifying what learning needs they will require at school will be useful for you as a parent to know what sort of resources they are going to need.

Understanding The Different Learning Needs

Once you have determined which learning difficulty your child has it will be a lot easier to understand what they require. Distinguishing between the different learning difficulties will be useful.

Autism - Your child may find it difficult to communicate with other people and understand how they are feeling. It may take them a little longer to process information so patience will certainly be key. Having a routine can help as they may become more anxious when they are in an unfamiliar situation.

Dyscalculia - Is when your child struggles to process numbers, so will undoubtedly have difficulty with subjects like math. Using a calculator from a young age can help to solve basic math problems.

Dysgraphia - You may notice that your child struggles to write coherently and will likely write text that is difficult to understand. Using a laptop can be helpful to enable your child to differentiate between the different letters.

Dyslexia - This can affect how your child is able to process the words that are written down on a page and may struggle with being able to spell, write and read aloud. With encouragement and patience you can help them gain confidence particularly when they are in a class with other pupils that do not suffer from Dyslexia.

Dyspraxia - If they suffer from Dyspraxia they find it difficult to write or communicate effectively. This is due to how the muscles in the hand can suffer from discomfort or pain when holding a pen or pencil. Hand eye coordination movements will be affected as a result, so verbal learning may be a better option if their speech is not also affected.

Professional Assistance

Once you have established that your child is learning at a different pace it can be worthwhile to visit the doctor to get a confirmed diagnosis and ensure there are not any medical issues that are causing your child problems.

To encourage your child to get through any obstacles they encounter with learning it can also be useful to use Pediatric Speech Therapy to boost their learning skills. With the help of a qualified speech therapist they can help provide various exercises that will help boost your child’s confidence and enable them to learn at their own pace.

Provide An Understanding and Confident Environment

Providing your child with a supportive, encouraging and patient attitude will certainly help them to learn at their own pace and will give them a much needed boost. Once they realize they are learning at a different pace from their peers at school this may cause them to feel more anxious and self aware about asking questions in class if they do not understand something. So you want to ensure that they feel comfortable in their own skin and realize that there is nothing wrong with learning at a different pace, and that it does not make them any less intelligent. Sometimes all you need is a little extra help, such as from a further maths tutor or other learning group. 

Join Support Groups

It is certainly a good idea to join a support group of parents whose child/children experience the same learning difficulties. This will allow your child to be surrounded by other children who are experiencing the same thing and will enable them to feel less isolated and prevent issues with mental health from a young age. It will also be beneficial for yourself as you will be able to interact with other parents who have experienced the same thing as you and may have tips or suggestions that could work for your child.

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At-Home Activities To Develop Your Child's Skills

For children, learning is more than what goes on at school. They are constantly learning, developing, and evolving due to their surroundings. If you want to develop your child’s skills and further their education outside of the classroom, here are some of the best at-home activities to achieve that.

Extra Lessons

If you feel that your child is falling behind or lacking subjects that they love, then you could offer them extra lessons at home. Although you might not be an expert in teaching or of the subject, you can find tools online to help you.

For instance, there is plenty of tools available online to show you how teachers structure their lessons, which will ensure that the time is being used wisely. Instead of teaching your child about maths or science, you could teach them about anything they want.

You can read more here about lesson plans to help develop your children’s education at home. Learning can be continued outside of school and will help your children hone in the skills and learn more than what goes on in the classroom.

Virtual Tours

Your child’s development is reliant on seeing and experiencing things. If you can’t get out of the house to take them to a museum or exhibition, you can often find virtual tours. You can sit together and look through an ancient history museum.

You can intertwine this experience with a quiz at the end to ensure that your child took in the information and developed their knowledge of ancient history.

Playdough

Playdough is a great activity for children of any age. Not only is it fun and messy, but it will develop your child’s creative and physical ability.

For young children and toddlers, playdough is a great way to improve physical strength. The squeezing and building of the playdough will increase hand and arm strength, which is important for their growth.

Furthermore, the building of shapes will unleash their creativity and hone their decision-making skills as it will be up to them how to form the shapes.

Threading

Another creative activity that offers children multiple benefits is threading. Threading simply consists of a collider and thread, which a child can turn into their own patterns.

Threading will improve a child’s concentration skills and it takes patience to thread through small holes. Furthermore, it will boost their spatial concept skills and improve hand-eye coordination.

Baking

Every child will grow up and need to cook for themselves. Eventually, they will be responsible for their own cooking. Thus, starting them early will help them become culinary experts.

Baking is an activity that every child will want to get involved with. Not only does it conclude in a yummy treat, but it allows them to get messy and play with soft objects.

If your child lacks interest at first, allow them to choose the recipe. This will encourage them to join in and feel proud of their decision as well as their creation.

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4 Gifts That Show Dad He Means The World To You

It can be difficult sometimes showing our appreciation for all things our husbands and father’s do for us. Dad’s can often be very busy and stressed and it can be hard for them to make time or for us to make time for them to show them that we care. Presents and gifts are obviously a great way of showing affection and appreciation but even then finding a gift for them they actually like and end up using. The world has already collectively decided that moms love chocolate and flowers, heartfelt cards and customized photo frames, but what do dads want? Of course, not all moms are the same, and neither are all dads. If you have something specific in mind that you know dad will adore then go for it, but if you're stuck for ideas here are some great gift ideas all dads will love.

Spa Day

It's not often the men in our lives get themselves a good pampering. Many even shy away from it. But everyone deserves a bit of R&R. He might be a bit resistant at first but once he's got some essential oils on him all the complaints will melt away.

DVD Box Set

You’ll often find dad, when he's not working or mowing the lawn, sitting in front of the television with his feet up and enjoying every second of it. Consider buying him the box set of a show he loves or one you know for a fact that he’ll fall in love with. It's a small gesture but one that shows that you think about him and the things he enjoys and that you want him to be happy.

Custom Challenge Coin

If you’re not familiar, a challenge coin is a small medallion or coin bearing an insignia or emblem on it. They are usually given out to organizations or people serving in the armed forces. They're also a great gift idea. With a custom challenge coin you can put any logo or emblem on it, maybe even dad’s company logo. It's a great and unique way of showing dad you care and he can carry it around with him wherever he goes, always being reminded of you and your affection for him. For your custom challenge coin, check out Challenge Coins Ltd.

Coffee Set

If your dad/husband is anything like mine, you’ll know he loves his coffee, no, needs his coffee. It's what he needs every morning to get himself to work, it's what he drinks at the weekend to relax him. Of course anyone can chuck some instant coffee into a cup, switch on the kettle and brew a hot cup of Joe, but people who really enjoy their coffee can tell the difference between good and bad coffee. Make the experience more fun and enjoyable by getting him a proper coffee set. That may mean a coffee machine or a pour-in set, whatever you think he’ll prefer. A coffee grinder is always a good way to go and grinding your own coffee is so much more fun! It also has the added benefit of being something you can use as well (wink).

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Why Are Birthday Parties So Important To Your Child's Development?

Children’s birthday parties are great fun events for the whole family, but they can be a bit of a pain to set up sometimes. If you are stressed out and you have a lot going on, you might decide to skip your child’s party for this year and do something else together instead. But that might not be the best idea because birthday parties are actually a lot more important than you think.

There have been a lot of studies into the impact of birthday parties on a child’s development and the results show that they are incredibly important. These are some of the reasons why birthday parties are so beneficial for your child.

They Create Amazing Memories

This is one of the most obvious benefits of birthday parties for parents as well as their children. When you have big family events like birthday parties, it creates wonderful memories and you can look back on all of the great photos in years to come. You should always push the boat out and get great decorations from places like Just Artifacts, get some delicious food on the go, and play lots of fun games. Even though the planning can be a little stressful at times, it’s worth it because it creates amazing memories for the whole family and brings you all together. This bond with family members is very important for children, so don’t underestimate the importance of shared memories.

They Boost Self-Esteem

Self-esteem in children can be very fragile and it’s important that you help your child gain their confidence from a young age. If children have self-esteem issues when they are young, these will develop as they get older. That’s why the best way to protect their mental health is to find ways to build confidence and boost their self-esteem. Birthday parties are a celebration of your child and they have been shown to have a big impact on self-esteem. It shows them that they are loved and they are an important part of the family, which is very important at a young age.

They Encourage Social Interaction

Helping your child learn social skills is so important and the earlier you can encourage social interaction, the better. Birthday parties are a brilliant way to get a lot of kids together and help them all learn to socialize with one another. Parties can also be a good place to get the family together and start building those relationships between children and grandparents or aunts and uncles.

They Improve Perception Of Time

This is one that people don’t consider as often, but children do not have a very clear perception of time when they are young. They only tend to be aware of their own growth through others and when they are told about it. So, having birthday parties is a good way to get them to understand the basic passing of time and how long a year is.

Birthday parties are not just for fun. They’re actually very important to your child’s development, so make sure that you put time into planning them.

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