Five Ways That Busy Parents Can Unwind

 

Things always tend to get a bit stressful during the winter, don’t they? It is tough enough to make sure that your kids are getting everything that they need and that everyone is staying happy and healthy without making sure that you are looking after yourself as well. Every parent is more than familiar with feeling like their self-care is getting pushed to the bottom of the list, and every parent knows that this is part of the deal. But if you are not taking care of yourself, then you are going to struggle to take care of everyone else.

It is especially important to make self-care a priority during the winter with the short days, the bad weather and the added stress of seasonal viruses. If you are someone who finds it tough to unwind and look for ways that you can relax, here are a few easy tips to help you carve out that time.

Find Some Time That’s Just For You

This is always easier said than done when you are running a whole household, but the first and most important thing to take care of if you need to unwind is to make time for some you-time. It’s not always easy to find a whole day or a whole weekend, particularly after the holiday season when it’s back to work with a vengeance. So, think about where you could make a little time every day. Is there a half hour or even a twenty-minute slot where you could step outside of all the rest of the stress that you are dealing with? Think about going for a walk or a cup of coffee, something that is just yours and yours alone.

Try Getting Into Gaming

One of the best ways to unwind is to find an activity that is completely removed from your everyday stresses. This is why so many of us enjoy chilling out in front of the TV watching shows that are about people doing unbelievable things in far-flung destinations. But one of the problems with this is that it is all too easy to find ways for your normal distractions to creep back in, like checking social media or your work messages. Have you considered trying playing videogames to relax? It is something that requires your total concentration, and it’s fun! If you are not sure where to start, it will be worth reading some site and game reviews before you dive in. If you’re looking to try online gambling and play slots games, check out Online Casino Review. They have detailed reviews of all the best online slots and more.

Embrace A New Hobby

Everyone has that one thing that they would like to be better at if they only had more time. For some people it’s painting, for others it’s learning a new language, for others it’s getting into cooking properly for the first time. There is a lot to be said for picking up new skills, and one of the more important bonuses is that it is something that you enjoy which is for you and you alone. Learning something new can be a struggle if you are not enjoying it, so think about what you have always wanted to try and then give it a go. If you find it too difficult or if it is not as fun as you had hoped, you can always try something else! 

Make Time For Your Friends

One of the first things that can fly out of the window when you are overworked and overstressed is time with your friends. Everyone knows the pang of having to rearrange an evening with your favorite people for the millionth time and wondering how many months it is going to be before you can get it in the calendar again. As we head into the new year, this should be a resolution that we all try to make. Remember that there is something truly nourishing about spending time with the people who know you the best, and if you have been looking for ways to unwind, this could be the best option.

Treat Yourself When You Can

With the rising cost of living around the world, everyone is worrying about how much money they are spending, and everyone is looking for ways that they can cut down on non-essentials. It is important to remember that self-care is not something that you can afford to cut out of your life. No one is saying that you need to go for a spa weekend every other weekend (although it is worth thinking about every so often). But the little treats that make you feel like you are giving yourself something that you really wanted, whether it’s a new piece of clothing or a spontaneous meal out at a restaurant, are important.

Family Safety Online - Tips Every Parent Should Know

 Keeping kids safe online does not have to be too time-consuming. The devices, apps, and programs can help you a lot, and you can keep track of any online profiles they have if you know their passwords. Here are some top tips and strategies for keeping your children safe when they use the family PC or any other online device. They can help keep your information safe too.

Make A Kids Profile On Your PC

This is a top tip for both of you. Create a user profile just for your kids and lock out certain elements or remove programs you do not want them to have access to. This lets you keep your profile too, and it can remain untouched. You can check on your kid's profile and web browsing history and also install monitoring programs if you wish.

Protecting them in this way also protects your PC activity and your private documents and email access. You may enjoy playing some classic casino games online at Jackpot Casino or play their live casino games. Having a personal profile means they do not have access to your gaming, personal documents, or programs, protecting everyone.

Keep The Screen Where You Can See It

Parenting requires a lot of different delicate balances. You want your children to grow up to be confident and independent, but you also need to keep a careful eye over them to protect them from danger and threats. This is true online as well as in the physical world. 

Make sure you can get a parent’s eye view of the screen from a distance. Give your kids a little leeway and let them do what they want to do on the computer but keep checking what they are up to. When things get loud or go quiet, that is usually a sign they are up to something they should not be. 

Communicate With Them

Talk to your children about online safety and let them know they have to take care when using the internet and the computer. This should include both communicating and interacting with strangers online, avoiding some common pitfalls. They need to be careful what they click on.

Kids are as vulnerable to spam and malware as the rest of us, and a little education goes a long way. Teach them some basic safety rules, and lay down some ground rules for online behavior and how to act around the PC.

No Social Media Until They Are Teenagers

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media services have age restrictions on accounts. A good rule of thumb is to not let your kids join a social network until they are a teenager. Even kids' versions of apps and websites can make them vulnerable to online threats.

When they do get old enough, you will have to decide how to introduce your kids to social media. Facebook is a good first step as you can monitor their profile more easily and keep an eye on their friend group.

Follow these steps, and you should have plenty of control over your young children’s online activity without having to stay over their shoulders. Their self-confidence will benefit, and so will your time management.

Weekend In the Woods With The Kids, Family Time

 With technology at our fingertips, it's hard to tear families away from their gadgets and get them outside. But unplugging and spending time together in nature have tons of benefits for both children and adults. So if you're looking for ideas on how to spend a fun weekend in the woods with your kids, look no further! This blog post will provide tips on everything from camping to hiking to enjoying nature crafts and also give you some great ideas for family-friendly activities that will keep everyone entertained all weekend long. So pack your bags and get ready for some outdoor fun!

1) Camping:

Camping is a great way to spend quality time with your family and bond with nature. It's also a fantastic way to teach kids about Leave No Trace principles and how to respect the outdoors. When camping with kids, be sure to pack plenty of activities to keep them occupied, as well as snacks and food that everyone will enjoy. And, of course, don't forget the marshmallows for roasting over the campfire!

Via Pexels

2) Hiking:

One of the best ways to explore the woods is by taking a hike together as a family. Kids will love getting out and seeing all the different plants and animals, and you can even turn it into a learning experience by teaching them about different species of trees or birds along the way. If your kids are young, be sure to bring along a carrier or pack so they can take a break when needed. And always remember to pack plenty of water and snacks!

3) Nature Crafts:

Another great way to spend time in the woods with your kids is by doing some nature crafts together. There are tons of different ideas out there, but some of our favourites include making leaf rubbings, painting with rocks, and creating woodland creature puppets out of sticks and leaves. These activities not only get kids interacting with nature, but they'll also have a blast being creative and using their imaginations.

4) Picnicking:

What could be more perfect than enjoying a lovely picnic lunch surrounded by nature? Pack up some sandwiches, snacks, and that easy mashed potatoes recipe with cold meats and drinks and head out to a nearby park or forest. Let the kids run around and explore while you relax and enjoy the scenery. And don't forget to save some room for dessert!

5) Geocaching:

Geocaching is a great way to combine spending time outdoors with a bit of friendly competition. Families can search for hidden "caches" that contain treasures using GPS coordinates. It's a perfect activity for kids of all ages and a great way to explore new areas.

In conclusion, there are tons of great ways to spend a weekend in the woods with your kids. Whether you're camping, hiking, picnicking, or doing nature crafts, your family is sure to have a blast spending time together outdoors. And who knows, you might even find that you all enjoy it so much that you want to make it a regular weekend activity!

 

If you love sugar cookies, then this is the place for you! I gathered 15 of my favorite sugar cookie recipes to share with you. Make sure you click thru to the full recipe.

Almond Sugar Cookies by The Taylor House

These are the perfect cookies to make with your kids, they make great cut outs that the kids can decorate and sprinkle!

Perfect Sugar Cookies by Spend with Pennies

This Sugar Cookie recipe is the perfect year-round holiday cookie! A simple mixture of butter, sugar and flour (with a few additions), these sugar cookies bake up beautifully every time. 

Cut Out Cookies with Marbled Icing by Easy Cookie Recipes

 These Cutout ugar Cookies with Marbled Icing are basically edible art. Each delicious sugar cookie is dipped into homemade swirled icing to create a unique marbled effect.

Peppermint Sugar Cookies by Gimme Some Sugar

If you’re headed to a holiday party or just love baking during the holidays, try this homemade Christmas cookie recipe. If you’re looking for a quick solution for the holidays, this is the best Christmas sugar cookie recipes out there! Seriously, I’ve never seen one easier.

Gluten Free Sugar Cookies by Cooking on Caffeine

This recipe is like the holy grail of “safe” sugar cookie recipes. No eggs. No milk. No wheat. No nuts or peanuts. Easily made soy-free. Use a different flour blend if you have issues with legumes or potatoes. And no chilling the dough, because who has time for that? We just want cookies! 

Soft Lemon Cookies by On My Kids Plate

These sweet and easy soft lemon cookies are the perfect little cookie for a delicious treat. Full of fresh lemon zest, these are bright, yummy cookies you’ll want to make again and again!

Chai Sugar Cookies by Lovely Indeed

These chai spice sugar cookies are the perfect cookie to go with a cup of tea or coffee! The easy recipe makes soft, chewy cookies that will be a hit at any party or cookie swap.

Buttery Almond Sugar Cookies by On Ty’s Plate

Buttery Almond Sugar Cookies — buttery soft almond flavored sugar cookies rolled in almond flakes. It's the perfect cookie!

Crispy Sugar Cookies by Creative Lifestyles

Do you ever just want a little crunch in your cookie? I don’t mean the crunch you get from over cooking the cookie. I mean a little crunch inside the softest yummiest cookie you will ever try. This amazing krispy sugar cookie is so easy to make, but it is hands down one of my favorite cookies of all time.

Swirl Sugar Cookies by Bride on a Budget

This recipe is time consuming, but so worth it for the way these swirl sugar cookies turn out! These are perfect for special occasions!

Vegan Dairy Free Sugar Cookies by Delightful Adventures

Easy homemade cut-out vegan gluten-free sugar cookies you can make for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween…they’re perfect for ANY occasion! These cookies can be made soft or crispy, it’s up to you. Decorate simply with sanding sugar or buttercream frosting or get fancy with a simple vegan icing that hardens.

Spiced Sugar Cookies by Bean Around the Bowl

These Spiced Sugar Cookies are warm and cozy with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.

Perfect for the holidays and simple to make. These can be topped with additional sugar before baking to add a nice texture. They are not overly sweet to begin, so don’t worry about them being too sweet with added sugar.

Vegan Lofthouse Copycat Cookies by Strength and Sunshine

Sure, you could make classic cut-out sugar cookies for decorating, but no one can pass up one of the soft, cake-like, frosted gems that have been gracing grocery store shelves since 1994 from Lofthouse! Like a cake and a cookie all baked up into one delicious buttery, sweet, colorfully frosted treat! Can you still have this classic cookie even if you're gluten-free, vegan, or have food allergies? Sure you can! With this easy copycat homemade version of the classic soft-baked frosted cookie, you'll never have to miss out again!

Classic Sugar Cookies by Healthy Kitchen 101

This sugar cookies recipe makes fun treats for Christmas and any other occasion. Also, making and decorating cookies is a great activity to get everyone in the kitchen to spend time together.

Super Soft Sugar Cookies by Emily Fabulous

These Super Soft Sugar Cookies are easy to make and taste just like the Lofthouse sugar cookies in the grocery store. This recipe is perfect for making with kids and will work for Valentine’s Day or any occasion because you can choose whatever color and decoration you want to use!

Find more favorite recipes here

Cocktail Hour Favorites

Coffee Lovers Favorites

Lego Stamped Pumpkin Art

 Harper and I love to paint with, well, anything but a paint brush! Last week she came home from school and asked me if I wanted to make something with paint, and how could I resist the invitation? This lego pumpkin idea was just the thing. It pairs cute and creepy together just right.

This is such an easy activity, and it is fun for kids of all ages! Even Rolf, who is 12 now, was curious about this and told us it was a "cool idea" before dashing back to his busy preteen activities. 

Supplies:

Orange Paint

Black Paint

Green Paint

Legos

Paper Plate

Paper

Directions:

Pour a small amount of orange, black and green paint onto a paper plate.

Offer your child legos in assorted sizes and paper.

Encourage your child to dip a lego into the orange paint and make the shape of a pumpkin.

Now, fill that shape in with more lego stamps.

When you have filled in the shape of the pumpkin, dip a lego into the black paint and make a face.

Next, give your pumpkin a stem with the green paint.

Allow to dry and display.

These were a really fun, kid led Halloween craft. I know your kids will love making pumpkin art this way.

You can find all of my Halloween crafts here

Painting projects here:

Reader favorites include:

Pumpkin Window Clings

Ghost Play Dough Ornaments

Instant Pot Butter Garlic Glazed Carrots

 Carrots are such a good side dish to add to your meal plan because they are so affordable. This recipe makes them super easy to make. Plus this recipe is great for kids; it is lightly sweet, very buttery and has just the right amount of garlic to spice things up.

I know I am not the only one who has been feeling the strain of the economy. Groceries cost more, gas prices are high, and the cost of cooling the house all summer and running the sprinklers to keep the kids cool has caught up with us. I have been trying to shop smart and make the most of our budget at the grocery shops.

I have found that carrots are a great side dish to serve my family. It fills them up, and it is something different. We like carrots, but honestly, I don't know if I have ever really cooked with them, aside from making a pretty good carrot soup on occasion. Carrots are especially nice when they are marked down in the produce section. A few weeks back, I found a one pound bag of organic whole carrots for 49 cents. I sliced them into rounds and prepared them like this. Everyone liked them. So when I found mini carrots at Kroger, marked down to 79 cents, I grabbed 2 bags and worked them into our meals.

This recipe is good because it is so easy to make if you have a pressure cooker. It goes well with a variety of beef dishes, chicken, or fish and I even served it with leftover pasta last night. 

Ingredients

1 pound of baby carrots

3 tablespoons of butter

1 tablespoon of minced garlic

½ c light brown sugar

1 ½ to 2 cups of water

Add brown sugar, butter and minced garlic to the instant pot.

Add carrots, and cover with water.

Give everything a stir to make sure the carrots are covered with the water.

Place the lid on the instant pot.

Seal the instant pot.

Use the manual setting, and set the timer for 8 minutes.

When the timer dings, allow the instant pot to naturally release pressure for 3 minutes, then use the quick release valve.

Remove the lid and stir.

Serve the carrots immediately.

Store leftovers in an airtight container after they have cooled.

These are so tender, and have such a great flavor. I am sure you are going to love it.  Plus it is fuss free and you can probably get 2 meals worth out of a bag of carrots if you are cooking for 4 like I am. If you don't want to eat carrots 2 nights in a row, you can freeze the remaining carrots. You know how I feel about freezing veggies! Do it! I would recommend blanching them first though.

This carrot patch activity might be a good way to get the kids excited about carrots before serving this side.

This sheet pan shrimp, potatoes, carrots and asparagus recipe is also a great way to use up any leftover mini carrots you might have after serving this.

How to Get Your Children to Start Exercising

 Kids are more likely to be physically active than adults. They are more active than adults because they have a lot of energy, they don't have many responsibilities, plus kids naturally like to stay physically active compared to adults. While children tend to stay active during school thanks to recess and physical education, it’s important that outside of school, a child stays active as well.

You want your kids to stay physically active. Parents want to do this because physical activities help in bone and muscle development. They can also play a positive role in improving mental health. However, physical activity is not restricted to just playing sports. If your child is interested in dancing, you can send them to a top dance school in Singapore. Dancing is a physically exhausting activity that can help them with growth and development. It is also an exceptional skill to pick up.

When you start exercising with your kids, it can be a very enjoyable experience for both of you. You'll be able to bond over physical activity, and your children will get in shape and learn how important physical activity is for their health. Many people find that exercising with their kids is a great way to start getting them involved in healthy habits from an early age. These healthy habits can last a lifetime, and it helps push your child into knowing and understanding the importance of these habits.

While the idea itself of getting your child physically active seems easy, it’s also something that you don’t want to force or push on too heavy. As this can risk them only losing more interest in staying physically active. So these are some ways to get your child to exercise, whether it’s with you or alone.

Image credit 

What Are Some Great Ways to Get Kids To Exercise?

Your family could be making health mistakes right now, and none of you could notice it. One of the more common mistakes a family makes is the lack of physical activity, i.e. exercise. Some of the ways that parents can encourage their kids to exercise are by making it a family activity, going on walks together, and taking part in outdoor activities.

 It is important for parents to create a routine for their children and make sure that they are doing something every day. It is also important for them to make sure that their children have fun when exercising. The key is finding what works best for your family and sticking with it.

Different Ways to Help Kids Stay Motivated through Exercising

While making exercise a family activity is great, it can be hard to push your child into feeling the motivation to do that, let alone other forms of physical activity. So what are some of the best ways to keep your kid motivated to exercise? It doesn’t hurt to think outside the box! One of the more popular ways to get a child active is through video games. 

While video games are known for getting kids to sit and be glued to the couch nonstop, some games were made for the sole purpose of staying active. This can include games that were meant to be used for working out (such as Wii Fit), boxing video games, and even dancing video games such as Dance Dance Revolution.

While video games can be one of the more unique ways to get your little one to exercise, it’s not the only way either. Another way is by doing a variety of physical activities that they enjoy. And one more way would be by listening to music and having fun at work while trying to work out. One of the best ways to get kids motivated would be to have them participate in an activity they are passionate about. For example, if a kid loves football, then it would be easier for him or her to stay motivated and to play it. You can even top it all off by giving your child some sportswear singlets to wear for exercising as well. Overall, when it comes to children, you just have to think outside the box to get them to feel motivated.

Do Exercise Programs Work?

The phrase “exercise program” can be quite flexible as it has different meanings. For some, it may be something such as a camp or retreat, and for others, it may be just workout classes or a sports team. In general, exercise programs can be a great way to push your child to stay active while also getting them to be social. This can include a sports team, dance classes, karate classes, and so much more. Just talk to your child to see what they may like.

What Age Can Children Start Doing Certain Exercise-Related Activities?

While it all depends on a child's age, it’s best to try to get them hooked on exercise/ physical activity at a young age. Small children, especially toddlers absolutely love to run. So why not encourage some running? While different physical-related activities all depend on the age of your little one, you can usually just use your intuition on what may be age-appropriate. For instance, it’s age-appropriate for a 6-year-old to ride a bike or roller skate, and it’s age-appropriate for a 13-year-old to try out skateboarding. 

Fun Crafts You Can Explore With Kids At Home

 Are you spending your day with your kids at home? If so, then you might want to explore and plan some activities that you can enjoy together. There are lots of options worth considering here so let’s look at a few to ensure that you have a great time with your little ones, even if you are stuck in doors. 

Pexels Source CCO License

Clothing Design 

First, you should think about designing clothing with your kids. This is a great way to get them to think creatively and ensure that they have something that they can use or enjoy. There’s no limit on the type of clothing that you can create if you have the right materials and equipment. For instance, you can use holographic vinyl to add wonderful designs to any item of clothing from t-shirt to jackets. If you’re not sure how to begin with this possibility, then you’ll find some great guides online.

Wood Work

Next, you should explore woodwork options. This is something that you can explore if you have older children as it might be too tricky for younger kids. You might think that this is going to mean investing in a lot of equipment and items but it doesn’t have to. You just need to get some wood to work with. You could also think about exploring upcycling ideas. This will allow you to create items from old pieces of wooden furniture and accessories that you probably have lying around the home. Again, there are some great YouTube guides for woodworking with kids at home. 

Painting 

You might also want to think about painting with your kids. This could be an activity such as repainting a room or you might want to let them get creative with arts. If you are interested in letting your kids stretch their artistic muscle, then you should make sure that you get a blank piece of paper or a blank sheet from a home depot store. You can spread this out over the floor and just let them go a little wild. You might want to explore possibilities such as finger and hand painting as long as you don’t mind cleaning them up afterwards. 

Homemade Playdough 

Finally, kids love playdough. It allows them to get creative and design anything that they can imagine. Whether that’s pretending to make food in a restaurant or styling an egg. You can buy playdough, but why not think about creating your own instead? This in itself can be a fun activity to explore with your kids. All you need to create your own playdough is flour and salt as well as a little time. You can also use food colouring to create play dough in a wide variety of different colours. It’s a little messy but a fantastic option for time with the kids. 

We hope this helps you see that there are some great ways that you can spend time with your kids when you are stuck at home. Whether you want to get messy or just chill, we’re sure you’ll have a great time.

Finally, foster care kids love playdough. It allows them to get creative and design anything that they can imagine. Whether that’s pretending to make food in a restaurant or styling an egg. You can buy playdough, but why not think about creating your own instead? This in itself can be a fun activity to explore with your kids. All you need to create your own playdough is flour and salt as well as a little time. You can also use food colouring to create play dough in a wide variety of different colours. It’s a little messy but a fantastic option for time with the kids. 

Buying Ping Pong Tables for Your Home

Do you still remember the last time where you had a blast playing your favourite game or sport together with your family and friends? Are you the type of person that enjoys quality time with their loved ones while doing family traditions and recreational activities? Maybe playing a sport such as a table tennis is perfect for your family and kids!

Sports is a recreational activity that will help a lot of people in keeping their fitness journey in check. It aims to promote muscle build-up, calorie-burning, and skill training, other benefits can be found here. Some athletes aim to try various sports that will promote a healthy mindset and keep their focus. 

Some individuals are also interested in playing sports as their profession. They engage in training almost 8-10 hours a day or more to learn the skills that they need in order to win. Some professionals and trainers offer their services and experience to hone the abilities of beginners and kids who are dreaming to become the next Olympian or professional athlete.

If you are interested in becoming an athlete, this site will help you understand and consider trying different games and sports to boost their morale and at the same time enjoy the sports that interest them. Once a person realizes the amazing benefits and advantages of playing a sport, they will be curious and keen on constantly finding the perfect one for them.

Moreover, you can also enrol your kids and various sports centres that will offer training sessions and other sports recreational activities even at an early age. This is a great way of minimizing their time in front of their gadgets such as phones, tablets, computers, laptops, and other online games. 

There is nothing wrong with playing computer games, however, it is still advisable that people will eventually learn how to manage it and determine whether their playing time is considered unhealthy or too much. 

Some individuals are also keen on playing friendly sports that will promote teamwork, camaraderie, friendship, and unity. There must also be a chance to try different sports because a person will only know if there is hidden talent in playing particular sports if he or she tries it. 

All About Table Tennis

One of the most families sports for kids and kids at heart is ping pong or table tennis. It is normally played using a paddle and a table. There must also be a ping pong ball and a net in playing this recreational activity with your colleagues, family, and friends. It is also a sport that is being played in international games and the Olympics.

Moreover, this sport can be played by 2 persons in a singles match and 4 persons in a doubles match. Normally, the game will run until someone will reach 11 points per round. There are also mixed doubles where a male and a female can play together with the opposing teams. 

You may also check this URL:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_tennis  to know more about the history and other relevant details regarding ping pong. Understanding the history of the game allows people to be more invested and expand their knowledge in playing this particular sport. You can also start checking some ping pong paddles, balls, nets, shoes, and outfits if you are determined to become a professional ping pong player.

There are also various skills in service or serving the ball to trick and win your opponents. The ball will rotate clockwise or counterclockwise based on how you made your service. There is also a type of service that is called a “chop” that the ball will land downwards which is considered as one of the hardest services that a person must return.

In line with this, there are also some professionals who are more interested in looking for the best pingpong table. The price may also depend on how the table is made, the parts, quality, materials, colour, and size. Some people who are fond of doing do-it-your own activities also made ping pong tables for kids and beginners before buying a professional type one.

A normal ping pong table will range from $300-$2,000 depending on the brand, quality, size, and materials of the table. The recommendation is to start with the most basic one before upgrading to a professional type. You can also check some online sports sites that offer cool ping pong tables for your family’s needs. 

However, some parents are keen on buying a high-quality table for their kids in order for them to be more comfortable and get used to this type of quality which is the same as in professional table tennis games and Olympics. For them, it is better to train them with the required equipment and items to reach their optimum skill and ability in playing ping pong.