Blog - Douglas Haddad

7 Ways to Spark a Lifelong Love of Learning in Your Kids

Whole Child

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7 Ways to Spark a Lifelong Love of Learning in Your Kids

Kids aren’t born loving worksheets. But they are born loving discovery. That wide-eyed, question-filled energy doesn’t need to fade with age; it can evolve. As a parent, you have an enormous influence over how your child feels about learning. It’s not about test scores or academic performance. It’s about nurturing curiosity, resilience, and joy in the process. Lifelong learners aren’t just good students—they’re adaptive thinkers, better listeners, and more compassionate humans.

1. Spark Curiosity Through Exploration

Curiosity isn’t a luxury. It’s the ignition point of learning. When kids are curious, they ask better questions, try harder things, and retain more information. Give them access to new ideas, places, tools, and even boredom. Boredom can be a launchpad, not a dead end. When you lean into their interests and trust them to wander, you show them that curiosity acts as a filter over the world. They begin to crave not just answers, but better questions.

2. Learning Through Play

Learning doesn’t always look like sitting still and following instructions. Sometimes it looks like a Lego tower collapsing ten times before standing. Play teaches flexibility, strategy, and emotional regulation. When it’s self-directed, it also fuels decision-making and innovation. Play encourages initiative and problem-solving, especially when it’s open-ended. Create space for play without a lesson plan attached, because joy is the lesson.

3. Offer Hands‑On, Real‑World Activities

Kids remember what they do—not just what they hear. That’s why hands-on learning is so effective and reinforces a love of learning in children. Cook a recipe together (and sneak in some math). Build a birdhouse and introduce basic engineering. The goal isn’t to turn your home into a classroom, but to provide hands‑on experiences. You’ll see their sense of agency skyrocket when they witness the impact of their actions.

4. Encourage Question‑Asking Behavior

Every time your kid asks, “Why?” they’re flexing a muscle that matters. Resist the urge to shut it down or give a quick answer. Instead, explore with them. Ask what they think. Model curiosity. Studies show children benefit from asking deeper questions because it develops metacognition, which is the ability to think about their thinking. That’s the scaffolding of lifelong learning.

5. Model Lifelong Learning at Home

You can’t expect your kid to fall in love with learning, especially if you treat it like a chore. Let them see you get excited about a documentary, a DIY project, or a random deep-dive into bird migration. Share what you’ve learned and how you figured it out. When you demonstrate your passion for learning, it normalizes that learning doesn’t stop at graduation. It just gets more and more interesting.

6. Create a Stimulating Learning Space

A dedicated desk isn’t always the answer. Sometimes the best “learning environment” is a messy craft table, a bookshelf that invites wandering, or a quiet window ledge perfect for sketching what they see. Environment shapes energy. Create a learning‑rich environment that encourages exploration: books, tools, and questions pinned to the wall. Keep it evolving. Curiosity needs friction, but also freedom.

7. Link Learning to Future Passions

As kids grow, so do their interests and their potential career dreams. For instance, if they show an early fascination with behavior, emotions, or social dynamics, help them see where that could lead. Show them that education isn’t fixed and that it adapts. Knowing there’s a path aligning their interests with a real future builds motivation that lasts rather than any sticker chart.

Raising a lifelong learner isn’t about pushing them, it’s more about pulling back the curtain and letting them see how thrilling learning can be. Your job isn’t to have all the answers, but to stay curious alongside them. Build a home where questions are welcome, mistakes are safe, screentime is limited, and passion is celebrated. Create space for randomness, for detours, for rabbit holes that lead nowhere… until they don’t. Because in the end, the goal isn’t just learning, it’s loving the act of learning itself.

Discover expert insights and practical tips for parenting and personal growth at Douglas Haddad’s website, where you can access free resources and courses to empower your journey.

7 Ways to Keep the Air in Your Home Clean

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7 Ways to Keep the Air in Your Home Clean

In the quiet moments of the day—when the windows are closed, the kids are doing homework at the kitchen table, and the hum of the HVAC system fills the background—it’s easy to forget that what we breathe indoors matters as much, if not more, than what’s outside. For all the talk of smog, wildfire smoke, and industrial pollution, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than what’s outdoors, according to the EPA. And yet, we spend about 90% of our lives inside. If you’re trying to keep your family healthy and breathe clean air regularly, the first place to start isn’t always your medicine cabinet—sometimes it’s your air filter.

1. Open the Windows, Strategically

You don’t have to throw your windows open every day like you’re airing out a century-old farmhouse, but a little fresh air can go a long way—especially if you’re cooking, cleaning, or painting. Cross-ventilation is your best friend here. Open the windows on opposite ends of your home to create a gentle flow that ushers out stale air and brings in fresh air. The key is timing. Do it when the outdoor air quality is decent. Avoid high-pollen mornings or smoggy afternoons, and let nature hit the reset button on your living space.

2. Know What You’re Breathing

It might sound a little extreme, but investing in a decent indoor air quality monitor is like giving your home a physical. These compact devices can clue you in on what’s floating around your living room, from particulate matter (PM2.5) to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). You’ll be surprised at how everyday things—like lighting a candle or using a strong cleaning spray—can spike pollution levels in seconds. Once you can see what’s really in your air, it becomes a lot easier to make smarter decisions about ventilation, filters, and what products you bring into the house.

3. Stay Ahead with Seasonal HVAC Checkups

A well-maintained HVAC system does more than just regulate temperature—it’s central to keeping your indoor air clean and safe year-round. Scheduling professional service twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall, helps ensure filters are fresh, coils are clear, and everything’s running efficiently before extreme weather kicks in. You can easily connect with local HVAC experts through a dedicated app offering home repair services. The right platform lets you schedule appointments, track repairs in real-time, and keep tabs on all your home systems without digging through paperwork or waiting on hold.

4. Upgrade Your Filtration Game

Most people forget that the air filters in their HVAC systems aren’t just there to keep dust out of the machinery—they’re also your first line of defense against airborne particles. If your system can handle it, upgrading to a filter with a MERV rating between 11 and 13 can catch things like pollen, pet dander, and even some bacteria. Just remember, better filters mean more resistance to airflow, so check with your HVAC tech before making the switch. And if you live in an older building or apartment without central air, a high-efficiency portable air purifier can do wonders in bedrooms or high-traffic areas.

5. Be Brutally Honest About Your Cleaning Routine

Some cleaning habits make your home look fresh, but do very little to clean the air. Certain products—especially those with heavy fragrances or bleach—can make your air worse. Aim for fragrance-free or naturally derived cleaners, and always clean with a window open when possible. Vacuuming with a HEPA filter is a game-changer too; it traps fine particles instead of just stirring them around and pretending they’re gone.

6. Humidity: Find the Sweet Spot

Too much moisture in the air and you’re flirting with mold, dust mites, and a laundry list of respiratory issues. Too little and everything dries out—skin, sinuses, furniture. The ideal indoor humidity range for health and comfort is between 40% and 60%, which is easier to maintain than you might think with a good humidifier-dehumidifier combo or just a bit of manual adjusting depending on the season. If your bathroom mirror fogs up after a shower for longer than a few minutes, it’s probably time to upgrade your exhaust fan—or at least use it every time you bathe.

7. Ban the Big Offenders, Gently

We all have those beloved candles, incense sticks, or old-school plug-in air fresheners that have become household staples. Unfortunately, many of them have hidden health hazards, such as releasing soot, VOCs, or even formaldehyde over time. You don’t have to ditch them all at once—just cut back. Maybe light that favorite candle once a week instead of daily, and keep it near an open window or a purifier. Your home won’t lose its vibe, but your lungs will thank you.

You probably won’t notice when your home’s air quality improves. There’s no parade, no round of applause. But one day you’ll realize the kids haven’t been sniffling every morning, your partner’s headaches are fewer, and your own energy feels just a little more consistent. Clean air is like good sleep—it supports everything else, invisibly. Start small, pay attention, and before long, you’ll be breathing better without even thinking about it.

Discover expert insights and resources for parents and educators with Douglas Haddad, here to support your journey in raising well-rounded children.

7 Small Business Ideas for Stay-at-Home Parents

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7 Small Business Ideas for Stay-at-Home Parents

When you’re a stay-at-home parent, your world revolves around everything from school drop-offs to nap schedules, but that doesn’t mean your professional life has to be on hold. The flexibility of being at home can offer the perfect launchpad for a small business—without having to manage inventory, ship products, or deal with returns. If you’re resourceful, patient, and willing to work with the time you’ve got, you can take your small business ideas and build something sustainable—maybe even life-changing.

1. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking for the Animal-Inclined

If you’ve already got a pet-friendly home—or a soft spot for animals—you’re halfway there. Pet sitting and dog walking can be structured around your daily routine and do not require a hefty upfront investment. It’s a business that thrives on trust and word-of-mouth, so start with neighbors or friends who need help and build your reputation from there. You’ll want to get insured, keep detailed records, and consider joining platforms like Rover or Wag for visibility and bookings.

2. Tutoring That Goes Beyond the Classroom

You don’t need a doctorate to teach what you already know well. Whether it’s algebra, essay writing, or SAT prep, offering tutoring services is a rock-solid business idea, especially with so many students still relying on online learning options. You can become a certified tutor and set your hours, work with students locally or through video calls, and charge rates that reflect your experience. Get started by brushing up your skills, deciding on your target subjects, and creating a simple site or social media page to spread the word. Sites like Wyzant or Thumbtack can also help you connect with clients when you’re first starting.

3. Choosing the Right Business Structure from Day One

Before you dive into running your home-based business, deciding on a business structure is a key move that affects everything from taxes to personal liability. Many stay-at-home entrepreneurs lean toward forming an LLC because it offers limited liability protection—meaning your personal assets stay separate if something goes wrong—along with potential tax advantages and less paperwork than a full corporation. You don’t need to spend thousands on legal help either; plenty of parents handle the filing themselves or use a trusted formation service like ZenBusiness to simplify the process.

4. Offering Private Music Lessons

Teaching workshops or giving private music lessons lets you turn a passion into profit—whether that’s piano, painting, or speaking French. You don’t have to be world-class; just skilled enough to help beginners or intermediates improve. These lessons can happen in your home, via Zoom, or even in local community centers, giving you total flexibility over your schedule. Advertise on local Facebook groups, put up flyers at nearby schools or coffee shops, and don’t underestimate how far a personal recommendation can take you.

5. Becoming a Virtual Assistant

Behind every thriving entrepreneur is a to-do list they’d rather outsource. That’s where you come in as a virtual assistant, managing tasks like emails, scheduling, data entry, and social media for clients who’d rather not handle it themselves. It’s a business you can launch with just a computer and solid organization skills, and it scales well as your availability grows. Begin by offering services on freelance job boards like Upwork or Freelancer, and as you gain experience, consider specializing in a niche like real estate or wellness coaching to command higher rates.

6. Writing or Editing for the Word Savvy

If your skill with words outpaces your toddler’s growing vocabulary, freelance writing or editing might be your lane. From blog posts to resumes to web content, there’s a consistent demand for people who can write clearly and concisely. Building a portfolio might take a few gigs that don’t pay much, but once you have samples, you can pitch publications or partner with marketing agencies that always need copywriters. You’ll want a good laptop, a quiet space to work, and maybe some coffee—but the barrier to entry is low and the potential is wide open.

7. Providing Childcare for Other Families

Why not turn your parenting lifestyle into a business model? If you’re already home with your kids, offering part-time childcare or hosting a small daycare setup could be a natural next step. You’ll need to check with local regulations and licensing requirements, but it can be a rewarding way to generate income while still keeping your children close. Set boundaries, define your hours, and be upfront about your approach so that families know what they’re signing up for—and you stay sane.

Starting a business from home doesn’t have to mean risking it all or going all-in on e-commerce. For stay-at-home parents, the most viable ventures are often the ones that blend seamlessly with the rhythms of daily life—services that tap into your strengths, passions, and local community. Whether you’re helping a student ace math, walking the neighbor’s dog, or guiding someone through a life change, you’re creating value on your own terms.

Article Contribution by Joyce Wilson

Joyce Wilson is a retired teacher with decades of experience. Today, she is a mentor to teachers in her local public school system. She and a fellow retired teacher created teacherspark.org to share creative ideas and practical resources for the classroom.

Work with me personally! Are you looking to gain more clarity, balance, peace, joy, and happiness in your life, all while effectively and efficiently handling your current day-to-day state of affairs? Click for more information on my coaching sessions. Please click here if you’d like to reach out to me for general inquiries, media appearances, and/or speaking engagements.

Discover expert insights and resources for parents and educators with Douglas Haddad, here to support your journey in raising well-rounded children.

4 Holiday Destination Ideas for Single Parents

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4 Holiday Destination Ideas for Single Parents

When it comes to holiday destinations with your loved ones, there are always plenty of options out there for a family of four – but what about one-parent families? Being a single parent can be challenging in a range of different areas. Going on holiday can be particularly difficult, although perhaps the biggest barrier of all is simply getting out there and making the most of the opportunities available to you and your children.

With this in mind, we’ve brought together a list of four of the most ideal holiday destinations for single parents looking for a break away with their little ones.

1. Cornwall, UK

Cornwall is the most popular holiday destination in the UK for family holidays. It has the longest continuous stretch of coastline in the UK and offers fantastically clear sea views, golden sandy beaches and incredible weather during the summer months. In addition to the sun, sea, and sand, there are secret coves and quaint villages to explore, lots of towering cliffs with great views, and plenty of child-friendly places to stay.

There are several campsites that cater to families of all sizes, with entertainment to keep the kids occupied, onsite workshops, and even a chance to feed farmyard animals. Many of Cornwall’s campsites are pet-friendly too, so you could even bring a four-legged friend along
to enhance your experience.

2. Obertauern, Austria

If you’re the adventurous type, a skiing holiday can be a wonderful option. There are plenty of suitable resorts to choose from, but Obertauern in Austria is one of the best holiday destinations for families. On the snow, you’ll find plenty of beginner pistes designated to small skiers – there are also lots of schools that offer classes for a variety of ages. The resort even has its own mascot, Bobby the Snow Bunny, for the kids to look out for.

There are lots of all-inclusive hotels in the area complete with game consoles, table football, and chill-out zones for when your kids need a break from the slopes, and the food offered across the region is incredible.

3. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

The beauty of Fuerteventura is that it is full of family-friendly resorts. You and your kids can enjoy endless white sands and clear blue seas – just remember to pack the sunblock. Inland there are wonderful mountains, which adults and kids alike will enjoy exploring.

Most resorts separate their kids’ clubs into teenager, maxi, and mini age ranges so that your children can enjoy age-appropriate activities with others in their own year group. Socializing in this way not only helps them get the most from the holiday, but also mixing with other children from different backgrounds can benefit their development as they get older.

4. Lake District, UK

As the name suggests, the Lake District is famed for its waters, tarns, and of course lakes – but that’s not all. This area of outstanding natural beauty is now classed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to some of the most idyllic views in the country – if not the
world. While the Lake District is a worthwhile visit all year round, it is particularly recommended—during the warmer summer months—for single parents traveling with children.

There is plenty to do here, including rowing boats on one of the many lakes, taking in some amazing sights on the easier Wainwright walks (many of which are child-friendly), enjoying some amazing food in many of the area’s top restaurants, or visiting a dedicated adventure
playground for children.

Article Contribution by Harry Gunn

Harry is an avid traveler himself, Harry loves to discover new places through his work as a freelance content writer.

Work with me personally! Are you looking to gain more clarity, balance, peace, joy, and happiness in your life, all while effectively and efficiently handling your current day-to-day state of affairs? Click for more information on my coaching sessions. Please click here if you’d like to reach out to me for general inquiries, media appearances, and/or speaking engagements.

To you and your family living a more healthy, productive, and fulfilling life!

Sources:

https://www.stayincornwall.co.uk/handbook/most-sought-after-family-holidays

https://www.loveholidays.com/holidays/family-travel-child-development/

8 Ways to Pay for College by Flipping Multi-Family Homes

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8 Ways to Pay for College by Flipping Multi-Family Homes

Flipping multi-family properties offers a robust strategy to generate the funds to help pay for college. This guide explores how you can intertwine your educational pursuits with savvy real estate investments, providing a practical roadmap to financial and academic achievement.

1. Opt for Flexible Learning Options

Integrating education with your business ventures doesn’t mean compromising either. Online degree programs offer a flexible and often more affordable alternative to traditional in-person courses, allowing you to concentrate on your real estate flipping while continuing your studies.

For instance, you could attain a master’s degree in nursing and open doors to careers in nurse administration, education, or informatics. Adopting this dual approach lets you strategically plan your property investments to maximize your returns and effectively fund your higher education aspirations.

2. Understand Real Estate Fundamentals

Before you dive into the world of house flipping, acquiring a foundational knowledge of real estate is essential. Learn about market trends, how properties are valued, and the ins and outs of the renovation process. Engage in real estate courses and workshops, and consider gaining firsthand experience by shadowing established flippers. This initial step ensures you are best equipped to make informed decisions in the dynamic real estate market that will ultimately help you pay for college.

3. Formulate a Financial Blueprint

Careful financial planning is critical when embarking on property flipping to fund your education. Assess how much capital you can invest and the returns needed to cover your tuition and related expenses. Your financial plan should include detailed budgets for purchasing and
renovating properties, alongside a contingency fund for unforeseen costs. This structured approach to finances will help safeguard your investments and educational goals.

4. Analyze the Market

Success in real estate investment heavily relies on understanding local market conditions. Investigate which areas are experiencing growth and where demand for housing is increasing. Identifying neighborhoods where property values are appreciating can guide you to make
investments likely to yield high returns. This research is crucial in pinpointing the right properties that align with your financial and educational timelines.

5. Begin with Manageable Projects

Select a property requiring minimal to moderate renovation for your initial foray into house flipping. This strategy reduces risk and allows you to develop your flipping skills on a manageable scale. Tackling smaller renovation projects first can also help you build confidence and gather the experience needed for more significant ventures in the future.

6. Assemble a Team of Experts

House flipping is a collaborative effort. Build a real estate investing team comprising a real estate agent, a contractor, an attorney, and an architect. Each professional brings a unique skill set that is invaluable throughout the process—from identifying the right property and handling renovations to navigating the legal aspects of real estate transactions. Their expertise ensures every phase of your flipping project is executed proficiently.

7. Master Time Management

Effective time management is crucial when balancing property flipping with academic responsibilities. Establish a timeline for each project phase—from the purchase to renovation and eventual sale. Sticking to this schedule is vital to avoid delays that could incur additional costs,
ensuring your real estate ventures do not interfere with your academic progress.

8. Develop an Exit Strategy

Always have a clear exit strategy before investing in a property. If the market conditions change, decide, in advance, whether you will sell or potentially rent out the property. This strategic foresight helps manage risks and provides options that can adapt to fluctuating market conditions, ensuring the sustainability of your educational and investment goals.

Flipping multi-family properties provides a unique opportunity to finance your higher education while building a lucrative career in real estate. Following these structured steps enhances your financial footing and aligns your investments, with long-term academic and professional achievements. This dual focus on education and real estate investing empowers you to navigate your adult learning journey with confidence and strategic insight.

Work with me personally! Are you looking to gain more clarity, balance, peace, joy, and happiness in your life, all while effectively and efficiently handling your current day-to-day state of affairs? Click for more information on my coaching sessions. Please click here if you’d like to reach out to me for general inquiries, media appearances, and/or speaking engagements.

To you and your family living a more healthy, productive, and fulfilling life!

The Dangers of Silica Dust in Your Home

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In every home, dust is an inevitable companion. It accumulates on surfaces, hides in corners, and even floats in the air. While most people associate dust with minor inconveniences like dirty furniture or sneezing fits, a hidden danger lurks within the fine particles of dust – silica. Silica dust, when inhaled, can pose significant health hazards, especially to children who may also suffer from dust allergies and other respiratory issues.

Silica Dust Hazards

Silica, a naturally occurring mineral, is present in many common household materials. It can be found in sand, concrete, stone, tiles, and even kitchen countertops. When these materials are disturbed, such as during renovation, demolition, or even simple household chores like drilling, sawing, or cutting, they release tiny silica dust particles into the air. The danger lies in the inhalation of these minuscule particles, as they can lead to serious health issues.

One of the primary health concerns associated with silica dust is silicosis. Silicosis is a lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to silica dust. It may manifest as a persistent cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing in the early stages. Over time, it can progress to more severe symptoms, including lung scarring and even respiratory failure. Children are not immune to these risks, especially if they are exposed to silica dust at an early age.

Dust Allergies in Children

Dust allergies are common in children and adults alike. They are triggered primarily by allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. When inhaled or exposed to these allergens, sensitive individuals may experience a range of symptoms, including sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and even skin rashes. The symptoms can be particularly troublesome in children, interfering with sleep, school performance, and overall well-being.

Silica dust, while not an allergen in the traditional sense, can exacerbate dust allergies in children. This is because silica dust irritates the respiratory system and makes it more susceptible to other allergens. Children with preexisting dust allergies may experience intensified symptoms when exposed to both dust allergens and silica dust. Parents must be aware of this risk and take appropriate measures to protect their children’s health.

Silica Presence in Common-Use Items

Silica compounds are found throughout the environment—in rocks, sand, clay, soil, air, and water. Silica is used in many commercial products, such as bricks, glass and ceramics, plaster, granite, concrete, cleansers, skin care products, and talcum powder. Some forms of amorphous silica are used as food additives, food wrappings, toothpaste, and cosmetics.

Silicosis lawsuits hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence. This includes employers who failed to implement safety measures, product manufacturers who failed to warn about silica dust hazards and other parties involved in the distribution chain.

Importance of Proper Cleaning

Proper cleaning is the first line of defense against silica dust hazards and dust allergies in children. Here are some key strategies for maintaining a clean and safe household:

Dust regularly: Regular dusting with a damp cloth or microfiber duster can help reduce the accumulation of dust and allergens in your home. Focus on often-neglected areas such as ceiling fan blades, window sills, and baseboards.

Vacuum with a HEPA filter: Invest in a vacuum cleaner equipped with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters can capture tiny dust particles, ensuring they don’t recirculate into the air.

Minimize clutter: Reducing clutter in your home not only makes it easier to clean but also eliminates hiding spots for dust and allergens.

Use air purifiers: Air purifiers with HEPA filters can help remove allergens and dust particles from the air, providing cleaner indoor air quality for your family.

Proper ventilation: Ensure your home is well-ventilated to minimize the concentration of airborne dust and allergens. Use exhaust fans, and open windows, and consider using an air exchanger to bring in fresh outdoor air.

Safe renovation practices: If you’re planning a home renovation project that involves materials containing silica, take the necessary precautions. Use wet methods to control dust, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and provide proper ventilation.

Silica dust hazards in the household and dust allergies in children are issues that should not be taken lightly. Proper cleaning practices play a crucial role in mitigating these risks and creating a safe, healthy environment for your family. By staying informed and taking preventative measures, parents can reduce the likelihood of exposure to silica dust and the exacerbation of dust allergies in their children. In the end, a clean and safe home is a key component of a happy and healthy family life.

– Article and Resources Contribution by Consumer Notice

Work with me personally! Click for more information on my coaching sessions. Please click here if you’d like to reach out to me for general inquiries, media appearances, and/or speaking engagements.

To you and your family living a more healthy, productive, and fulfilling life!

Sources:

https://www.consumernotice.org/environmental/silica-dust/

https://www.consumernotice.org/environmental/silica-dust/silicosis/

https://www.consumernotice.org/legal/silicosis-lawsuits/

4 Benefits of Having Pets for Kids

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The benefits of having pets run deep for kids and their families. Human and animal friendships date back thousands of years. For instance, animals have a way of making us feel better. Their unconditional love and quirky personalities prove to help decrease anxiety and promote positive well-being in people of all ages.

For families, there is plenty of evidence to show just how impactful having a pet can be for our mental health. Their influence on us goes beyond the norm, helping boost every aspect of our lives from our physical health to our social interactions. If you’re considering adding a pet to your household, read on to find out how owning an animal can benefit you and your children.

1. Provide Structure and Routine

Children can benefit from a routine as it helps them to know what to expect in their daily schedules and feel more in control. Having a pet such as a dog that requires daily exercise can help encourage structure in the lives of both children and their parents, but even the responsibility of caring for other animals can give a satisfying sense of pride to all family members.

Depending on your child’s age, they can help with many aspects of caring for a pet. Smaller children can help feed and clean the pet’s bowls, whilst older children can enjoy walking or cleaning out the animal themselves. By teaching children about the importance of properly looking after an animal, they learn empathy, compassion, and respect.

2. Improved Well-Being

If you’ve ever owned a pet before, you’ll be familiar with the almost magical way in which they can instantly lift our spirits and soothe our souls. For people of all ages, animals inspire good feelings, and studies show that stroking them reduces stress and elevates dopamine and serotonin levels, which make us feel relaxed and happy.

People who spend time with animals have lower blood pressure, and especially with dogs, the increased outdoor walks are massively beneficial for our well-being. Children largely benefit from spending time outdoors; being allowed to run, jump, and use their imaginations freely alongside their furry best friend reduces anxiety and boosts creativity, and even adults benefit from the feel-good rush of getting out and about regularly.

3. Boost Social Skills

Another brilliant benefit to pets is their ability to boost social skills. Children can learn a lot about interacting with others from their pets. Well-socialized animals are accepting, confident, and friendly to everyone they meet. This can help children feel more comfortable and confident in social situations, and encourage them to foster new friendships by taking their pet’s lead.

Dog owners often chat to each other during walks, and whilst exercising yours at the park, you’re sure to find it easier to strike up conversations as people naturally smile and coo over your pet. Animals are great icebreakers, and for the whole family, they can lead to new friendships and relationships with other animal-loving folk.

4. Emotional Support and Empathy

Pets provide children with a source of unconditional love and companionship, helping them develop empathy, compassion, and emotional resilience. Interacting with pets can teach kids how to care for others and manage their own emotions.

Which pet is right for you?

Once you’ve decided to bring an animal into your family, it’s important to choose the right one for you. Different animals have varying needs, and even different breeds of the same species can bring various costs and needs.

Be sure to research whichever type of pet you have your heart set on thoroughly before deciding to adopt or buy them. With such profound benefits to be found in having a pet to love and care for, the whole family is sure to benefit.

– Article and Resources Contribution by Kate Asher.

Kate is an animal lover who enjoys promoting the benefits of pets with people from all walks of life. From family pets to therapy animals, Kate shares her knowledge of how animals can improve our lives.

Work with me personally! Click for more information on my coaching sessions. Please click here if you’d like to reach out to me for general inquiries, media appearances, and/or speaking engagements.

To you and your family living a more healthy, productive, and fulfilling life!

Sources:

https://www.comparethemarket.com/life-insurance/content/the-joy-of-pets/
https://www.hillspet.co.uk/dog-care/play-exercise/fun-games-kids-play-with-dogs
https://www.petsathome.com/pet-talk/choosing-a-pet-which-pet-is-right-for-your-lifestyle-
children

4 Challenges For Young Parents

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Having children at a younger age is not an altogether bad thing, but it can present some unique challenges for young parents. While these parents are likely to have more time and energy to play with and enjoy their children, the reality of the impact of raising children at a young age can take its toll.

Parenting is a wonderful, yet incredibly stressful job and it undoubtedly changes your relationship with your partner. With a fifth of new parents splitting up after welcoming their child into the world, you may also need to consider the lifelong consequences of single or co-parenting for both you and your child.

While there’s no rules around when it’s best to have children, as it’s a personal choice for everyone, doing so at a young age means that you are likely to have spent less time with your partner pre-baby, less time building your career, and you’ll have less life experience.

1. Putting Personal Goals on Hold

When you have a baby, your personal goals, wants and needs get pushed onto the back burner. Achieving your goals in your professional and personal life becomes much harder when you have to prioritize your little one, and arranging childcare if you want to do something alone isn’t always easy. Parenting with a partner is a game of compromise, where you should share the load evenly so that you both feel you don’t lose your personal identity.

As young parents, you’ll likely lean on your family members for support, but you need to be aware that your plans to travel the world, build a business, or even go out with your friends on a Saturday night may have to wait until your children have grown up.

2. Financial Struggles

The average cost of raising a child in the US is $233,610, and with the current cost of living crisis seeing our housing, electricity, food and fuel prices continue to rise well above the national minimum wage, this number is ever increasing. Young parents may not have had time to establish their careers and be in a financially stable position to raise their children, which puts pressure on their families and the government to support them.

Even if you continue to work once your baby has arrived, the cost of nursery can eat into your salary considerably and leave you little extra money left over to cover living costs. Niceties such as family holidays and days out are also very expensive, as holiday companies put their prices up massively out of school term times.

3. Social Pressures

There can be a lot of social backlash when you have a child at a young age. Even if you feel ready, be prepared to face judgment and stigmas from society as a whole. Many young parents report losing friendships as their priorities shift away from those of their peers, as instead of going out and partying you’ll be at home rocking your baby to sleep. If you are still a teenager, it’s also far more challenging to finish your education with a baby to raise.

Parents of all ages often feel a huge amount of pressure to be a ‘perfect parent’, but young parents can feel this much more intensely, and this can lead to serious mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.

4. Medical Risks

For teenage mothers, pregnancy and birth brings an increased risk of medical complications, including eclampsia, postpartum endometritis, low birth weight and preterm delivery. While complications can occur throughout pregnancy and birth at any age, these issues are well worth considering if you’re thinking about starting a family at a young age.

On the flip side, having a child in your late 20s to 30 years old increases your odds of conceiving and having fewer complications in your pregnancy and birth.

Accessing Support

There is plenty of support available for young parents, and you should never feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help when you need it. Self-care is extremely important, and you should always take the time to take care of yourself! Raising children is a magical experience like no other, even if it does come with a never-ending stream of challenges. And despite the obstacles young parents face, many still go on to become extremely successful and raise happy families.

– Article and Resources Contribution by Lily Jones (successful business owner who had children in her early 20s)

Work with me personally! Click for more information on my coaching sessions. Please click here if you’d like to reach out to me for general inquiries, media appearances, and/or speaking engagements.

To you and your family living a more healthy, productive, and fulfilling life!

Sources:

https://www.comparethemarket.com/life-insurance/content/a-guide-for-young-parents/
https://www.cgbabyclub.co.uk/love-dont-judge/younger-parents.html
https://www.lv.com/life-insurance/articles/cost-of-raising-a-child
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230628-why-couples-fight-after-having-a-baby

Asbestos Hazards to Be Aware of in Your Home

Well Parent

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Asbestos Hazards to Be Aware of in Your Home

Asbestos is known for being widely used in homes and buildings constructions before the 1980s, but what’s commonly overlooked is that just until 2022, it was found in the worldwide talc-based version of Johnson & Johnson baby powder, and children’s makeup brands as popular as Jojo Siwa’s had tested positive for it.

Parents will be guided to recognize the potential asbestos hazards in the home, and most importantly, how to best assess those risks so that their living space can be safe for everyone, especially children. This is because mesothelioma cancer and other asbestos-related diseases take around 20 to 60 years to develop so the safety measures applied right now can represent a vast difference in our kids’ adult lives.

Asbestos in the Home

Do-it-yourself home projects have been gaining popularity because TikTok videos and Pinterest boards have left more than one inspired. At the end of the day, with just a few bucks, a weekend, and a tutorial on loop, you can save plenty of money, right? That’s what you would think. But the truth is that if you have a home built before the 1980s you may be exposing yourself and your family to asbestos, therefore, to mesothelioma cancer, with simple things such as drilling into drywall to hang a painting and removing vinyl floor tiles, or more sophisticated activities, such as removing popcorn texture ceilings or cutting insulation on pipes. Even projects as fun as classic car at-home renovations can represent a risk since older brakes can contain asbestos.

Children’s Makeup

As of 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that children’s makeup as popular as Claire’s JoJo Siwa Makeup Set and the Pink Glitter Palette with Eyeshadow & Lip Gloss, among others, tested positive for asbestos. But even after recalling these products, they have not officially announced any plans for discontinuing sales of all talc-based makeup products.

Baby Powder

As of 2022, Johnson & Johnson was still selling internationally its worldwide famous talc-based baby powder, even though it was removed from American shelves in 2019 due to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation. It was found that it had been contaminated since the 1950s and that company executives had been aware of it ever since.

The findings were so severe that the company has paid billions of dollars to plaintiffs. This goes to show that the only way we, as parents, can make sure we’re bringing the healthiest products to our households is to do our own research.

Asbestos in Toys

It’s important to keep an eye out for products imported from countries where asbestos regulations are not in place. Products such as crayons, chalk, and crime lab kits for kids have tested positive.

What can be done to best assess these risks and keep a safe house environment?

If your house was built in the 1980s or before, hire a professional to conduct an asbestos test.
If your home was built in the 1980s or before, do not attempt any DIY renovation projects, such as inspection, testing, repairs, or removals. Instead, hire a professional.
Do not handle any suspected or confirmed material that contains asbestos.
If a property or home demolition is needed, contact your local or state government regulatory agency.
Avoid brands associated with asbestos and talc contamination and only use talc-free products. You can find examples of such brands here.
Look for powders made from alternative ingredients, such as cornstarch, which is a natural and safe alternative to talc.
Beware of organic and “clean” brands. Many of them still use talc-based products that can lead to asbestos exposure.
Make your proper research on products that are imported from countries where asbestos regulations are not available, especially if those are talc-based products such as crayons and chalk.
Finally, if you have concerns about your child’s health, speak with your pediatrician. They can help you assess the risks and provide guidance on safe alternatives.

If you or someone you know may have been exposed to asbestos, it’s imperative that you contact your doctor. Cancer staging is a crucial part of the treatment so each moment counts. For more information about this, please click here.

– Article and Resources Contribution by The Mesothelioma Center

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To you and your family living a more healthy, productive, and fulfilling life!

4 Tips to Reduce Screen Time for Children

Whole Child

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4 Tips to Reduce Screen Time for Children

Most parents have been met with the struggle of trying to pry a phone or tablet from the clutches of their child. However, as much of an uphill battle as it may seem, make it a point to reduce and monitor screen time for kids. Excessive use can cause both physical and mental health problems, including eye strain, sleep disturbances, and bodily aches and pains.

To best reduce the risk of these unwanted effects in both yourself and your family, we’ve put together a guide to some of our top tips to stop screen time from becoming problematic at home.

Lead by example

It goes without saying that if you try to reduce screen time for your child without limiting your own, you will be met with some resistance. This is because kids generally follow the example of adults – and most will want to do exactly what everybody else is doing at all times.

While young kids may copy their caregiver’s behavior in order to try to emulate them, older children and teenagers may take an alternative approach – perhaps arguing that if you’re allowed to spend time on your screen, they should be, too. In fact, putting some limits on your own screen use is likely to benefit everyone, by not only encouraging your kids to comply with the new way of doing things, but also freeing up some time in your schedule for quality family time.

Implement structure

To avoid any confusion (or a relapse into excessive screen use), you may want to consider creating some sort of structural plan for when everybody in the family is allowed to be on their screens, and when they’re not. This should work really well for families who already make use of some sort of daily structure, such as set dinner times and bedtimes.

Families who do things a bit more intuitively may want to start off slow – perhaps scheduling just an hour or so each day for no screen time in order to see how everybody adapts. For a top tip, make sure to schedule your break from screens at the same time for
everybody. This way, kids won’t get bored when they’re the only ones not allowed on their phones – or jealous of siblings who are allowed to watch television when they aren’t.

Introduce other activities

If you’re going to ask your family members to take some time away from their screens, you may want to also think about what they’re going to do instead – and try to make those alternative options as appealing as possible. With a partner, this may look like agreeing between you to have an hour or so to talk at the end of each day.

For children, you may want to think about whether or not your home environment is an enriching and entertaining place to be without the need for screens – and add some games or toys, if not. You may also want to consider introducing your kids to an activity that they haven’t tried before, like a craft project, or a sport. You might find that as they become invested in a new activity, the desire to spend time at their screens decreases.

Try not to be too restrictive

Unfortunately, if your approach to screen time is too restrictive too soon, it may become a whole lot more problematic. Children, in general, want what they can’t have – so removing technology from the home or cutting down on screen time too dramatically is likely to just make their phone or laptop that much more desirable.

To get the best results, try to make healthy screen use a collaborative effort, by talking with your kids, and prioritizing interactions with your family throughout the process. This way everybody will feel included, and can work together to stop screen time from becoming problematic at home.

– Article and Resources Contribution by Warren Cooley

Work with me personally! Click for more information on my coaching sessions. Please click here if you’d like to reach out to me for general inquiries, media appearances, and/or speaking engagements.

To you and your family living a more healthy, productive, and fulfilling life!