How to Support Your Children Through the Death of a Loved One

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The death of a loved one is a difficult event in life. Dealing with this loss while parenting young children makes the experience all the more taxing. You must make sure your children remember and honour the deceased, providing lots of comforting love during such difficult times.

This article will examine ways to navigate mom life during a family member’s death by creating heartfelt tributes as an emotional support system and offering love, remembrance and support during an emotionally trying journey.

Encourage Expression of Emotions

Grief can be an intensely personal emotion for all involved; your kids are no exception. Help facilitate healing by encouraging your kids to express themselves freely by writing tributes or using another healthy outlet such as art therapy. Remember that encouraging children to share difficult emotions does not involve crafting the perfect sentence or the ideal amount of tears; rather it should focus on raw expression that brings profound healing instead.

Seek Support From Funeral Homes

In times of profound emotion and confusion, funeral homes can provide invaluable support. Their professionals extend an empathetic hand, so you can focus on honouring the one you love in ways that truly represent them. When helping children through difficult times it’s comforting knowing there will be someone by your side taking care of paperwork, funeral arrangements and more.

Understanding the Healing Power of Tributes

Tributes offer comfort during times of sorrow by remembering those we’ve lost with fondness. Tributes also present an ideal opportunity to introduce children to death while paying our respects as part of an act of commemoration for a life well lived.

Selecting an Appropriate Tribute

Finding an appropriate memorial to commemorate a loved one’s memory can be challenging, yet selecting a tribute that helps your children process this loss can make all of the difference in how they cope. Each option – be it a carefully curated scrapbook with snapshots and favourite memories preserved within, a beautiful garden filled with living memories, or tangible fragments from years gone by – offers something different which helps your kids come to terms with loss.

Personalising Your Tribute

Personalisation is the art of imbuing your tribute with memories from the relationship – laughter shared, stories retold and precious moments shared together. By including symbols that remind both yourself and children of them specifically, you make the tribute that much more symbolic.

Engaging Your Children in the Process

Engaging your children in creating a tribute is like providing them a map to navigate their emotions as they deal with grief and loss – your support will provide an outlet for these complex feelings while honouring and remembering the deceased through this shared project.

Maintaining the Connection

Grieving for someone we have lost should not be thought of as a one-time celebration. Instead, it should be considered an ongoing journey, with birthdays, anniversaries and holidays providing us opportunities to remember their legacy of love while reminding us they remain with us always.

Conclusion

We play an invaluable role in supporting our children as they navigate the arduous path of grief. By comforting and helping our children process the emotions caused by loss, and finding ways to express it by remembering or honouring those lost, we foster in them resilience and empathy that they’ll carry with them forever.

Remind yourself that during this difficult period, you are creating emotional ties that will shape your children’s journey into adulthood and demonstrate to them how, even after passing on, loved ones always remain a part of their lives.

Summer Glam: How To Find The Perfect Outfit For An Event

Many of us tend to have more hectic social schedules in the summer. Wedding season is in full swing, it’s that time of year when people like to host parties and gatherings and there are all kinds of balls, festivals and special events going on. Some people love to get glammed up, but for others, the idea of shopping for an outfit for an occasion fills them with dread. If you don’t know what to wear for a wedding, or you’ve been invited to a party and you haven’t got an outfit yet, here are some top tips to take the stress out of shopping. 

Image credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/three-girls-with-ribbon-in-hair-standing-together-in-garden-12353207/

Check the invitation

The first thing to do when you’re considering what to wear for a special occasion is to check the invitation. Look for information about the dress code and see if there is a theme. Many couples specify a dress code for a wedding, for example, and there may be a theme if you’re going to a birthday party or a charity ball. If there isn’t any information, it’s a good idea to get in touch with friends, colleagues and family members who are also attending to see what they are wearing. 

Embrace the opportunity to dress up

Most of us don’t wear floor-length gowns, sequinned skirts or fabulous co-ords every weekend. If you’re going to an event, and the dress code encourages dressing up, embrace the opportunity. Look for stunning party dresses, get creative with accessories, or break the mould and wear something unique. Run with the theme and have fun choosing pieces and putting an ensemble together. 

Be open to ideas

Many of us will follow fashion rules or traditions when dressing for a special occasion, but it’s always beneficial to be open to ideas. If you’re going to a wedding, you might automatically think that you need to wear a dress and a hat, but if there’s no dress code, you can afford to explore other options. Perhaps you’d prefer to wear a skirt and top, a tailored suit, or a chic, smart jumpsuit, for example? Visit shops, have a look online and don’t be afraid to try pieces that don’t necessarily fit within the traditional template for occasion dressing. Experiment with colours and styles and see how you feel when you look in the mirror. It’s essential to feel happy, comfortable and confident in your outfit. This will ensure that you enjoy the day or evening as much as possible. 

Prioritise style and comfort

We all want to look a million dollars when we go to an event, but it’s also crucial to think about comfort. You don’t want to be pulling at your dress all evening or struggling to walk in your shoes after five minutes. Choose pieces that fit you perfectly, consider the venue and the weather and opt for materials that are comfortable. If you want to wear heels, but you’re conscious of your feet hurting, go for a wedge or a block-heeled sandal, or take a pair of flats to change into later. 

Summer is upon us, and many of us are looking forward to attending events and celebrating special occasions. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect outfit, it’s an excellent idea to make shopping as fun and stress-free as possible. Check the invitation for information, embrace the opportunity to dress up and be open to trying different looks. Remember to think about comfort, as well as style. 

 

Own It: You’re a Yummy Mommy

Being a mother doesn’t require you to leave behind the fashionable dresses and heels you loved before, nor letting motherhood take away your beauty; embrace motherhood by investing in flattering clothing to enhance your confidence and beauty. Being a yummy Mommy means celebrating womanhood at every stage in life so let’s join forces and get you feeling fabulous once more.

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Start Glamorous 

It all begins with makeup! There are numerous looks that will complement your new lifestyle and help make you shine; whether that means subtle lip gloss or going for bolder hues is up to you – everything depends on you! A smokey eye, false lashes, bronzer and blush can work wonders in helping you feel beautiful and secure about yourself.

Dress to Impress

No matter if it is a day at the park or an evening out, dressing in something flattering and fashionable should always be part of your plan when heading out with your child. Bright colours, fitted dresses, stylish trousers, jumpsuits or maxi skirts – there is no reason to compromise style for comfort! With so many choices out there today.

Pamper Yourself

Don’t forget that taking care of yourself is just as important! Treat yourself every now and then by treating yourself to some well-deserved pampering; whether that be getting your nails done, enjoying your favourite drink at a cafe, or shopping for new clothing – whatever brings the greatest sense of pleasure can only serve to refresh and restore you.

Focus on Feeling Good

Remember to nurture the inside. Keep connected to yourself by engaging in activities that make you feel good – anything from starting a workout routine, meditation or yoga practice, reading an inspiring book – anything to keep your inner goddess active and vibrant!

Make New Friends

Part of being a mommy means finding and connecting with other mothers. There are plenty of like-minded ladies in parenting groups, mommy-and-me classes or online communities. Don’t be intimidated by meeting new people – having someone to talk to and share stories can help keep you positive while facing all the challenges associated with motherhood.

Add Accessories

Don’t underestimate the power of accessories! Get stylish jewellery pieces, scarves and handbags that can add something extra special to your look and set you apart from other mommies in a crowd.

Smile

Confidence and beauty starts within. Learn to love yourself and your body; embrace every experience as part of your journey and own it all the way through to becoming a joyful Yummy Mommy all around.

Have Fun

Above all else, make the most of your new lifestyle and have some fun! Parenthood may be challenging at times but don’t forget to enjoy yourself too – plan a playdate with other moms in your neighbourhood or plan a day trip with your little one – remembering that being a Yummy Mommy means balancing motherhood while keeping your own style and sense of humour intact is part of being successful mother.

Enjoy being a Yummy Mommy while also looking fabulous on this journey of motherhood! Don’t shy away from taking full ownership! Being a Yummy Mommy doesn’t just involve looking good – but also about feeling great from within and out! Enjoy motherhood’s journey while remaining fashionable along the way!

Getting Your Kids to Eat Better

Your child should have a diet high in fruit and veggies, complex carbohydrates and protein. They should also be thoroughly hydrated and happy to eat the balanced diet that you give them. The best way to do that? Introducing them to good food as early as allowed! 

Children aren’t always the easiest to feed; they’ll turn their noses up at green foods and new foods, old foods and weird foods. It’s up to you as a parent to make sure that their introduction to food is as good as the time you go to bake these peanut butter chocolate chip cookies for snacks. It should be gentle, easy and go down deliciously – much like the cookies! So, with this in mind, here are some handy tips to help you to get your kids eating better.

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  1. Always keep fruit visible. A fruit bowl or two is going to help you to keep fruit visible to your kids through the day. Every morning, get the fruit from the refrigerator and arrange it in a way that looks appealing and eye-catching to children. Sure, crisps are a nice addition to their snack repertoire, but keeping fruit available is a great idea. Children love to graze and giving them the chance to grab food as they get hungry will help!
  2. Teach them to stop when they’re full. If you want to make sure that your children have a good relationship with food, you have to ensure that they understand when to start and stop the food they’re eating. Teaching them to ‘just eat up’ is going to teach them to go beyond their fullness levels and they will stop recognising when they are done. This can cause confusion and skew their relationship with food!
  3. Get them to cook with you! Children LOVE to get involved and as curious as they are, they’ll be excited to cook with you when they can. If you give your children some control over the menu, they’ll be excited to learn about how their veggies make them feel good on the inside, and they’ll be even more excited to help you to prepare and cook them. It’s a good idea if you want to show your children that while you are in charge of the shopping and cooking, they have a valid and appreciated opinion.
  4. Listen. One of the worst things that you can do is ignore taste or texture preferences. Food fear is very real and you don’t have to open that door with your children. If you ensure that you listen to them when they are telling you about their preferences they will always trust that you will do for them what they need.
  5. Keep persisting. It takes at least ten tries for children to fall in love with a new food and while they may not like the idea of trying something they don’t like, the key phrase is ‘try it if you like’ and leave that fearful food on their plate. If they try it, great, and if not, great.

Supporting Your Family Through The Loss Of A Loved One From Afar

Loss is something no one should have to confront, yet it’s an unfortunate reality in life, and when it hits close to home, the emotions can be truly overwhelming. Coping with the loss of a loved one from a distance can be incredibly challenging; after all, how do you support your family when you may not even be present? However, no matter if you are physically apart or geographically restricted due to lifestyle changes, there are still ways to show love and support for your family members as they grieve the loss of a beloved individual. In this blog post, we’ll provide some tips on how to comfort those affected by tragedy while creating meaningful memories in memory of the one who has passed away.

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Understanding The Grieving Process

Grieving can be an intensely emotional experience, making it hard to imagine life without our loved ones. However, acknowledging grief as a natural part of life makes accepting it easier – everyone’s experience differs – so remember: no matter how painful at present, with time and support, the pain will lessen, and you’ll soon be back to living your life with joy and laughter again!

Reaching Out To Family And Friends For Support

Sometimes all we need is a little encouragement to stay motivated. Don’t feel bad if you reach out if you need an ear, a shoulder to cry on, or just some kind words of comfort. Reaching out makes all the difference when life gets overwhelming or we need some motivation. Whatever the case may be, there’s no shame in reaching out for help – that’s what friends and family are for – providing us with an extra set of ears, shoulders to cry on, or just listening ears that may offer words of comfort or motivation.

Participate In Memorial Services And Obituaries

Memorial services and obituaries are important occasions for people to come together and celebrate the life of a beloved. Even if you cannot join us in person, there are still ways you can contribute. Sending online condolences or contributing to a memorial fund can comfort those grieving, letting them know they’re not alone. Reach out to the funeral directors to see if there’s any way to virtually attend services – an ideal way to show your love and support even if you cannot physically be present.

Find Meaningful Ways To Honour Your Loved One

Losing a loved one can be heartbreaking, making finding ways to commemorate them even more poignant. Yet you must pay tribute and cherish the time spent together. One meaningful way is creating a scrapbook of memories with them – fill it with photos, mementos and stories that bring back fond memories. Alternatively, plant a tree or dedicate a bench in their memory; contribute to a charity they were passionate about; volunteer at an area organisation in their honour.

Coping with the loss of a loved one from a distance can be challenging. But by understanding the stages of grief and finding meaningful ways to honour them, you can show your love and support from wherever you are. Don’t feel bad asking for assistance when needed – remember that you are never alone on this journey.

5 Ways to Book A Cheap Last-Minute Holiday

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The classic family holiday is a source of much-needed relaxation for everyone. Once school comes to an end, there are few better ways to celebrate than by jetting off somewhere sunny and – ideally – cheap as chips. But, with the cost of living crisis, it’s becoming harder to plan a holiday too early. You still deserve to take some time away, though, which is why you can find an array of last-minute deals to treat your kids and yourself. 

Compare Last-Minute Deals

While it’s tempting to jump on the first last-minute deal you see, you will benefit from taking a few minutes (or hours) to compare the variety of deals available. The more you research, the easier it will be to find free child places that can save you a lot of money on tickets. Comparing also gives you the chance to avoid any last-minute surprises, such as additional fees for luggage or inconvenient flight times that could throw a spanner in the works.

Embrace Flexibility 

Despite the risk of inconvenient times, sometimes you need to suck it up and be flexible. These last-minute deals will not be here forever, so you might be forced to get to the airport earlier than you’d like. The more inconvenient, the chances are that the holiday will be cheaper, so if you don’t mind the early rise, it could be the best approach. The same goes for your destination. Everyone wants to visit the Costa del Sol, but that might not be affordable. Instead, any beach may have to do. 

Get In Touch With the Travel Agent 

Before you finalise your booking, it’s worth getting in touch with a travel agent to see if they have any last-minute deals available. As the holiday season approaches, many companies will be desperate to fill flights and hotels and sell as many all-inclusive packages as possible. There’s a strong chance that they will offer a substantial discount just to get you on the plane, so it’s always worth making a phone call. 

Don’t Overthink The Packing!

It helps to know where you’re going before you start packing, but the chances are that you’ll be somewhere sunny. Since you’re only going for a week or two, you don’t need to fill your suitcase with everything. As a last-minute deal, you don’t need that type of stress, so opt for simple things like a bathing suit, cool clothes, and maybe something nice for an evening out.

Know How to Avoid Scams

The issue with last-minute holidays is that it has helped evolve a sinister under-industry of fake flights and other scams. Before you part with your money, be careful about what you’re booking. If something seems too good to be true, do not follow through. You can check company reputations through various online means and even speak to the business selling the deal directly to double-check that it is legitimate.

Last-Minute Fun 

Although last-minute deals may mean you can’t go to Disneyland this year, getting out of the house (and the country) for a week or two will help everyone recharge. The spontaneous approach can make your holiday more exciting, and like any family holiday, you can make special memories that will last a lifetime. 

How Can Parents Help Their Kids Choose the Right Career?

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One of the toughest life choices is choosing a career. Most of us have dreamed of being a firefighter or engaging in some form of heroics but gradually we start to feel more intimidated by the prospect. This is why, if your child wants to choose a career, we must give them the right guidance. Even if your child is under the age of 10 and knows what they want to do or they are approaching adulthood quickly, here are a few ways we can help our children choose a career.

Utilising Their Existing Skills

Sometimes our children don’t know what they want to do, which is absolutely fine. There is no rush to get the ideal career. This is why it might be of benefit to help your child understand the things they are skilled at in school and what careers are logical fits. If your children are supremely skilled in maths and science, engineering is an amazing career choice and you can easily find out more information about engineering and how maths and science are integral to them. It sounds simple, but using the skills that come naturally to you can make for a very fulfilling career path.

Researching Each Option

The imagination of a child never measures up to the reality. If your child wants to become a firefighter because they’ve seen it on TV you need to give them the complete picture. Researching this type of career by taking them down to the local fire station can help them to form a better picture of whether this is an ideal career choice. It could also help them to work harder in school. For example, if your child wants to be an astronaut, rather than saying this is completely out of the question, it could be the motivation they need to work harder than ever before.

Keeping Our Minds Open

One of the major issues we all have as parents is thinking that our child wants to do something that may not be a viable career choice. A very good example is being a YouTuber. There are so many kids under the age of 10 who want to be YouTubers when they grow up, but rather than thinking that is not a “real job,” it is, effectively, being a content creator and working in marketing at the same time. Giving your child the tools to be able to set up a YouTube channel could eventually result in a career where they work freelance in the entertainment industry.

Thinking About What Will Be in Demand

We want to encourage our children to do something they love but it might be worth thinking about the careers that are going to be dead in the water in a few years’ time. Because of artificial intelligence seemingly taking over certain roles, you could benefit from giving your child and nudge in the right direction earlier on, for example, in healthcare services.

We all had dreams as children that we wanted to do something worthwhile that we cared about. It’s important that we don’t quash our children’s spirit and give them as much support as possible so they can choose a career that doesn’t just suit them, but actually gives them meaning to life.

A Guide to Financially Preparing for Your Child’s Primary School Years

When it comes to raising children, financial preparedness is a critical factor in providing the best possible start in life. As your child enters primary school, you’ll need to be ready for the additional costs that come with this new stage of education. This guide will provide you with an overview of additional costs, tips to save money, and advice on budgeting for your child’s primary school years. 

 

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First, it’s essential to understand the expected costs associated with enrolling your child in primary school. This can include:

Tuition Fees: 

Depending on where you live, tuition fees for primary school may vary. Some schools will charge a set fee per term, while others may use a sliding fee scale based on your family’s income level.

School Supplies: 

Your child will need various supplies throughout the year, such as textbooks, stationery and uniforms. Therefore, it’s important to factor these in when budgeting for their schooling.

After-School Activities: 

Many primary schools offer after-school activities such as sports or music lessons that provide an enriching experience beyond the classroom. However, these can come at an additional cost, so be sure to factor them into your overall budget.

Residential School Trips: 

Your child may also be offered the chance to attend educational or recreational residential trips outside of school. These residential trips for schools can be anything from travelling to France for a World War II history tour to camping in the countryside. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of these trips when budgeting. 

Now that you know the expected costs associated with primary school, it’s important to consider ways to save money while still providing your child with a quality education. Here are some tips on how you can do this: 

Shop Around: 

When it comes to school supplies, shop around for the best deals. Many schools will offer discounts on bulk purchases of textbooks or stationery, so make sure you take advantage of these. 

Consider Second-Hand Options: 

For items such as uniforms, second-hand options may be available at your child’s school or in the community. This can help to save a lot of money if you’re on a budget. 

Manage After-School Activities: 

If your child is interested in after-school activities such as music lessons or sports teams, look into ways to minimise costs by carpooling with other parents or taking advantage of group discounts. 

And lastly, it’s important to have a plan in place for managing your budget while sending your child to primary school. 

One useful way of doing this is to set up a dedicated bank account for their education costs. This will make tracking your spending easier and help you stick to a budget. It’s also important to keep an eye out for any financial assistance programs offered by schools or local charities. These can provide invaluable support when times are tough financially, so don’t be afraid to apply if you think you may be eligible.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to manage the additional costs of sending your child to primary school. With proper planning and budgeting, you can ensure that your child has the best start to their educational journey.

 

How To Keep Your Kids Safe While Playing Outdoors

Keeping your kids safe while playing outdoors is important because unlike a few decades ago, there do seem to be more dangers out there. Being well informed and taking precautions are two ways to help prevent nightmares from happening and injuries being caused.

While you should be mindful of what’s out there, this shouldn’t stop your children from being able to enjoy the great outdoors in all its glory. With that being said, here are some helpful tips that will keep your kids safe when playing outside.

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Remind them of stranger danger

It’s a classic saying but stranger danger is something that all children should be taught. At the end of the day, while we’d like to believe we can trust in those we don’t know, that’s not the reality. We don’t know who we’re within walking distance of and when it comes to children, they’re the ones that are most vulnerable.

Be sure to teach your children to not get in a car with a stranger or be led away by someone they don’t know.

By providing them with this information, they’ll be less likely to make the potentially life-endangering mistake of going away with someone that could harm them.

Ensure they have a playmate with them at all times

When playing outdoors, a child should always have a playmate, especially if you’re not around to observe them. By having a playmate, they’re less likely to be targeted, and should they get into trouble, the other playmate can get in touch with an adult.

It provides peace of mind that your little one is at least with someone else, rather than playing out on their own with no one around them.

Always try to ensure you’re outside with them

Where possible, you should try and be available nearby or outside to observe them playing. This is an absolute must when they’re young but as they get older, they’ll become more responsible and wary of the world around them.

By being outside, you too can get involved with anything they’re doing and get some much-needed fresh air.

Make sure they are safe when on a bike or scooter

When it comes to keeping your kids safe, it’s important to take good care of them when they’re on their three wheel scooter or bike. Make sure they have a proper helmet on their head and they are wearing any elbow or knee pads, should they be required.

Teach them to play safely and to not go too fast on the bike or scooter when out playing.

Apply SPF to any exposed skin

To help with keeping them safe and healthy, always ensure some SPF has been applied to their exposed skin. Whether it’s the height of summer or the autumn sunshine, there are UV rays shining through every day, so it’s important to always wear an SPF. Keep a bottle on the side by the front/back door for easy application.

Keeping your kids when playing outdoors is important and with these tips, you’ll ensure your kids are safe at all times. 

 

How Getting a Pet for Your Kids Teaches Responsibility

As a parent, you will have thought about whether or not to buy a pet for your family. There are upsides and downsides, it’s true. The question is, whether or not the advantages ultimately outweigh the disadvantages. This post focuses on how pets can teach responsibility to children of all ages, and why that makes them a great addition to any home.  

Pets Ownership Has Valuable Admin Lessons 

There is some admin attached to pet ownership that is great to get the kids involved with. As a parent, it’s great to be able to teach about financial management and responsibilities in a positive, memorable way, and getting a pet is the perfect arena to do so. What are the key admin areas to explore together? 

Insurance 

All responsible pet owners take out insurance, especially for bigger animals like cats and dogs. Sitting down together and looking at pet insurance comparison options is a great channel for showing the various ins and outs of ownership and the type of things they will need to do when they are adults too. Use a pet insurance comparison site and let them fill in the details as you go along.  

Vets 

Getting your pet set up at the vet and scheduling the first appointment is a milestone moment. Let your kids take the lead in researching and choosing the best establishment for their treasured companion, and they can even learn phone skills here too.  

Budgeting 

There will be a lot to budget for with a new pet. Food has to be bought, insurance must be paid and there are ongoing costs like flea and worm subscriptions too. Show your kids the budget and how to work it, and they can be actively involved in managing this aspect of your financial life. There are always benefits to teaching kids about money from an early age.  

Positive Grooming Habits 

Looking after pets with coats, like rabbits or dogs, means there will be grooming involved. Your children will come to understand the need for gentleness and how to look after something by being involved in the hygiene routine of the family animal. It may even inspire them to create their own welfare schedule too! 

Empathy Lessons 

There is no better way to teach empathy than through the love of an animal. The children will see the world through a different pair of eyes as they create a long-lasting bond with their pets. This teaches amazing empathy skills across a wide scope that they will take with them all through life.  

Feeding  

Just like regular grooming is a necessity, so is a good feeding schedule. With help and guidance, children can establish a fantastic sense of responsibility by being in charge of filling, washing, and stock monitoring the animal food. Their job could involve letting you know when new food needs to be bought and adjusting the amounts as the pet grows up alongside them! 

Responsibility is a big task for a child. As they grow, they will need real-life lessons that guide them into being able to look after themselves when they become independent. Pets are the perfect channel to do just that.