Common Challenges New Parents Face

People tend to experience readjustment after having a baby or pregnancy. It can take a lot of work to get used to the changes brought about by the new situation.

Some people may find it hard to cope with the changes. It’s essential to seek help when this happens. There are a variety of community and health services that can help. Asking for assistance can help decrease stress levels.

NEW PARENTS OFTEN FACE CHALLENGES WHEN ADJUSTING TO A NEW LIFE.

Some of these include:

The demands of breastfeeding can involve pain and inflammation of the nipples and other body parts.
New Parents suffer from fatigue.
Often new parents need more confidence.
Dealing with the expectations of family and friends can also take time and effort.

The changes brought about by pregnancy or childbirth can also affect one’s identity. For instance, it can cause a loss of one’s work role and sense of freedom.

During this period, one’s relationship with their partner can also change. For instance, they may have different ideas about how to care for the baby.

ASK FOR HELP

Most people find it hard to ask for help. They may feel embarrassed or resentful because they struggle to care for their new baby.

The arrival of a new baby can trigger various feelings and thoughts. Some of these include a sense of loss for one’s old self. We encourage new parents to acknowledge the joy and distress they can feel.

Expecting parents should refrain from being overly influenced by parenting advice. They should also maintain a realistic perspective and allow themselves to learn how to look after their child. They should also refrain from judging themselves against the expectations of others. They should allow themselves to learn through experience.

Having a couple of trusted sources can also help new parents navigate the various changes parenthood brings. These may include a child health nurse or GP.

It’s also vital for new parents to take care of themselves. Having a well-rounded and balanced life can help them cope with the changes brought about by parenthood.

Find a support network, a helpline, and information about various health services. Support groups, parenting skills courses, and counseling services are also available.

The point is, you don’t have to go it alone.

This blog was previously published on January 13, 2023 at JenniferPowers.me

Keeping Your Kids Entertained on a Rainy Day

It can be hard to keep the kids entertained when rain or cold weather keeps them indoors. However, staying indoors can be fun with the right activities for kids.

Here are some fun and exciting activities to keep the kids entertained indoors. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out Mommy Poppins Stay-At-Home Guide. They also have a Boredom Busters Guide that will inform you about new and fun indoor activities.

Baking

Baking cookies or making granola is a great way to keep busy. You can find recipes for easy and healthy treats that are perfect for anyone who is not a chef. Most can be made in just minutes and will be a big hit.

Sensory Games

If you have little ones, you know they love lights and sounds. Pull out those toys on a rainy day. These imaginative playthings are perfect for kids and babies.

Make an Escape Room

You can also use an Escape Room kit for added fun. You can buy a downloadable kit to get started. It will be fun for the entire family.

Make Slime

You can make a batch of slime and challenge the kids to define the state of matter of the substance. This is fantastic for science-minded kids and parents.

Make a Scavenger Hunt

An indoor scavenger hunt is also fun to get the kids together. They might find some missing socks. That’s a big win all the way around.

You can do this with simple things like finding something blue. Leave a clue to find the next item, which might be a book with a duck in it.

STEM-Learning

Children will love using STEM-inspired toys and turning learning into play. For instance, you can have a building challenge using Magna-Tiles.

Listen to a Story

Get everyone together for a story podcast. There are a variety to choose from that will be fun for everyone.

Have a Parade

Playing marching band is a great way to spend quality fun time with your kids. Before leading the parade through the living room, you can make the instruments from household items, pots, pans, and paper tubes.

Work Out

It’s great to burn off some energy with an excellent indoor workout. Check YouTube for kid-friendly yoga or dance that will be good fun.

Traditions to Start With Your Kids in 2023

A tradition is a ritual that helps build a sense of identity and memories for your family. You can do it weekly or around specific events, such as holidays or birthday parties. Doing the same thing multiple times helps build a stronger bond with your family.

Families have unique memories, such as the hot car ride to the mountain cabin or vacation home. As we grow older and become parents, we can decide which will continue into our daily lives and holiday celebrations. Forming new traditions can also be beneficial.

New traditions can be fun to develop, and here are a few ideas to help you start.

MEALTIME

Having the same meal each day of the week can be a great way to create continuity. Monday might be your son’s favorite dinner, and Wednesday is set aside for your daughter’s favorite. Maybe Sunday is pasta night, and grandma’s meatloaf on Thursday. Giving the meal a theme gives everyone something to look forward to and remember fondly in the future.

TALENT SHOW

Gather all of the family members together and host a talent show. Everyone can showcase their talents by singing a song, running a certain distance, or displaying a drawing.

SHOW AND TELL

A fun activity for the whole family is to play “show and tell.” Each family member can bring one item to the dinner table, and they can share why it means something to them.

TAKE A WALK

A regular family walk can be a great way to get outside and away from the screens. Do it early in the morning or at dinnertime, which can be a great way to exercise and spend time together. If your kids are young, a baby stroller is an excellent way for them to join in the fun.

TELL ME A STORY

Bedtime stories is a great way to build a strong bond with your children. It can also help boost their reading skills and promote social and emotional development.

DATE NIGHT

A monthly Mommy/Daddy/Child date can be a great way to build a strong bond with your children. Each child gets to choose what they want to spend time doing as a family.

GIVING BACK

One of the most effective ways to build a strong relationship with your children is by regularly doing community service projects. This can help them become familiar with the project and its cause.

CHRISTMAS TRADITION

Set up a camp in front of the Christmas tree, where the kids can enjoy reading holiday stories and snacking on treats. In the morning, you can make Christmas tree shaped pancakes.

SHOPPING FOR OTHERS

You can also go shopping for the needy and help local organizations. During this time, the kids can learn the importance of giving to those who need help the most. It can be a different experience for them to choose toys that are not for them.

BAKE FOR THE NEIGHBORS

Make homemade treats for your neighbors and friends and deliver them. You can also make special stops at local police stations and fire departments.

This blog was previously published on JenniferPowers.me on December 22, 2022

How to Handle Routine Changes During the Holidays

The following strategies will help you create a routine your entire family can stick to during the holidays.

Ironically, people think there is no place for routine during the holidays. When it’s so essential to maintain your family’s routine during the holidays. Doing so can help keep our minds focused on the positive and keep our bodies rested. Our habits can help us keep our homes and families running smoothly.

Schdule vs. Routine

A schedule is a list of various items that can change daily or weekly.

A routine is similar to a rhythm that you and your family follow. You can accommodate it for different events such as holidays and summer break.

Most household schedules change significantly during the school year as well as seasonally.

Some of the most common items in a routine include meal times, bedtimes, and regular family time activities.

Reduce Family Stress

Maintaining a routine throughout the school year and the holidays can be constructive. Doing so will lessen the stress on you and your family.

For instance, you might want to stay in bed a little longer and stop taking evening walks. But a consistent sleep/wake schedule reduces stress, as does exercise.

Make Adjustments Early

It’s important to consider the needs of each member family when it comes to creating a routine. Having a consistent set of rules can help keep your family running smoothly.

Bedtime

Getting enough sleep is crucial for your family’s physical and mental health. It can be challenging to get enough rest, especially during the holidays. Having consistent and good sleep can help keep our families healthy, happy, and running smoothly.

Morning Routine

An excellent habit for your routine and your family is gathering for breakfast. This can help keep everyone’s schedule organized and ensure that all essential items are taken care of by having a chat over breakfast.

Mealtime

Maintain a mealtime by planning for the entire month. A consistent, healthy, and delicious food plan can help keep your family on track and avoid going out all the time.

These tips will help you establish a routine you can stick to throughout the holiday season. We often need our habits the most during stressful times. Having a good family routine can help keep your family on track and stress-free during the holidays.

This blog was previously published on December 22, 2022 https://medium.com/@jenniferpowersnyc/how-to-handle-routine-changes-during-the-holidays-9d1a7acf2e54

How to Travel Safely With Kids This Holiday Season

Anxious about traveling during the holidays? You’re not alone. Here are some of the questions parents are asking. Should I buy a refundable ticket? Should we stay home? Is it worth it?

Let’s assume you’re not staying home. You have a family to visit. Maybe a child who’s never met his grandparent. It’s worth it to make that introduction. It might be worth it for the memories you’ll store up during the holidays.

Should We Self Quarantine?

According to the CDC, Individuals should stay home for at least seven days after being declared sick.

Take Covid 19 Tests?

Economist Emily Oster, who writes about parenting and pregnancy in her book, ParentData, said that rapid testing is an excellent idea for traveling. She added that even if everyone in the group is vaccinated, having the test before and after they get to the airport can help prevent the spread of the illness.

Getting the test can also be challenging, especially since it’s only sometimes available at pharmacies.

Who Can Hold the Baby?

Pediatricians suggest that all relatives wear a mask while holding the baby to keep the child healthy. Everyone should wash their hands properly. Go ahead and blame your doctor for making relatives do these things; they won’t mind.

Travel

It’s hard to avoid people while you’re at the airport, for instance, as you queue up to get in line or wrestle a car seat into an overhead bin. However, a blanket or a protective shield can help keep your child away from masses of people.

It’s always better to avoid public transportation when traveling with an infant.

Was it the Right Choice?

Think about your risk tolerance. It’s also easier said than done depending on the person you’re trying to protect. For instance, you may have a different risk tolerance for an older relative who is not vaccinated than for a young child who is healthy and has immunity from their mother.

Make sure you and your partner are on the same page when setting boundaries. Wherever your stance is, you should be able to stand up for yourself. It’s your right to keep your child safe.

Gifts Ideas for New Parents

During the holiday season, new parents can experience both the best and worst times. Whether they’re celebrating the birth of their child or preparing for the arrival of their new bundle of joy, this time of year can feel very different for them.

It’s natural to want to spoil the new baby in your family. However, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t mean you’re only shopping for the baby. Plenty of gifts will help new parents feel supported as they navigate their new life. Here are some suggestions.

Automatic Baby Rocker

New parents often spend a lot of time holding their newborn in their arms. However, after a while, it’s tiring. A baby rocker will help new parents get some rest. It can provide them with a break and allow them to get back to tasks.

A Meditation App Subscription

It can be very challenging to become a new parent. However, with the help of a guided meditation app like Headspace, you can help new parents relieve their stress and get back to their regular routines. The practice will allow them to feel more grounded and relaxed.

A Couples Parenting Journal

When couples become parents, their relationship often takes a backseat. It’s a great idea to keep their romance alive. A couple’s parenting journal is filled with questions that couples can answer together.

A Meal Delivery Gift Card

It can be very challenging for new parents to prepare food for the family. A meal delivery gift card from a company such as Grubhub or Seamless can help new parents get food delivered to their homes. A local restaurant gift card is also a good alternative.

European Cheese Board

After nine months of abstaining, it’s time to give the mom what she really wants; a bottle of wine, cheese, or cold cuts. These items are usually off-limits during pregnancy, so a party featuring these foods can be a great way to celebrate the new arrival.

A Comfy Robe

A soft robe is an excellent choice for busy parents who want to keep themselves warm and comfortable after a quick shower. Go for midweight Turkish cotton, which is fast drying and comfortable.

A Stylish Nursing Cover

New moms may feel a bit uncomfortable breastfeeding in public. A good nursing cover can help ease the transition, allowing both the mother and baby to breastfeed peacefully.

A Manly Fanny Pack

Fanny packs are often criticized, but they can be a lifesaver for parents needing additional hands. A masculine belt bag can hold all the items they need while they keep the baby safe.

Happy shopping!

Tips for Taking Your First Trip Without Your Child

Getting away, just the two of you, from time to time, is healthy for your marriage. It’s a good idea for parents to take vacations without their kids for a couple of days.

Some fears come with leaving your kids behind for any period of time.

You might even feel guilty about leaving them at home while you’re on holiday, but getting away is essential so you can recharge.

Although it’s normal to feel anxious about leaving your kids behind, it’s also important to remember that they’re at home and safe.

Having a positive attitude about traveling can help ease anxiety.

During a trip, you can spend time doing things that we would never be able to accomplish with kids in tow. Some of these include walking through museums in foreign cities and leisurely dinners.

One of the essential factors to consider when it comes to adult-only travel is ensuring that your kids are with responsible adults whom you trust.

Before you go

It’s important to talk to your kids about the plans for the trip. If they’re likely to be excited about staying with their grandparents or caregiver, tell them a few days in advance. But, if you suspect it will upset them or make them anxious, you can wait until the day of the trip to tell them. According to a psychologist, there’s no point in telling them too early as they might spend more time worrying or upset.

Even if your kids are a little upset, it’s great for them to see that their parents want to spend time together.

A fun thing to try is asking your child to lend you one of their favorite toys. While you’re away, take photos with the toy in different cities and during fun adventures. This will make your child feel a part of the vacation. It’s a great way to include them while still getting your adult time together. Plus it will be fun for you too.

Ultimately, it’s healthy for you to get away, and the kids need to know you can’t be with them every single day. It’s good for everyone in the house to learn and grow.

Involving Your Children in Cooking for Thanksgiving

It can be easier to shoo kids away from the kitchen during the hectic Thanksgiving cooking process. However, besides being fun, getting young chefs involved in the cooking and baking of Thanksgiving meals can also take some of the work off of your plate.

Why Do It!

Participating in a special family meal can build their confidence and inspire them to be more self-sufficient. There are a variety of Thanksgiving recipes that kids can make.

Understanding that things can get a bit hectic during prep on Thanksgiving, make sure to set some time aside to prepare something together a day before the big day. They can learn a lot by getting involved in the cooking process.

One of the most bonding moments of the year is when the kids participate in the Thanksgiving feast. It’s a great way to spend time with their parents and share a special meal. The kitchen is a great place to grow and learn as a family.

Find some recipes to make a day or two ahead of time so that you can enjoy the Thanksgiving feast with your family. Here are some easy things little ones can help with before Thanksgiving.

Kid Friendly Tasks

Washing vegetables like potatoes and carrots
Making a dip with sour cream and a soup packet. Use a big bowl to keep the dip inside, not on the floor, then let them stir to their hearts’ content.
Rolling out dough for pies and cookies.
Baking cookies and being the official taster.

On the Big day, let your child fill all the water glasses and place them on the table. Then they can fill the pitcher, so it’s ready to go with dinner.

Mixing the ingredients for the stuffing is another excellent way they can help while you get the bird ready.

Even the next day, children can help. All those leftovers need a lunch plan. Invite your child to help prepare a simple lunch, such as a grilled turkey sandwich with leftover cranberry sauce.

What’s most important is the memories you’ll make in the kitchen on the holidays. Those will last a lifetime.

Tips for Raising Your Family in a Big City

While cities can be expensive, growing up in a modest suburb can still provide some advantages. According to conventional wisdom, raising happy children requires a big house, a quiet neighborhood, and a safe car.

Have you noticed that many families raise their kids in cities instead of the suburbs? According to Leigh Gallagher, author of the 2013 book The End of the Suburbs, the growth of the urban population outpaced that of the suburban sector for the first time in over a hundred years in 2011.

Vishaan Chakrabarti, the author of A Country of Cities, believes that many people who moved to cities when they were young moved back to the suburbs in their 30s due to the quality of education and low crime. However, these factors are also changing in cities, and parks and schools have improved in many areas.

Here’s what you get in the City

Culture

People who live in large urban areas are more likely to have easy access to cultural attractions, such as ballet, opera, and symphony, as well as movie houses, historical landmarks, and museums. Take advantage of these wonderful learning centers.

Less Carpooling

Most suburban parents don’t like the hours spent driving their kids to school, camp, or classes. In cities, parents allow their kids to ride public transportation starting at 11 or 12. This eliminates the need for them to rely on their parents as much and will enable them to develop a sense of independence.

More Diverse

Cities allow children to meet people from different backgrounds and experiences, which increases tolerance and compassion. They’ll try new foods from their friends’ lunchboxes and gain new perspectives on the world.

Important Lessons

Explaining to a child why a homeless person is sleeping on the street is very distressing, but there are also many opportunities for growth and learning in these situations.

No Commute

Cities allow families to spend more time with their kids, as they don’t have to commute as much. City dwellers often only commute a couple of miles. Doctors and other necessities are often within walking distance, and a car might be unnecessary. It’s great to get out and spend time talking or just walking with your family.

Amenities

You can find artisanal ice cream or coffee at your local strip mall if you’re in the market. Although not every city center has the same food and drink options, the diversity of the offerings in any area is usually better than what you’ll find in the suburbs. Urban locations also have easy access to various stores and restaurants.

Managing Food Allergies Around Halloween

Many people dress up as their favorite characters from movies and costumes during the holiday season and head to the stores for candy and treats. However, for those with food allergies, the season can be frightening. Six of the most common food allergens are in high circulation on Halloween. These include wheat, milk, egg, and soy. Even small amounts of these can trigger an allergic reaction in kids.

Parents need to talk to their kids about food allergies to certain foods, such as candies and treats. They should also discuss strategies to prevent their kids from experiencing an allergic reaction while they’re at parties or trick-or-treating.

Check Labels

Avoiding eating sweets made in different facilities is also essential for kids with food allergies. This can be especially true for snack sizes and miniatures.

The FDA requires all food labels to list the sources of major allergens, such as milk, wheat, eggs, and soy. These labels should also include the common names of these allergens in bold. In April 2021, a law was passed that added sesame to the list of major food allergens in the US. This new law will require all food labels to include this ingredient starting in January 2023.

Some packaging also has a note that says “May contain,” followed by the name of the allergen. This is a better way to ensure that the products are labeled with the correct information. Although this method is voluntary, checking the ingredients list every time a product is purchased is essential. Since many bite-sized candies don’t have an ingredient list, it’s important to check other products’ ingredients online to ensure they’re safe for kids.

Connect with Neighbors

Some people may want to buy candies without worrying about harming kids having food allergies. However, they may not know what to look for when it comes to purchasing them. You can help by providing them with safe treats or telling them what to look for when it comes to buying sweets.

Learn About Teal Pumpkins

The Food Allergy Research & Education organization created the teal pumpkin campaign in 2014 to raise awareness about food allergies. It encourages people to place a teal pumpkin outside their homes to indicate that they have non-food treats that are safe for kids with food allergies.

Teach Kids to Ask First

For young kids with food allergies, it’s crucial to carry candy for them to avoid accidental contact. They should also learn to read the label before eating sweets or food. If unsure, teach them to throw or give the product away. A list of safe treats can help ease kids’ fears of food allergies. Educating your child on safety around their allergy is crucial.

Talk to Teachers

If your child’s class has a Halloween party, you can also play a vital role in preventing a dangerous allergic reaction. Before the event, talk to the teachers and ask them to help organize the party. You can also volunteer to bring a non-food treat.

Make a Plan for Unsafe Treats

Before the event, plan with your child about what to do after trick-or-treating if they get unsafe treats. For instance, instead of just taking away your child’s dangerous sweets, ask them to exchange them for toys or books.

Make Your Traditions

You can also host a costume party at your home instead of giving sweets. For instance, instead of sharing sweets, you can provide trick-or-treating kids with non-food treats such as glow sticks and fake mustaches.

Originally published at JenniferPowersNYC.Medium.com