Category: Family Life

Top 4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Child Care

August 11, 2021 Children's Activities

The child care market is larger than ever, with an estimated 3.9% growth expected in the coming years.

That’s great news for parents, as it means there are more options for child care! At the same time, more options can also make choosing child care more difficult.

How can you find great care for your little ones while accounting for the inevitable price increase? Keep reading as we break down the factors you’ll want to think about as you start researching facilities!

1. Reputation

Reading online reviews can be a great way to learn about the value and trustworthiness of a child care service.

Once you’ve found a few care centers that look worthwhile, do some research and see what parents think. Often, this is the next best thing to a personal recommendation.

You’ll also want to look into their licensing. Choosing a licensed child care facility gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your kids are in the care of trained professionals.

If you’re not sure where to start, Child Care Aware has a great list of resources for parents, including a directory.

2. Operating Hours

As recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes, in almost 60% of two-parent households, both parents work at least part-time.

This poses a difficult challenge, as you’ll have to find a facility that operates on your schedule.

Always double-check that the service you’re interested in can accommodate your work hours. While this might not be an issue if you’re working a 9-to-5, unique work hours are starting to become more commonplace.

3. Activities and Structure

A truly great child care service does so much more than simply look after little ones. Instead, they foster their sense of individuality and encourage growth through educational activities for kids.

Child care is a great way for your children to learn how to socialize with peers and get a head start on their academic future.

Make sure to look into a facility’s curriculum and attitude toward education so your child can learn to put their best foot forward.

4. Cost

Of course, all the above factors are predicated on being able to afford care in the first place. Unfortunately, this tends to be prohibitive to most parents, especially those who work paycheck-to-paycheck.

With that said, it never hurts to inquire about possible discounts or financial assistance.

Plenty of facilities will work with you to find a plan that fits your budget. Some care centers also operate on a sliding-scale system, which can be a saving grace for parents struggling to make ends meet.

In short, don’t be afraid to inquire about cost-saving measures. A lot of child care facility operators are parents themselves, so they’ll likely understand.

What to Consider When Choosing Child Care

Choosing the right care program allows you to advance your career and earn a living while ensuring that your children are taken care of. Make sure to consider the above factors when choosing child care!

And if you’re interested in learning more about how you can balance work and family, make sure to check out the rest of our blog.

Early Education: Is Montessori Childcare Right for My Family?

August 6, 2021 Children's Activities

Are you looking at sending your child to one of the 500 public Montessori childcare institutions in the United States?

It is a word that appears a lot when you are researching preschools and many parents have no idea what it means. It is an educational philosophy, like Reggio Emilia or Waldorf. And the Montessori method is becoming more popular for parents wanting to raise self-reliant kids.

Not sure what Montessori childcare looks like in practice or whether it is right for your child? Learn more about it here.

Montessori History: What Is Montessori?

Dr. Maria Montessori opened the first Montessori school in Rome in 1907. She was a physician and educator and used the experience she gained from opening her school to write her book, The Montessori Method, in 1912.

She observed that children learn best when they have as much freedom as possible to encourage curiosity. Teachers are not “teachers” but “guides” instead. They are almost always hands-off, allowing the children to develop practical skills by themselves and be independent.

Montessori classrooms never have a whiteboard and a teacher’s desk with rows of chairs facing them. All chairs, toys, and tools are child-sized.

Teachers do not grade work and they do not punish or reward children in the traditional, mainstream sense. Dr. Montessori developed her method with children ages 3+ but the philosophy can apply to younger and older children, too.

Montessori Activities and Areas of Learning

Montessori childcare covers five areas of learning. These are:

Practical life skills
Sensory activities
Mathematics
Language studies
Cultural studies

Each of these five areas of learning will have a “work area” within each classroom and children can learn about each area through creative play.

The practical life area could have child-sized cleaning tools, kitchen equipment, and shoelaces. Here, children learn manners and everyday essential skills. The sensory area always has scented objects, materials of different textures, and colorful objects.

Many Montessori childcare institutions use number rods in their maths area. The language area might have books, pencils and paper, and alphabet shapes. Here, the children learn how to read and write and develop their literacy skills.

And the cultural area offers a range of activities relating to history, geography, art, music, and science. Maps and art supplies are common tools.

Finding the Right Montessori Childcare Center

Montessori is not a patented educational method. So, some preschools and schools might say they practice Montessori but in reality, they don’t.

When going on a tour of a Montessori childcare center, look out for the work areas as detailed above. If the “teacher” is disciplining a child or doing a demonstration, it is likely not a Montessori institution.

Use the following resources to help you find centers near you:

https://buildingfutures.com.au/wavell-heights-montessori/
https://ourmontessoripreschool.com/
https://applemontessorischools.com/

Though there is not one specific certification, there are professional Montessori associations. Ask the schools if they are a part of any before you sign up your child.

So, Is the Montessori Method Right for Your Child?

Some parents think that if they have energetic children or they have special needs that Montessori childcare will not work. All parents need to make that assessment themselves, but all children have the potential to excel in a Montessori environment.

Want more read more articles about childcare and early education? Browse our website for tons of other helpful parenting guides!

3 Challenges Kids Face When Learning a New Language

July 21, 2021 Children's Activities

When it comes to learning a new language, persistence and constant practice are key.

But achieving those qualities is an entirely different story.

While it may be easy to prop your child into a classroom seat, it’s a lot more difficult to ensure that they’re learning at their best capacity.

That doesn’t mean that they’re misbehaving or a faulty learner. Most likely, their learning environment doesn’t accommodate their learning style.

However, it’s still possible to foster a learning environment that is compatible with them.

Keep reading to understand three common challenges kids face when learning a new language. That way, you’ll be prepared to set up their first lesson.

1. Lack of Confidence

Children generally don’t understand how to articulate their concerns like adults can. While they can be very honest communicators, it can be difficult for them to always voice their concerns.

One of these concerns may be a lack of confidenc e. They may be able to learn the technical aspects of language such as grammar and spelling. But they may also struggle to actually vocalize their skills through conversation because of a lack of confidence.

That’s why it’s important that they establish a comfortable relationship with their instructor — or at least a neutral one. That way, they will feel much less pressure to be perfect and be able to learn from their mistakes more readily.

2. Practice Time

Sure, it’s easy to apply concepts that you just learned. A beginning language learner might pass a review quiz with ease right after a lesson. But they probably won’t have a ton of time to practice outside of their lesson.

Setting aside time to practice isn’t enough for adequate practice. Your child might also need a partner that speaks the language to practice with. But unfortunately, achieving both can be difficult.

For this reason, online learning options are becoming more and more popular. In-person learning is still a fantastic option, but remote learning provides plenty of advantages, including language support outside of “lesson hours”.

If you’re interested in Spanish lessons, then learn about Spanish for kids through Kasa De Franko’s Spanish course! You’ll offer your child a very enriching classroom experience by signing.

3. Learning Pace

Some people have different learning strengths than others. That’s not to say that they won’t eventually grasp the language. But even then, not everyone will learn at the same pace at each other.

This tends to be a huge issue with most educational lessons, not just for kids learning a new language. Not everyone will finish learning conjugations at the same time, but the lesson might move on anyway. This also prevents children from seeking language support since they might feel timid about falling behind.

ESL learners have an even more difficult time. The more languages your child learns, the more confusing it is to switch between their arsenal of languages. On top of that, they may also face cultural differences that make it difficult for them to have the confidence to speak up in a classroom.

Starting Learning a New Language Today!

Learning a new language is difficult, but it’s a very rewarding journey. That’s why it’s important to understand what difficulties kids might face when learning a new language so that they can succeed.

This guide should have taught you about common difficulties your child will face while learning a language. If it did, then check out the rest of our blog! We’ve got plenty of other information to help your child’s education succeed.

A Skilled Nursing Facility vs. A Nursing Home: What’s the Difference?

July 20, 2021 Family Life

Are you struggling with deciding between a skilled nursing facility vs nursing home for your elderly loved one?

There comes a time when your loved one might not be able to age in place and instead, need the help of a medical professional to care for them on a full-time basis. When this time comes, you will likely need to choose between a skilled nursing facility and a nursing home.

Making the best decision can be difficult if you are not sure what type of care your loved one needs. If you are wondering about the difference between a skilled nursing facility and a nursing home, this short and simple guide is for you.

What Is a Skilled Nursing Facility?

Before you can make a decision, you need to know the skilled nursing facility definition.

In short, this type of facility offers a high level of medical assistance to those who need short or long-term care. In skilled nursing care facilities, you will find registered nurses, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, and more.

If your loved one needs rehab from an injury or illness, they might need a skilled nursing facility.

What Is a Nursing Home?

To make a decision, you also need to know what a nursing home is.

In a nursing home, your loved one will have assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, eating, taking medications, and more. They will also have the opportunity to participate in exercise classes, scenic tours, arts and crafts, and other hobbies.

Nursing home staff can also give basic medical care to patients, usually under the supervision of a registered nurse.

What Are the Differences?

There are several differences between skilled nursing care and a nursing home.

Typically, a skilled nursing facility is for those with serious medical needs while a nursing home is for those who need daily living assistance. While Medicare insurance will usually cover a skilled nursing facility, it might not do the same for a nursing home. A stay at a nursing home is typically long-term while a skilled nursing facility can be short or long-term.

What Is the Best Option?

Choosing the best option for your loved one depends on the medical situation they are in. One of the best ways to decide is to talk to your loved one’s doctor and medical team. You can learn more about choosing a skilled nursing facility here.

Skilled Nursing Facility vs Nursing Home: These Are the Differences

If you are trying to decide between a skilled nursing facility vs nursing home, this guide is for you.

By reading this guide, you will learn what a skilled nursing facility is and what a nursing home is. You will also learn the main differences between the two types of facilities. Ultimately, you will learn how to determine the best option for you and your loved one.

Read this guide to determine the best way to meet your elderly loved one’s needs.

Don’t forget to browse our site for advice on relationships, beauty, travel, and more.

Top 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Retirement Homes

July 15, 2021 Family Life

As we get older, it can become difficult to take care of ourselves, our homes, and all of the other obligations that come with being an adult. Naturally, many seniors decide to move into retirement communities to lighten the burdens of everyday life.

However, that doesn’t mean seniors need to accept a lower quality of living. Nor do they need to compromise on their activities or their social life.

The key is learning how to choose retirement homes that suit your lifestyle, your budget, and all of your other preferences. We’re here to help. Keep reading for five factors to consider when searching for homes for seniors.

1. Location

Choosing retirement homes in the right location is paramount to your happiness. A retirement home located near family, for example, will help seniors keep in touch with their loved ones.

Alternatively, you may prefer to relocate to another state to enjoy better weather. For example, many seniors travel down south to explore retirement home options in warmer climates.

2. Level of Care Provided

Next, you need to consider the level of care you need to maximize your happiness and comfort. There are countless retirement home options with varying levels of staff support.

Some retirement communities are primarily independent, while others have on-staff nurses and other medical professionals. Decide how much care you or your older relative needs to find the right facility.

3. Retirement Home Amenities

Next, let’s talk about staying active and content through a retirement community that offers plenty of amenities. This includes productivity options, as well as activities and social events.

For example, many seniors prefer to remain as independent as possible. Therefore, choosing retirement homes that allow them to do their own laundry, cook, and take care of their physical health is important.

In terms of entertainment and socializing, retirement home options that have swimming pools, game rooms, theatres, and holiday get-togethers are ideal.

4. Quality of Staff

The quality of the retirement home staff cannot be overlooked when choosing retirement homes. This is especially important if you or your elderly relative has a lot of physical or medical needs.

Find a retirement community that takes time to hire the most qualified staff. The quality of care you or your elderly relative receives will play a vital role in their experience in the community.

You’re looking for staff members who are adequately screened and trained during the hiring process. They should be friendly, patient, compassionate, and attentive.

5. Costs

Finally, let’s go over comparing home costs. You must always assess your budget before choosing retirement homes. Some are far more expensive than others. However, more costly retirement homes probably have better amenities, better facilities, and higher quality staff.

There are a number of ways to pay for retirement homes, including:

Veteran’s benefits
Long-term health insurance
Family resources
Personal savings
And more

Do some research to find out how to pay for a retirement community for you or your elderly relative. It may take a collaborative effort from the whole family.

Are You in the Process of Choosing Retirement Homes?

As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing retirement homes. Whether you’re looking for yourself or someone you love, heed the advice above to make an informed decision. And remember, it’s okay to take your time to find the best community.

For more personal insight, retirement tips, or consumer advice, stick around. Read through some of our other articles to find more helpful information.

10 Ways Elderly Individuals Benefit From In-Home Senior Services

July 12, 2021 Family Life

The elderly population is on the rise, and it’s essential to take care of them.

The U.S. Department of Health says that most adults over 65 years old have a 70% chance to need long-term health care. And they are more likely than not going to choose senior in-home care.

In-home senior services help older adults live in their homes by providing a range of medical and non-medical home care services tailored to individual needs. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten ways that in-home senior services can benefit you or your loved one.

1. Caregiver Provide Personal Companion

Many people like to stay in their home because it reminds them of happier times with friends and family. At the same time, staying at home can make seniors feel lonely.

Home care for seniors provides a much-needed companion for the elderly adult. A caregiver is there to help with everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or shopping. And they offer companionship through pleasant conversation.

Doing so helps older adults maintain a sense of independence and avoid loneliness — two common issues for this population.

A care companion provides precious social interaction and support to elderly adults. Their activities could include going to the movies, playing games, or going on social outings.

2. Caregivers Offer Personal Grooming Services

Being elderly does not mean that you are no longer interested in your appearance. You may still be concerned about how you look.

Seniors need to keep up with their grooming routine, including taking a shower and getting dressed each morning. It’s part of an older adult’s identity and the way they feel about themselves. In-home senior services play an essential role in maintaining this sense of self-worth in seniors’ lives.

A caregiver can help by assisting disabled adults with personal care such as bathing or shaving. Many caregivers are trained nurses who know how to deal with vulnerable elderly individuals. They can eliminate the feelings of embarrassment or anxiety about their bodies or sexuality.

3. Provide Transportation Services

Getting around safely and independently is a big challenge for elderly individuals. This can be due to physical disabilities such as walking difficulties or vision problems. Sometimes it’s because of a cognitive impairment that makes driving dangerous.

Another reason why seniors may want the help of an in-home caregiver is if they have mobility issues. This is caused by mental health problems like depression or dementia.

A social worker or a care companion can make sure that you get to all your essential appointments on time while feeling supported rather than judged.

In-home senior services can provide transportation services by taking the older adult to see their doctor, do grocery shopping, or attend events with friends and family members.

4. Prevent Falls With Safety Equipment

Fall prevention is a significant issue for older adults— and the most common cause of injury requiring hospital care. Although seniors are more at risk of falling, they are still in control of their environment and can take steps to reduce this danger.

By hiring an in-home caregiver, you or your loved one can benefit from regular home safety checks by trained professionals. They will advise you on ways to make your environment safer, such as installing handrails and assessing lighting conditions. They may also suggest reasonable accommodations like providing a stool for getting on and off the toilet.

Senior care services can also provide safety equipment for older adults to use around the house. These include walkers, canes, and bath seats. These items are all specially designed to help elderly individuals maintain their independence while preventing them from falling.

By hiring a caregiver, you’ll be able to receive assistance with everyday or emergency tasks. You, therefore, provide an opportunity for seniors to stay in their homes longer with peace of mind knowing that they are well cared for.

5. Diet and Nutrition Guidance

Many elderly individuals have trouble eating a balanced diet and are at risk of malnourishment. Some seniors have lost their appetite and the ability to make nutritious food choices due to dementia or cancer treatment side effects. Others simply do not know how many calories they need to maintain health to prevent weight loss.

A care companion can help with issues like these by providing meal preparation services if needed. They will learn about your preferences, dietary restrictions, and any specific food allergies that could alter your physical condition. A caregiver can also monitor an older adult’s eating habits daily, which is vital for maintaining good health.

An accredited senior home care agency will send a caregiver who has completed specialized nutrition and healthy aging training. They will provide guidance on food choices, portion control, and ways to increase physical activity.

6. Medical Management

Many older adults struggle to maintain their health. They may need help in managing their medications, for example. In addition, they could benefit from physical therapy after a fall or assistance with toileting needs.

Seniors are also at high risk of medication errors due to confusion or problems with eyesight or cognition. These mistakes can result in accidental overdose and even death. Home long-term care services offer an extra pair of hands for administering medicine safely and correctly.

Many elderly individuals have several different pills that they need to take daily. These pills can cause complications if taken incorrectly, such as double dosing or skipping certain doses altogether.

Older adults can also have strokes and heart attacks that require emergency care. A caregiver with first aid training will provide this vital service until a doctor’s appointment can be scheduled.

Additionally, a home health aide with clinical training will assess your loved one’s medical condition and recommend what interventions are needed. These services ensure that the older adult is getting the treatment they require to stay healthy while aging at home.

7. Give Family Peace of Mind

Having a caregiver can give family members peace of mind about their older loved ones, knowing that they are being cared for in a safe way. Personal care can relieve stress on families while keeping the senior independent and living at home.

If you have an elderly parent or relative who lives alone, you may want to consider hiring professional in-home caregivers to visit them daily. If your family member has mental health problems like dementia, this type of supportive companionship can help decrease feelings of isolation or loneliness. You’ll know that your family member will get the kind of attention they need every day.

8. Help With Grocery Shopping

Life can get pretty dull when you have to sit still for hours on end. That’s why it’s essential to keep your loved ones engaged and involved in activities they enjoy. Shopping is an excellent example of this.

Seniors who find themselves unable to drive can get groceries delivered through home grocery delivery services. But some seniors may prefer going out shopping and interacting with other people while making their purchases.

In-home senior services offer seniors the opportunity to go out and shop without feeling lonely or isolated. In addition, they carry baskets so that they’re able to help take products back home if needed. As such, they can still maintain their independence while enjoying a fun excursion with friends and family.

9. Maintain Independence for as Long as Possible

With in-home senior services, older adults can stay at home longer because they have the support that helps them remain independent. It can be difficult for some seniors with physical disabilities or memory loss to live alone. A caregiver’s presence gives them a higher comfort level and reduces their fear of falling or getting sick.

It also allows older adults to save money by reducing the need for assisted living or nursing home care. They can reduce monthly expenses while enjoying life in their own home.

10. Help With Laundry and Cleaning

Home maintenance can become a big problem for seniors with physical limitations or small apartments. Home care services provide the assistance needed to keep homes clean and organized. One of the essential tasks is laundry, which requires visiting laundromats or waiting for clothes to dry between washes.

A caregiver could wash clothes, fold them, and hang them out to dry. This contributes significantly towards maintaining a tidy home environment that is free from dust and allergens.

Get In-Home Senior Services

In-home senior services have indeed become a necessity. Services like this take away some of the burdens that families face when caring for elderly parents while still giving them quality time together. They allow seniors to feel less lonely and isolated; thus, they enjoy life for much longer.

It is crucial to keep in mind that we should have more self-love and less stress as we age so that we live with gratitude instead of regret. Our elders need love and attention to age with dignity, grace, and under the comfort of their families.

For more informative articles, be sure to read our other articles.

Taking the Plunge and Starting a Family. Are You Ready?

June 25, 2021 Family Life

Did you know there are 250 babies born each minute? For the lucky few, a baby comes at the perfect time and place. But do you know when the right time to have a child is?

Many people do not, but there are some factors that can make it easier. Read on as we discuss the main considerations when starting a family.

Are You Financially Stable?

Financial stability means different things for different people. However, when having kids, if you decide financial stability is having expensive clothing and cars, you may wait forever. All you really need to know is that you can afford the monthly cost of looking after a child.

This cost will change as the child gets older, as your position may. Look at your current budget, and plot it over the next few years. Add the cost of having a baby to your expenses, including clothing, food, and school fees, then see if you will have enough.

Are You Ready to Have a Break in Your Career?

When you start having children, you need to take maternity. The time you take is completely up to you, with some people deciding to take a lot and some taking a little. However, great advice for starting a family is to go into it assuming you will be taking all of your allocated time.

The reason for this is that many people do not realize how much they will enjoy that time with their child. If they tell their employers a time they will be back, they often end up going back too soon. It is always easier to go back earlier than try to wrangle extra time you said you would not need.

How Is Your Relationship?

While many people have lots of success raising single-parent families, it is undoubtedly a tough situation to be in. It is much easier if you have an understanding partner and the support network they bring. That is why it is important to know your relationship is strong.

In addition, it is not a great situation to be in when a relationship breaks down during the baby’s early years. if you have any doubt as to the relationship, clarify it sooner rather than later.

Have You Thought of How to Conceive?

Many people are lucky enough to conceive naturally or have happy accidents. However, for most people, conceiving is hard. It takes time, effort, and sometimes medical assistance with IVF.

You may even decide to carry someone else’s child. How to become a surrogate mother is not easy, but it is extremely rewarding and helps those who are working hard to have a child.

Starting a Family

Starting a family is daunting. However, more than anything, love, and care are both required. If you are ready to give everything you have with these, then the rest will come naturally.

If you enjoyed our article, visit the rest of our blog. With everything from healthcare to finance, so we can guide you when raising the perfect family.