Category: Family Life

Congratulations! You’re about to become a parent, one of the roughly 3.7 million babies born each year. You’re probably a bundle of both excitement and nerves as the time to deliver approaches.

If you’re looking for a way to commemorate the arrival of your bundle of joy, consider hiring a professional photographer to take some pictures of them.

You may think splashing out like this is extravagant or even a bit silly, but we have a few reasons why you should hire a photographer to take your newborn’s photo.

Read on for our top reasons why you should hire a professional to help you make new memories.

1. You’re Not Going to Have Time to Take the Perfect Shot of Your Bundle of Joy

Unless you’re a professional photographer yourself, it’s unlikely you’re going to find the time to dress your child up and take an adorable photo. You’ll be so consumed with feedings, swaddling, and late nights that you won’t have the time to capture these sweet early days in a way that looks put together. A professional photographer can help you do that so that you’ll have photos you’ll cherish of your newborn baby for a lifetime.

Your newborn isn’t going to stop growing. They won’t wait for you to find time to get things together to take a beautiful photo, so it’s best to book a baby photographer.

2. A Professional Knows What to Capture

Sure, photos of your little one on your phone are great, but a professional photographer can take absolutely gorgeous photos. They can focus on things like your child’s toes, lips, and hands in the perfect light. As mentioned above, your baby is growing fast, and you want to capture as much of them as possible before they’re out of that newborn stage. A professional photographer can help you do that.

3. Safety

You may have a really cool newborn photo that you want to recreate with your baby. You may be able to DIY it at home, but is it completely safe? Do you have the equipment necessary to take this type of photo without added risks? Are you putting your child in harm’s way to get that perfect shot?

A professional photographer, especially one with a lot of experience with babies and children, will have equipment ready to go for you. They’ll know how to get that perfect shot you won’t be able to resist sending to your friends and family without putting your little one in danger.

Hire a Professional Photographer to Capture Those Sweet First Memories

The first few weeks of your baby’s life are when you’re cherishing and bonding with your little bundle of joy. It is incredibly fleeting, and having a professional portrait is a great way to look back on those early days as you’re getting to know your child.

For all things saving money and tips for all the mothers out there, be sure to explore the rest of our site.

Are you interested in starting a summer camp? 

It can be a profitable and rewarding venture. If you ever attended a summer camp for kids, you know how impactful they can be. Many kids who attend summer camp create happy memories that stay with them for a lifetime.

Whether you are filled with nostalgia about your own camp experience, or you want to do something that makes an impact, starting a summer camp can be a great thing to do. 

However, running a summer camp takes a lot of time and effort. You have to create an environment that allows kids to play, express themselves, make new friends, and most importantly, want to return the following summer. The summer camp experience has to be parent-approved, kid-approved, and something you and your staff can execute with ease. 

For these reasons, knowing how to start a summer camp the right way is essential. 

Fortunately, by following a few tips and a few summer camp best practices, you can create the ideal foundation for your summer camp program. If you are ready to start a summer camp but aren’t sure where to start, this short and simple guide is for you. 

Choose the Best Age Group 

The first step for starting a summer camp business is to choose the age group of the campers you want to work with. Think about the age group you have experience with or the age group you feel the most comfortable creating a program for. Not only will restricting the age make everything else much easier, but it will also help you better target your niche. 

Determine the Theme of Your Camp

There are all types of camps you can start, ranging from a sports camp to one that is only for dancers. The theme of your camp depends on your experience, interest, and reason for starting the camp. You can also choose a general theme for your summer camp. 

Create a Camp Schedule 

The best summer camp has structure and a strict, daily schedule. Ideally, your campers should have an experience that is different from school, is enriching, but also provides them with the fun and activities kids expect. 

Choose the Location You Will Have Your Camp 

The next step is to choose where you will have your summer camp. There are a variety of summer camp options, depending on where you live. Choose a camp that has amenities and is in a natural setting so you can plan outdoor events for the children to enjoy. 

Know How to Make Your Camp Officially a Business

Before launching your summer camp, you need to make sure it’s an official business. Depending on a few factors, you may or may not need a business license to run your camp. Check your local city requirements to determine what actions you need to take to make sure your camp is legal. 

Acquire Insurance  

Just like any other insurance, summer camp insurance exists to cover you financially should any unfortunate events happen. Talk to an insurance agent and ask what type of insurance you need to purchase. Make sure you are following all the recommendations from your insurance agent. 

Implement Health and Safety Measures

When working with children, it’s essential to implement health and safety measures. You should have camp policies, medical staff onsite, the campground inspected, an emergency plan, and more. Make sure you are also following all local rules and regulations when implementing the health and safety measures for your camp. 

Set a Reasonable Price 

Although starting a summer camp can be rewarding, it can also be an expensive venture. For this reason, you need to make sure the price you set will cover your expenses while also bringing in a profit. 

Start by researching camps in the area to understand the average price for the area. Depending on your resources, you can also consider charging on a sliding scale to ensure all kids can enjoy your summer camp. 

Hire and Train Staff

It’s important to choose the right staff for your summer camp. You want to choose people who are great with kids, friendly, energetic, and have a sense of fun. Make sure to run background checks before hiring anyone and train your staff properly before the launch of your summer camp. 

Determine the Registration Process 

One important task you need to complete before you open your camp is to determine the registration process. You need a process that allows for pre-registration and is hassle-free for your campers. 

Consider using registration software to streamline the process overall. If you are not sure which software to use, visit www.info.ultracamp.com.

Create a Marketing Campaign

Once you have completed all of the steps to set up your camp, you have to reach parents so they can register their kids. To do this, you need to get the word out about your camp and all the fun and benefits a child will experience. Consider adding your camp to online directories, working with schools, encouraging referrals, marketing on social media, and more. 

Collect Feedback and Keep in Touch

After your camp is over, it’s important to collect feedback from your campers and stay in touch with their parents. The feedback you collect will help you improve your camp for the next year and keeping in touch with parents will help you encourage repeat campers. 

This Is What You Need to Know When Starting a Summer Camp for Kids

There are several things you should know before starting a summer camp for kids.

You need to determine the age group of your campers as well as the theme and the schedule. You also should know the location of the camp and understand how to make sure the camp is legal and safe for the kids. Make sure you are training your staff properly, marketing correctly, and keeping in touch to encourage return campers.

Follow these tips to start a summer camp the right way.

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

If you haven’t heard yet, love is hard. It’s a garden that needs constant tending, and love is the foundation you will build your marriage upon. You don’t give up on it, for better for worse.

Even if you’re still in the honeymoon phase, it’s important to follow this marriage advice for newlyweds. That way, when the going gets rough, you are prepared to weather the storm.

Communication

This is one of the most commonly suggested tips for newlyweds, but there is depth to this concept. Dig into your own emotions. If your spouse has done something that shouldn’t be a big deal but feels like a slap in the face, evaluate what the deeper issue is that needs addressing.

It may not be that the dirty dishes were left out, but that fact that your spouse doesn’t seem to value your time. Let them know if a way that isn’t an attack or accusation. Express how their actions come across (they may not be aware that it’s an issue at all), and let that be the beginning of a dialogue on how to find a solution.

Emotional Support

Your spouse should be the first person you turn to for comfort. Friends and family are fantastic for support, love, and advice, but your spouse is your other half and the most intimate relationship you have.

Some of the best marriage advice for newlyweds is to understand how your spouse needs your support. This can be solving the problem or being a shoulder to cry on. Responding to a spouse’s struggle in the wrong way can make matters worse and lead to arguments.

It’s a Marriage, Not a Partnership

The Bible explains when Adam and Eve came together, that two become one. When you look at marriage as two individuals joining together, it doesn’t mean you lose part of yourself or your individuality. It means that you become more. Your spouse is your other half, not your roommate.

A partnership is two people splitting the work 50/50 to reach a shared goal. A marriage is two people loving the other and each giving the other 100% for the rest of their lives.

Quality Time Together

When giving marriage words of wisdom for newlyweds, couples counselor Robin Bryant, Ph.D. says, “In a digital age, where there are distractions left and right, unlimited access to information and continuous connection to others’ lives online, it’s essential to spend quality time with your significant other.”

There will be seasons in life that are busier than others. Even at the busiest times of deadlines and projects, or recitals and games, it’s important to make sure you are dedicating a portion of time with your spouse.

Romance

Your spouse will never say, “Stop being so romantic,” or “You’re loving me too much.” Using whatever way your spouse understands best that you love them will always be appreciated.

For this, it’s important to know if your spouse responds best to physical touch, gifts, time spent together, or by acts of service.

A Little Marriage Advice for Newlyweds Goes a Long Way

Having someone who knows you better than anyone else, who will stick by your side, makes you laugh, and loves you unconditionally is is one of the greatest joys. When you remember and apply these principles, it doesn’t make marriage perfect, but it does prepare you to handle each situation with love and compassion.

If you liked this marriage advice for newlyweds and are looking for more, check out our section on Family Life.

Many people want to be remembered after they die. But few people plan for remembrance. 

A 2015 survey found that 89 percent of Americans believe in having conversations about their funeral. Yet only 17 percent have made arrangements. 

One stumbling block is that most people don’t know how to plan a funeral. They assume it requires a lot of work, so they don’t bother. 

It takes some background knowledge and persistence to plan one. But once you get the facts, you can plan and host a funeral within days of someone’s passing. Here is your quick guide to funeral arrangements. 

Making Funeral Arrangements

After someone dies, you should contact their legal representative. Their representative should have a copy of the person’s will and their funeral plan. If their will and plan exist, you can follow the instructions in there. 

Contact the loved ones and friends of the person who passed away. Even if the person had been sick for a while, some of their friends may not have known. If this would be too overwhelming for you, have someone else reach out. 

If they don’t have a funeral plan, you can make your own arrangements. Call a funeral home in the area. Most metropolitan areas have specialized homes for veterans, non-Christians, and BIPOC. 

Meet with a funeral director as soon as you can. You may be able to schedule an appointment for that day, or you can talk to them over the phone. 

See if they can pick up the body of the deceased person. Dead bodies begin to deteriorate quickly, and they can spread disease if not maintained. A funeral home will store the body until final preparations need to be made. 

You do need to decide the deposition of the body. You can opt for a traditional burial, but you can also cremate the body. 

You should see if your loved one can donate their organs. If that is not an option, they can donate their body to science. 

Consult with family members and friends as you start to make arrangements. You may not want a funeral service, but some people do. 

Planning a Funeral Service 

There are many funeral ideas that you can base your service on. Many people like to hold a religious service. 

This is an event that occurs at a house of worship. Family members perform prayers and rituals. This is a good idea if the person was devout. 

But you can hold a secular service. You can host an event at a funeral home or at someone’s house. People can read remarks and gather to share stories of your loved one. 

A celebration of life is an informal occasion. Many celebrations involve sharing humorous stories and playing your loved one’s favorite music. It is a good option for a casual person who died of natural causes. 

A military funeral service is similar to a religious or secular service. Members of the military attend the service and present a flag to the next of kin. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides free cemetery plots and headstones, but you need to contact them in advance. 

Some fraternal organizations like the Fraternal Order of Eagles have their own funerals. You will need to contact an affiliate branch to see what they offer. 

You can hold a funeral service after someone has been cremated or donated their body. You do not need to have the body in the room with you. You can bury ashes or sprinkle them in a location your loved one liked to be in. 

Take time figuring out the right option. Once you’ve selected one, contact the venue as soon as possible. 

Holding a Funeral 

You can schedule the funeral for whenever you want. You do not have to have one right away, though scheduling one as soon as possible helps the grieving process. 

Let the minister or host of the venue run the event. You do not have to speak or host anything if you don’t want to. Be with your family and friends. 

If you do choose to speak, take some time planning out your remarks. You can put things in your own words, or you can read poetry or prose. 

Sharing photos and flower arrangements can provide a person touch. Consider placing up a photo of your loved one with the words, “In loving memory.” You can place a memorial book near it so people can write their thoughts and feelings. 

After the service itself, you can host a wake. You can serve some food and drinks and allow people to mingle. 

Finding Additional Ways to Remember Someone

A funeral does not have to be the end of remembrance. It is a good idea to follow up a funeral with some other actions. It keeps your loved one’s memory alive, and it gives you something to do with your grief. 

You can start a fund in your loved one’s name. This is a good idea for people who were involved in an educational or political institution. 

You can make individual donations in your loved one’s name. You can give to a charity, food bank, or local community group. 

Write down stories and thoughts about your loved one. Remain in touch with their family and friends in the weeks that follow the funeral. 

Spend time with yourself and your family. Grief takes time and you should not rush anything. Give yourself space to express yourself and think about what has happened. 

How to Plan a Funeral 

Learning how to plan a funeral requires some background knowledge. You can follow a plan set out by your loved one. If they don’t have a plan, talk to their family about what to do. 

You have a wide range of funeral options to choose from. Find a funeral director who can help you prepare. 

Attend the funeral and let the director run things. Find some other ways of remembrance like donating to charity. 

Living in the wake of someone’s passing can be hard. But you can get help with the facts. Follow our coverage for more lifestyle guides. 

Oftentimes, getting children to sleep can seem nearly impossible. Whether you are dealing with a child who keeps getting out of bed and wanting your attention or you have a child who won’t get in bed at all, bedtime can be a frustrating experience you may not know how to handle.

For many reasons, knowing how to calm a child down before bed is one of the best skills a parent can have.

The calmer bedtime is, the better rested your child will be, and the better they will function throughout the day. Putting your child to bed without a fuss can also ease your stress and allow you a peaceful night’s sleep.

Fortunately, by using a few tips you can calm your child before bed and get them to sleep without any fuss. If you are a tired and frustrated parent who just wants bedtime to be easy, this short and simple guide is for you. 

Set a Bedtime

One tip for calming a child down is to set a bedtime. When your child’s bedtime is sporadic, they are not creating the habit of going to sleep. Setting a bedtime is the first step to having a calmer sleep routine overall. 

Create a Bedtime Routine

A great tip for how to calm down a child is to create a bedtime routine. A wind-down routine can soothe your child and help them get into the mindset of going to bed. Consider adding nighttime hygiene, a bedtime story, and other activities to your bedtime routine. 

Set the Tone

One way to encourage calm children before bedtime is to set the tone. Children can pick up on your stress and anxiety and act out because they are feeling the same emotions. Approach bedtime with a calm and relaxed attitude and try to remain calm throughout the process. 

Address Fears

Sometimes children don’t want to go to bed because of fear. They might have watched a scary movie or think monsters are hiding under their bed. Make sure to address these fears as best as you can to calm them before they go to sleep.

If your child is experiencing a lot of fear, consider using a helpful supplement, such as calming drops.

Create a Relaxing Sleep Environment

A great way to encourage a peaceful bedtime is to create a relaxing sleep environment. You can dim the lights, put on sleep music, or level up your efforts by painting their ceiling with the galaxy or using other calming elements in their room. This can also be a great addition to your bedtime routine. 

This Is How to Calm a Child Down

By using these tips for how to calm a child down before bed, you can create an effective bedtime routine for your child.

Start by setting a bedtime and a bedtime routine. You should also set a calming tone, address any fears your child might have, and create a relaxing environment. Make sure to give your child everything they need, such as a security object or a bedtime story.

Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to having a calming bedtime routine.

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