Misis Blog – For Moms and Dads

As a parent of an only child, finding support is few and far between. It seems everyone around you is a parent of two or more children.

And while there might be some who are supportive of your decision (or if the decision was made for you), there's nothing like connecting with other only child parents—those who totally get you.

Luckily, there are several support groups you can find online, particularly on Facebook and Reddit.

Here are some of the best Facebook Groups and subreddits where parents of an only child can get support.

Facebook

One and Done: Parents of an Only Child by Choice

This is my go-to support group for parents (and parents-to-be) who are one and done by choice, and are nearly 100% in their decision.

What I love about this group is that it's well-maintained by the admins, and most of the members there are really quite lovely!

Group description: This group is for parents of ONLY children by CHOICE. A safe place to share in our journeys as parents of only children: the positive and negative aspects.

Location: Worldwide

Number of members as of July 2020: 5,900++

Parents of Only Children by Choice

This is another support group for one and done parents by choice and are quite sure of their decision.

Group description: This group is for parents of only children by choice! Feel free to share the joys or hardships of having an only.

Location: Worldwide

Number of members as of July 2020: 4,900++

One and Done on the Fence

This is the first group I joined prior to joining the first group I mentioned. It's for parents of an only child (or parents-to-be as well) who are still grappling with the decision of keeping their family size small.

The group has also evolved to keeping members who have gone to the other side of the fence and had their second children. It's not my cup of tea, but their input definitely gives you a good perspective.

Group description: This is a group for parents deciding whether or not to have more than one child. Feel free to share, ask for advice and support.

Location: Worldwide

Number of members as of July 2020: 6,700++

One and Done Not By Choice - Embracing It

I am honestly not a member of this group, but this has been recommended by many of the members from the On the Fence group.

As the group name suggests, it's for parents who are struggling with infertility and other circumstances where the decision to be one and done are made for them.

Group description: This group is especially for being one and done not by choice and you have come to terms with it after the rollercoaster of emotions.

Location: Worldwide

Number of members as of July 2020: 665++

Parents of Only Children

This is a more generic group for only child parents. It's quite a nice group with equally nice and decent members who are supportive, whether you're OAD by choice or by circumstance.

Group description: Do you have a One-derful only child, either by choice or circumstance? Are you comfortable knowing that having an only child is awesome, ignoring all of the ridiculous and false stereotypes that society often places on onlies?

Location: Worldwide

Number of members as of July 2020: 8,600++

One and Done - Single Child Families

This is another generic group for single child parents, welcoming those who decided by choice and those struggling with infertility.

The group is also for adult onlies who are not parents yet but are deciding whether being one and done is right for them.

Group description: This group was originally started for people who choose to have only one child and were tired of people questioning their decision. As the group has grown, we have added a lot of people with fertility issues. We also have some members who aren’t one and done themselves but are only children and others who are trying to decide if OAD is for them.

Location: Worldwide

Number of members as of July 2020: 4,800++

Moms of Only Children

This is a group specifically for mothers of single children, by choice or not. It's one of my favorites as well because many of the members are really nice and friendly!

Group description: This is a group where Moms with only one child can share in the unique joys, struggles and wonders of having a single child. This group is here to enable moms who (either by choice or by God's will) only have one child and want a safe place to discuss the problems, stigma, JOY and exclusive issues facing a mommy raising an only child.

Location: Worldwide

Number of members as of July 2020: 4,900++

Parents of Only Children Travel Group

This is a more niche group for only child families who love to travel. It's a great place to exchange travel advice and generally to discuss all things travel-related.

Group description: This is a group for parents with one child that loves to travel, meet new friends, and discover new places.

Location: Worldwide

Number of members as of July 2020: 990++

Homeschooling an Only Child with Love

This another niche group that's quite relevant today as we embrace the new normal. It's a group for parents who are homeschooling their only child.

Group description: This homeschool group is to encourage, support, and inspire homeschoolers of only children. It is a place to share ideas, ask questions, and facilitate making learning fun and engaging for our children.

Location: Worldwide

Number of members as of July 2020: 660++

Moms of an “Only Child” Away At College

This is a great group for mothers of singletons who are now in college, and are seeking support and encouragement from other "empty nesters."

Group description: This is a group for moms with only one child and that child is away at college. We seem to get each other because we all have those two things in common. We welcome you to say or ask anything you’d like. We are here to support each other.

Location: Worldwide

Number of members as of July 2020: 1,500++

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r/oneanddone

This is a great subreddit for only child parents, both by choice and by circumstance. It's best for those who have already embraced the one and done status nearly 100%.

r/Shouldihaveanother

This subreddit is best suited for parents who are still on the fence about being one and done. It also welcomes other parents who have more than two children and are deciding whether to add another child in their family.

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These and more will be added if I get to find other great support groups for parents like us.

How about you, do you have other online support groups you can suggest? Leave it in the comments!

July 14, 2020 No comments

Only children are unfortunately riddled with negative stereotypes: lonely, spoiled, self-centered, weird, and severely lacking of social skills.

What most people don't know, and what researchers have found based on the latest studies, is that only children are just as social as kids with siblings and enjoy the same number of close friendships.

Only Children: Fact vs. Fiction

Some of these misconceptions are often reinforced by media: movies or books with characters who are only children made to be portrayed as the stereotypical spoiled and bossy brat.

But to the delight of only children and only-child parents, there are a significant number of only children in fiction who are well-adjusted and good examples of what a "normal" only child is in real life.

Here are our top 10 picks of fictional characters who are only children:

1. Riley from Inside Out

The movie Inside Out follows the story of a tween girl named Riley. I'm sure many of you have watched it more than twice (I know I did!).

Aside from the fact that she's an only child who is loving, kind, and caring, the depiction of Riley helps children to understand their feelings and emotions better as they transition from being a child to a teenager.

I love how the movie focuses on the happy parts of being a triangle family. It helps reassure OAD parents like us that through our loving kindness, support, and good parenting, our onlies will be fine no matter what.

2. Hermione Granger from Harry Potter
The Harry Potter series doesn't shy away from single-child characters: There's Harry Potter himself, his father James Potter, his cousin Dudley Dursley, his good friends Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood, and his archenemy Draco Malfoy (and even Lord Voldemort!).

But one only-child character from the franchise that stood out among the rest is Hermione Granger.

She is what Dr. Kevin Leman in his book The New Birth Order Book describes as the perfect fit for the typical only child: fiercely independent, mature for her age, a voracious reader, and a perfectionist.

Hermione has also stood as a good example for many young girls. Her intelligence, wit, bravery, and kind heart are virtues that bolster the self-confidence in girls, who are otherwise taught by society to keep a feminine and meek stance at all times.

Hermione (and even Emma Watson, the actress herself) is a modern-day hero for all of the young women in society, both only children and children with siblings alike.

3. Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh
Winnie the Pooh's creator, A.A. Milne, had an only child named Christopher Robin Milne. Incidentally, his son was the basis for the character Christopher Robin in A.A. Milne's beloved children's classic book.

The highly social, cheerful, adventurous, and imaginative youngster in the Winnie the Pooh books, cartoons, and movies is proof that only children are just the same as most kids with siblings.

His character also portrays him as a child who is much mature and wiser for his age, a trait shared by many only children.

4. Moana from Moana
The title character of Disney's Moana is not your average Disney princess.

Moana, being an only child, is groomed to be Motunui's next chief—a prestigious title and one that is lauded by many modern feminists, as the position is traditionally given to a male heir.

Headstrong, brave, yet compassionate and respectful, Moana is among the strongest female characters in Disney-Pixar history.

As such, she sets a good example for only children in particular, as Moana exudes an aura of strength, level-headedness, and integrity despite the pressures of being the sole heir of a whole tribe (and island!).

5. Linda from Rio
Linda Gunderson is Blu's human companion in the movie Rio. Linda found the Blue Macaw hatchling when she was a young girl, and she took him in and cared for Blu for 15 years, and more.

Linda is an only child, who is like Hermione Granger in a sense that she is also a voracious reader, a bit of a perfectionist, and highly intelligent.

Soft-spoken, motherly, and gentle, Linda is portrayed as a positive role model for only children. Although a little socially awkward, Linda's compassion towards animals (birds specifically) is admirable.

6. Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Roald Dahl's Charlie Bucket from his book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is an inspiration for many children—who wouldn't love to have a golden ticket to take a tour in a big chocolate factory?

Charlie, as you can see, stands in contrast with the rest of the golden-ticket children: he is kind, selfless, courageous, and honest.

What makes him more special is that he is an only child! He is definitely far from the stereotyped characteristics of only children.

7. Mavis from Hotel Transylvania
The only child of Count Dracula, Mavis is portrayed as a feisty, headstrong, and independent teenager.

However, she is far from being a spoiled brat; pampered, yes, but she adores her overprotective father still.

She is shown to have a gentler side, especially when she falls in love with Jonathan, a human.

After becoming a mother to an only child (Dennis) in the second movie, Mavis seemed to take after her father's overprotective nature.

Overall, Mavis is a picture of a pampered yet well-adjusted only child, with such a big heart to love and accept someone who isn't of her own kind.

8. Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon
Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the only son of Valka, is a young Chief of the Hooligan Tribe.

Depicted as a scrawny and awkward teenager in the first movie, Hiccup does his best to prove himself as a Viking (and a chief of a tribe at that!), often causing him to do reckless things.

One of these reckless pursuits, however, led him to befriend Toothless, a dragon whom he trains.

Like Moana, he doesn't use his prestigious title to get his way. He does his best to overcome his insecurities for being a poor fighter. However, he is not without flaws.

Hiccup is seen to be prone to overconfidence and arrogance once he started to prove himself as a better fighter.

Despite all that, his relationship with Toothless is a testament that he has a deep sense of compassion and that he has his heart in the right place.

9. Belle from Beauty and the Beast
Disney princesses are mostly only children with widowed fathers. There's Cinderella, Snow White, and Ariel, to name a few. But one princess stands out from the rest, and that's Belle.

In the latest live-action film of Beauty and the Beast, Belle's character is played by Emma Watson, a role only befitting to her off-camera personality: they are both bookworms, intelligent, loving, caring, and fiercely brave.

Despite claims of having Stockholm syndrome, Belle is by far one of the strongest Disney princesses to date, lauding intelligence and compassion over outside beauty, and underscoring the importance of being educated instead of settling for archaic female roles.

10. Dustin from Stranger Things
Our favorite toothless cutie from Stranger Things is far from the stereotyped socially awkward only child.

Dustin is possibly the most intelligent of his group of friends and has a natural flair for leadership. An only child of a single mother, Dustin is portrayed as a young boy who is mature for his age, and even seems to relate better with older peers (or substitute mother, like Steve Harrington).

We love just how the friendship of the four boys are in the TV series, with each of them embodying contrasting personalities yet still having a strong sibling-like bond with one another.

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There are, of course, many other fictional only children both in literature and in film.

Who are your other favorite fictional only children? Share it in the comments section below!

July 13, 2020 No comments

Kids spend a lot of time in front of a screen these days. In fact, children and teens between 8- and 18-years-old average more than seven hours of screen time a day.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), that number should be closer to two hours a day. A

nd for children 2- to 5-years-old, screen time should be limited to one hour a day.

When children devote too much time in front of a phone, tablet, computer, television, or any other kind of electronic screen, it can negatively affect everything from their sleep to their academic performance to their physical, social and behavioral well-being.

Fortunately, there are plenty of practical ways to limit and monitor your children’s screen time. So, let’s take a look at a few of these methods, as well as some digital-free alternatives:

Allocating Screen Time

First of all, it’s important to understand that you don’t have to completely deprive your kids of using electronics at home.

That would be stealing their joy, and you don’t want to do that!

It is important, however, that you set guidelines for screen time each day.

For instance, you could allow your kids to watch TV or play their video games for an hour after they do their homework or after dinner.

Or, you could give them an hour of screen time to use as they please.

If your child really loves to do activities on a tablet or smartphone, you can find ways to sneak some learning into this time.

For example, there are many online lessons that will help teach math in practical, real-life ways, as well as apps that can help your child learn a new language.

The sky’s pretty much the limit when it comes to educational software; find what your child responds to and try to find something that scratches that particular itch.

However you decide to do it, it’s essential that you stay firm in your time limit, no matter how much they beg you or charm you.

Just keep reminding yourself that, later on, you’ll be thankful you stayed strong!

Team Sports

One of the best alternatives to screen time for children is getting them involved in team sports.

There are many health, social, and behavioral benefits of playing team sports.

They provide kids with the opportunity to develop essential life skills, healthy habits, self-discipline, and responsibility, among many other things.

Also, they can go a long way in improving self-esteem.

It might take trying out a few sports before your children find ones that they like, so instead of buying all new gear and equipment, consider getting second-hand or discounted items on sites such as eBay.

Viewing Shows and Games with Your Child

Another approach is to make the most of your children’s screen time by viewing content with them.

Whether it’s a TV show, video game, or anything else, consider watching and playing with your children every now and then.

This can provide an opportunity to critically think about and discuss the content, and it also allows you to see exactly what kind of stuff your children are watching/playing.

With this approach, perhaps your children will think about what you would say if you're not there viewing the content with them.

Removing Devices from the Bedroom

Finally, consider taking all electronic screens out of your children’s bedrooms.

This way, a TV, computer, tablet, smartphone, or another device won’t be part of their nighttime routine.

This can help them sleep better, and it will give them a chance to form new routines such as reading, journaling, doing puzzles, and doing other digital-free activities.

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Limiting your children’s screen time can benefit their overall health and well-being in profound ways.

However, it’s up to you to come up with a daily time limit — and be sure to enforce it.

Encourage your kids to try team sports, and find affordable gear and equipment on sites like eBay.

Lastly, actively engage with your children on the content they’re watching and playing, and consider removing electronic screens from their bedroom.

April 15, 2020 No comments

Title: Buddhism for Mothers:
A Calm Approach to Caring for Yourself and Your Children

Authors: Sarah Napthali

Personal Rating: 5/5

Summary:

Sarah Napthali provides great insights and tips on how the principles of Buddhism can be integrated into the daily lives of mothers (or rather, any parent of a child). The book touches on ways to practice mindful and calm parenting despite the chaos and frustrations of parenthood.

A Book for Mothers/Parents, Not a Usual Parenting Book

The author was quite transparent at the very start of the book: Buddhism for Mothers isn't your usual parenting book.

It is a book specifically written for mothers to help us deal with the struggles we usually face as parents.

While it doesn't provide specific tips on how to handle challenging child behaviors, as most parenting books do, the book details ways on how to practice a calmer approach to parenting.

This, I believe, is very beneficial, because it strengthens the idea that to have a happy child, you first need to focus on being a happy parent.

An Easy-to-Digest Introduction to Buddhism and Mindful Parenting

The author succinctly and accurately connected the Buddhist way of life with parenting, in a way that's easy to digest even when you are not a practicing Buddhist.

This was my introduction to basic Buddhism principles, all of which contribute to helping me as a mother to be more mindful and calm: loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity.

I also like how the author outlines her topics in a way that systematic and organized, without overwhelming you with too much information.

I especially like how she provides tips on how to start meditation amidst the busy and chaotic life of a parent.

Applicable Even to Non-Buddhist Practitioners

I have always been a devout Roman Catholic, and although I read Buddhism for Mothers by heart, it didn't feel like it was exclusively meant for mothers who are Buddhist practitioners.

In fact, one of the many appeals of Buddhism is that it doesn't strictly bind you to its practice and allows much flexibility in terms of "membership"—that it is not a religion, per se, but a way of life and the changing of the mind.

All of the teachings in the book are applicable to anyone, not only to parents who are actively practicing Buddhism.

Reading the book and slowly applying it into real life, I found that it has definitely helped me transform my way of parenting and in the way I deal with difficult thoughts, emotions, and situations that come with motherhood.

The Verdict

Buddhism for Mothers is definitely something that I would recommend to all my mom friends, and even to dads as well.

It's a beautiful book that's easy and quick to read, a good breather to help you realign your thoughts and be calmer and more gentle.

It's one of the books that has helped me greatly in dealing with my anxiety and anger, and I hope that other parents can find this book helpful too.

February 04, 2020 No comments

All mothers, whether you're a first-time mom or a "veteran" mom of multiple children, go through a period (or even a constant state) of stress every single day.

Studies have shown, however, that the physical, emotional, and psychological stress of motherhood is more apparent in stay-at-home moms (SAHMs) and moms who work from home (WAHMs).

Is Self-Care Even Possible for SAHMs and WAHMs?

That is why us SAHMs and WAHMs often get told to practice "self-care."

As a frazzled first-time parent, I often ask myself how self-care is even possible when everything—and I mean everything—is in one place all at once: taking care of my baby (and my husband), taking care of the household, working on my homebased job, and more.

However, as our little one grew and became a little more independent, I've found several ways to practice self-care without having to splurge money or going through the stress of logistics (i.e., traveling with baby, even to the mall).

Here are four simple self-care tips for stay-at-home moms that you can do in the comfort of your own home:

1. Daily skincare routine

If there's one thing my mom taught me, it's that you should always take care of your skin, as it's practically the most prominent part of your body.

However, most moms I know never even have the time to take a shower, much less taking the time to do a skincare routine every day.

Knowing that I'm not getting any younger and the stress of motherhood will only hasten my aging, I made it a point to insert a (non-negotiable) skincare routine every day.

I only ask my husband and our little daughter around 5 to 10 minutes a day (at night) for me to complete my daily skincare routine.

It not only makes my skin feel better, but it also makes me feel more confident (and less losyang)!

Photo courtesy of Human Nature

This is NOT a paid advertisement by Human Nature, by the way. I just really love their products :-)

2. Online shopping and food deliveries

The thing about working or staying at home the whole day is that it somehow grows on you—you become too lazy to go out!

Which is why Shopee, Grab Food, and Food Panda have become my best friends ever since I started working from home.

It's just so convenient to order stuff straight to your house, or have your cravings delivered to you rather than taking the time to cook.

And even if there are times shipping fees are not free, the amount of money entailed when going out (i.e., gas, time for commute, eating out, etc.) is relatively more expensive than shouldering a few or couple hundred of pesos for delivery.

I've never been much of a shopaholic when I was still single, but retail therapy sure makes me so happy now that I'm a mom—especially when most of the things I buy online are for our little girl.

Tip: Always, always take your budget into consideration when shopping online. Don't go overboard!

3. Hobbies like reading, watching TV, or playing games

One thing I learned from "veteran" moms is to never, ever forget about who you were before becoming a parent, and that includes retaining your hobbies as much as possible.

It's all too easy for new moms to get "swallowed" by their new role—I know I did—and it took a toll on my psychological welfare, having to deal with my identity crisis.

As our daughter grew older, I started having a little more time for myself and therefore can accommodate my hobbies.

For moms, it's nice to have laidback hobbies that you can do at home, such as reading books, watching Netflix, or playing games (I love the Sims 4!).

Do something fun every now and then!

4. Massage from your husband or little one

I love massages! But the thing is, it can get quite expensive, and the logistics of having to leave our little girl at home with just Daddy (or bring her to the massage parlor!) is just too stressful for me.

That's why I go for home service—for free, because my masseurs are my husband and/or our little girl!

Don't get me wrong; it's not child labor. Our daughter is still small and light enough to walk safely on my back and give me a "massage." You get the picture.

It's a win-win: I can get the rest and relaxation I want, while at the same time I get to bond with my family.

How about you?

Self-care is often overlooked by stressed-out moms, because we sometimes fear it's selfish. But you can't pour from an empty cup. Recharge, relax, and give yourself some slack sometimes.

How about you? How do you practice self-care?

January 16, 2020 No comments

Start the year right by adopting a regular skincare routine!

I know it seems unlikely to have a decent skincare routine without spending an insane amount of money on beauty products.

However, as a frugal mom, I've found cheap (and all-natural) alternatives to expensive "cult favorites," and I can say that these worked really well for my skin type (I'm acne-prone)!

I use several different Human Nature products for my daily skincare routine.

This is NOT a paid advertisement for Human Nature. I just really love their products :-)

Prices are based on their 2019 catalogue.

Photo courtesy of Human Nature

Daily cleansing:
Human Nature Acne Defense Facial Wash (169.75)
I like how this facial wash so light and cool to the face.

It doesn't lather, though, which is typical for most natural-ingredient products. A pea-sized amount goes a long way.

My 100ml bottle has been with me for almost a year, and I still have about 30% to 40% of it!

And that's for cleansing twice a day: in the morning and before sleeping at night.

Toning:
Human Nature Acne Defense Face Toner (109.75)
The best thing about this toner is that it's not harsh to the skin.

It does have a leafy smell, though, but it's only expected, as it is tea tree-oil based (but not at all oily in consistency!).

I tone once per day, after my night-time facial cleansing.

Spot Treatment:
Human NatureAcne Defense Solution Gel (199.75)
As someone who has been plagued with acne since puberty, Human Nature's Acne Defense Solution Gel is the best spot treatment I've ever tried!

It doesn't dry out and flake your skin, unlike Benzac, and it doesn't have a creamy whitish tinge unlike the various Chinese products I used before in my teenage years (lol).

I use it once a day at night, but during my acne-prone days, I use it in the morning as well. It blends well to your skin, so you can wear makeup after.

Photo courtesy of Human Nature

Moisturizing:
Human Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil (174.75)
One of the most golden lessons my mother taught me is that you need to moisturize even though your skin might be oily, especially when you start to age (I'm in my late twenties).

I resisted my mom's advice because most of the moisturizers in the market are just so heavy and sticky on the face.

Human Nature's Sunflower Beauty Oil, however, seals the deal.

Surprisingly, it absorbs quite well on the skin and is not at all oily and sticky once you've applied it! It leaves a dewy, Korean-glass skin effect on your face.

I use it usually in the morning, with just one pump from its bottle (it already goes a long way).

It's great for moisturizing other parts of the body too, such as the soles of your feet or even your hair.

Photo courtesy of Human Nature

Twice-a-Week Exfoliating:
Human Nature Detoxifying Mask + Scrub (P249.75)
Just as important as cleansing and toning, I learned that you also need to exfoliate your skin twice or thrice a week.

I'm not a big fan of exfoliating tonics that would make your skin peel, so it was such a delight to discover Human Nature's Detoxifying Mask + Scrub.

As the product name suggests, you can use it as a mask (leave it on your skin for a few minutes), or as a scrub.

I love how it makes my skin feel smoother and far more supple. What's more is that it's quite gentle even on sensitive skin!

Sunscreen as Needed:
Human Nature SafeProtect for Babies and Kids (299.75)
I don't go out that much, so I don't use sunscreen every day.

But when I do, I use Human Nature's SafeProtect SPF30 for Babies & Kids. It's not specifically for the face, but I have it on hand for my daughter, so I try to make use of it for me as well to save money (lol).

What I like about it is that it's light on the skin and doesn't leave much of a whitish, creamy tinge when you apply it (it blends really well!).

And it has a really nice fruity smell too :-)

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Again, I'd like to repeat that this isn't a paid sponsorship by Human Nature.

I really like their products because they are eco-friendly, easy to buy, and really affordable!

Imagine, all these would last me for at least 3 to 6 months! :-)

How about you, any affordable skincare products you love?

January 06, 2020 No comments

Article written by Danny Knight

For many parents who are living with a disability, it can be difficult to take everyone’s needs into consideration in regard to living in a safe, comfortable home.

You may be worried about your ability to maneuver through the home while carrying a baby, or you might be thinking about how you’ll give your child a bath while respecting your mobility issues.

There are so many things to consider that it can easily become overwhelming.

The key is to think about what will make your life easier, especially if your child is very young.

You want to ensure that each room in your home has safety features that will also allow your family to live comfortably.

Fortunately, there are several simple modifications that can be made around the house that will help you reach your goals.

From installing handrails in the bathroom to replacing all the door and faucet knobs with easy-to-grasp handles, you can make daily activities much simpler for yourself while also ensuring that your safety is a priority.

Keep reading for some great tips on how to get started.

Tackle the Projects That Will Benefit Everyone First

If you have an infant or toddler, there are several things you can do to make your home safer for them that will also benefit you.

Installing handrails, a grab bar, a shower seat, a faucet cover, and non-slip rubber mats in the bathroom is a great start.

Not only will these modifications ensure that your child won’t fall and injure themselves, but it will also help you bathe them much more easily.

You can also add foam bumpers to sharp corners on cabinets, fireplace hearths, and countertops.

Remove Clutter

No matter how clean a home is, there’s still the potential for some clutter now and then.

The kitchen counter can become a catch-all and the foyer becomes a place for hastily thrown backpacks and shoes.

Getting organized and removing this clutter from such spaces will help your family get a mental health boost and prevent trips and falls at the same time.

This is especially important if you have a mobility issue.

Keep the Kitchen in Good Shape

Along with the bathroom, the kitchen is an area that often sees accidents, so it’s a good place to get started with safety modifications.

Raising or lowering countertops, good lighting, and easy access to appliances and storage are just the start; you can also make sure the flooring is non-slip.

Don’t Forget the Exterior

The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior when it comes to safety.

You might add lighting to the walkways, install surveillance cameras that help you keep an eye on things via your smartphone, or add a ramp that will help you easily traverse the steps.

Make sure the ramp is made of a material that won’t be slippery when it rains or snows, and that it doesn’t have a lip that will cause an issue with equipment such as a wheelchair or walker.

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Making your home safer can be a big job if your home is a good size, but it’s an important one when you have kids.

Not only will these modifications help you stay healthy, they’ll ensure that you’ll have no worries when it comes to parenting or handling daily activities and chores.

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About the Author: Danny Knight

Danny is a dad living in Philadelphia. He enjoys DIY projects almost as much as raising his two children. He is the co-creator of FixItDads.com, which offers tips for home improvement projects.

December 10, 2019 No comments

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Only Children: Fact vs. Fiction

1. Riley from Inside Out

2. Hermione Granger from Harry Potter

3. Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh

4. Moana from Moana

5. Linda from Rio

6. Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

7. Mavis from Hotel Transylvania

8. Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon

9. Belle from Beauty and the Beast

10. Dustin from Stranger Things

Allocating Screen Time

Team Sports

Viewing Shows and Games with Your Child

Removing Devices from the Bedroom

A Book for Mothers/Parents, Not a Usual Parenting Book

An Easy-to-Digest Introduction to Buddhism and Mindful Parenting

Applicable Even to Non-Buddhist Practitioners

The Verdict

Is Self-Care Even Possible for SAHMs and WAHMs?

1. Daily skincare routine

2. Online shopping and food deliveries

3. Hobbies like reading, watching TV, or playing games

4. Massage from your husband or little one

How about you?

Daily cleansing:

Human Nature Acne Defense Facial Wash (169.75)

Toning:

Human Nature Acne Defense Face Toner (109.75)

Spot Treatment:

Human NatureAcne Defense Solution Gel (199.75)

Moisturizing:

Human Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil (174.75)

Twice-a-Week Exfoliating:

Human Nature Detoxifying Mask + Scrub (P249.75)

Sunscreen as Needed:

Human Nature SafeProtect for Babies and Kids (299.75)

Tackle the Projects That Will Benefit Everyone First

Remove Clutter

Keep the Kitchen in Good Shape

Don’t Forget the Exterior

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