• Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • RSS

Dad of Divas

One Dad's Quest to Regain Control of his Kingdom

  • About
  • Dads in the Limelight
  • Contests and Giveaways
  • Fatherhood
  • Reviews
    • Book Reviews
  • College Preparation
  • Disclaimer
  • PR/Advertising
  • Entertainment
    • Disney
  • Photo
  • Travel
  • Work With Me

The Types of Braces Every Dad Should Know

December 22, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

BracesDifferent types of orthodontic treatment plans are used for dental issues such as overcrowding, misalignment and incorrect spacing and to improve both the appearance and functionality of teeth. There are many more options to choose from than what was available a few decades ago, with each option suited for different applications. If your kid needs braces, you should know what is available on the market so you can select the best option for them.

Metal Braces

Metal braces, also known as conventional braces, are perhaps the most recognizable braces that kids, teens, and adults can get. These braces used to be large and bulky, but they have become better and less conspicuous as orthodontic specialists have continued to improve them.

The dentist attaches the braces to the teeth and then connects these braces using a piece of wire. The wire is connected to the braces using elastic ties that are responsible for applying the pressure that pulls and pushes the teeth into position.

The orthodontist also makes adjustments to the braces every month or two to ensure the best results. Metal braces can be a great option for parents who do not want to remind their kids to wear their braces after a meal or brushing. They are also less reliant on patient compliance for the same reason.

Parents have to weigh these advantages over the potential of poor oral health, especially in younger kids who might not have mastered how to take care of their oral health properly yet.

Clear Braces

Clear braces have become very popular in the last decade or so because they are virtually invisible when worn right. Even though they are used by patients who have previously had braces to correct certain issues, they are also very useful for issues like misalignment, large overbites, jaw alignment issues, and open bites. They can also be used in kids who have teeth and jaw alignment issues caused by thumb sucking and pacifier overuse.

Apart from being clear, these braces are different from metal ones in that one can remove them easily to brush their teeth or eat without the aligners getting in the way.

Because of this, they might lead to better oral health than metal braces which can make brushing and flossing much harder. There are additional differences between clear aligners and metal braces, and this guide from ALIGNERCO does a great job of explaining them.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth to help align and correct tooth position. They are a specialized option which makes them rarer than other brace options. They also require special skills, or you might have to find a dentist who specializes in them if you want them for your kids.

Lingual braces are completely invisible because they are applied behind the teeth, they can be customized to work on specific teeth, and they provide better versatility and efficiency in select patients. Their properties make them well suited to adults who have complex orthodontic needs but want full invisibility, or teens and adolescents who are more conscious about their looks.

One thing you should know is that their position and installation can cause changes to your speech. Developing a lisp and some irritation to the tongue is very common. However, these issues go away once your mouth gets used to the braces.

Self-ligating Braces

These work similarly to metal and ceramic braces, but with one key difference. Whereas elastic bands are used to connect the wire to the braces in traditional metal braces, self-ligating braces use clips or doors to hold them in place.

The two types of self-ligating braces are active and passive braces. Passive braces have a sliding clip mechanism that puts pressure on the arch wire so that it keeps providing tension to move the teeth. A passive brace has a sliding mechanism that does not apply this pressure. These passive options are great for keeping the teeth in place, especially in cases where the patient or orthodontist does not want movement.

These braces lead to much shorter appointment times because they are easy to adjust. They are also a great option for patients who cannot sit for long periods, are sensitive to discomfort caused by other types of braces and have orthodontic needs stemming from developmental delays.

Ceramic Braces

These are made out of a clear material that is made to match the colors of the teeth. They work similarly to metal braces but are less conspicuous and discreet. These braces are a popular option for those considering either metal or clear braces, but who want complete secretion and affordability. For these reasons, ceramic braces are typically requested by adolescents and adults. Although they are less noticeable than metal braces, they are slightly larger and can stain depending on brushing habits and the patient’s diet.

Each of these options works well depending on the age of your kids and their orthodontic needs. Knowing about them should help you pick the best ones for your kids.

Filed Under: fatherhood Tagged With: braces, dad, dads, father, fatherhood

Movie Review – Strong Fathers Strong Daughters

December 17, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Strong Fathers Strong Daughters

Strong Fathers Strong Daughters

When a wealthy businessman learns of his daughter’s sudden engagement to a missionary, he embarks on a quest to keep her closer to home. But when his efforts go awry, he must reconsider what it means to be a strong father. A heartfelt journey of a parent who is desperately trying to hold on to his children learns to trust in God with their future instead of controlling his daughter’s narrative. The movie explores the widely relatable challenges and joys of parenting and faith.

Both set of couples, respectively playing Steve and Connie (Bart Johnson and Robyn Lively) and Carlos and Bella (David Barrera and Maria Canals–Barrera), are also married in real life. Just like their
characters, they are raising children of their own, resulting in an on–screen dynamic that feels authentic and meaningful.


CAST AND CREW
Directed By: David de Vos

Story By: Meg Meeker

Teleplay By: Amy Snow and David de Vos

Produced By: Brady Nasfell

Executive Producer: Michael Scott, David A.R. White, Kendall Baldwin, Jim Ameduri,

Cast: Bart Johnson, Robyn Lively, Carrie Wampler, Brandon Prado, David Barrera, and Maria Canals–
Barrera

SPECS

Run Time: Approx. 94 minutes

Rating: TV–PG

About the Movie
As someone that was a fan of the book with the same name I was excited to watch this movie. While it is not the same as the book I can see the parallels and to be honest I love how Sony Pictures captured the essence of the book through the characters and the plot of the movie. One of the things that I loved in this movie was the journey that the father went on to be a better father. The movie is heartfelt and allows you to  see the power of God in trusting that the future will work out instead of as a father trying to control the fate of your daughter.

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: dad, dads, entertainment, father, fatherhood, fathers, movie

Essential Survival Tips for Remote Working Parents With Young Children

November 3, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Working from home

If you’re a remote working parent of a toddler or baby, you already know just how challenging it can be to stay focused and productive in the midst of chaos. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help you improve your efficiency while also boosting your happiness and overall mental health. Today, Dad of Divas shares some survival tips to help you make the most of your work-from-home situation.

 

Set Up a Distraction-Free Workspace

Do your best to create a space in your home that is free from distractions. This may mean setting up a dedicated work area where your child can’t access your computer or putting away toys and any items that could catch your attention.

 

Create a Schedule

One of the keys to success as a remote working parent is having a schedule. This will help you stay on track with your work tasks and also give you some structure to your day.

 

Tap into Your Support System

If you have family or friends nearby, see if they can help out with childcare while you’re working. This can be a huge help in freeing up some time to focus on your work.

 

Plan Activities that Don’t Require Supervision

There will be times when you need to take care of tasks that don’t require your full attention. During these times, try to plan activities for your child that don’t need constant supervision. This could include things like setting up a movie marathon or providing art supplies for them to use.

 

Find Ways to Care for Your Own Mental Health

It’s important to remember that self-care is essential when you’re a parent. Make sure to schedule time for yourself, whether it’s taking a yoga class or going for a walk. New moms in particular are bound to be exhausted, so it might be time to treat yourself to a new outfit or item that will help you feel and look your best. After all, taking care of your mental health will make it easier to handle the challenges of working from home with a young child.

 

The Difference a Clutter-Free Workspace Makes

When you’re trying to get work done at home, it’s important to have a clean and organized workspace. This will help you stay focused and avoid any negative energy that can come from clutter.

 

A good way to achieve this is by designating a specific area in your house as your work area. This will help you keep your work and personal life separate, which can be a challenge when you’re working from home.

 

Another tip is to find ways to eliminate distractions. This may mean putting away your phone or setting up a noise-canceling headset if you have young children at home. Whatever it is that helps you focus, make sure to do it so that you can be as productive as possible.

 

Be Available for Bedtime Every Night

It’s important to try to be available for your child’s bedtime every night. This can be a great way to wind down after a long day of work and also give you some quality time with your child. If you’re not able to be there every night, make sure to schedule some time during the week for this special activity.

 

Have Your Children Help with Simple Chores

One way to make sure your children are getting quality time with you is to have them help with simple chores around the house. This can be a great way to teach them responsibility and also give you some extra help. Just be sure to supervise them closely so that they don’t end up making more work for you.

 

Nobody ever said parenting was easy. And while working remotely obviously has its advantages, it can also present some unique challenges when kids are involved. So remember to plan in advance, and to give yourself the same care and attention that you give your children.

 

Dad of Divas is dedicated to chronicling the experiences and challenges of fatherhood as well as providing some food for thought to other dads. Questions? Please contact me at dadofdivas@gmail.com.

 

Image via Pexels

Filed Under: fatherhood Tagged With: dad, father, fatherhood, work, working, working from home

4 Ways Dads Can Bond with Their Foster Daughters

October 26, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

When a newborn enters the family, it can often seem easier for the mother to quickly develop a deeper bond than the father. Thankfully, there are many books and resources that teach fathers how to bond with their infant daughters. If you’re going to be fostering adolescent children, however, this is a very different prospect. Adolescents have already developed a personality and some likes and dislikes. Forming a deeper connection with your foster daughter that’s a bit older needs a gentle approach and a lot of patience. Here are a few ways that dads can bond with their foster daughters.

Just Be Available

One of the most important roles a father can have when it comes to their kids is to be reliable and available to their daughter when they’re needed. When you take on the responsibility of becoming a foster parent with an agency like Fostering People, you need to be prepared for this. Being available just simply means being present and being approachable for a chat or for a quick lift to a friend or the local shopping mall. 

Learn as Much as You Can

Men and women, for the most part, think and process things differently. Learning and understanding a bit more about how your daughter might think and interpret things around her is critical. Not only will you better understand how she’s likely to react to things, but you’ll also be in a better position to give her the right advice and communicate in a more meaningful way. It’s all about learning as much as you can about your foster daughter, and about raising girls in general. 

Respect Is Earned and Demonstrated

When you become a foster dad, you’re going to be taking on the most important job of your life. You’re going to become the male role model in your foster daughter’s life, and that means she’ll look to you for cues on how she expects the men in her life to behave. The most important thing for you here is to demonstrate how women should be treated by showing your partner patience, respect, love and care. 

Be a Good Listener and Provide Advice

As a father, you’re going to be relied on to provide advice and guidance to your daughter when she needs it. Understanding this and understanding when to provide that advice and when to just listen is important. Men tend to want to fix things and find solutions to things, but often that’s not what your daughter will need from you. Often all she wants is to feel loved, heard and understood. If she wants advice, she’ll likely directly ask for it, so be ready to dispense it.

Bonding with your foster daughter as a foster dad can be challenging, but it is also one of the most rewarding things in the world. Being a strong provider and nurturer, as well as being a positive male role model in her life is incredibly important. Above all, patience and understanding will be your two most important skills.

Filed Under: fatherhood Tagged With: dad, father, fatherhood, foster child

Teach Your Kids Self-Care To Give Them the Tools To Reset and Thrive

October 7, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Boy jumping in a puddle

According to a study by the Health Resources Administration, the number of children with anxiety or depression grew by almost 30% in 2020. Children are especially vulnerable to the stressors in today’s world and need guidance to help them prioritize self-care. Here are some strategies that parents can use to help their kids reset and thrive.

 

Be Consistently Active

Parents should start by making sure their kids are active throughout the day. More physical activity for kids is linked to several mental health benefits, such as better grades and less anxiety and depression. Parents can make sure the family does activities together, such as hiking, biking or playing sports.

 

Use Art to Unwind

Art projects may also help your child focus on self-care. If they are feeling stressed out, you can redirect their anxiety into an art activity, such as making a craft, painting a picture or building something with modeling clay. Art benefits child development and helps them thrive.

 

Incorporate Music in Your Day

Music can also help children unwind and relax. You can listen to music together to calm down, or you can try to get your child to make music. Invest in private lessons or consider building your own home music studio to give your child a space to practice and connect with their musical side.

 

Meditate Together

Meditation also has lots of benefits for a child’s mental health and self-care. You and your child can learn the basics of meditation together. Eventually, your child can access mediation on their own when they are feeling down or anxious.

 

Plan a Trip

A vacation is a great opportunity to bond with loved ones and focus on self-care. If you’re interested in planning a trip that will allow you to relax and rejuvenate, choose a destination that offers plenty of activities that everyone in your family will enjoy. For example, a trip to Disney World could be fun for the whole family. Before planning a trip, visit MouseLifeToday.com to learn more about Disney-related news and potential discounts.

 

Teach Breathing Exercises

Kids may also find breathing exercises helpful in calming down after a bad day or a stressful moment. Parents can lead their children in easy breathing exercises that can quickly help them with relaxing and feeling better.

 

Fix the Sleep Routine 

If your child isn’t getting enough sleep, that may also lead to more stress and crankiness. Focus on having healthy sleep habits and a bedtime routine that gives your child plenty of time to unwind. Avoid screen time right before bed and use calming techniques to help your child gently fall asleep.

 

Prioritize Quality Time Together

Parents also must prioritize quality time with their kids, even when busy. Make a routine where you have bonding time each day with your children, such as a bedtime routine or making dinner together. Plan plenty of new experiences together so your children feel important and valued, and you don’t feel guilty.

 

Get Mental Health Support

Sometimes, you may need to get outside support for your child if they have stress and anxiety. Online therapy may be a better fit for a busy schedule and more options for licensed providers. It’s private and secure and less of a commitment than in-person therapy. Virtual appointments also save travel time and money. Some therapists have a free consultation so you can ensure you get the right fit for your child.

 

Knowing self-care is a skill that all children need to learn. Parents can guide their kids on this essential piece of mental health so their kids can flourish.

Filed Under: fatherhood Tagged With: dad, dads, father, fatherhood, fathers

How to Be a Good Role Model for Your Daughters

September 15, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Father holding child looking out a window

Being a role model for your daughter is one of the most important things you can do as a father. After all, she will likely grow up to be very much like you! But it’s not always as easy to just get on with life and hope that she picks up on the right behaviors and attitudes. Instead, you need to be very intentional about being a role model to her. From what you teach her to how you encourage her future, it all counts. Here are some tips on how to be a good role model for your daughters.

1. Be Present in Her Life

Your daughter needs you to be present in her life, both physically and emotionally. Make sure to set aside quality time each week to spend with her, doing things that she enjoys. This is a great opportunity to bond with her and get to know her on a deeper level. Additionally, be sure to always be there for her when she needs to talk – even if it’s just about her day at school or something that’s bothering her.

2. Be Honest With Her

It’s important that you’re always honest with your daughter, both about the good and the bad. If you make a mistake, own up to it and apologize. This will teach her that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. Additionally, being honest with her will help build trust between the two of you. This can also be very important in strengthening your bond.

3. Be Supportive of Her Dreams and Ambitions

No matter what your daughter wants to do in life, it’s important that you support her dreams and ambitions. Encourage her to chase after her goals and let her know that you believe in her – even if she wants to do something that you may not have envisioned for her future, like the role of James Dolan. Remember, she is the one who will ultimately have to live with the decisions she makes in life, so it’s important that she follows her heart.

4. Be Respectful Towards Others – Especially Women

It’s important that you treat others – particularly women – with respect at all times, both in front of your daughter and when she’s not around. Showing respect for others will teach your daughter to do the same, both in regards to the people she interacts with on a daily basis and herself. Treating others disrespectfully will only serve to damage your relationship with your daughter and cause problems in other areas of her life as well.

Being the Best Male Example, You Can Be

If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way toward being a great role model for your daughters! Just remember to always be present in their lives, contribute positively towards their development, and support their dreams and ambitions – no matter what they may be!

Filed Under: fatherhood Tagged With: dad, dads, family, father, fatherhood, parenthood, parenting, tips for dads, tips for fathers

9-11 – Honoring the past. Where were you 21 years ago?

September 11, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

9-11

9-11 – Honoring the past. Where were you 19 years ago?

I think that most of us can all remember the moments that surrounded the 9-11 tragedy that struck our nation 18 years ago.
I remember where I was… I was in my office at the university that I was working at as a Student Affairs Professional. I believe it was J-Mom who called me and told me to turn on the radio because it looked like a plane had collided with one of the twin towers. Unbeknownst to us was all the malice that was behind the first attack, let alone the subsequent attacks within New York City as well as the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania.
I remember hearing this and calling my colleagues to find a television that we could turn on and we watched in our main office as the tragedy revealed itself. I was numb, dumbstruck. Only once before had I felt this way, and that was when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded. I simply had never witnessed such hatred, such a loss of life, and later that week we found out how close to home this hit our family.
The Saturday before 9/11  my wife and I celebrated the wedding of a high school friend of J-Mom. The wedding was a wonderful event full of love and laughter. At that event, I was able to meet a friend of the bride named Kelly Ann Booms who sat in front of us during the wedding. She made a comment that she had to get back to Boston on Sunday because she had a business trip that she had to fly out for (to Los Angeles) early on Tuesday morning (9/11). Later that week we found out that Kelly was a passenger on the first plane that hit Tower 1 (Flight 11). We were shocked that someone we just spoke with could be gone in an instant and it brought the national tragedy to a whole new level of meaning. We now felt a part of this tragedy and not as far removed.
The images of the first few hours of 9-11, and the first few days afterward still are burned into my memory and I think they will never leave. For my generation, I think that this event will be the event that truly defines our generation as it may have been Pearl Harbor for my grandparents or the JFK assassination of JFK for my own parents.
So today, 19 years later I take a moment to remember Kelly and the other victims of the 9/11 attacks. May we never again live through such an event.

When my daughters get old enough to understand the significance of this day I will help them understand, but it will not be easy for them to grasp the severity of the events and what it did to the American Spirit that followed. I can only hope that I will be ready for this discussion when the time comes.

So my question for the day?

 

    • What are your memories of this event in our collective history?

 

    • How will you tell your children about this event in the future?

 

——————————————————————————————-

New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?

Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader

Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Filed Under: fatherhood Tagged With: 9-11, dad, dads, family, father, fatherhood, parenthood, September 11 2001

5 Tips for Stay-at-Home Parents Going Back to School

August 25, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Perhaps you’ve stayed home with your children for several years, but soon, you’d like to get back into the workforce. You’re interested in going back to school or even starting your own business in the future, yet you’re wondering if you’re really ready to take on this commitment. With guidance from Dad of Divas, you can make smart choices for yourself and your family. Plus, these tips will help you with everything from revising your resume to finding the right course for your professional development!

 

Update Your Resume

If you’re enrolling in a degree program with the intent of finding a new job after graduation, you don’t have to wait until your final semester to update your resume – you can start polishing it now. Throughout your studies, you can edit your resume with new skills, projects, and accomplishments. Using a template from a free online resume builder is the easiest way to create a professional resume. You’ll be able to browse a library of templates, pick out the one you like best, and then add your own content and images.

 

Consider Professional Development Programs

What if you have a few years of experience under your belt in your current field, and you’d like to continue working in the same industry? You may not need to complete an entire degree program to earn a higher salary or open up new doors. Instead, consider enrolling in a shorter professional development program to enhance your credentials. For example, if you have some project management experience, you can apply Scrum to help teams successfully coordinate for important projects. To learn all about Scrum techniques and strategies, you can look up how to choose a Scrum master online course. You’ll be able to take a final assessment to demonstrate your skills at the end of the course.

 

Decide on a Major

Not all degrees provide the same return on investment. As an adult student with a family to support, which major is right for you? It’s important to consider your interests, but it’s also good to think about your future earning potential. Aging Greatly states that degrees in technology, healthcare, finance, and marketing can all lead to lucrative opportunities.

 

Find the Right School

Once you’ve settled on a subject that you want to study, you’ll need to decide where to enroll. If you’re a stay-at-home parent with a partner who works outside of the home, you’ll probably need to apply for online programs so that you can study from home. Furthermore, make sure to look for reputable, accredited colleges. Seek out affordable programs that offer scholarships to keep costs low.

 

Time Management

As a stay-at-home parent, you already have your hands full – how are you going to handle childcare, studying, and other endeavors like entrepreneurship? Asking for help is the first step. See if any of your close friends or relatives can lend you a hand, or check your budget to see if you could create some wiggle room to hire a babysitter or house cleaner. Furthermore, Life as Mama recommends making to-do lists by prioritizing key activities, turning down extracurricular commitments, for the time being, tackling your toughest assignments early in the day, and blocking off time to work when your children are sleeping.

If you’re a stay-at-home parent, going back to school can help you expand your skill set and ease back into the workforce. However, investing in a degree program represents a major investment of your time and money, so you’ll want to think about this decision carefully. With these tips, you’ll be able to assess degree programs and professional development courses, update your resume, and manage your schedule wisely!

 

Looking for realistic advice on fatherhood? Turn to Dad of Divas! Browse our blog today for tips and guidance on all things parenting.

 

Photo via Pexels

Filed Under: fatherhood Tagged With: back to school, dad, dads, father, fatherhood, parent, parenthood, parents, stay at home

How To Keep The Learning Alive Through The Summer

August 9, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

(Image credit)

Now that the summer break has officially begun, we can be sure that kids all over the nation are having a good time and spending their days with playdates with friends, family outings, and bike rides in the park. While this downtime is undoubtedly vital to help kids recover and unwind after a demanding school year, it’s also important to start reintroducing some routine and mental stimulation as the break progresses.

 

This is due to the fact that youngsters who take extended breaks from school and study may need additional assistance to get back into the swing of things and may not be prepared when the new school year rolls around. Making sure kids continue their academic pursuits during the summer may result in them being more assured, prepared, and capable of taking on new subjects when they return to school. Learning should be embraced and made to be fun, don’t let children feel like it is a chore or something they only do at school.

 

Discover the offerings at your school 

To keep yourself informed, find out about the programs available at your school or surrounding schools. If you inform children about these chances more frequently than through a newsletter or leaflet placed in their backpack, they are significantly more likely to take advantage of them. Participating in school-sponsored activities also gives you the chance to socialize with other pupils who go to the same school.

 

Use parks, museums, and other places

This summer, there are a lot of organizations and facilities across the nation that are jam-packed with activities, which increases the opportunities for exploration. The classroom is not the only place where people learn. Children’s enrichment can be greatly benefited by visiting museums, parks, aquariums, zoos, and historical sites in their own town. Encourage your children and family to spend a few days this summer exploring new places and expanding their knowledge.

 

Continually read! 

It doesn’t matter if they’re inside on a dreary day or outside basking in the gorgeous summer weather. They might be reading books they purchased at a store, borrowing them from the neighborhood library, or simply keeping them on a shelf at home. Whatever it may look like, reading is the key. Setting up a summer reading challenge for the kids and awarding rewards for reading a certain number of books during the summer is a tried-and-true tactic.

 

Schedule Learning Time 

Get a workbook or activity book for kids at their level and allow them a particular amount of time each day to work on it to encourage them to continue studying throughout the summer. Online resources like handouts and creative activity suggestions are also available. The youngsters will be prepared for success when they return to school if they only practice for a short period of time each day—10 or 15 minutes—during the summer.

 

Make a summer journal

Free-form writing aids a child’s vocabulary growth, mental development, and ability to express their emotions. They can keep a journal of their daily activities, interactions with others, new knowledge gained, etc. The diary will serve as a lovely memento for them and be filled with memories. 

 

Send postcards to relatives and friends

If you plan to travel, you might recommend that they jot down their adventures on postcards to give to family and friends back home. This indicates that they are still working on their grammar, spelling, and writing.

 

The planning of their pocket money 

Every day, even in the most basic tasks like keeping track of time or counting changes, we use our mathematical abilities. Encourage your child to manage their own pocket money so that they may plan their week’s worth of activities and set aside money for them.

 

Playing board games 

Scrabble and Monopoly are two enjoyable and instructive board games. They will be especially helpful on those rainy days because they will give you hours of brain-stimulating entertainment and a little healthy competition. While playing chess can help kids develop strategy, playing card games can assist kids improve their number and counting skills. The majority of board games, like Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit, which are great for the whole family and typically include math or general knowledge, will help you focus. 

 

If your youngster uses technology, make sure they’re playing entertaining but educational video games rather than going on Facebook. There are many options, like Neuronation, Bitesize, and instructional apps that you can download.

 

Get outside and have fun 

This engagement strategy during the summer requires nothing more than getting outside. But here are some cost-free and simple ways to spice things up: 

 

  • Take a nature stroll and gather any intriguing items you come across. 
  • Play sports in the park with other youngsters. 
  • Conduct scientific experiments. (Hello STEM experiments using Coca-Cola and Mentos!) 

 

Even more, things can be done at home, like: 

  • In your backyard, erect a tent for camping. 
  • In your yard, have a scavenger hunt. 

 

For all of us, especially children, play is crucial to learning. Allow them to play, run, and explore outside. Why not teach older children and teenagers how to plant and cultivate some fruits and vegetables? This teaches students all they need to know about planting as well as the growing process, including how much water is required and how much direct sunlight the seeds need. Nature may be found everywhere when you are outside, including in the form of flowers, plants, birds, insects, and other animals.

 

Combining writing and movies 

Movies and summer go together like peanut butter and jelly, let’s face it. There are occasions when you might want to add a bit extra thought to your movie time. Giving kids their own movie review sheet might help with this. These sheets can be made into a summer booklet, and you can ask youngsters to rate and review a few movies. This keeps the movie entertaining throughout the summer, as well as the writing practice.

 

Sign up your kid for a summer program

Enrolling your child in a summer program or camp is one easy method to keep her busy over the summer. There will be camps in almost every city, ranging from coding and robotics to equestrian riding and outdoor hiking. 

Additionally, there are many choices available, ranging from week-by-week themed camps to full-day camps. Some even provide day-by-day options to prevent you from making a lengthy commitment (or spending too much).

 

Encourage your child’s interests

Has your child expressed a hobby or interest? To foster his intrinsic desire and love of learning, foster this passion. Borrow books on these topics, such as those related to autos, bridges, and clouds. Does he have a fascination with the universe? Bring him along on one of your “field trips,” perhaps to the planetarium. 

Anything they talk about or can’t stop playing with is one of his passions. If you can’t get him off the toy train tracks, take him to the train museum. If he enjoys reading about animals, take him to the zoo.

 

Be active physically 

Get your child exercising for at least 60 minutes every day now that school is out. It’s simple to stay indoors all day or to do nothing at all. Find them some exercises to get them moving. Their mental acuity is enhanced by exercise, and she feels happier and healthier as a result. If it is raining or they need more focus you can try some youtube videos which have free and fun workouts for kids. 

This can be as easy as playing music, engaging in a game of chase, or taking her to a park where she can play. Of course, summer also means lots of beach time and swimming pool splashing. This summer, the physical activities will be a great brain enhancer.

Filed Under: fatherhood Tagged With: dad, dads, father, fatherhood

Are You a Parent of a Special Needs Child? Keep in Mind Self-Care

July 8, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Image via Pexels

It’s amazing watching your special needs child grow, though you can sometimes feel frustrated and overwhelmed. This isn’t surprising, considering it takes time, resources, and effort to address a kid’s needs. You, however, must remember to care for yourself as it’s much harder to care for a child if you’re burned out. Here are some tips that can help you achieve some much-needed self-care.

Dad of Divas is the blog of Chris Lewis. For more information, please visit his website or contact him today!

Complete a Self-Assessment

Regularly take a moment to assess your mental and physical well-being. Think about how much energy you have on average. Are you tired most days or just occasionally? Additionally, ask yourself the following questions:

  • How well does your child sleep?
  • Do you fall asleep quickly and sleep through the night?
  • Are you happy in your marriage/relationship?
  • Does your child have behavioral issues?
  • Do you feel your parenting is effective?

You’ll gain perspective on the degree of your physical and mental exhaustion based on your responses.

If you’re tired, are not sleeping well, or having marital issues due to taking care of your special needs child, it might be time to focus on your own needs a bit. It could also help you feel refreshed and rethink your current parenting techniques.

Consequences of Inadequate Self-Care

If you don’t take care of yourself, you could become burned out. This might reflect on how well you parent. Additionally, when you don’t sleep enough, Calendar notes that you’re prone to getting sick, and your risk for chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, rises.

Inadequate self-care may also lead to you overstressing your support system, which may result in people deserting you when you need them most. Plus, not taking time for yourself could contribute to chronic anxiety or depression.

Create a Wellness-Promoting Environment  

Take steps to make your home a calming environment that encourages wellness for both you and your child’s sake. While it seems minuscule, add a few plants throughout your home. Ambius explains that plants reduce indoor air pollution and decrease carbon dioxide levels. Plus, plants can improve your mood and reduce anxiety. In addition, spend some time decluttering your home, which can lower your anxiety.

Your Health Matters

Make sure you take time to eat a well-balanced diet and hydrate yourself properly. While it may take time out of your schedule, focus on getting regular exercise. By making your health a priority, you can prevent health problems that could interfere with your ability to parent.

If you’ve noticed issues with anxiety or depression becoming more prevalent in your life, you may have questions about finding anti depression meds and using them to treat your symptoms. Your schedule may be full to the point that it is difficult to get an appointment with your doctor’s office, but a more convenient solution can be to meet with a licensed physician via a telehealth platform. You can make a convenient appointment online and meet from the comfort and privacy of home, and if a prescription is necessary, one can be sent to your local pharmacy.

Your Goals Matter 

Think about yourself and what you want to accomplish besides raising your child. You can consider starting a business. No matter what type of business you choose, forming a limited liability company can save you time and hassle and possibly save you money on your taxes. You can register a business by using a formation service.

Once your business is legally established, you can work on marketing materials and make a custom logo online. Instead of paying for a designer’s services, you can customize images, text, and colors from a template until you have a logo you like. Then you can download it to use for free!

On the other hand, if your current job has lost its allure and burnout or lack of interest is driving you to look at other career options, it may make sense to switch jobs. You could improve your career prospects by going back to school. Fortunately, earning a degree online in your free time is possible. You can even earn a bachelor’s degree at a pace that works for you. Just make sure the school is accredited.

Time for You Is Also Time for Your Child

When you take time for yourself, you can recharge and better take care of your special needs child. You’ll feel less tired and stressed and more able to focus on them.

Filed Under: fatherhood Tagged With: dad, dads, father, fatherhood

Next Page »
Find Me

Magoosh SAT




Archives


Christopher Lewis (@dadofdivas) - influencer profile on Dealspotr
dealspotr.com
Main Image

Coupons and voucher codes
Everywhere
The Network Niche

Copyright © 2023 · News Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in