father Archives - Dad of Divas

Resources to Help Work-from-Home Parents Maintain Work-Life Balance

December 24, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Working from home can be a great way for parents to balance career and family. However, managing both a full-time job and child care isn’t always easy. This is especially true for parents of kids with extra needs, such as those with autism. Today, Dad of Divas shares some tips and tools that can help you achieve that ever-elusive work-life balance.

Set Up a Career That Accommodates Parenthood

Some jobs are more child-friendly than others.

Research work-from-home jobs for parents, like graphic design or proofreading.
You might also start a home-based business. This guide explains how it’s done.
If you’re employed but working from home, be open with your managers and colleagues about the unique parenting challenges you face.

Optimize Your Home for Professional and Personal Purposes

Setting up a comfortable home to accommodate work and parenting is essential.

Get all the tools you need for an ergonomic office, like a chair with lumbar support.
Consider combining your office and your playroom to make it easier to manage work and kids. Here are some ideas for the perfect design.
Try these ideas to keep little ones occupied when you need to focus on work.

Invest in Technology to Make Your Business Low-Maintenance

These cutting-edge tools can make your day-to-day work life easier.

Try a project management software to easily track deliverables and deadlines.
If you need to update your curriculum vitae, check this out and use this free tool with time-tested templates to highlight your hard-won skills.
Explore other tools designed to make remote work easier, like a WiFi range extender.

Find Support Where You Can

You don’t have to go it alone. Trust others to help at work and at home.

Hire a virtual assistant to take care of pesky admin tasks.
Find local childcare professionals who can help wrangle the kids and give you a breather when you need it.
Connect with other working parents online and via community organizations.

Working from home while raising kids allows you to maintain a career while still spending time with your little ones. However, it presents challenges. Finding your community can help. For example, if you have a child with autism, connect with other parents of autistic kids online. The above guide offers some resources to help things go a little smoother.

Dad of Divas is dedicated to chronicling the challenges of being a father as well as providing some food for thought to other dads. Please feel free to click on our posts and leave a reply!

The Types of Braces Every Dad Should Know

December 22, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Different 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.

Movie Review – Strong Fathers Strong Daughters

December 17, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

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.

How to Keep Your Family Safe While On the Road

November 10, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

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Whether you’re planning to take your family on a road trip or to the supermarket for a quick grocery run, road safety should always be a priority. Here are a few safety measures to help keep your loved ones safe while on the road.

Ensure your vehicle’s condition

A well-maintained car is vital to securing your family’s road safety. Have your vehicle regularly serviced by a professional so they can perform the necessary safety maintenance procedures such as:

Inspecting your vehicle’s oil levels
Checking the brakes’ condition
Examining your tires
Topping off essential fluids
Assessing your vehicle’s lights
Testing the battery

Buckle up properly

No matter how skilled you are as a driver, vehicular accidents are still possibilities, so everyone must be buckled up properly. Make sure your kids are in age-appropriate and federally-approved car seats. Your child’s age, weight, and developmental needs will dictate the type of car safety seat they require, so purchasing the right one is essential. If your child is big enough to use a booster seat, you can choose from different color booster seats made by reputable brands. If you already have an existing car seat, check if it’s properly installed and its expiration date, as most seats expire six years after their manufacture date.

Carry an emergency roadside kit

Since roadside emergencies can occur anytime, you must always have a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle. According to the National Safety Council, your supply kit should include jumper cables, a flashlight, a compass, reflective triangles, a properly inflated spare tire, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, duct tape, a tool kit, a car charger for your cell phone, and nonperishable high-energy food. You should also have protective gear according to your driving location’s weather, climate, and season.

Take driving breaks often

If you’re driving long-distance, taking frequent breaks is essential. Schedule breaks every two to three hours so you can stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Stopping often can also help your children burn off their unused energy, as boredom can cause them to distract or cause unnecessary commotion while you’re behind the wheel. If traveling with another adult, remember to take turns driving so that you’re both alert and well-rested.

Drive proactively

While it is impossible to control everything on the road, driving proactively can significantly reduce the chances of vehicular accidents and roadside emergencies. Try to anticipate what other drivers might do, and pay attention to your surroundings. Keep your emotions in check and stay away from aggressive drivers. Eliminate all distractions and always adhere to traffic rules and regulations.

Get plenty of sleep

Fatigue can significantly influence your driving competency, so make it a point to get enough rest before a long journey. Aim to get at least six to eight hours of quality sleep and notify your family if you’re too tired to drive. Remember that your reaction time tends to be slower when you’re tired, causing you to make poor driving choices and compromise the safety of your loved ones.

Road safety goes beyond driving safely. Remember to follow these tips so you can drive confidently, no matter the circumstances.

Essential Survival Tips for Remote Working Parents With Young Children

November 3, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

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.

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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.

Does Insurance Cover Virtual Therapy?

October 21, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Online addiction counseling and therapy have virtually exploded in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic began. While the pandemic, unfortunately, created its own mental health crisis, it also highlighted the growing need for more accessible mental health and substance abuse care. Even though in-person therapy has resumed, it seems that virtual therapy is here to stay.

There has been a sharp increase in the number of apps and online health platforms offering some form of therapy. The services provided range from standard counseling to receiving prescriptions from licensed psychiatrists.

Some prominent online therapy providers include:

Talkspace
Online-Therapy.com
Teen Counseling
AmWell
ReGain Counseling
BetterHelp

Fortunately, insurance companies have responded and expanded their coverage to include most of these apps and platforms. Many of the most popular online mental health services forums are covered partially or entirely by major insurance companies.

Why Should I Try Online Therapy?

Online therapy has both pros and cons, but one of the main pros is that it’s made therapy significantly more accessible to people with tight schedules, people with disabilities, and people in more rural areas. Some other benefits include:

you can attend therapy at home, school, or even at work
no need to deal with transportation
limited or no wait times for appointments
lower costs than traditional therapy
therapists are available at all times of the day

How to Find Out if You’re Covered

The first step is to check out the online therapy platform of your choosing and see if they have a link discussing insurance. Some major platforms, like BetterHelp, do not accept any insurance and function entirely on a subscription model. You can, however, try getting reimbursed by your insurance for using this service. Other online therapy providers like Talkspace do accept most major insurances. Some employers even provide this as a benefit.

If you’re seeking virtual therapy through a local therapist’s office, the easiest way to find out if your insurance will cover sessions is to call them and ask. They can also give you pricing ranges for consultations and regular sessions with counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists.

Once you have an idea of which therapist or platform you may be interested in, it’s a good idea to contact your insurance provider directly. You can use this opportunity to find out if you have benefits or coverage for online therapy and whether you can expect any copays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs. Your insurance provider can also tell you if there are any specific therapists that are in-network to help you avoid out-of-network fees.

Here are some of the major health insurance providers that cover online therapy:

Aetna currently covers telehealth for mental health problems
Blue Cross Blue Shield, or Anthem, covers video telehealth sessions
Cigna plans vary, but most cover virtual health visits for mental illnesses
Humana covers most or all of online therapy costs
Tricare fully covers all virtual mental health services
United Healthcare is currently covering online therapy at the same rates as in-person therapy, though this may end soon

If you have Medicaid or Medicare, you’re in luck — almost every state has expanded their coverage to include online therapy. There are a few who still may not cover certain services though, so call the number on your insurance card to verify coverage before scheduling an appointment.

The Next Step

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, so breaking it down into a step-by-step process can be helpful. Getting your insurance sorted out and choosing a therapist is half the battle. Once that’s over, you can focus on what truly matters: achieving your mental health goals and getting on track to a healthier, happier life.

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

October 7, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

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.

How to Be a Good Role Model for Your Daughters

September 15, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

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!

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

September 11, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

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?

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