Family Ever After Blog

Family Ever After Blog

Archives for February 2022

by

3 Tips For Keeping a Tidy Home With Children

Regardless of how smart, nice and talented your children are, chances are they probably weren’t born with inherent tidiness. Most kids are so busy having fun, that the last thing on their mind is cleaning up their mess. The truth is that children are so engrossed in their activities, that they often don’t realize the mess they’re spreading around them.

Yet, as a parent, it can be frustrating to constantly pick up their trails of junk. When you add on multiple children, pets, and a spouse, your cleaning load can feel overwhelming. Whether you have a cleaner or not, it’s a lot of work decluttering and putting things away. Fear not, parents with messy kids— here are some of the best tips for keeping your home tidy even with little roommates.

Use Baskets

You can’t organize everything ten thousand times a day only to have children pull them out again, and expect yourself not to go crazy. As the saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them. So while you may not want to have toys scattered throughout every square inch of your house, you can declutter by using baskets.

Baskets are an effective, quick, and easy way to clear your living space in between play sessions. Putting baskets throughout rooms full of toys is a useful way to put toys away in a flash. If you have younger children, it’s also much more manageable for them to help straighten up if all they have to do is put something into a basket. Above all, baskets are trendy and cute, so who doesn’t love the idea of more baskets incorporated into their interior design?

Rotate Toys

Your kids will accumulate a lot of toys throughout their lives. At some point they’re going to get bored with some of them, and all they’re going to do is take up space. Instead of allowing them to occupy the majority of your home, put your toys away on a cycle.

Rotating toys doesn’t just reduce the clutter in your home, but it will extend the life of your toys, and make them feel like they’re getting new toys all over again when you pull them out in a few weeks or months. Since not everyone has the luxury of a big garage to store things in, you may want to consider renting a storage space or dedicating a closet specifically to toy rotations.

Give Kids Chores

Chores don’t just teach your kids responsibility, and life skills, they also keep you sane. You already have enough on your plate. Asking your kids to help pull some of the weight when it comes to cleaning is not unreasonable. Give your kids age-appropriate chores that will help take some of the pressure off your shoulders, and keep them accountable for participating in the responsibilities of the household.

 

by

Stigma and Discrimination Faced by Depression Sufferers

Depression remains a particular subject of various stigmas, with many characterising depression as an overused term used by anyone who is feeling a bit down one day. “Pull yourself together” we tell them, and “cheer up, it may never happen!”

Depression is a sad reality with some statistics showing that no fewer than 1 in 16 Australians is experiencing it right now. Those in need may reach out for depression counselling services based in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth or wherever they live.

Those who do reach out for help do so in spite of existing stigma and even discrimination faced by sufferers. Here are some examples of what we mean:

1. Depression is “All in the Mind”

Among the most common stigmas is the feeling that depression is merely a product of an individual’s imagination. What’s more, because it’s illusory, there’s an added sting to this stigma, which is that people perceive depression as a self-inflicted problem (see more further below). In other words, they believe that the sufferer is depressed because they choose to be depressed.

One common manifestation of this is when those with depression are accused of being lazy or idle. When it comes to depression getting in the way of work, or people asking for leave in order to seek help for their depression, it’s not uncommon to hear views that the person in question is work-shy, trying to score some free time off, and perhaps worse. Some feel that depression “doesn’t count” as a real illness, and that it’s not fair for people to receive time off to deal with it.

2. Depression is a Sign of Weakness

Another common stigma surrounding depression is that depressed people are somehow weak and mentally feeble. The assumption goes that those with a strong will and strong mind can hold off the effects of depression, and the weak simply “let depression win.” The stigma will manifest often in friends and family of a depressed person telling the sufferer to “man up” or “snap out of it.”

The danger of this stigma, of course, is that it can reinforce a sense of powerlessness in those who are suffering. They may come to agree with those criticising them, refuse to talk openly about the problem, and begin to blame themselves and their inability to shed themselves of these dark feelings. In the worst cases, this kind of vicious cycle can lead to suicide.

3. Depression is a Matter of Choice

Following on from depression just being all in one’s head and it not being a real problem, there’s the accusation that we touched on further above that depression is in fact a self-inflicted problem. When so many people don’t feel the effects of depression, they find it hard to empathise with others who do. They conflate a more common feeling of being sad, angry or upset about something with those of depression, and thus expect those with depression to get over their problem as easily as one would a minor daily setback like spilling a drink.

4. Problems Getting Hired

Finally, these stigmas that we’ve mentioned above lead to people with depression often being discriminated against. Either other people don’t know about their depression and ascribe their behaviour to bad personality, laziness or something else, or they do know about the depression but are skeptical about it, downplaying its significance and judging the sufferer harshly.

These prejudices all lead to those with depression struggling to get jobs, which in turn fuels depression and pushes people deeper into a sense of worthlessness and powerlessness. It all begins with the preconceived notions held by many that depression is not a subject worthy of discussion. When more people recognise the devastating impact of depression on overall mental health, perhaps we can better overcome the worst of it all.

by

Does Marriage Counselling Work?

If you’re living in Western Australia and have recently been experiencing difficulties in your marriage, then you might have already sought marriage counselling services based in Perth area. Taking that step to seek professional help is not easy, however, as many couples or individuals find themselves with many questions and doubts about the process. Does marriage counselling really work? If it does, why do so many couples still get divorced?

Let’s take a closer look at some of the important things one needs to understand about marriage counselling before they engage these services.

Marriage Counselling Can Take a Lot of Time

One of the biggest factors behind the failure of marriage counselling for some couples is that they don’t give the process long enough to work. No one is claiming that it’s a miracle process that will fix a broken marriage overnight. There is some research that suggests that a typical couple in counselling will need about 12 sessions to see results, with each session being about 50 minutes to an hour. Obviously, this is only an estimated average, and can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of each case.

Every Partnership is Different

Just as there’s no guarantee on the time, there’s also no fixed pathway for the methods used by counsellors as they get to work. Every marriage has its unique problems and even when the problems are somewhat similar, the question of degree and exact circumstances will invariably present many areas of difference.

A marriage counsellor needs to understand the dynamics in your relationship. That includes how you communicate, what kind of “culture” you have created within your marriage, what the specific areas of concern are, and how invested each party is in making things work and engaging with the process. It’s important, therefore, that couples going into counselling recognise that it’s counterproductive to directly compare their own case with others, which unfortunately many do, and often to their frustration and disappointment.

What Kinds of Therapies are Used?

Practitioners use a whole range of approaches, some of which may be self-developed and perhaps named after themselves! Common ideas among counsellors include the use of Gottman couple therapy, which is a well-established, structured and goal-oriented approach to help work on difficulty in adjustment within a marriage, as well as with intimacy.

Other ideas include (but are certainly not limited to) emotionally focused therapy (EFT) which is useful for short-term therapy, the Bader-Pearson model to focus on varying stages of the relationship and each partner and how to move forward constructively, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), discernment counselling and more.

You shouldn’t expect any two counsellors or organisations to use all the same approaches. Some tend to stick to the tried and true, whereas others are more experimental. Success or failure depends greatly on how engaged and receptive the couple is with the whole process.

Enter the Process Hoping for Success, but Don’t Demand It

Marriage counselling is in essence the invitation of a hopefully impartial third party into one’s marriage to try and discover the cause of any strife that’s going on and help couples to work through it. Whether or not that works depends greatly on two main factors:

  • The open-mindedness, receptiveness and willingness of both parties within the couple
  • The “good fit” between counsellor and couple, which fosters good communication and constructive discussion

You can go into any counselling relationship with hopes that these two main factors and the many others you’ll need to succeed will align and generate a successful outcome, but don’t demand the perfect outcome from the outset. You might have to try different approaches in order to find one that works, but above all you also need to be patient and willing enough to let the process work.

by

Your home is your castle

Your home is your castle, and the doors and windows are its gates. They protect you from the outside world and keep the heat in during the winter. If you are starting to notice that your doors and windows are not performing as well as they used to, it might be time for a replacement. In this blog post, we will discuss some tell-tale signs that it is time to replace your home’s doors and windows!

How often should I replace windows and doors?

The lifespan of a window or door can vary depending on the type of material it is made from, how often it is used, and the climate in which you live. However, most windows and doors should last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. If you are starting to see signs that your windows or doors need replacing, such as draftiness, moisture build-up, or frequent repairs, then it istime for a replacement.

What are some tell-tale signs that my home needs new windows?

There are several tell-tale signs that your home needs new windows. One of the most obvious is if the window is cracked or broken. Other signs include:

-Foggy/misted glass

-Water infiltration

-Condensation between the panes of glass

-Inconsistent window operation

If you are experiencing any of these issues, it istime for a replacement!

What are some tell-tale signs that my home needs new doors?

Just like windows, there are several tell-tale signs that your home needs new doors. One of the most obvious is if the door is cracked or broken. Other signs include:

-Warping/bending in the door frame

-Loose doorknobs or hinges

-Damage to the door jamb or threshold

If you are experiencing any of these issues, it istime for a replacement!

Your Property Has Lost its Kerb Appeal

If you live in a neighbourhood where houses are all uniform and similar in appearance, one way to make your home stand out is by having nice, shiny new doors and windows. A fresh coat of paint on your doors and windows can also help to improve the kerb appeal of your property.

According to Maria from Internal door company Doors Galore “Failing that, especially if you are selling your property, it might be more effective to replace the door entirely. Replacing your home’s doors and windows can be an expensive task, but it isworth it if it means increased comfort and energy efficiency. “

Your Starting To Feel A Draft

One of the most obvious signs that you need new windows or doors is if you start to feel a draft. A draft can cause your home to be less comfortable and can also lead to higher energy bills. If you arestarting to notice that your windows and doors are letting in more cold air than they used to, it is probably time for a replacement.

Your Doors Are Sagging & Started To Show Their Age

Doors should fit snugly against the doorframe when they are closed. If your doors are starting to sag, it is an indication that they are no longer fitting properly in the frame and need to be replaced.

Additionally, if your doors are looking shabby and are starting to show their age, it istime for a replacement.

You are Experiencing Frequent Repairs

Windows and doors require regular maintenance to keep them functioning properly. If you find yourself having to repair your windows or doors on a regular basis, it is probably because they have reached the end of their lifespan and need to be replaced.

Your Doors And Or Locks No Longer Protect Your Property

If you are finding that your doors and locks are no longer effective at protecting your property, it is time to replace them. A weak door or lock can be easily broken into, which could lead to a theft or burglary.

Replacing your home’s doors and windows is a big task, but it is worth it in the end! Not only will you see an increase in comfort and energy efficiency, but you will also be doing your part to help the environment. Replacing old windows with new, energy-efficient models can save up to 30% on your energy bills! So, if you are starting to notice any of the tell-tale signs mentioned in this article, do not hesitate to call a professional.

Replacing Your Home’s Doors & Windows Can Save You Money in the Long Run

Although replacing your home’s doors and windows can be an expensive task, it can save you money in the long run. Newer windows and doors are more energy-efficient than older models, which means that you will see a decrease in your energy bills.

Conclusion

So, replacing your windows or doors, may initially seem a costly alternative to just sprucing them up

But weighing this up with the kerb appeal and an increase in comfort and energy efficiency, you will also be doing your part to help the environment. Replacing old windows with new, energy-efficient models is a win-win for everyone!

by

Can a Same Sex Couple Adopt a Child in Alabama?

With the Supreme Court decision Obergefell v. Hodges legalizing gay marriage throughout the country, a series of addition issues have arisen for same sex couples. One of these is the possibility of adopting children. Alabama has not been the most accommodating states towards same sex couples, with state legislatures doing all that is possible to limit the impact of that Supreme Court decision, while creating some unnecessary obstacles for same sex couples, including but not limited to the acts of marriage and adoption. That being said, there is no law that explicitly bars same sex couples from adopting children, so in theory couples who want to move forward with an adoption can do so.

Obstacles to Same Sex Adoption in Alabama

Alabama law states that a “husband and wife… may petition the court to adopt a minor.” From this language, we can see that there is not an explicit ban on same sex couples from adopting, though there is an implicit bias, as it were.

One of the biases that same sex couples may encounter is a result of House Bill 24, which was designed to protect the religious views of those who would object to an adoption by a same sex couple, so an agency or agency worker would be able to stifle the adoption process through a claim of a religious objection. This religious exemption rule only applies to private adoption agencies, ones that do not receive funding from state or federal sources.

Many states have laws that protect people on the basis of gender and sexuality, and Alabama is not one of those states. This creates difficulties for prospective parents, since they do not have legal protection within the state. At the same time, they may make an appeal to federal laws which offer protections to people based on gender.

Rules and Conditions for Adoption in Alabama

Many adoptions are joint adoptions, those between married couples. Since the legal language right now only states “husband and wife,” it is still unclear how this will impact same sex couples. The implication that the couple be married in order to move forward with a joint adoption could be interpreted as being in favor of same sex couples.

Another type of adoption is second-parent adoption, which is when a child is adopted by a parent in the home who is not the legal parent, and therefore does not share a legal or biological connection. At this point in time, this type of adoption is unavailable in Alabama, though courts have ruled that Alabama must recognize same sex parent adoptions that were granted in other states.

Stepparent adoption is where a child is legally adopted by the spouse of a child’s legal parent. According to the statute, there is nothing that should bar a same-sex spouse from going through with a stepparent adoption. In general, the adoption is considered consensual when the adoptee’s mother or presumed father grants it, or when the child, aged 14 or older, grants it.

Despite the bureaucratic and structural difficulties that exist, it is possible for same sex couples to move forward with an adoption. The language of many of the laws makes for some wiggle room that you and your Birmingham adoption attorney can navigate to your benefit.

 

by

How To Get Into an FNP Program

Nursing is a rewarding career that allows you to help others heal. If you currently hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and are looking to develop your career, then you may want to consider earning a master’s degree. A Master of Science in Nursing is perfect for nurses who already have a BSN and want to begin working as nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioners work directly with patients and are responsible for providing care to a specific group. They can conduct exams, order tests, prescribe medication, and even diagnose health conditions. If you’re looking to advance your nursing career, here’s how to get into an FNP program.

Look for the right program that meets your needs.

img

 

Before you even think about applying, you need to find an FNP program online that checks all the boxes. Look at whether the clinical hours and instruction are 100 percent online or if in-person instruction is required at some point. Check whether there are several enrollment dates throughout the year. Examine whether you can complete the degree part time or if you’ll need to be a full-time online student. These are just some of the questions you’ll have to ask while looking for an FNP program so that you can become a family nurse practitioner. Take a look at whether specializations are also a part of the online FNP program. Most importantly, make sure that the school providing collegiate nursing education has proper accreditation.

Start evaluating your financial aid options.

Tuition is costly, and that goes for any form of postsecondary education. Thankfully, the University of Cincinnati offers tuition and financial support. You can obtain financial aid as an online student just as you would as a traditional student. The major difference in aid is likely whether you’re going to attend the online program part time or full time. UC has a financial aid office to assist you with looking into your options.

Make any arrangements for home or work.

img

 

Once you’ve figured out the logistics of paying for tuition, you can start to make arrangements for what you have to do to make it happen. Will you need to work fewer hours to accommodate your full-time coursework, or will you be in school part time? Are you planning to create a schedule with your spouse to ensure that you divide up your responsibilities and have dedicated time for school? These are just some ideas you can implement as you become a student again.

Prepare for the application and enrollment process.

img

 

Once you’ve made arrangements at home or at work, you can finally start the enrollment process and take a good long look at the admission requirements. You’ll need an active RN license, a BSN, a GPA of at least 3.0, and a minimum of one year of experience working as an RN in the United States. These are just some of the prerequisites for your application. The requirements will include an actual application, transcripts, the minimum GPA, some references, a personal statement, a resume, and some additional fees. It’s important that you compile all of these together as you work through the application process.

 

Getting into college requires a lot of prerequisites. You can type “admission counselor near me” in your favorite search engine to learn more about the college admissions process. To get into UC’s online FNP program, make sure that you meet all of the requirements before you apply. Keep in mind, there are a few restrictions to the graduate nursing programs. So, you’ll want to look into those before applying as well. As you work toward your professional development, the process can feel daunting. Just remember the reason why you chose this career and you’ll find yourself feeling motivated to pursue higher education to become a nurse practitioner.

by

Do you know how to tell if you have gum disease

 

Do you know how to tell if you have gum disease? It can be tricky because the symptoms are often very mild at first. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of gum disease, as well as how to get treatment for it. If you think you may have gum disease, it is important to see a dentist right away.

Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease

There are a few signs and symptoms of gum disease that you can watch for. The most common sign is bleeding gums. If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, this could be a sign of gum disease. Other symptoms include red, swollen, or tender gums; receding gums; bad breath; and loose teeth.

What Are The Causes Of Gum Disease?

There are a few things that can cause gum disease, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, and diabetes. Gum disease is also more common in people who are over the age of 50.

Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums is the most common sign of gum disease. If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, this could be a sign of gum disease.

Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease, and it can often be reversed with good oral hygiene. Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease, and it can lead to tooth loss if not treated.

Gum Recessions & Gum Pocketing

Gum recession is a common sign of gum disease. If your gums start to pull away from your teeth, this could be a sign that you have a problem. Gum pocketing could also be a symptom. If you notice that your gums are starting to form deep pockets between your teeth and gums, we recommend arranging an appointment with your dentist straight away.

Are You At Risk For Gum Disease?

According to Chetan from Mola Dental “There are certain things that make you more likely to get gum disease, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, and age. A simple lifestyle change could be a preventative measure. “

How Could Gum Disease be prevented?

The symptoms of severe gum disease are subtler than those associated with regular infection. If you have never experienced a problem in this area before, then the signs might not be so apparent – it can take years for them to manifest! While there’s no way we could list every potential indicator or prevention technique out on here (since everyone has different needs), some key points include: maintaining good dental hygiene by brushings and flossing daily and visiting your dentist regularly at least once per year even if everything seems fine.

Is There A Cure For Gum Disease?

Yes, gum disease can be cured. However, it is important to seek treatment right away because the condition can progress if left untreated.

Conclusion

If you think you may have gum disease, it is important to see a dentist right away. Your dentist will be able to diagnose the condition and recommend treatment. Treatment for gum disease usually involves antibiotics and/or surgery.

by

How to keep your pet a healthy weight

We often hear news stories about the problem of obesity in humans, but did you know it’s also a serious issue for our pets? A lot of animals will instinctively eat as much food as they can get hold of – even if it makes them sick – which means it’s very easy for us to unintentionally overfeed them. The problem is that, just like humans, this can lead to a whole host of health concerns and even shorten our pet’s overall life expectancy. On the plus side, there are lots of simple steps we can take to help our fluffy friends stay at a healthy weight. Keep reading to find out more.

An overview of obesity in pets

There are a number of factors that can contribute to obesity in our pets, including overfeeding, poor nutrition, a lack of exercise, hormonal imbalances and genetics. The sad truth is that, according to the findings of a survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over half of pet dogs and cats in the USA are overweight or obese. That’s a shocking statistic, because maintaining a healthy weight is as crucial for animals as it is for humans.

When a cat or dog is obese, they are at a higher risk of developing a number of other serious medical conditions. These include high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, kidney disease and respiratory problems. In addition, it has the upsetting side effect of decreasing their quality of life, because they are unable to do all of the activities they love. As such, it’s crucial that if you have a pet, you keep a close eye on their weight.

How to prevent obesity in your pet

If you own a pet, the first step to take is to find out whether they are currently overweight or not. While you can weigh them at home if you have sensitive scales, the best way is to ask a professional such as those at easyvet. That’s because the healthy weight for your pet will depend on a number of factors such as their age, breed and species. Once you have this information, you’ll know if your pet needs to lose any weight (and if so, how much).

One key factor is knowing precisely how much food you should be giving your pet every day. It’s not only about quantity though – you also need to be sure you’re feeding them a top quality, nutritious food that’s specifically made for their species. Use a measuring cup to help you dish out food portions precisely and try to avoid letting your furry friend snack between meals as this can make it harder for you to keep track of their calorie intake.

Just as with people, keeping pets at a healthy weight isn’t all about food – exercise is also vital. Dogs need to be walked every single day, even when it’s raining or cold outside. Cats also have to stay active, so try using fun toys such as laser pointers to get them playing and moving around. Hopefully, these activities will be enjoyable for you as well as them!