Family Ever After Blog

Family Ever After Blog

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3 Landscaping Chores To Give Your Kids Or Teens

For most kids, being outside and playing in the dirt is a great way to pass a few hours of time. To take advantage of these feelings, you might want to consider giving your kids some outdoor chores that will help to indulge their desire to get a little dirty, give them a chance to get some fresh air, and save you from having to take care of all this outdoor maintenance on your own.

To help you pick the right tasks for the right aged kids, here are three landscaping chores you can give your kids or teens.

Teens and Power Tools

In most situations, you’re going to want to save the big tasks that require the use of power tools for your teens to tackle. But before you let them do this for the first time, it’s vital that you give them proper training not only on how to use the tools safely, but also on how you prefer your landscaping or maintenance tasks to be finished.

According to Amy Morin, a contributor to Very Well Family, you teens need to be taught the safest ways to use tools like the lawn mower, weed whacker, rototiller, and any other power tools or equipment that you use to take care of your outdoor tasks. Additionally, you should give your teen a refresher course on using things like a leaf blower or snow blower as the seasons change, since they might have forgotten the finer points of your tutorial from the previous year.

Using Hand Tools

Before your kids are big enough to use these power tools or bigger pieces of equipment, there’s still plenty for them to do to help with the landscaping and maintenance around your home.

Generally, anything that requires a hand-held tool should be saved for your children in older elementary or junior high school. Angie’s List shares that this includes things like a garden hoe, clippers, or shears. This will help to keep your kids safe as well as keeping your garden safe from younger kids that might just be too anxious to clip or chop down anything they see.

Basic Cleaning and Maintenance

For your really little kids, their outdoor chores should focus more on basic cleaning and maintenance tasks. So if you have things that need to be gathered, like leaves or pinecones, or if your yard has become overgrown with weeds, Carrie Madormo, a contributor to Taste Of Home, shares that having your younger kids identify what needs to be found and then rounding them up can be a great chore for them.

If you’re wanting your kids to help more with the outdoor chores you have to do around your house, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you decide which tasks are going to be best for your kids to assist with.

 

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Tips for Surviving the Emotional Stress of IVF

Parenthood is a dream for many couples. But for some, pregnancy can be difficult. When you are having trouble naturally conceiving a child, there are a few options you can turn to, one being in vitro fertilization (IVF). While this treatment often results in a healthy pregnancy, the process can also come with a lot of emotional stress and anxiety.

Infertility is already such a difficult experience for couples, and when you decide on IVF treatment, you’re coming in with some pretty heavy emotional baggage already. Just remember that you aren’t doing this alone. You have your partner, family, and a community of friends that are ready to walk with you during this experience. Still, there are some tips you should consider to survive the emotional stress of IVF. Read on to learn more about coping with difficulties in the IVF process.

Why is IVF so hard?

In vitro fertilization came about in the 70s and is now considered the most effective form of reproductive assistance. An IVF cycle takes roughly a month and involves injections that increase a woman’s egg count. Egg and sperm samples are combined in a lab to create an embryo which is then re-implanted within the uterus.

Now, through Preimplantation Genetic Screening, you can even test for genetic diseases through embryo biopsy, which enables you to implant only healthy embryos. Through pgs ivf, couples gain a peace of mind that if everything goes successfully, they will end their IVF experience with a healthy baby. This can be especially helpful for patients who are at high risk, like older women.

IVF treatment has about a 40-50% chance of resulting in a pregnancy, but success rates are improving every year as specialists refine practices. Of course, these numbers alone can seem stressful. Not to mention the medical risks like Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) and procedural discomfort of the egg retrieval and embryo transfer. But, if you’re dreaming of having children, the most devastating part of fertility treatment is knowing it may not be successful. Let’s move on to a few tips for getting through your emotional stress.

Be Informed

Knowledge is power, so in the case of IVF, be informed. Ask questions and research how you can best take care of yourself. Have a plan for how many IVF cycles you want to go through and which doctor will give you the best chance of success. Going in with a plan will help you feel more in control of an uncontrollable situation.

Seek Therapy

IVF is a unique experience, and you’re probably feeling a lot of different emotions. Finding a therapist or counselor during this time is essential. Therapy gives you a space to open up about your feelings without worrying about what anyone else thinks. Finding a therapist isn’t always the easiest task, so take away the stress by letting With Therapy handle it. This website works with you and your needs to find the best therapist in your area. No strings attached and no funny business. They understand your unique issues to get you the help you need right away.

Discover Support Groups

Infertility struggles are not uncommon, so you’re not alone. Consider joining a support group to find other couples who are dealing with the same stresses you are. Finding a group of individuals you can confide in who have shared experiences can be extremely beneficial.

Take Care of Yourself

Above all, remember to take care of yourself. Maintain a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and don’t drink. For your mental health, work to develop a few healthy distractions. Plan a weekend getaway at the end of your cycle so you and your partner can look forward to some time away. This is a long process, so incorporate rewards and positive distractions as encouragement.

Another aspect of taking care of yourself is keeping your treatment private. Telling the world you’re trying only to have to reveal you were unsuccessful can be devastating. Let a close circle of family and friends into your journey who will fully support you in joy or in pain.

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Social and academic benefits of homeschooling

Currently, about 2 million children are learning from home. Homeschooling is a millennia practice backed by employers, college administrators, scholars, and even government officials. In America, about 55 million students in grades K-12 are on homeschooling. Scholars from Harvard University planned a meeting to discuss challenges of children’s education deprivation and mistreatment that occur beneath the guise of homeschooling with no or minimal oversight. From Harvard magazine, a columnist penned a controversial article in favor of banning homeschooling. The majority of homeschooling reviews reveal encouraging learning aftermaths for children. An analysis of peer-reviewed research papers revealed exciting results. According to Writer for my paper, from the 14 studies of academic performance, most 11 showed that homeschooled children importantly outperformed traditionally schooled children. Available public state data shows that more than average examination scores for homeschooling students.

On the same breath, students’ psychological development, emotional, and emotional achievement follow the same pattern.

Most peer-reviewed papers show that homeschooled children have the best parent-child friendships and relationships than ordinary schooled students. Studies note that homeschooled children get satisfied, civically engaged, and happy.

Research findings consistently indicate that homeschooled graduates make their life compared to their counterparts. From a sample of 16 peer-reviewed papers on the transition to adulthood success, 11 of them point that homeschooled students were better in college retention, college GPA, and political tolerance than students who went through conventional schooling. In their review, Jones and Gloeckner concluded that the research’s comparative findings, together with data from college admission officers, show that homeschooling is a dependable alternative route for many students.

Therefore, homeschooled children aren’t abused, mistreated, or educationally deprived. However, research literature indicates that abuse rates such as neglect, sexual abuse, and physical abuse is high amongst institutional schooled students than homeschoolers. While there are cases of abuse in homeschooled children, such incidences should attract prosecution; however, abolishing homeschooling is not a solution nor makes students safe or improves education standards.

Society tends to shut public schools if students get abused. Scholars, who advocate for the abolishment of homeschooling, do so no support from the empirical literature. Besides, those scholars who promote forcing children to attend public schools, ignore evidence that about 40 percent of healthy schooled children are at least or above in mathematics and reading.

Many teachers endeavor to give students a quality education, but public school systems have notable limitations. Scholars who approve more government restrictions and control on homeschooling do so because they do not favor parents’ beliefs and values to select a home school. Studies have identified four types of hostility toward homeschooling. First, few scholars make imaginary arguments that public schools have standards that promote the common good, unlike private schools. The second category believes that homeschooling tries to cocoon children from people and ideas that parents do not like. The third group argues that homeschooling injures children educationally, physically, religiously, psychologically, and philosophically. The last group theorizes that the government must have domination over parents and children.

Scholar’s ideas and beliefs emanate from their religious and philosophical worldviews. It is within their rights to conclude that the government should control how we teach, influence, and train children.

In summary, the antagonists of homeschooling have no empirical information to support their arguments. Government officials dependably argue that parents are within their rights to teach and train their children at home. It is then upon them to decide which strategy will work best for the kids.

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Do’s and Don’ts of Choosing the Right Pest Control Service

Pests inside your house and garden can create a lot of nuisances. However, choosing the right pest control in Phoenix will ensure that you can reduce the harmful impacts caused by pests.

There might be many pest control service providers available in your area, but make sure you choose only the most reliable and reputable company for the job. In this guide, we are highlighting certain do’s and don’ts that will help you in choosing the right pest control company.

The Dos

1.      Choose a Licensed Pest Control Company

Ensure that you only hire a licensed pest control company, which complies with the necessary licensing requirements. Moreover, licensing requirements vary from state to state; therefore, you should be well-aware of the guidelines associated with your region. Additionally, choose a company that holds experience in handling the particular kind of insects that you are dealing with. You can ask the company to give reference numbers of previous customers.

2.      Look for Experience

Pest control services involve exposure to chemicals that are harmful. An experienced company will take the right precautionary measures before and after handling those pests. This way, the team ensures that there is no damage to your house and mitigates any health implications. They use the right chemicals in a safe and effective manner in order to get rid of insects.

The Don’ts

1.      Don’t Fall for the Fancy Sales Pitch.

Many companies tend to make hyped-up claims in order to attract customers. While the popularity of the pest control company in the online search is an important factor, do not rely on your decision solely on that. Do not believe that the company has an updated license just because it says so. Request their license number and verify the same. Understand how their process works thoroughly and ensure that they are effective and safe.

2.      Do Not Forget to Compare the Prices

Do not pick a company just because they offer services within your budget. Instead, make a list of top pest control service providers in your area and compare their services and costs. While you want a provider who can provide affordable services, you certainly do not want to overlook the quality factor. Make sure you take note of different aspects such as license, experience, services, costs, etc. and compare the service providers on these facets before making a final decision.

Final Thoughts

Pests can be harmful to your house as well as your health. Taking care of pests on your own only helps to a certain degree. In order to get rid of them for good, you need professional assistance. These professionals have experience in this specific field and target the root cause of the issue and eliminate the insects from there.

This extensive measure ensures that there is no damage in the process. Moreover, when getting rid of pests, there is typically the exposure to chemicals, which, if not carefully handled, can be dangerous. A professional pest control company leverages the right tools and techniques to get the work done in an efficient and effective manner.

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How to: Visiting Disneyland After COVID-19

Disneyland is cautiously prepping for a grand reopening, with restrictions. Everyone over the age of two will have to wear a mask. The cast members (AKA the crew) have a rotation to regularly sanitize surfaces. The number of guests admitted will be limited, so everyone will be required to make a reservation and the staff will be testing guests for a fever before they can enter the park. Basically, it comes down to this: when COVID-19 has dwindled down and the powers that be at Disneyland think it’s safe to reopen, they will. But they’re being careful, which is encouraging.

Here’s what we can do.

Make the Trip Special

If you and the kids have been waiting, waiting, and waiting until it’s safe to go back to the Happiest Place on Earth, make it an event! Especially if you’re scheduling your vacation during the resort’s early days of reopening, with masks and hand sanitizer galore. Plan now to do what you can to make your Disney adventure exceptional. First of all, bring plenty of masks so you can replace them as they get soiled and sweaty. Explain to your children ahead of time what it will be like to wear a mask all day, and then practice at home to help better meet their expectations. But don’t use just any face mask for your trip to the Magic Kingdom – buy special Disney Face masks! Present the masks with some fanfare and ramp up the anticipation by reserving them for your trip.

You can also prepare for your visit to Disneyland, and make it less COVID-centric, by planning what the kids are going to wear. Presley Couture has an army of unique mouse ears all geared towards the kids in your life. And check out their reasonably priced princess dresses while you’re there!

For little fans who are more galaxy-inspired, their outfits can go full Star Wars. I wouldn’t recommend bringing lightsabers, because someone’s getting whacked if you make that mistake (there’s a reason people buy them on the way out of the park). But you can still show up ready to have the Force with you. There are also Pixar options if your family leans towards that side of the fandom. So many choices!

Prepare the Kids, and Yourself, for the New Normal

It will probably be a while before Disney goes back to the epic crowds we know from the past. Bring your masks and keep up on the latest guidelines. Explain social distancing to your kids, keeping the information geared towards their age group. There are lots of YouTube videos, such as this one, that explain the virus and how to keep safe. Even if you disagree with Disney’s restrictions, obey the rules so other families feel safe in the park and you can all have a pleasant experience. The last thing you want is for your kids to see you arguing with Disney cast members or, even worse, being asked to leave.

If we all work together, we can get through this difficult time and still have memorable experiences with our families. Be safe and have fun!

 

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3 Tips For Staying Connected To Loved Ones In Assisted Living During Coronavirus

While you may have had a good system and routine when it came to visiting your loved one in an assisted living care facility before the coronavirus got so widespread, almost all senior living facilities have since closed their doors to outside visitors for the safety of their residents. But while this means that your loved one is able to stay away from those who may unknowingly expose them to COVID-19, it also means that they aren’t able to get the visits they so looked forward to in the past.

Luckily, there are still plenty of ways that you can show your elderly friends or family members that you still care for them, even if you’re not able to see them in person. To show you how this can be done, here are three tips for staying connected to loved ones in assisted living during the coronavirus.

Make A Schedule For Communication

Because you’re not able to see your loved one face-to-face, you’ve got to find other ways that you can speak and see each other. But before you do this, you should try to speak with your loved one about how much communication they want and how much communication you can give.

According to DailyCaring.com, setting up a schedule of when you’ll get in contact with your loved one will help them to continue to feel loved and supported during this time. Especially since the elderly are some of the most vulnerable populations for negative impact from the coronavirus, getting to hear from the people they love can go a long way toward helping your loved one find positivity and security in these uncertain times.

Ask For Help With Technology

While you might know of all kinds of ways that you can get in contact with people that you’re not able to see in person, your elderly loved one might not be as aware of the technology that exists and how to use it.

To help bridge this gap, you may want to ask those who work in the assisted living facility if they can help your loved one set up devices and apps so you can get in touch with them easier. You may also want to ask if they could do a brief training on how to use certain apps or devices for things other than just talking to friends or family. For example, Ashley Austrew, a contributor to Care.com, you can also find ways to take virtual tours of places like museums and national parks.

Rediscover Care Packages

At a time where very little in coming in and out of your loved one’s care facility, getting anything new can be exciting. So as long as their facility is allowing care packages, Aaron Kassraie, a contributor to AARP, suggests that you try to get together a care package to send every so often. In this package, you can include things like letters, photos, and favorite items.

If the time away from your loved one has been challenging, consider using the tips mentioned above to stay connected even when you can’t be together.

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3 Tips for a Flawless Basement Kitchen Design

There are many reasons to add a basement kitchen to your house’s design. First of all, having a kitchen in the basement makes entertaining very easy. If you and your friends are watching the Super Bowl downstairs, no one has to miss a single play to refresh the snacks or heat up the mini corn dogs.

Also, having a second kitchen in your basement means that you can easily house out-of-town guests and still allow them their privacy. For example, if your in-laws have to travel in order to see you, they probably stay for more than one or two days. By having their own area where they can cook and hang out, they won’t feel like they’re imposing on your home. If this sounds like a dream come true, here are three tips for a flawless basement kitchen design.

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Start with storage.

Some of the first aspects you notice about all cooking spaces are the kitchen cabinets. Although you might not need as much storage as you do in the main kitchen area, you’re still going to want high-quality cabinets that can house your downstairs needs.

You need to imagine all of the ways you’re planning on utilizing this space. For example, is there a possibility that one of your parents could move in with you and use this space as an attached accessory dwelling unit? If so, you’re going to want more cabinet storage space for their separate groceries. You have power over the ultimate design, so make sure it fits your needs.

Remember to treat your basement kitchen cabinets as well as you would your upstairs cabinets by protecting the shelves with lining. Moisture will break down the inside of your cabinets, so make sure you protect them as much as possible. Even the most high-quality cabinets are no match to water damage.

Choose beautiful and functional flooring.

If your basement is carpeted, and you’re planning on doing any actual cooking in your downstairs kitchen, you may want to put down a different kind of flooring in that area. Spills happen, and you don’t want to end up staining your carpet. Choose engineered wood flooring, ceramic, or even vinyl flooring to keep your space easy to clean. Having this area in different flooring will designate the space, which can be great if the area is open-concept. If you prefer to have a unified look, make sure you budget for brand new flooring for the whole space.

Keep the space cocktail classy.

When you have kids, they seem to spread and take over every space. Although you don’t mind this, sometimes you just want a space that doesn’t include pizza rolls and dinosaur chicken nuggets. Your basement kitchen can be the one area that belongs to the adults in the house. Kids have a lot more energy to go up and down the stairs, so they don’t need to store their snacks in the basement. Install a wine fridge and wet bar and create a grown-up oasis for you and your spouse. You can impress your friends with your cocktail making skills back from your bartending days.

Before you get started on this big project, make sure that your basement is structurally sound. If the foundation needs any work, consider repairing it with a wall anchor system before building the basement kitchen of your dreams. Once the structure passes the test, you’re free to start designing and constructing. One final bonus tip: if you and your spouse aren’t the DIY kinds of folks, that’s totally fine. Make sure you hire a professional who will know how to integrate your basement kitchen. This whole process should be a reward, not a headache.

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5 Key Things to Look for in a Senior Independent Living Facility

Are you looking for a great senior independent living community for yourself or a loved one? Maybe you’re just testing the waters to see what’s out there.

Almost 90% of people living in independent living facilities are enjoying their time there, and nearly as many would recommend it to a friend. Maybe it’s your turn to take the plunge and join one yourself!

How do you find the right community though?

This is where the hard part comes in. There are so many options, especially if you’re not constrained by location. How are you supposed to choose the right independent living facility for you?

We’re here to help you narrow down your search.

Keep reading for a few things that you should look for when you’re deciding on your next home.

1. Cost

Let’s get this out of the way first. Cost is an important factor when you’re considering a new home.

Everyone has different budgetary concerns. You may have been saving up for this for your entire life! If that’s the case, you may not be as worried about how much your new independent living facility is going to cost you.

Most people, though, don’t have that privilege. They might be limited by the money that they have available to them.

While some communities are definitely closer to “luxury”, they often come with luxury prices.

Make sure that you’re getting the features that you need before the ones that you want and then go from there. Be careful not to overspend.

Independent living communities can cost thousands of dollars per month, and sometimes that price is just the basics. More amenities will require more money. Make sure you know that you’re able to cover the costs.

2. Amenities Offered

Not all senior living communities are created equally. As we mentioned under “cost”, some of the facilities with more luxurious options are also going to be hard on your wallet.

That said, it’s important that you’re happy in your new community, so looking for certain non-negotiables is important.

Is there free parking or transportation? Is there a laundry service, or do you clean your own? If you clean your own, are the machines free or paid (and are they in your unit)?

You might also be interested in specific amenities. Maybe your new home has to have a gym or a pool. Maybe it has to have some kind of clubhouse where you can congregate and make friends.

Make a list of the things that you need and want and see how your options stack up.

3. The Community Itself

Sometimes independent living facilities will have mixers where you (as a non-resident) can go hang out with the people who are already living there. This is a great opportunity to see what the place is actually like straight from the mouths of those who are staying there.

You can get real answers to any of your questions while socializing a bit with the locals.

This is also a good opportunity to see if you really get on with the people who are already there. Let’s face it, not every community is going to suit every person.

If this group is a bit quiet or uptight and you’re the kind of person who likes to hang out and let loose with friends, this might not be the best community for you. Maybe you just don’t like these people. There’s no shame in that.

You’re doing this to figure out where your place in the world is. Take every opportunity that you can to ensure that you do so correctly.

If the community isn’t fulfilling for you, move on. You’ll be spending a lot of time in this new home, so you need to get the right fit for your own social health.

4. The Location

When you’re moving into an independent living community you get to decide where you want to live. This doesn’t just mean the facility itself, but also the location.

Do you dream of living in a warm, tropical climate? Maybe the beach is a few steps away and you can sit out by the pool with your new friends.

Maybe you want to live in the mountains. You want beautiful views and to finally see what that fresh mountain air is all about.

You have these options when you’re choosing a new home.

However, maybe it’s more important to you that you live close to your family. Moving into the city where your children or grandchildren live might be a priority.

Don’t exclusively look for places in your direct area. You have options!

5. The Care

You’re probably moving into independent living because you’d like the security of a community and the ease of assistance when you need it.

Some communities are more independent than others.

If you have specific health needs that should be addressed, you should know whether or not these things will be made available to you.

Are there nurses or assistants available at the community itself for small needs? Is there an in-house medical team? How close is the hospital, and are they efficient with transportation?

Knowing these things ahead of time will help you plan and determine if this new facility is going to be right for you.

Are You Ready for Senior Independent Living?

Making the transition from a “normal” home to a senior independent living community doesn’t have to be jarring. It can just be your next big adventure!

Choose a place and community that you can truly blend into. This is the start of an awesome new stage of life, so you should enjoy it!

For more posts like this on senior living, visit the rest of our site.

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How to limit the upkeep of your outdoor space

Gardening isn’t for everyone; however, most owners of garden do want a stylish user-friendly outdoor space. Luckily, there methods and products which help to keep a garden both attractive and low maintenance. This article will show you tips and tricks for having the best-looking garden with the lowest amount of upkeep required.

Replace natural grass will artificial grass

Taking care of natural grass can be time consuming, as grass needs to be frequently cut and watered. Some people even hire professional gardeners to partake in this work for them. Artificial grass is a lower maintenance alternative, meaning it will not have to be cut and watered.

Consider paving some areas of your garden

Grass is a more commonly used material for gardens, but grass and paving and complement each other. You may decide to add a paved area to your garden, like artificial grass it is low maintenance and it is a material that does not alter. There are various types of paving which can be purchased, for example: granite, Indian Sandstone or concrete, or you may even decide to add some shingle to areas of your garden to jazz it up a little.

Limit your plants and flowers

If you are really keen on having a zero-maintenance garden and outdoor space, then you will have to limit the amount of plants and flowers you have. Like artificial grass, there are artificial options of flowers, that look just as good as the natural ones. However, if you really can’t part with your natural flowers, it is a good idea to invest in a sprinkler, that way you do not need to keep watering your plants and flowers as the sprinkler will do the job for you.

Consider using solar lighting outside

Solar lighting is self-sufficient, it charges by using sunlight during the day and once it is dark outside the lights are activated. This method of outdoor lighting is not only hassle free, but it is also free charging, as it uses purely sunlight opposed to adding to your electricity bill. Solar lights can be very pretty and add a romantic vibe to your outdoor area.

Add a hot tub!

This article is about keeping your garden low maintenance, but just because it is low maintenance it doesn’t mean that it can’t be fun. If you decide to add a hot tub to your garden you are adding a fun element to it. I would say hot tubs are less maintenance then adding a swimming pool to your garden and it also costs a lot less to buy a hot tub opposed to a swimming pool. Hot tubs are also a good idea for adding a social aspect to your garden and hot tubs are known for helping relieve stress, so hot tubs are therefore fun and good for your mental health.

Invest in outdoor furniture

If you want your outdoor area to be a social space, it is of benefit to have some outdoor furniture to lounge about on. There are different types of outdoor furniture that can be purchased and if you are looking for furniture that is stylish but low cost, placing a beanbag on your grassed area will be just as comfortable and welcoming.

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What’s My Genealogy?: The Top 12 Websites for Building Your Family Tree

If you are interested in your ancestry, you’re not alone. Genealogy is only surpassed in popularity by gardening in the United States. In fact, genealogy websites are the second most popular sites on the internet too.

You’ve always wanted to learn about your genealogy? Well, start now. Read on to learn about the top 12 websites for building your family tree and start discovering your roots today.

Interest in Genealogy

There’s been a surge in interest in genealogy and the demand for DNA ancestry tests is a strong indicator of this. With over 26 million people having purchased DNA tests to discover their ancestry there’s now a massive resource of data available.

DNA testing can be revealing about your genetic signature, revealing where in the world your ancestors came from. Even your risk of various diseases can be indicated.

For many Americans heritage is bound up with the immigrant experience. The resources you need to achieve this are just a click away.

Whether your interest in genealogy has been stimulated by the technology of DNA sequencing, concerns about medical conditions or your family heritage, there are amazing website resources available to you.

1. Ancestry.com

Not all genealogy website resources charge a subscription but those that do, generally give added value. Ancestry.com is in that category. The key benefit is a huge database with over 20 billion records.

Ancestry.com is also a DNA testing service. It’s the largest player in this rapidly growing market. This high technology approach to genealogical research can provide you with an ancestral history spanning 250 ethnic regions.

2. AfriGeneas

If your roots are African-American then AfriGeneas may be a useful website for you. As well as providing information about names, marriages, and deaths this website has databases of slavery records.

AfriGeneas enables users to communicate with others. These forums can enable family reunions, mutual learning and even socializing.

3. Archives.com

Databases are at the heart of much of your research when you are into genealogy. Archives.com is a massive database with more than 11 billion records.

Unlike other databases that are limited to basic demographic information such as births, deaths, and marriages, the Archives website is wider-ranging. The site allows you to access images, maps, and drawings too.

The subscription service offers you a free trial period before you have to pay for their service.

4. FamilySearch.org

This free website is surprisingly feature-rich. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Mormon church runs this website. You can access their 5 billion records without paying a penny and there’s no need to get involved in the religious aspects of the Mormon church either.

Births, deaths, and marriages are included in the records. Additional information includes military records and census data. You can access other family trees and several directories.

5. Google.com

Many people’s go-to resource to search for anything from shopping to entertainment is Google. It’s a powerful tool and not least in the field of genealogy. Use it to search for names, places, and other records.

Google can connect you to online libraries and the work of other genealogists. Sometimes a virtual visit to a location using Google maps can bring your text-based research to life.

6. FindAGrave.com

For many students of genealogy, visiting a cemetery is a fascinating activity.

FindAGrave.com offers you the opportunity to visit the graves of millions of people, virtually. There are even images of tombstones. You can research specific cemeteries or named individuals.

7. Find My Past

Some websites are better suited to some researchers than others. If your heritage is Irish or from the United Kingdom, then Findmypast is the website for you.

This is a niche player in the ancestry market with only around 2 billion records but there’s an upside to this. Findmypast is focused. The narrow field of research means that they can go into a great deal of depth.

There’s a subscription to pay but only after a free trial period. You can use their DNA testing service for an additional fee.

8. MyHeritage.com

A twist on many of the global ancestry websites is MyHeritage’s local focus. You can conduct research in your local area. Perhaps you have neighbors who you have connections with.

If you’re interested in the macro scale of 10 billion global records that’s fine too. MyHeritage can handle that.

This is a subscription service but you can start using some features for free. DNA testing is available.

9. ThoughtCo.com

If your interest in genealogy is still at an introductory level, check out ThoughtCo.com. It’s well worthwhile learning about the subject of genealogical research before starting to do your own research.

ThoughtCo.com has free articles than explain how to get into this fascinating hobby. They will explain how to research online, do offline research and how to use the network of other enthusiasts.

10. USGenWeb Project

Free resources are a great way into the hobby of genealogy and the USGenWeb project seeks to support your interest. It’s run by volunteers and it emphasizes the fun aspects of genealogy.

The site gathers information and engages in projects driven by the interests of its volunteers and users. It’s free and fun so what’s not to like about it.

11. JewishGen.org

Researchers looking for Jewish ancestors will find the JewishGen.org website a helpful source. They provide research tools and databases. The site is run by volunteers and invites donations rather than charging a subscription.

12. 23andMe

For some students of genealogy, research is driven by an interest in the health of their ancestors. Health records can be helpful in understanding the illnesses today.

23andMe is one of the largest DNA testing services. The health reports provide a more genetically based approach to the study of your ancestors. Buy a kit and learn about your health and ancestry.

Your Genealogy

No matter how your interest in genealogy has arisen, there are web resources you can access. Other people share your interest and you can engage with them too. Build your family tree and discover your roots.

Browse our blog for more articles about family and hobbies.