Divorce is a tough thing to go through and when there are kids involved it can be even more difficult to shelter the from the damage that a separation does, than it is dealing with your own personal emotions. I went through this back in 2015 and it wasn’t easy at all. I must admit however that one slice of fortune which I did have was that we lived in Colorado Springs. The reason for this is that the state has divorce laws which can make an acrimonious divorce easier, at least it did for me. This is a no-fault state which made it easier to process the divorce, and the judge will step in to divide assets and decide on custody, when the couple can’t make a decision. Thanks to the great team at Marrison Family Law, his meant that I was left with the kids, and here is how I went about protecting them from the fall out.

Normality

You have to try and keep things as normal as possible with the kids, not to hide what is going on but to help them to maintain a routine. Whether it is sports clubs, events or weekly routines, you have to do all that you can to give them as much normality, in what is an abnormal situation for them.

Open and Honest

Whether you like it or not, this divorce is going to massively effect your children and that is why it is important that you keep them in the loop with what is going on. Naturally you don’t need to spill the beans on all the details behind the split, but you should look to create an open and honest dialogue with them, so that they can begin to get their head around what is going on.

No Bad Mouthing

As difficult as it may be if you have gone through a messy break up, it is important that the kids don’t hear you speaking badly about your soon-to-be ex partner. Regardless of your own opinions, you have to remember that the kids don’t need to share the hatred that you have and it will be up to them to make their own choice as they get older and learn more about what went on.

Don’t Play Chess

Something which I have seen happen with friends of mine was that the kids became pawns during the divorce proceedings and one parent used the kids to get at the other parent. This is not healthy for anyone involved and no matter what feelings you have towards your partner, you have to put them to one side for the sake of the kids. This is not the fault of your children so it is not fair on them to be used in this way, and it will have long lasting effects on the family and the happiness of your kids.

This is a tough time but you have to do your best too protect the kids.

 

While you might always view your own parents as the people they were when you were growing up, at a certain age, most people need a little more help in their lives than they did when they were in their prime. But as the child of aging parents, it can often be hard to recognize when help is necessary, especially if it’s something that your parents might be embarrassed or closed off about.

So to help you be aware of whatever situation is going on with your elderly parent, here are three signs that your parent may need more care at home.

Signs Of Disarray or Disrepair In The Home

If you live close enough to your parents to visit their home frequently, you should spend some time surveying the property to make sure that everything seems to be in order. Oftentimes, one of the first signs that an aging person is having trouble taking care of things is that their home falls into disarray or disrepair.

Some of the signs that you should be on the lookout for, according to Mike Campbell, a contributor to AgingCare.com, are an overgrown lawn, messes that don’t get cleaned up well or at all, dents in any vehicles, spoiled food, or unopened mail. If you do notice these things, speak with your parents about what’s going on and why these things are happening.

They Look Unkempt In Their Appearance

Another giveaway that your elderly parents might be needing some additional help or care is if he or she has begun to look unkempt in their appearance.

When things get to be too much for someone to handle, it’s often their care for their physical appearance that is one of the first things to be sacrificed. Knowing this, Heidi Godman, a contributor to U.S. News and World Report, shares that if you’ve noticed that your parents have been forgetting to bathe regularly, get their hair cut, or change out of dirty clothes, they might be needing someone around who can help them with these tasks.

More Forgetfulness Than Normal

As people age, it’s normal and natural to forget some things. However, if your parents’ forgetfulness is interfering with their ability to function safely in their life, it’s likely time to bring in some extra help.

According to Paula Spencer Scott, a contributor to Caring.com, some of the biggest signs that your parent is exhibiting more forgetfulness than normal will be them forgetting to do things that are very important tasks, like paying their bills or taking any necessary medications, as well as just forgetting how to effectively perform certain tasks for their everyday life.

If you’ve noticed any of the above signs being exhibited by your aging parents, consider if getting them additional in-home help could improve their lives and their safety.

 

Known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” Penang is a cultural hotspot, with its colourful heritage both from the East and the West. But if you think only adults will be interested in touring Penang, think again. It’s actually a very kid-friendly holiday destination. So, book that Penang tour for your next family vacation, and check out these activities and attractions for your whole family to enjoy.

Hunt for Street Art

Penang’s capital George Town is famous for its street art. There’s one in practically every corner and hunting each and every one down has become a popular tourist activity. What’s great about the street art in George Town is that it incorporates real-life objects, like old bicycles, swing sets, or even fire hydrants. You can find a map of the most popular pieces online, then take a walk around to find everything and have your photos taken at each one. Don’t worry, since George Town (and Penang, in general) is designed to be walkable. There are also bike tours available, just in case you’re concerned about the younger ones’ achy feet.

Visit the Toy Museum

Toy Museum Heritage Garden in Teluk Bahang is the largest toy museum in the world. It has more than 120,000 pieces in its collection, which started with a Popeye doll that the founder brought home in 1973. Toy Museum Heritage Garden has a total of 12 sections, including Cave of Dinosaurs, Chamber of Comic Book Heroes, Hall of Beauties, Hall of Cartoons, and Hall of Rock Legends. There’s also a special collection of Star Wars toys, figures, and memorabilia, along with a section dedicated to Disney characters. For those who love horror movies, the Chamber of Horrors has a huge collection of creepy icons like Chucky from the movie Child’s Play. Finally, the museum also has a 1.8-metre-tall Gundam statue.

Enjoy the Colourful Butterfly Farm

The Penang Butterfly Farm or Entopia first opened in 1986, founded by entomologist David Goh with the goal to promote better understanding of insects. Since then, Entopia has become a home to over 4,000 butterflies from more than 100 species. The colourful creatures flutter around freely and if you stay still long enough, they might even hover near your head or land on your shoulder or arms. Kids will surely love the experience! Remember, though, that touching the butterflies aren’t allowed. Aside from butterflies, Entopia also has other insects on display, a few species of reptiles, and a wide variety of plants for butterflies to hop onto.

Go on an Adventure at Escape Adventure Park

Just beside Entopia is Escape Adventure Park, with rides and attractions that the whole family can enjoy. There’s Family Trail to cultivate the entire family’s sense of adventure and exploration, Jungle Swinger where you can feel the rush of air as you swing from tree to tree, and Aerobat that will allow you to perform aerial acrobatics. There’s also Discovery Dig, an educational section that takes you through Malaysia’s mining era. Of course, if you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, you can simply head to Escape Club and take a dip in the pool.

Drop by the Penang Bird Park

Penang Bird Park is the first and the largest bird park in Malaysia, with over 300 species of birds twittering in the aviaries. Half of the species are native to Malaysia, while the rest are specimens from all over the world. Penang Bird Park is also home to tropical plants, as well as other species of wildlife like pythons, monitor lizards, and even giant arapaimas. Bird enthusiasts frequent this venue, although it’s also a perfect destination for families. Note that there are discounts for children below 12 years old.

Watch the Fireflies at Nibong Tebal

For a magical experience, bring your family to Nibong Tebal and take a river cruise on Sungai Kerian aboard a sampan to watch the fireflies. There’s nothing like seeing these little insects up close and personal, especially when they’re swarming a single point. It’s like a fairy tale come to life! Take note that photography is not allowed, since the flash and even the focus light of cameras can distract and affect the fireflies. During the mornings, you can also visit Nibong Tebal to learn about pottery and aquaponics.

Are you ready for a family vacation in Penang? Take note of these destinations and activities for a guaranteed fun time for everyone!

Adopting a child is a big and exciting decision. While you may already have an extensive knowledge of fertility treatments and have a medical vocabulary behind you, adoption is new to you and comes with its own language, process, facts, and time frame. If you are wanting to make a difference to a child’s life and have the stability, love, and care to give, here are 5 things to know (and do) before you begin the adoption process.

Do Your Research

Knowledge is power, so before you apply to adopt a child, it’s best that you do as much research as possible into what is required of you. Having knowledge of the adoption law, state and federal regulations, the rights and responsibilities of birth and adoptive parents, as well as the availability of support services for you as a parent and your child before, throughout, and after the adoption process can help you stay in the know.

The Wait Can Be Long

When starting the adoption process, it’s understandable that you will want to find a child and bring them home as quickly as possible, however, there are thorough checks and home studies that need to be carried out before you can complete the process. The adoption process can be unpredictable, and you may encounter various challenges and obstacles along the way, therefore it’s important that you be patient throughout proceedings, as the wait will be worth it.

Gain Experience

The more childcare experience you have, the better. Whether you’re hoping to adopt a baby, toddler, or child, having an idea of what to expect is crucial. While you may look after your nearest and dearest loved ones, you can gain more childcare experience by volunteering your services at a daycare center. The more you’re around children, the more confident and prepared you will feel to undergo the adoption process.

Know Your Child’s Needs

Each child is different, so while one may be able to adapt right away in your home, others will need more time. Many children come from broken homes and domestic backgrounds, so you need to make sure that you have the right skills in place to ensure they’re well supported and given the best care possible.

Find a Reputable Adoption Agency

You may not realize it, but there are adoption scams that take place across the country, therefore it’s important that you find an agency who are reputable. For example, the Texas Adoption Center is committed to helping those who wish to adopt. The Texas Adoption Agency provide a full array of services for adoptive families, as well as offering counseling and emotional support along the way. They also handle all the mandatory legal work for the transfer of parental rights.

Although the adoption process can be long and tiresome, the benefits you will reap are life changing. Many children haven’t had the best start in life, so providing a child with a loving home can help them flourish and feel safe. It’s important that you do your research into the adoption process and gain as much childcare experience as possible.

 

Anxiety and lack of impulse control are the primary roots of family behavioral problems. Sometimes, kids may become disruptive and start acting up, and most parents do not know how to deal with that. Also, as a parent, you could be dealing with anxiety, especially with the pressure that comes with work and looking after your family. With so many responsibilities on your plate, it gets hard to stay on track, relax, and just let things flow as they should.

Anxiety and impulse behaviors will lead you to do things that you swore you would not indulge in. The disorders may lead to being angry and aggressive towards those around you, which will cause significant damages to your family.

How do you tell if you are experiencing these mental disorders?

Unhealthy eating habits – one of the significant characteristics of lack impulse control is unhealthy eating habits. You tend to eat unhealthy foods whenever you get cravings, without considering how that will affect your fitness and weight loss journey.

Aggressive behavior – this is the most common trait of impulse disorder and has resulted in lots of arguments and fights in families. People with this disorder get irritated very fast and may end up doing things that they will regret. This is mainly common in kids, and parents have a hard time trying to understand the cause of their behaviors. Kids will portray these when they feel like their parents are letting them down. They feel that they are not getting what they have and end up subjecting the feelings on those around them. They not only become aggressive but disobedient too.

Overspending – you could be an impulse buyer such that you tend to buy everything you come across provided you have the money without considering how that can harm your finances. This has been a major issue among many families. One may feel like his/her partner is spending so much on unnecessary things. With this kind of behavior, you certainly will not be able to save up and reach your goal.

Drinking and drug abuse – you probably know of many families that were broken by too much drinking and drug abuse. Some people do not realize that addiction is a result of anxiety or impulse disorder, which forces them to drugs whenever they feel frustrated. They will head out, go to the bar or even at the backyard just to get high and try to burry whichever issue they are facing.

How to manage anxiety and impulse control within the family

While there are many habits that you can adopt to help you get over the frustration and irritation, you should seek the assistance of experts for impulse control. You may seek therapy or look for a comprehensive program to help you control your feelings. The programs are designed to help you understand what triggers your loss of impulse control and how you can suppress them. You can take the course online, so you do not have to leave the house in search of help.

Impulse control is the key to a happy life and helps you relate well with those around you. It will help you achieve your goals and maintain a happy family. Whether it is you, your partner or kids that need help, it is best that you take the necessary steps before things get out of hands.

 

Once we become parents, we put ourselves in second place and start thinking about all the things our kids are going to need in the future. Who hasn’t heard of someone that moved house when their little ones were born? Some even change their neighborhood, or even country, looking for better job opportunities and living conditions.

If there is one city many families decide to live in with their families, that is Madrid (Spain). Madrid meets most of the requirements families are looking for: safety, good weather, exquisite food and warm-hearted people, a huge cultural heritage and way more job opportunities than in other Spanish cities.

Spain is the second most visited country in the world, with more than 1,400 million visitors in 2018. And Madrid, the capital, offers everything anyone could wish for. If you have considered Madrid to move in with your family, there is surely one thing you have in mind: the language.

Spanish is the second most spoken language worldwide, considered by the Instituto Cervantes (the highest public institution in charge of promoting Spanish language and Hispanic culture) a language of the future, expected to keep gaining learners in the upcoming years. The advantages of learning Spanish are endless in the professional, personal and academic fields.

Knowing Spanish will not only make you and your family get closer to Spanish people and feel integrated into Spanish society, but it will be the key to accessing the job market in Spain. Being a Spanish speaker will not only make life so much easier for you but it may be even mandatory for certain jobs.

Many language schools are offering Spanish courses to foreigners in Madrid, however, you should strive for excellence and find an accredited Spanish language school. Some schools, such as TANDEM Madrid, even offer private lessons for kids and summer camps for teenagers, such a good opportunity for your kids to improve their Spanish level and make new friends while you are at work!

Another very important aspect to take into account when moving abroad with your family is the future school of your kids. The search may become a true nightmare at some point. In Madrid, there are public and private schools, public education in Spain is well regarded, but some of its private schools such as Colegio San Patricio, rank among the top worldwide.

Maybe there is some of you who are not still fully aware of their employment opportunities in the Spanish market. If you are an English speaker and are still doubtful about what could be your occupation when in Madrid, let us tell you something: you could find your life’s work. Spanish people are eager to learn English, and the Spanish public administration is applying more and more policies regarding second language learning. There are many job vacancies for English teachers for foreigners in Spain, who thought you could make a nice living out of your English skills!

To be able to teach English to foreigners, though, you’ll need to take training and obtain an official certificate proving that you are perfectly fit for the job. One of the most valued certificates is the Trinity CertTESOL premium certificate, validated by the Trinity College London CertTESOL. The only TrinityCertTESOL course provider in Madrid is the EBC TEFL Courses.

We hope with all this information you take a step further into considering Madrid one of your options to live in with your family, you will not regret it!

 

It can be challenging to pinpoint the best moment of the holiday season. Hopefully, you will have many magical moments, but there is no denying the anticipation leading up to Christmas Day is a feeling many people love. If you are looking to enhance the excitement building to the big day, a letter from Santa on Christmas may be the ideal way to take the excitement to a fever pitch in your house.

It is not as if children need to be warmed up for the festive season. As soon as Halloween is over, if not before, the adverts and commercials start, and you cannot escape the Christmas juggernaut. The holidays are coming, and everyone knows it.

However, given the intensity behind the build-up to Christmas, you can see why many families want to take greater control over proceedings. Some households will try to dampen down excitement surrounding Christmas, but this can be extremely hard to do. It is better to take full control of the situation, and with a letter from Santa on Christmas, you can set the tone for the big day and the days leading up to it.

Make a tradition of reading a letter from Santa on Christmas Eve

Many families are keen to make more of Christmas Eve. You may have a lot of late-night toy building to look forward to, but if you can create a quiet and calming environment, there is a higher chance that your kids will slip off to sleep more easily. Okay, there is nothing easy about getting children to sleep on Christmas Eve, but with a personalised letter from Santa Claus at your disposal, you have a robust bargaining tool.

If you are keen to persuade your children of the importance of an early night and to be well-rested for Christmas Day, what better way than a letter from Santa himself. With a personalised note, you can add in details and aspects that apply to your kids, and they will be far more likely to pay attention. You won’t be the first parent to use Father Christmas in an attempt to elicit better behaviour from your loved ones, and you won’t be the last.

A personalised letter from Santa brings people together

One of the reasons people are intent on making more out of Christmas is because it is harder to make the most out of the rest of the year. Parents are busy, kids are often even more active with clubs and school, and of course, families living arrangements may make it difficult to get everyone together at the same time.

With a personalised letter from Father Christmas, you don’t need to have everyone in the same room or the same house to create a sense of togetherness. The individualised nature of the letter is all you need to develop an understanding of unity. No matter the set-up of your family or whether you are likely to spend a lot of time together over the Christmas period, a Santa Claus letter makes it easier to detail your togetherness and show your child or children you love them.

It is easy to see why the festive focus falls on big presents and eye-catching items, but this isn’t what Christmas is all about. Adding a personal touch and bringing people together has always been the heart of the festive season for many people. If you want your loved ones to have the best time, and to create the best memories, there is a lot to be said for being proactive and adding personalised elements to their big day.

No matter what age your child is, or what they still believe in,  personal letters from Santa on Christmas will make them feel special. This is the sort of gift that drives home the magical nature of the time, and you can personalise it any way you like.

If your child is going to receive an extraordinary gift and you want to increase excitement about that gift, you can do so in the letter. If you want your child to think about others, especially family members and friends who love them, you can do so in their letter from Santa. It is even possible to add in details that only they know about, which will make them ponder how beautiful and magical Santa Claus is.

You know your child, and you know what captures their imagination. Therefore, you have the potential to transform their festive season into the most beautiful time of the year by connecting with them in a personalised Father Christmas letter.

If you are looking for a letter from Santa on Christmas Eve or the run-up to Christmas, Lapland Mailroom has everything you could want or need. With a range of personalised options, and additional features, including a nice child certificate, parents looking to regain the magic of Christmas will find that it becomes more comfortable when they help their kids to love the more traditional aspects of the season.

 

Decorating with lights is a classic and versatile approach to holiday decorating. With a wide range of options, LED lights Christmas designers make it easier. Still, you may be feeling overwhelmed with the task at hand. Here are some tips to keep your Christmas decorating on point.

Start small

Don’t try to go from nothing to award-winning in one year. Instead, aim to start with the trees or bushes first, and then add areas of your house and property each year. This will allow you to grow your display while also spreading out the expense. Growing your light display slowly will also allow you to adjust your vision as you go and work around trends in lighting.

When decorating outside, make sure you are only using outdoor lights to ensure safety. In addition to being safe, making sure you are only using outdoor lights outside will ensure they last longer and are brighter for people to see.

Practice safety

Don’t try to climb on your roof using an old rickety ladder or standing on things not designed for climbing. Every year, people get injured putting up Christmas trees, and you don’t want that to be you. You also shouldn’t try to do it alone. Have someone with you to help stabilize the ladder, hand you what you need, and to be there in case you do fall and need help. When you set up your ladder, always make sure it is on a flat sturdy surface before attempting to climb.

Be strategic

From a logistical point of view, keep in mind what your lights will look like from the street to ensure you aren’t wasting lights on areas of the house people won’t even see. You can ask someone to go out by the road to provide insight, or you can take breaks to step back and see how it looks. Also, don’t forget your driveway, sidewalk, or other paths. Lining these areas with lights will add dimension to your overall display, as opposed to merely putting lights on the house.

Moderation is key

Decorating with lights can be fun and will create a fantastic atmosphere for your holiday party. Your guests will be impressed and in the mood for a holiday. While holiday parties can be stressful, there are plenty of things that can be done to reduce the potential for stress and increase the chances of everyone, including the host having a great time.

This same idea can be applied to other holiday parties. You can reduce the stress of Thanksgiving by asking others to bring dishes to share. You can reduce the burden of Easter by entertaining the children with a simple Easter egg hunt. While websites like Pinterest may make you feel like you have to do it all on your own from scratch, you don’t.

Entertainment is the top priority

Halloween is traditionally one of the most extravagant holidays, with people going over-the-top with decorations, costumes, and parties. While this can be a lot of fun, it can also be tiring and stressful, making the party not that fun for the host. An easy way to plan an epic Halloween party without all the stress is with Halloween bounce house rentals.

They typically require little setup, but provide hours of nonstop fun for all the children while also tiring them out and helping them burn off all the candy and treats they ate. Meanwhile, the parents get to socialize and have fun also knowing their children are entertained and safe.

Bounce houses can be found at events and activities all throughout New York City because they are fun, cost-efficient, and effectively keep kids busy and safe. Party organizers see and understand the benefits of including bounce houses when they know children will be in attendance, which is why they have become the go-to party feature favored by many.

To read more on topics like this, check out the family category.

Even though odds are about 50/50 that you’ll have a baby girl, there are more boys born each year than girls. This makes becoming a parent to a little girl extra special!

Not only is it special to raise a daughter, but there are also definite perks to parenting a little girl.

If it wasn’t obvious enough already, then here are five of the most joyful benefits of having a daughter.

1. Baby Girl Clothes Are Super Cute

If you’re super into fashion, then thank your lucky stars that you’re about to be the parent of a newborn baby girl, because girls’ baby clothes are super cute.

Imagine all of the girl’s dresses you’re about to be able to buy and dress your little girl in!

Not only that, but think of all of the colorful options you’ll have. Boy’s clothes don’t tend to be as varied when it comes to colors and styles.

This means that you’re able to open your world to a whole new type of fashion that you didn’t even know existed.

2. Changing Diapers Is Easier

Changing diapers is never fun or easy. But, if you have a baby girl, it’s at least a little bit easier than it is with a boy.

Parents of baby boys all have war stories of that one time when their precious baby accidentally sprayed them in the face with a squirt of pee. It’s not their fault, but it doesn’t make it any easier when it happens!

So, on top of being able to buy cute baby girl dresses, you can rest assured knowing that your own cute dresses aren’t going to be ruined by an accidental spray of pee when you’re changing a diaper.

3. Expect Less Rough Housing

It’s no stereotype – science shows that boys rough house a lot more than little girls.

Studies show that testosterone in the male brain makes little boys more inclined to rough house than little girls. While this is fun and all, it can get tiring pretty quick.

As the parent of a baby girl, expect a little less of this than with a boy. Instead, playtime will feel a lot calmer and a bit more on the creative side.

4. Little Girls Communicate Better

Again, this is no stereotype. The same study that examined the male brain in little boys found that little girls develop stronger vocabulary at a much younger age.

This is going to make it a lot easier to communicate with your little girl and figure out what’s bothering her or what she wants to do.

However, this might not be true for all girls. So, it does help if you ensure that you learn how to effectively communicate with your child regardless of their gender.

5. You Get to Raise the Next Generation of Strong Women

The coolest thing about having a girl? You get to help raise the next generation of strong women! Not to mention, baby girl names are also just a lot of fun to pick out.

From teaching your little girl to take pride in her intelligence from helping them learn how to show empathy and kindness towards others, there’s something especially rewarding about helping to raise a strong, respectful young woman.

If you have a boy, you can also do this, but it’s a bit different. They’re both equally as rewarding, as both genders deserve to grow up believing in their strengths and abilities.

But, raising a tough little girl is especially fun!

More Baby Tips

Whether you’ve just found out that you’re having a baby girl or still don’t know the gender of your baby, you’re probably on the hunt for any kind of tips you can get as a new parent.

We’ve been there before too! That’s why we created a baby section to help answer questions and provide you with lots of helpful hacks that can make parenting easy.

Head on over to our baby section for more articles on the joy of parenting a baby whether it’s a boy or a girl.