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4 Road Trip Tips When Traveling with Tweens

June 23, 2022 | Leave a Comment

Road Trip Tips When Traveling with Tweens

Eight years ago, we moved from Chicago, Illinois to Tucson, Arizona. We still had family in Michigan, so we have made the road trip across 1,900 miles one way to visit family six times now. When we made the first trip, our kids were 10, 5, and 4. Our most recent trip was just a few weeks ago, and the kids are 18, 13, and 12. Traveling with them now is much easier, but regardless, the trip is a long one. We’ve learned many road trip tips when traveling with tweens. If you’re traveling with kids in the eight to 12-year-old age range, these tips may help your family survive a long road trip.

Road Trip Tips When Traveling with Tweens

Tweens are easier to travel with than younger kids, but they still can get bored quickly. Try these tips to make the trip go faster.

Make Maps for Them

I mapped out our route on Google Maps, magnified it, and printed it out. Then, I made binders for each kid with the seven pages showing the route. I put the pages in plastic page protectors and gave the kids dry erase markers. They marked on the pages as we passed areas, so they could see how much progress we had made and how much more we had to go. I also marked where we were stopping each night to make the three-day trip seem less daunting.

Have Them Pick a Fun Activity

Road Trip Tips When Traveling with Tweens

Before we left, each child researched the route and found one fun thing they wanted to do. Our favorite activity that a child picked was Cadillac Ranch in Texas. We brought along some spray paint and joined others in spray painting the upside-down cars planted in the ground. When we have driven by later, other times we are making the trip, the kids still talk about the fun they had and how weird the attraction is.

Pack Food. . .and More Food

Tweens are hungry most of the time, especially on a road trip. We pack sandwiches and chips for lunch, but we also pack A LOT of snacks. Popular snacks include beef jerky, pretzels, granola bars, squeezable apple sauce, squeezable pudding, and fruit. Make sure the kids can easily access the snacks.

Limit Stops

Our drive is so long that it takes us 10 to 12 hours of driving each day to get to Michigan in three days. Add in a fun stop, and there’s not much time for anything else.

When we stop for gas, we also use the restrooms and get out our sandwiches, if it’s lunchtime. When we combine all of our stops in one, we only stop for 10 or 15 minutes before we’re on the road again for another three to four hours. We have found Love’s Travel Centers have the cleanest restrooms.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with tweens is less stressful than traveling with younger kids, but they can still get bored and antsy on long road trips. Use these road trip tips when traveling with tweens for a smoother, more entertaining drive.

Read More

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Melissa Batai
Melissa Batai

Melissa is a writer and virtual assistant. She earned her Master’s from Southern Illinois University, and her Bachelor’s in English from the University of Michigan. When she’s not working, you can find her homeschooling her kids, reading a good book, or cooking. She resides in Arizona where she dislikes the summer heat but loves the natural beauty of the area.

Filed Under: Family Time Tagged With: planning a road trip, Road Trip, Travel, Travel With Children, Traveling with Children

Tips for Entering the Workforce After Having Kids

June 20, 2022 | Leave a Comment

Starting a family is something that many adults do at some point in their lives. Due to the demanding nature of bringing up children, it’s sometimes necessary to take a break from work. If you did this and feel that you’re now ready to get back into the workforce, here are some tips that can help you out.

Network Widely

Networking is the number one thing that you need to do when you’re ready to rejoin the workforce. Talk to your friends and family and get the word out there that you’re looking for a job. Share the details of what you want as well as the skills you have with them as well. This way, it may be easier for you to find an opportunity that fits you well. On average, job seekers spend about 11 hours every week looking for the ideal job. This should motivate you to keep at it even if you feel like it’s taking a long time to find something. With persistence, something will turn up.

Write Down the Most Important Qualities of the Job You Want

Everyone has different needs as far as their ideal job goes, so list down the things that are important to you specifically. One thing may be a job that offers enough flexibility for you to have time to play an active role in your family. Another thing may be getting a job that’s close enough to your home so that you can multitask effectively and not need to delegate errands to someone else. When you know what you need in a job, it will be easier for you to look for something that you want and you will be likely to enjoy the position that you get. You will also be able to sift through different job offerings and make applications only for those that meet your needs.

Don’t Be Afraid to Start from Scratch

After spending some time out of the job market, there’s a good chance that things have changed a bit from the way you left them. This may make you a bit less likely to start working at a top position. This should not demotivate you, however, because you can simply take the time you spend at an entry-level position to remind yourself of what your tasks and duties are and practice. As time goes by, you may be able to get promoted to higher levels and you will get more experience to boot. Simply think of it as a kind of paid refresher program where you will be paid a bit less to fine-tune your skills.

Refresh Your Knowledge

Finally, depending on the length of time that you’ve been out of the workforce, you may need to refresh your skills so you know how to work once you get the position you seek. You could take it a step further and add to your knowledge by taking a course or furthering your education. This will make you more sought-after, especially because, as mentioned, you already have experience working.

You could also switch careers to a faster-growing field if it’s associated closely enough with your current experience. In the healthcare industry, for example, employment is expected to grow by 14% between 2018 and 2028. This is a lot faster than the average for other occupations, and it adds around 1.9 million new jobs to the market. This is a career that you could step into to enjoy a higher likelihood of getting hired, especially if you’re passionate about it.

These tips should help make it easier for you to rejoin the workforce after having kids. It will be an amazing way for you to ensure you can support them through everything and provide a great life for them.

Filed Under: Money and Finances, Parenting

StoryWorth: The Most Thoughtful Gift That Can Be Cherished for Years

June 9, 2022 | Leave a Comment

Most Thoughtful Gift

My grandma died almost 20 years ago at the age of 90. I was close to her and thought I had asked her everything I needed to about her life. But as I get older, I realize there are still more things I would like to ask her and more I would have liked to have known about her, especially her younger years before I was born. I wish StoryWorth, the most thoughtful gift, would have been around when she was in her 70s and 80s.

What Is StoryWorth?

StoryWorth is a website that helps you learn about your relatives’ lives. For a $49 fee, you can get one question a week sent to your relative. Your relative answers the question, and StoryWorth compiles all of the answers. Your relative can also add pictures to the stories. After one year, the stories are bound into a hardcover book.

What Questions Are Asked?

StoryWorth has hundreds of questions. When you first pay for the subscription, StoryWorth populates 52 questions automatically. However, you can change out questions by looking through the available questions. This allows you to target specific information you’d like to know. Some potential questions include, “Describe one of your most memorable birthdays,” and “How did you meet your spouse? When did you decide you wanted to marry them?”

The Most Thoughtful Gift’s Stay Power

StoryWorth is an excellent gift for you and your children to learn more about older relatives’ lives. However, this gift is a gift that keeps on giving.

As I get older, I’m spending more time researching my ancestry. I have a great, great, great grandfather, Alonzo, who fought in the Civil War. He kept a journal during that time, but the journal was factual information about the battles he was in and the marches the soldiers took. There was nothing personal. I discovered that Alonzo’s mother typed up a two-page document about her life, which included personal information about Alonzo. That is a cherished document because those relatives now are more than a branch on my family tree. I have a glimpse into how they lived.

Imagine how cherished a StoryWorth book full of memories will be to future generations when they want to know more about the people in their family tree!

Our Experience with StoryWorth

The Most Thoughtful Gift

I bought my mom a subscription to StoryWorth for Mother’s Day. She has answered every prompt with several paragraphs of writing. Although I know the stories behind most of her answers, my kids didn’t. They love learning more about their grandmother’s life, especially when she was younger.

Final Thoughts

StoryWorth is the most thoughtful gift for the recipient, the gift giver, and future generations. The recipient gets to share the stories of her life and relive her memories. The gift-giver learns more about the recipient’s life and create a cherished keepsake. Future generations of family genealogists get a priceless document that will let them deeply learn about the life of one person in their family tree.

Read More

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Melissa Batai
Melissa Batai

Melissa is a writer and virtual assistant. She earned her Master’s from Southern Illinois University, and her Bachelor’s in English from the University of Michigan. When she’s not working, you can find her homeschooling her kids, reading a good book, or cooking. She resides in Arizona where she dislikes the summer heat but loves the natural beauty of the area.

Filed Under: Family Time, Growing Up Tagged With: genealogy, Gifts, grandparents, Mother's Day Gifts

Vacation at the Seaside With a Child: What to Take With You?

May 31, 2022 | Leave a Comment

When going on vacation, everyone wants to meet a situation head-on, consider all the nuances, and take everything with them to feel comfortable in any situation. This is especially critical if you travel with children. But the suitcase is not unlimited, so you have to limit yourself to the most necessary items. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Money and Finances

Baby Formula Shortage: How to Survive and Thrive

May 25, 2022 | Leave a Comment

Baby Formula

The baby formula shortage has been making headlines lately. Stores are running out of stock and parents are struggling to find the right brand for their children. While this may seem like a major crisis, there are ways to survive and thrive during these tough times.

In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for finding baby formula during the shortage and ensuring that your child gets the nutrients they need.

Other Options For Feeding Your Child

First and foremost, it is important to remember that baby formula is not the only option for feeding your child. Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants, and there are many ways to obtain breast milk even if you are not able to breastfeed yourself.

Milk banks provide pasteurized donor milk. There are also organizations where you can connect with mothers who are willing to share their excess milk. If you are unable to find breast milk, infant formula is still a viable option.

However, it is important to note that not all formulas are created equal. Some formulas may be more difficult to find than others, but they may also be more expensive. It is important to do your research and decide what type of formula is best for your child.

Make Your Own Formula

Another option for parents who are struggling to find baby formula is to make their own. While this may seem like a daunting task, there are many recipes available online that can help you create a nutrient-rich formula for your child.

Of course, it is important to consult with your child’s pediatrician before you make any decisions about changing their diet. However, making your own baby formula can be a great way to ensure that your child gets the nutrition they need during this difficult time.

Final Thoughts

The baby formula shortage is a major problem that is affecting many families. However, there are ways to survive and thrive during this time. Remember that baby formula is not the only option for feeding your child, and consider making your own baby formula if you are struggling to find the right brand for your child.

Most importantly, consult with your child’s pediatrician before making any changes to their diet. With some careful planning and research, you can ensure that your child gets the nutrition they need during this difficult time.

While it’s important to do your research about what type of baby formula is best for your child, don’t forget that breast milk is still the number one source of nutrition.

Read More:

7 Free Activities to Do with Toddlers This Summer

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4 Steps to Make a Move Smoother for You and Your Kids

Tamila McDonald
Tamila McDonald

Tamila McDonald has worked as a Financial Advisor for the military for past 13 years. She has taught Personal Financial classes on every subject from credit, to life insurance, as well as all other aspects of financial management. Mrs. McDonald is an AFCPE Accredited Financial Counselor and has helped her clients to meet their short-term and long-term financial goals.

Filed Under: Baby Stuff Tagged With: Baby Formula, Breast Milk, Milk

How to Reduce Your Household’s Water Consumption

May 23, 2022 | Leave a Comment

Minimizing the water your household uses is an easy way to live a more eco-friendly life while making some valuable savings. Here are some insights on how you can reduce your household’s water consumption and teach your family to live more sustainable lives in the process.

Use Your Appliances Efficiently

Use your home appliances more efficiently, by, for instance, only running full loads. This applies to both your dishwasher and your washing machine. When you run your appliances at full load, they use up water and energy more efficiently. Also, ensure that they’re properly functioning by servicing them as often as it’s necessary to do so and replacing them when they get to the end of their lifespan. Aim to use less water daily than the average person who uses between 80 and 100 gallons each day.

Install Efficient Showers and Toilets

Low-flow toilets will enable you to use less water with every single flush and you will save a lot of water over time in this way. Do the same for showers, installing those that maximize the pressure of water jets in favor of using less water and encouraging your family to shower more than they bathe. When you get used to doing this and practice it on a regular basis, you will find that you start to save on your water usage. Also, try to shower for a shorter time to avoid letting water flow needlessly down the drain and you will have done your part in water conservation.

Let Your Lawn Grow Longer

Rather than trimming your lawn short, you could let it grow a bit longer than usual. When you do this, you will find that you need to water it less often as the longer blades will shade the earth beneath them better, reducing evaporation. If you need to seed your lawn, consider hydroseeding. This is the highest quality, fastest, and most cost-effective method of seeding lawns and controlling erosion of your landscape. You should start to see grass growing in seven days and have the new lawn get established properly in just three to four weeks.

Think of Getting a Native Lawn

Still on the lawn, you could replace the grass that needs to be handled with kiddy gloves with more resistant varieties. These will generally be native grasses and plants that will weather droughts effectively and thrive with minimal maintenance. As long as you arrange your lawn nicely, native plants can look amazing and provide a refreshing look to your lawn and home in general. Check online or at a local gardening center to find out which plants will do well so you can get these. You will make some amazing savings on the water you would have used watering the lawn regularly.

Fix Leaks in Your Plumbing

Finally, small leaks and other issues with your plumbing can see you to lose a large amount of water every year. This is confirmed by the fact that leaks in the average household can account for almost 10,000 gallons of water in waste every single year. Another 10% of homes have leaks that stand to waste a whopping 90 or even more gallons each day. This is literally money flowing down the drain and it necessitates fixing the issue as fast as you’re able to do so. Have an expert perform a visual inspection around the house and repair any leaks that they can find, replacing leaky fixtures as well.

Use these tips to reduce the water that your household consumes and you will play an important role in keeping the environment green. You will also teach your children how to live a sustainable life when it’s time for them to set out on their own in the future.

Filed Under: Green Living

7 Free Activities to Do with Toddlers This Summer

May 19, 2022 | Leave a Comment

Free Activities to Do with Toddlers This Summer

When my kids were toddlers, we tried to do something outside the house every day, especially on the weekend. Staying inside made me stir-crazy, and I wanted the toddlers to burn off some energy outdoors. Summertime was my favorite time because there are so many free activities to do with toddlers.

7 Free Activities to Do with Toddlers

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money keeping your toddler entertained, try these free activities that toddlers love.

Visit Bookstores

Our bookstore had a large wooden train frame and several different toy trains. My son LOVED the train table. He would play for an hour at the table, and he enjoyed watching and interacting with other kids who came to play there. Parents can sit nearby and browse books while their kids play.

If your book store doesn’t have something like this, I still would take the toddlers to a bookstore, sit in a chair, and read them a few board books.

Utilize the Library

The library was one of my and my kids’ favorite places to go because there’s so much for toddlers to do:

Attend Storytime

We were regulars at storytime. Our library had storytime four times a week, and we showed up for many weekly sessions. They even had bilingual story time in Spanish. Afterward, the librarians usually had a craft for the kids to do. These events were a big hit with all three of my kids, and today they are voracious readers, which I attribute partially to all of the storytimes they attended.

Attend Enrichment Events

Likewise, many libraries have enrichment events you can check out. Our library has had magic shows, wild animal presentations, theater presentations, puppet shows, and many more activities. Check out your local library’s calendar and surrounding areas to find these events.

Borrow Busy Bags/Games

Libraries aren’t just for reading! In the kids’ area, many libraries have games and busy bags that their youngest patrons can check out. We always utilized these; my kids loved having new activities to do at home.

Museum Passes

At some libraries, you can check out museum passes, which allow you and your child to get into various museums around town for free! You can utilize these a few times a year to expand the places you have access to for free.

Attend Free Community Events

If you live in a larger city, there may be free community events during the summer. We lived in the Chicago suburbs when my kids were little, and every Saturday, my husband took the kids downtown to an event that featured singing, dancing, and games.

You may also find outdoor concerts, plays, and festivals. Fourth of July parades are usually a hit with the toddler crowd, too.

Swim

Free Activities to Do with Toddlers This Summer

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

If you have a lake or public pool nearby, take your kids swimming. It’s never too early to learn to swim, and most toddlers love playing in the water and with the sand on the shore.

Final Thoughts

Entertaining your little one and getting her out and about in the community doesn’t have to cost a lot. These are just a few of the many free activities to do with toddlers this summer.

Read More

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Interesting Ways to Keep Your Toddler Busy

Cheap, Fun Ways to Stay Cool This Summer

Melissa Batai
Melissa Batai

Melissa is a writer and virtual assistant. She earned her Master’s from Southern Illinois University, and her Bachelor’s in English from the University of Michigan. When she’s not working, you can find her homeschooling her kids, reading a good book, or cooking. She resides in Arizona where she dislikes the summer heat but loves the natural beauty of the area.

Filed Under: Family Time, Growing Up, Parenting, Parenting Blog at KidsAintCheap Tagged With: free things to do, Library, Summer Activities, toddlers

How to Finance your Children’s Braces

May 19, 2022 | Leave a Comment

Before most people can have kids, they think long and hard about all aspects of childcare, including expenses. This includes tuition fees, clothes, shelter, food, etc. However, brace treatment is another expense that most parents have to account for. More than 3.5 million teens and children get braces every year. That means there is a good chance your child will wear them too. Unfortunately, dental care is not cheap. Kids’ braces can cost from $3,000 to $7,000. This can be very costly, especially for a low-income family. If your child needs braces, but you are having trouble raising the amount, you can explore several financing options, as highlighted below.

 

Medicaid Dental Benefits and EPSDT

By law, any children from low-income households qualify for full medical coverage. If your family is eligible, you will not have to pay for any orthodontic treatment costs. Keep in mind that dental and brace treatments for cosmetic purposes are not covered. But if the treatment is to correct a medical issue, then the case will be approved. In most states, orthodontic treatments are covered by Medicaid through a program called Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT). Check with the local department of Children and Family Services and confirm whether the program can cover brace treatment for your child.

Check Whether Your Orthodontist Has a Payment Plan in Place

Because these treatments can be costly, most orthodontists have payment plans in place to help patients. Talk to your orthodontist and find out what is offered. You may also want to research other orthodontists in your area. Payment options tend to differ, and you might find a payment plan that meets your needs. The earlier you start your child on treatment, the better the outcome. Between the ages of 6 and 12 is when you might start noticing your child has an abnormal bite. However, orthodontic treatment usually starts between the age of 8 and 14. At this age, the child has lost most baby teeth, and permanent teeth have started developing. This gives you plenty of time to research which orthodontists have good rates.

Personal Loan

You can finance your child’s treatment by applying for a personal loan from a bank, online lender, or credit union. Look for lenders that provide medical loans. You will get the best rates if you have a good credit score. And the good thing about loans is that you do not have to repay all the money at once. You can spread the payments over a specific period to lessen the burden.

Low-Income Programs and Financing

If you do not qualify for the Medicaid orthodontic programs, check the ‘Smiles Change Lives’ program. If your household income is less than 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL), you may qualify for treatment. The child needs to be between ages 7 and 21. If you qualify, your child will get full orthodontic treatment for only a small fee of $650. This can be a huge relief for parents as they can start their kid’s treatment as early as possible. Ideally, the best time to start orthodontic treatment is from age 7. This ensures that any chewing problems and overcrowded teeth are fixed early.

Orthodontic Insurance

Another way to cover your child’s orthodontic treatment is through insurance. Invest in a dental plan that includes brace treatment. This may increase your premiums, but you will be reducing the financial strain of covering the whole treatment cost on your own. When crooked teeth are not addressed in time, they can lead to other dental issues such as bad breath. According to the American Dental Association, people ought to brush twice a day to remove oral bacteria and prevent bad breath. But when you have crooked teeth, even if you brush twice a day, it can still be challenging to reach all corners of your mouth. Rectifying the issue early on prevents other oral issues and saves you money in the long run.

Financing your children’s braces ensures that you raise confident and happy kids. Do not let the situation escalate due to money issues. Explore which financing option works best for your family and use it to cover your child’s brace treatment.

Filed Under: Money and Finances

How to Save Money During the Moving Process

May 11, 2022 | Leave a Comment

Moving comes with a lot of expenses and unforeseen costs, so it’s a welcome thought that you can save money during this process. Here’s how you can save money and enjoy moving to a home that you know your family will love.

Prepare Well in Advance

Proper preparation is important because it enables you to know what you need to do and how you will do it. From packing and keeping things in storage when necessary to negotiating with moving companies so they can give you a fairer price, there are many benefits to planning. Collect all the necessary things such as bubble wrap for sensitive items and markers or labels to ensure you know what is packed where. Don’t forget about the details of the house you’re planning to move into, because, with 40 million housing units belonging to HOA communities, you may need to make certain adjustments to fit well into your new place if it’s part of one.

Pack Essentials Nearby

Moving can leave you exhausted and wanting to simply settle down first before you start the process of unpacking and organizing your new home. For this reason, you need to ensure that you have some essentials nearby, from a few kitchen and living room items to beddings. This will allow you to get a short break and re-energize yourself before you need to start digging through boxes. If you can use your own items and avoid having to buy others for a quick fix, this will be money you’ve saved.

Take Advantage of Free Moving Boxes

Check in local stores and other places if there are any offers for free or cheap moving boxes. Some moving companies may even offer free boxes and cheap packaging solutions, and you can make use of these to save some money during your move. Whether you’re among the 85% of Americans that move to the same state or the 15% who move to a different state, you will be happy to make some savings by getting free or affordable packing, so take time to look for some.

Move in the Low Season

If you can help it, move during the low season, which is between October and April. Doing this will see you spending less money as moving companies usually charge a lower price as demand for their services is lower. Most people move during early fall, summer, and late spring, so these will be high moving seasons and truck rentals will cost a bit more. There’s money to be saved when you move in early spring, late fall, or winter if the weather is friendly enough to move in.

Leave Items You Don’t Need

There’s no point in paying to move or store items that you haven’t used in a while and that you’re not likely to use in the future. While packing, take time to sort through your items and either sell or donate those that you haven’t used in months and aren’t likely to use in a while. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 18,000 pounds, and this is a substantial weight that shouldn’t comprise items that won’t have any use in your new home. You will find it easier as well to organize your new home when you don’t have to make allowances for things that you have no use for.

Follow these tips to make savings while you move and enjoy settling into your new home with your family. You can use the money you saved in other ways, such as having a night out to celebrate your new place!

Filed Under: Money and Finances

4 Outdoor Sports for the Whole Family

May 9, 2022 | Leave a Comment

As the summer months are quickly approaching, you and your family are likely looking for activities that you can do together while soaking up the sunshine. Playing sports as a family is a great way for parents and kids to bond while staying active and enjoying the outdoors, all at once. If you are a parent who finds that you aren’t in as good of shape as you used to be, playing some light sports with the kids is a great way to sneak a workout into your busy summer schedule. To replenish nutrients and improve your sports performance, check out IV nutrition therapy from https://inhstl.com/. Here are 4 outdoor sports that your whole family can try. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Money and Finances

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