Every year, families try to figure out the best way to handle their child’s school lunch. Do you pack their lunch every day or do you let them eat the school lunch? It can be a hard decision when considering the cost. If your family receives EBT benefits, your child is eligible for free school lunches. In that respect, my advice is to take it. It will save you extra money. For other families, there are other issues to consider.
Ready to Start a Business? What to Consider When Building Your Own Company
Starting and managing a business is not a simple task as many people think. You have to be prepared for the different challenges that come with operating a business. Challenges like competition are common in all types of businesses. You may be a dentist who is looking forward to opening a wonderful dental clinic or a trader who wants to open a store. Being prepared helps to ensure that you have a smooth time. Here are some of the things you should consider when starting your new company.
Evaluate Your Industry
You should study your industry better to understand the different things. Doing so helps you know its performance and also competition. You will learn different things you might be required to do to be more successful in your new venture. Take your time and analyze your sector better to get your strategies right.
Target Audience
Understanding your target audience better is another thing that grants you a smooth time when starting a new business. You should identify the type of people you want to deal within the market. This helps you to come up with the right strategies that will ensure you meet their needs. Interact with them through various platforms to know what they prefer most.
Plan
You need to come up with a proper plan that will guide you in your operations. Without a plan, you are bound to fail. Sit down and list down the different things you may want for your company. If possible, seek advice from various people who may have a helpful opinion. A good plan guarantees you success in your new venture.
Network
Linking up with other business people will help you understand how to run one. You should attend as many seminars or forums as possible before starting your venture. It gives you the opportunity to meet up with those who have made it in the world of business. Make sure you look presentable so that you have an easy time interacting and getting fresh ideas. You can dress appropriately and wear a beautiful smile. Using products like prophy paste can give you healthy white teeth vital for a beautiful smile. There is a lot of information you will get from such forums that is helpful for your new venture.
Goals
You should have goals that will propel you further as a business. They can guide you on various things you are doing. Having goals motivates you to put in extra effort to meet them. You should sit with your team and set targets you aim to achieve within a specific period. They should be realistic for you to have a smooth time in putting in that extra effort to meet them.
10 Best Parenting Blogs That Every Parent Should Read
Babies don’t come with an instruction manual. From the first positive pregnancy test, there is panic. From toddlerhood, through to the cranky and emotional teen years, parents have questions.
This is where parenting blogs come in. For every parenting style, question, and phase of life your kids are in there is a blog for you. Here we dive into our top ten favorites.
Our Top Ten Parenting Blogs Every Parent Should Read
This is our list of the top ten best parenting blogs on the web today. They cover a variety of topics. You’ll find different parenting styles represented. Stuff for dads. Humor. Truth. Ways to cope with different sets of circumstances.
These blogs are helping the parents in the world do a little bit better every day.
1. City Girl Gone Mom
This parenting blog focuses on the life and adventures of Danielle Schaffer. This is one of the best parenting advice blogs on how to keep your littles busy.
She has great ideas about keeping the kids occupied while maintaining mom’s sanity.
2. Janet Lansbury
One of the top parenting blogs on the internet is JanetLansbury.com. Along with her podcast “Unruffled”, Janet is helping parents. She encourages parents to respect their children and guide with grace.
She practices her own version of the Magda Gerber parenting style. Janet encourages parents to keep their calm. Being the steady example their children need. All while teaching techniques to build up their self worth and emotional health.
3. World’s Okayest Mom
Of all the blogs on parenting, this one is one of the most refreshing. WOM showcases a variety of writers telling their truth about raising little humans. They share triumphs and hard days.
It’s a wonderful read if you want to feel like you’re not alone in this whole parenting thing.
4. Mom Tricks
There are lots of blogs about parenting but this one focuses on the early days of parenthood. Mom Tricks is the brainchild of Jennifer Taylor. She focuses on pregnancy through toddlerhood.
Her gear guides and reviews are second-to-none. If you need to know which car seat to buy this is the place to go. They do everything babies from burping to diapering. Mom Tricks does a great job of answering the questions new parents have in a lighthearted way.
5. Mommy and Love
Monica Geglio, is a mom who transitioned to a vegetarian lifestyle. She talks about getting more veggies into your kids. She shares wonderful recipes that are family-friendly and healthy too. They have also made their home as sustainable as possible. They have their own farm.
Monica even participates in the Mother’s Milk Cooperative. This organization provides breast milk for babies who have none.
6. The Budget Mom
For parents who live on a shoestring, The Budget Mom has you covered. Kumiko Ehrmantraut is the blogger behind the brand. She is an Accredited Financial Counselor and mom. She has figured out how to get herself out of debt. She’s reached a point of financial freedom. All while raising incredible children.
Her blog is a fantastic resource for living a more financially responsible life. Kumiko also provides tools to help you on your journey.
7. When Crazy Meets Exhaustion
Do you appreciate the hilarity behind parenting? Want to know more about the life of a witty teacher? When Crazy Meets Exhaustion is a blog that has a sense of humor and tells it to you straight.
Stephanie Jankowski, an English teacher, and mom writes the truth with humor. She talks about what teachers are thinking about you and your kids. Her section on teaching provides a hilarious glimpse into the everyday life of a teacher.
Check this one out if you want someone who’ll tell it like it is and have you laughing about it.
8. Life of Dad
Too often, anything about parenting is mom focused. Have you ever seen a men’s bathroom with a changing table? Have you ever seen men at the park get shady looks from the women there? Dads can take their kids out too.
Life of Dad gives dads the props they deserve. From geeky dads to brand new dads this has something for every guy with a kid. This is a network-style blog where dads share stories and bond with one another.
A group of four dads, including a warm-up comedian for The Ellen Degeneres show, gives Life of Dad its voice. This male perspective on parenting is refreshing.
9. The Dad Website
This is the best! For men and women with a sense of humor, you have to check this one out. This blog is chock full of amazing advice given with a laugh. The bios of the creators will have you giggling.
The Heart Talks section is our favorite. These are posts that tackle those big talks dads need to have with their kids. These sincere posts share how actual fathers dealt with these big questions.
There’s also a section for dads-to-be. Why is all pregnancy advice given to the mama? Dads have questions too. These posts will help ease some of your pre-baby jitters and answer questions from a dads point of view.
The Dad Website doesn’t take itself too seriously. But, their advice is legit. Don’t let this one pass you by.
10. Lemon Lime Adventures
This blog is a great resource for parents of intense and challenging kids. It helps you understand the different sensory systems. There is great advice on how to parent kids on the autism spectrum.
Dayna, the mom behind this amazing resource, lets parents know they’re not alone. She has a background in early childhood education.
With the diagnosis of a sensory processing disorder for one of her children, she had to learn to handle things a different way. Parenting becomes more challenging than in a family with only neurotypical children.
Her advice is sound. She focuses on creating a nourishing and loving environment for every child.
Build Camaraderie with These Great Parenting Blogs
We hope these parenting blogs help you put a little more pep in your parenting step. Every parent has questions. The best parents seek answers and strive to be better.
Did we miss your favorite? What is the best parenting blog you’ve ever read and why? Leave your answer below in the comments.
Foster Care 101: The Top Tips for Fostering a Child
Did you know that over 250,000 kids are placed into the foster care system every year in the United States? There are a lot of kids that need help, and becoming a foster parent could help a child in need of a stable home.
Fostering a child is a huge responsibility, and it’s one that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Once you’ve made the decision to start a foster family, it’s time to prepare for your new life. Foster parents have a lot to learn, and they don’t have a lot of time to do it.
If you’re a new foster parent, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to give you some essential advice every person needs to hear before they start fostering kids.
Our Essential Tips for Fostering a Child
Deciding to foster a child will change your life forever. Even if you only have a short temporary placement, the impact you’ll have on the child’s life shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Every foster parent wants to do their best for their new foster child. We may not be able to tell you how to be a perfect parent, but we can give you some advice that can help make things easier on you.
When you start your fostering journey, be sure to keep these tips in mind.
Earn Some Experience
This may be your first time fostering a child, but you can earn some valuable caretaking experience before they arrive.
If you want to learn more about the volunteer opportunities one of the leading foster care providers in the country has, view here. But you should also take some time to explore childcare opportunities in your area.
Research group homes and see if they need volunteers. Take it a step further and ask the foster agency if they have families in need of babysitting help.
When you sign up for babysitting help with the agency, you may not necessarily be going to homes. Plenty of people need babysitting help during meetings and support group time.
Have an Open Mind
A lot of people go into foster care with an idea of the experience they want to have. Some people think about long term placements, others want to adopt from foster care. A few envision fostering babies, others want teenagers.
There’s nothing wrong with having plans, but it’s important to keep an open mind when you’re fostering kids.
You never know who will be available when the time is right for you to foster. You may have someone that’s in a very different age group. Someone may need long term care even though you were thinking about short term placement.
Keeping an open mind could also end up saving you money.
Imagine buying a kid bed and toys for kids 10 and up, then finding out that kids under 2 need the most help. When you keep an open mind and stay flexible, you won’t have to worry about being blindsided.
Prepare for Parent Interactions
A lot of foster parents can underestimate how much they’ll have to deal with biological parents during the fostering process.
Remember, becoming a foster parent is meant to be a temporary solution. A lot of parents don’t want their kids to be in the foster system, and they’re actively working to get their children back.
The parents of your foster kids are nervous and very concerned about the wellbeing of their children. Do your best to respect their emotions and respect their place as parents.
Answer their questions, give timely updates, and don’t take anything personally. Having a cordial relationship with parents can make things easier for everyone involved.
It’s also important to think about potential negative interactions. If some parents are making you feel worried or unsafe, don’t be afraid to reach out to the agency to voice your concerns.
Kid Proof Your House
If you’re new to foster parenting, you may not be used to having your home prepared for kids.
Having a kid-safe home doesn’t mean that you simply have a lot of toys and a play area. You need to make sure that everything is safe for your new foster child.
If you have a pool, make sure it’s fenced in with a locking door. You may also want to consider adding additional fencing to your entire yard.
Take stock of your medicine cabinet and keep any and all dangerous medications out of reach of children. Feel free to take it a step further and install a lock on your cabinet to ensure kids are kept out.
Encourage Open Communication
It takes a while to build trust, but you can have a conversation at any time. Be sure to frequently ask your foster child how they’re feeling and if they need anything from you.
If you think that becoming a foster parent is a big change for you, imagine how big of a change it is for your new foster son or daughter.
Going to a new foster home leaves a lot of open questions for kids.
Will my new parents like me, and will I like them? Am I going to have to share a room? Will I have to leave my old friends?
The child in your care has gone through a lot of changes, and it’s important to encourage them to be open and honest about what they’re feeling.
Get a Support System
You’re going to have a lot of new experiences when you’re a foster parent. There are going to be good days, but there are also going to be some tough ones.
Don’t underestimate the power of a solid support system during the fostering process. Family and friends can be helpful, but connecting with other foster parents and families can be helpful for you and your new foster child.
Talking to people that understand what you’re going through can be very helpful. They can empathize with you on an entirely new level.
The agency you’re working with probably has links to a variety of support groups, so don’t be afraid to ask about them. Also, feel free to check out support groups and message boards online.
Your New Family
Fostering a child can be a rewarding experience for the foster parents and the foster child. If you’re interested in fostering, don’t hesitate to reach out to agencies in your area to get the process started.
Do you have more questions about fostering? Are you interested in reading more family content?
We have a lot of helpful content on our website. Be sure to browse what we have available so you can see everything we have to offer.
The Best Newborn Photography Tips
Having a newborn baby is one of the sweetest times of life. Although it can be stressful, this time with your newborn baby will be over in the blink of an eye.
Knowing how to photograph newborns is quite different than snapping a picture of an older child or taking a selfie. Newborns are tiny, can’t support themselves, and are ready to eat every hour on the hour. Because of this, DIY newborn photography can be tricky.
Understanding the Trust Deed
It is the duty of the trustees to understand the terms of a trust deed. It is also important for all parties to interact with the trust and for their professional advisors to have easy access to the deed. The trust deed lays out the terms of the trust and provides a general overview of the way the trust needs to be managed. It also provides discretions and powers to the trustees.
Christmas in July: 5 Unique Christmas Gifts to Get Early
Did you know that back in 2018, the estimated average spending on Christmas gifts was a whopping $885? What’s more, a third of surveyed adults said they planned to spend at least $1,000 on these gifts!
This 2019, that trend may continue, what with the U.S. economy having grown at a rate of 3.2% early this year. That signals a strong job market, which means more people have jobs. That, in turn, can mean more people can afford to buy even more gifts.
Family Fun: The Best Things to Do in Dallas With Kids
With school’s breaking up for the summer, you need to come up with creative ways to entertain your children – which is no easy feat.
Keeping a child busy, happy, and engaged is very difficult. Did you know that attention spans have shrunk by 50% over the past decade?
Are Paternity Tests Accurate? Signs You Might Need One
The DNA paternity testing process can inspire a lot of uncertainty, especially about the validity of their results. And even though DNA paternity tests have been around for years now, there are still a lot of questions surrounding the actual testing process.
Questions about how the tests work and if they’re accurate, as to how long it takes to get the results are quite common. The good news? The answers are actually simple!
So are the results of a DNA paternity test accurate? How does taking a DNA paternity test work? In this article, we’ll discuss the answers to those questions, and more, so that you can be as informed on the topic as possible.
Now then, let’s get started.
How Do Paternity Tests Work?
The DNA paternity testing process is actually quite simple. The facility in which you are being tested will acquire a DNA sample from the man, as well as the baby, and compare the results.
The DNA is usually obtained orally via a small swab of the cheek, so it’s a quick and painless process. This can also be done via blood samples, but obviously, that’s not as easy as a cheek swab, so it’s not as common.
Another common question about DNA tests is whether or not they can be mandatory by law? Yes, DNA paternity tests can be required by law, so if you need legal help obtaining one, consider hiring a lawyer.
How Accurate Are the Results?
The biggest question that people have about DNA paternity tests is in regards to the validity of the results of the tests themselves. The short answer? DNA tests are highly accurate and their results absolutely can be trusted.
In fact, positive DNA tests offer 99.9% accuracy and negative DNA paternity tests offer 100% accuracy. So, it’s pretty much a guaranteed answer, regardless of the outcome.
As long as you use a legitimate testing facility, and follow their protocols, you can have peace of mind in knowing that the results to the tests are as accurate as humanly possible.
When Will I Get the Results?
Finally, the last thing that people often want to know about DNA paternity tests is when they can expect to actually get the results.
Well, while the tests are nearly 100% accurate regardless of the outcome, it does take a bit of time to get the information back from the testing center.
If you’re looking to find out on the same day, we have some bad news, as DNA testing results will not offer an instant answer. You can expect to get the results from a DNA paternity test in 5-to-10 business days.
Questions About Taking a DNA Paternity Test
Well, there you have it! Those are few answers to the most common questions about taking DNA a paternity test.
They’re extremely accurate, the testing process is quite simple, and the results come in a few weeks at most.
If you’re looking for more parenting tips, be sure to keep browsing the rest of our blog!
How Much Does Summer Camp Cost?
Summer can be hectic. Parents are working while kids are out of school. Some families let their older kids stay at home on their own. Parents of younger children have to find care. It often becomes one of the most stressful times of the year. Considering sending the child to a camp? Here is a breakdown on what expense you are looking at.