With more and more people continuing to work, study, and stay at home these days, it’s more important than ever to make your home your sanctuary–a space that invites peace and flow. Here are 6 ways to create good vibes in your space:
1. Plan It Out
Use a weekly planner to plan out your days each week. These can be store-bought planners or even bullet journals you design yourself. It should be easy and practical for you. Plan out each day’s tasks, weekly meal plan, a self care routine, and maybe even a motivational quote or theme for the week.
2. Think inside the Box
Don’t allow papers to pile up and become an unmanageable mess. Use boxes or bins that fit with your room’s aesthetic to help with paperwork storage. Make the bins easily accessible and keep documents separated within the bin if needed.
3. Bring Nature Indoors
Plants produce oxygen so it’s important to have at least one live plant in your workspace. Houseplants like philodendron or succulents are great since they don’t need to be watered regularly. They add a great pop of green and keep the room feeling fresh. You could also have fresh cut flowers in a vase, but keep in mind that they would need to be replaced every week or so. A more economical solution could be realistic faux flowers in a simple white vase or jug.
4. Create a Meditation Space
Meditation has proven health benefits, such as a reduction in anxiety. It also promotes clear thinking. Having a space to meditate, first thing in the morning if possible, is a wonderful way to start your day off on the right foot. This could be as simple as a corner near a sunny window or space in the middle of the floor.
5. A Soft Place to Land
For those days when work gets to be too much, taking a break from the computer or desk is much needed. If you have a small sofa or even a comfortable chair to move to during breaks, it will keep you from being tempted to turn back to the computer while trying to relax.
6. White Noise May Eliminate Distraction
If you are one of those people who likes to have background noise while working, consider having white noise such as birds singing, ocean waves, or even coffee shop background noise playing while you work. Sometimes having some noise can blend into the background while keeping distracting thoughts at bay.
Jen Kathrina-Anne is a blogger, freelance writer, and graphic designer. When she’s not writing or designing, she enjoys spending time outdoors in the California Bay Area where she resides with her husband and two fearless daughters. Find her at www.hautemommyhandbook.com.
I recently did an interview to share insight into the benefits of summer learning and the positive impact it will have on a young child’s social-emotional development. I was joined by Dr. Helen Hadani, an expert in early childhood and creativity development, a fellow at the Brookings Institution and member of The Goddard School Educational Advisory Board.
We talked about the value of outdoor play and highlighted research that proves that this type of play builds and promotes children’s confidence, resilience and executive function skills. These skills include planning and flexible thinking; things that children will take into their adult lives. Outdoor play also has long-term health benefits. Discovering nature and other exploratory outdoor activities support gross motor skills (balance, coordination and agility), impact muscle strength and heart health and provide opportunities to develop senses of sight, hearing, touch and smell.
With such important skills that can come from outdoor play, my colleagues at The Goddard School recommend these seven easy activities to enjoy in the summer sun and the benefits of each:
1. Play in the water. Turn on the sprinklers. Blow up an inflatable pool. Break out a bucket of soapy water and the hose and make a toy car wash. Your little ones will love dunking their toys into the bubbles and spraying them clean. Sing a song as you play in the water to describe what your child is doing. Try singing “Here we are playing in the water” to the tune of “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush.” Water is great for sensory play and observing the bubbles is fun for your young scientists. Singing and talking while playing are terrific for early language development.
2. Let your child help. Children love to help, so why not enlist them to help water your flowers? Fill a watering can and show them how to water the garden. Tap into your child’s natural curiosity by asking why plants need water or what helps plants grow. Allowing children to assist with simple tasks helps them acquire valued skills and feelings of personal empowerment, self-worth and belonging. 3. Go for a walk. Ask your child to point to what they are seeing and talk to them about it. Your descriptions of the items will help them learn about nature while building language skills. Children also learn by observing and experiencing new things, so help them pick up flowers, leaves, stones and sticks and feel the textures of the different items. Being able to touch and feel in the outdoors is also the best way to spark creativity.
4. Conduct science experiments. Get out some ice cubes and watch them melt while asking your child to describe what’s happening. Or place ice cream in a sealed plastic bag and have your child play with it until it melts. Remember to talk to your child about what they’re seeing and repeat the activities a few times. Repetition supports learning and recognition.
5. Let kids get messy. Messy art projects are perfect for the outdoors. Using finger paints and paper, encourage your child to use his or her feet and hands to create a design. Or let your child get their hands really dirty by making mud pies. Creating a make-believe outdoor kitchen where children can “bake” muddy delights is always a big hit. Getting messy is one of the best ways for children to learn science. Bonus: Use the hose to clean while enjoying even more water play. Jumping over the hose spray is a great gross motor activity!
6. Set up an outdoor obstacle course. Using big cardboard boxes, blankets draped over a chair and favorite toys, create an obstacle course. Your child can explore going in, under and around the items. Give simple directions such as “roll the ball into the box” or “let’s have Teddy go through the hoop.” Your child will build language and listening skills as well as work on gross motor development.
7. Play with bubbles. Bubbles are just plain fun for children and adults. Kick bubble-play up a notch with some experiments. Get your child’s hands wet, blow bubbles onto their palms and listen to them squeal with delight when the bubbles don’t pop. Bubbles help young children strengthen muscles and develop gross motor skills.
Summer is a great time for outdoor play with your little one, and these activities will ensure that your child experiences a memorable summer full of learning and fun.
— Dennis R. Maple is Chairman and CEO of Goddard Systems, Inc., the franchisor of The Goddard School, and the proud father of two beautiful, grown children. Dennis is passionate about educating our nation’s young people. He comes from a family of educators and has spent a significant portion of his career supporting the K-12 community.
The Goddard School’s mission is to make the world a better place through early childhood education. As the nation’s leading premium early childcare provider, Goddard is trusted by parents and families, reaching more than 70,000 students from six weeks to six years old in more than 560 Schools across 38 states.
From birth through adulthood, a person’s growth is a continuous process. Various stages in one’s life are attributed to various types of developments—physical, behavioral and intellectual. Childhood, however, is the most important stage when a strong foundation for these three developmental areas can be put simultaneously and in a balanced way.
If you want your children to excel in all walks of life, it is important to understand how they develop physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually. All these developmental milestones correlate with each other as well.
Physical Development
Physical development is the process in which your child’s body grows and acquires movement, which includes gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. Gross motor skills refer to controlling large parts of the body such as arms and legs. Fine motor skills refer to coordinating small body parts, hands, and fingers.
This area of development provides children with the ability they need to explore and interact with the world around them. Thus, you need to reinforce your kids’ development and foster further progress wherever necessary, for example, by providing new opportunities to practice new skills.
Here’s how to promote physical development in your kids:
Healthy Food
A healthy and nutritious diet is one of the most important factors for ensuring that your kids reach optimal development. In general, a child needs adequate dietary intake to have enough nutrients and energy to grow. A healthy diet rich in calcium, protein, and other essential vitamins and minerals, enables optimal skeletal and physical growth.
Physical Sports
Encouraging your kids to take up sports offers many opportunities for improving coordination, strengthening muscles, body speed, and agility. Along with boosting health and fitness, sports will encourage your kids to utilize all their senses, locomotor systems, and brain capacities. By choosing sports in their lives, your children can not only become physically stronger but mentally tough as well.
Exercise
If your child isn’t the sports type, regular exercise has long-term health benefits for your kids, including a stronger immune system that increases their body’s ability to fight diseases to a reduction in type 2 diabetes. Exercise also helps build a strong cardiovascular system and optimum blood pressure level, stronger bone and muscle structure. Kids are less likely to become obese as exercise enhances the body’s metabolism.
Parents are the ones who mostly inspire their kids to take up exercises and physical activities, or any other good habits for that matter. So you also have to keep yourself fit and healthy in order to work with your kids.
Social & Emotional Development
Under social-emotional development children acquire skills that allow them to interact with other people, and to express and control their emotions. It includes forming relationships, learning social skills, caring for others, sharing toys, self-reliance, and making decisions.
Here’s how to promote social-emotional development in your kids:
Create a loving environment
A loving environment is an essential factor for the emotional development of your children. A comfortable and supportive atmosphere helps boost their self-confidence. They learn how to express affection and successfully use body language as a means of communication.
Self-awareness
To promote self-awareness in your children, start responding positively to their queries. Children need attention, patience, and a lot of face-to-face interaction. Encourage them to try new things, and help them do what they are capable of.
Social awareness
Social awareness is very important for the behavioral development of your kids. Let them be in the company of other kids to play and interact. Tell them to show empathy and understanding towards others. Knowing how to positively engage with others and understanding their feelings will have lifelong benefits.
Intellectual Development
Intellectual development in children is usually characterized by how various mental processes—attention span, understanding information, reasoning, learning, remembering, problem solving, and thinking—develop from birth until adulthood. Understanding this area of development gives you insight about your kids’ ability of logical reasoning at different age levels.
Here’s how to promote intellectual development in your kids:
Develop problem-solving skills
Building problem solving skills during the formative years of your kids can be extremely helpful for their lifetime. You can encourage them to play board games, brain games, and puzzles. Encourage them to come up with original ideas, while waiting and listening to them patiently.
Improve attention spans
Increasing attention span can play a vital role in the cognitive development of your kids. How much attention your children pay to a task depends on whether they are enjoying it or not. Since kids entering school have to perform more structured, repetitive, and academic tasks such as writing and reading, you need to make their tasks interesting for them.
Improve memory skills
Since memory is a complex process, you can employ a range of strategies to help your kids recall information. You can teach them how to remember the sequence of letters of different words, names of animals using their unique attributes, and names of places with specific landmarks.
As a loving and caring parent, you need to incorporate best practices to nurture and pamper your kids. It is important that from the early stage of their life, you must focus on their physical, emotional, and intellectual development.
Smith Willas is a freelance writer at Assignmentbro , blogger, and digital media journalist. He has a management degree in Supply Chain & Operations Management and Marketing and boasts a wide-ranging background in digital media.
Whether you’re welcoming your first or your fourth, finding quality together time can be tough for expecting parents. So if peace, solitude and intimacy are what you’re after, try one of these local babymoon destinations, just a short drive from Seattle. Each offers the pampering mamas-to-be need with the amenities that couples love. Congrats and cheers to a baby bump getaway!
Introducing The Lodge at St. Edward State Park. The newest addition to the area’s luxury hotel family, this property arrives with deep roots and an intriguing history. Originally St. Edward Seminary, it was designed by notable Seattle architect John Graham Sr. (who also designed the Space Needle). The grounds were preserved as St. Edward State Park in 1977 and its latest transformation makes it a great babymoon destination.
Beloved by locals, the park’s entrancing trails, lake views and gorgeous trees make the perfect setting for guests to enjoy while staying at this newly renovated property. The Lodge at St. Edward State Park includes thoughtful amenities such as a hotel car with complimentary transportation within a 10-mile travel distance, lawn games and complimentary mountain bikes for the local trails. Calling all art lovers! The Gallery of Fine Arts will feature rotating local artist showcases with pieces to appreciate and purchase. Book your reservation quickly, before this ingenue gets discovered.
Book Romance at the Lodge, the perfect babymoon pamper package. A bottle of bubbly (or request a non-alcoholic treat) and a wildflower bouquet await you in your room. Spend your day strolling the shores of Lake Washington or relaxing at Vita Nova Spa. Then enjoy a romantic dinner at Cedar + Elm, with Northwest inspired farm-to-table fare, and a nightcap (tea for mom-to-be) at The Tonsorium Bar. The next morning, sleep in and breakfast in bed will be served. Yes please!
Follow I-90 east and listen for the sound of rushing water. Salish Lodge & Spa is a tribal-owned retreat perched high above iconic, mesmerizing Snoqualmie Falls. Complimentary valet greets overnight guests, and the delicious signature candle scent and real wood fireplace offer lovely lobby touches. The impressive falls are just a short walk from the hotel, so after check-in, meander to the viewing platform for serious photo ops.
Rooms feature electric fireplaces, a spa-like shower or tub, and the romantic sound of the falls, which bursts in with just the crack of a window. The well-curated babymoon package makes each partner feel special. Rose petals cover the room while cider on ice and chocolate treats wait for toasts and bites. The package also includes a special pregnancy pillow to use during your stay, two 50-minute spa treatments, and a $50 dining credit. The soothing spa is not to be missed. They think of everything—expectant parents receive a special baby gift for when their bundle of joy arrives.
6501 Railroad Ave. S.E. Snoqualmie, WA 800-272-5474 Online: salishlodge.com
When it comes to a South Sound babymoon getaway, parents-to-be can set up home base at the brand new Marriott Tacoma Downtown. It's the perfect locale from which to relax and explore. The hotel has rooftop pool views of Mt. Rainier to swoon over, and the presidential suite will make everyone feel like a VIP. For the uninitiated, Tacoma is an artistic and culinary mecca, with everything from crave-worthy hot dogs to destination Japanese.
Nothing says amore like a gondola ride, and Gig Harbor is here to provide that Venezia experience. A labor of love for two guys with a deep respect for Venetian culture, Gig Harbor Gondola has romantic views, legit boats from Italy and surprisingly moving traditional singing. The cruise around tranquil Gig Harbor couldn’t be lovelier, and Greg and John will provide enough colorful local tales to keep the entire ride interesting. Bring your own Martinelli's. Salute!
When you're eating for two, Pierce County is the place to explore some amazing new finds. The Windmill Bistro in Sumner has a glorious outdoor patio for reveling in the summer sun, with farm to table goodness to match. Tiny Wilkeson, the oldest incorporated town in Washington, might have the finest coffee, artisanal sodas and pizza in the entire state. The Carlson Block was recently named the Best Pizza in Washington, and is well worth the trek.
For a completely different vibe, rent a Suite Dreams yacht in Gig Harbor. Rich, enticing woodwork interiors and decks with Mt. Rainier views make this a huge win for that special trip. Experience deluxe houseboat life in a pristine setting; Sleepless in Seattle DVD not included.
1538 Commerce St. Tacoma, WA 253-294-9200 Online: marriott.com
It’s hard to believe The Woodmark Hotel is an easy bike ride from downtown Kirkland and a quick drive from Seattle—it seems worlds away. The elegant lobby and nearby marina recall the East Coast, with impeccable décor and the gently lulling sounds of water, lapping against the shores of Lake Washington. Staying at The Woodmark Hotel and Still Spa is a wonderful way to connect and replenish before the new little one arrives. The rooms have luxurious beds, water views, and deep baths for after-spa cozy time. For the royal treatment book a suite. The centerpiece fireplace and sweeping views will make a big impression. Bikes are available for leisurely rides into town and an easy pathway by the water provides sunset strolls. The Spa Rejuvenation package includes a $100 credit, so mama-to-be can count on pampering—with a maternity massage or other exquisite treatments.
Food cravings? This is the place. For breakfast and lunch, Carillon Kitchen cooks up delectable eats that guests can enjoy on-site or in the room. Turkey confit club, grilled cheese and tomato basil bisque, and avocado toast on Vollkorn seeded bread all impress. For a healthy, tasty splurge, sample the oh-so-hard-to-find Antipodes water from New Zealand. It’s the Louis Vuitton of water—for real. Local hot spot Beach Café just reopened for waterfront dining.
1200 Carillon Point Kirkland, WA 425-822-3700 Online: thewoodmark.com
A stay at Lake Crescent Lodge, inside Olympic National Park, reveals the majesty of the forest with back-in-time national park lodge charm. The tree-lined drive up to the hotel gives way to the indigo and turquoise water of Lake Crescent. This is your stunning view! We recommend booking a Roosevelt Fireplace Cabin, preferably number 38, with wood burning fireplaces and window-paned, panoramic views of the glacier carved water. Dining at Lake Crescent Lodge is a renowned experience. The service is impeccable, the romantic view changes with the light and the food is outstanding. Order the steamed mussels, Pacific Northwest catch of the day or the Vegan Beyond Meatloaf, but be sure to save room for dessert. The lavender crusted, marionberry cobbler is a dream.
It’s all about creating intimate memories on your babymoon. Book a local photographer to take maternity portraits and couples photos to preserve the moment. The dock in front of the lodge makes a perfect setting, with sunbeams streaming through the clouds onto the glistening water. Take leisurely hikes through the park, rent a canoe or paddleboard or schedule a private, easy kayak tour with Adventures Through Kayaking. Paddle tranquilly past otters and pigeon guillemots, while learning about the local natural and cultural history.
416 Lake Crescent Rd. Port Angeles, WA Reservations: 888-896-3818 Online: olympicnationalparks.com
For some couples, a mini-vacation doesn’t necessarily mean getting away from it all. For those expecting parents who want a little city-life with a lot of island-life, head to Friday Harbor House on San Juan Island. A well-situated hop and skip from the town, the hotel terrace overlooks Friday Harbor. Adirondack chairs by firepits are perfect for sunset watching, while the birds-eye view of the famous Washington ferries makes for a relaxing, kinetic tableau. The restaurant at Friday Harbor House has the best view in town, so be sure to check hours and make a dinner reservation when you book your stay. The beet salad and grilled sockeye are flavorful menu items. Request one of their famous cocktails as a mocktail to go with dessert.
The hotel's babymoon package gets the gold star award. Rooms come with electric fireplaces, jacuzzi tubs for two and the softest, fluffiest robes that guests will want to take home. Upon entering the guest room, a bottle of sparkling cider and “midnight munchies” await. Snacks include fruit, Tim’s potato chips, nuts, chocolate and much more. Complimentary sleeping masks on the pillows encourage cat naps after indulging. The package includes two 60-minute massages at Lavendera Day Spa and a $25 gift certificate to Pebble, a boutique where parents can pick out a gift for themselves and their new addition.
“Woodland to Waterfront” is the motto of Alderbrook Resort & Spa. It rings true upon entering the property, with deep, emerald forest to one side and shimmering Hood Canal on the other. This welcoming place makes guests feel immediately part of the family. As a babymoon vacay, couples will feel warm and fuzzy watching so many happy young groups frolic and play. Rent kayaks, boats—or to be extra cute—tandem Seacycles for splashing-around-romance. Or just hold hands and explore the many nature trails readily available right outside the front door.
The rooms are well-appointed but for a truly chill experience book a cottage or courtyard suite. Ready for some me-time? Enjoy a Maternal Bliss massage, Opulent Oxygen Treatment or Seaweed Surrender at the Alderbrook Spa. Prefer a personal spa experience? No problem. Choose the “Check In to Check Out” package with curated spa kit for an in-room DIY facial. Nourishing oils and botanicals will make your skin look radiant. Post treatment the pool is open, so relax in the glass-enclosed, indoor waterfront saltwater pool and hot tub. Afterwards, sip a hot tea or snack at the outdoor patio grill for fresh air and water views.
To complete the experience, get fancy and dine at Alderbrook's destination restaurant, where locally sourced ingredients highlight the menu. Fresh from the shores of Hood Canal, menu offerings entice and delight your taste buds. For a casual date night just a few miles down the road, visit the new Hook & Fork, with a rotating menu of seasonal ingredients and a tempting gift shop.
It’s about to be all about the kiddo, so for a true babymoon escape, try the adults-only Posthotel in Leavenworth. The vibrant, Bavarian-themed town overflows with shopping, dining and a year-round holiday vibe. But Posthotel, set along the river with mountain views, seems miles away from the buzz. More like a chalet than a hotel, Posthotel is a spa oasis specializing in wellness and body restoration through water. Posthotel offers a European breakfast with eggs, freshly baked bread, and of course German sausage. Lunches are light, and dinner provides a chance to explore the charming village. The friendly front desk can help with date night reservations.
All the accommodations are luxurious–some with balconies, fireplaces or hand-carved marble tubs. Take a deep breath and choose your next relaxation experience. Will it be the wellness area replete with nap rooms, saunas and steam rooms, plunge pools, a swim-out saltwater pool and indoor and outdoor spas? Perhaps it will be lounging on the lobby terrace, reading in the library or enjoying a service at the spa. Posthotel takes their treatments seriously, with unique traditions dating back hundreds of years in the Alps. Water, heat and ice are used to achieve numerous health benefits and provide that ultimate aaaaah moment. After enjoying the water and spa options, guests can grab a free bicycle to peruse the area, or snowshoes for if snowflakes arrive.
Privacy please...Drifting away. The sign hanging on the Semiahmoo hotel room door perfectly encapsulates the calm feeling you and your partner will have after checking in. Semiahmoo's expansive views of Boundary Bay, with Canada in the distance, provides the backdrop for a mesmerizing avian show: great blue herons soar, swallows dart and dive and cormorants glide throughout the day. Bicycle rental, beach strolling and s'mores bonfire treats add up to a menu of fun and relaxation. Guestrooms provide the comforts of home, multiple restaurant options have romance on the menu while fun activities await--if time, or spa schedule, permits.
Hungry? From wood-fired pizza to oysters on the half-shell, Semiahmoo offers a variety of resort dining experiences to satisfy any craving, all with stunning waterfront and Peace Arch views. On-site dining options include: Packers Kitchen + Bar: yummy, casual, seaside resort dining; Seaview Café: one-stop shop for grab & go breakfast; and Great Blue Heron Grill: located at the Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club, offering up casual fare for onsite and delivery for cozy nights. Don’t forget to book at The Spa, a wellness center that provides everything you need for some well-deserved quiet time before baby arrives!
9565 Semiahmoo Pkwy. Blaine, WA 360-318-2000 Online: semiahmoo.com
Wanna really get away? North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin can only be reached by seaplane or ferry...or a 23-mile hike. If seclusion and intimacy are your babymoon goals, this is the place. For expecting parents, we recommend arriving on the Lady of the Lake passenger ferries. The Lady II is a stylish, leisurely four-hour ride which starts the trip off with panoramic views and a perfect way to unplug together.
Once you arrive, the 800-square-miles of unspoiled wilderness becomes your playground. Sharp peaks crowned with glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife provide the backdrop for picnics, hikes and romance. Take the Red Bus for a scenic tour to Rainbow Falls or rent a kayak or paddleboard to get out on beautiful Lake Chelan’s peaceful upper estuary. The lodge has wonderful views and nature experiences abound. It's a place where couples can relax, read, play games and just enjoy each other’s company. We recommend staying in a cabin with kitchen, private entrance and private deck. Couples will feel like they are completely alone in this impressive park. The Swissmont rooms with lake views also make a fabulous option if the cabins aren’t available.
Good to know: The only full-service dining option in the area is on property; guests who want variety should BYO.
Flu and cold season is in full swing, which means it’s time to stock up on home remedies to help soothe your kids if they catch a cold. From painful headaches to coughs that just won’t quit, these simple ways to treat illness at home will bring your little ones some comfort when they need it the most. From sore throat natural remedies to how to deal with a kids’ stomach bug, keep reading for some natural ways Dr. Mom can save the day.
Headaches can happen for any number of reasons, but one thing is certain—kids and headaches do not mix. If your little is too young for swallowing pills or you prefer a more natural method, creating a homemade headache relief balm will get everyone feeling better in a jiffy. A combination of coconut butter and various essential oils come together to create a soothing balm that is applied to the temples, neck or anywhere you feel a headache coming on.
Ailment: Ear Pain
Karly Wood
Solution: A rice or salt sock
Whether its a side effect from a cold or the flu, or your little one needs a chiropractic adjustment, ear pain is no joke. A simple way to relieve pain in the ear and jaw is by taking a sock and filling with either rice or coarse, sea salt. Add a few drops of lavender oil, and tie off the end. Microwave with caution or heat on a clean skillet, and then lay the warmed sock across the ear and jaw. The rice and salt retain heat exceptionally well and can even help shift the pressure in the ear!
If you are concerned about an ear infection, always check with your doctor.
Ailment: Everyone in the House Is Sick Except You/One Kid
Solution: Wash your hands, up your intake of vitamin C & drink a ton of water (Add probiotics if there's tummy trouble afoot).
It's every parent's worst scenario: one by one, family members fall victim to the dreaded stomach bug/flu/hacking cough. While there's not one thing you can do to guarantee you won't get sick too (besides praying for mom immunity), there are a few tried and true methods recommended by doctors and nurses alike. Number one? Washing hands, like, a lot. Number 2, beef up the Vitamin C intake. Rule number 3? Drink twice as much water as you think you need to. And then another glass. Number 4? If stomach ailments are taking hold, add probiotics to your diet to keep more of the good bacteria hard at work.
Over the counter cough syrups are not recommended for kids under age six. The good news is, honey is as effective as cough syrup at reducing nighttime coughing. The natural antidote is also rich in nutrients and antioxidants, so it's no wonder that honey is also a soothing agent included in many throat lozenges, cough syrups and cough drops. When you look for the best spoonful of honey to give your kids, opt for a local variety of honey that is raw, unfiltered and organic. Dark honey also has more antioxidants and Manuka honey is queen when it comes to delivering the most health benefits.
Warning: Due to the risk of botulism, NEVER give honey to a child younger than age one.
Keeping up with fluid intake is very important when fighting a cold and a fever. When sipping plain water isn't appetizing or causes nausea, serve up one of nature's best hydrating drinks: coconut water. This wonder drink also replaces the body's electrolytes and minerals and causes less stomach upset than electrolyte-enhanced sports drinks. You may not be able to stick a straw straight into a raw coconut, but your grocery store has a variety of bottled coconut water flavors, which makes it easier to find coconut water your kiddo will like. Look for 100% coconut water and avoid added artificial ingredients.
Ailment: Overall Discomfort & Unease
Solution: Diffuse essential oils
It's never been easier to diffuse essential oils for your kid's overall sense of well-being. Young Living has the most adorable kid-centric Ultrasonic Diffusers: Dolphin Reef and Dino Land (which also double as multifunctional nightlights). Both emit their beneficial KidScents oils as color-illuminated vapor and make the perfect addition to your kiddo's bedroom decor. When your little one has a cold, reach for the KidScents essential oil that will best help rejuvenate them based on their symptoms. The collection includes an array of oils that have antiviral and antimicrobial properties such as eucalyptus oil as well as comforting oils such as lavender and ginger root oil. We love SniffleEase™ and TummyGize™ to soothe cold and flu-related symptoms and SleepyIze™ is the perfect blend of oils including Roman chamomile, lavender and valerian root oil to send them off to dreamland at bedtime.
Note: Young Living Essential Oils are not intended to treat, diagnose or cure diseases, but they can support and maintain overall wellness.
Elderberry is a potent, multipurpose remedy found in nature that has been acclaimed for centuries. Its healing powers and immune-boosting properties include reducing symptoms of a cough, sore throat and cold-like symptoms as well as protecting the body from the flu when used preventively. When taken within the first 24-48 hours of illness, elderberry has been found to lessen the duration of the flu by 50%. Arm your family with a bottle of organic GaiaKids Black Elderberry Syrup which you can buy at your local health food store and some drug stores carry it as well. Kids will like the taste of the powerful purple berries condensed into this sweet syrup, but there are plenty of additional creative ways to serve elderberry to your little ones. Check out these clever, helpful recipes which detail how to make elderberry gummies, elderberry slushies and more. GaiaKids also contains organic honey which provides the added benefit of support for the upper respiratory system.
Note: Kids under age one should not take elderberry syrup. Since this product contains honey, it should never be given to a child under the age of one.
A spot of tea is the answer for many ailments. For instance, this cold-busting wellness tea recipe is just what the doctor ordered on the path to recovery. If your kids are nauseous/vomiting or have tummy upset, fresh ginger root and lemon tea will help soothe the stomach while boosting immunity. Not an actual tea per se, the lemon and ginger are served in hot (warm for kids) water to be sipped. Slow boil the sliced ginger root in a saucepan for 15 minutes, turn down to simmer and then add the vitamin C rich juice from half a lemon and let it simmer for 15 more minutes. If your kids need a bit of sweetness, add in a drop or two of honey.
Ailment: Can't Keep Food Down/Throat Hurts Too Much to Swallow
We've all heard about kids sticking to ice chips if they can't keep any food or liquids down or have a bad sore throat. Popsicles offer an appealing way to keep kids hydrated and soothed because they think they're getting a treat. Keeping up with fluid intake can help thin mucus and lessen congestion from a chest cold. You can either make your own popsicles using fruits and veggies or pick up a box of 100% fruit popsicles at the store.
You may have heard of putting your child in a lukewarm bath to bring his/her fever down, but did you know that adding a cup of apple cider vinegar to the bath water is a decades-old natural fever reduction remedy? If your kiddo isn't feeling up for getting in the tub, you can also place several drops of apple cider vinegar on a warm, damp washcloth or warm compress and lay it across your child's forehead.
Good to know: Apple cider vinegar also helps prevent the cold/flu virus from settling in your kiddo's system for the long haul. Treat your kiddo with a tasty version like the one from Sour Lemon Beverage Co. Slurp down raw ACV easily with flavors like Limeade and Strawberry Lemonade and enjoy a happy gut at the same time.
Peppermint has long been used to soothe stomach ailments: upset stomach, mild nausea, stomach cramps and even IBS. It can be served iced or hot, depending on the kid and even a mild tea is effective. One word of caution: peppermint can exacerbate heartburn so avoid using it if the stomach ailments are coming from obvious indigestion rather than a bug.
Ailment: Blocked/Stuffy Nose
Solution:Nasal aspirator/Saline spray
When your baby is too young to blow his/her own nose during a cold, a nasal aspirator is a God-send (Hello Nose Frida!). Keeping those tiny nostrils clear by removing mucus so baby can breathe freely will make him/her much more comfortable. Choose an easy to clean aspirator that you're comfortable using to get the job done quickly.
Older kids can find relief in nasal saline spray or drops that can be placed up their nostrils to clear passageways and relieve stuffiness. Once you administer the spray, have your child gently blow his/her nose to remove mucus.
Ailment: Difficulty Breathing While Lying Down
Dolapo Falola via Flickr
Solution: Cool mist humidifier
In addition to propping your kid's pillows so they can sleep in a more upright position to achieve easier breathing, a cool mist humidifier will help break up mucus, relieve congestion and coughing and provide humidity in the air which can help keep nasal and throat passages hydrated. Additionally, the humidity also aids in fighting the flu virus by decreasing its chance of survival in the air and on surfaces. (source)
When you use natural ingredients, you don't have to worry about any of the icky, harmful additives like petroleum and hydrogenated oils and GMOs found in many OTC cold remedies for kids. We love Maty's All Natural Vapor Rub for Children and All Natural Baby Chest Rub for babies because they are formulated with age-appropriate dilutions of essential oils that safely and effectively relieve symptoms of coughing and stuffiness. Maty's line of cough syrups (powered by potent honey) that target a variety of cold symptoms also get a big thumbs-up from us for relying on the power of nature to bring relief to babies and kids.
Disclaimer: We are not health professionals. These are simple solutions you can try at home to relieve cold symptoms. The content herein is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always check with your child’s doctor for the best course of treatment for their ailment.
Parents…we all need a little morning energy boost, midday pick-me-up, or evening relaxer every now and then. There are many quick solutions to reach for, but not all are as beneficial to our overall health and wellness. My one suggestion that’ll fix a variety of issues? Tea!
There are fewer things more relaxing than sipping on a good cup of tea. For me, that almost always comes with a splash of vegan creamer (tilk anyone?). But whatever your favorite tea may be, at whatever time of day, the possibilities are practically endless.
While you may enjoy tea for its diverse flavors, there are actually numerous, potent health benefits that come with drinking tea regularly. Tea is one of my daily routines because it helps build synergy, allowing me to accomplish at least five different things at once. This simple act has tremendous benefits for physical health, mental health, and emotional wellbeing. Tea can boost the immune system, help fight viruses, decrease stress and anxiety, and boost mental focus, which we can all benefit from right now.
My Top 5 Mind-Body Benefits of Drinking Tea:
Benefit #1: Fights Viruses & Boosts Immunity
Black and green tea are known to have antiviral and antimicrobial properties that can help your immune system combat viruses like the common cold. Anything extra we can do to support the immune system right now and fight off viruses is a win-win, for everyone.
Benefit #2: Powerful Antioxidants Fight DNA Damage & Reduce Signs of Aging
Want to maintain that youthful radiant glow and stay healthy at the same time? A cup of tea a day, particularly green tea or match, may be just the thing. Tea, and green tea in particular, is loaded with powerful antioxidants that fight DNA damage and oxidative stress on the body, keeping you looking and feeling young. Those antioxidants can also help prevent heart disease and even cancer.
Benefit #3: Reduces Stress & Anxiety
Black and green tea contain L-theanine, a compound that helps fight stress and anxiety naturally. It can also promote a sense of calmness, while helping you focus on whatever task is at hand, making tea a great morning or mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Theanine can minimize the jitteriness of caffeine, but if you’re sensitive to caffeine, go for a tea that has less, like green, white, or oolong.
Benefits #4: Drinkable Medicinal Spices
People have been making “tea” with herbs and spices for centuries. While these are technically tisanes if tea leaves are not used, I won’t hold that misnomer against anyone because the potent health and wellness benefits are profound. A common Ayurvedic staple is cumin coriander fennel tea, which contains a host of health benefits including stimulating digestion, which is the root of all health according to Ayurveda. Lavender and chamomile teas can help promote sleep and relaxation. Mint and licorice tea can lower libido, while green tea may enhance it. You can make tea to have practically any health or wellness benefit you want.
Benefit #5: A Great Social or Self-Care Routine
Whether used as a daily self-care routine or a way to spend time with friends and family, tea has you covered. It’s one of those things that can be enjoyed just as much alone as in a social setting. It makes a great self-care routine because it’s both mentally stimulating and physically relaxing. Any consistent act of self-care will improve overall mind-body wellness, but with all of the additional benefits tea has to offer, it packs an extra powerful punch when added to your daily routine.
Whether you’re fully vegan, looking to go vegan or you simply want to bring more plant-based foods into your household, finding creative ways to incorporate a few more plant-based options into your home is never a bad idea. From saving money to helping the environment, and of course, helping your family get even healthier than you already are, plant-based foods are often crucial to your diet and wellness—even if you don’t realize it at first. So many healthy foods are already plant-based, and even more, can be easily vegan-ized to your liking.
Even so, it can be difficult to get people on board sometimes—both kids and adults alike. People can be stuck in their ways and unwilling to try new things, but that doesn’t mean vegan-izing things is a completely lost cause. In fact, providing vegan options and feeding your family a few more plant-based meals can actually be easier than you realize. All you need to do is find what works for you and your family and take things one step at a time.
1. Stick to the Basics
One thing many people don’t realize is that there are so many foods that are already vegan or “accidentally” vegan. From pasta recipes to salads, there are so many foods that are already vegan, and leaning into those options can give you a bit of an easier time, both for yourself and the rest of your family.
2. Vegan-ize Old Favorites
If your family has a few non-vegan staples, another option you can try is making plant-based versions of them and seeing how they do. If there’s one thing that many people have learned in recent years, it’s that anything can be vegan-ized. Whether it’s chicken nuggets, decadent mac and cheese or chocolate chip cookies. You may not even want to mention that it’s vegan until after the family has tried it. That way, they can get used to it and see if they like it without any judgment.
3. Make a Vegan Base
Another great way to ease in more plant-based foods is to start with a base dish that you can add different proteins, toppings, and condiments to based on everyone’s taste. You can start by making a list of plant foods that everyone enjoys, so you know you’re starting off with a crowd-pleaser.
4. Promote General Health
Another way to get older kids and partners in particular on board is to simply discuss the health benefits of a plant-based lifestyle openly and honestly. Talk about how healthy plant foods are and how it’s important to eat fruits and vegetables regularly. While it might not feel like the first way you’d get your family on board, you might surprise yourself, especially if they tend to notice feeling better after eating plant-based. Even if it isn’t all gung-ho at first, it might just get people part of the way there.
5. “I Do the Cooking”
This one might be a bit controversial. While many parents subscribe to the idea that you should ask your kids what they want for dinner and that what you make is a family discussion, there is a time and a place to lay down the law. Simply put, stating that when you do the cooking, they can eat what you make or find somewhere else to get their food might be what it takes to start everyone off on the plant-based bandwagon.
6. Don’t Forget Snacks
While meals are the main event, snacks also play an important role in the way we eat. When you bring plant-based snacks into your home like fruits, trail mixes, hummus, and much more, your family may naturally discover vegan foods that they like, making meals easier to prep for. Try to go for a wide variety of snack foods, perhaps changing things up every few weeks to introduce new flavors and foods.
7. Try Out New Recipes
Going to the opposite end of the spectrum from some of the earlier tips, if your family tends to be the kind of people who love to experiment with different kinds of foods and dishes from all around the world, bringing a bit of plant-based adventure into your house could capture some interest. Experiment with different recipes—bring in some Thai, Mexican, Indian or Italian food and see what your family falls in love with. You might just encounter a new staple that your family will associate with plant-based food.
Feeding Your Family More Plant-Based Meals
Getting your family to eat more plant-based foods might seem difficult, but it’s absolutely possible and worth it. All it takes is a bit of creativity and resourcefulness. Whether you vegan-ize old family favorites or you try out brand new cuisines together, there is so much that plant-based foods have to offer. What’s your favorite plant-based dish?
Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine. A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures. She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time.
We’ve all heard the adage, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” In truth, besides being associated with better memory, eating a healthy breakfast has also been linked to better test scores, increased attention span and decreased irritability in kids. That’s why we’ve synced up with a registered dietician to get the skinny on the importance of breakfast and easy ways to make it happen every morning. The major bonus is that you can score all these easy breakfast ideas at Trader Joe’s! Keep reading to see them all.
You've heard of mug cakes, now there's a new baked good in town. Trader Joe's new gluten-free Dark Chocolate and Maple Protein Muffins are made with cassava and other tasty ingredients like coconut flour, almond meal, chocolate chips, cocoa powder and more. Each one comes in their own cooking cup that just requires water or milk, then microwave for 60 seconds before indulging 12 grams of protein!
Marissa Kent, RDN, shares that "breakfast is the meal that not only helps ensure kids eat enough to support their growth, but it also replenishes their blood sugar level, which is needed to perform well in school. Breakfast foods that contain carbohydrates will replenish a child’s glucose levels."
Oatmeal or steel-cut oats are a great option. High in insoluble fiber, steel-cut oats help maintain a healthy and regular digestive system. They are naturally free of gluten, which makes them a good option for most diets, and are easily customizable by adding fruit, nuts, seeds or nut butter. Dieticians love steel-cut oats because of their low glycemic index, fiber, high iron content and their status as a complex carbohydrate, which helps to maintain a steady flow of energy throughout the day—something your kiddo needs to get through school.
Trader Joe's has you covered in the steel oat department: you can choose between the frozen or the boxed version (which requires a little more cooking).
When it comes to super health food, Açaí is here to stay. The vibrant fruit is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which mean tons of health benefits for your littles. Enjoy a faster recovery time from illness, better cognitive functioning and a more controlled appetite when you serve an Açaí Bowl for breakfast.
You can snag Trader Joe's frozen Açaí, which is priced a little under $5 and is easily combined with greens and fruit to make a nutritious breakfast that almost tastes like ice cream.
Skip sneaking protein powder into your pancakes, and just buy Trader Joe's Buttermilk Protein Pancake mix! Made with whole wheat flour, whole grain oat flour, whey protein concentrate and buttermilk powder, each serving of two flapjacks equal 10 grams of protein. Why should you pack in the protein? In addition to keeping kids full longer, protein helps to build muscle in growing littles, boosts metabolism and helps bodies repair themselves after an injury.
Do your kids love eggs? You'll want to pick up a box of Trader Joe's Egg Fritata's on your next grocery run. Each mini egg round is made with egg whites, whole eggs, and whey protein concentrate, which equates to 12 grams of protein and 15% of your daily calcium.
Also, consuming eggs is linked to better eye health, an increase in good cholesterol, better bone health as a result of calcium, and kids will get a good serving of tons of vitamins from A to Selenium.
Kent states that parents should "aim for a balanced plate with a variety of nutrient-rich foods each morning to fuel the child’s body and brain." That's why we love the easy to make multi-grain frozen waffles from Trader Joe's. After toasting one up, add fruit and nut butter to round out this tasty breakfast that meets all your kids' nutritional needs right out of the gate.
"Including a source of dairy, such as milk, at breakfast is important as it helps make sure children are getting enough calcium. Milk has been shown to be the top source of calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, and potassium for kids" says Kent.
Ensuring your kids have dairy or a dairy alternative source can go a long way. A simple way to sneak it in is to blend up a smoothie that contains the calcium-rich food with leafy greens and fruit. You can find plenty of dairy and non-dairy options at Trader Joe's, like nut or oat milk, in addition to tons of frozen fruit options that will make your smoothie a cinch.
Yogurt with Fruit
Having yogurt in the morning means your kids are getting a healthy serving of protein, calcium and live cultures: All of these things work together to keep kids full longer (and have a healthier gut). On your next Trader Joe's run, check out the huge selection of dairy and dairy-alternative yogurt products like greek, creamy cashew and cultured coconut milk options.
Toss in fresh fruit and whole-grain cereal to make a fun parfait, and your kiddos will love eating healthy before you know it.
Chicken or Turkey Sausage
Do your kids love a heartier breakfast? Substituting with one of the many Trader Joe's sausage options is the way to go. Choose from tasty flavors like Sweet or Spicy Italian, or Apple Chicken when pairing with eggs or whole-grain toast.
Turkey and chicken sausages are a leaner option when it comes to meat than their pork counterpart, and are a great source of protein.
"Breakfast is a prime opportunity to provide children with a source of choline by serving eggs. Choline is important for the creation of memory cells," says Kent.
Not only can you get a healthy serving of eggs when you serve up Trader Joe's Mixed Mushroom & Spinach quiche, but you also sneak in lots of greens, too. Check out TJ's freezer aisle for several other flavors if your kids aren't partial to this version.
If your kiddo isn't super hungry in the morning, you probably already buy a decent amount of cereal to get them going. Instead of the sugar-dense options, check out Trader Joe's Organic Coconut Almond Chia cereal, and dispel any negative comments about serving up a bowl of cereal in the AM. Kent states that "Most ready-to-eat or cooked breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and iron. Some may also be protein and fiber-rich. Kids can get a significant amount of nutrients from these cereals."
I help mamas find style, sanity, and sisterhood! My parenting and lifestyle blog shares self care, family fun, and mom hacks to make life easier and more beautiful.
As moms, we focus so much energy on our families, which means we often neglect our own mental, emotional, and physical health. There’s simply too much to do each day, so we often bump our needs off the to-do list.
But the best way to be the BEST mom is to make sure you are taking care of yourself! Here’s some ideas for intentionally making self care a priority:
1
A Quality Probiotic
Who knew your gut affected everything else so much?!
$42
After researching lots of probiotics, I realized that many are NOT quality - which makes all the difference! After 2 months of taking this probiotic/prebiotic combo, my usually terrible stomach bloat is completely gone, and my digestion is so much more regular. This isn’t a glamorous part of self care, but our gut health affects everything- even our skin and emotions. (Use code modernhipstermama for 15% off!)
There’s something therapeutic about sipping a hot flavored latte, but we can all agree that those green mermaid cups add up! Making lattes at home is so easy, and you can buy flavored syrups to customize your drink. It’s also really fun to offer your guests when they come over! This espresso machine will give you lots of love in the form of caffeine.
Quality essential oil while supporting small business
$12.95
Emotions, memories, and scents are so intertwined- so one of the best ways to improve your day is simply through your nose! I love diffusing and wearing essential oils, not only for any health benefits, but also for a non-toxic way to make your home smell amazing. I love supporting this small business because their oils are fantastic, work well, and have free shipping!
Drinking lots of water is such an easy way to make our health a priority! This giant water bottle has markings to challenge and reminder you to keep drinking throughout the day.
While most of us would love to include a manicure and blow out in our self care routine, one of the best things we can do is make sure our hair, skin, and nails are healthy! I introduced this affordable daily biotin supplement and have seen huge improvements already - without adding any time to my routine.
When people think of kid-food, choices like mac and cheese and chicken fingers are often top-of-mind. Yes, those foods are delicious and often well-accepted by little foodies, and I feed them to my daughter on occasion as well.
Being a registered dietitian and mom, I try and find a balance between serving my five-year-old foods that she loves (brownies make the top of her list) and foods that I know she needs for health benefits (and she also loves). And while my list of “mom-approved” foods is long, there is one that is always prioritized: Seafood.
My daughter gets seafood on her dinner plate two times a week—the amount that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends children consume. But my rationale doesn’t end at simply wanting to follow the guidance of the USDA. Over the years, more and more data has come out that highlights just how impactful two servings of seafood per week can be to little ones—enough to convince me that it is a must-have in my home.
Eating Seafood Helps Support Strong Growing Bones
When kids are chowing down on seafood options like salmon, they are getting a boost of vitamin D, a nutrient that supports bone health and is not found in many other foods. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which can in turn support healthy bones and teeth.
Additionally, the lean protein that seafood provides helps support bone health as well as your child’s overall growing body. Think of the salmon, tuna, or shrimp on your kiddo’s plate as bone-booster during the time in their life that they need it most.
Eating Seafood Can Help Boost Brain Development
When they say you are what you eat, that rule certainly applies to brain health. And when specifically looking at kids, eating seafood has been shown to directly impact their brainpower.
When choosing seafood options that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids like farm-raised salmon, your child may end up literally having a bigger brain—which is a good thing! Also, data suggests that kids who eat fish at least once per week may do better in school. Fish consumption has also been linked to higher IQs (about 4.8 points higher than non-fish eaters) and improved reading skills. So, along with making sure your kid gets quality sleep and does their homework, including fatty fish in their diet can be an important part of their weekly routine to help support their academic progress.
Seafood Supports a Healthy Immune System
In these times, supporting a healthy immune system is at the forefront of everyone’s minds—especially since kids are back in school and around all of the potential “ick”. While there are tons of miracleimmunity supplements on the market, one overlooked booster is seafood.
Some varieties of seafood also provide protein, zinc, and vitamin A—all nutrients that play an important role in immune health. So, that salmon patty that you are feeding your family may be the ticket to keeping them healthy during cold and flu season!
Shopping the seafood counter (or frozen section) can feel a bit overwhelming, so here are some tricks to buying the safest, best-quality options. Choose seafood with integrity by looking for the BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) certified seal. I also recommend serving sustainably raised varieties that are low in mercury and high in omega-3 fats, like farmed salmon from Chile. Opting for seafood that is low in mercury, such as salmon, pollock, flounder, cod, tilapia, and shrimp is particularly important for pregnant women and children.
When feeding your kids seafood, it is important to think about the fact that people (especially children) eat with their eyes first. In other words, the food needs to look good. While plopping a raw oyster on your child’s plate may not be a hit, offering some grilled shrimp with a dipping sauce can be a fun and appealing meal for your little one to enjoy. And making a twist on some classic favorites, like a salmon burger instead of a beef option, can be a simple swap that loads your child up with important nutrients. Lastly, be sure to offer seafood starting at an early to help your child develop a life-long habit that can play a huge role in their overall health and brain development.
Lauren Manaker is an award-winning registered dietitian, lactation counselor and author. Lauren's work has been featured in numerous publications and demostrates her committment to sharing evidence-based nutrition guidance that simplifies healthy eating. When she is not writing, Lauren can be found boating with her husband, daughter and rescue pup on the waters of Charleston, SC.
