Parenting is a challenge at the best of times, and when your child is also struggling with ADHD, the task can be even greater. There are some things you can do to make sure that you give your child the best possible start in life while helping them navigate the challenges that come with an ADHD diagnosis. That’s what we’re going to talk about today, so read on and find out more.

Establish Structure and Positive Routines

First of all, you need to make sure you’re putting the right routines and structures in place. Most  children with ADHD thrive off structure and established routines. It benefits them to know what to expect and for things to be kept relatively consistent. Too much unexpected change on a regular basis can be detrimental and might make difficult behaviors more common.

Accept Compromises

As a parent, you probably always want things to be perfect and you want to make sure that you’re the perfect parent. You quickly realize when you have a child with ADHD that you’re not going to get everything right and lots of things you do won’t be perfect. Accepting compromise, both from your child and your own parenting abilities will help you both a lot.

Keep Things in Perspectives When Times Are Challenging

When times are challenging and things maybe aren’t going the way you’d want them to, it’s important to try and keep things in perspective as much as possible. You don’t want to make your child feel as if they’re doing something wrong when these things are out of their control. That’s where perspective is key. You need to remember that ADHD is a condition that they’re living with and they’re not always misbehaving on purpose.

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Find Resources That Provide Fresh Guidance

There are lots of learning resources out there to help you get a better understanding of ADHD and that can be massively important. If you’re looking for guidance and information, it might be a good idea to look for books and other resources to help you gain a better understanding of how you should approach things as a parent. This ADHD podcast might also help a lot.

Encourage Activity and Sleep

Many children with ADHD have a lot of energy, and it can help them a lot to do activities that help them work through that abundance of energy. Finding sports or other physical activities to keep them occupied can be very helpful for them. And on the other end of the spectrum, it’s just as important that they get enough sleep at night as well. So establishing good bedtime routines that are consistent will be very important.

There are lots of things you can do to help your child with their ADHD. The way in which you provide them with structure and help them from day to day will make a big difference. And all of the tips and ideas discussed above will help you create the right kind of environment for them.

 Following a fitness routine can be hard to do, and that’s a truth we often find hard to accept. You need time, energy, and some space in your home to workout for 30 or so minutes every day, and that’s not a luxury we can all afford! Indeed, one of the main reasons that people tend to put off their workouts and diet changes is due to the cost element. 

It’s often a lot more expensive to live a healthy lifestyle than an unhealthy one, and it can take a lot of energy to find workarounds. But this post is here to help! It can be pricey to be fit, but you can also lower the cost with a few handy tips and tricks. So, make sure you read on below! 

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The Equipment You’ll Need

From buying a stationary bike to paying for a monthly workout subscription, there seems to be a lot of items you’ll need to buy to get fit. However, you don’t need to invest in any equipment you find unreasonably priced. 

After all, a lot of people make good use of household items to get their workout in. From replacing dumbbells with water bottles or bags of oranges, to sticking their toes under the sofa to help during sit-ups, there are many simple hacks to use here! 

Investing in a Gym Membership

How much has your gym membership been costing you month by month? At least $30, right? And how often do you hit the gym to make that cost worth it? Maybe not as often as you’d like, right? Don’t worry, we’ve all been in this position, and it doesn't have to last forever!

Investing in a gym membership in the first place means your heart is in the right place, and it carries a lot of other benefits for you as well. From being able to make use of a trainer, to adding a social element to your workouts, to simply ensuring you’re more likely to workout, using the gym is very good for you. 

But if the cost is getting you down, it’s either time to cancel, or move on to somewhere like Fitness 19, where the membership price is more affordable. Do some research into the gym options in your area, and don’t sign up to just the first fitness center you come across! 

Changing Your Diet

Finally, a lot of people complain the most about the cost of healthy food - and often this is with good reason! But changing your diet should be done bit by bit, to help your body get accustomed to new foods and portions. 

As such, your diet change can become a lot cheaper over time - you’ve got the chance to build up, rather than buy a lot of new food all at once, which can help you budget much more effectively. 

Following a fitness routine can be budget friendly; make sure you use tips like those above to follow your fitness dreams. 

Whether you have recently learned to drive, or are simply ready for something new, buying a car can be incredibly exciting. However, as a parent, your choices are restricted somewhat. After all, a flashy sports car is hardly the most efficient method of transport for the school run - especially when it would soon be covered in muddy footprints and grubby fingertips.

As a result, it's important that when browsing, you focus on finding a car that not only looks good but is fit for the purpose. For example, you might want to consider the following features: 

• Safety features.

• Child-friendly features.

• The size of the vehicle (especially if you are planning on expanding your family)

• The running costs. (Maintenance and fuel). 

Photo by Jaromír Kavan on Unsplash

With that in mind, here are some top tips that can be used to find the perfect family-friendly vehicle.

• While you should be prepared to spend a decent chunk of your annual budget on your car (10-15% of your income), remember that there are steps you can take to cut down your costs. 

• As mentioned previously, you should also ensure that the car is equipped with all of the necessary safety features and that it is particularly child-friendly. While some cars will be marketed as such, user reviews can often be an excellent place to begin your research. Alternatively, you can check out sites such as edmunds, which provide the reader with plenty of information about different makes and models of cars - helping you make a more informed decision ahead of time. 

• Remember that in addition to the cost of buying a car, you must also be able to run it. Therefore, if you are trying to keep your costs down, you may want to consider smaller vehicles instead of a big SUV. This is because they are much more energy-efficient and therefore you will not have to fuel them as often. You could even take this to the next level by purchasing an electric vehicle, which are much cheaper to run in the long run. 

• Before purchasing a car, do some research on how easy they are to maintain - both in regards to the interior and exterior. For example, keeping your house clean can be stressful enough without having to clean your car every day, too - so you might want to look for a vehicle with an easy-to-clean interior, such as leather seating.

• Take some time to develop some DIY skills when it comes to car maintenance - this way, you will be able to tackle the majority of repairs yourself when the situation does arise. Again, a little research ahead of time could give you insight into what types of issues you may encounter with certain cars, which will allow you to feel better prepared for these situations. 

• While safety features are perhaps the most important fixture in your car, you should also look into models that provide added extras, such as entertainment systems that can help make your time on the road much more enjoyable. For example, back seat entertainment systems can keep your kids entertained for hours so that you can focus on the road (and don’t have to listen to the dreaded are we there yet one thousand times over. 

Benefits of Online Games for Kids

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There are arguably advantages and disadvantages to letting your children play games online. This is a controversial topic, but there are some suggestions that in moderation, some online games can be beneficial for children in a variety of ways. Whether your children are interested in playing games such as Madalin Stunt Cars 2 for fun, or you encourage them to play math and science games such as Funbrain, there are a plethora of benefits that this article will discuss. 

Socialization

With most online games, children have the opportunity to play with other people, from all around the world. This can be a great way to learn about other people, how to make friends, how to work as a team and strategize for successful gameplay, as well as learn about different cultures, and maybe even languages! It is a great way for children, especially those who are particularly shy in class, to speak to others in a non-confrontational way, or without any pressure. On the headsets they use, they can interact as much or as little as they prefer. This is an additional benefit, as children who tend to engage less, typically get lonely and isolate themselves, which can negatively impact their mental wellbeing now, and in the future. It also gives children a conversation starter at school, and a purpose to meet like-minded friends. 

Cooperation 

Cooperation is a key skill that can be mastered when playing online gaming. Children quite quickly learn that each player has their strengths, talents, and set of skills, that when working together, can be utilized for better gameplay. They learn that each player can play an important role in the game. 

Intellect 

Playing games is often perceived as mind-numbing, however, each game involves a lot of planning. This means that children are typically engaged in creating strategies, learning concepts such as cause and effect, following a team leader, taking the role of team leader, time management, organization, and much more. Overall, these skills acquired through gaming can positively impact childrens visual and motor skills, as well as their attention. Online games are also great for mastering multi-tasking, as games typically have several things going on at once. They can also assist in learning how to properly follow instructions and get involved in friendly competitions, as many games come with missions, quests, or projects to complete alone, or with others.  

Technology 

Being adequate with technology is vital in today’s day and age. Everything is dictated by technology now, and they are extremely valuable skills to obtain. By playing online games regularly, your children are likely to adapt quickly to technological devices and know how to work them properly. This will help in the classroom, and as they get older and look for jobs, as basic computer literacy skills are quickly becoming essential skills that are required in all industries. 

Each benefit that is learned when playing online games, can quickly and easily be adapted to the real world, helping your children learn valuable skills and promote their social development. It does, however, depend on which games your children play online, and caution should be taken, especially if your children are young. There are plenty of age-appropriate games that children can play, to benefit them. 

3 Fabulous Ways to Treat Yourself to Some Well Deserved Me-Time In 2022

The disruption and distress that the worldwide coronavirus pandemic has wrought across the length and breadth of not only the United Kingdom, but the rest of the world has resulted in many people reporting significantly lower levels of energy and motivation. 

Feeling stressed and anxious is indeed part and parcel of adulthood, but by no means does this result in you simply having to cope with how you’re feeling and just ‘get on with it’. Looking after your emotional health and wellbeing is incredibly important, so continue reading to discover five fabulous ways to treat yourself to some well-deserved me-time in 2022.

1. A Walk In Nature 

One of the oldest and most effective ways to take yourself not only physically but emotionally out of a situation to be able to more objective is to go for a bracing walk in nature. 

Although perhaps slightly too much of an abstract thought, as humans are basically animals with a conscious, logic dictates that to get back to nature is to get back to the essence of one’s being and as a result, taking a walk in nature is the perfect way to regain perspective. 

There is a wide plethora of benefits to reconnecting with the natural environment around you, and if you do so regularly, this may well help you to decide on your future prospects, professional career path, and personal goals. 

As well as the proverbial clearing of your head, taking regular walks also boasts a wealth of other positive benefits, including but in no way limited to:

• Walking has been scientifically proven to be a mood-enhancer (and, just as a point to note, so is a couple of squares of chocolate)

• Walking can substantially reduce the risk of contracting a chronic and painful disease

• Walking has been proven to boost brain power

• Walking delays the onset of painful varicose veins

• Walking reduces levels of both stress and anxiety

• Walking can help to alleviate joint pain

• Walking can enhance creativity

• Walking stimulates your digestive system

• Walking benefits every single organ in the human body without exception

2. Massage Therapy

There is a wide plethora of fantastic benefits that massage can provide, not just as some may think, to one’s physical fitness levels, but can also significantly improve your emotional health and wellbeing as well.

Booking a professional massage with an expertly trained massage therapist from a reputable and renowned company, such as heavenandearthmassage.co.uk, will not only soothe aches and pains from your back and muscles but also increase feelings of relaxation and contentment. 

3. Hot Bubble Bath

Instead of trying to squeeze in a bath before you head out to work of a morning, set aside half an hour to truly relax in a hot bubble bath; bathing is one of the easiest yet simultaneously most effective ways to care for yourself, both physically and emotionally. 

Bathing is a fabulous way to spend just a small amount of time putting yourself first and also provides the following health benefits:

• Baths can substantially elevate and improve your mood

• Baths can relieve the pains caused by muscles and soothe your spine

• Baths burn calories. OK, not many… but they do burn a few!

• Baths significantly help you to fall asleep and improve the quality of your sleep

• Baths with smelling salts and other soothing scents can reduce levels of stress and anxiety

• Baths soothe and moisturize dry and irritated skin

• Baths can reduce your blood pressure

• Baths even act as a mild antidepressant 

 Basement Ideas for Kids: How to Make the Perfect Playroom

If you have children, you know how much space they need to run around and play with their toys. Utilizing your basement by creating a playroom made especially for kids can be the perfect place for them to learn, grow, and explore. A basement playroom is ideal for homes without a backyard, rainy days, or for parents who want to have a dedicated play area for their kids. To help you get started, we reached out to experts from Charleston, SC to Toronto, ON to hear their best basement ideas for kids. Keep reading to see what they had to say.

Establish unique spaces for activities

When creating our playroom, we knew we wanted to create a spot for reading, creativity, and play. We planned out where the play area would be, and chose calming colors for the walls and decor to keep the space feeling fun, yet relaxing and inviting. We have a rock wall and we knew it was going to be the focal point of the room, so we started there and planned around it. Having a reading corner was also super important to me. We made sure the shelves were at a height the kids could grab books, and included a few cozy pillows to get comfy to snuggle up and read. - Jennifer McNeill

Create a ‘yes space’

Tired of saying ’no’ all day? Create a ‘yes space’ in your basement by filling it with safe ways for your child to explore and participate in motor activities like climbing and jumping. Items such as foam cushions, mini trampolines, and pikler triangles can be a great way to entertain your kids when outside play isn’t an option. - Dr. Brita DeStefano, Progress Through Play

Incorporate vertical play elements and open shelving

Don't be afraid to go vertical with an interactive play element. Whether you have limited space or shorter ceiling heights, going vertical with play elements is a great use of space in a basement playroom. For example, a climbing wall designed to look like a mountain can be a great open-ended play element that's also a statement piece that takes up no floor space.

Another tip is to ensure you buy or build some open shelving to store toys so children know what's available and can make their own decision on what to play with. It also means they won't be dumping boxes full of toys all over the ground to find what they want. It definitely helps any parents' sanity when it comes to cleanup time. - Big Living Little Footprint 

Calm chaos white furniture

When it comes to basement ideas for kids and designing a playroom, my number 1 tip is to always lean towards high gloss white lacquer furniture for a playroom. It looks nice and it is kid-friendly. A white palette is good for furniture and storage in a playroom too because toys are so many different colors. Having a clean neutral base with your furniture and storage in a playroom gives the room a sense of cohesiveness and calm. - Home Taylored

Decorate with DIY artwork

It is recommended to use children's DIY artworks instead of store-bought decorations. On one hand, incorporating these DIY artworks into the playroom can add color to the play space; on the other hand, the play space can become a showroom for the children's works and record their growth. - Huale Toys

Get creative with paint and storage solutions

Paint and storage are key to a happy playroom basement. Bring in the fun with a paint color that enhances your space - stay light if your basement doesn't get natural light but go bold if it does. Next, storage - it's absolutely necessary when you have a playroom, but built-ins may not be something you're ready to invest in for the long term. Consider other flexible options like baskets that will make clean-up a breeze. - Costner Studio

Let your child take the lead

From what I have learned, “how to assemble the perfect playroom” and “how to really love your child” might as well be the same question. From what color to paint the room (narrow it down to 2-3 colors you like and let your child/children choose) to what toy set-up to include, let your child take the lead. What has been most popular in our household has been setting up play that is multi-functional. For example, a “stand” can be a grocery store, an ice cream shop, or a tea parlor. One toy will get old fast, but setting up multi-functional toys and tools will let your child‘s imagination take shape.- Poppie Lady

Let the space grow with the kids

Make a space that will grow with the kids as their needs and interests change. Invest in a few key pieces that will work for kids when they are little, and also when they are bigger kids and teens. I suggest picking good seating, like comfy bean bag chairs and functional storage pieces to store toys, board games, and video game devices. Lastly, get the kids involved in creating the space as they will be spending the most time in the basement. - Coffee, Pancakes & Dreams

Create a system for toys

Only leave out as many toys as your child can independently clean up. Store the rest away, and switch them out weekly or when needed. This will make the toys feel new and your child will be inspired. Second, give every toy a space - no toy boxes allowed. Every toy can be displayed in a specific spot on a shelf (use a tray or small basket if needed) and return the item to the same place when done. This creates an instant minimalist vibe, helps your child not get overwhelmed by toy clutter, and helps to build concentration. Finally, create think zones - mount a swing from the ceiling for gross motor skills, create an art center, a reading nook, a building area or maker space, anything to divide up the space. - Stella Nova Montessori

Design a safe space for kids to play

The best playroom is one that your kids can spend time in safely. While playmats are a great option to protect your kids from a grimy basement floor, you need to make sure your playmat is nontoxic. Choose a playmat that does not use toxic materials like flame retardants or vinyl foam. Safe options should be clearly labeled “non-toxic.” It is also wise to have an air purifier and dehumidifier in your basement to ensure that the air your kids are breathing is as safe as possible. - Kleynimals

Tailor decor to your child’s interests

When creating a playroom two words come to mind - fun and organized. Although these two words may not sound like they go together, they definitely can. Start with a fun color scheme, maybe you have kids who love the ocean and want to add shades of blue, or you have nature lovers and want a mural, or princess lovers who want a beautiful canopy. There are so many fun options - most importantly you want it to reflect their interests. Another way we love to showcase our kid's interests is through artwork on the walls, Minted is a favorite of ours with their amazing collection. Lastly, you must have storage. That's the organizational piece to this puzzle. Storage bins, cupboards, shelves, you name it - just have places to store all of the toys so at the end of the day it can all be put away. - Beijos Events

Complete the space with a mini-trampoline

No basement playroom should be without a mini-trampoline. During long winters or hot summers, jumping on the trampoline will burn off excess energy, provide great exercise, strengthen your child's neurological system, and elevate your child's mood. Trampolines offer many benefits for your child while taking up very little space. - Smart Homeschooler

Create a free play area with no restrictions

If the children are toddlers I would hang some large silks or tapestry to lower the ceiling height in the designated area. If they are a bit older, I would make a snuggly reading nook for a comfortable reclining reading area. Books should be color-coded for easy return. The art area should have flooring, tables, counters, that can be washed (always keep in mind, this is a ‘yes’ area so it can get messy). Finally, always have a written or colored format for clean-up time like putting everything back in its station, basket, or container. - Live Love Organized

Incorporate versatile furniture

The more versatile the furniture, the more options you have for renewal of the children's room without actually buying new furniture. What could be more exciting than to get several different furniture pieces in disguise of one - multi-functional furniture grows with your child. - Adensen Furniture

Utilize toy rotation and accessible shelving

A toy rotation is a great way to start turning the basement into a play area. A toy rotation requires child-accessible shelving and a small number of toys as this encourages more thoughtful play. Don’t be scared to bring in some color through the toys or through art above the shelves. - Color Me Monti

Make the space child-centric

Bookcases make a playroom both beautiful and functional. Use fabric bins to store small toys or craft supplies. Finally, showcase your child’s artwork in picture frames or display their favorite books for each use. - Wonderfully Messy Mom

Originally published on Redfin.com

Great Ideas to Help You Fight Stress

Stress management is one of the most important skills you can ever develop. There are so many negative health conditions that are triggered or worsened by excessive stress, which is so unfortunate when there are so many methods to manage your stress. This article aims to examine the ideas of stress management and the techniques you can use to manage your stress.

Good Stress and Bad Stress

The first thing to know about stress is that there are two kinds: good stress and bad stress. Now that may sound a little strange, but read on a little, and it will all make sense. 

Good stress is the kind of stress that serves a purpose. Stress over deadlines, bills, important appointments. It exists to help you keep track of important things and to emphasize their significance, and the most important part is that good stress is minor. 

Bad stress is almost the antithesis of good stress. It can and will destroy you and is almost always characterized by an overabundance of stress. Bad stress will get in the way of you doing the things you need to do and cause you to panic instead of problem solve. It is, in a word, bad.

Stress management is the key that keeps good stress, the kind of stuff that keeps you on target and productive from evolving into bad stress. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways for you to manage your stress. Just remember that you probably won’t get rid of all of your stress, and that’s okay. A little stress is good.

Ideas to Help Fight Stress

There are a lot of different kinds of stress management that you can try to engage with, but the important thing to keep in mind is that not everything works for everyone. If you don’t think a technique is working for you, it’s no biggie; you just need to move on. There really is something that works for everyone; you just need to find out what that is.

Shopping! 

Retail therapy! The simple act of going out, or staying in, and buying things that you want can help to release endorphins and dopamine, which are feel-good chemicals that will help reduce stress. So, whether you are heading out to a bookstore in town or buying clothes from sweetjolie.com online, shopping really can help you to control your stress. Just be wary of spending more than you can afford.

Playing Games

Sometimes what you really need to get over your stress is to play some games and relax at home. Just getting away from any and all responsibilities you may have can really help to make you feel calmer and more collected, helping you to face what the world has in store.

Going Out with Friends

Finally, spending time with some friends is a brilliant way to help you reduce your stress and boost your mood. After all, there are very few things better than just relaxing in the company of people you trust. So call up your friends and arrange a day or even just an hour or two to see them and fight back against the stress. 

How to Look After Your Feet

Your feet are an important part of your body, and good foot health is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, they are often neglected until something goes wrong. However, issues with the feet can be incredibly debilitating and severely affect your day to day life. From chronic foot pain and plantar fasciitis to ingrown toenails and bunions, there are many ways your feet can cause you pain and discomfort. In order to keep the foot doctor away, you should practice good foot health. Here are a few top tips to help you look after your feet.

Practice Good Foot Care

Many people abide by a healthy diet and active lifestyle regime in order to keep their bodies healthy inside and out. Implementing a good foot care routine is also an important part of staying healthy and well. Good foot care can ward off serious health issues and conditions. Get into the routine of checking your feet for changes and irregularities. When the weather takes a turn, keep them clean and dry to stop foot odor in its tracks and reduce your chance of developing fungal infections. Getting into the habit of cutting your toenails regularly can help prevent ingrown toenails while removing hard, dead skin with a pumice stone can keep your feet feeling fresh. Apply moisturizer or lotion to keep your skin soft and supple and keep sore, cracked heels at bay.

The Right Fit

Shoes that do not fit properly can result in foot issues such as calluses, bunions, hammertoe, corns, and plantar fasciitis. This is why you should always make sure you wear correctly fitted shoes. A good pair of shoes should give your toes some wriggle room. They should also feel comfortable as soon as you wear them. They should grip your heel, and your heel should not slide when you walk. A well-fitting pair of shoes will protect your feet and cushion them from the weight of your body.

Always Choose Comfort

Comfort is key when picking a pair of shoes, and you should always take a few steps in a new pair of shoes to judge the comfort level. The soles of a shoe should provide adequate protection against external objects, such as glass and rocks. Check the material of the soles and test new shoes by walking on hard and soft surfaces, if possible. Chimmy Churry is a brand of shoes that draws inspiration from the Argentine alpargata. Their shoes are designed to be functional and stylish. They are lightweight and are made from vegan materials that are both comfortable and breathable. Visit www.chimmychurry.com.au to view their collection.

Match Your Shoes to Your Activity

If you exercise often and play the same sports regularly, you should try to match your shoes to your activity. Nowadays, many sporting activities have shoes designed to enhance performance. For instance, running shoes support the feet of runners and provide flexibility and cushioning, walking shoes absorb shock, and basketball shoes offer stability required during a game and a high-top for ankle support.

By following these simple pieces of advice, you can be sure to keep your feet in pristine condition.