New Year's resolutions are a popular way for people to reflect on the past year and set goals for the year ahead. While resolutions can be personal and varied, focusing on improving your health is a common theme. Here are some New Year's resolutions that can have a positive impact on your health and well-being:

The new year is just around the corner, which means many of us are already starting to think about our new year’s resolutions. Sure, we tend to enjoy the holiday season first. But starting to plan the positive changes you want to implement into your life for 2023 is a project best started sooner rather than later. Knowing what changes you want to make as soon as possible will allow you to take steps that will allow you to get started as soon as we step into the new year. If you need to order anything, get anything ready or arrange appointments that will help implement the change, you can make sure that everything is ready and organised in good time. Now, one change that many of us make is implementing a healthier lifestyle. Here are a few ideas that can help you to achieve this goal for you and your family!

Quitting Bad Habits

A good place to start is quitting habits that are actively bad for your health and wellbeing. Often, this applies more to the parents of the family than the children. If you’re a smoker, you should look into ways to cut down and quit. If you use other substances, you may want to consider addiction treatment. If you drink too regularly or excessively, trying out dry January and looking into support can be useful. There’s always a way out of bad habits and to improve your general lifestyle and wellbeing.

Diet

Start eating healthier family meals. Wave goodbye to regular takeaways and junk food and start meal planning and meal prepping to provide your family with consistent, healthy, balanced meals that are genuinely enjoyable.

Exercise

Exercise plays another major role in general health and wellbeing. It’s recommended that the average adult gets 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week and you should check in on the recommendations applicable to children of the ages your kids are. The key to consistent exercise is to make sure everyone finds a form they enjoy. Get your kids to try out different teams, classes, activities and more until they find something they actually look forward to. If you find that you struggle to keep to your fitness schedule, you may want to consider hiring a personal trainer who can guide you.

Mental and Emotional Health

It’s important to remember that your mental and emotional health and wellbeing are extremely important too. With all this focus on body, it can be easy to forget. There are plenty of steps you can take to maximise your family’s mental and emotional wellbeing. If you sare experiencing problems, you may want to consider family therapy sessions that allow people to talk out their problems and struggles in a neutral environment where a professional can offer suggestions and guidance. At home, you can encourage openness, honesty and the ability to take criticism and transform it into change for the better, rather than people getting defensive.

Each of these steps can really help you to get your family on track for a healthier lifestyle in 2023!

 What Are The Benefits Of Positive Reinforcement?

It's no secret that parenting is one of the toughest jobs in the world, and if there's one unpleasant responsibility that comes with being a parent, it's controlling your child's behavior. As parents, it is our responsibility to instill in our children the social and emotional skills they'll need to thrive in the world by teaching them how to control their own behavior. How do you then control your child's behavior? Do you often yell at your child to attract attention to their misbehavior? Do you frequently lose your temper and experience overwhelming stress? If so, you might find that positive reinforcement is a better tactic. Read on to find out more. 

It Helps Children Develop

One of the most important things to remember about positive reinforcement is to compliment and praise the child's actions, not the child himself.

Praising a child's actions instead of their personality helps them grow and gives them a sense that they can do things well. This is because they have the power to learn new skills, but it can be hard to change personality traits.

It Has Long Term Benefits 

Children need discipline, but that doesn't give adults license to treat them harshly while administering it. When asking your child to do anything, your chances of getting a good response will increase if you use positive reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement can be more helpful in the long run because it changes a child's behavior in a good way. On the other hand, trying to change a child's behavior by making them anxious or afraid could make them feel bad about themselves as they get older.

It Increases Confidence 

When children get positive feedback for doing a good job, their sense of self-worth goes up. They are proud of who they are and what they can do because someone else, like their parent or another trusted individual like their therapist for speech therapy for children, tells them so. Children who feel good about themselves might be interested in getting more skills, taking more classes, and learning more things. 

It Makes Them Feel Loved

Not all children know what it means to be disciplined, and they don't always understand why their parents want them to act in certain ways. Because of this, when children get in trouble or are punished, they think it means their parents don't love them and just want to hurt them for acting up. As parents, that's the last thing we want our kids to feel.

When you respond to your child's behavior in a positive way, they will feel loved and cared for.

How To Practice Positive Reinforcement 

It's important to choose a method of positive reinforcement that works with your child's personality and the way they respond to love and respect. Smiles, hugs, praises, spending time doing something meaningful to them, showing off their work with pride, having a say in what they do for the day or what they eat for dinner are all examples of common types of positive reinforcement.

Because children of all ages have a natural desire to please their parents, teachers, and primary caregivers, and a need to be noticed and acknowledged for making good choices, positive reinforcement is quite effective with children. Praise for appropriate behavior like this motivates kids to keep it up.

https://unsplash.com/photos/5wJ2GiYSifA 

In this life, we all have to work in order to get what we want. We need to earn money in order to live, but we also need to work in order to feel much better about ourselves. If we sit around for too long and do very little with our time, we'll end up going crazy. There's a certain stigma around those who do not work or choose not to work, but it really is a case of getting out what you put in, in this world. 

Some people want to work for themselves and to earn as much money as possible. They don't really consider those around them and have an eye only for themselves and their own success. While this is understandable it's not something that everybody shares as the majority of people will often think about others before themselves. If you are somebody that wants to do things for others and gets a kick out of helping more than just themselves, here are for rewarding jobs that can do just that:

Childcare And Guardianship 

If you care about people and want to see them do well in life, this kind of thing could be perfect for you. We could be talking about teaching roles or simple childcare and nanny jobs. There will always be people out there that need extra care, and you could be the person out there that makes them feel so much better about life. Companies like AuPairCare.com and plenty of others are brilliant at pairing people up with the perfect groups and individuals. If you really want to do things for others, why not consider this kind of option?

Volunteering At Animal Shelters 

Just like with young people, there will always be animals around that need to have a lot of care. If you volunteer at the animal shelter or something remotely similar, you're going to be enriching the lives of lots of animals and plenty of future owners, too. There are many benefits of volunteering so it's worth considering.

Charitable And Non-Profit Organizations

While plenty of businesses are in operation solely to make money and to be selfish, there are many businesses out there that do not take any money out. Non-profit organizations and charities are brilliant at focusing on the main points and only them. If you feel this is something for you, then you will be more than happy to know there are plenty of charities around and it's just the case of picking the one that suits you the best.

The World Of Healthcare

In a world where we're constantly looking for the best self-care techniques, it might be wise to enter the world of healthcare where you can take care of so many others who are going through all kinds of issues. There are so many different jobs in healthcare - ranging from doctor to assistant. People will always be in need, so perhaps you could lend your hand each day.

 As a mom, it's important to start teaching your kids healthy habits from a young age. If they develop good habits early on, they'll be more likely to stick with them as they get older. Here are five healthy habits that you can start teaching your kids today.

1) Be mindful of what you eat

The first habit you can teach your kids is to be mindful of the food they eat. Introduce them to healthy, nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables early on, so they learn to appreciate the importance of eating a balanced diet. Next, explain why it's important to limit sugary snacks and processed foods and how these items aren't good for their health.

This habit will help them develop healthy eating habits that will stay with them into adulthood. Also, teach them not to overeat. Instead, explain how their bodies need just the right amount of food to grow and stay healthy so that they don't overindulge when eating.

2) Make time for physical activity

Another healthy habit you can teach your kids is to make time for physical activity. This doesn't have to mean joining a sports team or signing up for organized activities; even something as simple as walking around the block after dinner each night can help get their bodies moving and teach them the importance of being active on a regular basis.

3) Regular checkups are a must

It's also important to teach your kids the importance of regular checkups. Whether it's an annual physical, an eye exam, or a trip to the Sedation Dentistry practice, make sure that your children understand why these visits are essential for their health. In addition, explain how regular checkups can help detect early warning signs of conditions and illnesses that could otherwise go unnoticed.

4) Practice proper hygiene

Teaching your kids about proper hygiene habits, such as hand washing and brushing their teeth, can go a long way toward keeping them healthy. Show them how to wash their hands properly with soap and water and how often they should do it. Make sure to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer handy for times when soap and water aren't available.

Also, make sure to explain the importance of regular tooth brushing. Explain why it's important to brush twice a day and the consequences that could occur if they don't take care of their teeth properly.

5) Know the importance of mental health

Finally, teach your kids about the importance of taking care of their mental health by discussing feelings with them regularly. Show your children that it's okay to talk about their emotions and express themselves; this will help build strong communication skills early on in life which can benefit them greatly as they get older. Encourage them to talk about any worries they may have, and try to provide comfort and reassurance when needed.

These healthy habits will help your kids stay healthy now and in the future. So take the time to teach these five habits to your children from a young age; it could mean the difference between an unhealthy lifestyle and a healthy one!

 Unexpected Secrets To Make a Great First Impression as a Mompreneur

Starting your own business as a busy mom can seem intimidating, especially if you're going into it without much knowledge of how to succeed in that realm. The truth is, though, that you already have much of the skillset necessary to make it work—after all, running your household and taking care of your family are no small tasks! 

You are probably familiar with the essential elements that will help propel your business to success. Professional expertise in your domain of activities, friendly customer service, and dedication to constantly enhancing your skills, these are crucial to establishing yourself as a knowledgeable entrepreneur. But how do you nail a positive first impression? Dressing for the job? Addressing your interlocutor by name? Having a strong network behind you? These are all correct ideas. But here are less-expected tips that can help you make the most positive first impression on everyone you meet as you venture out into the world as a mompreneur.

Unsplash - CC0 License

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is important for your physical and mental health. When you are tired, it can be hard to focus on the task at hand and make good decisions. There is nothing wrong with taking naps during the day or going to bed early if you need more rest. You may not get up feeling like Rocky Balboa, but your body will thank you in the long run.

Attending the first meeting when you are sleep-deprived puts you at risk of making mistakes and appearing disorganized. 

Have a Beautiful Smile

Remember that the first impression is often what people will base their opinion on for the rest of your interactions with them. So, it's the perfect opportunity to use your smile to show you are happy and confident. Smiling when speaking with someone new or in an interview can help break the ice. In other words, you want to be confident about your smile. Take care of your teeth by brushing twice a day and flossing after every meal. If you feel self-conscious about misaligned or chipped teeth, investing in specialist care, such as with a cosmetic dentist at Mona Vale Dental, is no waste of your money. 

Use a Breathing Technique

How many times have you heard people say, I'm so nervous about my first meeting? But here's the thing: Your breathing technique is the only thing that's in your control. Take a deep breath and remember that you are here for yourself and not anyone else. Breathing is the key to persuasive public speaking. 

Unsplash - CC0 License

Use Your Hands

The hands are the only part of the body that can make contact with someone else. If we want them to be noticed, they need to be clean and well-groomed. This is especially true if you're shaking someone's hand or giving them a high-five. You want your hands to look confident and capable. 

As the hands are part of your non-verbal communication pattern, they can truly bridge the gap with your interlocutor. You can use your hands to emphasize words and drive your message home. 

There is a lot more to communication than meeting someone and telling them about your expertise. As a mompreneur, you want to convince and charm people from the moment they meet you. This is precisely where non-verbal cues are essential, from your smile, your breathing techniques, and your hands. 

Regular check-ups are essential to ensure that your family stays healthy and in good shape. While some check-ups may seem more important than others, there are eight major check-ups that should not be missed by any family.

These Check-ups Include:

1. Immunizations:

Keeping up-to-date on routine immunizations is one of the most important ways to protect your family from contagious and potentially fatal illnesses like the flu or whooping cough. Make sure all adults and children in your household receive their recommended vaccinations at least annually.

2. Child Physicals:

Even if your child appears healthy, it's essential to have them undergo a physical exam every year. This will help ensure they're growing properly and allow medical professionals to address any potential health issues while they're still in the early stages.

3. Eye and Ear Examine:

Regularly scheduled eye and ear exams are essential for maintaining good vision, hearing, and overall health. It is advised that children should have their first eye exam between 3-5 years of age and then at least every two years after that if there are no major issues. For adults, yearly checkups are usually recommended unless there is a suspected issue with their eyes or ears.

4. Dental Cleanings:

Poor dental hygiene can lead to serious health problems, including gum disease, tooth decay, and infections, so it's important to make sure your entire family visits the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. It is recommended to visit your family care dentistry at least twice a year for cleanings and checkups.

5. Cholesterol Testing:

High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, so it's important to make sure that everyone in your family has their cholesterol levels checked regularly. Generally, adults should have their cholesterol tested at least once every five years, while adolescents should be tested every three years.

6. Blood Pressure Check:

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease, so having regular blood pressure checks is essential for good health. Depending on age, gender, and other factors, it may be necessary to have your readings taken more or less frequently than others in your household.

7. Mental Health Checkups:

Mental health checkups are just as important as physical checkups. Make sure you and your family members schedule regular mental health screenings with a licensed counselor or therapist to help ensure good emotional well-being.

8. Cancer Screenings:

Early detection of certain types of cancers is key to successful treatment, so it's important for everyone in your family to get regular cancer screenings. The specific tests will depend on age and gender but should be done at least once a year.

In Closing

By scheduling these 8 checkups for yourself and your family, you can be proactive about maintaining optimal health now and in the future. In addition, don't forget to research any other potential medical tests that may be recommended for you or any of your loved ones, depending on age, gender, and other factors. Taking the time to make sure everyone in your family is receiving the necessary medical care can help keep them healthy for years to come.

Pexels. CCO Licensed.

Juggling the roles of mom and business owner at the same time isn’t easy. There are a lot of mistakes you can end up making as you attempt to launch your business off the ground. Below are some of the mistakes that you should aim to avoid. 

Skipping market research

Eagerness to get stuck into a business idea can result in many entrepreneurs skipping the market research phase. This could be particularly the case with moms who may already not have much spare time to focus on launching a business - market research may just seem like an extra way of delaying your business. However, market research is in fact a vital step that you shouldn’t ever skip over. It can help you to understand your customers, your competitors and what you need to do to make your product successful. 

There are many different forms of market research you can undertake that can depend very much on the type of business. For example, if you’re starting a restaurant, it could be important to look into food industry stats, try out local competitor restaurants and possibly test out a few recipes on friends/family/strangers to get their verdict. 

Not setting work/family boundaries

There may be certain work tasks you can juggle with a baby in your arms or kids running around you. However, there are other times when it’s important to set boundaries. Certain situations could cause your work performance or professional image to suffer, while other situations may result in you neglecting your kids’ needs.

If you’ve got an important meeting where you need to come across as professional or you need to concentrate on an intricate task, make sure to seek out the privacy you need first. By seeking out scheduled childcare and finding a quiet space you can work from, you give your business the attention it needs. At the same time, be prepared to cancel or rearrange work if kids are ill, or if you cannot find childcare. It’s also important to make sure that your business does not consume your life and that you still have quality time with your kids. 

Sacrificing sleep

Some parents feel that they cannot afford childcare and so instead wait until their child is asleep to focus on important business tasks. This is something that you can do providing that you’re not sacrificing too much sleep. Fail to get enough sleep and your health will suffer, you won’t have the energy for your kids and you won’t have the energy for your business.

Make sure that you’re getting at least six hours sleep per night. You should also make sure that you’re getting time to relax while the kids are asleep as well as time with your partner. 

Choosing the wrong childcare solutions

You don’t want to be spending a huge amount of money on childcare. Friends and family are the best option in most cases. Just make sure to choose the right friends and family members - if you don’t trust someone to look after your kids while you work, don’t leave your kids with them, even if they insist on it.

A balance of paid childcare and family/friends may be necessary in some cases. Of course, the best time to focus on a business is while kids are at school - you should aim to do most of the important work tasks during these hours, providing that you’re not having to also work another job during these hours.

Ignoring the necessary admin

There are certain legal measures you have to take when running a business. Make sure that you don’t overlook these.

Making time for bookkeeping for example is very important. It’s also essential that you apply for the right permits and licenses, and that you take out any necessary insurance. This guide to business legal paperwork lists a few of these important must-haves. 

How To Prevent Tooth Decay In Children

Children are susceptible to cavities as soon as their first teeth appear, usually around 6 months. Since cavities are one of the most common diseases in children in the United States, it makes sense for parents to be vigilant about their children's oral health. Moreover, good oral hygiene from an early stage is essential for your children's growth. Here are some tips to prevent your child's teeth from decaying.

1. Brush twice daily

Image credit 

Encourage your children to brush their teeth twice daily. Using a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, brush the outer surface by spending 30 seconds on each quadrant of the mouth to ensure proper teeth cleaning. You’ll also find it helpful to brush the inner teeth in a small circular motion. Also, clean the gum line with the brush at a 45 degrees angle. Don't forget to clean their tongues. According to the American Dental Association (ADA),  fluoride is a natural mineral that prevents tooth decay and can reverse it in its early stages, so feel free to consider this.

2. Avoid sugar foods

You also want to reduce the sugary foods kids consume. This is because sugary foods are not friendly to their teeth and can cause bacteria, eventually leading to tooth decay. Moreover, consuming sugary foods also increases acid levels in the mouth, causing plaque to build up. Therefore, you can give your kids water-dense vegetables and fruits to help keep their mouths hydrated. Fruits and vegetables increase saliva production, preventing bacteria from sticking to the teeth, so keep this in mind.

3. Drink plenty of water

Water is beneficial for many reasons. Not only does it keep your kids hydrated, but it washes away bacteria that cause cavities and food stuck in the mouth.  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children between the ages of one and three should drink four cups of water daily to stay hydrated. Children between the ages of four and eight should drink five cups of water daily. Likewise, kids above eight should drink seven to eight cups of water a day. Admittedly, your kids may not like to drink water regularly. In this case, you can take certain steps to encourage them to do so. For instance, you can flavor their eater with mint leaves, lemon, or orange slices. Consequently, ensure that they have their water bottles on them always. You can also freeze water with berries to make the water extra cold and flavorful, so feel free to consider this.

4. Visit the dentist

Image credit 

Visits to dentists help detect problems early while motivating kids to forward to their checkups without panic. Ensure to take your kids to a dentist who specializes in treating kids, as they explain proper brushing techniques and handle issues associated with children's dental health. 

Your kids need healthy teeth to improve their overall health while reducing disease risks. Parents should endeavor to prioritize their children’s oral health to boost their confidence and capabilities. Hopefully, you’ll consider these tips to achieve the best results.