Showing posts with label sponsored. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sponsored. Show all posts

26.9.12

Moving To A New Home

Moving houses is always a difficult task, especially if you have a family to look after at the same time. There are so many different things to think about: will you have nice neighbours? What theme do you want to design your house around? Should you have a guest room or a study? How will you coordinate the move?

There are a few key things to consider when moving to a new home. While these aren't the only factors to keep in mind, they definitely will make the stress of moving far easier on your family (and especially on the little ones).

Plan, plan, and plan some moreThe key to orchestrating a move that is relatively stress-free is to plan ahead, and plan as much as you can. If you are moving one month from now, try to pack a little every day and have a packing day on the weekend so everything isn't done at the last minute. Book the movers in advance, and make sure that you still have the keys to your house for up to a week after you move, just in case you forget any tidbits or you want to fix your old home up for the next owners. If you are buying new furniture as well, ensure that you arrange for beds to be delivered to your new home on moving day - you don't want to be sleeping on the floor, after all! It's all in planning the detail, but attention to detail is what will save you from a mountain of stress on moving day!

Window-shop before you buyRemember when you were buying property and you looked at all the sections, including listings in real estate, Armadale, and real estate, Ellenbrook? Well, buying furniture is much the same. If you're a little bit uncertain about what theme you want to decorate your house with, window-shopping at different furniture stores is your best source of inspiration. Furniture stores always have layouts and designs for every room in the house, so why not begin by looking at these? Get catalogues from every store and circle the items you like, then gather the family around with a cup of tea and talk about what you think would be the best for your new home.

Make the move easier on the kidsIt doesn't matter what age your kids are - moving will always be difficult. Make the move easier on them by talking to them every step of the way, and tell them about all the great things they will find when you move to your new neighbourhood. Also, get them involved in decorating their room and ask for their opinions; they'll be far more comfortable moving to a room they picked out for themselves.

Anita Broome is a writer and mummy who absolutely adores going to open homes. She's currently studying a course in property and hopes to be a real estate agent one day.

This is a guest post brought to you by Sienna Wood.

19.9.12

Five health tips for children

No matter a child’s age, special attention must always be given to their health and overall well-being.  It is a parent’s job not only to ensure the health and safety of their child, but also to teach that child about healthy habits and why such habits are so important.  Here are five health tips for children that will help.

#1 Eating right

It is no secret that a healthy, well-balanced diet is the key to growing up strong and healthy.  Maintaining healthy eating habits is important far beyond childhood and can help ensure a long, healthy life.  First and foremost, parents need to learn what a balanced diet is before they can teach their kids.  Healthy diets include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, plenty of protein, and lots of fluids.  

Once parents know what a good diet consists of, get the kids involved.  Start each day with a healthy breakfast that will refuel the body and provide plenty of energy.  Then, let the children help plan at least one meal each week.  This is a good way to let kids learn what foods are healthy and which ones aren’t.  And remember, kids learn by imitating their parents, so set a good example by eating right!

#2 See the doctor regularly

Routine medical check-ups are essential for staying healthy.  Often, parents make the mistake of only taking their child to the doctor when he or she is sick – that’s a big mistake.  Regular medical, dental, and vision examinations will identify any potential problems and help children to stay healthy.  Vaccinations are also a good idea, as they help save lives through the prevention of many diseases.  Parents concerned about the possible risks and side effects of having their children immunized should talk to their doctor and never be afraid to ask questions.

#3 Banking the baby’s cord blood

Banking a baby’s umbilical cord blood isn’t a frequent presence on “top health tips for kids” lists, but it should be.  Unfortunately, cord blood banking isn’t as universally known about as doctors would like and many expectant parents just don’t know how critical a matter it actually is. A baby’s umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells, which can be used to treat a number of diseases including cancer and Sickle Cell Anemia.  Even when there is no obvious indication that a child is sick or will become ill at some point, the cord blood could ensure its survival at some time in the future. It can be carefully stored and preserved for future use by that child or any relative.  Parents may also opt to donate the cord blood for public use by suitable recipients.  If parents want to learn how umbilical cord banking works they should consult their doctor before the baby is born.

#4 Healthy choices do matter

Good personal hygiene and making healthy choices often means the difference between getting sick or hurt and staying healthy.  Parents need to help their children develop good personal hygiene skills and encourage making healthy choices everyday.  Parents should emphasize things like proper hand washing before eating or handling food, coming in from outside, and after using the restroom.  Other healthy choices include not touching the face and avoiding close contact, wearing a helmet when cycling and a safety belt in a vehicle, applying sunscreen, and brushing their teeth.  The list is endless and the more a child is taught, the healthier he or she will be.

#5 Staying active

An active lifestyle is a healthy lifestyle.  Parents should lead by example and include children in their exercise activities.  That means taking the kids on a walk or bike ride and other similar outdoor activities.  It is a good idea to get between 30 and 60 minutes of physical activity every day, or several smaller sessions equaling that time.  Parents can encourage more activity by limiting television and computer time and encouraging the kids to play outside at least once a day.