Women Deserve Better

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How to Make Your Own Baby Food

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Store-bought baby food can seem far too expensive. Luckily, you can easily make it yourself! This can save money by using food that you already have. It also lets you avoid added preservatives, sugar, and salt in your baby’s meals. And no, you don’t need a fancy baby food blender or a ton of free time. Here are some tips for making cheap, easy, and healthy baby meals: Keep … [Read more...] about How to Make Your Own Baby Food

Help Your Newborn Sleep with White Noise

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Getting your newborn to sleep peacefully can be a challenge, but white noise can be a helpful tool backed by medical research. Here are some tips to aid your baby's sleep: Medical research supports the effectiveness of white noise in helping babies sleep by reducing environmental disturbances and mimicking familiar sounds from the womb. Incorporating white noise … [Read more...] about Help Your Newborn Sleep with White Noise

Fun with Art and Your Child

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Doing art with your child can increase her motor skills, patience, and creativity. More importantly, it can strengthen your relationship. Sometimes, time at home with your child can seem chaotic or burdensome if you’re not sure how to keep her busy. An artistic activity can turn a hectic afternoon into wonderful bonding time, so here are some fun and simple art projects to … [Read more...] about Fun with Art and Your Child

How to Reduce Your Screen Time

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Phones can make motherhood easier. You can find recipes on the internet, shop online, and record precious memories in a notes app. Yet your phone can distract you from being present with your child. Also, being constantly bombarded with information can make you anxious. And comparing yourself to social media influencers isn’t good for your mental health.  If you want to … [Read more...] about How to Reduce Your Screen Time

Helpful Tips for Choosing TV Shows for Your Kids

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Studies have shown that children who watch better-quality and more age-appropriate shows experience fewer negative effects from TV, even if they watch the same amount as other children. So, choosing shows carefully for your child has a huge positive impact. Here are factors to consider, resources, and mistakes to avoid when choosing shows for your child: How to … [Read more...] about Helpful Tips for Choosing TV Shows for Your Kids

Housing Solutions: Think Outside of the Box

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Housing costs are overwhelming to many. Trying to embark on your own—or with children—is expensive. With some creativity and resourcefulness, you can make it within your reach. For Single People: For Families: For Moms: For Those in Crisis: In addition to maternity homes, if you are in a situation experiencing abuse, seek out domestic violence shelters. … [Read more...] about Housing Solutions: Think Outside of the Box

Health insurance 101

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Health insurance is essential. Even if you feel healthy, accidents and sudden illnesses can happen. However, navigating health insurance, the costs, definitions, and procedures can be overwhelming. Breaking it down into steps can help make it more understandable. The first step is obtaining health insurance through one of these ways: The second step is to review what is … [Read more...] about Health insurance 101

Pregnancy After Miscarriage

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Experiencing miscarriage can be a traumatic and stressful experience. Preparing for a child then suddenly grieving his/her loss can seem insurmountable. Some will choose pregnancy again right away, and some will want to wait. Regardless of timing, getting pregnant again can lead to a number of emotions and concerns. Physically For many women, they are more fertile right … [Read more...] about Pregnancy After Miscarriage

How to Keep Your Kids Safe from Outdoor Pests

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Warm weather means more time outside. Little ones get more restless and need to spend all that energy outdoors. Lots of fun can be had but it is important to beware of the pests that can be harmful. With the following tips, you can help keep your child safe. Here are some common pests your child may run into: Mosquitos: Mosquitos are everywhere in the summer, … [Read more...] about How to Keep Your Kids Safe from Outdoor Pests

Tips to Walk More Everyday

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Getting more movement and exercise in your everyday life can seem like a daunting task. Gym memberships are expensive. It’s hard sometimes to find time to exercise. But a few small changes can help you get a little healthier and feel a little better. And a little bit can go a long way. Before starting any exercise regimen, always check with your doctor first. Here are … [Read more...] about Tips to Walk More Everyday

How to Talk to Kids about Drugs and Alcohol

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It can be awkward to talk to kids about drugs and alcohol. You don’t want to mess up their innocence. You might be afraid that if they know about these things, they’ll be more likely to try them. The opposite is actually true—children who are informed are less likely to experiment with and less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. It is one of those difficult but necessary … [Read more...] about How to Talk to Kids about Drugs and Alcohol

Celebrating the Holidays with Foster and Newly Adopted Children

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The holidays can be complicated for families in general. This can be compounded when there are foster and newly adopted children. How do we help our new family members celebrate? How do we welcome them in without making things too difficult? How do we help them without overwhelming them?  Here are 10 tips to help in celebrating the holidays with foster and newly adopted … [Read more...] about Celebrating the Holidays with Foster and Newly Adopted Children

Getting Help with Substance Abuse: Drugs and Alcohol

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Many people experience depression, anxiety, emotional and/or physical pain and a host of other mental health struggles.  Coping with these is not easy, and without a support system, many can turn to substance use to manage the pain. Use can lead to abuse, a condition that without treatment, can put lives at stake. So how do you know when to get help?  According … [Read more...] about Getting Help with Substance Abuse: Drugs and Alcohol

How to Care for Your Skin in Winter

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Did you know your skin is your biggest organ? Your skin protects you and is the first thing people see when they look at you. So it is your responsibility to protect it. The cold, often dry, air of winter can hurt it, leaving you very uncomfortable. Here are 10 ways you can protect it through the winter months. Moisturize daily. Use a petroleum or cream-based moisturizer as … [Read more...] about How to Care for Your Skin in Winter

Is an Assumable Loan Right for You?

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Looking for options to buy a house? Are you worried about being able to afford a new house and know someone with a VA or FHA loan that needs to get out of their house loan? Assuming a mortgage might be a good solution for you. What is an Assumable Mortgage? An Assumable Mortgage is a mortgage in which a person can assume another person’s FHA or VA mortgage, often with … [Read more...] about Is an Assumable Loan Right for You?

Keeping Your Child Home When Sick

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It can be one of the most stressful things about parenting. You get up in the morning, expecting the day to go like normal, but your kid is warm to the touch or in the bathroom sick. How do you know when to keep your child home from school or daycare? How do you deal with your employer or looking for someone to watch them? When to keep your child home Every school and day … [Read more...] about Keeping Your Child Home When Sick

How to Choose a Babysitter

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As much as you may want to, you likely will not be able to spend every waking moment with your child. This may mean hiring a babysitter to fill in from time to time. But how to choose the perfect one? Here are some tips to find a good babysitter: Ask around. Your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or pediatrician may have recommendations or know someone looking for work.Check … [Read more...] about How to Choose a Babysitter

What are Tenant Unions and How Can They Help You

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Have you had trouble with a landlord? Has your landlord been unresponsive or evicted you improperly—even though you have followed your lease agreement? Did they raise your rent suddenly and drastically? You have a new tool in your tool kit to address these problems! Tenant unions are a relatively new phenomenon where tenants from a particular building, neighborhood, or … [Read more...] about What are Tenant Unions and How Can They Help You

Breathe Easy: Tips to Handle Poor Air Quality

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Due to natural disasters and man-made disasters alike, knowing the air quality is as essential as knowing the temperature. There are several ways to protect yourself and other vulnerable people from poor air quality:  Stay indoors or limit your time outdoors to the morning.Avoid busy roads and highways where particulate matter is usually worse because of emissions from … [Read more...] about Breathe Easy: Tips to Handle Poor Air Quality

How to Save on School Supplies

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To signal the end of the summer, students all over the United States get their list of supplies for the next school year. The list can be quite daunting and it can easily get very expensive. There are many tips and tricks to bring that bill down. Here are a few: Buy a year ahead. If you have any idea what your child will need next year, buy what you can when school supplies … [Read more...] about How to Save on School Supplies

Cheap, Healthy Sack Lunches

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One of the biggest challenges as a child grows can be what to bring for lunch at school. Your child wants something tasty, often expensive. On social media, you’ll see beautiful, vegetable-rich meals that probably took an hour to make. In reality, moms just want something healthy, cheap, and easy to make that their kid will actually eat. Here are some ideas to make sack lunches … [Read more...] about Cheap, Healthy Sack Lunches

Cool Ways to Keep Cool

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Managing the Cost of Air Conditioning During intense heat waves, and in some parts of the country, air conditioning is a necessity. It can also be expensive!  Know that for lower income households, you may qualify for a free air conditioner. Contact your local department of social services, United Way, or Community Action and ask about available energy assistance … [Read more...] about Cool Ways to Keep Cool

Catch Up Kids in Class: The Benefits of Reading with Children

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It helps with language and literacy skills. Reading with your children is proven to drastically improve speech, vocabulary, writing, story comprehension, and reading skills. This is a great way to supplement your child’s schooling at-home, especially after COVID-19 delayed many students’ learning progression timelines. It encourages a natural love of learning. Allowing … [Read more...] about Catch Up Kids in Class: The Benefits of Reading with Children

Catch Up Kids in Class: 10 Tips

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No matter why your child has been out of school — whether because of an injury, illness, or school shutdown — or maybe she or he is just behind in a certain subject, parents are asking, “What can I do about my child being behind?”  First and foremost, remember that almost all of the children are behind. You are not a failure and your child isn’t the only student in this … [Read more...] about Catch Up Kids in Class: 10 Tips

Catch Up Kids in Class: Math Basics

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Many students have found themselves falling behind or losing skills due to illness, lockdowns, and other unforeseen reasons. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get your child’s skills back on track! Here are a few simple ideas for restoring the mathematics literacy of your children at home. 1. Check out Khan Academy. Khan Academy is an incredible free resource used … [Read more...] about Catch Up Kids in Class: Math Basics

50 Free Winter Activity Ideas

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Winter. It’s cold. The kids are home for the holidays or for snow days. You might be at a loss to figure out what to do with them that is affordable and fun. Here we have a list of 50 ideas of free or cheap activities for kids. Some of these activities are outdoors, so please keep our tips for keeping safe outside in mind. Snowball fightMake snow angelsMake a snowmanGo … [Read more...] about 50 Free Winter Activity Ideas

Medicare Basics

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Medicare is a form of public health insurance created by federal law. Most people who work in the U.S. have taxes withheld from their pay under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA). The taxes are for old-age, survivors, and disability insurance (Social Security tax) and for hospital insurance (Medicare tax). Who is eligible for Medicare?  • People age 65 … [Read more...] about Medicare Basics

12 Free Ways To Integrate Learning Into Your Daily Routine

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Education doesn’t have to be expensive or overly time-consuming! Carve out a little bit of time each day to learn something new, and you’ll be surprised as your knowledge and hunger for learning increases over time.  Practice a new language on Duolingo.Read. Constantly! Peruse the library and find your new favorite genre.Make note of unfamiliar words you encounter while … [Read more...] about 12 Free Ways To Integrate Learning Into Your Daily Routine

5 Daily Habits for Overall Health

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Amid a busy schedule and the demands of everyday living, it’s easier than you’d think to neglect your health and well-being. While we probably don’t have the time to have a spa experience every day, it’s important to prioritize good personal habits in order to maintain overall health.  Here are 5 ideas for daily health habits you can start implementing now! Stay … [Read more...] about 5 Daily Habits for Overall Health

How to Make Good Habits Stick

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Old habits die hard, but good habits can live longer. The ways to improve our lifestyle are endless. They come up in our conversations, in our internet searches, in the media we scroll through — we find good habits everywhere! Thus, the real struggle comes after the discovery of these golden nuggets: How do we make them stick? Once we find a good habit we want to put into … [Read more...] about How to Make Good Habits Stick

How to Prepare for Driving in Winter Weather

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Driving in winter brings new challenges with snow and ice. Sometimes it can be hard — or even dangerous — trying to get from point A to point B in the winter months. These are some tips to help you be prepared to drive in the winter. Before you get stuck or stranded in snow and ice: Maintain your car, including tires, brakes, windshield wipers, and fluid. Be sure to have … [Read more...] about How to Prepare for Driving in Winter Weather

21 Ways to Keep Your Home Warm in Winter

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Winter is cold. That is one universal fact. Sometimes, it can be a struggle to keep the cold out and keep the warmth in. It’s hard to go about your day when your house is freezing. Here are 21 tips (most of which are cheap or free) to keep your home warm during the winter months. Reverse the fans. Your fans need to be going clockwise to push the warm air from the ceiling … [Read more...] about 21 Ways to Keep Your Home Warm in Winter

How to Obtain Fuel Assistance Before Hot or Cold Weather

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Staying warm in the winter or cool in the summer is a basic human need. Often, when money gets tight, we tend to focus on shelter and food and forget how important utilities are. Or, we simply don’t know where to turn for help, and many suffer in the cold (or without cooling in extreme heat). However, there is help! The LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is a … [Read more...] about How to Obtain Fuel Assistance Before Hot or Cold Weather

7 Steps to Keep Your Home Winterproof

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Every season has its own challenges that come with it. Winter is certainly no different. If you own or rent a house, there are some things that you need to keep in mind to make your winter easier and keep your house warm. Here are 7 steps to making and keeping your house ready for winter. Keep in mind your pipes and hoses. Water freezes, and it can do lots of damage. Never … [Read more...] about 7 Steps to Keep Your Home Winterproof

What to Do in a Power Outage

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One of the biggest annoyances even on a good day is a power outage. When there’s snow and ice outside, it can feel even worse. Here are some ideas to get through a power outage. Stock up in advance. Items to buy include: Flashlights and batteriesNon-perishable food items that do not require cooking, for example: peanut butter, canned meats, and canned fruits.If you have … [Read more...] about What to Do in a Power Outage

How to Create a Life Purpose Statement

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Purpose statements aren’t just for organizations. They’re not only for CEOs or successful business owners. They can be used for the benefit of anyone — including you. Why write a purpose statement? It may sound a bit silly or tedious, but the benefits you gain will prove otherwise. It can be easy to just get through each day without thinking about what matters most to you, … [Read more...] about How to Create a Life Purpose Statement

Self-Care for Pregnancy During College

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Managing physical and mental health is crucial for anyone during college. But now with a baby on the way, it’s even more important to not only take care of your baby but also take care of the person carrying her or him: YOU! Here are some reminders of how to properly navigate self-care: Eat Well. It is incredibly important you give your body enough fuel to get through the … [Read more...] about Self-Care for Pregnancy During College

Help at School for Children with Disabilities

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Does your child struggle with homework or classwork? Has a teacher said your child needs tutoring, isn’t paying attention, or has behavior issues? Does your child have a medical condition affecting her or his ability to function in or access the classroom?  Federal laws offer students with disabilities ways to get educational support. However, parents often have to take … [Read more...] about Help at School for Children with Disabilities

DIY Soil Analysis

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Many beginner gardeners don’t think about their soil before they jump into gardening and start planting in their backyard. However, the quality of your soil will determine the success of your garden. Soil is what allows plants to absorb water and nutrients, so it is the foundation of your garden. Knowing a little about your soil can go a long way. 3 Main Soil Types + … [Read more...] about DIY Soil Analysis

Need Help with Phone and Internet Costs?

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Did you know that low-income consumers may be eligible for help with the cost of phone and internet service?  The Lifeline program provides eligible low-income consumers a discount on qualifying monthly telephone service, broadband internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages. The consumer has to purchase services from participating wireline or wireless … [Read more...] about Need Help with Phone and Internet Costs?

What Is ADHD, and How Do I Get a Diagnosis?

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ADHD is a medical condition that is not uncommon in children. You have likely heard of it. You may even have opinions about it. It stands for “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.” You may have heard of the term ADD. That is still sometimes used to indicate an attention issue that does not include hyperactivity, but it is no longer clinically considered a separate thing. … [Read more...] about What Is ADHD, and How Do I Get a Diagnosis?

What Is Sleep Training?

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There are few things more stressful in the first months of a child’s life than dealing with a baby’s sleep schedule. Or lack thereof. Sleep can be hard to come by in the beginning. Thinking about it from the baby’s perspective, she just spent nine months inside the mom’s body protected from the cold and bright lights able to sleep whenever she wanted — in fact sleeping a good … [Read more...] about What Is Sleep Training?

Know Your Plant Hardiness Zone to Have a Successful Garden

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If you are interested in outdoor gardening, and if you do not have access to a greenhouse, you will need to know your plant hardiness zone to have a successful garden. Before you buy any plants or seeds, take a moment to research your plant hardiness zone, also referred to as a “growing zone,” or simply a “planting zone,” or “hardiness zone.” Especially if you are a … [Read more...] about Know Your Plant Hardiness Zone to Have a Successful Garden

How Can You Help with the Formula Shortage?

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Maybe you don’t have a baby anymore, but your heart is broken hearing about a formula shortage on the news. You may wonder how you can help make sure babies are fed. Here are a few ways you can help: Have you breastfed recently? If you are a formerly breastfeeding mom, you can start to pump again and donate your milk to milk banks. If it hasn’t been more than a year or so … [Read more...] about How Can You Help with the Formula Shortage?

What Do You Do When You Can’t Find Your Infant Formula?

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For a number of different reasons, sometimes it is difficult to find your child’s preferred formula. It can be stressful and heart-wrenching after getting used to one formula and having trouble finding it. Some kids are picky about their formula. Some kids because of various health issues can only have certain kinds of formula. There are things you can do to get your child … [Read more...] about What Do You Do When You Can’t Find Your Infant Formula?

Prepping Your Nursery!

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As your little miracle continues to grow in your womb, naturally the time comes to start thinking about setting up her or his new room. Ideally it will be comfortable for you and your little one as well, as functional. According to pediatrician Scott W. Cohen, M.D., it is easy to overbuy items for babies. In his book, Eat, Sleep, Poop: A Common Sense Guide to Your Baby’s … [Read more...] about Prepping Your Nursery!

Getting Started with a Hydroponic Garden System

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Concerned about expensive food costs? Or maybe you want to explore a new gardening option for your family to enjoy? If you’re new to indoor gardening, and you’d like a foolproof way to get started, I highly recommend investing in a hydroponic garden system, also known as a water garden. A hydroponic garden system is an indoor gardening machine which allows you to grow plants … [Read more...] about Getting Started with a Hydroponic Garden System

10 Tips for Sleepovers

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Sleepovers are a fun and important part of growing up. Most children, at some point, want to show their independence by spending the night outside of the house and with friends. It may be a nerve-wracking experience for parents, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are our 10 tips to make it safe, fun, and comfortable: Let the child take the lead on when she is ready. There is no … [Read more...] about 10 Tips for Sleepovers

How to Organize a Playdate

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There is nothing that a child (or a parent) needs more than a playdate. It helps develop social skills. It helps the child and the parent to know they are not alone. But sometimes, they can be awkward, and sometimes, you can get nervous. There are ways to help playdates go smoothly. Here are some of our tips: When your child hits it off with another child and your intuition … [Read more...] about How to Organize a Playdate

Intro to Aquaponics

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Looking for a way to save money by growing your own healthy food while entertaining your children at the same time? Aquaponics is a fun way to start your sustainable home gardening journey. What is aquaponics? Aquaponics combines aquatic animals (most commonly, fish) with farming. Take a regular aquarium, put a couple of plants on top, and voila! You are an aquaponic … [Read more...] about Intro to Aquaponics

Worse Than Morning Sickness: When You Have Hyperemesis Gravidarum

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Although “morning sickness” is typically considered a normal side effect of pregnancy, for some women, nausea and vomiting can be severe and life-altering, even life-threatening. A woman is considered to have hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) if her vomiting is so severe that she loses over a kilogram (2.2 pounds) weekly or 5% of her body weight over time, experiences electrolyte … [Read more...] about Worse Than Morning Sickness: When You Have Hyperemesis Gravidarum

10 Free New Year’s Resolutions

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This is the time of year where we start seeing ads everywhere for gyms and other aids to help you “start the new year right.” Whatever you’d like to see in yourself in the new year, you do not need to spend the money on a costly gym membership or an online class. Here are 10 New Year’s resolutions you can start today for free: Take a 30-minute walk daily. Daily walks have … [Read more...] about 10 Free New Year’s Resolutions

Home Fire Safety Tips

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One of the scariest things that could ever happen to your home is a house fire. It is likely that you were taught in school some basic fire safety tips, such as, “Stop, drop, and roll.” In the list below, we have more tips for fire safety. How to Prevent Fire in Your Home: How to Keep People Safe: A house fire is something that can largely be prevented and planned … [Read more...] about Home Fire Safety Tips

Low-Cost Tips for Modifying Home for an Elderly Loved One

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As someone you love grows older and needs more help, you may be considering your loved one’s living options to keep her or him safe and happy. Here are some low-cost tips to help you modify an existing home as your loved ones age:  Tip #1: Remove Any Throw Rugs Throw rugs are nice accents to a room, but as your loved one ages, they can become a hindrance. The ends … [Read more...] about Low-Cost Tips for Modifying Home for an Elderly Loved One

Tips for Halloween Safety

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If your kids are going around the neighborhood trick-or-treating, it can be a little nerve-wracking because it’s such a different night for parents, but with some planning, it can be a safe and fun time for everyone. Here are some of our best tips for a happy, safe Halloween: Make sure that young children are accompanied by an adult chaperone you trust.If you are comfortable … [Read more...] about Tips for Halloween Safety

Shop Smart & Save All Year Long!

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In order to save money on everything from clothes, to cars, to furniture, to appliances, to food, it’s important to know when the best sales are. By knowing when and where to get the deals you love, you end up saving tons of money.  Sign up for email alerts from your local grocery store. These alerts will let you know what items will be on sale in the next week or two. … [Read more...] about Shop Smart & Save All Year Long!

Frugal Food Strategies

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Struggling families and savvy shoppers will appreciate these cost-effective strategies that also provide nutritious meals for families. By Elizabeth HardtThe author wishes to acknowledge the contributions of Cheryl Blake, Editor-in-Chief Serrin M. Foster, Colette Moran, and Molly Pannell. … [Read more...] about Frugal Food Strategies

Getting Around for Less Money

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Finding inexpensive and convenient ways to get from location to location can be a struggle, but in today’s modern society there are many options for any setting. The City Life In the city, taking the bus can be the simplest and cheapest way to get around, as you refill your card each time and can go far in one ride. Despite these assets, buses are also at the mercy of … [Read more...] about Getting Around for Less Money

Help for Homeschoolers

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Are you a mother or father seeking out how to best give your kids a proper education? Do you want to give homeschooling a test drive before you commit? If so, keep reading for 11 great tips.  Break up your day. Just because your kids no longer have sports, clubs, or other extracurricular activities to attend, does not mean that they will want to work for the whole day. … [Read more...] about Help for Homeschoolers

Family Resource Centers on Military Bases

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In a military family, raising children, especially when relocating, can be challenging. It can disrupt the children's academics, social networks, health care, and sports activities. Today's military spouses who tend to be under 35 and largely female are often in an unfamiliar location without a support network. Being informed and utilizing the available resources, whether it … [Read more...] about Family Resource Centers on Military Bases

Learn the Basics of Unemployment Benefits

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Unemployment benefits are for eligible people who are unemployed through no fault of their own. An eligible person receives a cash payment through the unemployment insurance program. Each state administers its own program, but all states must follow federal law guidelines. Who Is Eligible? Generally, you must meet both work and wage requirements. The state agency that … [Read more...] about Learn the Basics of Unemployment Benefits

How to Find Legal Help for Evictions and Foreclosures

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Are you struggling to pay your rent or mortgage? Are you worried about losing your home? Here is some information about what could happen if you can’t pay all of your rent or mortgage. If you haven’t paid your rent, your landlord may try to evict you. An eviction is a lawsuit for a landlord to get a court order to make you (the tenant) move out of a rental unit, such as a … [Read more...] about How to Find Legal Help for Evictions and Foreclosures

SIDS: A Contemporary and Preventable Nightmare

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I remember one morning getting a call from the local medical examiner. He was asking for medical history and information on one of my 2-month-old patients. After obtaining proper consent, we spoke at length and learned that my precious little patient had passed. He was wanting to obtain any medical and laboratory information about my patient that might give him a medical cause … [Read more...] about SIDS: A Contemporary and Preventable Nightmare

10 Tips to Stay Safe When Playing Outside in Winter

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Winter is the time of year for cabin fever: It’s the time of year that gave cabin fever its name. This is particularly true for growing bodies that just want to move! Playing outdoors in winter comes with its own set of safety concerns to keep in mind to keep everyone safe and healthy. Here are 10 tips for keeping safe when playing outdoors in winter. Make sure they are … [Read more...] about 10 Tips to Stay Safe When Playing Outside in Winter

7 Tips to Keep Your Child from Falling Behind

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With all of the difficulties of learning from home, there has been a growing concern that some children who have or have had to learn remotely are falling behind. If this is true for your family, you and your child are not alone! There are some things you can do to help this situation: Keep up with your child’s online learning. Read and respond to any emails you get from the … [Read more...] about 7 Tips to Keep Your Child from Falling Behind

6 Ways to Stay Safe While Celebrating the Holidays

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’Tis the season for celebrations! Bright lights, fun activities, and pretty decorations — no one wants this joyous time of year to be complicated by injuries and hospital visits. Here are our 6 top tips on how to keep safe this holiday season. Don’t overload light sockets. So many of the prettiest things this time of year require electricity to run. Get a power strip with a … [Read more...] about 6 Ways to Stay Safe While Celebrating the Holidays

How to Find Help for Veterans

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We understand that many people need someone to care for them at some point. Perhaps you have a spouse, parent, grandparents, or other relative who is an veteran, and s/he requires some assistance. Or maybe that vet is you.  You want to care for you and yours as best as you can, but perhaps you need some help.  What resources can you rely on if you find yourself … [Read more...] about How to Find Help for Veterans

11 Fun Feminist Halloween Costume Ideas

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Tired of the usual spooky or, worse, “sexy” costume choices? We did the research for you to share some affordable new ideas! These costumes can be made from stuff around your house or things picked up at the thrift stores, and parts of them can be used once the holiday is over, as well for everyday or dress-up wear. Can’t beat that! Susan B. Anthony- Her favorite color to … [Read more...] about 11 Fun Feminist Halloween Costume Ideas

6 Ways to Get a Free Car Seat

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In the vast majority of cases, you will not be able to bring your baby home without proving to the hospital that you have a car seat and you know how to use it. A car seat is often one of the first expensive purchases that new parents make, but they are very important if you plan to ever put your child in a car.  They are so important, many localities and nonprofits … [Read more...] about 6 Ways to Get a Free Car Seat

6 Ways to Get Wi-Fi When You Don’t Have Internet

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School has started again, and for many, that means online learning this year. This is very difficult for some families who can’t get an internet connection due to financial difficulties. School districts are struggling to fill in the gaps. In the meantime, here are six ways to get your child online when you don’t have an internet provider. Public Wi-Fi: This one might be … [Read more...] about 6 Ways to Get Wi-Fi When You Don’t Have Internet

How to Ask About Compensation

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Asking for an adequate wage may feel awkward, but you are owed an income proportional to your education, skills, experience, and the area you live in. Being prepared for your interview — or follow-up interview — can make a gigantic difference in your compensation. What is compensation? Essentially, it’s a salary or hourly wage. The word “compensation” makes very clear … [Read more...] about How to Ask About Compensation

Preparing to Say Goodbye to a Baby

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While you are pregnant: Keep a journal.Save the positive pregnancy test.Ask for ultrasound pictures.Videotape the ultrasound.Record the baby’s heartbeat.Take pictures of your belly, or even make an imprint.Knit, sew, or buy a hat for your baby.And if you learn you are losing your baby while pregnant, knit, sew, or buy two blankets for your baby: one you’ll use while your … [Read more...] about Preparing to Say Goodbye to a Baby

Choosing Perinatal Hospice and Palliative Care After an Adverse Diagnosis

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The news of an adverse prenatal diagnosis can leave many parents shocked and bereaved. It’s normal to feel lost and in need of guidance during what promises to be a very emotional journey. What might your birth plan look like now? Parents who find themselves in this situation understandably need support as they contemplate how to move forward.  It’s normal to feel … [Read more...] about Choosing Perinatal Hospice and Palliative Care After an Adverse Diagnosis

Tiny Babies, Big Miracles: A NICU Wonder in a Time of Coronavirus

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On December 14, 2019, four months before the due date of her twin girls, Laura Freedland went to the hospital with what she thought were Braxton-Hicks contractions. Though only 22 weeks pregnant, she quickly realized she was in active labor. After 16 hours, little Vivienne entered the world 17 weeks early, weighing only 1 pound, 4 ounces. Her sister, Margot, remained in utero … [Read more...] about Tiny Babies, Big Miracles: A NICU Wonder in a Time of Coronavirus

How to Prepare for Child Wellness Exams

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Every person has memories of childhood checkups, and mostly, they consist of stressful shots ending with rewards of stickers and suckers. For parents, however, when these visits are packed into busy schedules, it’s common to feel unprepared. Read on for pointers on what to expect from your kids’ wellness exams. Childhood wellness exams start soon after birth, in order to … [Read more...] about How to Prepare for Child Wellness Exams

Living with Anorexia

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Do you not know how to get better, or do you simply not want to get better because you don’t want to gain weight or because your eating disorder allows you to feel in control? I don’t ask this to shame anyone because I, myself, would answer “yes” to all three. Although I don’t feel qualified to guide others on a journey that I haven’t yet completed, there are some tricks I have … [Read more...] about Living with Anorexia

Practical Tips When Caring for Our Elders

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If you are a caretaker of an elderly person, help is here. Learn where help is available:The Administration on Aging offers many services such as fall prevention, aging and disability programs, brain, oral, and behavioral health programs, elder abuse prevention, legal assistance, and retirement planning, and has chapters in most of the U.S. Find AoA services in your area.The … [Read more...] about Practical Tips When Caring for Our Elders

Postpartum Options: Breastfeeding, Formula, and Weaning

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How and what you want to feed your baby is a personal decision. You, as a mother, deserve to know all the facts of the various options without feeling ashamed or guilty about your decision. Nutritional possibilities for your baby’s first few months include breastfeeding (temporarily or long term) and formula feeding.  Breastfeeding Breastfeeding is often considered … [Read more...] about Postpartum Options: Breastfeeding, Formula, and Weaning

What You Need to Know About Hospice

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Cicely Saunders, the founder of the first hospice facility, St. Christopher’s Hospice in London, said to her patients, “You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.” Is your loved one a candidate for hospice? Just because the hospital recommended hospice for … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know About Hospice

Find the Best Health Care (When You Can’t Afford It)

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Health insurance is essential — even if you feel healthy, accidents and sudden illnesses can happen. The first step has to be to check through your parents, employer, or school — wherever you can qualify for insurance now. See what they cover and don’t cover. Are your pregnancy costs covered? Which pregnancy costs? Is your child covered? What will insurance cover for your … [Read more...] about Find the Best Health Care (When You Can’t Afford It)

What Does Baby Really Need?

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Shopping for a new baby can often feel overwhelming and confusing, especially when there is so much to consider. However, babies don’t need the fanciest or newest products to thrive. Below are a few things you should expect to use in caring for a baby: Diapers: You might choose to use disposable or cloth diapers, and neither option is better or worse. Brand does not matter. … [Read more...] about What Does Baby Really Need?

Shutdown Parenting: Protect Your Child’s Education

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I’m going to respond to some comments I’m receiving during this shutdown. As a former homeschooling mum with previous homeschool support experience, I have some words of affirmation for the parents trying to maintain academic consistency at home. “My child refuses to participate.” I’m sure many parents trying to follow the distance learning programs coming in by the … [Read more...] about Shutdown Parenting: Protect Your Child’s Education

Extra Measures to Protect the Highly Vulnerable

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In addition to not shaking hands, wearing gloves and masks, self-quarantining, etc., here are other things you can do to stay safe and not bring disease home to at-risk family members, including the elderly (especially those who have other risk factors such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory issues), and those with compromised immunities: Wear protective eye gear — even … [Read more...] about Extra Measures to Protect the Highly Vulnerable

11 Tips for Homeschooling Temporarily

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Whether because of a snow day or some other unforeseen crisis, sometimes, your child's school needs to switch to more of a homeschooling format to keep the learning going through this unplanned time off. So now, parents like you who have previously sent their kids to school are finding themselves needing to act as their children’s teachers. Here are some tips from someone who … [Read more...] about 11 Tips for Homeschooling Temporarily

How to Start a Babysitting Co-Op

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Raising children and supporting parents is a community job. A babysitting co-op is a group of parents who babysit for each other. It helps the children to socialize, and it gives the parents the peace of mind of knowing the person who is watching their child. It helps to build the community that is so important in raising a child. 1. Start small. Ask around in your group of … [Read more...] about How to Start a Babysitting Co-Op

Are My Unborn Baby and I at Risk from COVID-19?

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Here is what I have been telling my patients: There is a lot we do not know about COVID-19, but it seems to be similar to the flu in many respects. Precautions that pregnant women should take include avoiding travel by plane, avoiding crowds, and avoiding exposure to people who are ill. Frequent handwashing is important as the virus may reside on inanimate objects, such as … [Read more...] about Are My Unborn Baby and I at Risk from COVID-19?

Where Can You Find Emergency Babysitting?

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Many parents are being placed in the difficult position of trying to find someone to watch their child so they can go to work. If you are in this position, there are resources for you.  First, the best thing for you and your child would be for you to calm down and list out all of the people you know. The simplest solution may be right under your nose with an unemployed … [Read more...] about Where Can You Find Emergency Babysitting?

8 Ways to Get Affordable Dentistry Care

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Dentistry care can be expensive and is therefore put on the backburner. Some employers don’t even offer dental insurance, and when they do, it can seem to cost too much. But dental care is foundational to health care. Your dental health affects your overall health, and setting a good foundation for dental care can help your child for a lifetime. Here are 8 ways to find … [Read more...] about 8 Ways to Get Affordable Dentistry Care

Dealing with Postpartum Depression

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You just had a baby. You should feel wonderful. Why do you feel so down? You are not alone. It is estimated that one in seven women experiences postpartum depression or anxiety. As many as 80 percent of women experience postpartum “blues.” Not surprisingly, the immense emotional and physical changes that occur when your body brings new life into the world precipitate a … [Read more...] about Dealing with Postpartum Depression

6 Ways to Save Money on Holiday Meals

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One bill that everyone dreads this time of year is the grocery bill. All of those get-togethers with family and friends to pay for and cook for, it can get overwhelming. Here are six ways to help you with that headache: Holiday meals do not need to be overwhelming. With some planning ahead and smart thinking, your holidays can be easy on your stress levels and on your … [Read more...] about 6 Ways to Save Money on Holiday Meals