parenting Archives - Serendipity Mommy

Are Your Teen’s Blow-ups Normal, or Something Else?

March 18, 2021 by Mandy

Being a parent is fairly demanding, and that’s even more true when you’re taking care of teenagers. And while these kids no longer need you to change their diapers, they have other pressing needs that most parents tend to forget about.

The fact is, teens are an emotional bunch who need your tender, loving care to grow up healthy and well-rounded. As their bodies change to become bigger and adult-like, they seem to be more stressed out with their everyday lives as they adjust to the changing world within and around them.

Often, they would be prone to blow-ups. Sometimes, they might change into a different person, one that you never saw in them as a child. And when this happens, don’t panic. This could be as normal as it could ever be.

Hormonal Changes

With their developing sexual organs, teenagers would start to feel things that they may have never felt before. Boys may start to feel awkward upon realizing their random crushes while girls may have mood swings during their monthly cycle. However, these are absolutely normal emotional reactions. As their parent, it’s up to you to assure them that it really is nothing to be ashamed of.

Even though they may have sex education at school, your teens may find it easier to ask questions to you instead of to a teacher in their classroom. You can also share your own tips, both as a parent and as a former teenager. But best of all, you can both have a good bonding moment together while talking it out.

Crushes, Heartbreaks, and Dating

Partly a consequence of their raging hormones, your kid may act up when teased about their crushes. Either that, or they may be experiencing the lows that come with dating. As adolescents, this could be the first time they would spend time with another person of the opposite sex. In a way, they may get nervous and stressed out, only blowing up at home where they feel the most secure.

In this case, you may want to be their most trustworthy friend and talk to them about their romantic issues. Teens can be very appreciative of your advice as long as you listen to them first. Most teens may find it weird when you tell them to do exactly how you did back in your youth. They may seem to think that it no longer works in their time. Better yet, try encouraging them to have the self-confidence to have a hearty discussion with their dating partners.

They Could be Trying to Become Independent

Unlike the toddlers they were when they were starting to do things on their own, teens feel more social pressure to become independent people. As such, they may find it annoying when you, as a parent, would want to do things for them. They also might find it embarrassing when other teens find out your role in their life.

In a way, the best you can do here is to give them the freedom to be independent. But whether or not you would let them decide on things is up to your call. You can let them “earn” their freedom by having them prove that they can judge things with a clear mind, just as adults are supposed to do.

When It’s Not Normal Anymore

Now, these may all be normal reasons for why your teens may be acting up. But there is a normal blow-up and a dangerous one. In many cases, your kid might start to do dangerous things, such as abusing alcohol or other substances. Left unattended, this could become a lifelong habit that could stay with them throughout adulthood.

When this happens, you should ask for professionals who could give addiction help for adolescents. They may need counselors and therapy to get them through their problems. Through therapy, they can learn how to manage their feelings and change their destructive behaviors into more productive ones.

But when they do need this help, you should remember that it is neither your fault nor your child’s. In fact, you shouldn’t bring the blame on anyone. You should focus your efforts on empowering your child, helping them through therapy so they can integrate back to society as soon as they can.

Doing Your Best

Being a parent comes with its own unique challenges, but so does being a teenager. While it may seem like you were an adolescent ages ago, for your teen, it’s still very fresh and new to them. By being alert to their changes and knowing what is and is not normal, you can help be the very best parent possible — allowing your teen to grow up into a healthy, mature adult you can be proud of.

A Newborn Care Guide for First-Time Parents

February 17, 2021 by Mandy

First thing’s first, congratulations if you’re about to become a first-time parent in the near future! While the thought of becoming a parent may seem daunting, this is a time in your life you can never get back, so it’s important to cherish every moment.

It’s no secret that the first few months after your child enters the world can be difficult. They may be the most challenging months of your life — but never fear, there are a few newborn hacks that can help you through it all.

Check out the rest of this blog for 5 helpful newborn care tips to get you through the first few weeks and months of newborn life.

1. Make the Most of Hospital Resources

If you choose to give birth in a hospital, a great tip is to capitalize on all the information and resources they provide before you head home with your newborn.

Learn all you can about breastfeeding and latching — get advice from a lactation consultant if possible. Ask the midwives or nurses for a quick lesson on how to hold your newborn correctly, how to wash your infant (check out the best baby bubble baths here), and their top tips for emergencies.

2. Seek Help With Breastfeeding if You Need It

Breastfeeding does not come naturally or easily to many women. In the beginning stages, it can be very difficult to get right. Don’t put on a brave face and try to figure it on your own.

Women who seek out help with breastfeeding once they’ve left the hospital have a far higher success rate. Enquire whether a lactation consultant can visit you at home, or join a nursing support group.

It’s also important to look after yourself when breastfeeding as it’s a full-time job. Prepare for your nursing stints with a comfortable chair, baby support, plenty of water and snacks, and a good book or a nearby TV remote!

3. Try Not to Fixate on Being Tired

Yes, you’re tired. Exhausted is probably more accurate. But try not to obsess over how tired you are as this can only lead to frustration. Instead, just know that this is a phase and yes, you will get to sleep again!

This being said, it’s important to take shifts when caring for your newborn throughout the night and day. Breaking up baby care allows for one partner to sleep-in or nap, while the other holds down the fort. It’s a win-win.

Don’t worry about forming ”bad sleeping habits” during the newborn stage. Do whatever it takes to get your baby to sleep — whether it’s co-sleeping, sleeping in the stroller, or on your chest.

4. Mimic the Womb

If there is one way to soothe a fussy baby, it’s to mimic the womb. This is why movements such as gentle swaying, swinging, and bouncing work so well, plus swaddling, warmth, and white noise, i.e. shushing.

5. Let Your Partner Find Their Feet

Not all dads (or moms) are naturals when it comes to newborn care. While it’s super important to share the load between partners, you have to let your partner find their feet on their own and learn what is necessary to help your child grow and thrive.

Some partners may be hesitant to get involved for fear of not knowing what to do. Allow your partner to make mistakes and correct them without being critical.

Find Handy Newborn Hacks at Your Fingertips

These are just a few of the many tips that can help you through those first tentative weeks. Yes, it may seem overwhelming, but try not to wish the time away because you won’t get it back.

If you’re on the hunt for more newborn hacks, don’t miss out on the rest of this site for all the parental guidance you need!

5 Mistakes Busy Moms Can’t Afford to Make

November 7, 2020 by Mandy

Mistakes can happen when you have a busy life. As a mom, there are a few mistakes you can’t afford to make, but if you know them in advance, it may help you avoid them. The following are five mistakes to consider.

1. The Diet Mistake

A mistake most busy moms make with their children deals with their diet. Moms don’t always have time to cook, and this puts them in a bind. Some parents go to a fast food place to make sure their kids have a full belly, but most fast food options don’t offer the nutrition kids need. There are food services that deliver healthy meals if you don’t have the time. You can also do all of your cooking on the weekend and freeze everything for later. It might be a good idea to talk to a dietitian to ensure you are providing nutrient-rich meals to your family.

2. License Problems

Busy moms could make mistakes with their license. Some moms have so much on their plates that they have to speed from one place to another. Excessive speeding could cause your license to get suspended. Some busy moms forget to pay their car insurance, which can result in having a license suspended for no insurance coverage. Your car is your livelihood, so download an app to warn you if you’re going too fast and automate your insurance payment. Most companies offer a discount for automating payments.

3. Not Spending Enough Time

Quality time is precious to your children, but busy moms sometimes find it challenging to meet this need. The best thing you can do is rework your schedule to create these moments with your kids. Try to be honest and direct during those fleeting moments of the day when you talk to your children. Don’t let things like smartphones and tablets get in the way. Engage with your kids or just start talking so that they learn more about your ideas. Your kids are listening to you even if you don’t think so.

4. Splitting Adulting

Busy moms might split adulting with their children, especially if one of their kids is especially mature. Your children are still kids and can’t do the things you can. Children shouldn’t take care of siblings all the time, prepare all the meals, discipline younger siblings, and do other tasks that are usually an adult’s responsibility. This doesn’t mean your kids can’t help out sometimes or have chores, but it’s not wise to overwhelm your child with responsibilities.

5. Neglecting Financial Education

Kids learn a lot at school, but there are a few subjects schools don’t cover like finances. You can’t afford to overlook the importance of financial education for your children. Just because you don’t have the time to teach them doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it. Online financial education can help your kids learn about money management. You can also download apps for them and offer an allowance or pay them to do some chores that might make your life easier as a busy mom.

Being a busy mom comes with its own set of challenges, but you can overcome them with planning and preparation. With a little planning and the right information, you can ensure your kids get the best of you.

Mom’s Guide to Holding It All Together Amid a Pandemic

October 29, 2020 by Mandy

Let’s face it. Moms have always had it rough, but this year has tested your willpower like never before. There’s the fear of you or your children contracting the coronavirus, the stress of your shrinking budget, the overwhelm of having a full house, and the pressures of an uncertain future that weigh heavily on your mind. Try as you may to be the rock your family depends on, the physical and emotional tensions are starting to show.

You’re tired all the time, you feel pulled in a million different directions, there’s always something that needs your attention, and once again, the things that once brought you happiness have been put on the back burner. Of course, you love your family. You also realize that these are trying times that are beyond your control. You want to be there for them, but the more you dedicate to their well-being, the less you have to invest in yourself.

Maintaining Your Sanity

Chances are, most women feel this way. The undue amount of pressure resulting from the current pandemic has been trying, to say the least. While it’s easy to put yourself at the bottom of the priority list, continuing this way will eventually cause more problems than it’s worth. To be quite honest, you’ll become so physically and emotionally overwhelmed that you won’t be able to be there for your family.

If you’re going to get yourself and your family through this, you must learn how to find balance, peace, and happiness, despite what’s going on in the world. This mini-guide will serve as a great starting point.

It’s Beyond Your Control

You have to remember that none of this is your fault or within your control. The pandemic, mass unemployment, economic crisis, distance learning, food shortages, natural disasters, and civil unrest aren’t your doing. There’s also nothing you can do to single-handedly change it. So, don’t make the mistake of trying to put everything you or your family is going through on your shoulders. Once you realize it’s beyond your control, you’ll feel an immense amount of relief.

You Can’t Do It All

The second point to keep in mind is that you cannot be all things to everyone. Not only are you one person, but you’re not superhuman. Piling all the responsibilities on your plate leaves minimal time to take care of your own needs and, ultimately, your family’s needs. It’s okay to admit that you can’t do it all.

Look over your list of daily tasks and compare it to the hours in a day. If you’re not able to schedule any time for nutritious meals, exercise, your career, passions, interests, and at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep, then you’re doing too much. Evaluate your list and eliminate unnecessary things. Then, talk with your partner, older children, and extended-family about assisting you with other tasks to lighten your load.

Put Self-Care on Overdrive

Your family indeed needs you, but you also need yourself. If you’re going to maintain your sanity during the pandemic, you must be a priority. While your busy schedule might prevent you from dedicating as much time to yourself as you’d like, there are ways to adjust. Put self-care into overdrive by finding small things to boost your mood throughout the day.

You could learn how to make strong coffee and indulge in a fresh cup each morning before waking the kids up. Why not take the first hour of each day to exercise, shower, and complete your skincare routine? If there’s something small that you’d like, treat yourself on occasion. When is the last time you’ve been out with your girlfriends? Schedule a virtual lunch or watch party and catch up.

No one expected this year to turn out the way it did. Though the pandemic has resulted in a lot of stress, tackling it on your own will only fail. The best way to survive these uncertain times is to remember it’s not your fault, you’re not built to do it all, and that you have to remain a priority.

Ways to Spend Quality Time With the Kids

October 28, 2020 by Mandy

As a result of the national pandemic, parents and kids find themselves spending more time at home. While things like work and school remain a priority, everyone has a lot of free time on their hands with the interruptions to everyday life. It doesn’t take long for boredom to set in, causing even more madness during already chaotic times. Though there’s a lot you can’t control, you can ease the tension and keep the peace in your household by finding fun ways to spend time together. Continue reading for some fantastic ideas.

Arts and Crafts

No matter how old you are, tapping into your creative side can be a ton of fun. When your schedule allows, spend time completing arts and crafts with your kids. You can use crayons and construction paper to draw pictures, cut out pictures from magazines to make a collage, or use old socks, yarn, and buttons to make puppets with smaller children. Older kids would love to learn how to sew, crochet, or make bowls, vases, or plates with pottery clay. If you’re looking for something more sophisticated to try with your significant other, you can set up a paint and sip station at home for a romantic yet fun evening together.

Dance Party

Another universal and fun activity children (and adults) of any age will love is dancing. There’s nothing like jamming to your favorite tunes to get your blood pumping and calories burning while lifting your spirits. It’s also a great way to tire the kids out before putting them to bed. After homework and dinner are finished, grab your portable turntable or Bluetooth capable music device and turn on your favorite playlist. Let your hair down and invite the kids to join you in an impromptu dance session. You can take turns showing each other how to do popular dance moves from your era.

Family Game Night

Select a night each week to host a family game night. Whether your kids love video games or board games, you guys will have so much fun competing in a little friendly competition. You can even have prizes for the winner like toys, gift cards, trophies, or medallions. The kids will also have a blast helping you to prepare snacks for the fun-filled activities. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen some of your other relatives, you can even host a virtual game night so they can play from home.

Day Trips

If traveling with your family during the pandemic isn’t feasible for you, there’s always the option to take day trips. Whether you know it or not, there are a lot of fun and affordable things to do nearby. A day out of the house gives everyone a change of scenery and a taste of normalcy, which does wonders for relieving stress during the pandemic. You can visit a museum, catch a drive-in movie, go to a state park for a picnic, rent a boat and go fishing, and so much more.

Community Events

If you’re looking for something affordable and fun to do with your kids during the day, why not check out community events? By checking your city, county, or state website, you can find a list of upcoming events you can attend. There are many safe functions your kids will love this time of year, from fall festivals and hunted houses to movies in the park and pumpkin picking. Just ensure that everyone has the proper face mask and practice social distancing to reduce their risks.

After keeping it close to home for the past few months, chances are you and your children are going insane. Though your health and safety have to remain a priority, you don’t have to sit at home cooped up and bored. With a bit of time, creativity, and some extra cash, you can boost everyone’s mood and create new memories that your children will remember forever.