Category: Parenting

Did you know that the rate of divorce in the United States is 2.9 cases per 1,000 population?

If you were recently part of this divorce statistic and are dealing with things like alimony and child support, you might be feeling overwhelmed. Some people use the words interchangeably, but there is a difference between alimony and child support.

Keep reading to learn more about alimony vs. child support.

 

Alimony

This refers to the money paid by the ex-spouse that was the “breadwinner.” The breadwinner pays their ex a certain amount to help cover any unjust division of assets. The court system decides on the final amount, depending on income and local laws.

Once the amount is finalized, it can never change no matter if finance situations change in the future. With alimony, the ex-spouse that receives the money will have to pay tax on this because it is considered an income stream.

The person paying the alimony also has the right to write off the amount they pay in their taxes. 

Alimony money, unlike child support, can be used for whatever the ex-spouse wants to use it for. Child support, on the other hand, has to be used solely for the care of the child or children. 

 

Child Support

Child support payments, unlike alimony payments, are paid to help support the parent that has custody over the children. The court decides what these payments are, depending on how often each parent is with the child, both parent’s incomes, and any other local laws that apply. 

One major difference between child support and alimony is that this money is not taxable. The parent that receives child support does not get charged taxes on the amount. Nor is the parent paying the child support allowed to write the amount off in their taxes. 

Another difference is that the amount received can change. If the parent paying loses a job, they can request a change in child support payment. Same if the parent starts making more money, the other parent can go back to court to request a higher payment amount.

If an ex-spouse does not pay child support or stops paying, the receiving parent has the right to request child support enforcement. This will hold the parent that stopped paying, liable. Child support payments typically continue until the child turns 18 or 21 based on what the state laws are in your area. 

 

Now You Know the Difference Between Alimony and Child Support

Now that you know the difference between alimony and child support, you can consult an attorney in your area that is familiar with local laws and divorce cases. They will be an invaluable source of information during these stressful times because they will know the best course of action for you to take when it comes to requesting alimony or child support. 

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Did you know that 16.9 percent of children between 5-19 years old have untreated dental decay? Help prevent this by encouraging your kids to focus on their oral care.

Are you looking for tips on dental care for kids? Not to worry! In this guide, we’ll go over dental hygiene tips.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out and check out https://thedentalplaceoftamarac.com/.

 

1. Brush Your Baby’s Gums and Teeth

Decent oral care can start before your baby’s teeth grow. After you feed your child, wipe your baby’s gums with a baby toothbrush or soft washcloth. Don’t use any toothpaste.

When the first tooth does appear, you should brush their teeth for a few minutes twice a day. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a small dab of non-fluoridated toothpaste.

When your baby is 12 months, you will want to try and prevent plaque buildup. The plaque will cause tooth decay over time.

Ask your pediatrician when you can bring your child to a dentist. Most people will bring their baby to the dentist before their first birthday.

 

2. Oral Care for Toddlers and Young Kids

Children over two years old can use fluoridated toothpaste. This kind of toothpaste will help prevent decay as their teeth develop. Encourage your child to brush their teeth without your help.

Do your kids forget to brush their teeth and floss? Consider setting up a fun routine at bedtime to encourage them with their dental hygiene.

Create a chart for their bedtime tasks. You can add things other than their oral care. Write down things like putting their toys and clothing away.

When they complete the task, leave stickers nearby so they can stick them to the chart. You can help your child create healthy habits.

Along with their checklist, you could offer a chance to get a reward after completing tasks a week in a row.

You could reward them and provide positive reinforcement when they brush without reminders. Give them a sugar-free treat or head to their favorite playground.

 

3. See a Pediatric Dentist

Research online and find pediatric dentists who specialize in working with kids. There will be play areas and toys that kids can use to relax. Look online and look for local periodontal services.

You’ll want to head to see the dentist at least every six months. This way, your child can have a checkup and routine cleaning.

You will help your child get used to seeing the dentist and maintain their oral care. Soon, they will be comfortable with the dentist.

 

4. Educate Your Kids

Try to make oral health, fun, and educational. See what tactics work best for your kids. Adopt a routine that will keep them focused on their oral care.

Kids are quite savvy with technology. You can look online and find an app where kids can learn more about oral care.

Your children will ask you questions about oral care. Explain why it’s essential to brush and floss teeth.

 

5. Lead by Example

Don’t ask your kid to maintain certain habits if you don’t. Model good oral care each day. Floss, brush your teeth, and eat nutritious food.

Most children will learn behaviors and practices from their parents. You can show them these positive behaviors by letting them into the bathroom in the morning.

 

6. Help Your Child Remain Independent

Your children will maintain their oral care if they feel ownership. Let them pick out their toothless, toothbrush, and rinsing cups. They will feel more excited about tooth brushing.

You can get toothbrushes that have cartoon characters on them or flavored toothpaste.

Consider buying electric or manual toothbrushes. Let them pick out their toothbrush. They can find one that has a cute print or favorite character on it.

 

7. Pick up Floss for Kids

You can get flossing products for your kids. There’s a water flosser that has many different settings. Your child will have fun with this gadget but also clean their teeth thoroughly.

There’s also fruity flavored floss like mango or strawberry floss that your kids can try. Some dental flossers come in fun shapes like dragons and dinosaurs.

 

8. Write a Song About Dental Hygiene

When brushing teeth, try and make it a game for your younger kids. Another fun way to encourage good oral care is to create a tooth brushing song. Make up a song about dental care and why it’s essential.

 

9. Limit Unhealthy Foods

Try and limit candy, juices, and sugary foods in your home. Treats like gummy candy, roll-ups, or fruit leather are full of sugar.

If your child does eat something like this, make sure they brush their teeth right away. This way, they can wash away the sugar and avoid cavities.

You’ll also want to limit the number of citrus fruits they eat. Grapefruits and oranges are healthy, but they are acidic fruits. Over time, acid can erode tooth enamel.

Try to maintain the rule of thumb that you and your kids should eat things in moderation. Citrus fruits don’t have to be off-limits but don’t eat too many of them.

Dried fruits are sticky and less nutritious than real fruit. They can also get stuck between your kid’s teeth. Make this snack a rare one, and instead, stock your kitchen with fresh fruit and vegetables.

 

Now You Know More About Dental Care for Kids

We hope you found this guide on oral care helpful. Dental care for kids can seem difficult at times, but don’t give up. Provide nutritious meals, and encourage regular flossing and teeth brushing.

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Well, we have to admit that not every relationship goes as planned. Many people break up for many reasons, and this should not negatively affect their lives. Many relationships have their rewards. One of the great things that are the result of relationships is kids. Having kids is a blessing and everyone should love and take care of their kids. Although having kids should not mean that you are not allowed to date or meet a new life partner.

We all deserve to be happy and enjoy what life has to offer. As many of us know, dating while being blessed with little ones can be challenging. Knowing what to accept and how to successfully deal with the situation is vital in having a good life. Here is all you need to know about dating when you have kids.

You Might Be Ready Before Your Children

It is essential to understand that in many situations, the parents may be ready to move on to the next relationship before the children. It is normal and natural for any kid to wish for their family to be together no matter the situation. Though your children may see you happy, they may still be in denial and want their parents back together. Understanding that kids may naturally take a longer time to move on and be ready to see you dating will help you to understand the situation better.

How Long Should You Wait Before Dating Again?

Breakups are not the best situations for anyone. Those involved tend to go through a sad and tough time. It is important to make sure that you are completely healed before beginning a serious relationship. It is okay to have fun, but investing a lot in a relationship should take some time. As stated earlier, children tend to take longer to move on and accept someone new in their lives.

It is considered wise to let your kids grow and not introduce someone new when they are too young to understand the situation. You can date when you feel that it is the right time, but introducing your new partner to your kids should take some time. Take your time and gradually open up to your kids. As time goes on, they will begin to understand and be more supportive. 

Dating Online

Many who break up tend to hide their new relationships from their kids at first. This is however for a good reason, and that is because you don’t want to take things too fast. The wizardry of technology has been vital in helping many people solve situations like dating while having kids. Dating online can be a good way of having a relationship for some time while keeping your kids out of it. You can find your new partner through online platforms like Happymatches and date online. 

What to Say and Do When the Time is Right

When you feel that the time is right and you have the green light to have someone new in your life, it is important to know what to say to your kids. You should make a point of informing your kids that the situation you are in is normal and they should not be worried. You need to assure them that they will always be your main priority so that they don’t feel threatened. Once you have told your kids about your new relationship, you need to be ready for many questions from them.

Conclusion

When dating after a breakup, you need to be ready for different reactions from your kids. Knowing the right time and assuring them that everything will be okay is key for your relationship to work out.

My brother and sister in law just had a baby. To introduce us all to the baby, my brother organized a little event for all our friends and family who unsurprisingly all arrived bearing gifts. While all the gifts were being opened, one thing became immediately apparent-that only 2 types of gifts were being shelled out; stuff for the new baby and cool gifts for dad.

Although it is my sister in law that had just finished the most exhausting, challenging and physically demanding 9 months of her life carrying our sweet angel and delivering her, she did not really get anything that was truly hers that day. And although she tried to be cool about it and hide it, you could just see the discontent on her face each time a gift was offered to my brother.

After the event, this kept bothering me so I talked to some of my friends about it and you know what? I discovered quickly that this was a frequent occurrence; many new moms have experienced the same thing as my sister in law. Although every mom will perceptibly be grateful and happy to receive gifts for their baby, it is generally very disappointing whenever the mom does not get anything for herself.

Life as a new mom is one of the most stressful periods of a woman’s life, to say the least. As a woman adjusts to being a new mom, it can be easy for her to let herself go. Giving her a thoughtful, yet practical gift can make the job slightly less harrowing while giving the new mommy a valuable chance for self-care.

A great gift can carry great weight and it can be a meaningful gesture to show the new mom that you appreciate everything that she has been through and that you care. But coming up with a gift is never an easy task, which is why we have found some great gift ideas to set you off in the right direction. Here are gifts to buy a new mom:

 

A Himalayan Salt lamp

Being a new mom means that you are tasked with the responsibility of full-time childcare; this has never been easy. Add to that the disconnect that a new mom experiences in other areas of life including her relationship with her partner or husband, and the stress levels can get out of control.

If you know a mom that is struggling with her new role, a Himalayan salt lamp could be just what they need to relieve their stress. Himalayan salt lamps, also called pink salt lamps are made using salt that has been harvested from the Himalayan Mountains. Himalayan salt is one of the purest types of salt available and it contains valuable minerals such as calcium, magnesium, copper, and potassium.

When the salt is activated, it can help to reduce anxiety, stress, allergies as well as seasonal affective disorders, such as what new moms go through. These salt lamps negative ions that not only purify the air, killing harmful bacteria that may cause diseases in the new baby, but they also cancel out the positive ions produced by electronic devices, cleansing the surroundings and helping new mom relax.

 

Book her a pampering session

Although raising a new baby is hard on both parents, new moms tend to have the worst end of the stick. In addition to having to breastfeed every few hours, new moms do not sleep very well. They also suffer greatly from physical pain as a result of childbirth, which can make things practically intolerable.

To allow her to de-stress, one of the best things that you can do for a new mom is give her a relaxing moment to herself away from the baby, which is where a spa date comes in. Book the new mom in your life a relaxing massage, manicure or pedicure session or a trip to her favorite hair salon; anything really that will make her feel pampered and loved.

 

Give her anything that can allow her to relax at home

The sad reality is that some babies are difficult to deal with (hello colic), which leaves mom with little or no time to loosen up or leave the house let alone take a shower! As such, giving her something that can allow her to relax in the comfort of her home can be more needed than you realize.

Things such as luxury skincare products, comfy robes, bath salts with essential oils, and bath bombs are great. Such things will allow a new mom to create small relaxing moments for herself without necessarily leaving her baby for extended periods. Even if she cannot get a full hour for herself, as little as 10 minutes to treat her skin with a relaxing balm can do wonders for her state of mind.

 

Freshly made meals

With all the chaos of taking care of a new baby, moms don’t often have time to prepare fresh meals from scratch. Gifting her with weekly food service or a local catering company in her neighborhood that drops off already cooker gourmet meals can ensure that she has healthy food to enable a steady milk supply.

Better still, if you have chef skills, you can prepare a home-cooked meal or delicious baked goods and deliver them personally. If the mom already has other children, the meal delivery service will prevent her from stressing out about feeding her other family members.

 

A Ride on-demand gift card

Being a new mom means not having the luxury of free time, which is why the ultimate gift that you can give a new mom is a ride on-demand gift card from a company like Uber or Lyft. Zipping around in an Uber or Lyft will allow a new mum to carry out errands that need sorting without having to stress out about the actual driving around.

Even when she is not running errands, a drive to her favorite supermarket can be a great way to break up the monotony of life with a baby. Even though a new mom might be hesitant to leave her baby at first, fresh air can go a long way towards giving a new mommy the energy she needs to cope with a fussy baby and sleepless nights.

 

Final Thoughts

Even though it may sound and feel counterintuitive at first, the best gift that you can give a new mom is one that is not related to the baby. Why? Because after going through the motions of pregnancy for 9months, every new mom wants to be acknowledged not only as a person but for her hard work and sacrifice.

The gifts we have listed below are practical, yet versatile. While every new mom has a different personality and preferences, there is a good chance that these gifts will make them smile. So, happy shopping everyone!

Planning a baby shower time and venue is one thing, inviting your guests is another. Baby shower invitation wording s can be very tricky especially to new moms. One thing I am sure about is that you want wordings that will set the mood of your guests. You also want that to be fun and make them see your creativity. To help you choose the best invitation wordings for your baby shower invitations, we have listed a couple of wording ideas just for you. The tips will work for you regardless of whether you are writing long distance baby shower invites.

Make the guest list

Before you start thinking of what to include in an invitation card for your baby shower, make a list of all the people that you want to invite. This way, you will be in a better position to customize the invitation cards or target individual guests.

Who’s the guest?

The person you are inviting will make the difference on how you address them. If you are inviting your elderly parents to your baby shower, it may not be a wise thing to make it too fun. The wordings should somewhat show seriousness.

Regardless of the person on your guest list, start by greeting them. After that, address the person by their two names or a family name. Here are some wording examples.

‘’Dear John, come with all blue and help us celebrate a new gift’’

‘’Hello dad, come celebrate the birth of our baby girl with us’’

The name of the baby

Have you already determined the gender of your baby and chosen a name in advance? If that is the case, it’s always a good thing to state the name of the baby on the wording. This makes your guest want to know more and want to meet such a gift. Here are some wording examples:

‘’Its Baby Amanda, come celebrate the angel with us’’.

‘’I take this rare opportunity to welcome you to celebrate the birth of Baby Joe’’.

Write the date of the event

When are you going to celebrate the baby shower? I bet you have already determined the date. For that matter, don’t forget stating the date of the event. Make it long enough for your guests to prepare.

Where will the event be held?

Another sentence that shouldn’t miss on the list is the venue of the event. If this event will be held in a hotel, a restaurant or a hall, state the specific name of the venue. It’s also important to list the street address, city and the Zip code. If you are considering virtual baby shower invitation, it should be clear and appealing with the street address, city and the state where the event will be held.

Host

Before you conclude the invitation, it’s always a good thing to state the host of the event and the contact number. This can fit as a single statement or be included at the end of the invitation card.

RSVP

At the end of the card, you can state when you need a RSVP. Some examples are:

‘’Please RSVP by (DD/MM/YY)’’

It’s also a nice thing to leave a space for the guests to include the numbers of people they are making the RSVP.

The market is currently filled with many CBD-based products. It seems that CBD is gaining popularity among the masses. With the legalization of cannabis plants in many countries, the CBD industry has grown rapidly. Many who use CBD use it for medicinal purposes. Many people have come forward and affirmed how CBD has been vital in making them better. CBD is gradually proving to aid many people in ways that other medications have failed. Many adults and children are now using CBD for different health reasons. 

As a parent, you are always looking for ways to better your child’s life. Though many parents are now giving their kids CBD, it is understandable if a parent has certain concerns. Below is what parents need to know about CBD.

What is Known About CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it is among the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Most of the CBD used is extracted from hemp. Though it comes from the cannabis family, it is quite different from the controversial marijuana plant. What mainly differentiates hemp from marijuana is the fact that hemp has minimal THC. THC is what gives marijuana users a ‘high’ feeling.

Though it may come to a surprise to many people, hemp has been used by humans since ancient times. It was used to cure various illnesses like pain. CBD from the hemp plant is used by people of all ages because it is not psychoactive like THC. It is important to note that as of now, only one cannabis-based medicine is approved for use in children from the age of two years old. Epidiolex has been at the forefront of helping many children who suffer from epilepsy. 

Since we are only in the early stages of the legalization of cannabis, more is still to be discovered. This may create concerns, especially when children are issued with CBD.

Concerns About CBD

Though CBD has been found to have many health benefits, there are concerns raised on how safe it is. Since there are many CBD products on the market, many find a hard time purchasing the right product. It has been discovered that many products tend not to have a specific amount of CBD that they claim.

Some products may contain other substances besides CBD. This is common in products from unreliable retailers. To make sure that the CBD product you purchase only contains CBD, you need to check if there is a certified lab approval of the product. To ensure that you get the best quality product, make a point of purchasing from a well-known and established retailer. You can get more information for your reference here.

Since there are various ways that CBD products are used including vaping, consuming orally, and applying topically, many may not know how much is being consumed. Different ways of using CBD may mean a different amount being consumed. Some may be extremely higher than others, making them harmful. Many parents might not know what amount to give their children.

Conclusion

As a parent, you need to do proper research before giving your child CBD for health reasons. CBD has many benefits for both children and adults. More is still being researched on the potential benefits of CBD.

Are you looking for a popular boy you know the special boy in your life will love?

With all the toys for boys on the market, how do you decide? You want to put a huge smile on his face when he opens your gift, not a frown.

Don’t stress. Our boy toy scouts have scoured the internet looking for the top boy toy gifts he’ll love.

Without further delay, we bring you the top boy toys on the planet right now.

9 Top Boy Toys Boys Really Want 

Check out these popular boy toys like the fastest power wheels and more popular toys he can’t live without. 

These 9 boys will redefine what it means to have a toy. Boys will have exciting adventures with these toys. 

1. Monster Jam Mega Grave Digger RC Truck (1:6 Scale)

Do you have a boy who loves Monster trucks? If your answer is yes, you’ll floor him with this toy.

The name monster is far from an understatement. It is a monster.

The Monster Jam Mega Grave Digger RC truck comes in a 1:6 scale. If you know anything about Monster trucks, that’s colossal. 

Some of the features on the truck he’s seen in commercials include mega-sized tires, lights that really work, and awesome graphics. As an added benefit, parents don’t have to buy extra batteries for the monster truck.

That’s because it has a USB charging cable built right into it. Just plug it into any USB port or AC adapter. It’s charged and ready to go again.

The young man in your life will enjoy moving this huge truck over rocks in the backyard. It glides right through puddles and stands way above his other trucks.

2. Marky Sparky Blast Pad Rocket Launcher 

Want your kid to get away from video games for some outdoor fun? He won’t give you an argument with the popular Marky Sparky Blast Pad Rocket Launcher.

Your little astronaut will power his own rocket from a blast pad. Then he’ll watch as he shoots it into the sky.

The Marky Sparky Blast Pad Rocket Launcher comes equipped with three foam-tipped rockets for safety. It also contains a blast pad, launch tube, blast pad base, and a hose.

It’s a perfect gift to get your kids outdoors during the spring and summertime. This rocket-launching gift is portable which makes it easy to bring along to parties and playdates.

3. National Geographic Mega Slime and Putty Kit

It’s a known fact. Boys ooze at the idea of playing with slime. But this isn’t just any slime gift. The National Geographic Mega Slime Kit & Putty Lab gets kids excited. 

The kit comes with eight different kinds of slimes and putties such as glow-in-the-dark slime, fluffy slime, magnetic putty, and putty that changes colors right before his eyes!

He’ll love the bouncing putty included in the kit. He can make a ball and watch it bounce high into the air. 

4. BMW Vision RC Car

This sharp looking toy is simple to control. It’s also an exact replica of a BMW.

Get a few so your kids can race each other. It contains three frequency bands that enable three kids to race simultaneously. 

5. Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Voyager Class Protectobot Figure

Transformer toys aren’t going away for a long time. Kids love Transformer movies and playing with their cool toys. That’s what makes it one of the top boy toys.

The Generations Combiner Wars Voyager Class Protectobot figure is one of the hottest toys to date. Your kids will watch it change from a firetruck to a robot as it takes 17 steps. Transformer films may be fun to watch but this toy is even better.

6. Quest Skateboards Super Cruiser Longboard Skateboard

Designed for older boys, it’s a great summer gift. The Quest Skateboard Super Cruiser Longboard is constructed from hardwood maple and artisan bamboo which makes it durable.

Forty-four inches long, the skateboard comes with a really rad kicktail. The board is available in green and purple. Get one of each. Another great gift to get your kids outdoors!

7. Sands Alive Glow Sand Car Crashers Kit

You don’t have to take your kids to the beach to play with sand. Now they can play with it indoors. I know what you’re thinking! No need to worry. Sands Alive by Play Visions is non-toxic, anti-bacterial sand that isn’t messy.

You may have seen the commercials or eyed Sands Alive Glow Sand Car Crashers Kiton the shelf at your neighborhood toy store. This popular boys toy comes with a whole pound of glow sand.

This toy molds to make awesome-looking cars. It has three car body shapes, three chassis, and a smoother roller as well as its dedicated play mat.

The UV LED glasses and UV pen enable kids to see the plastic components in the dark. It won’t dry up. Made for kids ages three and up. But watch out for dad. He’ll want to play with it, too!

8. Legos

Who doesn’t love Legos! They provide a great option for your boys to practice manual building and problem-solving skills while they have fun creating something.

Legos come in a variety of options for boys of all ages. Young boys enjoy Lego Duplo. Kids ages 6 through 10 love standard Legos.

Legos are always age-appropriate. The manufacturer prints the age recommendations on the box which makes shopping easier for parents and grandparents.

9. H102 Velocity RC Boat

Looking for a great birthday gift under $100 for a boy who likes fast toys? Then the super popular H102 Velocity RC Boat is it. It’s fast and really fun to drive.

The RC Boat gets back on the right course he drives it off track. All kids need to do is put it in the water. A great gift for a day at the beach.

The Takeaway on the Top Boy Toys Boys Love

Now you know nine of the top boy toys every boy wants. Whether you’re shopping for your son, brother, nephew, or grandson, you’re sure to put a smile on this face holiday time, on his birthdays or any time of year.

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