How To Take Care Of Your Entire Family This Winter

Flu and Cold Season is on the Way

The beginning of the school year, can signal the beginning of colds and flu in your home. When the weather becomes cooler and the days grow shorter, health may become a significant concern. Coughs, colds, and even the flu, as well as more severe diseases, can suddenly become considerably more common. It's essential to understand some of the ways you can help your whole family stay healthy during winter so you can enjoy the time you spend together while everyone is safe and sound. The following tip will help you take care of your family during winter months of cold and flu season.

Tips for staying healthy during cold and flu season

Eat Healthily 

Our bodies are amazing machines that convert what we put into them in the form of food and drink into energy and hormones that do everything for us. We are happier and healthier when we eat the proper meals. A bad diet means our immune systems don't work as well as they should, and sometimes shut down altogether, so eating correctly to get enough vitamins and minerals to keep our bodies strong and ready to fight off the numerous illnesses that attack us, particularly during the winter months, is crucial. Try this recipe for baked salmon.

Adopt Healthy Lifestyle as a Family

Fruits and vegetables are the simplest methods to get these nutrients, so getting your five a day is critical. If it's a challenge to include more fruits and vegetables into your diet, try preparing a nutritious morning smoothie for everyone.  Here's a fun way to get kids to eat potassium rich bananas.

Keep Clean 

The simple act of washing your hands can help to keep everyone in the home healthy, and not just the individual who did the hand-washing. The initial point of contact between you and a virus or illness is usually your hands. Giving a loved one a hug, shaking hands, holding hands, and so on can spread diseases from one person to the next. By ensuring that everyone washes their hands frequently (particularly after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and wiping your or a child's nose), you can minimize the chance of unpleasant diseases spreading. If washing your hands causes dry skin (as it may during the winter months), then invest in some excellent hand lotion as well to keep the momentum going. 

This "how to wash your hands" interactive printable lesson is great for the classroom or homeschool, it explains the importance of hand washing in detail and makes it fun.

Check The Animals 

If you have pets, you might discover that they are prone to sickness during the winter months as well. They, too, have immune systems, and although they don't function exactly like ours, that doesn't mean they can't become sick. It is important to take your pet to a great vet, such as exceptionalpets.com, if you suspect they are ill. In this way, you can keep your pet healthy, and everyone else in the family since some animal illnesses can spread to humans.  Our pets can even catch Covid19, so if you're sick, watch them for symptoms. Our bird, a Cockatiel, was very sick when we had Covid, luckily he recovered with some TLC.

Exercise

Getting adequate exercise is another brilliant way to strengthen the immune system. This could be as easy as taking your dog for a walk or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Park a bit further away from the supermarket's entrance, so you'll have to walk a little longer. Spend some time cleaning up the leaves in the garden. It doesn't have to be an exercise class or an hour at the gym, and the more people that participate, the better.  We've got some fun PE Activities to get you moving,check them out!

What Breed Dog Should You Get?

 Getting Your First Family Dog: A Guide

Your first family dog is a big deal. Dogs are perfect for kids of all ages and can help them learn responsibility, social cues, and provide emotional support. The right dog will feel like another member of the family — something irreplaceable and perfect. The wrong dog can add frustration and anxiety into your home, which is why it is very important you prepare before you get your first dog. We're sharing tips to help you find the right dog breed for your family. So, what dog should you get? Read on to find out what breed makes the best pet for your family!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links for your convenience.

1. Research the Breeds 

Choosing the right breed is the same as choosing the right dog. Breeds have their own characteristics and general personalities. Though each dog is certainly unique and full of personality, you will want to start off with the right breed profile. Namely, how much care and attention the breed needs. If you live in a wide-open space and are a very active family, you will want a bigger dog with lots of energy. That same dog in an apartment might become bored and frustrated. 

You need to find the right breed for your family's lifestyle. Consider your living space, how long and how far you can go on walks with the dog, and even how much care the dog needs. Some dogs need to be mentally challenged with puzzles or hunting. Other dogs are happy to lay around on the couch for most of the day. 

Service Dogs

2. Find a Reputable Breeder 

While there are puppy mills and puppy smuggling operations, buying from either is supporting cruelty to dogs (in this case the parents.) Be sure to research ahead of time and make sure you find a reputable breeder. Not only does this rule out abuse, it also increases the likelihood of healthier puppy litters. 

Dealing with the loss of a Pet

3. Sign Up for Puppy Training 

As this is your first job you will want to sign up for puppy training. Even long-time dog owners sign up for puppy training because it gives them a refresher and a crash course to get their puppy’s training up to speed. 

Pet Name as Password Quote

4. Split Up Responsibilities 

You don’t want your puppy to end up being only your dog amongst your family. To enjoy the full range of benefits, you'll want your kids to also take care of your dog. Split up responsibilities so that everyone has something to do. Your dog will love everyone in the family, your kids will have emotional support and a playmate, and everyone can improve their sense of responsibility. 

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5. Know How to Handle Difficulties 

Dogs come with difficulties. Some are anxious, some get sick in the car, some are destructive, and others are a bit aggressive with their affection. You need to be prepared for these personality quirks and know how to handle them. Anxiety and even nausea can often be improved with something as simple as a CBD treat from ceebeedoo.com, while other issues will need careful training. You'll need to be prepared and be ready to try out a variety of different tactics to help improve your dog’s behavior. 

Cool Gift Ideas for Pet Parents

6. Build a Healthy Routine 

Dogs love routine, so be sure to build one for them. This means eating breakfast at the same time, going for a walk, and so on. Dogs can be very patient while they wait for the next scheduled item on the list, and in doing so, you can keep a calm, clean home with your happy family. 

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3 Things You Need To Know About Service Dogs for Kids

Service Dogs for Kids

While a service dog requires a bit of upkeep, it can also help kids with disabilities to manage their health, development, and happiness. If you believe that your child could benefit from a service animal, do your research.

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You’ll want to answer the following questions: 

• What conditions merit the use of a service dog? 
• How do you care for these pets? 
• What is training like? How do they help? 

We’ve compiled the top 3 things you’ll want to know about owning a guide or hearing dog for your child. Use our list to help you decide whether obtaining a service dog is right for your family. 

There Isn’t Just One Type of Service Animal

Contrary to what you might see on TV or in movies, there are dozens of different types of training a pet can go through to become ready for service. These can help guide, care for, and watch over kids with different kinds of disabilities.

Types of trained pets include:

• Hearing
• Walker or Balance
• Social pets
• Guide pets
• Seizure Alert
• Dogs for Psychiatric Disabilities

These animals help kids with different types of difficulties in day to day life that can be fulfilled by the pet. 

For example, seizure alert dogs are trained to alert people when a seizure is about to occur. Social dogs, on the other hand, are great at helping kids with developmental disabilities interact and engage with other people. 

Trained pets help people of all ages, independence levels, and backgrounds. You can find more information about training and assistance for service dog owners on the SDRA website.

Service Animals Don’t Need a Certificate to Work

A common misconception when contemplating a guide or a seizure alert animal is that it may be difficult to get around with it. The opposite is true. There are policies in place to protect your rights so that you aren’t given a hard time with the pet in public.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that service animals are allowed to work with or without certification. This means that businesses and organizations are not allowed to prevent you from traveling with your pet. Many businesses have made it a policy to not ask whether a dog is medically necessary or not.

Working Dogs Are Still Dogs

While you may be getting a service dog to simplify your life and aid your child, the dog is not only a helper. The animal is trained and registered officially to provide assistance for owners, but it is still a dog. It requires all of its needs met as well. Just like any normal dog, it needs exercise, food, water, and plenty of love.

Taking care of a dog can be fun, but it is also expensive. Be sure that you are ready to take on the financial and time investment that a dog requires. You need to afford veterinary appointments and food, have the time to give the dog baths, and take it for walks. Be sure that you are ready before taking on this responsibility.

The Bottom Line

A service dog can do great things for your child’s health and development. It can help them to navigate the world around them more freely. It can help with their confidence and happiness. It can even preempt and assist with health issues like seizures. 

Be sure that you think about what it means to own a guide animal before you make the purchase. Use these tips to help you figure out whether you would like to bring a service dog into your child’s life.

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DIY Home Repairs, You can do it!

Solutions to these 3 Common Home Issues

While there is plenty of joy involved in becoming a homeowner, maintaining your home can prove a costly affair in many ways – especially if you have pets or children. Luckily, remedying any persistent home repair issue is easy when you know where to start. Here are some DIY solutions to the most common home issues that could pop up at any time. DIY home repairs? Yes, you can do it!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Damage to the roof 

If you're to prevent any lasting damage occurring on your roof, it's important to keep your roof shingles and your gutters in tip-top condition. Old and flimsy shingles can lead to nasty leaks, which can result in irreparable damage to your ceiling and the foundation of your home, while clogged, or broken gutters will not aid the water in flowing off the of the roof efficiently. The accumulation of water is certain to lead to the erosion of your roofing and, in time, significant leaking too. It can also lead to leaks in the walls and foundation, depending on your structure. The solution to this problem is to rope in the professionals to conduct repairs and to strive to call them back at least once a year to maintain the roof. That's how you can easily do it. If you want to do it yourself, check out the roof shingle repair video below. 

Don’t have the money necessary to get the job done and stuck with a bad credit history in your name? It may be time to consider loans for bad credit.  Sometimes, you just need a little extra help, right?

Clogged toilet

A clogged toilet can often mean the need to call on plumbers for assistance – which can tug at the purse strings. You'll probably be relieved to discover that there are a variety of other options available to you if you're trying to save your cash for other necessities. Of course, the first step is always to try your luck with a plunger. However, if that doesn't work, the next best thing is to try using some baking soda and vinegar. Yes, it really could be that simple!

Throw a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl and leave for a minute or two. You can follow the baking soda with two cups of white vinegar. The vinegar naturally reacts with the baking soda, causing it to bubble – so add it bit by bit to avoid overflowing. Leave to sit once again for a few minutes before flushing the toilet. In many cases, the baking soda and vinegar concoction will be enough to loosen the clog and allow the water to move along smoothly. Bet you didn't know that! You can always try some Liquid Drano, but it's got a hefty price tag.

Need some extra help? Watch this video on how to unclog a toilet with a snake. You might not want, but you CAN do it!

Stains on your carpet

Whether your dog is the one responsible for the mud stains on your cozy woolen rug, or your youngest kid spilled juice all over the freshly vacuumed carpet, nothing can cause a homeowner stress quite like a bad stain on the carpet or upholstery! It feels so permanent. According to Wellness Mama, aside from using nasty chemicals to get rid of it, there are several natural stain removal solutions that you can try. For instance, you may choose to make a paste using warm water and baking soda. Apply it to the stain and leave to dry. Once thoroughly dry, you can vacuum up the residue, and the stain should lift along with it. If that doesn't work, watch the video on carpet stain removal below.

Now that you know how best to tackle the most common home repairs, there's no need to stress about these common home issues any longer, be confident that you can do anything you set your mind to do. Remember, you just need a positive attitude and some great YouTube videos on DIY home repairs!

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Looking for Gifts for Teen Boys

Thoughtful Gifts for Teenage Boys this Christmas

Choosing perfect Christmas gifts for teenage boys is difficult – they're not an easy group to please. Perhaps they might not tell you what they'd like, or they might seem disinterested in everything except gaming and sports items. That’s why we've compiled a list of unique and thoughtful gift ideas for teen boys which are sure to bring a smile to their face on the big day. We’ve picked a couple of ideas below, but if you need further gift inspiration, you'll also want to check out this list of ideas for a 13 year old .

This post contains affiliate links.

Christmas Gift List for Teen Boys

• Being a Teenage Boy Book

First on our list of thoughtful gifts for teen boys is this book for teenage boys aimed at 11–14 year old boys. Though the book is only 50 pages, it gives teen boys tons of important life skills and messages that they should know. Including things such as respecting girls and women, that it’s okay to fail sometimes, and the importance of having a strong work ethic. This is a great book to show teen boys you're thinking about them and want to help develop them into fine young men.

• Gamer Socks

Socks might not top the list as the most exciting Christmas gifts for teenagers, but these gamer socks are sure to appeal to those who love playing video games! They have a non-slip design on the sole, making them ideal for hard flooring. The socks are made from cotton and polyester and are comfortable and soft. The moisture-wicking technology is designed to repel odor, so your teen’s feet will always smell fresh! Gamer socks fit sizes from 6 –12, so gamer socks for teens are ideal for most teen gamers.

• To My Son Dog Tag

Jewelry is a nice choice when it comes to unique Christmas gifts for teenagers. This dog tag necklace shows teens how much they means to you. It’s made from stainless steel to ensure it's long lasting and won’t rust and it will remain shiny and new for years to come. Versions are available from grandma, grandpa or dad, so you can customize the gift depending on your relation to the teen boy. The rear of the tag is left blank so you can take it to be engraved with the recipient’s name or another special message to make this a really personal gift idea for your boy. Find more personalized gifts for kids.

• 97 Things to Do Before You Finish High School Book 

Books are a thoughtful gift idea for teens. This thoughtful Book gives boys ideas of fun things they should do some day but won’t learn about in school! It shows them how to do all sorts of fun things such as planning a road trip, making a time capsule, or more practical skills such as doing laundry. The book acts as a kind of bucket list of things that teen boys should do before finishing high school. Teens will find it packed full of fun and exciting ideas to try.

• Mom & Son Journal

Finally, last on our list of thoughtful Christmas gift ideas is this journal book for boys. This book gift idea is a precious mother and son journal that's great for homeschoolers. The mother son journal is filled with questions which require brief answers, either by filling in the blank or using multiple choice answers. With its mix of fun and more serious questions, it's a great way for teens to bond with mom. It’s ideal for promoting discussion when conversation dries up, yet is intended to be lighthearted and fun. The book is perfect for young teens or preteens who aren’t always talkative or open and is a great way to bring them out of their shell. Older teens may find it it silly or embarrassing, so know the teen your shopping for before choosing this option.

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For more unique gift ideas for teens, check out our Amazon store.

Gift ideas for everyone on your holiday list from Kids Creative Chaos.

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Dealing with Death of a Pet

10 Things to Do After You Lose Your Dog

As soon as you bring your dog home, it becomes part of the family. All the shared moments, including the annoying ones - like chewing on your favorite pair of shoes - make your beloved pet more than just a dog. Our pets are full fledged members of our families. So, losing a pet is not easy for most pet owners. After being with your pet for so long, dealing with the death of a pet is difficult. Here are 10 things to do after you lose your dog or other beloved pet.

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Pet Hacks: Dealing with Death of a Pet.

10 Tips on Dealing with Pet Death

Given that dogs are among the most loving and affectionate animals, their death can take a toll on their owners. When it comes to dealing with the loss of a dog, it's certainly no easier than the loss of a close relative. If you're just going through such a situation, here are 10 things you can do to cope with the loss of your favorite pet:

1. Hold a ceremony

Rituals help a lot with grieving the loss of a loved one and the loss of a pet is no different. Holding a ceremony allows you to celebrate the time you had with your beloved pet dog. It also creates an opportunity for other people who loved the dog to be part of his final journey. Besides, organizing the whole ritual will give you a sense of control over what is happening, and a certain peace of mind that you have accorded your dog utmost respect. It can keep your mind busy in the toughest days, right after the death of your pet.

2. Write down your feelings

Writing can be very therapeutic when dealing with death. Most times, it helps people to express the emotions that are too hard to verbalize. You can even turn your writing into a letter to your dog in heaven. This will allow you to invite better thoughts in your mind and help you to move forward in the grieving process.

3. Allow yourself to be sad

Hiding your sadness won't do you any good. Feel sad, and cry if you must. Know that the deepest pain won't last forever.

4. Reach out to others who have lost pets

You never have to do any of it alone. Other people have lost dogs before too, and they can help you cope. They'll understand and won't give you a hard time by saying, "it's just a dog." Pet people get it.

5. Get a new dog

The absence of a dog can leave you feeling lonely. Getting a new dog may not replace the old one. However, it's one way to to deal with the loneliness of the loss of a pet. As you consider the top 5 smartest dogs in the world which one should I buy for family, look for a dog that needs as much love as you do. It helps to get a rescue dog. This way, both of you can find love, companionship, and comfort together.

However, do take your time. Don't rush into getting a new pet, lest it feels like a replacement of your old one. If you aren't ready for a new dog, give it time dealing with the loss of a pet is like any other grieving process, it takes time.

6. Take your time to grieve

Like with any other loss, grieving the death of a pet is part of the process. You can't overlook the absence of a longtime companion dog. Instead of putting yourself through the pressure of forgetting it happened, take time to grieve. Don't expect all the ache to go away in just a few days. Give yourself time to go through the rough patch of losing your pet.

7. Recreate a memory

It helps to invite good thoughts your way. Recreating a memory you shared with your pet can help bring some laughter back into your life. It's also a nice way to get over the pain of not having your dog with you anymore. Go to the bark park and visit with other dogs. Saying hello to your pet's old friends may bring a tear to your eye, but it can also make you happy. Dog parks are fun for everyone!

8. Create a legacy

Your pet has impacted more than one life. Create a legacy for his life. Gather up pictures of your pet to form a photo album or even create a special scrapbook dedicated to your pet. This will help you preserve the memories of your dog and give you something to reminisce through with family members and friends.

9. Talk to a professional

There is no shame in seeking help. Asking a professional to help you cope with the loss of your pet can be the best and quickest way to your emotional healing.

10. Volunteer at an animal shelter

If getting another dog isn't an option for you, volunteering at an animal shelter is a good way to continue expressing your love for dogs.

Dealing with the loss of a pet is a journey that all pet owners must take. The more you face it upfront, the easier it becomes. For more posts about Pets follow our Pet Board, Amanda's Animal Party, on Pinterest.

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