How to Recover from Surgery When Raising Kids

Facing Surgery? How do You Recover When Kids Need You?

Surgery isn’t often a choice, it's a necessity. However, the procedure and recovery period can affect your everyday life when you're a parent. After all, experiencing plenty of rest doesn’t always come easy when caring for children. If you're set to undergo surgery and want to be back on your feet as soon as possible, here are some handy tips on how to recover from surgery when raising kids.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links, I get a small commission if you make a purchase.

Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions

After surgery, a doctor will provide you with various instructions on how to make a swift recovery, such as avoiding baths and swimming, or not lifting anything heavier than ten pounds. You know the drill, take it easy.

It's essential to follow his or her orders, which means not lifting your children up or carrying heavy loads of washing. If you fail to follow their orders, don’t be surprised if you need to return to hospital. Avoid lifting up heavy objects by having people help you around the house. Your kids can help too!

Attend All Follow-Up Appointments

Many patients fail to attend their follow-up appointments, as they might believe the worst is over. However, even if your wound is healing and you're feeling better each day, you must still attend each appointment set.

While it might stand in the way of cooking a homemade meal or a relaxed day with your children, a doctor will need to review your wound to check the incision is healing well and there are no signs of infection. They also might need to order follow-up blood work and identify if the surgery successfully treated the condition.

If, however, a doctor fails to schedule follow-up appointments, and you experienced an infection or impairment as a result, this will be viewed as inadequate care and you would be wise to turn to The Medical Negligence Experts to make a claim.

Prevent Infection

Every patient is at serious risk of developing an infection following surgery. Signs of an infection can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Redness
• Pain/soreness
• Pus or drainage
• An unpleasant smell from a wound

You can, however, prevent the problem by thoroughly washing your hands before touching an incision wound.

Enjoy a Healthy Diet

It's common for people to go off food after a surgical procedure, as they might feel constipated or nauseous. However, if you want to make a swift recovery for your children, you must eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated, as both will:

• Promote healing
• Alleviate anesthesia side effects
• Reduce common complications

Remember, your body needs fuel for energy, so get back onto your feet by eating three meals a day and drinking eight glasses of water.

Walk

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pneumonia are both common complications after surgery. You can, however, reduce their likelihood by walking every hour or two, but talk to your doctor before embarking on any exercise. Walking is a gentle form of physical activity that can help you to eventually return to your daily activities. However, always walk at a slow, relaxed pace and stop or sit down when necessary.

Recommended:

The Surgery Book for Kids

What is Sepsis Infection?

Five Essential Tips for Taking Your Toddler on Vacation

Vacation with Toddlers

The terrible twos are terrible for a reason. Between learning to talk, starting to walk, to teething, and the “why” phase, you certainly have your work cut out for you. However, just because kids are a challenge at this age, doesn’t mean your life has to stop. On the contrary, they’re finally at an age where you can safely start to travel with them. By following these essential tips for taking your toddler on vacation, you can reduce the stress and improve the vacation travel experience all-round.

When traveling with toddlers, something to consider (no matter where you go,) is that you can use a luggage storage app to help stow your bags. No one wants to drag all that luggage around, especially when you’re traveling with toddlers in tow. For example, when you arrive in a city before your hotel reservation, you can store your bags and then start visiting your favorite attractions without having to wait for an afternoon hotel check-in.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Choose a Family-Friendly Destination

As you can expect, traveling with your toddler is difficult. It's all the stress from home combined with the stress of travel – in short, it's a nightmare if you don't prepare beforehand and know what to expect. To help you choose the best destination (and subsequent accommodation,) you'll want to choose a place that:

• Has Things for Adults and Kids 

Going to Disney World is great fun for kids, but if you're the parent who will absolutely hate the experience, this trip isn't for you! Similarly, if you choose a destination that isn’t kid-friendly, then your toddler will likely have a thing or two to say about it. Expect to be dragging them along by the hand. Instead, find a vacation destination that has something for both of you, and don’t be afraid to bring your kid a museum. Just remember to keep them off the exhibits. No one wants to get kicked out of a venue after throwing down a wallet load of cash.

• Has all the Needed Amenities

Choosing a vacation home is ideal in this situation, because you can forget about trying to accommodate your toddler's fussy eating habits at a restaurant and instead prepare food right at home just the way they like it. This makes snacks, meals, and even sleep cycles easy to maintain.

Find Out All That There is to Do And See

There are so many helpful guides online for you to pursue at your leisure. Simply find the ones that appertain to your destination and make note of their suggestions. This way, you can cut down on all the options in a big city like San Francisco, and instead narrow down your itinerary to the top 25 places to visit as outlined on VacationRenter.com. Depending on how long you are planning on staying, narrow that list down further to only what truly interests you, and you'll be sure to have a great time -even with toddlers in tow.

Tips on How to Get There

The younger they are, the less fun kids seem to have on a plane. That's why going by train or by car is often the far superior option for families. Not only that, but it's also very cost effective. If you do go by plane, use price comparison apps so that you can at least fly on the cheapest days, but remember to book your seats ahead of time so that you can all sit together. Never leave that to the day of and hope other passengers will switch with you. That's an unnecessary complication you can avoid with proper planning.

It will take time to master the art of travel with a young child, but don’t let that stop you from traveling. Just remember to be firm. Children might not always behave, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t set down rules for them. Do this, and you'll all have a much better time on your family vacation, no matter the destination. After all, the real memory maker is the experience.

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Easy Beer Cheese Dip for Pretzels Recipe

Beer Cheese and Pretzels Recipe

This homemade Easy Beer Cheese Dip for Pretzels Recipe is delicious! You'll feel like you're eating restaurant or bar food at home. Who can resist the warm baked goodness of homemade soft pretzels? Beer Cheese and pretzels are the perfect fall snack. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links.

How to Make Beer Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:
2T butter
2T flour
1/4 t salt
1 c beer
1/2 c milk
1/2 t ground mustard
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t paprika
1/4 t pepper
2 - 2 1/2 c sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Hot sauce to taste (optional)

Directions:
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour. Whisk, while heating, until mixture is golden brown, 1-2 min. While continuing to whisk, gradually add the beer. Cook, with stirring, until mixture partially thickens. Add milk; continue to whisk until mixture reaches desired consistency. Remove from heat. Stir in mustard, garlic powder, pepper and cheese. Stir until cheese has melted. Adjust seasonings as desired.

Homemade Soft Pretzels.

Homemade Soft Pretzels for Beer Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:
1 1/2 c. lukewarm water
1 package active dry yeast
1 t salt
1 T brown sugar
1/4 c butter, melted
4 c flour
8 c boiling water
1/2 c baking soda
1 egg, beaten and diluted with 1 t water
coarse salt

Directions:
Dissolve yeast, salt, and sugar in warm water. Allow the mixture to sit until the yeast begins to foam or bubble. Add the melted butter, followed by the flour, 1 c at a time. The dough should be workable and not sticky. Knead the dough on a floured surface for several minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl,  cover with plastic wrap, and allow to rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.

How to roll pretzel dough.

The perfect homemade pretzel.

While the dough is rising, boil water and add the baking soda. Stir until dissolved. The baking soda bath with be used to give the pretzel a puffy dough with a golden and shiny crust.  You should also assemble a few handy tools:  a tape measure, a large flat spatula, your baking sheet, and parchment paper. The parchment paper is not essential, but it will make the pretzel much easier to remove from the baking sheet.

How to Make Pretzel Shape Pretzels at Home
Divide the risen dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll each into a 20 inch rope. To form the pretzel shape, bend the rope into a "smile" shape. Cross the ends slightly. Grab the cross and fold it towards you, bringing it down to meet the front loop of the pretzel.

How to Make Pretzel Shape Pretzels at Home.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Using your large spatula, place each pretzel individually in the baking soda bath. Allow it to sit in the bath 30 seconds to 1 minute, making sure the top gets wet as well. Carefully remove the pretzel with your spatula and place on the baking sheet. Once the sheet is full, bake for 10-12 minutes. Repeat as needed until all pretzels are baked.

Hand twisted, homemade baked pretzels.

Recommended Reading:

How to Make Butternut Squash Soup

Don't have time to make them? Just buy Bavarian Soft Pretzels and Beer Cheese Dip on Amazon.

Oldies but Goodies to do with the kids
Make Heart Shaped Pretzels with Kids
Pound out a Pretzel Cornucopia

Summer Camp at Home Themes, Schedules, and Tips

Themes and Activities for Summer Camp at Home

Want to give kids the experience of a great summer camp? Whether you do summer camp for your neighborhood, for a church youth group, or your local community, these summer camp at home themes, schedules, and tips will help you create the best, most fun summer camp for kids from six to sixteen! 

Post contains affiliate links.

Work in a retirement village or nursing home? Activity directors can adapt the activities for any age group. The objective is fun! Our website is full of fun, free camp activities, circle time activities, and group games. If you want everything at your fingertips (or on your clipboard) grab a copy of any of the books in our companion book series. These books are designed to help you organize and create an amazing youth group program or a simple, summer camp at home. 

Each books stands alone or get all 3 books for an organized summer camp, after-school program, or extra activities for vacation bible school. 

Our latest book, "Summer Camp at Home Handbook" has a total of five weeks of camp themes and activities. Each week includes: songs to sing, science experiments, group games, art activities, and fun themed snacks. It also includes a welcome pledge, icebreaker game, filler activities, planning calendars, printable today's birthday poster, activity schedule, daily menu poster, registration forms with allergy and photo permission features, and sample letters and forms to create a professional, organized camp program. If you want to do a full-on community summer camp, the only thing you'll need to add is insurance. Some small programs forego insurance for waivers and good luck. It's a good idea to get a short-term summer insurance policy if you plan to include your neighborhood or others outside of your close circle of friends and family.

Do you need a license to operate summer camp? That depends on your city and state. Check with your local government agencies, especially the board of health. Many churches (depending on state laws) are exempt and do not require visits from board of health or other agencies. Often, if the campers are participating in the prep of food it falls under different rules than if you are providing snacks. This is why the Summer Camp at Home Handbook includes theme snack activities and edible art. An easy way to avoid any trouble is to only provide prepackaged snacks and beverages (stay away from milk.) At the least, always have parents sign waivers, waivers, waivers. They won't completely protect you if someone decides to sue, but they do give everyone a heads up and let everyone know you are thinking ahead. Always have parents sign field trip waivers (you can make one for the entirety of camp and list out all pre-planned activities.) Also, be sure you have records of food allergies, immunizations, and authorized pick up persons. Finally, be aware of your state's childcare laws which vary based on the age of children in your care. To play it safe (when doing summer camp at home,) don't have more than five children that are not related to you in each camp session and always have another adult or camp counselor 18+ at your side.

Another thing to consider is first aid and safety training. Staff should be trained to recognize child predators in all childcare, summer camp, youth group, and school settings. In today's world, you can never be too safe or too prepared. That being said, if you are simply doing summer camp at home for your family, close friends, or homeschool group, not all of these steps may be required. However, it's better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you run background checks on anyone that will be regularly helping with your program. That includes your parents, aunts, and older children! This is a safety precaution designed to protect you in case something comes up. In your letter to parents, mention that all adults working with children have undergone a background check. Your local government probably has a background check option on their website.

A big safety consideration is water. Children may find pools and nearby bodies of water enticing. Always, always, keep count of the children in your immediate care. A good rule of thumb is to count kids every 20 minutes. If you are on a field trip or involved in a hectic group game, count them every 15 minutes. If you plan to include swimming in your camp activities or have a pool in your backyard, be aware that special precautions are needed and insurance rates will be higher.

Are you ready to get started hosting your own summer camp at home? Great! You'll want to start with our book, Summer Camp Handbook. This book is full of everything you need for five weeks of awesome summer camp.

Summer Camp Weekly Themes:

• It's all Rainbows: Rainbow Trails Song, Rainbow Snacks, Leprechaun Rainbow Skit, Rainbow Science Activities (Color and Prisms), and Get Moving Games.

• Silly Spaghetti: On Top of Spaghetti Song, Crunchy Spaghetti Recipe, Spaghetti Strength Science, Spaghetti Relays, and lots more.

• Eat Worms: Herman the Worm Song, Worm Theme Snacks, Snakes vs. Worms Game, How to Build a Worm Farm, Slurpin' for Worms, and lots more Worm Theme Games and Activities.

• Do Monkey Around: The Monkey Song, Banana Snacks, Banana Experiments, and Get Moving Games for Monkeys.

• Sharks vs Chickens: Baby Shark Song, Chicken Feed Snack, Egg Science Experiments, Shark and Chicken Hats, and lots of Games to Play as Sharks and Chickens.

With a blank, printable monthly calendar included in each weekly camp theme chapter and extra filler activities in case of a time emergency, the Summer Camp at Home Handbook is an essential tool whether it's your very first summer camp program or you are a seasoned camp director. Don't wait any longer, get on your way to the best summer camp ever today!

Our companion books are also available on Amazon in 8 x 10 paperback book format. These books give you extra credit as a camp director or activities director. Get organized with our 365 Planner. This handbook includes printable planning calendars, daily journal space with shareable quote of the day for note taking and planning, printable lesson/activity planning sheets, birthday logs, printable today's birthday poster, menu and activity schedules, and more. 

The 365 Activity Planner Journal, is a great companion handbook to Summer Camp at Home. It's also a great classroom resource planning tool for teachers. Whether you make copies of the printables to reuse again and again, or cuddle up on the sofa with the book to journal your activities, this handbook will help keep all of your thoughts and ideas organized with the added benefit of motivational quotes to keep you going strong. Get your 365 Activity Planner Journal now by clicking on the image.

And, if you are looking for fun games to play in a circle setting check out our Circle Time Handbook. This book includes 39 of the best ever games kids love. Tried and true, we played all of these games in our camp and after-school programs. This book is ideal for teachers who need to fill in some transitional time, afterschoolers who want to have a daily group rap sessions, preschool programs who realize the importance of circle time group activities, and summer camp programs who need filler material for rest breaks and other down time.

Ready, Get Set, Go! You can get all 3 books for under $40 on Amazon. 

Recommended:

Circle Time Activities on the Blog

Games for Kids

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Caregivers and Educators, check out Lora's Recommendations on Amazon 

and Follow us on Instagram for more fun ideas for children.

Pin it!

How to Have the Best New Year Eve Party with Kids

Ideas for the Best New Year Eve Party 

What does it take to have the best new year eve party ever with kids? It depends on your expectations, of course. If you want to throw a memorable party with glitz and polish, planning is a necessity. However, a spur of the moment party with family and close friends can become a favorite memory. We're sharing some tips on how to have the best New Year's party with kids. The key is to have fun foods and simple games that everyone can play together. Scroll down for games and activities for your party. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

Free Printables Calendar Monthly: Wifi Printer HP

Get Ready for Back to School with an HP Wifi Printer and Free Calendar Printables

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CreateWithHP #CollectiveBias

Whether you are a college student, a homeschooler, or busy at a brick mortar high school, you can't escape back to school prep. We've got a free back to school prep to do list and fill-in-the-blank calendar printables to help you get organized. What is the best way to print our free monthly calendar printables? 

With an HP All-in-One Printer with wifi , of course. Wifi printers are the bomb! You can even print from your smart phone. Enjoy!

How to Enter Indiana State Fair: County 4 H Fair

What to Know for 4 H Club 

How do I enter the Indiana State Fair? Want to know, we've got answers and all details of what to expect during your first year of 4 H. Enjoy!

Get Pregnant Calendar: Fertility Calculator and Tips

Looking for a Fertility Chart, Calendar, or Calculator?

Are you dreaming of having a family? Excitedly wishing and hoping for a positive pregnancy test? When you make the big decision to start a family, it can be exciting, scary, and overwhelming. When is the best time to try? Are their tips to help you get Pregnant? What can you do to help the process? Scroll Down for a Fertility Calculator and a Printable Calendar Chart. Enjoy!

It was difficult for us. Once we made the decision, we were eager to have a little one join our family. It was not an easy journey for us and as our friends excitedly announced their pregnancies, we were thrilled for them, but anxious for it to be our turn. Maybe you are in the same boat or maybe you have just started trying.

Get Pregnant Calendar: Fertility Calculator and Tips.

What if you knew there was an over the counter product that could aid you in your journey to natural conception? A product that was proven and safe.

Conceive Plus® Fertility Lubricant can help achieve pregnancy.

Conceive Plus® Fertility Products to help you get pregnant.

Conceive Plus® fertility lubricant is an excellent product for all couples trying to conceive. This trusted and side-effect free lubricant can work for you. If you have just started trying or have been trying for a while, Conceive Plus® fertility lubricant can help increase your chances of getting pregnant naturally!

Conceive Plus® is a fertility friendly personal lubricant that is isotonic and has a controlled pH that is safe for sperm, embryos and the process of fertilization. 

Conceive Plus is different to other sperm friendly lubricants because it contains Calcium and Magnesium ions, these are essential for the process of fertilization and actually help increase the chances of getting pregnant, naturally. It is available in both convenient pre-filled applicators and also in a multi-use tube bottle. The pre-filled applicators can be used up to 15 minutes discreetly before then use the multi-use tube together with your partner.

Recommended by hospital, doctors and fertility clinics globally since 2008 Conceive Plus is FDA cleared and now available in the United States from just $14.90. There are several retailers who carry it.

Conceive Plus® has been available since 2008, and there are thousands of user reviews and success stories from couples trying to conceive. Visit their website to find out more. Follow them on: Twitter Facebook Pinterest

We love being parents and are so thankful for each of our kids. While our journey to parenthood wasn’t as easy as many of our friends, it was totally worth it. Wishing you the best on your journey to parenthood.

We found this helpful fertility calendar chart to help you on your journey. Hop over to TheBump.com for a free printable PDF.

Free printable fertility calendar
 chart to help you get pregnant.

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If you have just started trying or have been trying for a while, Conceive Plus® fertility lubricant can help increase your chances of getting pregnant naturally! Now available from selected online retailers from just $14.99. SASMAR Conceive Plus® sponsored this blog post. The opinions and text are all mine.

Ideas for Care Package List for College Students

College Care Package Ideas

Are you looking for ideas for College Care Packages? We're sharing ideas for your care package list to make your shopping trip easier. Scroll down for a link to our free printable care package list for college. Enjoy!

College care package complete with Schick Supplies. 

My nephew has already moved into campus, so I wanted to send him a care package to spoil him. I wondered what to send and started looking at Pinterest for ideas. I wanted to think outside of the box and send items besides just food and treats.

Free Printable CARE PACKAGE list

Free Printable College CARE PACKAGE list.  Click link for printable doc.

Here is what he is getting for his first care package surprise box:

• Schick Hydro Power select Razor 
• Schick Hyrdo Sensitive Shave Gel
• Schick Hydro 5 Refills
• Package of noodles
• Box of microwave popcorn
• Flavoring for water
• Protein bars

I decided to include the shaving supplies because a starving college student may forego shaving his beard for food. I want to help him always look his best. Since he is starting out his freshman year at Purdue, he has so many new things to remember! He may not get around to all of the comforts of home. So, when I stocked up for my daughter, I thought it would be a perfect time to grab some for his college care package.

Shopping for care package and Schick Supplies.

These products are great for the whole family. Our family has some unique skin allergies, and the Schick Hydro Shave Gel is great for us. We have no issues with this shave gel. That is such a relief. Below, are the benefits of Schick Hydro Shave Gel. We love that Schick Hydro Shave Gel is hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested.

Shick Selfie Sweepstakes

Anti-irritation formula soothes even sensitive skin

Infused with aloe and made with beard softening emollients

Forms a hydrating layer that helps soften, soothe, and protect your skin from the redness and irritation caused by shaving

Protects and soothes

Hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested

I can't wait to ship this care package of to college. I know he will be excited to get a surprise care package from his favorite Aunt. :)

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Schick®. The opinions and text are all mine.

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