Parenting - Parenting Healthy

Divorces can become terrible struggles when custody of your child is involved. A divorce can do long-term damage to a child, both physically and emotionally. While there are many steps you can take to help a child after a divorce, the state takes the task of assigning child custody seriously. A parent undergoing divorce must work hard and plan ahead to win custody of their child. The wrong move in this struggle, and you may lose custody of your child forever. These steps will show you how to win custody of your child.

Hire A Child Custody Lawyer

Hire a child custody from the first to lead you through this process. Custody law is complex, and each state keep their own standards. Even if you never reach the court in terms of custody, a lawyer will be essential to ensure you are granted custody. According to the divorce lawyers at Annutto Law Office, “The dynamics of any family dealing with child support issues is one that requires patience, compassion, and respect for the sensitive nature of the situation.” If you cannot afford such a lawyer, there are legal clinics that might provide you at least with some consultation. Without a lawyer, your custody battle is likely lost before it began.

Try To Negotiate

If at all possible, try to negotiate with your spouse to work out a custody plan. Even if there is little chance to get your spouse to agree, the attempt is important. It will show the courts that you care enough about your child to try to make a deal for them. The courts believe a child look after by two parents is best, even if those parents no longer live together. Whatever your disagreements with your spouse, you both presumably want what is best for your child. You might even work out a joint custody agreement for the sake of your child. If a deal can be reached at this stage, it would be better than going to court over custody.

Get Temporary Custody

As the custody battle, and your divorce, moves to the court try to get to judge to award you temporary custody. This will mean your child will be in your care while the court decides the matter of custody. This is a great advantage. As the court examines you and spouse’s fitness, they will get to view you parenting your child alone. Looking after the child in this traumatic time may also ingratiate you to the child. Since the child’s choice is a factor in custody, this can be an advantage. Temporary custody will ensure that you can prove yourself a worthy guardian.

Focus On Your Strengths

When in court, argue your fitness for custody, not your spouse’s unfitness. The rules determining a parent’s unfitness is complicated. Unless your spouse was physically abusive to the child, you are not likely to prove it in court. In doing, so you will also look bad in front of the court. Focus instead on proving your own strengths. Show how your schedule gives your child more freedom, or that you can provide health foodstuffs. The court’s prefer parents who work together for their child even in divorce. Do not be tempted to trash your spouse to prove your superiority.

Avoid Bad Behaviors

The best way to ensure custody of your child is to behave in an upstanding manner. As the court decides it will view you both your past and manner in detail. Criminal records and employment status are important. You should also avoid using alcohol or drugs while the court decides. Additionally, make sure you are prompt not just at meeting with the court, but also for any visitation with your child. Make it clear you are not only a good choice to look after your child, but that you deeply wish to. Assume your every action is being monitored and give them no reason to question your judgement.

There are a few steps that can help you retain custody of your child during a divorce. Hire a good custody lawyer to lead you through the process. Try to negotiate custody with your spouse. Once the court case begins, try to get temporary custody while the court decides. In court, focus on proving your worth as a guardian, not your spouse’s unfitness. Keep you habits clean and remember that you are observed by the court. Following these steps, you stand a good chance of gaining custody your child.

5 Tips to Capture the Perfect Family Holiday Card

September 18, 2018September 15, 2018 Erin Sluka

Chances are that in the next few weeks you will be planning that perfect family photo for your annual Christmas card. I have not done a family photo card in years. We have 3 boys and 2 are grown and on their own or in college. When we all happen to be together I always forget to snap a photo and then months can go by until our schedules meet up again in a moment to grab a photo.

As the kids grow you almost have to plan all year. To keep in the back of our brain to snap that photo when you get the chance. Maybe it will be with the restaurant tables in the background, but you were all together. Better yet, getting everyone all together is easier the younger they are and you can take some steps to make that posed photo fantastic.

Tim McCabe, creative director and cofounder of CardFool, has put together his five tips to capturing the best photo.

1. Magic Time. If you have grade-school kids, be prepared to get in and get out. Kids typically can sit and participate for about 20 minutes. But with a game plan, you can utilize those 20 minutes efficiently.

2. Get Lit. Make sure the background is properly lit. With cameras these days, you can review a photo before you go ahead and print it to ensure everyone’s faces forward and clearly visible.

3. Skip The Props – if you are having more than eight people in the frame, skip the props and instead focus on your location. You don’t need any extras like bales of hay or a gigantic Christmas tree taking up precious restate. Think simple and clean, regardless of how many people are in the photo. This applies to everything, clothing, background, poses, etc.

4. Smartphone – if you don’t have a fancy camera, or know someone who does, don’t worry. Today’s smart phones are equipped with a great camera. The key to making the photo professional are three simple tips. First, have someone else snap the photo. You don’t want your holiday photo to be a selfie. Second, capture the photo both horizonal and vertical, making sure that the legs and head are not chopped off. That way when it comes time to choosing the card layout, you have some options. Third, have fun with the filters. Your phone comes with several color options and lighting, play around with it, but don’t choose more than two different filters to prevent the photo looking over-processed.

5. Have fun – with today’s busy life, treasure the moment that your family is all together and you’re spending some quality time capturing a great moment. Reflect on the past year, your family’s accomplishment, and don’t forget to say “cheese.”

Infant Toddler Products, Kids, Parenting, Reviews, Toy Reviews

Falling for Baby Infant and Toddler Product Roundup

September 10, 2018December 2, 2018 Erin Sluka

I have partnered wit the following brands for this feature. This post contains affiliate links. Any opinions are my own

This season we are Falling for Baby! The following brands have great, new products that help us make parenting your infant and toddler easier. My youngest is 10 and I would be lying if I wasn’t tempted to be a new parent all over again. The new products that keep on coming are so brilliant. I am enamored how much thought and common sense is incorporated into main products like mattresses, diaper bags and toys! Enjoy this Infant and Toddler Product Roundup.

At Parenting Healthy I have featured many of these brands before. I also have some new brands I have partnered up with.

Take a look and leave a comment with any thoughts, tips for new parents and if you have or use any of these items from the baby and toddler product roundup. I’d love to hear about it!

The MAM Trainer Bottle is an easy transition from bottle to cup. The mouth is wide for pouring liquids with ease and the handles are wide and easy to grip. No leaks (I tested it myself) and it comes in blue or pink. Retails $6.99

A word from MAM: MAM combines technological innovation, medical function and contemporary design to develop superior baby care products that support a baby’s development from day one.

MAM Website * Facebook * Amazon

The b.box Traveling Bib + Spoon is great for every diaper bag! Simply feed baby as normal with the bib and spoon and when done you fold the bib into the food catcher wit the spoon and zip up. Washes easily too. Retails for $15

A word from b.box: functional everyday baby essentials with a difference

b.box Website * Facebook* Amazon

The Little Green products are Safe. Gentle. Pure. Hypoallergenic formulas; Allergen, Paraben, Sulfate and Gluten Free; Clinically & Dermatologist Tested. You will find bath and hair products for baby, kids, lice prevention and gift sets.

A word from Little Green: I am thrilled to have brought Little Green to life. Delicate formulas that respect children and the environment they will grow up in. Collections parents can trust.

Little Green Website * Facebook * Amazon

Covered Goods is the original 4-in-1 nursing cover. It not only covers up while nursing, it also can be used as carseat cover, infinity scarf and shopping cart cover. It is the winner of multiple awards and has been seen in many media outlets. I love all the design choices. How fantastic it is to do so much with one product! They retail for $34.99.

Covered Goods has video tutorials that makes using their covers so easy in any way you wish.

Covered Good Website * Facebook * Amazon

Why had no one thought of this sooner? PopYum like a shaker bottle for formula. Like you carry your shakes to-go, you can now fill the bottle with water (or breast milk), add the formula and when ready to feed you press the button to release the plug and the formula drops. Shake it up and you can start feeding. You can do this all with one hand too! No more juggling baby while grabbing powder and mixing! They come in 5oz and 9oz sizes. They start at $12.99 in price.

A word from PopYum: When designing the PopYum bottle we set a number of goals including: it must be made of the safest material, easy to use with a single hand, have a more natural latch, be anti-colic, have a wide mouth design, and have only a few parts to assemble and clean. We are thrilled that we were able to create, what we believe, is a great baby bottle.

Website * Facebook * Buy Now

OK! This one is for Mom and Dad because we need that hot beverage on-the-go to keep up with baby (don’t worry there is more on their site for kids too)! The GoSili Silicone Coffee and Tea To-Go Cup is a favorite of mine and will make getting through cold morning sports games much more delightful. Because everything else thrown into the diaper bag is soft and pliable, so can your coffee cup be soft and silicone as well. It’s a great alternative to plastic to-go cups. It is dishwasher and microwave safe, as well as easy to clean!

A word about gosili/silikids: GoSili combines need-based innovation with the technological advantages of silicone, offering an alternative to plastic tableware found in and out of the kitchen by creating products for families that are safe, modern and made entirely out of silicone. The company is dedicated to building a social movement and creating a cultural shift away from toxic and unsustainable plastic wares by providing the alternative to them.

Website * Facebook * Amazon

I first found the BabyK’Tan brand by their swaddle blankets because I loved the fabric and patterns, but did you know they also have diaper and weekender bags? I have the diaper bag and my favorite feature is the antimicrobial pocket. Believe it or not, I haven’t seen this kind of pocket in a diaper bag and it is brilliant for wet clothes to keep separate and it is odor proof too!

A word from BabyK’Tan: A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of every Baby K’tan Baby Carrier is allocated to the American Heart Association and to help fund education, medical research, advocacy programs, and promotion of awareness and inclusion for individuals and families living with Down syndrome.

Website * Facebook * Amazon

When you start packing you start by organizing by family member then utilize the few pockets in the suitcase and travel bags to give everything it’s own spot. Once you arrive to the hotel or sit down on that plane, you unzip that bag and realize that it won’t be but hours until everything is turned upside down. I began using bags to separate items for my 10 year old and even my own self. It makes it so easy to find items and keep them contained when you need to stay organized in small spaces. Easy Baby Travelers has many fun prints in travel bags and diaper bag organizers like these to make packing a breeze.

A word from Easy Baby Travelers: Separate and organize your baby/toddler supplies into their matching Easy Baby Traveler. Place your Easy Baby Travelers in any bag you want to call a diaper bag. Baby just ate? Now going on a quick lunch with your little and your girlfriends? Just take your Easy Baby Change Me Traveler, and leave the bulky diaper bag behind!

Website * Facebook

What is/was your nightly fear as a new Mom? By far, it was baby sleeping safely! You sleep with one eye and ear open and do your multiple ‘breathing’ checks. You need your sleep and baby needs safe sleep so now we have the Newton Baby crib mattress and pad. You can use the pad on an existing mattress or start fresh with the actual Newton mattress. Not only do you get the Breathe-Thru Spacer Material in 2 layers, it is easy to wash and has a TPU Waterproof Lining also!

A word from Newton Baby: We know that your baby’s safety comes first and we also know how much you want to give them the right start in life. As experts in the area of sleep, we know just how important good sleep is for both of you. This is why we have devoted our time and expertise to creating a crib mattress that is not only safer, but also more comfortable.

Website * Facebook * Buy on Amazon

For some fun movements and sensory play these Fun Z Balls from Edushape are a hit. Each ball has a different shape and feel. They roll plan or funny and they’ll never know they are learning while playing!

A word from Edushape: Edushape playthings have an immediate appeal to the visual, the auditory and the tactile. They encourage creativity and imagination and invite parents to enter their child’s inner world through the memories of their own childhood. It is through play that children learn to explore their feelings and discover their relationship to everything around them.

Website * BuyBuyBaby * Amazon

On-the-go has never been so easy with this portable high chair from ciao!baby. It comes in a carry bag and there is no assembly needed. This is great for parks, traveling to family dinners and BBQ’ or camping. They come in many fun colors and have umbrella add-ons. So sturdy and brilliant!

A word from ciao!baby: Why ciao! baby?

makes a great shower gift
unlike any other folding chair
convenient to carry, stores in a bag, and an ideal portable highchair for outdoor use
ideal for children up to three years old

Website * Facebook * Amazon

WANT TO WIN SOME OF THESE PRODUCTS? Enter the FALL-ing for Baby Giveaway Extravaganza

Books Reviews, Education, Healthy Living, Kids, Parenting, Tips and Tricks, Wellness Wednesday

Fun Ways To Teach Hygiene To Your Children

August 20, 2018September 7, 2018 Erin Sluka

A few nights ago I sent my son in for his pre-bedtime potty and to wash his hands. He is the child that at age 4 ALWAYS washes his hands after using the restroom as Daycare and myself have installed that method into his head. I noticed he came out of the restroom way too fast. “Hold on, Mister…did you wash those hands?” I got a “Huh?” look and he shoved his hands in my face and I smelled soap. It then hit me….we tell him to wash his hands and he knows to put his hands under running water, use soap and rinse but I have never actually given him any concept of why or how long. At 4 1/2 he is perfectly capable at comprehending the concept so I thought fast about all those books and articles I have come across on creative ways to help him learn and to not just wash his hands or brush his teeth, but to CORRECTLY wash and brush! Here is what I found and will use from now on with my own son……

Washing Hands

Facts

80% of germs are transmitted by hands
CDC protocol is to wash hands in warm, clean & soapy water for 20 seconds.
The proper sneeze etiquette is to sneeze into your sleeve, NOT your hands.

Fun Ways to Encourage Hand Washing

Have your child sing Happy Birthday twice or the Alphabet song..any song, really. It needs to be a minimum of 20 seconds of their hands under water rinsing with soap!
Glitter! It is great for teaching hand washing for 2 reasons. First, you can put glitter on your hands. The glitter resembles GERMS. Have them see how easily the “GERMS” spread as you shake there hand, open a door, touch the flusher, etc… Second, glitter is a challenge to wash off. Give your child a paper towel and see them struggle removing the GERMS. Then have them rinse under cool water without soap-better, but still doesn’t get the GERMS. Finally, have them rinse with soap and warm water. The GERMS go away!
Buy the fun and colorful soaps for them

Brushing Teeth

Facts

It takes 3 years for toddlers to grow their 20 primary teeth
40% of kids will have a cavity by Kindergarten
2-3 years old is when self-dental care should begin-supervising them until about age 6-8
Use soft Bristle Brush with Flouride paste

Fun Ways to Encourage Teeth Brushing

Mix 3-4 drops of red food coloring in about 2-3 tbsp of water. Have your child rinse and spit out carefully into the sink or another cup. Let them look into a magnifying mirror and see their plaque and germs.
Put Tempura paint between your fingers and give them a piece of string. Demonstrate flossing. The paint is a bit challenging to remove resembling the work it takes to floss well.
Don’t forget the eyeball catching toothbrushes and toothpaste. Let them be Germ superheros. I did this with my son as I started him brushing his teeth (he brushes after I do it first as he is only 4). We went to the store and he picked out his own toothbrush and paste then he had his “weapons” for fighting the germ monsters that invade his teeth morning and night!

A great book to use is ‘Germs Are Not For Sharing’. I highly recommend it!

Whatever you do, have fun with it and educate them!

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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. The link to the recommended book is that of my Amazon affiliate page. Book suggestion is my own.

Category: Parenting

How To Win Custody Of Your Child In A Divorce

5 Tips to Capture the Perfect Family Holiday Card

Falling for Baby Infant and Toddler Product Roundup

Fun Ways To Teach Hygiene To Your Children