Parenting Healthy

Having a newborn in the house is possibly the most all consuming thing anyone will ever deal with. When you’re a new parent and have a wriggly, hungry baby crying in your arms, it’s impossible to do anything other than pay attention to them!

But as time goes on, the need to still live an adult life starts to creep back in. The house is a state, you’ve only got so much time left on parental leave, and it’s been at least 2 weeks since you last texted your best friend.

All in all, you can end up feeling pretty guilty about not being able to stay on top of these needs as well.

But your baby will still come first; forever and always. And that isn’t actually a problem, no matter who might be getting on at you to finally give those dishes in the sink a wash!

Focusing on your newborn is the best thing to do right now. And when it feels like that is getting hard, there are things you can do to ease the pressure. We’ve recommended a few of the best below.

What To Do When Focusing On Your Newborn Baby Feels Impossible — Photo by Tracey Shaw

Let Non-Baby Tasks Fall to the Bottom of the List

It’s OK not to have a perfectly clean house, and to be overdue to get the laundry done. Really, it is! You’ve got a newborn to take care of, and that takes priority over most other things in life.

People underestimate all the time just how much effort it is to look after a baby. It’s a never-ending job that just evolves as time goes on and your child starts to grow.

That’s something you may have to accept as well. Your home may never be the kind of spick and span it used to be until your child is well into their teen years.

And stop rushing yourself. It takes time to adjust to seeing to your newborn AND being able to throw away the remains of that microwave ready meal, wash up, and put everything away.

It’s OK if you haven’t quite got the routine down to a point where you can whip around the house with the baby in a papoose yet!

Get the Right Kind of Support

If someone wants to come over to see you and the baby, feel free to let them come over! If you’ve got the energy to sit up and have a coffee with a loved one, you’re well within your rights to do so.

However, if someone is badgering you to come over and you’re really not up to, tell them the reason why. Let them know what’s getting to you, and why you’re feeling so snowed under.

You’ll be surprised just how much help they offer in that moment. And when they do, take it.

Don’t say that it’s fine. Don’t say that you just need a little more time. Accept the help, let them come round, and be OK to sit there with your baby while they do some tidying or run an errand for you.

That’ll be a weight off when it comes to focusing on your newborn, and nothing went wrong when you asked for help either!

Don’t Face Sleeping Worries Alone

Newborns are asleep most of the time. When your child is only a week or two old, they may only be awake for a maximum of 30 minutes. And even by the time they’re 3-4 months old, that wake period may have only grown by another 30 minutes.

That means a lot of sleeping worries can crop up. Your baby is asleep nearly all the time, only really waking to feed or when disturbed. But while that sounds like a non-issue, even when babies are asleep, they’re rarely quiet or still!

So a few weeks in, you’re probably a bit all over the place. You’re researching 24/7 to double check if what your baby does in their sleep is normal.

You’re constantly checking if they’re breathing. You’re on the phone to the doctor as you’re concerned about baby grunting sleep problems.

You also start to worry that they’re not getting enough sleep, or maybe even too much.

When you’re a new parent, those anxious thoughts are worse than ever! And this makes it impossible to focus on how well your baby’s doing.

You’ve made them comfortable, and they’re clearly settling in well. You deserve some time to relax as they’re getting their much-needed sleep hours in! So be sure to share these worries over sleeping with others. Don’t keep them to yourself and try and work them out.

Talk to your partner, your parents, your friends, and other newborn moms and dads. You’ll soon get a world of perspective on baby sleep behaviors and patterns, and that’ll make it much easier to refocus and pick up a bit more energy again.

Focusing on Your Newborn Should Never Feel Impossible

If it does, it’s time to get yourself some help and support. Rely on friends and family to do a few more things for you, whether it’s loading the dishwasher, bringing over some pre-cooked meals, or running the vacuum around the house when you need 20 minutes to lie on the sofa.

None of these things are too much to ask, and you’re not a bad parent for needing someone else to take care of these tasks.

And that brings us to the second point: it’s also time to stop putting pressure on yourself to resume life as normal.

You’ve got a newborn in the house, and that changes more than just your household size! You’re going to be knee-deep in baby clothes and toys, diapers and bottles, and plenty of clutter that wasn’t there before you had a baby!

When you remove this kind of pressure, and reach out and accept a bit of help, you’ll find the newborn weeks far more fulfilling. Stop thinking about the ever expanding to-do list and let yourself focus on the baby in your arms!

Are You Spending Too Much Time Gardening?

August 10, 2025August 10, 2025 Erin Sluka

We’re starting to come down on the peak growth months for most gardeners in the northern hemisphere, as the weather’s likely to become cooler and wetter, except for a few late heatwaves. While you might feel like your rest can finally begin, fall can require just as much clean-up up and next year, you have to do it all over again. If you feel like you’re ready to quit, rather than letting the wilds reclaim your garden, how about making it much easier to take care, instead? Here, we’ll look at a few ways you can do just that.

Are You Spending Too Much Time Gardening? — Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com

Choose Low-Maintenance Plants

If you want to avoid all the work that comes with nurturing a plant through all manner of challenges, then pick plants that already thrive in your climate and soil type. From native species to drought-resistant varieties, there are plenty of plants that require less watering, less fertilizing, and less pest control, and are much better at adapting to changes in the seasons. Aside from good low-maintenance plants, you may want to consider perennials, which can return year after year without you having to replant. By planning your plant selection strategically, you can avoid the constant upkeep that high-maintenance flowers and vegetables require. The right mix of hardy, resilient plants will help your garden look vibrant with much less effort over the long term.

Use Mulch To Stay On Top Of The Weeds

If you’re sick and tired of having to get on your hands and knees to weed, then you can at least reduce how much ground you have to cover by investing a little time and energy into mulching at the start of the year. A good layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, helps prevent weed seeds from germinating by blocking sunlight. It also retains soil moisture, meaning less frequent watering. Over time, mulch breaks down and enriches the soil, reducing the need for additional fertilizers. All you have to do is apply mulch around your flowers, shrubs, and vegetable beds, replacing it at the start of the next year, and you can spend a lot less time weeding.

Streamline Your Cleanup With The Right Tools

Taking care of your garden can be time-consuming, especially when it comes to the cleanup. Debris, leaves, branches, and grass clippings can take literal hours to rake or sweep. Using efficient tools like a leaf blower instead can help you keep your flower beds, lawn, patios, and pathways clean without disturbing mulch or damaging your plants. There are models that come with vacuums and mulchers, as well, helping you cut even more steps out of the cleanup process. Other tools, such as cordless trimmers and a garden cart, can make your routine garden upkeep much, much easier.

Make It A Family Affair

If you’re stuck out there, taking care of the garden alone, while your family is none the wiser about how much work you’re putting out, it might be time to make it a collaborative affair. Sharing garden duties among family members can turn maintenance into a collaborative activity rather than a solitary burden. Gardening can become a family activity; just make sure that you’re assigning tasks in a way that’s age-appropriate. Younger kids can be taught to collect fallen leaves and water plants, while the adults should do anything that requires potentially dangerous tools. Teenagers can be taught to use the lawn mower and leaf blower, as well. A schedule that assigns tasks to each family member and going out to do it together can help break the chore of managing your garden into a much easier joint effort.

Install An Irrigation System

One of the biggest time-wasting activities required to keep your garden healthy is watering by hand. Rather than having to stand out there with a hose, making sure that you get every inch of the garden, consider installing an automated irrigation system, whether it’s a drip setup, soaker hoses, or sprinklers. Drip irrigation is particularly efficient, delivering water directly to the roots where it’s needed most. This reduces water waste and discourages weeds. Timers can ensure consistent watering, even when you’re away. You can adjust the system as the seasons change, too, allowing you to keep up with changing plant needs without having to keep an eye on them constantly.

Design The Garden For Easy Access

The layout of the garden itself can make a big difference when it comes to how much work, exactly, it requires. Arrange beds and pathways so that every plant is within easy reach without stepping on the soil, which compacts it and makes upkeep harder. Adding a raised bed or two can be even more helpful, as they improve drainage and help you better control your planting areas, which can prevent overgrowth and weed issues from being quite as common. If you group plants that have similar care needs close to one another, then you can prune, water, and fertilize much more quickly, as well, rather than constantly having to adjust your approach as you work.

Break It Down By Season

Having a pre-determined, seasonal schedule that outlines what you have to do and when makes it a lot easier to give your garden the work that it needs, when it needs it, instead of letting it all build up until you have a huge chore to take care of. For example, in early spring, focus on soil prep, pruning, and mulching. In late fall, concentrate on leaf removal, tool cleaning, and protecting plants for winter. Having a predictable routine helps you stay organized and ensures your garden gets consistent attention without constant daily effort. You don’t have to get out there every day, nor do you have to wait until it becomes a huge effort. Routine, scheduled maintenance keeps things light and easy.

If you want to keep your garden neat, it’s going to take some work. If you want to keep it neat and low-maintenance, it’s going to take some smarts. Start with the ideas above and see how you get on.

Movies Reviews, Open Giveaways

Testament is now streaming on Angel.com and the Angel App

August 8, 2025August 8, 2025 Erin Sluka

Disclosure: Many thanks to Angel for providing a one month Angel Guild membership for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Testament is now streaming on Angel.com and the Angel App

Taking the story of resurrection and playing it out in modern time is very interesting. Can you imagine those biblical events playing out, as is, today? This is a fun modern era way to understand the story and relate it to our own struggles with faith. The synopsis is below and you can also enter to win an Amazon gift card!

Synopsis

The Book of Acts explosively reimagined in an alternate-modern era. A resurrection sparks a movement that turns the world upside down, spreading hope amid chaos. As the followers risk everything to preach the good news, the Temple races to silence them before the oppressive Imperium regime retaliates. But public miracles, unburied secrets, and fractured loyalties force both sides to confront the true cost of their choices. This powerful live-action series will challenge you, move you, and make you rethink what it means to truly follow Jesus. Set in a modern world, you’ll connect with these stories and people like never before.

Sneak Peak, a few episodes in! The series episodes sets up the characters, By Episode 3 and 4, the followers, Apostles, trust is tested and the Temple has its own secrets that test trust and faith.

Stream the full season of Testament today on Angel

Want to win a $10 Amazon gift card? Enter for hyour chance below! Open to 18+ and in the U.S.

Enter to win – Click Here

Good luck!

Parenting

6 Tips for an Effective Co-Parenting Relationship

August 4, 2025August 4, 2025 Erin Sluka

Divorce can be extremely tough for children, potentially causing emotional and behavioral problems. In this guide, we will explore effective co-parenting strategies that can help both you and your ex-spouse ensure your children’s well-being, stability, and healthy development during this highly sensitive period.

Communication is Key

Maintaining open lines of communication with your co-parent is crucial for effective co-parenting. Share important updates about your children, including their health, school, and social life. Regularly discuss parenting decisions and remember to be respectful during these conversations. Never use your children as messengers, even when relaying positive information.

Establish Clear Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries regarding parenting roles and responsibilities can help reduce confusion and help in decision-making. Define how you will manage schedules, rules, and expectations in both households. Always respect each other’s boundaries and never interfere in your co-parent’s time with your children.

Prioritize the Child’s Needs

Always prioritize your children’s needs above your own conflicts. Make decisions that are in their best interests, even if some may be difficult. Focus on your children’s emotional and physical well-being and cultivate a supportive environment. Avoid talking negatively about the other parent, regardless of how you may feel towards them. Children need to feel connected with both parents, so be mindful of your words and tone when talking about your ex-partner.

Manage Conflict Effectively

Disagreements are inevitable, but how you manage them can significantly impact your children. Aim to resolve conflicts calmly, respectfully, and avoid discussing disagreements in front of your kids. Respect each other’s parenting style and learn to find common ground. If you’re struggling with resolving conflicts, consider seeking professional help.

Mediation and therapy can prove to be invaluable in navigating complex co-parenting situations. Ask your divorce lawyer about the best ways to manage conflicts and options you can take with your co-parent. Make sure you have a trusted divorce lawyer or a consistent client favorite divorce firm, Freed Marcroft, that can help you during these times.

Foster Positive Relationships

Encourage your children to maintain a healthy relationship with both parents, including their extended family members. Avoid putting them in the middle of disputes and support their bond with each parent. However difficult, be supportive of your co-parent’s new partners. Keep your opinions about the other parent’s new relationship to yourself and never badmouth them in front of your children. Attend events together with your ex-spouse to show your unity and support for your young ones.

Be Flexible and Consistent

Plans can change, so being adaptable when co-parenting is imperative. Be flexible whenever schedule changes, especially when it’s beyond anyone’s control. Ensure that your children clearly understand your reasons and be as transparent as possible. When it comes to disciplining your children, collaborate on rules and consequences with the other parent to provide structure and clarity.

Endnote

Successful co-parenting is a collaborative and deliberate effort that requires patience, understanding, and a shared commitment to securing your children’s future. By implementing these valuable tips, you can develop a supportive, healthy, and positive environment that allows your children to thrive, even while living in separate households.