Painter Mommy

Fun stuff in the Everyday Life of a Busy Mom & Entrepreneur

5 Tips To Be Productive At Home

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Thanks to the pandemic, we have been used to staying at home longer than we expected. Many people have found themselves gaining much weight because they might lay down on the sofa all day long. To help you to be healthy and productive at home, we want to share 5 useful tips.

 

Cultivate your hobby

We all have our own hobbies, but we usually can’t find enough time to do those things due to busy work schedules. Now it is the best time to further explore our potentials. No matter if you like to paint or play a musical instrument, you can find millions of free tutorials online to teach yourself.

 

Keep a workout schedule

Stop using the excuses of no gyms. If you want to exercise, you only need a yoga mat. The biggest downside of staying at home is that we don’t get enough exercise, so we have to intentionally execute our workout plans. It is true that you might not be able to do some exercises that you used to do in the gym, but you can still find numerous feasible exercises to keep you energetic and productive at home.

 

Work on home improvement projects

If you are really not a big fan of doing indoor exercises, you can look into DIY home projects, which might be fun to many people. For example, you can easily apply styrofoam ceiling tiles to cover your popcorn ceilings and install new vinyl floorings for your lovely home. For bigger home projects like window replacements, you can take advantage of your spare time to talk to different local window installers to get a better price.

 

Learn new skills

Learning new skills or knowledge is a little different from exploring your hobbies. It is more related to your career. For example, you can expand your knowledge by learning data analysis or even coding or programming. Now we have entered the big data era, you can improve your competitive advantage by equipping yourself with cutting edge skills. Not to mention that those knowledge might help you get a higher salary or even land a new job from a prominent IT company.

 

Get some side income

Money can always be the source of stress. Why not take advantage of the free time to get some extra income to support your family? It is true that you can’t expect too much return in the beginning, but if you can be persistent, you will be able to build up your own brand. For example, you can start your own YouTube Channel, work on SEO ranking as well as write blog posts. In the long run, you will get more audience so that you can earn passive income by participating in affiliate marketing programs.

Life changes so fast, and the only thing we can do is to adapt to the environment. Staying at home could be productive and happy. Don’t waste your time on your couch and do something meaningful today!

 

Happy and Healthy – 6 Tips For Ensuring Your Kids Are Getting The Nutrients They Need

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All parents worry if they’re providing nutritional goodness for their kids, especially when dealing with picky eaters. How can you make sure your children are getting all the nutrients they need to grow?

Here are six simple tips to help you feel confident you’re feeding your kids everything their growing bodies need.

 

1. Consume calcium

Do you remember that song from nursery school about how important calcium is for teeth and bones? Well, you can ensure that your kids get their calcium intake by including calcium-rich foods like spinach, broccoli, and milk in their regular diet.

 

2. Milk your way to healthier choices

Since milk is so easy to consume, it’s vital to include it in your child’s diet. When it comes to the type of milk you choose to give to your child, it all depends on their age and needs.

Babies who are less than 12 months old must be breastfed exclusively. Toddlers older than a year and up to the age of two will do well to consume some a2 goodness. This refers to milk made from cows that exclusively produce the a2 protein. This means it contains all the goodness of milk, just without the digestive disturbances common to the a1 protein.

 

3. Serve snacks

You must keep in mind that children have smaller tummies. They cannot be satisfied with just eating breakfast, lunch, and supper.

The suggested number of snacks for children is two per day between their three main meals. Also, snacks must be healthy and evenly spaced out between meals. It is advisable to give a child a snack at least two hours before main meals.

Since children feel hungry between mealtimes, they are more likely to settle for a healthier treat if that’s what’s on offer for snacks.

 

4. Keep up the carbs

Children eat to gain energy and one food group that is known to provide lots of energy is carbohydrates. The good news is that it’s easy to incorporate carbs into your child’s diet.

Make sure that they’re eating balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, and grains and they’re good to go! You can prepare a potato side dish or include rice with dinner. Fresh brown bread is another easy and accessible source of carbohydrates for kids.

 

5. Be generous with your servings (but not too generous)

Usually, parents feel uncertain as to how much to feed their children. A rule of thumb is to always dish out less than you assume your child will eat. If your child is still hungry after the first serving, they can just ask for more.

The right amount of fat, iron, and calcium to give your child per meal is about a third of an adult serving.

 

6. Vitamins

All parents hear about how essential vitamins are for kids. Growing children need adequate vitamin intake to grow up healthy and strong. Luckily, nature takes care of us that way, so most foods include vitamins already.

For instance, red peppers and carrots are a good source of vitamin A. Some parents may also give children multivitamins each morning, but you must always consult with your pediatrician before giving your child any supplement.

Everything should be served in moderation. Be sure to incorporate all five essential food groups into your child’s diet, and remember that the healthier you keep your meals, the more your child will start to crave healthy things. Make a good impression and set the tone for nutritious eating from the onset. The rest will take care of itself.

 

Photo: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash

Modern Mom – 5 Health And Safety Essentials For Parents In 2020

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Image: Unsplash/Henley Design Studio

We’re living in unprecedented times in the modern world. A global pandemic is something that we haven’t seen for generations. It’s naturally going to arouse anxiety, fear, and over-protectiveness from new mothers who understand how vulnerable their baby is to contracting illnesses. If you’re looking for convenient ways to feel reassured of your baby’s safety, here are five health and safety essentials for parents in 2020:

 

  1. Keeping Germs At Bay

A baby bottle sterilizer is one of the easiest ways to keep germs at bay. A baby’s gut is incredibly susceptible to pathogens, so sterilizing bottles and feeding equipment after each and every use is vitally important, regardless of whether you’re using the bottles for breast milk or for baby formula. A sterilizer enables you to clean bottles and bottle equipment for a completely hygienic end result, keeping baby safe and parents reassured.

 

  1. Baby Wipes For Baby Instead Of Hand Sanitizer

Babies are still adjusting to the harshness of the outside world, meaning their skin is delicate and sensitive. Using hand sanitizer on a baby’s skin is not safe and not recommended by healthcare professionals. For mothers who want reassurance that their baby is safe from germs, baby wet wipes serve as an ideal alternative. They’re gentle and won’t destroy the skin’s natural protective layers. Opt for hypoallergenic baby wipes for the safest option.

 

  1. Nappy Rash Cream

This humble little product is one of the most versatile compounds a mother can have in her diaper bag. The best nappy rash cream works wonders for a variety of skin issues. It can even act as sunscreen if you run out of your usual brand. It can also act as aftersun care, drawing out the heat. Nappy rash cream is great for insect bites, burns, and stings. It can be a little bit tricky to apply because it’s a sticky consistency and doesn’t always smear effectively, but once you have it on, this product is as close as you can get to a cure-all for skin dramas.

 

  1. Probiotics For Immunity: Taking Care Of Your Inner Microbiome

All of that sanitizer on your hands might be halting the spread of harmful germs and bacteria, but you’re also killing off colonies of helpful microbes that are essential to your immune system. You don’t need to stop sanitizing, especially with the pandemic being what it is.

However, if your gut lining isn’t in optimal health, you can experience mental fogginess, depression, anxiety, and reduced immune function. This means you’ll be more susceptible to harmful pathogens if your gut isn’t healthy. The remedy? Eat plenty of probiotics, including kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha tea, sourdough, and other fermented foods.

 

  1. Comfort And Love: Health Boosting Emotions

Loving your baby and enjoying the rush of oxytocin that comes from close contact might be one of the most powerful ways you can protect both of you from illness. It turns out that the complex neuroendocrine system (the brain and hormones) are linked in extraordinary and dynamic ways.

A release of oxytocin can result in the production of cytokines such as IL-1?, nitric oxide, and prostaglandins. These cytokines help the brain to regulate the immune system better. How can you get a release of oxytocin for immune-boosting effects? Enjoy frequent cuddles and skin-on-skin time with your baby.

 

Feeling Prepared Is Important

If you’re an anxious mother, it’s a great idea to visit your pediatrician and get the best information available on how to protect your family. The reassurance of being prepared can help you stay calm and respond to challenges in a more constructive manner.

Baby Bounty – 7 Essentials That Should Always Be In Your Diaper Bag

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Packing a diaper bag is something you should only need to do once. From there, it’s a simple matter of keeping your supplies topped and adding anything you might require for a particular trip. It’s important to work with the basics that everyone needs but also add in the unique items that your baby might benefit from.

To help you perfect the packing process, here are seven essentials that should always be in your diaper bag:

 

  1. Nappy Rash Cream

Nappy rash cream serves more than one purpose. There’s the obvious – it soothes sore skin affected by a nappy rash – but it serves a few other purposes too. The zinc oxide contained in creams like Sudocrem nappy rash cream can cool hot skin, making it a decent after-sun ointment if you don’t have any soothing aftersun gel handy. It’s also effective as an emergency sunscreen on young skin if you don’t have an alternative nearby.

 

  1. Nappies

It goes without saying, but it’s surprisingly easy to overlook. You always need a few spare diapers/nappies in your diaper bag, so pack a few more than you believe you might need. The rising trend of organic cloth diapers (often made from organic cotton or bamboo) calls for a few waterproof bags too. There’s nothing as frustrating as trying to transport wet reusable nappies, so these bags will be lifesavers.

 

  1. A Change Of Clothes

Young babies tend to spit up quite often as they haven’t quite developed the ability to keep everything down. While this is generally normal (except in diagnosed cases of reflux), it calls for some preparation ahead of time. Keep a fresh change of clothes handy in your diaper bag. Even for older babies, the possibility of spilling on themselves remains an ever-present risk, so a change of clothes is always useful.

 

  1. A Burp Cloth

A burp cloth is usually made from some sort of toweling and it’s a useful tool for cleaning vomit, spilled beverages, and food mess. A burp cloth dipped in water also serves as a useful wipe for cleaning faces and hands, when needed.

 

  1. A Blanket Or Comfort Toy

Each child has their own comfort item. A blanket is common as the fleece material is so soft and soothing. Children also sometimes have a particular toy they’ve bonded with. It’s imperative to include this in your diaper bag – weaning a child from their beloved comfort item doesn’t need to happen until they’re older.

 

  1. A Bottle Of Water

Water is essential for all life on Earth, and it’s also essential for your diaper bag. Whether you need to quench your thirst or use it as lubrication with which to clean a dirty face, water is always useful to have on hand.

 

  1. Baby Wipes

Baby wipes are gentle enough for use on young and sensitive skin but tough enough to remove dirt and a good number of germs too. Always opt for baby wipes as opposed to regular wet wipes as the latter are not designed for use on young children. They contain harsh ingredients, so it’s not uncommon for them to cause rashes if applied to baby skin.

Fill your diaper bag with the seven essentials above, and you’ll be armed and ready to handle any situations that may arise with your little one. Parents of children with allergies or other special needs can complete the bag with the medical supplies and other specific accessories needed.

Homeschooling Hell – 5 Ways Parents Can Take The Stress Out Of Homeschooling Kids

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Some parents choose to educate their kids at home, but if you’ve been forced into homeschooling because of the pandemic, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed, overworked, and over-stressed. These feelings are completely normal, and it helps to know you’re not alone. Many parents have found themselves in the same situation in these chaotic times.

Whether you homeschool by choice or not, stress can still play a big role. Schooling your children at home can be unpredictable at times, but if you develop a routine and don’t put too much stress on yourself or your children, homeschooling can be fruitful and enjoyable for everyone. Here are a few ways you can take the stress out of educating your kids.

 

  1. Get Support

If you feel like you weren’t cut out for teaching things like math, science, and English, that’s perfectly normal. Parents don’t need to know everything! When you come up against subject matter you don’t feel confident helping your child with, set them up with online tutoring from another parent, a teacher, or a professional tutor. If you have expertise in a certain field, you could offer to tutor another parent’s child in exchange for them helping your child with the subjects you’re not confident with.

 

  1. Remember Why You’re Homeschooling Your Kids

Homeschooling children can be tough, so on the days that seem particularly rough, remind yourself why you’re doing it. Instead of thinking of it as a chore that has to be done, consider the fact that you’re safely continuing your child’s education during a global health crisis. It’s okay to struggle so long as you are keeping your family safe and healthy.

 

  1. Adjust Your Expectations Daily

Don’t expect too much from yourself or your children because it only makes things more stressful when no-one lives up to those expectations. Some days will be less productive than others, and that’s alright. Approach each day with a fresh mindset and be flexible in your expectations as homeschooling can be tricky and unpredictable a lot of the time.

 

  1. Get into a Routine

If you’re like most parents, you’re probably working your full-time job in addition to homeschooling your kids. And of course, there’s also the housework to think about. It’s a good idea to get everyone into a routine so each member of the household is on the same page at the same time.

Use a calendar to plan out events and appointments and to assign chores to each individual. Put it in an oft-visited spot in the house where everyone can see it and add to it as necessary. When each family member knows what the others are doing and when they are doing it, it makes for a much less stressful existence during a very unpredictable time.

 

  1. Take Time to Unwind

At the end of the day, when work, school, and housework are done, make sure to take time for yourself. Read a book, take a bath, go for a walk, engage in some mood-boosting hobbies – whatever it takes to calm your mind and rejuvenate your soul. If you have a partner, this time can be spent talking about each other’s day and any thoughts on the homeschooling front. Conversations like this can really help you get rid of stress so you can do it all over again tomorrow.

Homeschooling is hard work. There never seems to be enough time in a day to get everything done, and the pressure of all that responsibility can be overwhelming. Though it will always be a challenge, the tips above should at least take the stress out of homeschooling your kids.

Photo: Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels

The Basics Of Braces – 5 Tips For Parents Who Suspect Their Child May Need Braces

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Photo from Luis Quintero  via Pexels

Train tracks, metal mouth, brace face – it seems like there are endless nicknames for kids who get braces. Orthodontists estimate about 45% of children need braces to fix functional problems. So, there is a reasonably high chance that your child may fall into that group. If you suspect that your child needs orthodontic work, we have some tips to figure out the best way forward.

 

Take Out Dental Cover

Braces can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on your child’s treatment. It’s enough to put a significant dent in anyone’s bank account, which is why it’s worth hunting down some affordable dental cover. Your small weekly payment will ensure that you’re covered for major and minor dental expenses.

Look at the inclusions within different packages to see what you and your family might need. You also need to compare the various waiting periods. If your child doesn’t need work done immediately, you may be able to access a more affordable plan. Conversely, if the treatment is urgent, it may be worth paying a slightly higher premium for a package that has no waiting period.

 

Explore the Options

There are multiple options when it comes to dental treatment. The standard solution to crooked teeth is to use braces with brackets, wires, and rubber bands. Nowadays, braces can be metal, clear plastic, or white ceramics, which are less noticeable than the traditional style. Another option is to go with clear removable braces. Also known as aligners, these plastic trays are changed every two weeks or so to gradually move the teeth into alignment.

 

Understand the Consequences

You should check with your dentist or orthodontist what the long term consequences are if you don’t take action. Will the issue impact your child’s ability to clean their teeth properly or chew their food? Or is it primarily an aesthetic consideration?

You also need to consider the impact the treatment will have on the child’s jaw, lips, and profile, as your teeth have a significant effect on your facial structure. If you are concerned about the advice the dentist has given you, it is worth doing more research and potentially getting a second opinion.

 

Talk Through It

It’s natural for your child to feel a bit apprehensive about getting braces. Teenagers can be incredibly self-conscious, so they might be worried about how they will look or whether they will end up with a lisp. They might also be concerned about the pain of having braces fitted and discomfort while wearing them.

Talk through their concerns and try to focus on the positive outcome. You can also reassure them that they can manage any minor discomfort they experience using Paracetamol or Ibuprofen and dental wax to stop the braces rubbing.

 

Audit the Pantry

Stock up on lots of soft foods as your child’s mouth will likely be sore when they first have their braces fitted and each time that they need to tighten them. Pasta, rice, and mashed potato are ideal.

To remove temptation, clear the pantry of hard foods like rock candy, nuts, and popcorn; chewy foods like gummy bears; and extra sticky foods like bubble gum or lollies. Sugary food and drinks like soda and cake are also best avoided unless they brush their teeth straight afterward.

Remember, the investment will be well worth it when your child is filled with confidence with a mouth full of strong and healthy teeth.

The Shame Game – 4 Ridiculous Things New Moms Are Shamed For (And Why It Should Stop)

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The parenting community is divided on many issues, making it difficult for parents to know whether or not they are making good choices for their children. Here are four ridiculous things new moms are shamed for, and why it should stop:

  1. Choosing To Breastfeed Or Formula Feed

Of all of the controversies that currently plague the world of new mamas, this is probably the hottest debate – breast vs. formula. So many people dogmatically insist that “breast is best” and the underlying tone implies that if you really love your baby, you will do whatever it takes to provide breast milk. Though breast might be the natural method, at the end of the day, what matters is ensuring a child is fed.

On the other side of the debate, moms who opt for infant formula often categorize breastfeeding moms as judgemental and self-righteous by default. This can lead to them judging moms who breastfeed in public or continue to breastfeed when their baby is a toddler. The truth is, none of the judgement on either side of the debate is helping anyone.

 

  1. Choosing To Stay At Home Or Go Back To Work

Stay home, or return to work? There’s such a horribly skewed perception of both working moms and stay-at-home moms. Setting aside the practical aspect – many moms need to work in order to support the family – there’s also the question of choice. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and what fills one mom’s cup might empty another’s.

One mom might find the idea of working and raising children overwhelming. Another mom might need to maintain her identity outside of the dirty diapers and laundry. The best mom is the mom whose needs are met. No-one gets to decide for another what her needs might be.

 

  1. How They Gave Birth

Does natural birth automatically better qualify a mom? One would think that in this day and age, we can see past something like the way in which a baby arrived in the world. C-section rates have risen across the globe, and while many of them are not necessary, the truth is that it’s no-one else’s business. While many people are happy to share interesting tales of their birth, it’s an incredibly intimate process that is deeply personal. The only appropriate response to hearing another’s birth story is compassion, you never know if a mother is deeply grieving over the fact that she didn’t get the birth she wanted.

 

  1. Choosing A Vegan Lifestyle

Vegan moms have heard it all – “your breastmilk won’t have enough protein,” “you won’t be able to recover your strength after giving birth,” “you won’t have the energy to care for your child.” The truth is that any group of people that restricts certain foods will be populated by those who are doing it properly and those who aren’t.

Unfortunately, many vegans are nutrient-deficient simply because they don’t eat a balance of healthy foods. This can happen whether you are vegan or not. Moms should have the freedom to rebuild their strength and enter motherhood following the eating plan that makes them feel empowered and able to be the best mom possible, without judgment.

The natural conclusion that flows from these debates is that you should be the mom you want to be. Frustrating though it may be, you will face criticism regardless of what you do. Both sides to any argument have some valid points, but also some potentially negative outcomes. When you follow your heart, it’s easier to embrace the effects of your decisions.

Secret Santa – 6 Savvy Gift Ideas to Get Your Secret Santa Swag Sorted Early

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Image by Harry Strauss from Pixabay 

If you’re like most people, you may not be so sure what to get your co-worker for the office secret Santa gift exchange. Even though you spend every weekday with your coworkers, it’s a challenge to find that one perfect gift that’s sure to please.

To help you get this task out of the way early this year, we’ve compiled a list of several great items any of your coworkers would be thrilled to receive. Don’t stress about secret Santa this year – ROCK IT!

 

1. Branded Corporate Gifts

What says “I appreciate you” more than a gift that’s actually usable? From USB Memory Pens to durable duffle bags, branded corporate gifts tend to go over well with most people.

The nice thing about these types of gifts is that the receiver can’t forget where the gift came from since it has the name of the company on it, and if you choose wisely, they’ll be able to use the gift regularly.

 

2. Fun Printed Socks

Everyone wears them, so why not take advantage of this and buy a pair of fun printed socks for your secret Santa? With a wealth of options online to choose from, there’s something for every personality.

Is the person you’re buying for a pizza lover? These pizza printed socks may make the perfect gift!

 

3. Hi-Tech Cleaning Cloth

Dust, oil, and smudges leave the screens on our devices downright filthy and it’s common to see people cleaning them with tissues, shirttails, and paper towels. All these things can damage the delicate glass, so giving your secret Santa a hi-tech cleaning cloth will help extend the life of their devices.

Designed in a wide array of colors and styles, these smart clothes are dual-sided to clean and polish any device screen surface.

 

4. Handy Cord Keepers

While technology constantly pushes us toward a more wireless existence, the reality is, everyone owns a pair of corded headphones or two no matter how crazy their tangled cords make us.

Help your coworker stay a tad saner with handy cord keepers. Handmade and designed to be simple to use, a pack of three gives your coworker plenty of ways to keep all the cords in his or her life tangle-free.

 

5. Adult Coloring Book

Let’s face it – the job can be stressful. Even if your colleague loves her job, the daily grind can get a bit overwhelming at times.

You can give her a stress-reducing gift that’s sure to help her relax with an adult coloring book. While not necessarily work-friendly, this gift is one that your coworker will surely enjoy at home after a tough day at work.

If you decide an adult coloring book is a perfect gift, don’t forget to include a pack of colored pencils or markers to go with it.

 

6. Have Wheels, Will Gift

If your coworker is into cars, then few things will make them happier than the opportunity to tinker in their garage with new car parts. With everything from garish automotive bling through to blow off valves and other turbo accessories available online, you’re only a couple of easy clicks away from added a few thousand additional revs to your colleague’s festive season.

As the holiday season draws near this year, it’s normal to start worrying about the office secret Santa gift exchange. This year, however, put that worry aside and get a head start on the gift-buying task with the great suggestions listed above. With a gift idea for every budget and personality, this year’s secret Santa will be easier than ever.

 

Top 10 Tips For Introducing Solid Food to Your Baby

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Starting your baby on solid food is an exciting yet intimidating milestone. Baby food is mostly mashed up food, how difficult can it be? It is a bit more elaborate than that. You are essentially teaching your baby how to eat. That’s right, babies have to learn how to chew and swallow. And their body is becoming accustomed to digesting something other than breastmilk and formula.

Typically, 5 to 6 months is the ideal age to introduce solid food to a baby’s diet. This is when a baby can sit with support and has neck and head control. However, you shouldn’t rush feeding solids; duly consult your pediatrician to learn the right time to begin.

We have put together some helpful tips to help you embark on this tricky new phase.

 

  1. Start slow

Eating food is an entirely new experience for your child. Taking that into account, try to space out introducing a new food by 2-3 days. Not only will this allow your baby to familiarise with different tastes and textures, but it’s also easier to detect any allergies or intolerances.

Usually, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or rashes appear within a few hours of eating. In such cases, consult a physician immediately.

 

  1. Take your time

Even adults need time to get accustomed to a new cuisine. Similarly, your baby will start enjoying solids only after a few tries. It takes 10 or more tries before your baby will accept a new food.

So don’t throw in the towel if your baby initially rejects the food. Keep trying with gaps in between or mix it with something your baby already enjoys.

 

  1. Don’t shy away from the variety

The assortment of baby food available will truly astonish you. You can start with simple foods such as apple sauce, rice cereal, mashed bananas and pureed squash and then move on to complex items.

Alternating between different foods will keep your baby interested, and something will certainly strike his/her fancy! You can get everything from apple cereal to pureed meat on BritSuperstore.

 

  1. Seasoning is fine

Of course, at first, you should start with completely bland food. But eventually, there is no harm in introducing some seasoning into the mix. A bit of salt, cinnamon or cumin is perfectly fine.

 

  1. Meat is fine too

Baby food isn’t just limited to fruits and vegetables. You can add pureed beef or chicken to your baby’s diet. Eating meat ensures proper intake of iron and zinc, which are important nutrients for growth and development.

 

  1. Veggies before fruit

Though there is no solid evidence that a baby would prefer fruits over vegetables, it’s better to stay on the safer side. It’s recommended to start vegetables before fruits as the baby isn’t used to the sweetness of fruits.

 

  1. Avoid sugar and other additives

Carefully read the label and reviews before purchasing any baby food. Stay clear of added sugars and preservatives. Thickening agents such as flour and starch are a big no-no. They are difficult to digest and lack nutrients. Also, avoid highly salted food.

 

  1. Get organic food

Organic food is highly nutritious and safe. Look for organic baby food with no added preservatives or sugars. If you are unable to find affordable, organic baby food, you can always get organic ingredients and make it at home.

 

  1. Focus on solids

When you are introducing new foods, keep it limited to solids. Avoid overly sugary juices that promise nutrients and vitamins. These just add unnecessary sugars and preservatives to a baby’s diet.

 

  1. Use a spoon

Though food pouches are quite convenient for feeding, they don’t actually teach your baby how to eat. Whether you are feeding from a jar or a pouch, use a spoon.

In conclusion, learning how to eat and enjoy food takes time, so be patient. If you are confused about anything, it’s always advisable to reach out to a doctor.

Say Cheese – 4 Secrets to Getting Back Your Confident Smile

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It’s true that money can’t buy happiness, but as the saying goes, I’d rather cry in a Lamborghini than on a bike. Likewise, looking good doesn’t automatically make you a strong confident person, but it certainly helps. Read on to discover five ways to bring back that fearless spirit you had as a child.

 

Say cheese.

The easiest way to get your smile back is to fake it. Pretending you’re happy tricks your brain into releasing dopamine and other positivity chemicals so you can literally fake it ‘til you make it. If you’re worried about your chompers, invest in some teeth whitening or get them straightened. If you’re happy with your smile how it is, then more power to you but if you need a little extra help, don’t let guilt or fear hold you back from what’s essentially a fairly cheap and relatively noninvasive way of boosting your self-esteem.

 

Flash some cash.

Remember how money can’t buy happiness? Don’t go out and throw money at unnecessary items that are way out of your budget, but if you’ve got the cash to spare and you’ve really been wanting that new outfit or to get your hair or nails done, then go for it. This comes back to that wonderful little neurochemical dopamine, which, surprise, is also released when you shop or pamper yourself. Just make sure to set a limit and stick to it or your pleasurable treat could turn into a spiral of debt.

 

Don’t diet.

We were once told a diet has its name because it makes you want to die and while that may be a bit of an exaggeration, dieting certainly isn’t fun or even healthy in most cases. Ensure that you’re getting your servings of fruit, vegetables and required vitamins then allow yourself freedom with the rest of what you eat during the day. Don’t binge because this will just make you feel worse both physically and mentally, but if you maintain balance in what nourishment you give your body, your confidence will receive an automatic boost since you’ll feel better emotionally when your body is well taken care of.

 

If you don’t love it, lose it.

Likewise, although you’ll probably groan at this one, you should work out. If you don’t already, start, and if you do, lift your game. Sure everyone tells you to exercise, and with good reason (our good old buddy dopamine) but what they don’t tell you when it comes to staying motivated, is that if you don’t enjoy the way you work out, you’re not going to stick to your plan. This is true no matter how many happy chemicals get released so make sure you find a way to exercise that you’re actually keen to do. If the gym isn’t really your thing, join a dance studio or make a point of taking the dog for a run each morning. Remember, it doesn’t matter how you do it, just as long as you do.

Confidence isn’t some magical unachievable ideal, but it is something you need to work towards having and keeping. If you look good and feel good physically, then you’re going to feel good mentally and emotionally. This boosts your confidence, which eventually leads to a self-perpetuating cycle of kicking goals and staying positive. Remember that no one feels 100% all the time. Do what’s best for you and the rest will fall into place.

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