Everyday Life Archives - Painter Mommy

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

February 5, 2021 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

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

December 28, 2020 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

September 30, 2020 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

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.

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

November 18, 2019 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

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.

Say Cheese – 4 Secrets to Getting Back Your Confident Smile

May 15, 2019 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

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.