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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.

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

December 10, 2020 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

December 10, 2020 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.