Mommyfest

Fun Nature Family Walk

Have you ever gone on a nature trip with your family? If you haven’t, now is the time to do it - weather permitting. Before you go though, here are some things to consider:

Choose appropriate clothes and shoes for your nature trip. Make sure clothes are comfortable. You could wear light and layered clothes of course depending on the weather. You may want to bring a light jacket or raincoat too. Wear sneakers or hiking boots or any closed toed shoes to make sure your feet are well protected. It may be nice to bring binoculars too as you can never tell what sights await you.

Teaching our kids about nature and also the animals who live in our planet is a great practice because our kids can learn all about specific habitats, the animals who live in them, and the importance of preserving them for future generations.

Yes, our kids can learn about nature through books but, they discover more when they see and walk among different trees and flowers and discover the different species of birds and insects. It makes life more real for our kids and makes their easier to relate and understand nature.

Whether you are taking the whole family to the zoo, or to a reserve where extinct birds can be found, now is the time to do it. Our earth’s natural resources are vanishing as the population continues to increase. While there are still parks which preserve the beauty of nature and wildlife, no one knows how much longer conservation will continue.

Start with a family nature walk. This is a fun time of learning and appreciating nature and the grand treasures it holds.

Taking Care of Your Kids and Your Parents

It’s unavoidable. At some point in our life you will be faced with the reality that your aaging parents will need care. It can be challenging if you are the only child and you have a family of your own to deal with. Caring for your kids while caring for your parent can be extremely daunting. Below are some tips you can follow to make dealing with care giving easier:

Here’s the deal - don’t stress over it and don’t panic. If you have space in your home, why not let your parent stay with you. If they are not seriously ill, but just aged, it could be to your advantage to have them with you. Hey, they can probably even baby-sit for you. It’s a win-win. Of course you will have to have a family meeting and let your husband and kids know and plan as a family. Make sure everyone is OK with the new living situation. Make sure you give everyone a chance to voice the opinion.Remember, the family will have to give up a part of their comfort zone.

If your aged parent is not willing to move from their home or apartment, to move in with you and your family, make sure to have a plan b. You may have to arrange for social services or meals-on-wheels to ensure that your parent is well cared for. If your kids are teenagers, perhaps you can ask them to make frequent trips to their grandparent’s home to check-up on them and make sure they are safe, eating well and taking all their necessary medications.

In certain cultures, parents live with their kids until they pass. Sadly in America, there is a tendency to send older parents to nursing homes. It is a difficult decision to make but those of you who do accept responsibility for your parents will never regret it. It can be your way of paying back, since they took care of you when you were young.

It is doable. You can care for your kids while you care for your parent at the same time. It does require preparation, open communication and serious planning. If you have other siblings, get their help - you will need it too. Whatever the situation, be assured that there are numerous ways available to you in landing the proper resources to care for your parents, irregardless of what physical condition they are in.