Family

4 Summer Camp Packing Tips Every Parent Should Follow

Summer is a time of many things, running through the grass with no shoes on, getting to do activities with the family, and long days that seem to go on forever. For many kids, it’s also the time when they head off to summer camp for a few weeks. For parents, it’s a time when they have to think carefully about what they will pack for their kids to take to that summer camp with them. With that in mind, read on below for a few summer camp packing tips every parent should know and follow.

Label Everything

We repeat, LABEL EVERYTHING! Whether it’s a suitcase, a lunchbox, or their favorite toy, you are going to want to label everything with something like these LeeLee labels for camp, to ensure that your kid’s things, stay your kid’s things. It’s easy to misplace things at camp and you want someone to be able to find it and turn it in. It’s also highly possible that other little campers could have the same things as your camper so it’s best to label them, so there is no confusion if their stuff gets mixed in together.

Help Them to Personalize

Most kids take their trunk along with them when they head out to summer camp. However, many kids are also a little nervous about leaving home, especially if this is their first time being away from home overnight. Make it a little easier for them, and a whole lot more fun by allowing them to personalize their trunk, in a way that reflects their personality. You can make this a fun afternoon event for the two of you as well, for some bonding time before they head off on their own adventure.

Pack What’s Needed the Least at the Bottom of Their Trunk

Everyone knows the way that kids unpack, everything all in a hodgepodge and laying everywhere. If it’s something that they need, they will upend their entire trunk to get to it, leaving everything else lying in the floor. If you pack what they might not need, such as a sweatshirt and pants, at the bottom, then everything needed will be at the top and you stand half a chance of their stuff staying neat for a couple of days, at least, and that’s the best you can hope for.

Don’t Forget the Extras

One thing you don’t want to forget is the extras. If your child has a certain stuffed animal they sleep with, make sure to pack that first, so there is no chance they will leave home without it. Packing things such as games, books, and writing supplies, so they can write you every day is a great idea as well. After all, though they will be busy, there will be some downtime and rainy days to account for.

These are just a few of the best tips for packing your child’s things to head off to summer camp. Just these few tips can make all the difference in organization and a happy experience.

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Five Tips for Starting a Difficult Conversation with a Family Member

Most people try and avoid tough conversations, especially when it comes to having them with family members. It’s much easier to smooth things over and act like nothing happened than it is to ruffle feathers. Not only are tough conversations uncomfortable, they can also create rifts in the family, which many family members try hard to avoid.

Although you may feel like you’re doing the right thing in the moment, afterwards, you’re likely to feel rotten because you didn’t say how you really felt.

The truth is, you shouldn’t run away from family problems. You should face them head-on, and doing that is much easier when you follow the tips on this list.

Get Support Ahead of Time

Knowing you have to have a difficult conversation is scary. It’s not a good idea to go into it alone. Instead, you should look for support ahead of time.

For example, if you’re dealing with a family member who has a drinking problem, you should go to an Al-Anon meeting, even if going to your first meeting makes you nervous. You’ll feel much better going into the conversation knowing there are people who support you.

Getting support might mean working through your issues with a therapist ahead of time, and it can mean asking other family members to be present during the conversation. No matter what kind of support you get, you’ll be glad you did when you finally sit down to talk.

Write Down What You Want to Say

You may spend hours mentally preparing for a difficult conversation, but as soon as it starts, everything you wanted to say goes out the window. Instead of relying on your memory to work in a stressful situation, write down what you want to say ahead of time.

For example, writing out a list can help you because:

• You can organize what you want to say
• It’s quick to write and quick to read
• It gives you flexibility in the moment

Lists are great, but you also have the option of reading a letter if you think it will make you feel better when it’s time to have that conversation.

Know How You’re Going to Open the Conversation

Just because you know what you want to say doesn’t mean you know how you’re going to start saying it! The one thing you should have memorized is exactly how you are going to start the conversation. That’s because it’s often the most difficult part of the process.

When deciding what you want to say, plan to start the conversation with curiosity and openness. Using statements that focus on how you feel can be very helpful as well. The last thing you want to do is make your family member feel like they’re being attacked.

Using a question can be a great way to start the conversation too. Make an observation about a behavior you’ve noticed and ask them how they’re doing. They may just start the conversation for you.

Set the Stage

Where you have the conversation is just as important as how you’re going to start the conversation. You want to make sure you create a non-threatening, relaxing environment.

Avoid having the conversation in a public place. If the other person is used to coming to your home, look for ways to make it more relaxing when they come over.

If the conversation is particularly difficult, you may want to consider a neutral space. That way, neither party feels like they have an advantage.

Take the Role of a Journalist or a Researcher

It can be very difficult not to let your emotions get the best of you when you’re having a difficult conversation with a family member. It can be helpful to imagine yourself as a journalist or a researcher.

Journalists have many strengths, but one is being impartial. They ask questions and listen to the answers, without allowing their feelings to get in the way. Imagine yourself in this position and you will find it easier to remove yourself from the situation. In addition, if you’re able to be impartial throughout the conversation, the family member you’re speaking to will be more likely to ask you for your help.

Just because having a difficult conversation is hard doesn’t mean it isn’t worth having. Prepare ahead of time with the tips on this list. You’ll feel more comfortable before the conversation begins, and you can increase your chances of having a successful conversation.

How to Build a Garden Playhouse for Your Kids

One of the greatest ways that parents can keep the house somewhat tidy and organized is to give the kids a designated area to play and have fun. And what better place for that to happen than in the yard, taking all their mess, toys, and noise with them? Of course, telling the kids to go play outside may not be particularly thrilling for them, that is unless you create a space that they want to spend time in – which is where a garden playhouse can make sense.

A garden playhouse is not only a cool and attractive addition for the backyard, it gives the kids somewhere safe, fun, and cozy to hang out. Here, we will take a look at some tips that will help you build the perfect garden playhouse for your kids that they won’t ever want to leave.

Choose a Solid Structure that Doesn’t Require Much Maintenance

The first thing you want to think about is the structure itself. Obviously, you want something solid that will hold up to the elements, but it’s also likely that you don’t want to pick a material that will require constant maintenance and attention from you. This is where a steel building can make sense and tick off all the “must-have” boxes.

All you have to do is take a look at the options available through Armstrong Steel and use their steel building calculator to get a quote, and your vision can really start to form. You can order a custom building that meets your size requirements and any specifics you may have, such as the number of windows and the placement of the door. Once you erect the building, the maintenance is next to non-existent and because it’s steel, you know it will hold up well.

Do You Want Climate Control and Electricity in the Playhouse?

Next, you need to think about just how modernized this playhouse will be. Do you basically just want to put up the playhouse and leave it open to the elements, or are you thinking about something more permanent like what the steel structure would offer?

Do you want it to be climate controlled and have lighting? If that’s the case, you’ll need to have an electrician come out and set it up. By doing this, you can install a fan, a small kid-safe space heater, and lights.

Ensure the Flooring is Comfortable and Easy to Clean

You will also want to think about the flooring. Just leaving a steel or plywood floor isn’t exactly comfortable for the kids when they are in there playing. Instead, you can think of various options keeping the emphasis on comfort and the ability to clean it with ease. Durability and cost will also likely be a factor.

Give Them Plenty of Storage

Finally, you want to think about storage. Without enough storage, the playhouse is just going to end up looking like a dumping zone for toys. You can use a variety of storage options such as shelving, bins, multi-purpose furniture, etc. You want to be sure that every item has a place.

Each of these steps will help you to build the perfect garden playhouse for the kids.

This post is in partnership with Catholic Central, however, as always opinions are 100% my own.

Old Fashioned Christmas Fun

Growing up in the 80’s and 90’s we were the lucky ones in a lot of ways. We didn’t really think of it as lucky back then, but it was before technology was at our fingertips 24-7. Coming from a family with 3 siblings our house was always full of kids, neighbors, or even a few that might as well been adopted. We spent countless hours exploring the outdoors, riding horses, working hard alongside my Papa on the Christmas tree farm (year around). But one of the things that we did the most was play games. We had lots and lots of games as well as cards.

We grew up playing old classics like Monopoly, Life, Clue, Sorry, Checkers, Hungry Hungry Hippos, and Marbles (which is still a family favorite.) We played card games like Pitch, Uno, Skip-Bo, Go Fish, Rummy, and Hand & Foot. Other favorites included Mancala, Trouble, Chinese Checkers and let’s not forget Dominos. While some of them are games you can buy at the store, some only use a deck or several decks of cards, but no matter what game we played we had hours of fun.

The love of games continues today and has continued as all of the siblings have moved on, gotten married, and started families of their own. But on Thanksgiving and Christmas after the big meals have been eaten we spend the rest of the day playing a variety of games. There are literally games going in every room of the house because our family now consists of thirty people ranging from ages 2 months (Elijah the grandson!) to 67 years old and every age in between. The breakdown goes like this:

Infant-1, One 6-year-old, Three that are 8 years old, One 9-year-old, 3 that are 10 years old, 3 that are 13 years old, One 16-year-old, One 19-year-old, One 20-year-old, One 21-year-old all for the “kids” or kids that have now transitioned to young adults.

Then the siblings and their spouses are One at 43 years old, Two at 42 years old, One at 39 years old, One at 36, Two at 37, One at 32 years old, One at 31 years old. If you have been following the math you noticed we had an extra number and that is one of the cousins who might as well be a sibling along with the siblings/spouses.

And it all started with the ‘elders’ who started the gaming traditions and they are 62 years old, 67 years old, 60 years old, and 51 years old. WHEW! That was a brain work out, but I’m thrilled to say that this is my 42 year of the Classic Christmas Gaming Tradition.

But this year we are going to start a new tradition and get together with my nieces and nephews to play some “Classic” Games over the weekends as we head into the holiday season. There is nothing better than spending quality time with family and friends and we are going to make these game nights “technology” free and just live in our 80’s & 90’s flashbacks.

Some of the classic games we played during our technology free night included, Trouble, Apples to Apples, Pictionary, and Uno!

Looking for new Christmas Traditions?

If you are anything like me, adding new Christmas Traditions is always fun and this year we are going to try a few! Tune in on Instagram to see them unfold!

The above download contains super fun 5-minute activities you can do with your family and friends over the Holiday to laugh, bond and have a blast! It also includes some cool facts about the “whys” and history behind some of the most time-honored Christmas traditions!

About CATHOLIC CENTRAL:
You have questions about the Catholic faith and what it means to be Catholic. We have answers. Using a team of witty writers, appealing hosts, and even some learned theologians, we’ve created shareable, snackable videos that teach the timeless truths and deep history of the Church with humor and heart. Produced in the Family Theater Productions studios on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, CATHOLIC CENTRAL entertains, enlightens and inspires.

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Last updated on December 17, 2018 5:25 pm

Perfect 2018 Christmas Gifts (4 Elegant Presents To Surprise Your Loved Ones)

It is that time of the year when Santa and the reindeer gang are about to take the center stage again. Classic varieties of Coca-Cola commercials are popping on the TV screens, Christmas street decorations are lighting up the evening sky, and malls and supermarkets are barely recovering from the Black Friday craze. But the shopping bonanzas are yet to come! Before families start gathering at the Christmas tree, you may need to run to the store for some proper holiday shopping. However, if you are not certain what to look out for, here are some suggestions to keep your ideas fresh.

Italian Attorney Briefcases

Handmade Italian attorney briefcases are all about elegance and creating that poise of sophistication and professionalism. Surprise the man of your life with this classy accessory that will surely make him rock the office look. It features compartments to safely store his laptop and documents, plus it enhances his expert suit and tie appearance like a charm. Sure, vegetable tanned leather may seem costly but it is a sound long-run investment and safe for the environment, too. If you buy a quality-made piece, it will last a lifetime, age gracefully, and make your man feel like a king of his office.

Leather Totes or Handbags

No woman is ready to leave her apartment without a bag around her shoulder or arm. She carries her entire world inside it and with it, she is ready to tackle everything the world tosses at her. So why not surprise the woman of your life with an elegantly custom tailored leather handbag that complements her style and grace? And if you have the money to pair it a pair of heels, too, she will burst to tears of joy this Christmas, that is a guarantee!

Personalized gifts

Share your sentiments and affection with style! There are companies which trade in personalized gifts, which can make each present one-of-a-kind. They usually sell decorated preserved flowers, adorn certain gifts with unique messages or add names on quaint terrariums, mugs, glass domes, and other memorabilia. There isn’t a person in the world who wouldn’t like to see their name on a gift. The elderly will love this gift in particular so get cracking!

Tech for the kids

The tech-savvy generation is all about keeping it up with the current trends. This season’s Christmas episode of “The Simpsons” hilariously shown how Bart and Lisa are in cahoots to coerce Marge and Homer to buy them a smart TV. Considering that this animated family is a spot-on reflection of current societal and family values, you can only guess how many kids really want to be up to date with technology. It’s part of their identity. So if you got the money and they have been nice this year, why not make their digital Santa wish come true? Just be careful not to spoil them.

There you have it! Naturally, it is all up to your imagination to express your gift-giving proclivities but don’t be reluctant to ask for help if you are not satisfied with your ideas. If you know you loved ones by heart and are familiar with their tastes, then there won’t be a problem to surprise with a little special something under the Christmas tree. Enjoy your holiday people, and remember – it’s the thought that counts the most so make the most out of it!

Don’t Get Taken for a Ride: 5 Ways How Insurers May Take Advantage of Unrepresented Claimants

Whether you like it or not, insurance companies have no intention of paying every victim what they really are entitled to. After all, they have a business to preserve. Still, while many companies do not have a direct objective to swindle claimants, they will do what is in the best interest of their company rather than your own. There are different ways that insurers take advantage of unrepresented claimants. Here are five ways they do just that.

1. Unreasonable Delays

Many insurance companies’ own policies stipulate a 30-day response time for claims filed. If an insurance company fails to comply with their own policy, this could be deemed as unreasonable delay. Some insurance companies employ certain delay tactics, including taking several weeks to respond or failing to return telephone calls, making claims that their investigation is incomplete and request information gradually or give the claimant to a new adjuster. Whether or not you need a lawyer, it’s only fair that when the time comes to file a claim due to no fault of your own, you get the benefits that you paid for, is treated fairly and your claim is paid promptly.

2. Intimidation

There are some tough insurance adjusters around who would prefer not to pay your claim regardless of the severity of your injuries or damage to your vehicle. It can be a daunting experience to go up against an insurance company, and they may use certain intimidation methods against you. Intimidation is never condoned and it is beneficial to know some of the most common intimidation tactics used by insurance companies, such as implying a take it or leave it offer, coming up with a phony acceptance deadline and veiled threats that discourages attorney retention.

3. Non-disclosure of Coverage

As long as coverage exists, your insurance company has a contractual duty to defend and provide compensation for injury, loss or damage. Your insurance company should not intentionally or irresponsibly participate in non-disclosure, withholding information or misinterpreting policy provisions that would be in favor of a claimant. Failure to act in your best interest in this regard can involve your insurance company suggesting that you use private insurance, recommending that a friend drive you to work instead of offering a rental car, and even asking you to use sick leave days.

4. Deception

Willful deception by an insurance company is a clear indicator of it acting in “bad faith” against you. In order to deny a claim and reduce the potential value of a valid claim, an insurance can deceive claimants. The insurance company can take misleading accident photos and disregard hidden vehicle damages, seek claimant statement in an effort to minimize the damage and even fabricate the denial of coverage.

5. Lowballing

Low-balling is a tactic by insurance adjusters to save the insurance company money, and typically, a low offer is presented initially. However, keep in mind that the initial offer is the first step in the negotiating process, and it’s up to you to accept it, reject it, or try to negotiate a higher settlement amount. An adjuster may use software manipulation techniques in low-balling like, failing to enter the accurate amount for lost wages and/or medical expenses and applying a low liability assessment. 

Know that you deserve to be treated fairly by your insurance company. This simply isn’t always the case and some will try to take unrepresented claimants for a ride. An insurance company can take advantage of unrepresented claimants through deception, intimidation, unreasonable delays, lowballing and withholding information. 

I partnered with Little Book of You to bring you this post, however, as always opinions are 100% my own.

Little Book Of You The Perfect Newborn Christmas Gift

As many of you know I recently became a Grandma for the first time and let me tell you there is nothing better. The baby snuggles have been amazing, and he is already growing like a weed. While he is just over a month old, he is still in the newborn phase and I for one can’t get enough of his cuteness. (Maybe I’m a little partial, but that’s a Grandma’s prerogative, right?) While a newborn won’t really “remember” his first Christmas, I’ve made it my mission to find some perfect gifts for him. When Christmas time rolls around he will be a little over two months old and let me tell you they sleep, eat, and poop more than anything.

But that hasn’t stopped me from spoiling Elijah and one of the first things he has gotten will be his Little Book of You. The Little Book of You is a highly personalized and beautifully illustrated baby book that is affordable as well as the perfect keepsake for all babies.

Creating your personalized Little Book of You is so easy! There is a 15 question online survey that you take, answering questions about your baby. It took me about 10 minutes to fill out, and you can even save your progress for proofreading la Once all the answers are submitted, you will receive a hardcover book about your baby within the week. But don’t worry, they email you so you know where they are in the process.

After getting it, I checked it out and was amazed at all of the details that were put into the book. It includes:

• Unique details from the day your child was born including the place of birth, time, weight and length of your precious little one
• Pages of what makes their birthday special: what happened in history on their birthday, famous people who were born on the same date and more
• Two pages dedicated to a customized family tree to help your child learn all the important people in their life
• A personalized letter from you to your child *they even have a sample that you can use!

Each book is proudly made in the USA and is priced at $49.95

His mom literally cried when she read it and was amazed at all of the little details that tell a big story. I’m positive that Elijah will enjoy this Little Book Of You just as much as his Mom and Grandma do. But don’t take my word for it, order one for your kids today or even the grandkids. I promise you will all cherish The Little Book of You just as much as we are!