Real Advice From Real Employees

Don’t believe that McDonald’s is the perfect first job for a high-schooler? If you need more reassurance, get it from the folks who actually worked at McDonalds as their first job. Throughout this list, we will add stories from actual people who recommend going to the place with the golden arches as a debut to the working world.

The Hours are Flexible

One of the reasons why McDonald’s is the perfect first job is because the hours are flexible. That’s what a former employee said. Flexibility is good for a first job, especially for teens who have a lot to deal with at school. They’ll get work experience while learning so they’re prepared for adulthood.

McDonald’s Wants to be Your First Job

If you want reassurance that McDonald’s is a great first job, then just ask the company. According to them, they are “committed to being America’s best first job.” They want to create an environment where teens can learn and build skills that they can use later in life. They even have an “Archways to Opportunity” program that helps teens now and in the future.

McDonald’s Offers Pay In Multiple Ways

The pay at McDonald’s won’t make your teen rich, but it’s enough for some spending and saving money. In addition to the hourly pay, the company will also provide compensation via long and short-term incentives, 401k plans, and other great benefits that will set your teen up for the future.

Time Off Programs

Like many companies, McDonald’s also offers paid time off. They don’t want to overwork teens. Paid days are providedover the course of the year and teens can take them at almost any time. This is important if your child has a school field trip or other commitments.

Employee Rewards

The company also provides rewards for exceptional employees. When your teen meets certain requirements or thresholds at McDonald’s, they can get a certificate or gift. This is a great way to teach your teen that if they work hard, there is always a reward at the end of the road.

Tuition Assistance

If your teen is planning to go to college after high school, then McDonald’s is the place to be. They have a great tuition assistance program where teens can earn money for higher education. Plus, there could be the chance for your young adult to go to school while working so they can earn money for books and admissions.

You’ll Learn Many Soft Skills

According to Quora user Paige Shiffler, McDonald’s is the perfect first job because you can learn many skills that aren’t taught in school. She says that after working at McDonald’s for four months, she has developed many skills, including how to communicate with others, multi-task, and be more productive.

Learn How to Be a Team Player

One of the most important soft skills you’ll learn as a teen at McDonald’s is how to be a team player. This is an invaluable skill that will help your teen in any job they get in the future. A person needs to know how to work with others, and they’ll get the chance at McDonalds.

The Work is Physical

Another Quora user named George Geal-Killy says that the work at McDonald’s is very physical. There will be a lot of moving around from station to station. Plus, there will be some lifting and moving of objects. This is great, especially if your teen has a more sedentary lifestyle at home. Physical activity is good for the body and for mental well being.

The Work Isn’t Too Hard

According to Quora user Carrie, while teens will be busy at McDonald’s, the work is not so hard that they’ll be exasperated at the end of the day. They will receive training and advice as they go so that they can get the hang of the work. 

You Learn How to Deal With People

McDonald’s is a great job, especially if your teen will be taking orders or working the drive-thru window. It’s a chance to meet new people and experience different types of customers. Some customers will be easy while others will be more challenging. It’s a great chance to create your own customer service style.

You Can Get Real-Life Feedback

McDonald’s is the perfect first job because your teen will learn how to be the best employee they can be. Encourage your teen to ask their manager for feedback about the work they’re doing. Then, implement that feedback during the next shift. Teens can learn about being a good employee all day long, but nothing matches real-life feedback.

There Could Be Room For Advancement

Many people take a job at McDonald’s as an entry-level job. Some will work there for a few months or years and then move on. However, there’s also the chance that your teen could make McDonald’s into a career. Eager employees could become a manager and move up from there.

Learn to Retain Information

If you’re taking orders at McDonald’s, you may be required to remember a lot of information at once. You need to get the order right so you can impress the customer and your management. By learning to memorize information, your teen will excel in school and future jobs.

The Ability to Troubleshoot

Erik, a manager at McDonald’s since 2008 commented on Quora. He said that a lot of the job will entail handling customer’s problems. That’s not always a bad thing. Problems present an opportunity to troubleshoot. The ability to troubleshoot is a skill that not all people have, so it could be a good skill to have in the future.

Your Teen Could Make Connections

By getting a job at McDonald’s, your teen could learn quickly about the value of connections. They never know if the person they’re standing next to at the fry station could be a future hiring-manager at a company they want to work at later in life.

Learn About Being Punctual

By getting a job at McDonald’s, your teen will also learn the importance of punctuality and getting to places on time. If they’re late too often, they’ll likely get in trouble. This is a good lesson to learn before moving on to other jobs.

They’ll Have Something for Their Resume

When your teen works at McDonald’s, they’ll get something more valuable than straight A’s. They’ll get something to put on their resume as job experience. Many adults don’t have anything on their resume, but your teen will. It can go a long way when they start looking for other jobs.

You’ll Learn to Follow Procedures

The final reason why McDonald’s is the perfect first job is that your teen will learn how to follow a procedure at work. As Jessica Ann Murray on Quora says, you’ll need to “directly follow correct procedures.” Everything will need to be done in a certain way, and it will teach your teen how to follow directions. This is important for life at home and at work.

Are Chores Important?

Introducing chores to your kids while they are young is very important. Chores teach children a host of important skills; here are several that they will need as they grow into adulthood:

• Accepting responsibility
• Organizational skills
• Time management skills
• Promotes higher self-esteem
• Teaches delayed gratification

Focus on Age Appropriate Chores

One of the areas that parents get hung up on is introducing age-appropriate chores. You don’t want to burden a young child with too many chores they can’t necessarily do yet. However, making the chore list too easy on older kids isn’t very beneficial either.

The AACAP gives examples of age-appropriate chores. For 4 to 5-year-olds, they suggest having your child help feed pets and make their beds. Children between 10 and 11 should be able to help clean bathrooms and do yard work. You can read the rest of the age suggestions here.

Change Your Wording

The word chores can be offputting to some people. Think of Cinderella having to scrub the floors for her evil stepmother. You can change your family’s attitude around chores by changing the wording. This one simple change to your routine can make a big difference.

Instead of calling them chores, change your wording to responsibilities. I use the phrase, we all live in this home, so we all have responsibilities to take care of it. This helps put chores into perspective for kids and even adults.

Be Consistent

If you aren’t consistent with what you are asking your kids, they will most likely never get on board. Setting up a chore chart but not enforcing a time when your children should do it is not helping anyone. Remember, consistency is key when introducing anything new into your routine.

Set Clear Expectations

From the get-go, you need to set clear expectations. What do you expect your children to do? Will there be a chore chart, reward chart, etc? Do you expect your child to do these chores every day, every other day, weekly? When your children know the clear plan, they are less likely to put off doing chores.

Have a Family Meeting/Collaborate on Chores

Instead of assigning your children their chores, have a family meeting. This is a good way to collaborate on shared responsibilities and invest your children in doing their chores.

Sit down together as a family and list responsibilities that must be done daily and weekly. Then, split them into age-appropriate categories. Ask your children if they have any preferences for what responsibilities they would want to take over. The more collaboration that goes on when deciding where to split the chores, the more your child will likely be on board.

Avoid Doing the Chore for Your Child

When a child is doing a chore, it doesn’t always get done to perfection. This is something that may drive a parent batty. However, it’s important to remember that practice makes progress. The more a child does a specific chore, the more they will increase their skills.

However, if you are constantly stepping in and doing this chore for them or fixing how they do it, you send mixed messages to your child. You are telling your child, ‘I want you to do this chore, but only this way, and if you don’t do it the right way, then I’ll come behind you and fix it.” This can deflate your child’s enthusiasm and zeal.

Start Small

When introducing chores to your child, be sure to start small. You don’t want to bombard your child with overwhelming tasks right away. Start by introducing one specific task they can do for a few weeks to get used to the new routine. Then, once they have tackled this task, add another one. Keep doing this until you have added enough age-appropriate chores for your child. But remember, don’t overload them either!

Take the Time to Teach Your Child

One of the biggest hang-ups when introducing chores to a child is not teaching them the right way to do something. Sometimes, it’s easy to assume our children know how to do something correctly. After all, didn’t they see us do it over and over? However, this isn’t always the case.

Before introducing your child to a new chore, take the time to teach them how to do it. Worry less about doing it perfectly and more with creating the skills to perform the task. You may have to do the chore with your child several times before they catch on. This is especially true with younger kids.

Use a Reward System or Calendar

Another way to get kids excited about chores is using a reward system. There are many ways of doing this. Some families use stickers; others use calendars or points. If you are looking for some ideas, take a look here.

Switch up the Timing

Trying to do chores when your child is tired from a long day can lead to frustration for both of you. Instead, split the tasks into manageable bite sizes. Determine when your child is the most refreshed and have them do most of their chores during this time. You could save one or two chores for after dinner but try not to make it too overwhelming by having them complete all their chores in one big chunk.

Set a Minimum Standard

Things happen, and sometimes life gets in the way. It’s unrealistic to think your child will be able to complete their chores every day without fail. However, you can set a minimum standard, so your children know what to expect. Such as making their beds every day. (This is a quick chore that doesn’t take much time.) However. for bigger chores, like doing the dishes, you can set the expectation that they can get that chore done at least 3-5 times a week. (Decide what works for your family.)

Give Positive Feedback

Everyone thrives on positive feedback. So, when you see your child making an effort with their chores, let them know you see their effort. This boosts their self-confidence and desire to do their best at their tasks.

One Last Note

It’s normal to have a love-hate relationship with chores. They are necessary for a family to create smooth days and transitions. However, the chores often fall on the parents’ shoulders. While this makes sense, having your child contributes to the family responsibilities is good for everyone. After all, they live in their home too. If you are looking for ways to introduce chores to your children, try adding one or more changes to your family routine. You may find it is exactly what you need as a family.

Your Young Child Should Stay Away From Screens

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you must be careful when it comes to screen time for kids, especially babies and toddlers. The doctors recommend that children between ages 0-1.5 years never have screen time and that kids age 1.5 to 2 years have less than an hour of screen time. Any more than that, and you could cause damage to their young eyes.

Average Screen Time for Teens

Statistics show that most teens experience about 7.5 hours of screen time every day. Be watchful if your teen is in front of screens for too long. As time goes on, more schools are allowing kids to use laptops in school, so keep that in mind. When they get back from school, instead of letting them sit in front of the TV to play video games, try to get them to go outside or try a different hobby.

Be A Good Role Model

According to research, the average American spends just over seven hours looking at a screen over the course of the day. Granted, that may include time looking at a computer while at work. With that said, be careful about what you do at home. If you get home from work and sit in front of the TV, your kids will likely do the same. If you want them to spend less time in front of the TV, do something different with them, and they’ll form good habits.

Is Your Infant Using Your Smartphone?

One of the most startling facts about screen time for kids is that almost 49% of very small children from ages 0-2 spend some time interacting with smart phones. That could include when you’re holding your phone while holding them. Or it could be time in front of the TV. Just be careful. Young eyes could get hurt due to too much screen time.

The Average Teen Plays A Lot of Games

Another startling statistic about screen time is that the average teen spends 112.8 daily minutes playing video games. While some video games can be educational and have other benefits, they’re not all helpful. Be mindful about how much time your teen is on a screen playing a game, and suggest other activities if it gets out of hand.

The Average Teen is Often on Social Media

While gaming is a problem, a bigger issue is social media. According to Statista, the average teen spends 4.8 hours on social media. Keep in mind that platforms like YouTube are also considered social media, but still, that’s a lot. It’s important that you watch your teens. Are they in their room for hours at a time? They could be on social media. While there are some educational benefits to social media, most of its is not beneficial, so be cautious.

Shocking Benefit: Improves Socialization

Believe it or not, there are some benefits to screen time. For instance, just because a child is staring at a screen, it doesn’t mean that they are necessarily sitting by themselves. There are many ways that your kids can go online and meet with other kids. They can play video games with others, become pen pals with other kids on social media (with parental supervision), and even video chat with family members. Just remember that caution is necessary when talking to strangers.

Shocking Benefit: Encourages Creativity

You may be shocked to learn that screen time can help with creativity as well. It makes sense the more you think about it. Older kids can use their creativity to create websites using apps like Canva. If your kids like playing video games, they likely get immersed in creating worlds in games like Minecraft and Railway Empire. You never know. The skills they learn now could turn into a career later in life.

Shocking Benefit: Enhances Critical Thinking

Screen time also has the ability to enhance critical thinking. According to experts at Common Sense Media, there’s a lot of educational content online. Kids could play puzzle games or online board games that challenge their minds. However, screen time should come in doses. It’s possible to have too much screen time, even if it’s educational.

Shocking Benefit: Develops Motor Skills

Another shocking benefit of screen time for kids is the chance to develop their motor skills. For starters, your kids could watch exercise videos on YouTube that could help them stay active and healthy. Many video game companies also have some equipment that requires the kids to move to play them, like the Wii and virtual reality systems. You’d be amazed at how much your kids get around while playing games.

Shocking Benefit: Gets Kids Ready for School

Everything is online these days, so it only makes sense that many educational resources would also require a screen. In addition to being fun, many of these activities could also prepare your kids for school. For instance, the kids can check out e-books about various subjects that they may learn later during the school year. There are also learning apps like ABC Mouse and Khan Academy Kids, which can do wonders for your kids.

Alarming Risk of Screen Time: Sleep Issues

There are many starting negative side effects when screen time for kids gets out of hand. One of them is that they may not sleep well at night. Most screens emit blue light, and it negatively affects the brain. Kids and adults who spend too much time in front of a screen may find that they wake up often overnight. You should also avoid looking at social media while in bed.

Alarming Risk of Screen Time: Tech Neck

It’s natural for kids and adults to bend over or sit with a poor posture when gaming. As a result, your kids may start to experience “tech neck,” which is when someone sits with their neck and shoulders bent. Over time, your child may start to experience pain and potentially even long-term damage.

Alarming Risk of Screen Time: Cognitive Decline

While there are some opportunities for cognitive improvement due to smart screen use, in many cases, spending too much time on a screen is more commonly associated with cognitive decline, especially when it comes to smartphone usage. In a recent study, many participants reported on their cell phone usage, and they were tested. The results weren’t great. You can allow your child to have friends online, but be cautious about those friends and how much time your kids spend with them.

Alarming Risk of Screen Time: Behavior Issues

Be watchful if your children spend a lot of time playing video games. They likely love them because winning levels and beating bad guys cause the brain to release dopamine. It feels good, and they like it. However, once they’re playing, the dopamine release stops, and as a result, your children can become more irritable and even depressed.

What is Wegmans?

Some people see that Wegmans is expanding, and they ask themselves, what is Wegmans? If you don’t know, you’re in for a treat. In general, Wegmans is a grocery store. However, they’re more than your typical supermarket. The company has a wide range of grocery products and food options that have customers coming back time after time. Each Wegmans sells meat, dairy, seafood, wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, produce and floral, and more.

What Sets Wegmans Apart: Gold Pan Entrees

There are several factors that set Wegmans apart from every other grocery store in the world. One of them is their Gold Pan Entrees. These are meals that you can pick out and have ready for lunch, dinner, or whenever you want them. You pick and choose items around the store, then put them on a plate, and you have a meal without the fuss. Gold Pan Entrees can include seafood, no-gluten options, meals that are under 600 calories, and more.

What Sets Wegmans Apart: Healthy Options

Wegmans supermarkets are also famous for their assortment of healthy options. For starters, they have a major selection of gluten-free options. They have really tasty stuff, including gluten-free chocolate brownie mix, vegetables, whipped potatoes, and many gluten-free desserts. Wegmans also has a huge selection of active & sports nutrition products, which include healthy energy drinks, hydration products, plant-based protein products, marine collagen, and more. 

What Sets Wegmans Apart: Bread and Desserts

After dinner, head to Wegmans for a tasty dessert. Whatever you like, they have it. There’s a huge selection of cookies, cakes, cannolis, mixed fruit tarts, cream puffs, cheesecakes, and more. You can even order a custom cake that is decoratedto your specifications. Wegmans also has a great selection of artisan bread and rolls. These are very high-quality rolls thatlook like what you get in a fancy restaurant. You can get loaves, baguettes, cheese bread, Irish soda bread, and much more.

New Wegmans Location: New York

If this supermarket sounds great, then you may be in luck. Over time, the chain has announced that Wegmans is expanding. One of the newest stores that just opened its doors is located in New York. The address is 3270 Middle Country Rd. Lake Grove, NY 11755. This new location is open for business and they have the same great services that the chain is famous for. Currently, there are over 50 Wegmans locations in New York, so chances are good that locals will likely have a store nearby, but just in case, they have this new one in Lake Grove.

New Wegmans Location: Norwalk, Connecticut

The Wegmans company has announced that a new location will open in Norwalk, Connecticut, in the near future. You’ll be able to find it off Connecticut Avenue near Route I-95. There’s no official date for the opening of this store, but it promises to offer everything that the chain is known for. Check on the Wegmans website for updates.

New Wegmans Location: Rockville, Maryland

At this point, Wegmans stores are already in Maryland. Currently, there are eight locations spread across the state. Maryland residents who live in Rockville will likely rejoice very soon when a new Wegmans comes to their area. The location will be in Montgomery County at the intersection of Halpine Road and Rockville Pike. This is supposed to be a big store with all the perks and treats that this brand is known for already.

New Wegmans Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Folks in the city of Charlotte have something exciting to look forward to in the near future. It’s a new Wegmans store, and it’s coming to Mecklenburg County. The store will be located on the east side of Ballantyne at North Community House Road. When the store opens, it will have all the great groceries desserts, meals, and everything else customers enjoy. The store will also be looking to hire associates, so stay tuned if you’re interested.

New Wegmans Location: Holly Springs, North Carolina

There’s another Wegmans location coming to North Carolina, and this one will be in the town of Holly Springs. When it opens, you’ll be able to find it at Ralph Stephens Road and North Carolina Highway 55. This will be a large store with all of the items that make Wegmans a one-stop shop. Currently, there are stores in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, West Cary, and Wake Forest. More stores are likely to come to North Carolina, so stay tuned.

Current Wegmans in Pennsylvania

If Wegmans sounds awesome to you, then you may be in luck. The supermarket chain is already in several states, including Pennsylvania. There are close to 20 different stores in the state, including in the towns of Allentown, Scranton, Yardley, and Bethlehem. Try one if you’re in the area.

Current Wegmans in D.C.

There is also currently a Wegmans store in Washington, D.C. It is located at 41 Ridge Sq. Nw, Washington, DC 20016. That means even local politicians can get their food fix at any time. There’s no news yet about future stores in the area.

Current Wegmans in Massachusetts

There is no news as to when Wegmans is expanding in Massachusetts, but the good news is that there are numerous stores already in the area. Currently, there are five stores in the state. They’re located in Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Medford, Northborough, and Westwood. Check them out if you get the chance.

Current Wegmans in Delaware

There is currently one solitary Wegmans store in Delaware. It’s located at 371 Buckley Mill Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807. It’s a nice brick-and-mortar establishment that has all of your grocery needs. Hopefully, more stores will show up in the state in the future.

Current Wegmans in New Jersey

Wegmans has opened several stores in New Jersey over the years. Currently, there are nine stores in the state, located from Bridgewater to Woodbridge. The people of New Jersey count on Wegmans for their weekly groceries, so it’s great that the company could fill the need.

Current Wegmans in Virginia

Wegmans stores are thriving in Virginia. At this time, there are 15 stores in the state, and there will likely be more in the future. The stores can be found in many large cities, including Fredericksburg, Virginia Beach, and Fairfax, among others.

Find Out About Where Wegmans is Expanding Next

If you’re interested in learning where Wegmans is expanding next, you’re in luck. The company has a webpage dedicated to new and future openings. Check there periodically to see where the company will be building soon. Who knows, a new store may be near you!

Factor 1: Whole Foods Is Ridiculously Expensive

The first reason why I decided to stop going to Whole Foods is because many of the items in the store are simply too expensive. Things might change in the future, but for now, we’re still facing high prices at stores around the country, so it’s simply not worth going somewhere that will put us in debt. They don’t mockingly call this store “Whole Paycheck” for no reason. You could go in there for your weekly groceries and spend twice as much as you would at Walmart or other similar stores.

A Sampling of the High Prices

You may think that we’re kidding, but this chain really has some of the craziest prices. For instance, you may go in for a six-inch decorated cake. We don’t blame you. It’s probably delicious, but many of them cost upwards of $25. They have olive oil that you can buy for $40. The chain does sell some tasty food, like a rack of lamb. However, it will cost you at least $23 per pound. Certain types of maple syrup will cost over $15. Don’t forget about the chanterelle mushrooms that are over $20 per pound. These are just a few examples, but you can see what we mean.

Factor 2: The Brand Has Had Many Controversies

Many people will claim that Whole Foods is one of the best supermarkets ever created, but the company has had a fair share of controversies over the years. Many of the controversies involve overpriced items, like in 2015, when the store tried to sell $6 asparagus water that was basically just a couple of pieces of asparagus in a water bottle. Then, in 2014, they sold yogurt that they claimed was super healthy. However, after a class action lawsuit, it was revealed that it had more sugar than was originally reported.

Other Whole Foods Controversies

There have been other controversies that have made me stop going to Whole Foods. Back in 2016, the Food and Drug Administration found that the drinking water sold at the store had higher levels of arsenic than was allowed. Arsenic is a toxin. As a result, much of the water was recalled, so customers didn’t buy and drink the dangerous water. Finally, in 2014, the chain was accused of trying to use rabbit meat in many of their products. The animal rights folks went at them, and the program was paused. This is a lot of bad news for a single grocery store chain.

Factor 3: The Employees Could Be Treated Better

It’s an unfortunate fact that employees are not always treated as well as they should be at most grocery store chains, but Whole Foods has been in hot water in this regard for a long time. Much of the more recent turmoil has occurred after Amazon.com took control of Whole Foods several years ago. Many of the employees tried to unionize, but the company was opposed to it. Since then, employees have had more success trying to unionize. That’s good, but this issue is only one of the ways that employees feel mistreated at Whole Foods.

Whole Foods Employees Feel Shortchanged

I know that companies can do what they want with their employees, but many of the things that have happened at Whole Foods after Amazon took over are a bit questionable. They started by taking medical benefits from part-time employees. The company also reduced the typical paid 15-minute breaks down to 10 minutes. Many customer service and warehouse workers also used to have stock incentives, but those were taken away as well. These are not reasons to completelyboycott the company, but they don’t help customers feel good when they go into a store.

Factor 4: You Can Shop Elsewhere For Similar Items

Many people used to flock to Whole Foods because they thought it was the only place to get organic or healthy food. For many years, that was the case. People were willing to spend more money just to get something different. That is no longer the case. Whole Foods is no longer the only game in town. Now, you can get your organic food at many other mainstream grocery chains, so Whole Foods is losing business.

Where to Get Organic Food

I decided to stop going to Whole Foods and get my organic food elsewhere. The more I researched, the more places I found. For starters, Sprouts Farmers Market is a great place to buy healthy food, and they have reasonable prices. There is also Trader Joe’s, where you can find a huge variety of options, including food exclusives that you won’t find anywhere else. Even stores like Kroger and Aldi have options, and you’ll probably spend less money along the way. If you’re really on a budget, head to Costco instead of Whole Foods.

Factor 5: They Don’t Sell as Much as Other Stores

In addition to there being other stores where you can get organic food, the other reason why I decided to stop going to Whole Foods is because they simply don’t have as many items as many other places. Yes, Whole Foods has plenty of healthy and organic options, but you can’t really do all of your weekly shopping there. That means that you typically need to make multiple trips, and that’s not always fun. Plus, it’s expensive.

Whole Foods Has Less

There are many items that you won’t find at Whole Foods. Part of the reason for that is because, in an effort to stay healthy, many ingredients are banned. The banned items include things like artificial colorings, aspartame, high-fructose corn syrup, and others. Yes, it’s good to limit these items in your diet, but if you have kids like me, then you’ll find that they don’t always want to eat organic food, so you find that you need to shop at a second store. It’s not always worth it.

Factor 6: Whole Foods May Not Be Around Forever

A final reason why I decided to stop going to Whole Foods is because, sooner than later, the chain may be completely wiped from the map. In 2022, the chain started closing stores, including one in Chicago, reportedly due to weak sales. Stores appear to be disappearing in regions around the country. When the one near me closes, I will be forced to look elsewhere for my needs.

Things Changed When Amazon Took Over

Some of the factors behind the fall of Whole Foods revolve around the fact that Amazon took over the company several years ago. Some people believe that Amazon is too commercial and that it takes the community-centric charm out of the equation. Only time will tell if Whole Foods will retain its popularity or if, one day, the supermarket chain may be gone.

Making Your Child Clean Their Plate

Several Redditors in this post shared the parenting rules they refuse to enforce on their kids. One of the most common ones was forcing children to clear their plates. This is typically done by refusing to allow a child to get up from the table until they finish their entire plate. It makes sense to some parents because they don’t want to waste food. After all, food prices can add up.

Why It’s Not Beneficial

Studies have shown that forcing kids to eat their entire plate is the opposite of beneficial. This can teach them to ignore their body signals that lets them know when they are full. It can also promote an unhealthy relationship with food as they grow.

Instead, one tip while preparing a meal is to add healthy food items to the plate you know your child will eat. This way, they are at least getting some nutrients from food you know they like. Additionally, giving your child fewer portions can help them get the nutrients they need but not feel forced to eat more than their body wants.

Forcing Kids to Hug/Kiss Relatives

To some, making their kids show affection to others is a good idea. After all, they want their children to be respectful. Other times, some adults simply don’t want their family or friends to feel offended. However, teaching a child to ignore physical autonomy and their decision-making isn’t good for anyone. All it is doing is stroking another person’s ego.

Why It’s Not Beneficial

Making a child hug another person, especially an adult, just because they asked isn’t beneficial. It teaches them that they should always do what another adult or person asks, just to be respectful. Additionally, this practice teaches children to ignore the inner cues that tell them something is wrong. Not every person is a safe person. Simply because a person is an adult doesn’t mean your child has to automatically respect them and give up their own autonomy to make them happy.

Additionally, it may teach children that what they feel doesn’t really matter and they should ignore their own comfort level for someone else.

Making Sure Your Child Matches at All Times

Sometimes, parents feel the pressure to make sure their child matches and looks tidy at all times. This is especially true when they venture out into public. However, sometimes children have very eccentric styles, and you have to choose which hill you are willing to die on. Sometimes, there are bigger hills that are more important.

Why It’s Not Beneficial

Worrying about your child matching all the time is a battle that can put immense stress on parents, especially if you have a child who has a very unique style. Sometimes, kids just like what they like. Furthermore, how we dress can outwardly express our personality, likes, and more. Children love to be free enough to explore what they love and don’t love, even if it’s not what their parents like.

Because I Said So

A shared parenting saying is ‘because I said so.’ This is often used to get children to comply and accept the rules or consequences as is. It is also used as a cop-out not to explain anything to children.

Why It’s Not Beneficial

Children are naturally curious. Additionally, while respect is important during communication, children should be allowed to ask questions. Questioning rules, boundaries, or why things are the way they are isn’t always bad. It can encourage children to go beyond what they are told, understand, and research things for themselves.

Never Apologizing to Your Kids When You Are Wrong

Sometimes, it’s easy to have the mindset that ‘I am the parent, I don’t need to apologize.” However, this mindset actually can do more harm than good.

Why It’s Not Beneficial

Children need to see the adults in their lives own up to their mistakes. It teaches them that you can make mistakes at any age. It also allows children to see what it is to be humble.

Additionally, when you don’t own up to your mistakes, especially if you have hurt your child, that can do plenty of damage to your parent/child relationship.

Making Your Kids Share Their Things

“Sharing is caring,’ do you remember that saying? But when was the last time you, as an adult, shared something important to you, like a laptop, with someone? Just because they wanted it. Telling our children to share their things just because another child wants them doesn’t benefit either child in any way.

Why It’s Not Beneficial

Children who want to share their things should be encouraged to. However, if a child has a toy that is important to them or even new, forcing them to share doesn’t teach them anything.

Forcing a child to share may give a foothold to building resentment. Furthermore, it takes away their ownership. Additionally, forced sharing teaches the other child that they should get something simply because they want it.

Not Considering Age-Appropriate Behavior

Sometimes, it can feel like society is demanding way too much from us as parents. This pressures us to expect more from our children than they can give us. Every child grows at their own pace. It’s also important to consider what is age-appropriate behavior. For example, a two-year-old will be unable to sit still for long periods physically. It’s unreasonable to expect anything of the sort.

Why It’s Not Beneficial

Ignoring age-appropriate behavior and expecting too much from children is not beneficial. Doing so can cause frustration for both parents and the child. Furthermore, ignoring age-appropriate milestones and what is normal behavior may set your child up for failure.

One Last Note

Society can put a ton of pressure on parents. This is one reason all these parenting ‘rules’ stick around for much longer than they should. While this list could be a lot longer, the rules on this list do not serve parents or children much good, so if you would rather forget about them, go for it. After all, they aren’t all that beneficial to families.

Before School: Clementines

Our list of the foods that are best for kids before school starts with fresh fruit and a clementine is one of the best. According to doctors at UC San Francisco, these little fruits are great because they’re tasty, easy to peel, and they’llprovide a nice dose of vitamin C and fiber that will set your child up for success at school.

After School: Assorted Nuts

As for the foods that are best for kids after school, begin with a bowl of nuts. Your kids will likely come home from school while claiming that they’re starving. Instead of giving them candy or a bag of chips, go for nuts. Many varieties, including almonds, are very tasty and filling while providing your kids with a good dose of fiber and healthy fats.

Before School: Hard Boiled Eggs

You’ll do your kids a great service by providing them with eggs before breakfast. Eggs are packed with nutrients, including protein, vitamins B12, D, and more. They’ll keep your kids full and energized. If you’re rushed in the morning, consider giving your kids hard-boiled eggs. They can take them on the way to school and eat at their leisure.

After School: Fruit

Fruit is good in moderation, but there’s nothing wrong with providing some before and after school. When they get backfrom school, give them a whole piece of fruit, like a nectarine or peach, that is tasty without the extra sugar.

Before School: Sausage

You don’t want to fill your child up with sausage, but a small helping could be good for them. You’re giving your child protein, which is necessary for energy and strength throughout the day. Protein will also help grow and strengthen muscles, which is important for growing kids. 

After School: Cheese

When your kids come into the house begging for food, consider a helping of cheese. According to Cheese.com, several varieties are healthy for kids, including mozzarella, which is typically made with low-fat milk. Swiss cheese is also great because it’s higher in protein. 

Before School: Apples and Peanut Butter

Apples are healthy, and they’re a great source of fiber and vitamin C, which is essential for growing kids. Peanut butter is another great source of protein, so it’s a power-packed morning snack that will keep your kids full until lunch.

After School: Cottage Cheese

One of the snacks that is best for kids is cottage cheese. It is loaded with protein and lower in calories than many other types of cheese. You can add more flavor to cottage cheese with the addition of granola, maple syrup, or fresh berries.

Before School: Fruit Smoothie

Give your kids all the nutrients they need in one tasty package by giving them a fruit smoothie. There are many tasty options to consider, like a strawberry and watermelon. This is a great way to get your kids some fruit in the morning without the hassle.

After School: Yogurt

A great after-school snack is a nice bowl of yogurt. Find a flavor that they like, and they’ll enjoy every bite while getting plenty of vitamin D and protein. You can spice yogurt up a notch by adding some fruit. Just make sure not to make this healthy treat too sugary.

Before School: Berries

Many healthy berries can be a great morning snack. The goal is to keep the sugar to a limit, so go for strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Berries are high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. Add them to oatmeal to create a full meal.

After School: Beans

It may not always be the most luxurious meal, but beans can be very tasty and they’re very good for you. Don’t feel bad about getting canned beans. They are often low-sodium, and they’ll be packed with fiber and protein. Doctors recommend that kids get around 25 grams of fiber per day to be healthy, so feed them some beans.

Before School: Avocado

There are many ways to serve avocados. You can spread them out on toast, put them in a smoothie, or make them into a dip. Avocados are very good for heart health and they’re a great source of potassium, which regulates blood pressure.

After School: Sweet Potatoes

When you’re looking for the afternoon foods that are best for kids, try a sweet potato. All you have to do is poke holes in a sweet potato, microwave it for five minutes, let it cool, then scoop it onto your child’s plate and they’ll have a tasty and healthy meal.

Before School: A Glass of Milk

Need something to wash down all of these healthy foods? How about a glass of milk? Kids need milk because it provides the vitamin D and calcium necessary for strong and growing bones. Enjoy a glass of milk by itself or pour it into a healthier cereal, like whole grain Cheerios.

After School: Carrots and Celery

When your kids come into the house looking for an afternoon snack, offer them a bowl of carrots or celery. If they want a little more of a flavor punch, serve them with a side of hummus. It will be a tasty meal that won’t fill the kids up before dinnertime.

Healthy Eating Tip: Be A Role Model

Getting your kids to eat healthy before and after school won’t always be easy. A big tip is to be a role model when it comes to healthy eating. Don’t just tell your kids to eat the items on this list. Show them that you’re also willing to eat them. If you don’t do what you preach, the kids probably won’t either.

Healthy Eating Tip: Offer Variety

Another important tip to remember when it comes to healthy eating is to offer variety. Don’t just give carrots every afternoon or the kids will likely get sick of them. Likewise, don’t provide the same fruit smoothie every morning. Mix it up and your kids will be excited to eat healthy.

Tip For Busy Parents: Prepare the Night Before

There are ways that you can make life easier so you’re not so rushed in the morning. One tip is to get things ready the night before. Put the food out in containers if you can. No, you shouldn’t let milk sit out all night, but you can at least put the glass out so there’s one less thing to remember.

Tip For Busy Parents: Prepare Everything in Advance

Another tip for busy parents is to prepare snacks and meals in advance. On Sunday night, you could prepare a lot of the food and keep it in the refrigerator. Then, you can hand out servings every day of the week. Also, make sure that you keep your grocery list updated so you know that you have the food you need for the week.

Draw a Family Tree

The first of the grandparent-grandkid outings that you should consider is creating a family tree. This is an activity that you can do at home, so there won’t be any unnecessary costs. Imagine how fun it will be for a child to learn about his parents and the lives of his grandparents. This can even be a project that the child can show to their friends.

Make a Fort

A great experience for grandchildren and grandparents alike is building a fort. Whether you’re building it in the child’s backyard or as a place to play in the grandparent’s yard, it can be a lot of fun. Grandparents often have a lot of experience with building, so they can provide some great advice. A great way to save money while building a fort is to use materials from around the house, like blankets, pillows, and old furniture.

Go to the Library

A great way to pass some time with grandchildren is to head to the local library. This can often be a totally free adventure and it can be a blast. While at the library, grandparents can show off some of their favorite books and the grandchildren can do the same. You can also rent movies, read old newspapers, go online to child-friendly websites, and more.

Have a Movie Night

Our list of wonderful grandparent-grandkid outings continues with hosting a movie night. This is a great outing that you can have at your home. You can save money on the film by using a streaming service to which you already subscribe. Then you can find sales on popcorn and candy and have snacks during the show. Ask the kids which movie they want to watch and it will be a night they’ll always remember.

Go On a Walk

One of the fun and free activities that your grandchild will love is simply taking a walk. Take a stroll through the park or down the street. This is a great time to bond and ask your grandchild about their day. You can also use this as an opportunity to keep your eyes open for other businesses or eateries you could visit during your next outing.

Plant Flowers or Trees in the Park

You can have a great outing with your grandchild while also helping the planet by going into the park to plant some trees or plants. In addition to being fun, this is a great chance to improve the mental health of your grandchild. When they continue to visit the flower or tree they planted over time and see it grow, and they know they had a part in it, it will help their confidence.

Go on a Picnic

While you’re walking through the park, take a chance to enjoy a lovely picnic. Get a blanket, some food, and maybe a radio for some soft tunes, and you’ll have a great time. You don’t have to go overboard on food. Save money by purchasing some snacks at a dollar store and use a blanket that you already own. Use this time to talk about life, family, or whatever you want.

Build a Birdhouse

A fun activity to do in the garage or the backyard is to build a birdhouse with your grandchild. It doesn’t have to be an extensive project. Putting four walls, a floor, and a roof together will be enough. Then you can have fun painting the house. You can save money by purchasing a pre-made birdhouse kit or find lumber lying around the garage. 

Play Mini Golf

One of the most enjoyable activities a child and grandparent can enjoy together is a rousing game of mini golf. You don’t have to take it too seriously. Go to a course and see how unique each hole is. You can keep score but remember that it’s just for fun. Mini golf courses can sometimes be expensive, so look for a coupon online to save some money.

Go to the Zoo

A nice grandchild-grandparent outing can include going to the zoo. There’s something so exciting about seeing the different exhibits and the exotic animals. You never know what you’re going to see and many zoos get new animals all of the time. Yes, the zoo can be costly, especially if you have multiple grandchildren, but there are often discounted days throughout the year. Check online. They can be a big help.

Go Bowling

If you’re looking for a bit of a thrill, make a date to go bowling. Remember that you’re just there to have fun, so don’t go overboard counting the score. Instead, just have fun together rolling the ball. Bowling costs can add up, so look online for coupons or certain hours where you can get a deal. Sometimes, you can save money by combining bowling with another activity, like the arcade.

Go Fishing

If you enjoy fishing, then taking a fishing trip can be one of the best grandparent-grandkid outings ever. Just imagine going out to the creek, casting your lines, and waiting for fish as you bond with your loved ones. Fishing is typically an inexpensive activity, especially if you already own the poles. Usually, you just have to spend a few dollars on some bait.

Go Swimming at the Pool

Going swimming at the local pool is one of the best ways to beat the heat and have fun with your loved ones. Bring your pool noodles and inflatables and you’ll have a blast for hours. If your subdivision has a local pool, you can often enjoy it for free. Either that or head out to the local creek.

Attend a Farmer’s Market

Another fun and free event is heading to the local farmer’s market when it comes to town. You and your grandchild can walk the aisles, trying samples and enjoying each other’s company. Pick up some candy when you see it and enjoy a sweet treat. Find some affordable ingredients and use them to cook dinner!

Bake Cookies

A fun and tasty way to enjoy a nice day is to bake cookies or other sweet treats together. This is one of the best grandparent-grandkid outings because you can teach your grandchild how to bake, and then afterward, you can enjoy your treats together. You can enjoy this outing for free if you already own the ingredients.

#7 Acura Integra

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a contender for the safest family vehicle is the 2024-25 Acura Integra. The Integra is a great vehicle. It offers style and comfort, but it has a modest price tag. The four-cylinder engine is powerful enough to get your kids from point A to point B without overspending on fuel.

What Makes it Safe?

According to the IIHS, there are several factors that make the Acura Integra safe. From front to back, the car is loaded with safety features, including high-powered LED headlights and reliable seatbelt reminders. The IIHS states that the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle are strong and will be reliable in the case of a collision. The car also has a solid breaking system.

#6 Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is a safe and sturdy three-row SUV that’s capable of seating up to eight passengers. You can even fit in five car seats if you have a growing family. The Pilot also offers plenty of hip room. This is also the car for you if you love cup holders, charger options, and all the other bells and whistles that make driving it a dream.

What Makes it Safe?

The Honda Pilot provides ample safety features, including a multi-angle backup camera, road departure mitigation systems, and lane assist. The newer models also feature tire pressure monitoring systems, so you don’t have to stress during road trips. Other perks include automatic headlights, cross-traffic monitoring, and side curtain airbags.

#5 Subaru Ascent

Another one of the best SUVs on the market and a contender for the safest family vehicle is the Subaru Ascent. This is another big vehicle with room for up to eight passengers. The SUV also offers a lot of storage space, so you can keep backpacks and snacks out of the way. This vehicle also has a whopping 19 cup holders, which may seem a bit excessive until you go to a fast food restaurant with the whole family!

What Makes it Safe?

The Subaru Ascent is a very safe vehicle. Subaru has its EyeSight Driver-Assisting Technology, which includes numerous features that help you see the environment around you while helping to control the vehicle. There is a pre-collision braking system, lane-centering features, and advanced blind spot detection. 

#4 Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry continues to be a very dependable and popular sedan. In addition to its safety features, the car is extremely reliable and it’s very fuel efficient. You can fit 4-5 people, and there’s plenty of hip space. The Camry is also a great car for small children as it can fit multiple car seats safely and securely.

What Makes it Safe?

The Toyota Camry is also loaded with safety features. It has a robust lane tracing assist system that keeps the car in the center of the lane. It also has an incredible dynamic radar cruise control that keeps you at your speed while also maintaining the proper distance behind other vehicles. The car also has road sign assist, which informs you of important signage on the road by showing them vividly on your dashboard display.

#3 Ford F150

There are also many trucks that fit well in the safest family vehicle conversation. The F150 is one such truck. The truck fits several people with plenty of hip space. It’s also a great vehicle for traveling over different types of terrain. This model also has a unique stowaway feature that creates a desk-like space between the passenger and driver spaces. It’s a nice feature for keeping belongings out of reach of the children.

What Makes it Safe?

Since this truck can go almost anywhere, it makes sense that it would have safety features for any adventure. The Ford F150 features advanced airbag safety systems that protect all passengers if there’s trouble. The truck also has emergency breaking when a collision is detected. There are also blind spot alerts, lane-keeping assist features, and a great parking assist feature, which can make driving easier for people who are newer to trucks.

#2 Tesla Model X

If you absolutely require an electric vehicle, then consider the Tesla Model X. It has plenty of seating and room for multiple car seats. There’s also plenty of hip room for adult passengers. The Tesla also has many bells and whistles for adults, including several Bluetooth charging stations and a helpful cabin camera. The Tesla is more for fashion than function, but it will work just fine as a family car.

What Makes it Safe?

There’s plenty that makes the Tesla Model X safe. For starters, the Model X has extensive lane assist technology that detects items in your blindspot and keeps you safely in your lane. The speed assist feature is also nice. It provides different indicators on your dashboard monitor that help you to stay at a safe speed. Other bells and whistles include the cabin camera, collision avoidance assist, seatbelts, and safety harnesses.

#1 Honda Odyssey

If you have a growing family, you can’t go wrong with a good minivan, and the Honda Odyssey is one of the best. You can fit eight people in this van, making it great for bringing family and friends to those soccer games. Even though you can fit a lot of people, the van is still very spacious so everyone can be comfortable. The vehicle is also car seat-friendly.

What Makes it Safe?

What makes this the safest family vehicle? Several factors. The van offers several configurations for car seats so children of all ages can sit comfortably. There’s also a multi-angle rearview camera that allows you to see much of the road at once. This Odyssey also has advanced braking, airbag, and driver assistance systems. There are also land departure and lane-keeping alerts. You can rest easy when you load your family in this van.

Why It’s Important to Have a Smooth Morning Routine

If you’re a new parent or you are considering growing your family, you may be wondering about the importance of a smooth morning routine with kids. The fact is that you need to have some kind of procedure to go through each morning for your own sanity. It’s especially important when your kids start going to school. You need to get them out the door on time. When you have a schedule, you can ensure that everything goes smoothly so you can also get on with your day. Create your schedule early, so you’re set when you really need it. Here are a few strategies to consider:

Keep It Simple

There will be a lot of recommended steps here for your child’s morning routine. However, regardless of which aspects you include, remember to keep things simple, especially for younger kids. Don’t complicate the process or your kids will inevitably forget a step. If they do, don’t be too hard on them.

Lay Out Clothes the Night Before

The key to a smooth morning routine with kids is to start the night before. One way to do so is to talk with your kids in the evening about the clothes they’ll wear the next day. Find their clothes and lay them all out near the bed. This is a big step that you can skip in the morning. If you have kids, you know how indecisive they can be about their clothes, so this is a must.

Pack Their Backpack the Evening Before

Another essential step to take the night before is to get your child’s backpack in order. Talk to your child about what classes they have and pack their books. Also, ask them about any homework assignments they may have forgotten about. Get them done and out of the way.

Shower or Bathe the Night Before

This step may differ for each family. Some people like to bathe the night before, while others like to bathe when they wake up. However, if you want to have a smooth morning routine with kids, consider bathing the night before. That way, the kids can get out of bed and move on to the next steps of the morning routine. The bathing routine can sometimes take a while so it’s good to get this out of the way.

Get to Bed Earlier

It’s essential that you and your child get enough sleep at night. If you’re not getting enough sleep, then there’s a good chance that you won’t wake up on time. If you find that you’re struggling, then make bedtime a few minutes earlier. It can make a world of difference.

Wake Up Early

If you have a morning routine but you find that you’re still running out of time, you may need to wake up earlier than usual. It may seem easier said than done, but it may be necessary. Even setting the alarm five minutes earlier could make a big difference. Your child will likely be cranky when you start this new wake-up time, but they’ll be okay eventually.

Make Waking Up Less Jarring

Think about how you wake up your kids in the morning. A loud alarm can be a bit jarring and can make your child upset.So can shaking them awake. Instead, make the wake-up process more relaxing by changing the alarm to a soothing song or waking the kiddos up with some warm snuggles. It’s a great way to start the day.

Get Them in the Bathroom

In the morning, once your child is up and out of bed, get them into the bathroom so they can get that part of the process over with. Part of the procedure may be washing their face, brushing their teeth, combing their hair, or any number of things. Get it done and move on with the routine.

Keep Everything In Its Space

Another essential key to a smooth morning routine with kids is to keep everything in a certain place so you know where to get it. That means also putting things away when you’re done. Keep the coat in the closet, the backpack near the door, and the homework in the bag the night before. You may need to put items in labeled containers so you always have what you need.

Put Clocks Everywhere

Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the easiest. For example, if you want to know that you’re on time during your morning routine, then put clocks everywhere. Have a clock in your child’s room, in the bathroom, and in the kitchen. That way, you can keep on track and get everything done.

Listen to Upbeat Music

While you’re going through your morning routine, consider playing some upbeat music that is suitable for children. Music has a great way of energizing people and getting them excited, and it could be just what your kids need to be motivated to get out the door. Even playing it in the background can do the trick.

Share Positive Thoughts of the Day

A final great way to set yourself and your kids up for the day is to share some positive thoughts and things you’re grateful for. You can do this on your way out the door or even in the car on the way to school. Your kid can repeat phrases like “I am brave” and “I can do anything.” It’s a great way to set your kids up for success in class. When your kids wake up, ask them to say something that they’re grateful for, like that they’re healthy or that they get to learn something exciting at school.

Create a Checklist

Once you’ve created a smooth morning routine with kids, take all of the steps you want to follow and turn them into a checklist. Hang it up so that both you and your kids can see it so everyone is aware of what is expected. Consider adding it onto a dry-erase board so you can check off each step. Then, when you’re done, you can clean it off and have it ready for the next day.

Reward Your Child

When your child successfully goes through the morning routine, consider providing them with a reward. It could be an extra snack at breakfast or the promise of playing a game after school. You don’t have to reward them every day, but by showing that they did a good job, they’ll be likely to be successful again tomorrow.

What is Considered Screen Time?

The first step to properly managing screen time is to understand what it is. As it sounds, screen time is how much time you spend sitting in front of a television, laptop, smartphone, or anything else with a screen. Spending a lot of time watching the news, playing video games, or even working can often be the culprit.

Negative Effect of Too Much Screen Time: Obesity

There are numerous reasons why sitting in front of a screen for too long is bad for your mental and physical health. One of them is that you could face health issues like obesity. Whether it’s you or your children, if you spend too much time in front of the screen, you’re less likely to get up and move around. In addition to the likelihood of gaining weight, a sedentary lifestyle can also lead to heart issues, the potential for diabetes, and more.

Negative Effect of Too Much Screen Time: Sleep Issues

Managing screen time is essential, especially if you value your sleep. One of the issues associated with almost any type of screen is the blue light it emits. Blue light can affect your sleep cycle and circadian rhythm. That means you could have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

Negative Effect of Too Much Screen Time: Neck and Back Pain

Another issue associated with excessive screen time is body issues, especially with your back and neck. Most people who spend hours watching TV or working at a desk are not sitting properly. Their back may be arched and their necks bent. If you do that too often, you could experience chronic pain. 

Negative Effect of Too Much Screen Time: Anxiety and Depression

When you spend an excessive amount of time in front of a screen, you’re less likely to be out in the real world with real people. As a result you could begin to experience depression. You need social contact with others. The people on TV won’t give it to you. Also, the less time you spend in real-world situations, the more likely you are to be anxious when you’re in them later on.

Screen Time is Even Worse for Kids

Children and teens who are subjected to constant screen time can face all of the threats mentioned previously, plus other downsides, like a lack of success at school. Per the National Institutes of Health, teens with screen time issues can score lower on language and thinking tests. Creative and critical thinking skills will likely also take a hit.

Keep Track of Your Time

One of the easiest ways to start managing screen time is to be self-aware and keep track of your time. Make a spreadsheet that lists how often you’re in front of a screen each day. If you notice that you’re spending hours in front of the TV, then start making changes. Sometimes, it’s hard to realize how often you’re engaging in a bad habit until you write it down.

Use Tech

The obsession with too much screen time is a well-known issue. That’s why many developers have created software to help with the problem. For instance, one app called RescueTime tracks your screen time and sends you alerts about your usage. Another app called Canopy allows you to set restrictions on the time you can spend on websites that take up a lotof your time. Research the many different apps available online and find the best one for you.

Turn Off Notifications

Part of the reason why you may be spending so much time on your screen is because you are constantly getting reminders to get on your phone. So, turn off the notifications that you have on Facebook, Instagram, and news websites. If you’re not reminded of them, there’s a good chance you won’t be so dependent on them.

Take Breaks During Your Work

You may not have a lot of control over the need to look at screens, especially if you need to use a computer for work. However, you can make the situation better by taking breaks. Get up once per hour and focus on something different in the room so you’re not just staring at the screen all day. Another way to protect your eyes is to follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, focus on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. That way, you allow your eyes to refresh.

Use a Standing Desk

An easy way to reduce screen time is to get a standing desk. Standing during your working hours can help mitigate the possibility of obesity and other health issues. Then, when you feel better about your health and physical appearance, you’ll also likely have less anxiety.

Don’t Eat In Front of Your Screens

Many people fall into the trap of doing everything in front of their screens, so they find fewer excuses to leave them. One little way to fix your issue is to make it a rule that you will never eat a meal in front of a screen. Instead of eating with the TV on, sit with your family and speak about your days. During your lunch break, instead of eating at the desk, take the time to walk outside or find a way to get out of the house.

Don’t Look at Your Phone in Bed

Many people lie in bed while looking at social media or watching YouTube. That’s a surefire way to fuel your screen addiction. So, make it a rule to never touch your smartphone while in bed. Instead, write in a journal or read a book. These are methods to keep your mind busy and could help you fall asleep.

Spend More Time Outdoors

An easy way to avoid excessive screen time is to spend as little time as possible away from screens. A great way to do so is to spend more time outdoors. During weekends, instead of binging new shows, go for long hikes. After work, head outside and spend time with the kids. Whenever you feel yourself getting bored on the couch, find something to do in the backyard.

Lead by Example

If you don’t want your kids to also struggle with an addiction to screen time, then you should set an example. Doing so could help you and the children. Set limitations for when your kids should be on screens and then follow your own advice. In addition to being healthier, you and your kids will also have an increased chance of bonding with each other.

Listen to the Experts

If you used to think that video games were bad, then you need to listen to the experts. According to the Cleveland Clinic, video games increase brain matter. The experts say the games work like a stimulant that increases the gray matter that encourages interconnectivity in your brain. The grey matter also controls your movement and regulates your emotions.

Feelings of Accomplishment

The same experts at the Cleveland Clinic also say that playing video games can help players feel a sense of accomplishment. All games include tasks of some form, and when a player reaches the next level or gets a trophy, it feels great. The player can translate that feeling into the real world and use it to succeed in their job.

Improve Dexterity

Holding a video game controller can be great for a player’s hands and improve dexterity. This is according to a study from the American Psychological Association. They say that people who play video games make fewer mistakes when they’reworking with their hands. Some doctors even recommend that stroke victims play video games to get back control of their hands.

Improve Social Skills

When many people imagine someone playing video games, they imagine them all alone, sitting in the dark. However, the truth is that people who play video games are often better in social situations, typically due to the fact that they play games with other people, even if they’re not with them in the room. They may even be more comfortable than someone who doesn’t play games.

Become a Problem Solver

Just about any video game will help the player with problem-solving abilities. Platforming games require the gamer to jump from place to place to reach an end goal. Role-playing games ask the player to form a group to defeat a common enemy. Granted, players won’t face these same issues in real life, but they’ll know the steps necessary to tackle a problem.

Become More Physically Active

Many people also have the misconception that gamers sit on a couch all day and eat fatty foods. The fact is that new technology like virtual headsets and gaming systems like the Wii require players to move around while playing the game. That means a gamer may be getting more exercise than non-gamers, and that’s a good thing.

Improved Vision

People who thought that video games were bad never realized the benefit that gaming can have on a player’s eyes. Many games, including first-person shooters, require players to see what’s near and far at all times in order to win. According to a study on Live Science, game players can often see objects in cluttered spaces more easily than non-gamers. Just be careful about staring at the TV screen for too long.

Stress Relief

Gaming can also be an incredible stress reliever. If you enjoy playing video games, then you’re likely to feel better whileplaying them. Just about any game can help the player escape reality, if even for an hour or so. That’s why many mental health professionals even recommend games as a form of therapy.

Games Teach Persistence

The great thing about most video games is that they have an ending, and the goal is to get to that ending. It won’t always be easy, and that’s the point. Playing most games requires persistence and that same persistence is necessary in the real world. Many people give up to easily in life, so gaming could be a solution.

Improves Your Memory

There are many games that require memory to succeed. You can play just about any role-playing game, and you’ll be forced to remember which items hurt which enemies. There are also strategy games that require certain moves to succeed. In the real world, it’s necessary to remember facts and information for work, so gaming could help a person succeed.

Games Can Help With Reading Skills

Video games can be great for younger kids who are learning to read. Many open-world games and RPG titles require the player to read in order to make decisions and progress throughout the game, and kids can learn a lot. Granted, video games shouldn’t be the only way that kids learn to read, but they can be a great supplement to books.

Video Games Could Become a Career

The people who always believed that video games were bad have never turned their love of gaming into a career. The video game industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and there are jobs for graphic artists, writers, voice actors, and more. A child who loves games now could find a very fruitful career in the future.

Games Learn How To Set-Shift

To set-shift means how quickly a person can switch from doing one job to another. So, how quickly can a person properly move from cooking a meal to washing the car. Video games can help people move from task to task more easily and with little confusion. Games can also help with multitasking abilities. 

Games Help With Creativity

Video games can also be a great way to spark creativity. Many games are filled with expansive worlds that seem to go on forever, and they can do wonders for a person’s imagination. Gamers could use the inspiration they get from playing their games to be more creative in the real world.

Games Can Be Educational

I always thought video games were bad until I realized how many educational games there are in the world. There are games that teach players how to read, perform math equations, learn the alphabet, and many other important lessons. Sit your child in front of an educational game for 10-15 minutes, and it could do them a lot of good.

Child Left Unsupervised

The number one concern for parents regarding playdates is their child being left unsupervised. With a lack of supervision, children are more susceptible to coming across something they shouldn’t, engaging in unsafe behavior, or being exposed to inappropriate behavior or content.

Whether or not parents let their child go to an unsupervised playdate is a personal choice and is determined by several factors. These include how close they are with the family, level of trust, and how old the child is. However, like anything, there will always be some level of concern. Here are the top concerns of parents who have decided to say no to unsupervised playdates.

Inappropriate Language

The number one concern of parents is the exposure to certain risks. Since you don’t know what is happening in another person’s home, there’s always the chance a child will be exposed to things that will make you and them uncomfortable.

One of these concerns is exposure to inappropriate language. This includes crude or sexual language or cursing.

Exposure to Inappropriate Content/Conversations

To go along with inappropriate language is the potential exposure to inappropriate content or conversations.

Sometimes, adults talk openly in front of children, even about topics that aren’t for their ears. Additionally, the home may not have the same content rules as you or be tightly monitored. There’s a chance your child will be exposed to content that is violent or inappropriate.

Injury Risk

Kids are risk-takers. If a child is left unsupervised during this playdate, there’s a higher risk of injury. This concerns parents because they don’t know what their child is doing or what is readily available for them to get into.

Before you say that’s just helicopter parenting, many concerns stem from not knowing whether or not the adult in charge will be attentive and mindful.

Cyberbullying/Online Safety Concerns

Even supervised children may find a way to do something they shouldn’t. Many parents are concerned with cyberbullying or the ability to get online in an unsafe way. If online activity isn’t monitored tightly for children, they can quickly become exposed to something they shouldn’t be or even become susceptible to a predator.

Not Knowing Who is Coming and Going

Sure, you may know the family, but who is coming and going from their house? Do their kids have any older friends? Are uncles, aunts, and grandparents coming and going? Sure, not every adult is an unsafe person. But there are unsafe people out there.

Studies show that abuse is more commonly done by someone the child knows and trusts. Parents must stay diligent when determining where a child can be unsupervised. If that makes you a helicopter parent, then that’s okay. Your job is to protect your child.

Child Not Having Conflict Resolution Skills

The younger the child is, the less likely they are to have conflict resolution skills. Furthermore, it often depends on the child’s personality and temperament. Some children are more readily able to say no to a situation or be able to remove themselves. Others may go along with the crowd because they don’t want to cause a fuss.

This can put a child in a tricky position because they may not know how to stop or report events like bullying, inappropriate or unsafe behavior, or peer pressure.

Access to Medications and Harmful Substances

Another main concern of parents when it comes to unsupervised playdates is what kind of access their children will have. We touched on the access to inappropriate content, but another concern is access to medications and harmful substances.

There’s no way of really knowing if a family has medications put away safely or if they have harmful substances lying around. If your child comes across it, is curious, or even pressured to take it, they could be badly hurt or worse.

Unsecured Guns/Guns in the House in General

Guns can be a hot topic, but either way, if you own a gun, it should always be safely locked up, especially when children are around. All it takes is a couple of seconds for a young child to get a hold of one that wasn’t securely locked up to change their life and your life forever.

Unpredictable Animals

Dogs and cats can make great pets. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t unpredictable. If a dog is scared or nervous around a new child, it could lash out and hurt your child. It’s always best to be safe.

Food Allergies and Specific Dietary Requirements

Many children have food allergies or specific dietary requirements. Sure, you can let the parents know, but that doesn’t always mean they will remember, take it seriously, or pay attention to the ingredients in a snack.

Furthermore, not every child will be able to remember ‘oh hey, I have a food allergy.” It makes sense that parents would be worried about their child accidentally eating something that could cause a terrible reaction. You can prepare for this by packing your child’s snacks and explaining why to the parents.

What to Ask Before a Playdate

Sometimes, when our children are invited to a playdate, a tiny sliver of panic may shoot through us. This is especially true if you don’t know the family well. Furthermore, asking questions may feel intimidating because we don’t want to offend anyone. Yet, it’s better to ask and prepare so you have all the information you can before making a decision. Here are several questions you should ask before letting your child go on a playdate:

• Is there a pool where you are going to be? Is it easily accessible?
• Is there a trampoline?
• Do you have screen time and media rules/restrictions?
• Do you have pets? How are they with children?
• Are there any guns in your home?
• Who will be watching the kids?
• What activities will they be doing?
• Discuss any allergies or food restrictions for both families.

How to Decline Politely

If you have gotten an invitation to an unsupervised playdate and decided you want to decline politely, here are a couple of ways to do so:

• Say thank you, but your child isn’t available that day.
• Be sure to extend gratitude.
• Be honest and explain (if you want.)
• Ask to get together at a public place instead, like the park.
• Explain that you don’t want to miss out on much-needed family time.  

Playdates can be a great way for kids to get together. Yet, the safety of your child comes first. That means being concerned with where they are going and who will be there regularly as a parent. Safety should always come first, and instead of feeling pressure to send your child to an unsupervised playdate, offer to meet up somewhere with the kids. After all, parents need friends too.

What Determines How Old We Look?

The age we look will vary depending on each person. Genetics, stress, collagen loss, and lifestyle choices are all contributing factors.

We can’t do a whole lot about genetics. Lifestyle choices, on the other hand, we can change those. This means we can also potentially fix appearing older than we are. So, if you are tired of looking older than your actual age, take a look at these everyday habits that affect our appearance. Here are 14 ways you are making yourself appear older than you are.

Wearing Frumpy Clothes/Clothes That Don’t Fit

Sometimes, we age ourselves with the clothing we choose to wear. Frumpy is defined as ‘drab, old-fashioned, and unattractive.” Does this mean you have to be up to date with the latest trends? No. However, there have been studies behind the idea of ” if you look good, you feel good.”

Wearing clothes that don’t fit or are considered ‘frumpy’ may age you. So, instead, look at your closet and then spend a couple of minutes finding an outfit or two that sparks joy. You just may find yourself feeling and looking like your young self.

Not Wearing the Right Color Foundation

One way you’re making yourself appear older than you are, has to do with the foundation you choose. Finding the proper color foundation can be tricky. There are so many options, but which foundation you use is very important. If you choose too dark, your makeup may appear caked, aging you a bit.

However, if your foundation is too light, you could appear washed out. The best way to find the proper foundation is to figure out your undertone.

Not Knowing Your Skin Undertone

There is your skin tone, and then there is your skin undertone. Most everyone knows what type of skin tone they have. However, the skin undertone can be trickier to figure out. Our undertone is the color underneath our skin. There are three types: cool, warm, and neutral. A cool undertone has pink and blue tones, while a warm one has yellow or golden tones.

Finding Your Skin Undertone

From finding the perfect shade of foundation to choosing your next hair color, knowing your undertone can help you feel more confident. It does this by finding styles to complement your natural beauty. One of the easiest ways to find your undertone is to look at the veins inside your wrist. If they are blue and purple, you have a cool undertone. Whereas, if they are greenish, then it’s a warm undertone. A neutral undertone has a mixture of both.

Constant Stress

If you feel under constant stress; then you may be aging yourself. Stress can cause skin damage by breaking down collagen and causing skin inflammation.

Some stress is a normal part of life. But if you feel like you are chronically stressed, you can take steps to reduce it, the Mayo Clinic offers several tips here.

Lack of Sleep

Also, when we are stressed, we usually lack sleep. This can cause us to appear older than we are by reducing our skin elasticity and causing uneven pigmentation.

Furthermore, sleep-deprived can also pack on the wrinkles and bags under our eyes.

Prioritize sleep by ensuring you get at least eight hours a night. Turn off the electronics a few hours before bedtime to help prepare your body for the rest.

Wearing Dark Colors

You may be putting your appearance at a disadvantage if you only wear dark colors like black or grey. Dark colors age us because of the contrast with skin tone.

Additionally, dark colors also accentuate features like wrinkles and under-eye shadows. Instead of constantly wearing black and grey, try adding warm colors, soft neutrals, or something that complements your undertones.

Not Taking Time for Self-Care

Self-care is one of those things that gets pushed to the back of our priority list often. We are so busy today, on the go, working all the time, we forget to prioritize self-care.

However, it will begin to show if you neglect exercising, eating healthy whole foods, and getting enough rest. So, take at least 15 minutes a day to move your body and pay attention to what you are putting in it. You may start to feel and look younger.

Caking on Your Foundation

Caking on foundation and not blending it in can make you appear older for several reasons. The foundation can set into fine lines, making them pop even more. Additionally, if your foundation is cakey, it is uneven and thick.

To avoid caking on your foundation, take a few minutes to learn blending techniques and the proper way to apply foundation. These skills can help you feel more confident when you apply makeup.

Having Poor Posture

Having poor posture can give you a hunched appearance. The slouching can also add more premature wrinkling and sagging to your skin.

If you find yourself struggling with poor posture, try one or more of these tips to correct it:

• Become more aware of your posture every day
• Exercise your core and back muscles
• Try to keep your head aligned over your shoulders with your shoulders back
• Stretch every day
• See a professional for any back pain
• Try a posture corrector

Not Drinking Enough Water

Not drinking enough water may kick up the aging process. It affects our organs, including our skin. Lack of hydration can also increase the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Our body will pull water from our skin, leading it to lose that youthfulness and elasticity.

So be sure to get the recommended amount of water daily. Doing so can also help with the bags under your eyes.

Grey/Uncolored Hair

Sporting your natural gray hair is an option that many more people are choosing to do. Natural is beautiful. However, there is a difference between a 50-year-old person with gray hair and a 20-year-old person. Gray hair can appear at any age, even as a teenager!

So, if you aren’t ready to sport your natural greys and whites, book an appointment with your hair salon to color your hair. You can also use a boxed color to be frugal.

Not Moisturizing Your Skin

Washing your face is an important skill to learn as a young person. However, moisturizing your skin is also equally important. This will help keep your skin hydrated and smooth and reduce skin irritations.

If you haven’t started a good routine yet, moisturize your face at least twice daily.

You Are a Smoker

Smoking breaks down your collagen and elasticity in the skin. It also reduces blood flow to your vessels and blocks nutrients and oxygen from your skin.

Therefore, if you are a smoker, try to quit. Reducing premature aging isn’t the only benefit that would come with this lifestyle change.

One Last Note

We can’t always control how we age. After all, genetics plays a huge part in it. However, our lifestyle choices sometimes make us appear older than we are. Changing diet, activity level, and even how you dress can help you when you’re making yourself appear older than you are, or at the very least, your age.

Why You Need to Watch Your Calories

When you bring your family to any fast food restaurant, you need to think seriously about the nutritional information in the meal you’re ordering. Many fast food menu items are loaded with salt, calories, and trans fats. Even if all you do is keep an eye on the caloric intake, you’ll be doing your family a lot of favors. Why? Because eating too many calories is bad for your health. Going overboard on calories can lead to serious issues, including obesity, weight gain, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes, among other severe complications. Choose meals under 500 calories and you’ll do yourself and your family a lot of favors.

McDonald’s 10-Piece Chicken Nugget Meal

The first of the meals under 500 calories is the 10-piece chicken nugget meal at McDonalds. If you get this meal with apple slices, you’ll have enough for a good family meal. You can even get a helping of the spicy buffalo sauce for dipping. Add it all together, and you’ll be sitting right at 455 calories.

Burger King Hamburger Meal

While you’ll likely need to cut the hamburger into sections if you’re sharing this meal with your family, there’s still plenty to eat. The regular burger is 250 calories. You can pair the burger with the value size fries, and you’ll add on another 230 calories. If everyone in the family gets some fries and a part of a burger, they’ll be satisfied with a meal that comes in at 280 calories.

Burger King Whopper Jr. Meal

This meal is best for a smaller family. It entails a Whopper Jr and a side of applesauce. Add it all together, and you’ll have a meal coming in at 380 calories. You may even have some space for a few fries. Just be cautious as this meal also has 560 grams of sodium, so watch your sodium consumption the rest of the day.

Taco Bell Veggie Bowl

The Taco Bell Veggie Bowl is a great little meal that includes cabbage, rice, lettuce, cheese, guacamole, pico de Gallo, and ranch sauce. It’s a tasty dish, and you can share it with your family. When you do, you’ll be consuming 420 calories. This dish is also pretty healthy. It offers 12 grams of protein, which is essential for bone health.

Taco Bell Veggie Mexican Pizza

While you’re at Taco Bell, consider another one of the great meals under 500 calories. This one is the veggie Mexican pizza that has beans, cheese, tortillas, and a variety of veggies. It’s a tasty dish for the family that won’t leave you stuffed at the end. It has 470 calories. Best of all, it has 14 grams of protein, which is good for your health.

Wendy’s 4-piece Spicy Chicken Nuggets Meal

This meal won’t leave your family stuffed, but it’s enough to give everyone something to eat while staying relatively healthy. This order includes the 4-piece Spicy Chicken Nuggets and a side of small French fries. The nuggets have 190 calories and the fries have 260 calories. It comes in at 450 calories. However, be warned that the meal also has 900 mg of sodium.

Subway 6-inch Oven Roasted Turkey

Head to Subway and you’ll find that there are several meals under 500 calories that will leave your family satisfied. In each case, you’ll need to go with a six-inch sub, but it’s enough for everyone if you cut it into sections. This one is the oven-roasted turkey, which comes in at 270 calories. You may even have some room left over for a few chips.

Subway 6-inch Veggie Delite Sub

Another tasty Subway menu item that you and the family can enjoy without going overboard on the calories is the six-inch Veggie Delite. This one only has 220 calories and it’s filled with goodies. It also has 10 grams of protein, which is good for you.

Subway 6-inch Black Forest Ham

If you’re looking for a meal that can be amongst multiple people and you’re at Subway, check out the Black Forest Ham sub. This one has only 280 calories and it’s loaded with delicious meat. Best of all, the sub also has 19 grams of protein, which is a great amount. It does have 850 mg of sodium, so go easy on the extra salt.

Chick-fil-A 8-Count Grilled Nuggets Meal

Chicken is generally more nutritious that many other types of food, so it’s no surprise that Chick-fil-A would have some very healthy meals. A case in point is the Eight-Count Grilled Nuggets Meal, which you can pair with a Kale Crunch side.You can divvy up the nuggets for the family and have a nice meal. Altogether, it will have 300 calories, which is great for a meal.

Arby’s Premium 9-Piece Chicken Nuggets

Arby’s is also home to several meals under 500 calories. One of them is the nine-piece chicken nugget meal. You can get it with a side of sauce and still be just under the 500-calorie mark. A large family may not be stuffed after the meal but they’ll be satisfied.

KFC 2-Piece Chicken Combo Meal

Yes, even KFC has some relatively healthy options. One of them is the 2-piece Chicken Combo with a side of mashed potatoes. Granted, this meal would be for a smaller family, but it would still do the trick. Altogether, it will have 400 calories. You even have room for a Pepsi Zero to wash it all down.

KFC 5-Piece Chicken Nuggets Meal

Another great option is the KFC 5-Piece Chicken Nuggets that you can pair with a side of small fries. This meal provides enough to feed your family and it comes in at exactly 500 calories. The meal even includes 20 grams of protein, which is an added bonus.

Chipotle Wholesome Lifestyle Bowl

Chipotle also has a variety of bowls that fit the category of meals under 500 calories. One of the best is the Chipotle Wholesome Lifestyle Bowl. It’s loaded with fajita vegetables, chicken, lettuce, guacamole, and salsa. It’s more than enough for a family to dig into, and it comes in at 460 calories. The meal also has a whopping 35 grams of protein, which is always a plus.

14 Parenting Myths That Could be Harmful

Just a quick look at history shows that parenting has changed in several ways throughout generations, even from decade to decade. These ways include parenting goals, access to information, and parental involvement. However, so many parenting myths continue to make their way from generation to generation, even though these myths may actually be more harmful than good. Let’s take a look at several common ones that continue to live on.

Parenting Comes Naturally

If a young mom feels nervous about parenting their child, they may be met with well-meaning advice. “Oh, don’t worry, parenting comes naturally” may just be spoken by your well-meaning elderly neighbor. But just because it’s a common saying doesn’t make it true. Some parents are natural; others simply aren’t.

This myth can lead to parents feeling like failures and putting unrealistic expectations on themselves. Parenting is actually a learned skill that may take time and effort for some.

Vaccines Cause Autism

One myth that keeps popping up even after being debunked is that vaccines cause autism. Childhood vaccinations were developed to protect against several potentially deadly diseases. Autism, on the other hand, is connected to the brain development of a person and genetics.

This myth came to life when a 1998 study made this suggestion. However, since then, the person who wrote this study had their medical license revoked, and the study was retracted. During the time after, several studies have debunked this myth.

Giving Children Respect Makes Them Spoiled and Selfish

Children are people deserving of respect just like any adult. There is a misconception that children should respect all adults but are not deserving of the same respect. We can see this in examples of children being expected to give hugs and kisses to those who make them uncomfortable.

Additionally, the idea that children should respect all adults could put them in a dangerous situation that may lead to an adult hurting them. A child is not spoiled or selfish if you give them respect and autonomy. Instead, it will teach a child that their mind and intuition are important.

Furthermore, we should teach our children how to spot safe adults and that they themselves deserve respect.

Kids Are Born Resilient

‘Oh, kids are resilient.” have you ever heard this? This myth simply isn’t true. Sure, kids can become resilient when they have a strong support system in place. However, when exposed to adverse childhood experiences it can actually cause great harm, not resilience.

These stresses and trauma can affect a child in several ways. They may be more likely to participate in harmful activities like unsafe sex or drug use. If you have never heard of ACEs and how they affect a person’s future, read more about them here.

Children Always Come First

This is a well-meaning myth. Yet, it can be harmful to parents who actually believe this. Your child’s needs should always be at the forefront of your mind. However, you can’t neglect yourself and compromise your health in the name of parenting. Being the best parent you can mean you need to care for your own physical and mental health.

The Twos Are Terrible

Oh, the terrible twos. While it’s meant to encourage parents, this myth can give a mindset that is not helpful. During the twos, toddlers’ minds are taking in so much information. Just think about where your toddler was even just a year before. However, through these twos, toddlers are learning independence and communication.

This means that tantrums are simply a normal part of development. Is this time challenging for parents? Yes. However, this time is also difficult for your fast-growing toddler who is learning so much about their world.

Giving Your Kids Medication Makes You a Lazy Parent

Sometimes, parents are hesitant to give their children the necessary medication for disorders like anxiety, depression, or ADHD because they believe the lie that doing so makes them lazy parents. However, these disorders and more are more common in children than people would like to believe.

If your child needs medication to help them in life, then why knowingly deny it from them? Disorders like anxiety in teens is common, but it is also treatable in a number of ways.

Sugar Equals Hyperactivity

This common belief has been debunked several times. Sugar doesn’t equal hyperactivity. However, consuming too much sugar can still have adverse health effects, so it’s still a good idea to eat it in moderation.

There’s Only One Right Way to Parent

This myth can be harmful to both children and parents. There is no right way to be the perfect parent and many ways to be a good parent. Experience, grace, and time will help you find what works for your family. If we buy into the lie that there’s only one way to parent, we put immense pressure on ourselves, which can affect not only our parenting but also our families. But the truth is, every family is different, and every child is different.

You Are Spoiling Your Baby if You…

Hold them too much. Pick them up when they cry. Respond right away. Give them too much love and attention. Young infants are not developmentally able to understand cause and effect. You can’t spoil your baby if you hold them, pick them up, and respond immediately. Besides, time goes by too fast. Hold the baby. Love and affection have the opposite effect; they show children they are valued and build self-esteem.

Strict Parenting Equals Well-Behaved Children

Strict- parenting doesn’t create well-behaved children. It is possible to be firm but loving, consistent but warm. When a child grows up with authoritarian parents, they are more likely to rebel. Additionally, they may feel ignored and degraded.

Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child

This actually dates back to a Proverb found in the Bible. Interpretations of this verse lead some parents to believe it means spanking or harsh punishment. However, discipline doesn’t necessarily mean punishment.

The AAP actually advises parents to refrain from spanking or physical punishment because it can cause more harm. It can lead to an increase in low self-esteem, mental health disorders, and aggression.

Fear is Just a Stage

While some fear is normal childhood development, not all fear is just a stage. Anxiety in children is actually a very real concern and should never just be dismissed. Dismissal of this fear may lead a child to grow more anxious. It’s our responsibility as parents to help children tackle any fears they may have with coping mechanisms, support, and possibly even consulting a health professional.

Children Need to Clear Their Plates

Have you ever heard “there’s starving children in Africa, clear your plate.” This mentality can cause children to learn to ignore their internal voice of being full, develop an unhealthy relationship with food, and gain weight.

1. No Supervision

You’re the type of parent who controls screen time, but maybe the neighbor’s parents aren’t. The truth is that when your kids are at a friend’s house, you really have no control over their devices or rules. Not only could your kids have access to technology they normally wouldn’t, the other parent may also have lax rules that put your kids in danger. Not only that, but they often come home expecting a change because “Samantha can, why can’t I?”

2. Siblings of the Opposite Sex

Most kids have siblings of the opposite sex, and you can’t control who sleeps where at someone else’s house. If Jimmy and his friends decide to sleep in the game room with his little sister and hers, there’s no telling what can happen without parental supervision.

3. No Socialization Parameters

When kids are young, they need socialization parameters so they understand what’s appropriate and what’s not. This is often when they learn about inappropriate touch, things they shouldn’t share with their friends, and how to act around others. If your son doesn’t understand that it’s not okay to go to the bathroom with a friend in the room, he may be uncomfortable if someone else has to teach him that.

4. Better Ways to Create Relationships

As a parent, it’s your job to facilitate healthy spaces and conversations for your child to create relationships. If they haven’t had a chance to create proper boundaries with friends, their relationships may become advanced too early. This can lead to codependency or toxic behavior as time goes on. When your child is in your home, you have more control over the conversation.

5. Risks of Sexual Abuse

As awful as it is to face, there is a high risk of sexual abuse in sleepover situations. You may know the parents, the siblings, and all the extended family, but you have no control over who enters someone else’s home. This could be a friend of a friend who seizes the opportunity to take advantage of your child.

6. Lack of Control Over Rules

Parenting rules are all over the spectrum, and you can only control your own home. If you have strict rules about what your kids can eat, you can’t expect a friend’s mom to enforce those rules. These rules can be anything from “no screen time after nine” to “no driving with friends in the car,” and not all parents care about your rules.

7. Cranky Kids

We have yet to meet a kid who doesn’t get cranky when their schedule is thrown off. This can be naptime, mealtimes, or even screen time. You know those times when you send the kids with grandma and grandpa, they get everything they want, and come home cranky? Sleepovers present the same problem.

8. Kids Need Personal Space

Even the neediest kids need time alone, and there’s no guarantee when they’re going to need that. Your kids might have stars in their eyes about the possibility of spending two full days with friends, but the truth is that they are likely to get tired of each other. What happens if your child needs space and they’re in the same room as friends? They may get upset, a fight breaks out, and they say things they don’t mean, all because they need a bit of alone time.

9. Appropriate Time With Friends

It’s not appropriate to spend all your time with friends. This is true with kids and adults. A common expression parents use is “pace yourself,” and this applies to how much time they spend with one friend. To help your kids develop appropriate bonds with friends, you may need to set boundaries on how often they are together. Sleepovers only exacerbate the issue and can lead to irritation and frustration the friends wouldn’t otherwise feel. There can be too much of a good thing.

10. Cleanliness

Every house has different cleanliness rules. This can include everything from how often your kids shower to if the sheets get washed regularly. When your child is at a friend’s house, they’re susceptible to whatever germs or toxins are in the house. It’s okay to expect your kids to have hygiene boundaries, but you can’t control what other people do with their kids in their own homes. Things like bed bugs and lice spread like crazy during sleepovers.

Some Statistics About Sleepovers

If you’re not convinced yet, we have some interesting statistics you might want to consider about sleepovers.

• Only 10% of abuse cases involve a stranger.
• About 40% of abuse cases involve a family member.
• Most abuse happens between 7-15, and girls are at a significantly higher risk.
• One in five girls and one in 20 boys will experience some type of sexual abuse.

Sleepover Alternatives

Try one of these alternatives to a sleepover if you want to give your kids the memories without the risks.

• Half-sleepovers: Let the kids stay out for a “late night,” until midnight or so.
• Family sleepovers: Plan a short trip (like camping) with another family so your kids can enjoy the experience with you managing it.
• Parties: Have themed parties during the day or that end at an acceptable hour.

How to Say No to a Sleepover

If your kids have friends who invite them to sleepovers and don’t understand why you decline, remember that you don’t have to explain any of your parenting decisions. If you are concerned that it’s creating a rift, discuss your stance with the other parents to help them understand it’s nothing personal; it’s just a family rule.

What Age Are Sleepovers Appropriate for Those Who Allow Them?

If you decide that sleepovers are okay for your family, there’s no right or wrong time to start. Consider your child’s maturity, keep communication open, and get to know the other family.

Your Kids Will Thank You Later

Much of parenting is making your kids mad for their own good. They may not understand now, but they’ll thank you later once they understand the dangers and concerns of sleepovers. As always, it’s most important to keep communication lines open with your children.

Avoid the Chips

It may seem crazy to order a taco or burrito and not get a side of chips, but they are one of the main things that youshouldn’t order at Chipotle. The main reason is the sodium content. Even if you order a small batch of fries, you’re still getting 420 milligrams of sodium. Sure, the seasoning is what makes the chips so tasty, but they are bad news. Too much sodium can increase your chances of dangerous ailments like stroke, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Avoid the White Rice

You don’t have to order a complex meal in order to have an unhealthy bite. In the case of Chipotle, all you need is to order too much white rice. Regular white rice has a ton of sodium and it lacks nutrients and fiber, which makes it high on the glycemic index, meaning it can cause blood sugar spikes. If you really want rice with your burrito, get it, but don’t go overboard. Really, you’re better off getting brown rice because it does contain nutrients, so it’s less unhealthy overall.

Avoid the Carnitas Bowl

One of the most unhealthy dishes at Chipotle is the carnitas bowl. Many of the bowls that the restaurant sells are rather unhealthy, mostly due to the size and pile of ingredients included in each one. However, the carnitas bowl is one of the worst, as it clocks in at over 1,000 calories. Keep in mind that doctors recommend eating less than 3,000 calories in an entire day, so you can see how this one would be bad for you. A lot of the blame lies on the cheese, guacamole, and sour cream that’s included in the dish.

Avoid the Carnitas Burrito

While you’re at it, you should also avoid the carnitas burrito if you value your health. Again, it comes down to the ingredients. Once you pack in the sour cream, cheese, and white rice, you’re asking for punishment. In the end, the burrito could have close to 1,400 calories, which is a lot for lunch. Even worse, the burrito is loaded with sodium, so you’re not doing your body any favors.

Avoid the “Fresh” Salsa

It may not seem to be true, but one thing that you shouldn’t order at Chipotle is the fresh salsa. Salsa on its own isn’t very unhealthy. However, according to gossip by former employees, the salsa is not made fresh as advertised. According to a post on Reddit, the salsa is actually one of the few things at Chipotle that is not made fresh every day. So, it may taste good, but it may also be days old.

Avoid the Large Chips and Guacamole

It can be tempting to order your main meal, be it a burrito or steak salad, and to also get a side of chips and guacamole, but you should be careful. If you order the large chips and the large guacamole, and you eat it all yourself, you’ll be eating 1,270 calories, which is a big chunck of your daily limit. Plus, the pairing has 82 grams of fat and 126 grams of carbs. If you’re going to order this item, at least share it with friends.

Avoid the Large Side of Queso Blanco

Chipotle has a nice selection of single sides that are great for dipping your chips. But if you’re trying to lose weight or stay healthy, then the side you shouldn’t order at Chipotle is the large size of the queso blanco. That dip by itself has 480 calories. That’s before you add the chips to the equation. This is another side that we hope you share with friends so you’re not getting all of those calories yourself.

Avoid Ordering Too Much On Your Salad

If you’re trying to be healthy, then be careful with salads. They may seem innocent at first, but when you keep adding oningredients, you may be asking for help. For instance, if you decide to add on smoked brisket, you’ll be adding an extra 360 calories to your dish. If you add white rice and brown rice, you’ll get an additional 400 calories. Further, top off your salad with black beans, pinto beans, and guacamole, and suddenly, your salad isn’t so healthy anymore.

Be Careful With Tacos

Just like with the salads, you should be careful when ordering tacos because it’s easy to go overboard. In many cases, the shells are the most unhealthy component. A single crispy shell contains 200 calories, and a soft shell has 250 calories. Once you start adding the meat and condiments, the calories will start to add up. If you decide to have several tacos, you may be asking for trouble.

Try the Chicken Fajita Salad

When you’re ready to start eating healthy at Chipotle, begin with the chicken fajita salad. Often, any menu item with the word “salad” in the title is a good starting point. This particular salad has only 44 grams of carbs and 25 grams of fat. On the flip side, it has 8 grams of fiber and 37 grams of protein, both of which are good for you. This tasty salad is full of lettuce, grilled chicken, veggies, and corn salsa. They are all of the ingredients that can keep you in good physical shape.

Try the Steak and Rice Burrito Bowl

With some modifications, you can get a healthy meal out of the steak and rice burrito bowl. Steak is a great source of protein because it is essential for strengthening your bones, muscles, and skin. Plus, protein helps to regulate your immune system. This burrito bowl has 31 grams of protein, which is a good amount. Rice and beans are also good sources of fiber, but too much rice can be unhealthy. So, to rectify this issue, when you order, ask for “light rice.” 

Try the Steak Salad

If you’re a meat eater and you want something healthy that’s also a bit more substantial, then go for the steak salad. This meal includes steak, lettuce, veggies, and guacamole. This dish is tasty, and it provides a good amount of fiber and protein. Overall, the meal has 445 calories, 23 grams of carbs, and 28 grams of fat. It’s not the healthiest meal in the world, but if you watch what you eat the rest of the day, you’ll be okay.