Family Storytelling Night: Creating Traditions Together

Looking for a unique, fun way to bond with your family? Plan a family storytelling night! Gather your family—plus extended relatives if you’d like—to relive some of your family’s best memories, funniest stories, and even the hard times. By sharing your family history, you’ll not only deepen your connection but perhaps even learn a thing or two. Follow these tips to throw an unforgettable family storytelling night.

Pick a theme or prepare questions.
Some guidance will be needed to get the stories flowing. Choose a theme, like travel adventures, holidays, or school, or draft a few prompts to spark stories. You can tell your guests ahead of time or keep the topics and questions a surprise.

Create a cozy ambiance.
Setting the right mood can help make people feel more comfortable with sharing their stories. Make sure there is plenty of seating, warm lighting, and blankets to help people feel relaxed during family storytelling night.

Prepare your family’s favorite snacks and drinks.
No family event is complete without food, so pull together your family’s go-to recipes. Whether it is the appetizer that is always a hit, the sweet tea recipe passed down through generations, or grandma’s famous cookies, a special treat is a great addition to the evening.

Invite all to share their stories.
When it comes time to share stories, make sure that everyone feels welcome to contribute. Go around in a circle or build off of each other naturally. And remember, it’s ok if not everyone shares; listening is part of the night!

Write down your family memories.
As an optional step, take a moment to jot down highlights from the stories. You can write them out fully later if you want to create a family book or just look back on them on your own.

Plan the next storytelling night.
One family storytelling night certainly isn’t enough time to tell all the tales from your family’s history. Make it a regular occurrence to keep the family bonding going in the future.

Aaa-chooo! Keeping A Healthy Home

Even a seemingly clean house is still susceptible to viruses and bacteria that can affect the health of you and your loved ones. Fortunately, there are ways to combat these hidden dangers. Below are a few examples of the germiest places in your home and easy solutions for keeping them clean and sanitary.

The Kitchen

Towels, dish cloths, sponges and countertops where food is prepped – all these areas are hot spots for germs. To combat them, put sponges in the dishwasher with the drying setting on, or zap wet sponges in the microwave for 1-2 minutes to kill bacteria. Use a fresh dish cloth every day, and sanitize in the washing machine with hot water in between uses. Wash out the sink with soap and hot water after preparing meals and washing dishes, and sanitize the sink, drain and counters with a bleach solution at least twice a week.

The Laundry Room

The laundry room can harbor more germs than you might expect, especially when handling soiled clothing. Underwear and other undergarments should always be washed separately in hot water (at least 150℉) to help eliminate bacteria. Transfer freshly washed items to the dryer immediately after the cycle ends, and dry them thoroughly—about 45 minutes—to prevent germs from multiplying. After handling dirty laundry, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Regularly disinfect the washing machine’s tub using a bleach solution to keep it clean and sanitary.

The Bathroom

Your toilet bowl is not the only source of germs and bacteria in your bathroom. The flush handle on your toilet is often forgotten, and is one of the easiest ways to transfer sickness from person to person. The best way to cut down on bathroom germs is with weekly disinfecting of the floors, tub/shower floor and sides, and the toilet (including the flush handle).

Digital Declutter: Organize Your Devices for a Fresh Start

After the chaos of the holidays, it’s no wonder that getting organized is one of the top New Year’s resolutions. While most organizing is done around the house, don’t miss the chance to organize your digital life as well. Decluttering your files, apps, and photos can help enhance productivity and reduce mental fatigue.

Cell Phone

With so much information on our phones, there’s a lot to declutter. Delete unused apps and organize the remaining ones into folders; do the same with unwanted files and downloads. Next, go through your contact list and remove those with whom you aren’t in touch anymore. Organizing photos can be hard, so start by deleting screenshots and duplicates, then grouping them into albums. Revisit your notifications as well—a few fewer alerts a day is a good thing!

Computer

Help your computer run faster by getting rid of files and applications you don’t need. Start with decluttering your desktop and continue with your documents and photos, categorizing them into folders along the way. Uninstall software that’s no longer needed and clear your cache and browser history to allow pages to load more quickly.

Tablet

Tablets are frequently used for entertainment, so they end up filled with e-books, movies, and games. Clear out any media content that you don’t use anymore to help free up space on your device. Organize the home screen with folders by how they are used or who uses them, for example, “Work,” “Relaxation,” or “Kids.” In addition, consider adding widgets for apps that you use frequently.

Gaming Systems

For gamers, decluttering can make a big difference in the performance of the system. Remove games that you don’t play anymore and clear saved data from old games (it’s often automatically saved even though you might not want it). In addition, remove accounts or profiles for guest players as well as trials and demos for various games.

The key to staying organized on your devices is to make a habit of it! Decluttering a little bit each week or month goes a long way.

Helping Kids Avoid Holiday Overstimulation

 

The holidays are a magical time of year for children, with fun events and activities, not to mention toys and gifts. While some children do just fine during this time of year, for others, the family parties, sugary treats, and influx of new toys can be too much. If you know that your child is one who is easily overwhelmed, you can take steps to keep things calm during the holidays.

 

• Maintain your routine. Children thrive on routines, so try to keep your days as “normal” as possible during the holidays. Eat meals at regular hours and keep up with nap times and sleep schedules. Doing so can help provide structure for children so that they don’t feel anxious or overwhelmed.
• Avoid overstimulating toys. When buying toys for your children, go for those that don’t light up, talk, or move on their own. These electronic toys can be overstimulating for many children. Consider toys that require imagination or movement, or offer the gift of an experience that’s appropriate for the child.
• Keep desserts and treats to a minimum. When you are at parties or family events, keep an eye on what your child is eating. With dessert tables and bowls of candy readily available, some kids will try to push the limits. By monitoring how much sugar they consume, you can help keep them from becoming overstimulated. 
• Allow time for breaks. Holiday parties are fun for adults, but maybe not so much for kids. When bringing your children to a holiday party, be prepared with ways for them to have some downtime. You can go for a walk outside for a break, bring fidget toys, or let them have a blanket or lovey to bring them security.
• Know when to call it a day. If overstimulating situations end up getting the best of your kids, feel free to excuse your family and head home—your hosts will appreciate it. For older kids who might not act out but still feel anxious, create a code word so you’ll know when they’ve had enough.

 

Keep Your Family On Track At School

With the school year well underway, students have had their fair share of assignments and assessments. And while they may have started the year energized and ready to learn, at this point, some of the excitement may have worn off. You can keep your children on track at school by putting these supports in place at home.

 

Create a homework zone.

Make sure you have a dedicated space for children to complete their homework and study for tests. Some children need a quiet space for schoolwork, while others prefer to work with some background noise. Stock the area with appropriate school supplies, like pens, scrap paper, or a computer charger.

 

Show interest in assignments and grades.

Ask your children what they are learning in school, check that they are doing their homework, and help them study for tests. Some children may need very little hand-holding, while others will need more frequent monitoring to hold them accountable.

 

Stay in touch with their teachers.

Teachers often send home weekly communications or updates before big assignments. Read these emails promptly and check in with your children as needed. If your child is having trouble understanding what is being taught, reach out to the teacher (or, for older children, have them send an email) to request additional help.

 

Ensure they get enough sleep.

Studies show that children who get the recommended amount of sleep perform better in school, achieving higher test scores and better grades. Elementary school students need nine to 12 hours of sleep per night, while middle- and high-schoolers should aim for eight to 10 hours of sleep a night.

 

Praise a job well done.

When your child does well on a test or completes a challenging project, let them know you are proud of them! Your words will make them feel good and build their confidence. This can help to motivate them to keep up the good work and improve their learning outcomes. Your praise doesn’t only have to come after good news; you can recognize their hard work at any point.

Balancing Screen and Family Time

Cell phones, tablets, and televisions are such an integral part of our lives—we use them for work, hobbies, and relaxation. But it’s important to take time away from screens, especially to spend time with your family. If striking the right balance is a struggle for your family, consider these tips to limit screen time and increase family bonding.

 

1. Set clear time-limit rules. To manage screen time, set limits on when and how long devices can be used. You can have a verbal understanding of the maximum amount of screen time or adjust the settings on your devices to block access once a certain time limit has been reached. Another good idea is to turn off screens at least one hour before bed to allow the body to prepare for sleep. These time limit tips aren’t just for children; adults should follow them as well.

 

2. Establish “no screen” zones in the house. Encourage more connection by prohibiting cell phone or tablet use in areas of the house where the family usually gathers, like the kitchen or the dining room table. Keeping bedrooms screen-free is also a good idea. It can prevent kids and teenagers from mindlessly scrolling on their phones without any parental oversight.

 

3. Model good digital behavior. If you, as the parent, are spending a lot of time on your phone or tablet, it stands to reason that your children will too. Put down your device when spending time with your children and fight the urge to “just check in” or “look something up real quick.” When you make family time a priority, your kids will see the value in it.

 

Downtime is good for everyone, but too much of it can lead to boredom…and more screen time. Make it a point to plan fun outings with your family, like going on a hike, taking a trip to a museum, or going to get ice cream. By putting your devices away, you’ll be able to share experiences that will strengthen your familial relationships.

Fall Garden Tricks and Treats

With fall upon us, you may think it’s time to pack in the garden for the year. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! There is still plenty of time for you to enjoy your garden before winter. Fall is also the perfect time to do some prep work so that you can enjoy a bountiful garden inthe spring. Check out these fall garden tricks and treats:

Trick: Prepare soil and clean-up.

After a season of growing, your soil will need a little boost. Add compost or organic matter to increase its nutrients and improve water retention over the winter. Remove dead plants and weeds from garden beds in the fall as well. This will set your garden up for success next spring.

Treat: Plant mums and pansies.

Mums and pansies are tried-and-true autumn showstoppers. Planted as annuals, they dot the ground with bursts of color or grace entryways with their bold welcome. These plants are a great way to keep your green thumb active well into the fall season.

Trick: Protect from frost.

Protect plants from the cold by adding an extra two to three inches of mulch. Covers or mini-greenhouses can also be used to shield plants from the winter elements. Some plants can also be brought inside for the winter.

Treat: Enjoy sunflowers.

With proper care and maintenance, sunflowers can last well into the fall. The bright yellow and burnt orange colors of a sunflower’s leaves and its dark black center pair so well with the autumn season, it’s worth keeping them around.

Trick: Plant spring bulbs.

Some flowers, like tulips and daffodils, require a long cold spell to ensure they flower in the spring. Fall is the time to plant these bulbs so you can enjoy pops of color in early spring.

Treat: Grow root vegetables.
Fall is the growing season for root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and onions. The cooler weather brings out the sweet, rich taste, making them the perfect accompaniment to stews and soups. You can also simply enjoy them on their own.

Tips to Organize and Protect Your Passwords

So much of our personal information is stored online these days, from bank account numbers to tax records to personal photos and much more. Safeguarding this information from hackers is essential, and it’s important to take steps to store and organize your passwords safely. Follow these tips to keep your online presence protected.

 

• Choose a strong password. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes numbers, symbols, and a mix of lowercase and capitalized letters. Rather than using a common word, experts suggest using random characters or a passphrase—random words strung together that are easy for you to recall, but hard for someone else to guess.

 

• Don’t repeat passwords. With so many passwords to remember, many people reuse the same one repeatedly; however, this can significantly increase their risk of being hacked. Instead, choose a new password for each account you create to reduce the risk of a data breach.

 

• Regularly update your passwords. Passwords for online sites that store essential information, like your bank or email account, should be updated every three to six months. Accounts that don’t include sensitive information should be updated yearly or when a data breach occurs.

 

• Use a password manager. Store all of your passwords in one location to stay organized. The safest and easiest way to do this is to use an online password manager. These services compile your passwords in one secure area and automatically populate password fields when you visit a site. Writing down your passwords is not as secure, but if you prefer this method, store all of your passwords in one location and keep it in a safe spot.

 

• Enable two-factor authentication. Another way to keep your passwords safe is to enable two-factor authentication for your accounts. This is a two-step process: after you enter your password, you will receive a call, text, or email for you to verify your account. If someone else accesses your account, they won’t be able to gain access without this authentication.

Savor The End of Summer with Classic Outdoor Fun!

One thing you can count on as things change over the years is the fact that those classic outdoor games that we enjoyed as children remain popular choices even today! As summer comes to a close it’s the perfect time to savor the outdoors with these family favorites.  Who knows, you might even find yourself joining in the fun too!

Hopscotch
Hopscotch is the perfect game for kids of all ages to play either solo or as a group. All you need is a piece of chalk and a flat rock or bean bag to get the game started.  Once you sketch out the hopscotch squares and path with your chalk – the game is on!  Another twist you can add to this simple game is to personalize the fun by creating squares of different shapes and sizes and mark each square with a funny dance move or a trivia question that must be answered before the player can move forward. This game is not only easy to set up, it’s also great exercise and grandparents can play too!

Capture the Flag
This classic game is great for older kids and provides a competitive game filled with strategy and athletic skills to keep them outdoors for hours. In order to get the best experience out of the game, it’s best to find a spot that has a lot of hiding places for the players to take advantage of while trying to steal the flag of the other team.

Tag
The game of tag is probably the most popular classic choice for generations. All you need are willing participants – of all ages! There are several variations of this game.  Freeze Tag is a game where tagged players are frozen until a teammate comes to unfreeze them. In Blob Tag, tagged players link arms to form a “blob” that chases the other players. Throughout the years there kids have created even more versions of tag games, such as Shadow Tag, Robot Tag, Ninja Turtle Tag, and even Zombie Tag. It’s not too late for YOUR  kids to use their imagination and create their own version of tag!

Hide and Seek
The game of Hide and Seek is one of the oldest games in the world.  Set ground rules for where kids can hide on your property and enjoy the silly sounds that your kids make as they are found. Hide and Seek can also be played by hiding objects for the players to find.  This concept can be customized as a scavenger hunt with prizes at various points.

 

Summer Bucket List: Simple Ways to Beat Boredom and Make Memories

When the days get long, and the temperatures rise, it can be challenging to keep toddlers entertained without relying too heavily on screens or spending a fortune. Here’s a fun and manageable bucket list of toddler-friendly activities to fill your summer with smiles, splashes, and sweet memories:

1. Make Homemade Bubbles. A little dish soap, water, and a DIY wand (try a pipe cleaner!)
2. Have a Backyard Picnic. Lay out a blanket, pack a few snacks, and dine under the sky—even if it’s just in the shade of your tree.
3. Visit a Local Splash Pad or Kiddie Pool. Cool off with some water play. Don’t forget the sunscreen and a dry towel!
4. Collect Rocks and Paint Them. Take a nature walk, gather rocks, and turn them into colorful creatures or patterns.
5. Make Ice Block Treasures. Freeze small toys in a container of water and let your toddler “rescue” them with spoons and warm water.
6. Make Sidewalk Chalk Art. Encourage your toddler’s creativity with big, bold chalk drawings right on the driveway.
7. Dance Party in the Living Room. Blast some upbeat tunes and get those wiggles out with silly moves and lots of laughs.
8. Build a Fort with Blankets and Pillows. Add books, snacks, and a flashlight for an afternoon of indoor adventure.
9. Pick Flowers and Make a Bouquet. Let your child collect safe blooms from the yard or park and arrange them in a cup or jar.
10. Make a Summer Keepsake Jar. Throughout the summer, collect small mementos, such as ticket stubs, seashells, or drawings, and add them to a clear jar.

Keep It Light and Fun

You don’t need to check off every item on this list—just keep it handy for those “what do we do now?” moments. Most importantly, enjoy the simple pleasures of summer through your toddler’s eyes.