Fatherhood Factor

For all the "dealings" of dads...

Luke Douglas

3 Effective Ways to Increase Your Child’s Reading Skills

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Once your child starts going to school, the first and basic thing they learn there is to read. However, some children may experience some difficulties with this part straight from the beginning. There are many reasons which could lead to a situation like this, but it can also have various consequences since reading skills usually set the ground for any future academic success your child can have.

The main thing to do here is react in a timely manner and provide your little one with the support they need to advance academically. Fortunately, there are different productive methods and techniques you can use to help your child with their problem and increase their reading skills significantly. Here are some of them.

Determine the cause of the problem

Before setting down to solving the problem of your child’s poor reading skills, make sure you fully understand what caused it in the first place. After all, your child is definitely not the only one who struggles with reading. In fact, there are probably several kids in their class who find reading challenging as well. The issue can be physical in nature, which is why you should take your child for a checkup to see if their hearing or vision is in any way impaired and if they require therapy.

An optician will be able to determine if your child has poor vision, but your physician can do more than just rule out the hearing or vision problems. They can also refer your child to a specialist who can diagnose a child with ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia or any other similar disorder. If this is the case with your kid, it’s better to know sooner than later, so that you can take action and get your child back on track academically.

In some cases, a child may fall behind in class and in their reading skills because, due to low self-esteem, they’re too shy to speak up in front of their classmates, so be sure you’ve really done your research and found the problem before you can help your kid solve it.

Know your limits

Most parents will do nearly anything to help their children, but in doing so, it’s crucial to know when something is too much for you to handle. Just like your child is aware that they need help with their reading difficulties, you should also recognize when you can’t do everything on your own. If a specialist has tested your child and has come to the conclusion that there aren’t any disorders you should worry about, you should try working with your child at home.

However, if all your efforts aren’t really showing any results and your child’s reading skills aren’t improving, it may be time to involve a professional. Nowadays you can find some amazing language schools which offer courses in phonics for kids with experienced and competent teachers who will pay special attention to the areas in which your child needs help the most and who will monitor your kid’s progress at all times.

These courses are made to help children read fluently and spell accurately. Look for those teachers who take pride in the textbooks they use, especially if they are the ones who developed them. Also, the classes should incorporate a whole range of diverse activities to stimulate the children and meet the learning outcomes they set for their students.

Instill the love of reading in your children

If a child falls in love with books at the earliest of age, they’ll be less likely to develop any resistance towards reading in general. This is why it’s essential that, in order to raise a book lover, you start reading to them even before you’re sure they can understand what they’re hearing.

Once they’re old enough to truly listen to stories and follow as you read them, they might ask you to teach them letters and words, which you can and should do for your child. And when they start reading on their own, stay involved by taking notice of what kind of books they prefer and by making this another one of your father-kid bonding activities.

Find the coziest space in your home, make a few cups of tea, cocoa or hot chocolate and spend some quality time reading. You can each read your own book, or you can read the same book. You can even have little plays to present the scenes from the books you read. When children perceive reading as something pleasant and joyful, they’ll read more often, which will give them the opportunity to practice and further develop their reading proficiency.

The most important thing you can do is let your child know that they can always count on you and that they should come to you first whenever they encounter a problem. And just as it is with most problems, with some patience and the right approach, this one can also be solved.

The Ultimate Guide to Camping with Kids

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You’re a huge fan of camping and you want your kids to fall in love with it, too, but you don’t really know how to accomplish your goal? Look no further because we’re here to help you out! Here’s the ultimate guide to camping with your kids that’ll help you make it happen, so check them out and get down to business right away!

First of all, know your tent

This one’s quite obvious, but let us say it once again – your tent is one of the most important items when it comes to camping with your kids, so make sure that it’s big enough in the first place. You’ve probably already figured it out, but we have to say that toddlers can take a lot of room when sleeping – often much more than you or your wife, so take that into consideration, too. When assembling the tent, try to keep your kids as busy as possible. Older children can either help with the tent or find a play spot, whereas you should definitely bring a portable playpen for the younger ones. Apart from that, you need to ensure that your tent is tear-free and leak-free, so that everyone can stay dry and safe in case of sudden overnight rain.

Layer up and sleep soundly

As temperatures can vary unpredictably from day to night, it’s extremely important to pack a few layers you can add on as the evening gets chillier. Needless to say, your sleeping bags play a huge role here, so be sure to buy a quality camping sleeping bag before everything else. Speaking of cold-weather camping, you should layer your kids in the following order: wicking layer (wool, silk, or bamboo), warming layer (fleece or heavier wool), and then the sleeping bag as the outermost layer. A beanie and wool socks are a must, too. When choosing your bedding, you should pay attention to the weather, obviously. A sleeping pad can be quite useful here as it provides insulation, which is highly required when sleeping on the cold ground.

Light the way

Let’s be honest – nighttime in the campground is highly likely to be much darker and scarier than your kids are used to, which is exactly why you should bring a few lanterns or string lights to create some ambient lighting. In fact, these may make the campground seem like a fairytale setting, so bear that in mind and make the entire experience even more magical for your little ones. When it comes to nighttime diaper changes or getting in and out of the tent while your kids are sleeping, you should bring a small soft light that won’t disturb their sleep or wake them up. On the other hand, headlamps are extremely handy for evening trips to the bathroom, as well as multi-use lanterns you can either place on a table or hang in your tent. Just get one that recharges via Micro-USB and you’ll do a great job!

Don’t forget to bring the essentials and security items

As for packing, it’s really important to let your kids help out and take part in it. Apart from allowing them to contribute and be a part of your family camping trip, it will also mean a lot to them as they’ll have a say in what they want to bring. Besides the tent, sleeping bags and other important layers, and proper lighting, you should come up with a wilderness survival kit that consists of items such as water purification tablets, flashlights, high-energy snacks, ropes, and many other things. Security items such as your kids’ favorite blanket, stuffed animals, and a sound machine are a huge must, too, so don’t forget to bring them along. Bringing white noise can be quite helpful, even if you don’t typically use it at home. The nighttime nature sounds are unfamiliar and can be perceived as distracting by your kids, so turn on your white noise and everyone will be more than fine.

As you can tell, there are a lot of things you have to take into consideration when planning the ultimate camping trip with your kids. However, these four are undoubtedly the most useful ones out there, so make sure to bear them in mind if you’re up for a fun and stress-free camping trip. Just stick to our guidelines and you’ll make it happen like a true pro!

5 Easy ways Dads can Get Fit and Stay Fit no Matter their Schedule

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As an active father handling a couple of restless younglings on a daily basis, you’ve sure got your hands full. Add to that the stress of running a household and providing for your family, and you have a pretty hectic schedule with very little leeway when it comes to personal pleasures. That said, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t ways you can kick-start your fitness journey and become fit, healthy, and happier than ever before.

After all, you’re not the kind of parent to sport that notorious dad-bod, are you? If you want to shape a physique you can be proud of and be an example for your kids, here’s what you need to do to get fit and stay fit no matter how hectic your schedule might be.

List your goals and your reasons for getting fit

Every success story started with a strong battle plan, so it’s important that you identify the why, the how, and the when of your fitness journey in order to find the motivation to start exercising and eating healthy. Make your goals as specific as possible. Start with your long-term goals such as losing weight, putting muscle on your frame, or increasing your cardiovascular endurance.

Next, think of the ways you can achieve this. You can take up running, you can exercise at home, or you can build yourself a gym in the basement – the important thing is to know how you’re going to achieve your goals. And lastly, figure out when you’re going to devote the time to achieve them. Pro tip: early in the morning while everyone’s asleep is probably the best time to get a quick workout in.

Start exercising at home when you have the time

Speaking of, now that you have figured out when you have the time to work out (it can also be late at night when everyone is tucked in), you should figure out the safest way to start. This means easing into a new workout program so that you don’t feel overwhelmed and abandon your fitness goals altogether.

Keep it light and enjoyable, but continue to add the intensity as the weeks progress. You can start working out in your living room with the “equipment” you have, such as the couch and the armchair until you’re ready to take your workouts outside with the rest of the gang.

Take fitness into the outdoors with your family

One of the easiest ways to combine quality time with your kids and work towards achieving your long-term fitness goals is to treat it like a family excursion and take your workouts into the great outdoors. Make sure everyone is warmed up and ready to take on the challenge, and don’t forget to make it fun for the kids by adding interesting exercises aside from running and jumping.

You also need to protect yourself and your kids from the elements, especially if you’re exercising in cold weather. Cold and weather resistant athletic wear such as puffer jackets are excellent at protecting the upper body from moisture and other elements, while insulating bottoms such as leggings are perfect for keeping your knee joints safe and healthy. Bring plenty of fresh water with you and you have everything you need to make your outdoor workouts with the family fun and rewarding.

Tidy up your nutrition and prep meals in advance

Nutrition is an inextricable part of fitness, so you can’t hope to banish your dad-bod and sculpt an enviable physique by just pounding at the weights or running all day long – you need to tidy up your diet as well. Fortunately, it’s quite easy to get your bearings when it comes to nutrition.

Simply calculate your daily caloric expenditure and then increase or decrease your caloric intake depending on your goals. Stick to healthy foods and banish all unhealthy temptations from your fridge and your pantry. Increase your protein intake to maintain and grow muscle mass, and be sure to start preparing your meals several days in advance to ensure your diet is on track.

Stay consistent and accountable by being a role model

So, at the end of the day, how do you stay consistent for the long haul? Simply, by making yourself accountable. The easiest way to do that is to take a look at your children. You are their role model, you are their father, a figure they adore above everything else.

You need to be an example for your children and teach them the values of consistency and persistence in life. Teach them the value of healthy living, and use your fitness journey to motivate them to get off the couch and embrace a life imbued with health, positivity, and day-long zeal.

Final thoughts

Your day-to-day routine might be a bit of a mess, but everyone has 10-15 minutes for a quick workout. Use these tips to kick-start and maintain your fitness lifestyle, and most importantly, instill positive values into developing hearts and minds of your children.

Helping Teenagers Deal with Acne: A Parent’s Guide

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Acne is much more than spots on your child’s skin. It’s a nuisance, often a source of their insecurities and cause of their low self-esteem, especially when combined with all the other challenges teenagers have to deal with. Fortunately, you can help your kid get through this. As a dad, you should find out about the latest advancements in treating acne and be able to advise your child on how to approach this issue. Here are some of the things you can do to help your teenager tackle the problem of acne.

Learn What Causes Acne

There aren’t many teens who don’t struggle with acne, but some have more problems than others. The breakouts can even start when they’re as young as nine for those who enter puberty earlier than most. Acne is most often caused by hormonal changes in teenagers. The hormones influence the sebaceous glands, which then make skin oilier. The oil, bacteria and dead skin cells plug your hair follicles and that’s how acne appear on their face, neck, shoulders, upper back and chest. The follicles that bulge lead to blackheads, while those whose plugs are open to the surface tend to darken, leading to blackheads.

When inflammation of follicles happens, it manifests itself through pimples. It’s essential that you know that your kid didn’t get acne because they ate a hamburger or a candy bar, or that it’s not the lack of hygiene that causes the problem. Once you know the what causes acne and what doesn’t you’ll be able to talk to your child and ensure them that it’s not their fault they have acne and that it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Help Your Child Treat Acne

Although acne isn’t caused by inadequate skin cleansing, good skincare can help in controlling it. The sooner you teach your child how to establish healthy skincare habits and maintain proper hygiene regularly, the better. Choose the best teen acne treatment for your kid, so that they don’t just eliminate acne, but also clean their pores and control the oil and the shine it causes on the skin. The treatments which deliver more oxygen to the pores help kill the bacteria that cause acne sooner, which can help them greatly. Also, you should react as soon as the acne appears.

Waiting for the problem to become more severe often means that it will take more time and effort to contain it, whereas if your child starts the treatment the moment you notice the first blemishes, it can save them the stress and even scaring that acne can cause. Plus, it’s much simpler to fight acne when the breakout is mild and at its beginning. And in case that over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping, take your kid to a dermatologist for a more personalized approach to treatment.

Make Sure Their Diet is Balanced

Even though your teenager’s diet isn’t what actually causes acne, it can either help them with controlling it or worsen the problem. The reason for this is that there are some foods that elevate the blood sugar levels faster than others, which causes the body to release insulin. High amounts of insulin in the blood can make the oil glands produce excessive amounts of oil, and that’s what increases the chance of an acne breakout. The foods in question include processed sugar, pasta, bread and white rice, so try avoiding those ingredients when preparing meals for your child.

Furthermore, dairy products and food loaded with saturated or trans fats can cause a similar effect, so limit the use of these foods, too. Instead, base your kid’s diet around legumes, whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables. Leafy greens, blueberries, apricots and carrots are just some of the skin-friendly foods you should offer your teenager, since the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in them can turn to allies in the battle to regulate acne breakouts.

Offer Psychological Support

Understanding the affect of acne on teenagers’ confidence, and providing them with the understanding and support they need can make the world of difference. Talking to your child is one of the steps, while doing what you can to help with the treatment is another. Don’t forget that your child is at an age when they’re trying to fit in and make friends and, unfortunately, their physical appearance often plays an important role in this process.  This is why it’s not uncommon for teenage girls to wear heavy makeup and boys to grow long hair to try and hide their face.

Low self-esteem, social anxiety and even depression are some of the effects that acne can have on your child. Some children even refuse to go to school, because they don’t want to be seen with acne, which can take a toll on their academic success. And let’s not forget that this is the time when they fall in love and want to form meaningful relationships, for which they may not gather the courage because of acne. If you see that your positive attitude and encouragement aren’t enough, seek help from a psychologist and help your kid any way you can. As your teenager struggles with acne, it means a lot that they have you on their side, knowing that they can rely on you for support. So, stay informed and learn how to help your child get through this problem.

5 Essential Tips for Securing Your Family’s Financial Future

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Even though the times of strict patriarchy are long gone and the world has made great strides to make equality an essential element of a modern household, the father still remains a key supporting figure in the lives of his family members. Whether you are the sole provider or are sharing the financial burden of raising a family with your significant other, your top priority should be to secure the financial future of your home, your kids, and your spouse.

Naturally, this is a cumbersome goal that cannot be achieved solely with determination and wishful thinking. Rather, it requires careful planning and meticulous execution in order to come to life. Here are the five essential tips you need to follow in order to secure your family’s financial future.

Leave no debt hanging over their heads

It might sound a bit counterintuitive, but the first thing you need to think about is yourself. You need to resolve all outstanding financial issues in order to reduce debt and prevent it from falling on the shoulders of your loved ones when you’re gone. What’s more, it’s essential that you start planning for your retirement.

Creating a retirement plan will allow you to preserve your financial independence in your silver years, and thus alleviate the financial pressure of caring for your well-being off of your children and other family members. Remember, as a father and a man, you need to be able to take care of yourself in your old age, or at least pay for professional care – don’t expect your children to carry the burden.

Setting goals should be a priority

If you don’t know what you’ve set out to achieve, then you’re never going to achieve it, simple as that. Raising a family and maintaining a solvent household in the process is a difficult task, but it becomes downright insurmountable when you lose track of your finances or if you don’t know what your mid-term and long-term financial goals entail.

With that said, it’s time you set some S.M.A.R.T. financial goals in order ensure your family’s happiness while being able to withstand all financial difficulties in life. From home remodeling to sending your kids off to college, these are all goals you need to plan for well in advance.

Build a financial legacy for your family

One of the most essential elements of a financially-stable household is insurance. Your home needs it, you need it, and your family members need it. There is no way around it – you can never know what tomorrow might bring, and you need to be able to meet all financial challenges head on.

Most importantly for a modern father, you need to make sure your family will be taken care of in the unlikely event that you’re no longer able to. Life insurance is the foundation of family budget planning as it allows you to plan your future without fear, knowing that should you perish, your financial legacy will keep your family solvent for years to come.

Diversify your income stream

Another important thing to remember is that there is no guarantee that you will be able to keep your job over the years, nor that your earnings alone will be enough to support your family through its numerous milestones in life. If you want to establish true financial independence, you will need to diversify your income stream.

In essence, you need a side hustle that won’t take up too much of your time, preferably something you can establish as passive revenue that requires minimal daily effort on your part. Consider online freelancing jobs, something close to your primary skillset and knowledge base that you can monetize in a short timeframe.

Establish a financial fund for every goal

On a final note, consider creating a financial fund for every major milestone in your life and the lives of your family members. Allocating a certain amount of financial resources every month towards a goal is an excellent way to keep yourself accountable and actually reach it, no matter if you’re saving up for your kids’ tuition fees, an emergency fund, or your retirement. Make a fund, and make it a priority to contribute every single month.

Conclusion

Creating a financially-stable future for your family is not something you can achieve overnight. This is a cumbersome project that will require a sound battle plan and a determined mindset, so follow these essential tips in order to pave the road to long-term solvency for yourself and your loved ones.

Top 10 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Include in Your Kids’ Diet

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Inflammation is a natural process that our bodies require in order to function properly. It’s perfectly normal, and necessary for our immune system to flare up when we’re under attack by a virus or a bacterial infection, and inflammation is a normal immune response to vigorous workouts.

However, those are samples of acute inflammation, while the chronic, perpetual kind is the one we need to nip in the bud. It’s this chronic sort that wreaks havoc on our and our kids’ health and is considered one of the key culprits of numerous diseases, from diabetes, Alzheimer’s, to heart disease, to name a few. By teaching your kids to eat well, you’ll help them develop healthy habits that will protect their health and wellbeing for the rest of their lives. Among many foods, the following ten are favorites among nutritionists and experts when it comes to tackling inflammation.

1. Strawberries

In all likelihood, this will not be a difficult task to inspire your little ones to munch on strawberries, especially if you dip them in a bit of dark chocolate. Fun fact: strawberries are not fruit, but a kind of a rose, so perhaps this might make them even more interesting for your youngsters. Packed with vitamin C and K, and they are a great source of antioxidants, which are vital in fighting inflammation.

2. Garlic

Definitely not as tasty as the previous entry, garlic is a tough sell for youngsters, even though it’s loaded with compounds that have proven medical properties, one of which is warding off inflammation. Add it to their omelet, a green smoothie, or your spaghetti sauce, if they won’t eat it raw with an occasional meal.

3. Salmon

Or any other fish that’s rich in healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are an excellent addition to any diet that focuses on reducing and preventing inflammation. A perfect way to introduce them into your kids’ diet is to make salmon cakes or fish sticks, they’ll love them!

4. Turmeric

A sumptuous, earthy spice used in many Indian dishes, turmeric contains an anti-inflammatory ingredient called curcumin, which is a marvelous choice to spice up your kids’ morning omelet as well as smoothies. It’s known for its healing properties and used both in the form of a spice and as a healthy supplement. It might be a taste they’ll need to get used to, but their health will be all the better for it!

5. Whole grains

As wonderful sources of fiber, whole grains such as rice, oats, and quinoa are easy to prepare, incredibly versatile, and they keep your kids’ bellies full for longer. Their fiber and mineral content makes them a great choice for healing inflammation, so don’t be shy when it comes to enriching your youngsters’ meals with whole grains. Oatmeal is a great start as a breakfast loaded with healthy ingredients.

6. Cinnamon

A winter favorite and a perfect spice for desserts for your little ones, cinnamon is actually rich in inflammation-fighting molecules. Pick the Ceylon variety for its healing properties, add it to your apple desserts, and let this delicious spice improve their immune systems one tasty treat at a time.

7. Beans

Packed with protein, fiber, as well as various minerals, beans are a true power-house of anti-inflammatory ingredients for your little ones. They are surprisingly versatile, you can use them to cook hearty lunches with meat, or prep delicious, yet healthy desserts such as brownies. Talk about all the ways you can infuse this healthful ingredient into their diets!

8. Greens

Kids may not be crazy about broccoli or kale, but all green veggies are their best allies when it comes to preventing and treating inflammation. Brimming with vitamins and antioxidants, green vegetables are your absolute best choice, and you can infuse your smoothies with spinach, for instance, without your little ones figuring it out. However, try to vary between steamed veggies, mashes, and smoothies, to hopefully let your kids develop a taste for these greens.

9. Apples

The old saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away rings true when it comes to inflammation, so you can use it as a healthy, yet sweet treat for your kids that will double as an anti-inflammatory agent. However, make sure to serve your kids apples with skin, as it contains the highest portion of the fiber of the entire fruit. Pair it with some cinnamon, and you have a dream team that will keep your kids healthy and their immune systems strong!

10. Tomatoes

Another great veggie choice that comes with a slew of ways to be prepared, tomatoes are tasty, juicy, and easy to serve in salads, cooked in sauces, and added to meaty meals. In addition to fiber and vitamins, tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant which is a known inflammation-buster. Add it to your kid’s pizza, or a summer salad, and they’ll reap the health rewards in no time.

While it may be a challenge to get your kids to eat absolutely every healthy grocery on the list, your goal should be to teach them to eat diverse foods. Show them how they can make delicious, yet healthy treats, and replace processed sweets with these home-made nutritious goodies, and they’ll be on the right track to develop strong, healthy habits for the rest of their lives.