When we first moved to Alaska, I was confident about getting through their famously harsh winters. I had grown up in Chicago after all. Lake effect snow, winter vortex, sleet, icy roads, below freezing winds? I had seen it all, or so I thought. Because of this, I gave no thought to following the advice of the hardcore Alaskans, the ones who have lived here for decades in the icy Interior. That first winter, I ended up paying the price! In the midst of our second winter, with several feet of snow, only a few hours of daylight, and temperatures that dipped close to negative 50 degrees, I implemented the weird tips and tricks with my own family and watched it work firsthand. Whether you live in Alaska or not, winter can have negative effects on everyone. Read on to see what some of the toughest people do to help themselves and their kids beat the winter blues!
25 Ridiculously Inspiring Activities on Gratitude for Kids
Instilling a sense of gratitude in children is vitally important in raising an appreciative child. However, it goes even further than that. Researchers have shown that practicing gratitude regularly has decreased rates of depression and stress, reduced toxic thinking, had positive impacts on heart health, and improved overall mental health, happiness, and well-being. Amazingly, studies have shown these effects can last well into adulthood. Teaching children can take some creative thinking to make a strong impression. Here are 25 inspiring and unique activities on gratitude for kids that you’ll want to start practicing today!
Coping Skills Worksheet for Kids
Teaching children how to cope can be one of the most important things we do as parents. In today’s society, our youth are suffering from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, bullying, and stress at unprecedented levels. Coping skills offer a way for kids to manage intense feelings and emotions appropriately and effectively. This coping skills worksheet can be used by parents, teachers, school counselors, and therapists as a way to help teach kids about coping skills and how to use them.
45 Incredible Positive Affirmations for Kids
Research studies have shown that youth today are experiencing higher rates of depression. Oftentimes, this can include low self-esteem and loss of motivation. Negative and distorted thought patterns may contribute to or worsen these symptoms. Parents should always seek professional help if they believe their child or teen is depressed. However, teaching healthy and appropriate coping skills in childhood can help prevent these symptoms later on and allow children to learn to manage them effectively. Positive affirmations for kids help teach coping through changing negative thoughts into positive ones. This in turn can help influence feelings of self-worth, increase motivation, and lead to greater satisfaction in life. I’ve created positive affirmation cards that can be used for kids, teens, and even adults to encourage healthy coping and create a positive mindset.
How to Navigate Motherhood When Your Spouse is Deployed
Motherhood: It’s exhausting, it’s rewarding, it’s messy, it’s fun. It’s embracing all of that and so much more. However, knowing how to navigate motherhood when your spouse is deployed? It brings up a whole new set of challenges that can push you to the limit. The last time my husband was TDY, or on a temporary deployment, we were living in Fairbanks, Alaska. It was dark, roads were icy, and temperatures were in the negatives. At the time he left for warm and sunny Las Vegas, I was working full-time 45 minutes away, with a 4-month-old who was breastfeeding and an hyperactive energetic 3-year-old.
I could have very easily lost my mind.
However, I reminded myself that although this was new territory going it alone with two littles rather than one, deployments were not unfamiliar. I had done it before and I would get through it again, and I’m here to tell you that we made it to the other side once again.
Still, I remember being a young, open-minded, but naive spouse who was green to deployments and babies and all of the challenges they bring. So, for those who may be new to this or to my fellow seasoned mamas who just need a little pick-me-up, I’ve compiled my best tips on how to navigate motherhood when your spouse is deployed.