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.
9 Reasons Why You Should Go to Osan AB Non-Command Sponsored
Osan AB in South Korea was not even on my radar when my husband had orders drop. We had just passed our two-year mark at Nellis AFB, a known black hole of a base, when he got the notification that he had an assignment. I was newly pregnant (we had found out the day before) and stunned.
Hang around any military spouse group on Facebook long enough and you’ll see it. The fear and loathing towards those deemed unfortunate for obtaining orders to the ROK. When I first told people, I was met with apologies and sympathy. For the first two days after hearing the news, I did what any hormonal pregnant spouse would do. I ate a lot of chocolate and cried.
Of course, it could be worse (Why not Minot?). But orders to Korea unaccompanied meant I would be spending the next year raising my daughter on my own. It meant my husband would be missing out on the precious milestones of our firstborn. It meant moving back home across the country by myself. At the time, it all seemed devastating.
Then, I picked myself back up and did what I always do any time we have orders; I ate more chocolate and researched.
Going to Korea on a command sponsored tour was not unfamiliar to me. However, my husband was an A1C at the time, and the chances of obtaining that sponsorship seemed on par with our chances of winning the lottery.
However, researching about it also led me to discover another, and dare I say better option: Going to Osan AB Non-command sponsored.
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.