Lotsa Blog

Contributed by Nora Stasio

The word, “disabled,” can mean so many different things to different people. Some kids are burdened with a physical impairment; others have a mental handicap, which causes them to develop more slowly when compared to children without disabilities. Kids are kids, though, and they love to play. Whether you’re a caregiver, teacher, or parent of a disabled child, you’ve surely wanted to engage with that child in a fun way that takes into consideration his or her special needs.

Here are 3 suggestions that can help you make the most of your playtime together when working with disabled children.

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Contributed by Michelle Hassler

Becoming new parents is an overwhelming endeavor. However, after becoming a mom myself, I found that there is no better resource than fellow parents who have been in your shoes. In order to compile some “need to know” information for first-time parents, I asked my version of “experts” – moms and dads who are currently in the trenches, whether they are raising babies or teenagers. Interestingly, almost all of their responses expressed a similar sentiment: there is no right answer. New parents will find out that being a parent is a unique learning experience filled with ups, downs, smiles, tears, and (hopefully) lots of laughter.  

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Contributed by Christine Binney

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the flavors of the season in healthy yet satisfying dishes. It’s also the perfect time to prepare quick and easy meals that are a cinch to pull together, leaving you plenty of time to get outside and enjoy the weather. The best summer recipes can be made without even turning on the oven, keeping you and your family cool as a cucumber. Give these three light and healthy summer recipe ideas a try and be sure to share them with your community.

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Contributed by Nathan McVeigh

Just 20 years ago, “internet safety” wasn’t part of your vocabulary. Today, during the dawn of the digital age, everyone accesses the internet for a variety of reasons. If you’re young, you learn from it. If you’re older, you connect with it. If you’re in the middle, you work through it. If you’re human, you use it for all three reasons often all in one day. So while the internet affords great benefits for seniors, adults, and children, it’s also a double-edged sword— sometimes with a very sharp edge. As a caregiver, how do you teach internet safety to kids and seniors?

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Contributed by Michelle Hassler

What comes to mind when you hear the word “volunteer?” According to Merriam Webster, a volunteer is “a person who expresses a willingness to undertake a service.” Let’s take a moment to explore this explanation. What does it mean to be willing? Being a volunteer means that you are offering something – something that is not required nor an obligation.

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Contributed by Tiffany Silverberg

When your friend is sick, a home-cooked meal may be just what the doctor ordered. If you are planning to take a meal to a friend who is under the weather, plan your delivery to ensure you bring comfort, rather than added stress. Put together a menu of diverse, healthy meals, with heart-healthy fats and lean proteins to facilitate healing. Plan ahead, with strategic delivery, to make sure your friend has the foods he needs at the right time.

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Contributed by Michelle Hassler

For many women, motherhood is an adventure – an adventure that is joyful, selfless, and life-altering. However, the journey of motherhood comes with ups and downs, sleepless nights, unforeseen expenses, and stinging self-doubt. Everyone needs some kind of support along the way. One minute, the road might be smooth and flat, but there could be a huge dip or sharp curve around the corner. Are you a single mom who is overwhelmed and would benefit from some support? Do you know a single mom who is struggling to accomplish daily tasks, needs financial help, or simply could use a friend to lean on? Below are some ways that you can find help for single moms.

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Contributed by Haley Burress

Caring for your aging parent can be full of challenges and meaningful moments. If you add raising children into the mix, certain situations can get even more difficult to handle. If you are struggling with how to teach children about dementia, or why Grandma is confused, you are not alone. Over five million people currently live with Alzheimer’s disease and this number only increases when adding in the older adults with other types of dementia. Teaching your kids, or other children in your family, about dementia can be challenging. However, it can also be a positive shifting point in their relationship with their grandparent. Knowledge is power, right? So empower your kids by learning how to teach children about the dementia process. Here are a few tips to get you started.

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Contributed by Christine Binney

Serving as a caregiver for a loved one is a rewarding experience, but it can also lend itself to high levels of stress and anxiety. Sometimes, the pressures of caregiving can leave you feeling overworked and overwhelmed. You may have moments where you wonder how you can effectively care for someone else when your own well-being is at risk. Luckily, there are some tried-and-true ways to save your sanity while caregiving. By following these tips, you’ll be able to remain a devoted caregiver who can keep cool and calm under pressure.

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Contributed by Nathan McVeigh

Your caregiver duties never seem to end. Even when you “finish” one task, you feel like there is always something more you can do, or at least better understand. When faced with this predicament a few years ago, the only options were to work as usual then try to learn at the local library once your shift was over. Now, with pocket-sized conveniences and other contraptions, it’s not surprising that many caregivers are now taking advantage of modern technology as a way to drastically improve their caregiving knowledge and abilities.

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