Nanny to Mommy

Readers who have kids will understand all-too well that parenthood is an uncertain journey across unknowable terrain. Of course there are many people who can offer you part of the road map. Your own parents, friends and colleagues, parenting book and even blogs like this one can help you to navigate certain twists and turns on the long and winding path of parenthood. But ultimately, it’s a map you need to draw yourself. And you may well find that if and when your next child comes along, the topography has changed even more. If there’s one piece of advice this blog can impart to parents, dear reader, it’s to expect uncertainty. If fact, it’s just about the only thing you can rely on. Parenthood is, by definition, wracked with uncertainty. Parents constantly agonize over whether they’re doing the right thing, whether their actions as parents measure up to those of other parents, and whether they’re doing the right thing for their little ones.

What’s more, the uncertainty begins long before your first baby is born. Pregnancy is a beautiful experience… but it can also be terrifying. Your body changes in all kinds of ways, and even when your OB-GYN lets you know exactly what to expect, you’ll likely find that something surprises you every day of your pregnancy. The good news, however, is that while many of them seem shocking most of them are totally, totally normal and not necessarily an indicator of complications. Let’s take a closer look…

My family recently had the opportunity to vacation at Myrtle Beach thanks to Vacation Myrtle Beach. Although I had been there before when I was younger, but my family had never been there. My husband had only ever driven through South Carolina for that matter. So I was excited for the opportunity to share a new beach with them.

What we didn't plan for was a pandemic. There is a lot happening in the world right now. Vacationing, whether it is small beach trips or camping in the mountains, is a normal thing for us. While educating my children about the new normal, I want to try to keep some of the old normal within their lives as much as possible. 

So today, I thought I would take the time to share our tips for vacationing during a pandemic. Thank you to Vacation Myrtle Beach for the complimentary accommodations at Landmark Resort during this time.

A good night’s sleep can be hard to have when you tend to have a hectic daily schedule. Work, family, and life, in general, can all contribute to an overactive day, and thus poor-quality sleep at night. Furthermore, the consequences of consistently poor sleep can include higher levels of stress and feelings of being overwhelmed, which will only make your days even more hectic.

To break that cycle, it is essential to place emphasis on getting a good night’s sleep. You can take proactive steps to increase the quantity and improve the quality of sleep that you get each night by incorporating these four components of a great night’s sleep.

Needless to say, we all could use a little normalcy this summer! While many of us are still getting through the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re also craving a sense of normalcy. For many, that means taking a family trip. Whether you want to hit the road in an RV or fly somewhere across the globe, spending that unique relaxation time with your family is a great way to blow off some steam.

In the U.S., about 100 million families take a vacation together each year. It’s a great way to keep your kids busy, encourage bonding time, and make memories together.

But, traveling with a family can be expensive. Thankfully, there are things you can do to reach your destination without having to blow your budget. No matter where you want to go or how you plan to get there, keep these three smart tips in mind to enjoy your family trip without breaking the bank.

I have always believed to never live your life in fear, but God gave us a brain to think for ourselves for a reason. Be smart, prepare yourself as best you can, and stay safe. If wearing a face mask helps my family stay safe, then I will do it. Some places are requiring them these days, so I have been on the hunt for one that serves its purpose but doesn't hurt my ears. I was also looking for some that were adjustable for my kids to wear as well.

Wearing a mask or not has become a political debate for some reason when it honestly shouldn't be. If a private establishment has rules, then they should be followed and, if not, then that establishment has the right to not let the person disobeying the rules on their property. 

Some people have diseases that can't be seen, and those diseases compromise their immune system. Some people are elderly and are at risk. Wearing a mask is protecting others. My family and I choose to wear a mask when we go to different places because we are just so grateful that things are opening up again.