The perfect standing desk

As families prepare for back-to-school season, Hulala’s thoughtfully designed furniture helps create flexible, organized spaces for homework, school projects, and collaborative learning. The Veritas 360° Rotating Standing Desk features a rotating side desktop that easily adapts for independent study or working side-by-side with classmates, siblings, or parents. Integrated power, hidden cable management, and enclosed storage keep supplies neatly organized, while whisper-quiet electric height adjustment (31″–49″), three memory presets, and a sedentary reminder promote comfort during long study sessions. Built with durable engineered wood and metal, the spacious desktop supports up to 200 lbs and is backed by a comprehensive five-year warranty.

Use Code: MYHULALA12 for 12% off

The best in back to school kids fashion

Appaman’s New Arrivals bring fresh, playful style to kids’ fashion with irresistibly soft fabrics and standout prints. Known for bold colors, comfortable fits, and durable construction, Appaman designs clothing that keeps up with active kids while still looking effortlessly cool. From graphic tees and joggers to versatile outerwear, each piece is crafted for everyday comfort and easy movement. Parents love the machine-washable, kid-tested fabrics, while little ones love the fun, expressive designs. Whether dressing for school, play, or special occasions, Appaman’s latest collection offers modern, stylish essentials that make getting dressed enjoyable for the whole family.

Use Code: FIRSTDAYAKA20 20% off a full-price order 

Keep your kids safe this year

The Bark Watch helps kids stay connected while giving parents tools to help keep them safer- without the distractions and risks that can come with a smartphone. Real-time GPS location tracking lets parents check their child’s location from the Bark parent app, while the SOS button gives kids a quick way to reach help in an emergency.Built-in content monitoring scans for potential concerns like bullying, predators, and self-harm, alerting parents when something may need their attention. Kids can talk and text with approved contacts, without games, social media, or web browsing competing for their attention.Durable and water-resistant, the Bark Watch gives parents greater peace of mind while giving kids a little more independence.

Use Code: B2SCHOOL30 (valid through 8/31/26)

Recycled Double Pocket Backpack 

Made from recycled water bottles, our medium-size Recycled Double Pocket Backpack is a practical choice for kids on the move. With its spacious two-compartment design, it offers ample storage for school supplies, snacks, and more. Plus multiple pockets, clips, and holders make it easy to keep their belongings organized. Adjustable straps ensure a comfortable fit, making this backpack an ideal companion for any adventure. This backpack comes in 2 sizes with the Small size being perfect for Kindergarten through 2nd grade and the larger size for children 2nd grade and up.

A Must-Have Hair Conditioner: Silk’e Leave-In Conditioner

Hydrate, smooth, and fight frizz with the Silk’e Leave-In Conditioner. Made with jojoba oil and aloe extract, this lightweight formula helps soften, nourish, and refresh dry or damaged-looking hair without flaky buildup or residue. Perfect for making busy back-to-school mornings quicker and easier, it leaves hair feeling softer, smoother, and more manageable. sleekehair.com

Readers can receive 50% off the Silk’e Leave-In Conditioner with the exclusive code BTS50.

Shop Now 

DREAM PAIRS KIDS Lightweight Slip On Sneakers

Designed for kids who are always on the move, DREAM PAIRS KIDS Lightweight Slip-On Sneakers deliver effortless comfort, independence, and all-day playability. Weighing only 3.7 ounces per shoe, these ultra-light sneakers help reduce foot fatigue so little explorers can run, jump, and play freely from the playground to family outings. The breathable mesh upper and airflow channels help keep feet cool and comfortable, even during active days, while the easy slip-on design allows kids to put them on independently and build confidence with every step. A flexible forefoot construction supports natural movement, and a reinforced toe cap adds protection against everyday bumps. Lightweight, practical, and adventure-ready, these sneakers are the perfect everyday companion for growing feet.

Fight the back to school sicknesses with Boiron USA

Back-to-school season brings new routines, busy schedules — and sometimes flu-like symptoms. At the first sign of body aches, headache, fever, chills, or fatigue, reach for Oscillococcinum® and feel like yourself again. Brought to you by @BoironUSA. Oscillo helps reduce the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms.* The convenient meltaway pellets come in single-dose tubes and dissolve in the mouth, making them easy to take at home or on the go. Recommended for everyone ages 2 and up, Oscillo is non-drowsy and has no known interactions with other medications or supplements. Learn more at Oscillo.com.

*These “Uses” have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Use Code: OscilloBTS26 for 20% off any Oscillo product on BoironUSA.com. Valid August through November 2026.

Be prepared for school sports

Shibumi Park Vista™ (MSRP $240) reinvents off-beach shade. At under 5 lbs, it’s up to 10x lighter than traditional 30-50 lb pop-up tents yet sets up solo in two minutes — no wrestling poles or waiting on a second person. It packs into a slim 26″ bag for easy trunk storage, shades up to four people comfortably, and features UPF 50+ water-resistant fabric with an adjustable canopy that tracks the sun. Modular by design, multiple units connect for scalable coverage at sidelines, parks, and outdoor events.

Easy feeding options

Haakaa creates practical, thoughtfully designed products that help make everyday parenting simpler. For the back-to-school season, the Haakaa Silicone Yummy Pouch offers a convenient way to pack purées, yoghurt, smoothies and more. This reusable 4.5 oz pouch gives parents flexibility over food and ingredient choices while helping reduce spending on individually packaged snacks and cut down on packaging waste. Its leakproof lid, variable-flow spout and dishwasher-safe, food-grade silicone design make feeding, carrying and cleaning easy.

Must Haves for your school supply list

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Stainless Steel 13 oz Food Jar (SDS Direct) – Reusable, eco-friendly food jar keeps food hot or cold. Premium food grade 18/8 stainless steel, contains no phthalates, BPA, lead, or PVC.  $19.99 

Daniel Goes to School (Simon & Schuster) – Daniel learns that “grown-ups come back” and has lots of fun with his teacher and classmates. Ages 2-4, $12.99 

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Mini Backpack 12” 3D Character Plush Bookbag (Intimo) – Backpack features 3D Daniel Tiger face with dimensional ears, embroidered facial details, two zippered compartments, and padded adjustable shoulder straps. Ages 3+, $39.99 

Get the must-have back-to-school essentials – paper towels that handles every mess busy school days brings

For families this back-to-school season, stock up on Viva Signature Cloth Triple Roll (129 sheets), which offer more sheets per roll and fewer replacements during hectic school days. Viva Signature Cloth is cloth-like, making it tough on sticky messes like apple juice spills and crafts, while soft enough for kids’ hands and faces. 

A bathroom must-have!

The Squatty Potty Toilet Stool is designed to help support a more natural, comfortable posture while using the bathroom. By elevating your feet, it helps align your body for a more complete and efficient experience. It is clinically proven to decrease time spent on the toilet and increase elimination to feel emptier! It’s sleek, compact design fits neatly around most toilets, making it an easy addition to any bathroom. Durable, easy to clean, and available in multiple styles and heights, it’s a simple everyday wellness upgrade for the whole family.

Squatty Potty Flushable Wipes provide a gentle, refreshing clean with every use. Made with plant-based fibers and infused with soothing aloe and vitamin E, they’re soft on skin while helping you feel fresh and confident. Septic-safe and designed to break down after flushing, they’re a convenient addition to any bathroom routine. Pair them with your favorite Squatty Potty product for an elevated bathroom experience.promo code BACK2STOOL

The school year always seems to arrive faster than expected, but having the right products on hand can help make those early mornings, homework sessions, and after-school activities run more smoothly. Whether you’re checking off your family’s shopping list or looking for a few new favorites, these back-to-school essentials are designed to simplify everyday life. Here’s to a successful, organized, and exciting new school year!

The post Back to School Must-Haves for the New School Year! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Not aggressively. Just confidently.

“We’re not really a camping family.”

It’s often said the same way people say they don’t do scary movies or early mornings. It feels like a personality trait, not a preference.

And honestly, for a long time, that made sense.

Camping had a reputation. It meant sleeping on the ground, hoping for the best, and pretending that being slightly uncomfortable was part of the charm.

But here’s what’s changed.

Camping isn’t just one thing anymore.

And that’s exactly why more families, especially the ones who swore they’d never do it, are starting to reconsider.

Camping Has Quietly Evolved

What’s different now isn’t just the gear. It’s the flexibility.

Camping today exists on a spectrum, and most families are landing somewhere in the middle, not at the extremes.

On one end, you still have traditional tent camping. And for many, it’s become far more approachable than it used to be. A simple setup with a tent like the Coleman Sundome Tent and a comfortable air mattress from Intex can feel surprisingly manageable, especially at a well-equipped campsite.

But here’s where things really open up.

If sleeping on the ground still feels like a hard no, there are plenty of other ways to experience camping without giving up comfort.

RV camping has become one of the most popular options for families who want the outdoor experience with a layer of convenience built in. Travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes allow you to bring your own space with you, often including beds, kitchens, bathrooms, and even air conditioning.

For families who don’t own an RV, rental platforms like Outdoorsy and RVshare make it easy to try it out without a long-term commitment.

You can even have an RV delivered and set up at your campsite, which feels a little like showing up to camping… already winning.

Then there’s glamping, which has changed the game entirely. Platforms like Hipcamp and Glamping Hub offer stays that range from safari tents and yurts to fully styled cabins and domes.

It’s still the outdoors, just without the stress of figuring everything out from scratch.

The takeaway here is simple.

You don’t have to do camping the hard way to still count it as camping.

Why It Ends Up Feeling So Different

One of the biggest surprises for families trying camping for the first time is how different the pace feels.

There’s no pressure to constantly move. No rigid schedule. No feeling like you need to plan every hour to make the trip worth it.

Instead, the day unfolds on its own.

Kids find ways to stay busy without needing to be entertained. Time stretches in a way that feels unfamiliar at first, then oddly refreshing. Even simple things, walking a trail, sitting by the fire, cooking together, start to feel like enough.

There’s also something about being outside for extended periods that shifts the energy of the entire family.

It’s quieter. Slower. Less reactive.

And while it may not look impressive on paper, it tends to feel better in real life.

Where Families Are Going

One of the biggest misconceptions about camping is that it requires a big, complicated trip.

In reality, some of the best experiences happen close to home.

State parks are one of the easiest ways to start. Systems like Tennessee State Parks, California State Parks, and Florida State Parks offer well-maintained campsites with restrooms, showers, and family-friendly layouts.

They remove a lot of the uncertainty, which makes them ideal for beginners.

If you’re ready to branch out, there are also some incredible, more unique experiences available.

National parks like Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Zion National Park offer a mix of scenery, accessibility, and structured camping options.

For something different, browsing Recreation.gov can lead to hidden gems, from lakeside campsites to forest cabins and scenic overlooks.

And if you’re leaning more toward the glamping side, platforms like Airbnb often feature unique stays like treehouses, A-frame cabins, and converted vintage campers.

What You Actually Do (And Why It Works)

This is usually where people hesitate.

“What are we going to do all day?”

The answer ends up being both more and less than expected.

More time outside. Less structure.

Hiking becomes less about distance and more about exploring. Kids naturally find ways to stay engaged, whether it’s collecting rocks, playing near water, or simply being in a different environment.

Classic camping activities still hold up for a reason.

Making s’mores. Playing games. Sitting around talking without distractions.

None of it feels forced.

And without the constant pull of screens, kids tend to stay engaged longer than you’d expect.

The Small Upgrades That Change Everything

Camping doesn’t have to be complicated, but a few thoughtful additions can make it significantly easier.

Lighting is one of the biggest ones. A lantern from Coleman helps avoid the nightly scramble of trying to find everything in the dark.

Power is another. A portable option from Jackery allows you to keep devices charged without adding stress.

And simple organization, knowing where things are when you need them, can make the difference between a smooth experience and a frustrating one.

These aren’t about overpacking.

They’re about making things easier.

If You’ve Always Said “That’s Not Us”

Here’s the part worth reconsidering.

You don’t have to commit to becoming a camping family. You don’t have to love every part of it. And you definitely don’t have to do it in a way that feels uncomfortable.

Start small.

Try a nearby state park. Book a glamping stay. Rent an RV for a weekend and see how it feels.

Think of it less as a lifestyle change and more as trying something new.

Because for a lot of families, the biggest surprise isn’t that everything goes perfectly.

It’s that it doesn’t need to.

The Takeaway

Camping isn’t about doing it right.

It’s about doing it in a way that works for you.

And once you realize how many different ways there are to make that happen, it starts to feel a lot more possible.

Even if you’ve always been the family that said you’d never try it.

The post So… You Think You’re Not a Camping Family? Think Again appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

It usually doesn’t start with a dramatic fight.

It starts with a sigh.

A short answer.
A missed text.
A “Can you just handle it?”

And suddenly the house feels heavy.

Not because you stopped loving each other.

But because you are both running on fumes.

For many couples, the biggest strain on marriage after kids is not betrayal, incompatibility, or explosive arguments. It is exhaustion. Chronic, layered, unrelenting exhaustion.

And exhaustion changes everything.

The Quiet Shift From Lovers to Logistics Managers

Before kids, you had space. Space to talk. Space to miss each other. Space to recover after a disagreement.

After kids, especially in the early years, you become operators.

Schedules.
Meals.
Bath time.
Bedtime.
Work deadlines.
School emails.
Soccer practice.

Conversations start sounding like staff meetings.

“Did you sign that form?”
“Who’s picking her up?”
“Did you call the pediatrician?”

Romance does not usually disappear in a dramatic crash. It erodes quietly under the weight of coordination.

The shift from intimacy to logistics is subtle. But it is powerful.

Why Tired Couples Feel More Irritable

When you are sleep deprived or mentally overloaded, your nervous system is already on edge. Your brain has less capacity for patience, empathy, and thoughtful response.

Small issues feel bigger. Neutral comments sound critical. A forgotten task feels personal.

You snap faster.
You assume worse.
You defend quicker.

Exhaustion lowers your emotional buffer.

It is not that you suddenly disagree on core values. It is that your bodies are stressed, your minds are cluttered, and your margin is gone.

And when margin disappears, grace often goes with it.

The Myth That Conflict Is the Biggest Threat

Many couples panic when they argue more after kids. They assume increased tension means something is fundamentally wrong.

But conflict is not always the real issue.

Disconnection is.

Exhausted couples often stop checking in emotionally. They function side by side instead of together. They survive the day rather than share it.

It can look like distance.
It can feel like rejection.

But often, it is depletion.

When you are depleted, connection requires effort you may not feel like you have.

The Mental Load Factor

One of the biggest tension points in modern marriages is the invisible mental load.

Who remembers the dentist appointments?
Who keeps track of teacher emails?
Who notices when shoes are too small?
Who plans birthdays?

Even when tasks are shared, the anticipation and planning often sit heavier on one partner. That imbalance, especially when combined with exhaustion, quietly builds resentment.

Not explosive resentment.

Just a slow simmer.

And when you are tired, that simmer rises faster.

What Actually Helps

Here is the hopeful part.

If exhaustion is part of the problem, it is also part of the solution.

First, normalize the season. The early parenting years are intense. The middle years are busy. The teen years are emotionally demanding. Each stage brings its own fatigue. Recognizing that stress is seasonal can reduce panic.

Second, lower the bar strategically. Not for your marriage, but for everything else. Perfect house, elaborate meals, constant commitments. Trim where you can. Energy is finite.

Third, communicate energy levels instead of accusations. There is a difference between “You never help” and “I am running on empty today.” One triggers defense. The other invites partnership.

Fourth, protect small pockets of connection. Not elaborate date nights that require babysitters and planning stress. Five minutes of undistracted conversation. Sitting together after the kids go to bed instead of scrolling separately. A hug that lasts longer than two seconds.

Connection does not always require grand gestures. It requires intentional presence.

Finally, divide mental load openly. Not in a frustrated blow up, but in a calm audit. What is each person carrying? What feels heavy? What can shift?

Clarity reduces resentment.

Drawing a Line Between Fatigue and Something Deeper

It is also important to pause here.

Exhaustion explains a lot. It does not explain everything.

If there are patterns of disrespect, emotional withdrawal, chronic dishonesty, addiction, or abuse, those issues require more than extra sleep and better scheduling. They require serious attention and sometimes outside support.

But for many couples who find themselves saying, “We love each other. We’re just tired,” the core of the relationship is still intact.

It is simply buried under laundry piles, calendar alerts, and unfinished to do lists.

And that is a very different starting point than a broken foundation.

This Season Is Not the Whole Story

Marriage after kids is different.

It is less spontaneous.
It is more practical.
It is louder.

But it can also be deeper.

Shared struggle builds resilience. Surviving hard seasons together strengthens partnership. Raising humans together creates a bond that dating never could.

The goal is not to get back to pre-kid marriage. That version of you no longer exists.

The goal is to build the next version.

One where you acknowledge the exhaustion instead of blaming each other for it.

One where tired does not automatically mean disconnected.

Because sometimes the most honest thing you can say is not “We are drifting apart.”

It is simply, “We are exhausted.”

And that is something you can work with.

The post We Love Each Other. We’re Just Tired. appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

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Play is an important part of a child’s physical, emotional and social development, yet many external factors can quickly become barriers to active play including busy schedules, technology and the costs of sports equipment. A survey conducted by Dr Pepper Snapple Group’s Let’s Play initiative, which is dedicated to getting kids and their families active, found that only 33 percent of children are participating in active play daily, down from 41 percent in 2015.

Don’t let barriers get in the way of keeping kids active during the school year. Instead, turn those barriers to play into opportunities to get active with the following tips.

Fill down time with play time: Children’s active play time is impacted by busy schedules – 64 percent of parents said busy schedules were a barrier to play this year, up from 56 percent in 2015. Active play doesn’t have to happen all at once; it can be spread out through the day so try fitting it in when you can, even if it’s in 10-minute increments. Waiting with your kids at a bus stop? Make it active by playing a game of Simon Says. Need 10 minutes to get ready to leave the house? Send the kids outside to play before loading up the car.

Make DIY toys: Sports equipment can be pricey to purchase and maintain. Instead of breaking the bank, try recycling objects around the house to make them into toys. You can make old socks into a hacky-sack game by filling them with beans or fill balloons with sand and create a fun game where you toss the balloons into buckets.

Get wired for play: According to the survey, 78 percent of parents said their children spend more than 30 minutes on an average day watching television and 71 percent said their children spend that time on a computer, smartphone or other device. Instead of letting technology get in the way, incorporate play into their time with technology. Have your child play an active video game that encourages players to move around their environment or try playing a game between TV commercials, such as tag or hide and seek. It can also help to set a limit for how long your child can use the computer or watch TV per day.

Be your kid’s playmate: According to the survey, 53 percent of parents said having no playmates was a barrier to their child’s play. No one likes to play alone, so when siblings and friends aren’t available, join in on the fun and create games you and your child can play together. Whether it’s playing Marco Polo or throwing a baseball back and forth, you can find ways to spend quality time with your kids and have fun while doing it.

Learn more about the importance of play and get tips and advice for how to make active play a daily priority at LetsPlay.com.

*FF *Photo courtesy of Getty Images

The post Tips to Fill Your Day with Active Play appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

If you find yourself in this situation, it may be a tough pill to swallow, but the good news is that with major advances in modern fertility technology, the donor egg IVF process has never been so effective or affordable.

Pick Yourself Up

Upon receiving the news that you aren’t likely to get pregnant using your own eggs, it’s only natural that you may not want to accept it right away. It is essential to take all the time that you need to get used to the idea. So be angry. Be mad at the world. You have every right, because you know what? Life is unfair.

Scream, shout, cry; try therapy if it helps. Take your time to process your emotions, and then, when you’re ready, pick yourself up and fight this battle head on. Don’t let infertility win. It’s time to look at the facts.

Consider Your Options

If you’re married or living with your significant other, this can be a very taxing time in your relationship and it’s important that both of you are on board with whatever decision you make. For some couples, it makes sense to adopt, while others can’t face the idea of going through such a lengthy process without even the guarantee of a successful outcome. Cases of mothers changing their minds at the last minute after giving birth are abundant, and the emotional strain can be too much to bear.

While the option of using a donor egg for procreation has been around for over thirty years and is now a fairly standard procedure, you may find yourself struggling with the idea that your child will not physically share your genes. However, using a donor egg still allows you to experience being pregnant; carrying your child in your womb for nine months and feeling him or her kick and hiccup inside you. The maternal bond is the strongest in the world and begins between a mother and child long before birth.

Using Frozen Donor Eggs

If you’ve decided that trying donor egg treatment is the best option for you, you still may have run into various obstacles. After all, not everyone has the finances for this fairly expensive treatment, or the time required to synchronize the menstrual cycle of the egg donor and recipient as required with a fresh donor cycle. That’s where frozen donor eggs come in.

In the last few years, major technological advancements in the field of vitrification (a flash-freezing technique used to freeze eggs) mean that access to this ground-breaking fertility treatment has not only become more widespread, convenient, and economically viable; but the chances of success are now higher than ever before.

Vitrification minimizes the possibility that ice crystals will form in the eggs, which often happened with slow-freeze methods. Due to new and improved methods of freezing and advances in thawing protocols, the chances of thawed egg viability and survival are now much higher. This means that the chances of frozen donor eggs leading to a healthy pregnancy and birth are also higher. Currently, the chances of success from using frozen donor eggs are almost as high as that of using fresh donor eggs in the United States.

Benefits of Frozen Donor Eggs

As with any major decision, you should weigh the pros and cons of all treatments. Bear in mind that using frozen eggs instead of fresh eggs still has a slightly lower success rate, and you will need to consider this against other factors, such as cost, convenience and increased availability and choice. But to give you an idea, the main benefits of using frozen donor eggs over fresh ones are:

• You no longer have to spend the time or high amounts of medication needed to synchronize your cycle with that of the egg donor
• Any complexities related to ovarian stimulation for the donor or problems that arise from stimulation have already been taken care of; the eggs are fully ready for fertilization
• Once you have chosen your donor, embryo transfer can begin quickly, and on your schedule
• Costs for each treatment cycle are lower using frozen donor eggs than fresh eggs
• You have greater selection as you are no longer limited to finding someone local or available

Keep in mind that a fresh egg donor cycle could run upwards of $28,000, (including agency fee, medication and IVF). Whereas using frozen donor eggs can be as much as half that price, with some donor egg companies even offering financing plans and a full refund if you aren’t successful after a given number of cycles.

While no one can make up your mind for you, it should be of some comfort to know that you have many options available to you and a real, viable chance of becoming a mother. So don’t let infertility win – consider frozen donor eggs.

The post Don’t Let Infertility Win – Consider Frozen Donor Eggs appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

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So what steps can you take now to prevent your family from becoming another accident statistic?

Forward collision warning and lane departure warning technology can be the difference between an average commute and a tragedy on the highway. The systems use radar technology to detect if you get too close to an obstacle or another vehicle, which signals the system to sound an alarm – providing up to five full seconds of extra reaction time. That may not seem like much, but imagine how far you can go in five seconds when speeding down the freeway at 60 mph.

This technology isn’t just available in new luxury cars. You can get it installed aftermarket in your current vehicle at a fraction of the cost.

Safe Drive Systems is leading the charge in helping drivers protect themselves and their families on the road by providing affordable forward collision and lane departure technology that can be outfitted into almost any car.

Here are just a few ways that collision avoidance systems can save you money in the short- and long-term while keeping you safe:

Don’t wait for mandatory collision-avoidance technology. Government and consumer advocacy groups are attempting to make forward collision warning technology mandatory in all new cars by 2022. However, you don’t need to wait to protect your family – the technology is available now. This potentially life-saving upgrade is available to all consumers, and getting it installed in your vehicle can provide you and your family a safer driving experience years before the auto dealers will begin manufacturing the technology in standard models – at a higher price point.

Upgrade your safety features without buying a new car. Most manufacturers and dealerships won’t add collision avoidance technology to a car that’s already been purchased. However, you don’t have to buy an expensive car to be safer on the road. Drivers need to be aware of cost-effective aftermarket solutions that can be installed in almost any automobile. This technology can add up to $4,000 to the price of a new car from the manufacturer, but consumers can install it in their current vehicle for half that cost. And with some aftermarket vendors offering interest-free financing, making it even more affordable, there is no need to wait for the government mandate or purchase a brand new vehicle.

Reduce accidents and prevent hikes on insurance premiums. When drivers get into a car accident, they can often expect to pay thousands in insurance surcharges and fees over time on top of repair costs. Avoid these costs by relying on technology that assures a reduction in accidents. Some collision-avoidance vendors are even willing to pay up to 50 percent of your insurance deductible if an accident should occur.

You’re not just surrounded by other drivers when you’re on the road, you’re surrounded by text messages, tweets and apps too. With 80 percent of today’s car accidents caused by driver inattention, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there’s no reason for waiting to take necessary and cost-effective steps to make your car safer.

For more information and tips on how to make your vehicle safer and reduce accidents, call 855-826-4234 or visit safedrivesystems.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

*FF

The post Increasing Road Safety with Cost-Effective Technology appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

The holidays are upon us and during this time of the year we seek out our extended family, friends, old neighbors, past coworkers and others who’ve been a special part of our lives.

Family gatherings are a meaningful way to celebrate the season but they don’t always go as planned due to various family dynamics. Whether someone brings up politics and an argument ensues or the dueling culinary aunts are at it again, get-togethers can be hard. Fortunately, we have some tips for bringing family and friends together for a festive, drama free holiday celebration.

• Seek Your Inner Gratitude—yes, holiday gatherings can sometimes be stressful, but be thankful for people in your life that want to spend their holiday with you and know it usually only lasts a day or two.

• Work Out Last Year’s Issues Prior to theHoliday—if at all possible, try and resolve any outstanding issues from previous years. Call, text or write with the intention of smoothing out any misunderstandings ahead of time.

• Invite an Interesting Mix of People—invite a couple of neighbors and friends without family nearby to the gathering, as they’ll add a different dimension to the party and may have a new perspective on your family.

• Think Through the Seating Arrangement—who gets along well and who doesn’t? Who’s most likely to start a conflict or drink too much? This is a cautionary warning to think through the seating arrangement carefully and put those most likely to get on well together.

• The Family That Cooks Together…Has More Fun—there’s a reason people like to hang out in the kitchen during parties, it’s where the action is! Get everyone, even the kids, involved in the food prep, serving and clean-up. Helping out really does bring people together and keeps them busy.

• Plan Games & Activities—a fun card game or board game involving several people like Pictionary is always a welcome reprieve. Set up an area for the kids to play and include games and toys for them to play with and keep them entertained.

• Music Brings People Together—music is a language that bonds and makes people feel happy, so if your family and friends are musically inclined, ask everyone to bring their instruments (guitar, flute, accordion, etc.) and have a fun Christmas sing-a-long. An inexpensive karaoke machine is also tons of fun. Your guests can let loose and share a great laugh.

• Head Outside for Fresh Air—whether you choose a group walk around the neighborhood, a friendly game of touch football or a little Christmas caroling, getting people out of the house and taking in some fresh air always lightens the mood. If you have more time, head out for some cross country skiing, snow shoeing or ice skating. It’s fun for young and old!

• Make Plans for Extended Stays—for family members that will be around for more than just the holiday itself, make some fun plans together or apart. There’s no rule that says you need to spend every second together.  Some may want to go sale shopping, others might want to catch the holiday football games on TV, while one or two may want to get in a yoga session at the local gym.  A little time apart from the whole group may ease any building tensions.

• Remember You Can’t Change People—you can’t change anyone’s behavior or opinion but you can be a role model and show respect for everyone’s opinion. Just kindly ask everyone to please not bring up certain taboo topics at the dinner table such as religion and politics. It will help keep them on their best behavior. Sometimes you just have to agree to disagree too.

• Look for the Humor—keep in mind that everyone has some level of family drama and a few crazy relatives. Just tell yourself “It is what it is!”

• Take the Party Elsewhere—if your family is really big or you just want a neutral space and plenty of room for your holiday, consider renting a space for your family. Everyone can chip in a bit so it keeps the cost low. Finding a neutral space can also help resolve conflicts. Think about hiring a caterer or making it a potluck so all is fair in love and family holidays.

Bio

Justin Lavelle is the social media and blog content director for BeenVerified.com. BeenVerified helps people discover, understand and use public data in their everyday lives. It is a great tool to locate relatives and friends you’ve lost touch with and want to bring together over the holidays. The company is a leading source of online background checks and contact information. BeenVerified allows individuals to find more information about people, phone numbers, email addresses and property records in a way that’s fast, easy and affordable.  

The post THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WE HOPE FOR PEACE AROUND THE WORLD…AND AT YOUR FAMILY DINNER TABLE appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

It’s no secret that music enriches lives. In fact, according to the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), 85% of people who do not play a musical instrument say they wish they had learned to play one. And, when it comes to kids, learning a musical instrument has numerous benefits.

Music not only expands the mind, but encourages creativity, discipline, and patience as well. It gives kids an outlet to express themselves, and offers a refuge when needed. The intellectual challenge also strengthens the brain, and can actually help defend against cognitive decline later in life. Playing an instrument can also help develop motor skills, since it requires being able to move hands, fingers, and feet, all while reading music and breathing correctly.

While all the benefits are well worth it, it takes a team effort between you and your child for them to be positively impacted. These tips from McCarthy Music can help create an encouraging and supportive environment for your child to not just learn how to play, but to enjoy it as well.

Practice together!

It’s no secret that your child loves to be involved in anything you’re doing – make practice time something to bond over! Setting aside an hour of your day to spend with your child during practice time makes learning how to play the piano and any other instrument a fun and memorable experience for both parents and children.

Set goals

At the beginning of each week, talk with your child and see what they’d like to accomplish that week. Whether it’s learning a new song or mastering a technique, it’s important to show them that you’re involved in what they’re trying to achieve. Work toward the goal with your child and be there to provide motivation when frustration arises.

Reduce screen time

Instead of settling for television or tablet time, encourage your child to practice to pass the time instead. Challenge them – have them play their top five favorite songs for you to make it more fun.

Stay involved

Keep your own practice schedule up to date! Play in front of your child and show him or her that your progress is important to you – this will motivate them to be just as good as mom or dad!

Keep it fun

Learning the ins and outs of an instrument is hard for everybody. Make sure to maintain your cool when your child gets frustrated – sometimes it’s okay to take a break!

Music is well worth the effort, and learning how to play can help children thrive. Encouraging and supporting your child in this learning experience can make a world of difference to them, and change their lives forever.

The post A Family Who Plays Together, Stays Together appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.