November 2019 - Page 3 of 4 - Darling Steps

Month: November 2019

This is what every daughter needs to hear

Important Things to Tell Your Daughter

When you are raising a girl, there are certain things you should always tell your daughter. These things, whether they are words, conversations, or otherwise, are going to help her grow up strong, independent, confident, and kind.

Tell Her to Be Kind

An important thing to start telling your daughter even at a young age is that she should always be kind to others. This is a really good lesson to teach daughters from toddler age to teenagers and even into adulthood. You want your daughter to be a nice person that is open, honest and treats others with respect. Teach her that even during moments when being kind is the last thing she wants to be, she should always remember humans make mistakes and that forgiving them and being the better person is sometimes the only thing she can do.

Teach Her How to Say No

This is something that is essential to living a well-balanced and stress-free life, but something many people never learn. Saying no involves everything from not feeling comfortable doing something, to being pressured into being intimate with someone, or even just saying no to helping someone with something she doesn’t have time for. Saying no encompasses so many things, but they all come down to one thing: she needs to know she has the right to say no whenever she doesn’t want to do something, can’t do it, or doesn’t feel right doing it.

You Are Proud of Her

Your daughter should always be told that you are proud of her. Show pride in everything she does and succeeds, even if the results were not quite as you expected. Children and teens really crave this type of attention from their parents, and girls can be sensitive about accomplishing something and not getting proper recognition for it. You can really help your daughter raise her own personal confidence and self-esteem by showing that you are proud of everything she does.

Friends Are Important

Girls should know how important it is to have girlfriends in her life. Friends are essential at all ages, as they can help you when nobody else is there for you. In addition to the importance of family, her friends become the people that she can trust with personal information, she calls up at 2 am for a ride, or just that is there to support her when her life isn’t going how she planned.
How to stay safe while walking

Safety Tips When Traveling on Foot

Walking has always been a reliable source of transportation, but it’s no surprise that in today’s age we opt for the easier (faster) approach of travel. Although vehicles are massively useful tools to get us from point A to point B, recent history indicates a revival of traveling on foot.

More people are recognizing walking as a healthy, environmentally friendly way to get around and get in touch with their surroundings. Like any form of transportation, traveling on foot doesn’t come without risks, however. It’s important to have the proper knowledge to ensure your safety and not put yourself and others at risk of being harmed. Read on for safety tips when traveling on foot.

Know Where to Walk

The best places to walk are well-used hiking trails, such as those that run through parks. On these trails, there is no motor vehicle traffic to worry about. However, it isn’t often that the perfect trail will lead to where we need to go. If you must walk beside a roadway, make sure to stay facing traffic and stay on the same side of the road as oncoming vehicles. This lets you see cars as they are approaching and will give you time to take evasive actions if needed.

Dress Appropriately

Making yourself more visible to motorists helps keep you safe while walking near roadways. Make sure you wear brightly colored clothing so drivers are more likely to see you. At night, reflective clothing such as vests or belts makes you easier to avoid in the dark. Also, remember to dress for the weather you will be experiencing on your walk. Wear clothing that is sufficiently warm and pack rain gear if the weather is expected to be rough.

Know Your Limits

While walking is relaxing and economical, it can also be exhausting over long distances. If you’re planning a long trip, look for places where you can stop and rest along the way. Also, make sure you always have a bottle of water on hand and take drinks frequently while walking.

It’s possible to experience dehydration, heat sickness or even a heart attack during a long walk… especially in high heat or humidity. If you’re walking and start to feel ill, it’s probably best to stop, rest, and contact someone that can give you a ride the rest of the way.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Not paying attention to your surroundings is just as dangerous while walking as it is while driving. Being distracted while walking can take your attention away from dangers such as traffic or tripping hazards. Refrain from texting or using a mobile device, and keep the volume low if you decide to listen to music.

Avoid Walking Alone

Always try to have a partner to walk with. Not only does this make the trip a more enjoyable experience, but it also decreases the risk of being confronted by a potentially dangerous individual. If you’re unable to have someone accompany you during your travels, always tell someone what route you’ll be taking to get there and what time you will be coming back.

While walking may not be very fast, it’s healthy, environmentally friendly and costs nothing. However, pedestrians are also the most vulnerable travelers on the road. Many of the potential dangers faced while walking can be avoided simply by paying attention to your surroundings, so being mindful of what’s around you goes a long way toward keeping you safe.
stay safe while traveling by bus

How to Stay Safe when Traveling by Bus

More and more people are choosing bus travel as an affordable way to get from point A to point B. Riding the bus means that you don’t have to deal with the stress of being behind the wheel.

Whether your destination is a short trip across town or a longer journey, it’s important to consider the following safety precautions before you even step onboard. Doing so will help to ensure your wellbeing and allow you to have the most pleasant experience possible.

Before You Travel

Before you even purchase a ticket, it’s recommended that you research the safety record of the bus company you’ll be using. These records are available (through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) for public viewing, and include statistics such as accidents and speeding violations. Taking the time to do this research just might save you frustration down the road.

In regard to luggage, pack light if at all possible. Bus companies each have their own baggage policies, many of which only allow for one small carry-on bag. This means that the rest of your luggage must be stored in a compartment located out of your view. Unfortunately, being separated from your belongings makes it easier for someone else to steal them. The lighter you pack, the more you can carry on with you.

At the Bus Stop or Station

When you arrive at the bus station or stop, try to wait in a well-lighted area. The majority of crimes occur in areas that are dark and deserted. It’s also a good idea to carry a small can of mace, provided it’s legal in your state.

On the Bus

When entering the bus, acquaint yourself with the location of the emergency exits and also the hammer used to break windows, in the event that the emergency exits are blocked.

Some people are very personable and love to meet new people. If this sounds like you, resist the urge to chat with the bus driver. He or she may become distracted, which could then result in an accident.

Make sure to pack a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your carry-on bag. Use each time you touch public surfaces in the interior of the bus, such as the seat in front of you, the bus railing and all surfaces in the bathroom. Certain germs have a long lifespan. The last thing you want to do is to spread them even further.

If you’re going on a long trip and plan to get off the bus at restaurants etc., take note of the bus number in case there are other buses (from the same company) in the parking area. You definitely don’t want to make the mistake of getting the wrong bus.

Riding the bus isn’t the most glamorous mode of transportation. However, it is an affordable and convenient one. Not only that, many bus companies continue to make improvements in regard to passenger comfort.

Taking steps to ensure your safety while riding the bus is up to you. Adhering to the information provided in this article is the first step, and it’s probably much easier to accomplish than you think. The next time you’re in need of transportation, bus travel is definitely worth your consideration.
How to parent in a food-obsessed era

Parenting Tips in a food-centered world

Food advertisements make an appearance in our lives every day. Food companies advertise their products on television, billboards, newspapers, and social media. Even as adults, it can sometimes prove to be a struggle to not give in to food advertisements because let’s face it; snacks and fast food are convenient, quick, and tasty. What type of impact does this mass amount of food advertising have on children? The companies that make food advertisements for children know how to get your children to want the products being advertised. From beloved cartoon mascots to famous athletes and celebrities that young people idolize, the sole purpose of children’s food advertisements is to convince your children that they should be eating the advertised product. This often leads to unhealthy snacking habits and an obsession for certain foods. Here are a few tips for parents who want to provide a healthy lifestyle for their children in a food-obsessed age.

Pack Your Kids’ Lunch

Packing a lunch for your children means you’ll be able to ensure that they get a balanced, healthy meal at school every day. Remember to include foods from each food group: fruit, vegetables, dairy, grain, and meat. Highly processed meats such as salami or pastrami should be included rarely, if at all. It’s recommended that you include water or a healthy fruit or vegetable juice with lunch. Soft drinks typically lead to tooth decay and other health concerns.

Treats in Moderation

Make the not-so-healthy snacks a “sometimes food.” This teaches your children how to moderate their intake. By allowing them to eat a little junk food on occasion, unhealthy foods won’t become forbidden. By implementing this into your children’s snacking routine, they are less likely to fixate on unhealthy snack options.

Stock Your Snack Cabinet

By keeping your cupboards stocked with a variety of pre-approved healthy snack options for your children, they will be more likely to choose healthy snack options for themselves while at school or at a friend’s house.

Establish a Meal Routine

Schedule a time for each meal that you can easily stick to. This will help to limit poor snacking habits in-between meals because your children will become accustomed to the schedule planned out for them.

Limit Television Time

Your kids are more likely to reach for a snack while they’re watching television. If your kids are younger, consider limiting the amount of time and exactly when they can watch TV. For example, if your children watch television for an hour before dinner, they’ll automatically anticipate dinner time and probably won’t be as apt to ask for a snack. If your children watch TV before bed, they may focus their attention on eating rather than sleeping. Limiting television time puts an end to that. In today’s ad-focused world, unhealthy treats are often on a child’s minds. As a parent, keeping them from developing snacking habits and encouraging them to choose healthier foods can steer your kids away from the path of food obsession. By regulating the snack foods your children eat and teaching them why it’s important to monitor what they eat, you can set them up for a healthier future.