If you are considering dating someone with a kid, you need to realize that much as it can be fascinating, especially if you are into kids, it can also be very tricky. This has always been quite a complicated subject especially if you have people around you who worry about your choice of dating someone with a child.

Much as the decision ultimately lies with you, read on as we explore some of the things that you need to be aware of and be prepared to handle them in case they arise.

What should you consider before dating someone with a child

Is the relationship casual or a long-term relationship?

Most people dating with children take their time before letting someone in. So chances are maybe this person you have met just wants a fling and prefers to keep the relationship away from the kid. In that case, if you are both in agreement then the relationship shouldn’t be an issue. If on the other hand, this person dating with kids wants something more serious, then you will have lots of things to consider.

Do you want or love children?

When people, especially if its a woman says they don’t want to ever have children, people always find it weird. Well, not every person is born with the parent genes. The thing is, wanting to bear children of your own and loving children are two different things.

So if you are wondering whether dating someone with a kid is something you should go ahead with, I will first ask, do you love kids? Do you want kids around you? If the relationship is casual as mentioned above, then being in relationship with someone who has a child won’t be such a big deal. You can schedule to have your dates when the child is not around.

If it is to get serious, you need to ask yourself if you are willing to raise someone else’s kids. The thing is when things start getting serious, you will have to meet your partner’s child at some point… probably even live together under the same roof. Can you be a parent to the child?

Don’t expect to be number 1

I am not saying that you will never be number 1 when you are dating someone with kids. All I am cautioning you is not to expect to be number one because you may never be. The thing is, all this will depend on the kind of relationship that this man or woman you are dating has with the kid. If your new crush has a close relationship with the child or it so happens that he or she is the one living with the child at home, forget about getting 100% of their attention. Expect that child to always come before you.

However, being in relationship with someone who has a child doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be neglected. The plus side of this person putting the needs of the child first just shows how dependable and caring they are. So if you are not the needy, attention-seeking kind of person, then you shouldn’t have any problem with such dynamics of the relationship if or when they arise.

Kids require time and energy

So you have met this incredible person. You are even toying with the idea that you will love that kid like your own. Well, before you jump into that relationship, hear this…  Kids take a lot of energy. So if you are planning on dating someone with a kid you will be forced to make some sacrifices whenever the kid is involved. If the relationship is supposed to work, then be prepared to do the work and embrace that child as your own.  When dating people with kids you actually might find yourself having to be committed to both your partner and the family. Are you ready? Imagine dating a woman with 2 kids. Are you prepared to make sacrifices for them too? If the parenting gene isn’t in you, I foresee trouble.

Can you acknowledge and accept their routines and traditions?

As a person who doesn’t have kids of their own, dating someone with kids means that you need to realize that this person had a life before they met you. And this life revolved around the kid or kids. At some point, they probably were a family. And even if he or she is a single parent, that little family was accustomed to a particular way of doing things.

For instance, you can’t be the kind of boyfriend who expects the woman dating with children to sacrifice the son’s soccer game just to go partying with you. These are some of the sacrifices I was talking about. You need to be able to acknowledge and accept their routines. Unless the woman is a deadbeat mother, then expect that child always come before you.

The thing is if you start disrupting the lives of people dating with kids and then it so happens that the relationship with the kids goes sour, you will be blamed for it. Plus this is a one-way ticket to making the kids despise you. So if you are planning to have something long term with this single parent, then respect the traditions that you found this family practice. It might be hard but take your time and ease yourself into the equation politely

Is the kid ready for their parent’s new relationship?

When dating people with kids, this is something that needs to handled with care. Well, it will all depend on the type of kid involved. Some kids can be very angry when they meet the new man or woman. This is because they feel that their father or mother is being replaced.

When dating someone with a kid it is important before you even rush into anything serious or meeting the kid to find out if this person you dating has ever dated someone before you came along. Ask him or her how the kid feels about his or her dating. If there is an issue, then figure out how to tackle it as mature adults before you get too involved. Or you will end with a broken heart.

Wondering what dating someone with kids pro and cons are? Read more single parent dating advice on Love is All Colors.

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Are there any stay at home dad benefits? Well, all this depends on the region or country that you are coming from. There are those countries that socially favor and support women who stay at home more than men. So if it is a country that is more conservative, then a stay at home will be socially shunned.

Despite the fact that some stay at home men might struggle with acceptance, scroll on as we look at the gains that come out of it…

Work from home dad perks

When making a decision, the first thing that most men ask is stay at home dad benefits. Many worry about losing their manhood. Some worry about losing their professionalism or business skills. Well, this is a common misconception that when men stay at home, they force the woman to fend for the family. This is not necessarily true because these days, one can get work from home jobs.

If you are still wondering whether to become a stay at home dad, I will tell you this secret for free. Those who do it willingly are more satisfied with the role they play within the family. Here is why…

Breaking sexist traditional gender roles

Whenever people start debating about this the first thing that people highlight are the stay at home mom vs working mom pros and cons. Traditionally people believed that staying at home and raising kids is the moms’ job and that women couldn’t build successful careers and still raise kids. Building a career used to be the dads’ thing.

But even if we go on day in and out debating about the working mother advantages and disadvantages we have to accept the reality that times are changing. The human race is becoming more accepting and fluid in various aspects of life. Society has come to terms with the fact that both men and women can take up similar challenges. And this alone has really given the girl child the motivation to compete in a ‘man’s’ world.

As more and more dads stay at home sexist barriers are being broken. Roles are changing. This gives men who want to bond more and get more involved in their children’s lives the chance to do so. It also gives women who want to build their careers a fair chance.

They get to know their kids inside out

We should never underestimate the importance of dads. When a man gets to spend a lot of one-on-one time with their kids, they get to know them better. Much as you might have to pick up a few chores here and there it’s all worth it because you get to bond with your children. You will know more about them from their favorite color to how to deal with their different emotional states and behavior.

They also become more involved and in touch with how the days of their kids are in school and what happened. This can really help prevent lots of behavioral problems since they are in tune with their kids’ lives. Every moment and every memory created is worth the while.

No milestones missed

There is one misconception that people have about dads – That they don’t care what milestones they missed. Really? Even the first day the kid rode without training wheels? Hell NO!

There is nothing as great for any parent, even dads, as witnessing the first time your kid does something. ‘First times don’t have second chances. These are precious moments that need not missed. And when people look stay at home mom vs working mom pros and cons, they always feel that most of these things should be witnessed by the mom. Wrong! Dad’s need these memories too.

This is one of the stay at home dad benefits that should help you make the decision of whether or not to raise your kids full time.

Career mom can pursue her dreams

There is nothing as bad as a woman who feels that staying at home made her not pursue her dreams. The thing with feeling like you have made an unfair sacrifice is that eventually one cracks. When debating working mother advantages and disadvantages, the freedom to pursue one’s career is one of the main advantages.

There are those cases when maybe the mom’s job pays better than the dad’s job. Well, this is one of the cases when a man can opt to become a work from home dad so that the family can benefit more from the mom’s salary. And when a woman feels fulfilled and relevant based on her career, she also tends to be more appreciative of the husband. This, in turn, translates to a better marriage.

No more deadlines (Yay!)

Now there might be a schedule at home that you might have to adhere to. Lucky for you, you won’t have to deal with the deadlines that a dad who works away from home has to stick to. Dads who stay at home make their own schedules. Laundry not folded today? There is tomorrow. There is no one to boss you around to get things done at a specific time or period. Having no deadlines is one of the stay at home dad benefits.

So if there is laundry yo be folded and the kid wants to be pushed on the swings, you can commit to doing what made you be a stay at home dad first – bonding with the kids. Those clothes will still be waiting for you in the laundry basket when you get done playing. Basically, you get to spontaneous with kids. This is something your kids will love you for and will appreciate in the future.

Kids have better emotional growth

Lots of studies have emphasized the importance of a father figure in the upbringing of kids and the benefits of a stay-at-home dad on the kids. We are not saying that mothers aren’t good when it comes to the kids’ emotional growth. Mothers are emotionally reassuring. That’s why, when a child cries, the first response of the mother is to comfort them with reassuring words.

With dads, the emotional skills that they help their kids develop and curiosity and self problem-solving skills. So kids who have been brought up by a close father tend to be more independent and it also helps the child learn to cope with their problems. They learn perspective which makes them more behaviorally and emotionally balanced. So while mothers tend to reassure a frustrated child, fathers teach them how to manage their frustrations. When they grow older, they become empowered enough to cope with stress.

So with a working mom stay at home dad household, the children tend to have fewer temper tantrums. That said though, mothers also have an important role to play too. We can’t run away from the fact that kids will also need to be comforted just as much as they need support.

Daycare savings

We cannot emphasize enough the savings on daycare that come with a working mom stay at home dad environment compared to when both parents are working. Daycare is so pricey that sometimes, it can make you even wonder why you sacrifice time with your family for work. The thing is, it doesn’t make sense to go to work then spend your whole paycheck paying someone to look after your young ones.

If you are in a situation where the mom’s job brings more money, then it makes more sense for the father to stay at home with the kids, right? Plus, if its the question of an entire income stream being lost, you can make some money by working from home. There are so many freelance jobs online. With tons of great sites and resources online, you can still work and take care of your kids at the same time.

Daughters are inspired to dream big

First off, if you are staying at home, then you will definitely have to do some house chores here and there. Well, this is great for the girls, especially when they see that the dad is actually supporting the mother’s dreams and career. This simple gesture makes the daughters become more ambitious about their own careers too. And this is what makes it one of the greatest stay at home dad benefits.

Whatever career choice they have, seeing the dad help out around the house shows them that cleaning and cooking is not a woman’s job. It is a job that anyone can do. This way, if there are sons in the house, they will also assist in the housework. This makes it a fair field for both the boys and the girls to have time to pursue their dreams. It encourages the girl to take on challenging careers which traditionally, they were viewed as men’s jobs. They learn confidence and they learn at an early age that their needs and their dreams are just as important as those of men.

The kids become more accepting and open-minded

The fact that a man can choose to stay at home and let the wife pursue a career speaks for itself. The fact that a man can make the choice of taking care of the kids has awesome effects on your kids. They grow up knowing that you are a selfless man who put their needs first.

The ‘mom working and dad raising kids’ scenario defies tradition. So your kids will always be more accepting of various scenarios and more open-minded. The girls too get to learn skills that people consider masculine. So if you have both boys and girls, it teaches them that they have a choice to live their lives as it pleases them.

Conclusion

The gender restrictions we had before are neanderthal and toxic. So instead of forcing people into particular stereotypes and sexism, today, we are welcoming and embracing the changes within our society. People are realizing and acknowledging the above stay at home dad benefits and more… So today, the phenomenon of having a dad taking care of the kids while the mom works is gradually becoming more accepted as a new family model. It’s up to a family to decide what model works best for them.

For more articles on parenting, visit Love is All Colors.

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If you are privileged to have the role of an uncle, through your siblings or friends, being a cool uncle is something that most men strive to be. This is one of the most important relationships to cultivate. With families living apart and with fewer family reunions one needs to go the extra mile to maintain the family ties to extended family. And as an uncle, you can forge these relationships positively with your nieces and nephews.

Well, read on to find out how you can become the best uncle ever…

How to be an awesome uncle

Uncles play a very important role in the lives of their nieces and nephews. Plus, they can be positive role models for their nieces and nephews. They have different personalities from the parents of the kids so they usually bring in a different view and perspective of the world to the kids. Most of them live in their own homes so the kids would visit them and the kids would learn things that are foreign to how they are being raised at home. And if these things are done right and are fun, kids tend to idolize their uncles.

Being an uncle especially when you don’t have kids is important. Besides having more time to spend with their nieces and nephews, they can also be very influential to them. Kids usually see their bachelor uncles as very cool dudes. If you have uncles, I am sure you can remember how cool they were in your lives when you were little. Now that you are grown, you probably feel that its time to be that awesome uncle too. Well here is some advice on how you can take on the mantle fully…

Connect with them

Much as it might be tempting to mingle with adults at family gatherings, make time to interact and goof around with your nieces and nephews. Find out what’s going on in their lives for instance with school, what Halloween costumes they will choose this year, the gifts they hope to get. Plus, asking about the holiday gifts they hope to get will give you an idea of getting them cool uncle gifts. Just take an interest in them and get down and play with them a little.

Do fun stuff with them that their parents normally won’t do

Make time to do or teach the kids some fun and slightly dangerous things or games that their parents normally won’t allow them to do. For instance, if the parents feel they are too young to ride horses or drive, be the first to teach them… with a disclaimer that they should never do it alone. Besides the dangerous stuff also teach them other fun stuff too. But while doing all this, if they misbehave in any way, you need to step it up and correct them.

Tell them jokes, riddles, and cool uncle tricks you know from when you were growing up.

This tip is related to the one above. Showing them cool uncle tricks and teaching them how to be kids is the most important job of an uncle. Tell them silly jokes. Give them riddles to solve. Show them cool stuff like making fart noises with the armpit. I remember my uncle taught me that one. And I have passed it on to my nephews and they love it when they see this goofy side. And I know I am the best uncle in the world for that.

Offer to babysit if you live close by

Make time to take them off their parents’ hands once in a while and spend the night with them doing some cool stuff or having a movie marathon and introduce them to your favorite childhood movies and cartoons. Plus, if you don’t have kids of your own its good practice for when you have yours. It might be a bit of hustle when they are babies, but as they grow up it gets easier and fun.

Buy a small gift whenever you visit and during Christmas

Children love surprises. And the good thing with kids is that they appreciate anything small so long as they weren’t expecting it. So you don’t have to rack your brain wondering what cool uncle gifts to bring when you are visiting. Just bring them something they can play with and you will be the world’s best uncle. They will always be looking forward to your next visit. Snacks are also a hit when it comes to gifting and you will score some major points.

And while speaking of gifts, get them cool (not necessarily) during Christmas. Get some cool toys they will enjoy playing with. Remember the games and toys you used to play with when you were a kid. With this tech era, those toys can give them a whole new experience. These are those gifts they never know they want until you allow them to have the experience. Introduce them to these toys and games by gifting them at Christmas.

Send a birthday card with some cheddar in it

I remember the uncles and aunts that were my favorites, were those who used to send birthday cards with some money in it. So every time I received a birthday card, I would eagerly rip it open. One thing you have to remember is that the moment you start this tradition of putting money in cards, then you have to make it a tradition. Otherwise, the day they will find nothing inside, they will totally be disappointed. And you don’t want disappointed nieces and nephews especially if they are kids or in their teens.

Always make them feel awesome. Send some money even if its just 5 dollars. It doesn’t have to be much. Just the good gesture that you want them to buy something nice for themselves on their birthday is enough and it will mean a lot to them.

Remembering kids’ birthdays is something an awesome uncle does. So make a point of putting reminders on your phone that gives you enough time to purchase the birthday cards or gifts so that they can reach them on or before the birthday.

Also, remember important events of their lives

Just as important as birthdays are significant and the monumental events that happen in their lives. These are things like rites of passage such as baptisms, First Communions, bar and bat mitzvahs. These too deserve a card or a gift. And if you want more points, then show up for such events.

Besides religious events, there are things that your nieces and nephews will experience. For instance, first job, graduations, college acceptances, marriage, and kids. Recognize and congratulate them during these special events no matter how small the achievement might seem. If you really want to keep tabs of this event and maintain the world’s best uncle title, create a Facebook private group or a Whatsapp group for you and your siblings. This way, your siblings can share these upcoming events.

Be a good example and advice them whenever necessary

Now, even if you know they see you as the coolest dude on earth, always remember that they are looking up to you. So be a positive role model for them. Let them learn from you how gentlemen behave and handle themselves. Try as much as possible not to do things that will disappoint them. Just know that you have a lot of influence when it comes to molding their behavior. Use that influence for good.

When you are not being goofy with them, dispense uncle-y advice to your nieces and nephews. Kids take advice from their uncles more seriously than they would if it came from their “annoying and lame” parents. So if you think your niece or nephew is troubled somewhere, give them friendly advice and guide them. Trust me, it helps.

Maintain the relationship even as they get older

As your nieces and nephews grow older, they get busier with other stuff in their lives. So after a while, you might find that the visits might become less frequent. Plus, you will also have your stuff going for you. Now, much as it might take more effort to maintain the relationships, the title of the best uncle ever will always go to those who manage to keep it going. And if you do this, then you will have deserved the title of awesome uncle.

Now that you know how to be a cool uncle, don’t forget to stop by Love is All Colors for more family articles.

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The number of interracial kids has really increased over the years. So when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their pregnancy some time back, everyone who is aligned to the multicultural community must have been proud. And when their interracial royal baby was born, it was more than just icing on the cake. Now, as much as mixed individuals population is one of the fastest-growing in the US, they are still misunderstood and underrepresented, with many interracial couples kids being faced with the identity crisis.

Parents of interracial children need to shield their kids from some of these harsh realities. Well, read on we share with you some advice on raising mixed kids in 2020…

How to raise children of interracial relationships

Parents of beautiful interracial children will tell you that even if there are some benefits of raising mixed children, most of them have also encountered some annoying moments too, despite the increase in the number of interracial households. So if you are a new interracial parent then you need to brace yourself because at some point you may have to deal with the annoyance of ignorant and prejudiced individuals.

The thing is: even Meghan and Harry knew that they had to expect their fair set of challenges raising a mixed-race child. Having been a mixed-race child herself, there was a video that resurfaced where she speaks about how she hopes that her future offsprings are born in a world where racism against mixed individuals doesn’t exist. Plus, she has also experienced racism for being mixed. And this is why it is important to know how to raise biracial kids. Well here are a few tips:

Find books and watch media that look like your family and kids

We are lucky that in 2020 there are books and media with characters that represent interracial marriage children. So the first tip for raising interracial kids is to look for these books with people who look like them (biracial) or look like your family (interracial). And like I said, we are in luck! Much as it isn’t such a wide collection, these books are still there. Taye Diggs has one called “Mixed Me” where he speaks about wanting his biracial child to identify with both worlds. The thing is, most interracial couples kids love seeing people with similar hair and skin color.

Teach your child to embrace their mixed identity

As I mentioned earlier, on “Mixed Me”, Diggs wanted his child to identify as biracial and embrace both worlds. I believe its imperative that parents of interracial children make it their sole responsibility of guiding their children to embrace both cultures. Let your child be proud of their identity and both sides of their cultural heritage. This is very helpful in building their character in terms of acceptance and tolerance of other people’s cultures.

Also, let them grow with unbiased views of both races. We don’t want them growing up thinking that all Caucasians are racist, right? Steer clear from overexposing your interracial marriage children to the differences in the two cultures. Instead, focus on exposing them to the best of both worlds. Emphasize on unity and let them understand that choosing one race over the other is not tolerated.

Learn how to style biracial hair

If you are a white mother married to a black man, then you might have to go through rounds of tutorials just to learn how to style your cute baby’s fizzy hair to make it look like that of her cute black cousins. See, the thing is, the hair of black-white interracial kids isn’t as silky and easy to style as what you might be used to. You can’t avoid the hair journey.

You might have to take hair care lessons to learn detangling techniques. Plus you will also have to invest in good detangling conditioners and also probably teach yourself how to braid your child’s hair as Kim Kardashian did. Much as all this might seem a bit overwhelming, you’ll still have to learn enough to keep your kid’s hair well hydrated and detangled.

Participate in their traditions

It is important to give children of interracial relationships the chance to be exposed to all cultures and traditions of their parents. Enrich your child’s life by enriching them with their cultures and teaching them to proud of their rich cultural heritage and proud to be a part of more than one culture. For instance, if one parent celebrates Christmas and other doesn’t, as parents, give the kids the chance to participate in this holiday and then let them make their choices about whether or not to celebrate it as adults.

Encourage language development

Sometimes, being part of an interracial family comes with being a multilingual family. Bringing up kids in a multilingual environment is one of the perks of interracial relationships. Teach them the languages of both parents so that they grow up as part of both heritages. Speak to your child in your native language too. Help them acquire language skills. In the process, when visiting either side of the parents’ families, they will feel like they are a part of it.

Find an interracial community

If you are a new interracial family, look for families that are like you and that share your mindset. Those with the goal of raising interracial kids as world citizens. Seek communities that foster pride and respect for diversity and multiculturalism. Also, expose your kids to people who are integrated and are accepting of other’s cultural backgrounds respectfully.

You can join online communities and network with other interracial families. Join multicultural communities that support diverse individuals and families.

Conclusion

The thing is, we can’t run away from the fact that the number of interracial children is increasing, thanks to the rise in interracial relationships. Raising kids in a multicultural household helps them develop the ability to connect with diverse races and cultures. It teaches them empathy, openness, and helps them be welcoming and respectful of other people’s cultures. Yes, there might be some challenges that they might encounter. That said, be open about it and tell your kids to talk to you whenever they experience any kind of prejudice. My final piece of advice: Don’t shy away from talking about race issues.

For more articles on raising multicultural kids, visit Love is All Colors.

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Raising mixed babies in a world centered around hate and division can be quite challenging. It is usually the worry of most interracial families. It’s even harder when raising them in a society where some races are seen as inferior to others. So what should a parent of mixed kids expect during the first years of the baby’s life? Scroll on and see what Love is All Colors advices.

What it is like to raise mixed race babies

The main thing that is highlighted when it comes to raising mixed race children is the issue of identity. If not handled well by the parents, this can follow the kids even into adulthood. How do you make sure the kid doesn’t have a constant battle with trying to fit or seek refuge within a particular group and maintain and embrace his or her individuality? How do you make sure they embrace the uniqueness and benefits that come with their unique mixed cultural background?

We understand that some of the mixed kids might take on the traits of the dominant race. But this doesn’t mean that they should ignore one race over the other. So as a parent of a mixed family, you need to start this conversation early.

One thing we have to realize is that mixed babies are beautiful babies. They will always draw attention to themselves from people. That said, unfortunately, the beauty of these beautiful babies comes with some of its challenges. And they grow older and start interacting with kids of various races, they will start noticing their racial differences in their skin tones and hair texture. And that is where the battle begins… So you need to be ready to make them understand that being different is not a death sentence. Here are some of the things to expect…

Your kids will never quite fit in

Now, much as they have the advantage of cultural richness sometimes, mixed kids feel the pressure to choose one culture over the other. For instance, half black half white children might feel more comfortable around black children or vice versa. And much as they are a part of both races, there is always that divide that sometimes makes them feel that they don’t quite fit in with either race. So they might feel like outcasts.

Raising biracial children in a racist world is tough. And if a parent of, say a half white half black child is not careful, it might affect the kid’s self-worth, self-esteem and self-confidence negatively. Parents are expected not to shy away from the race topic. They should comfortably tackle any questions and issues that arise. Hiding under the phrase “color blind” won’t help your child embrace his mixed identity. It will instead confuse them more when they encounter racial discrimination. They might end up giving people passes when in reality, they should be called out for their racist actions.

People might think the baby is not yours

“Is that your son?” “Where are your parents?” “Are you the nanny?” These are some of the questions that might be hurled your way and your half white half black kids. This is because some kids of a white parent and a minority race tend to take up the white features.

It gets worse. I remember an incident that was featured on the internet when an onlooker called the cops on one man with a half black half white child accusing them of having kidnapped the child. If you are raising a biracial child alone, it can get crazy. You can get pulled over by cops and asked to prove that your kid is indeed yours. How do you prove that when the white mother or white father is not in the vicinity? It can be crazy being a mixed family.

Talk to them about race and how to identify racial discrimination in school

As a parent of mixed babies, you are expected to be blunt about race relations and discrimination. We all want to believe and hang on to the hope that the world has changed and has become better. But if your kids are to grow better, then you need to make them understand exactly how the world works.

Other babies might mock them for being different. It’s imperative to educate them on what prejudice is and how to handle such situations. This will put them an advantage as they will be better equipped to face reality.

If you are a Black parent, much as your kids don’t necessarily look like other cute black babies, this doesn’t mean that how you see them is how the world will see them. The world might still identify them as a minority race. And this makes them susceptible to discrimination.

Your mixed babies might experience discrimination from parents, teachers and their peers. Teach them to come to you whenever they feel discriminated against. And don’t brush it off with words like “They probably didn’t mean it that way” because they will start suffering in silence.

You might have to learn how to style biracial hair

As a white mother who is used to trying a ponytail on your silky, easy to style hair, you might have to take tutorials on how to style your baby’s fizzy hair to look like those of other cute black babies. You will have to learn detangling techniques and get good detangling conditioners and also have to learn how to do braids on your child as Kim Kardashian did.

You might need to go the extra mile and invest more in them

In order for mixed babies to fit in, some parents have to invest more in afterschool activities, home learning resources, and other extracurricular activities. This might seem like a disadvantage it is one of the benefits of raising biracial kids. These are parents who have embraced the fact that their kids are different. So they get them involved in things like ballet, sports and other after school clubs so that they can participate more in a group and this actually makes them excel.

It’s imperative to teach your child to embrace their biracial and multiracial identity

Taye Diggs has a book called “Mixed Me”. And he made it clear that he wanted his kid to identify as biracial. And you know the internet… He received a lot of backlash because of it.

I think parents of biracial kids have the responsibility of teaching their kids to embrace both cultures. As a parent, you need to make them proud of both sides of their cultural heritage. Teach them both histories and they will respect you for it.

At the same time, teach them unbiased views of both cultures so that they don’t grow up with the mentality that all white people are racist. As a parent make sure you don’t overexpose the divide in your cultures. Instead, expose them to the best of both worlds.

Create a household of unity. Let them know that choosing one race over the other is not an option.

Conclusion

There are more mixed babies being born. The conversation about identity is real and it needs to be put out there. Yes, initially, navigating through these issues might be experimental but you will eventually figure your way around it. They might meet a few challenges here and there but with love and positivity, they will eventually and naturally grow with self-acceptance.

Read this article about a mother who wants her biracial kids to embrace being black.

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There are various stages of a pregnant belly that pregnant women go through. And if I am to speak for most women, each pregnancy can be different. When I was pregnant I realized that each stage comes with its own changes and sometimes its own challenges. Normally the pregnancy period of human beings lasts 40 weeks calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. These are divided into three trimesters: first second and third and during each trimester, the fetus and the mother undergo various changes.

Read on and find out how my experience was on Love is All Colors.

My experience from when I was 1 month pregnant

For me, getting pregnant wasn’t easy. This is because my menstrual periods are so irregular. So my partner and I couldn’t keep track of my cycle as it kept changing. One time, it’s 40 days. There were times I could go even for three months. But eventually, it happened. And I was really excited! But having read that most women miscarry during the first three months, I only shared this information with my spouse and we decided to keep this to ourselves until when I was 3 months pregnant.

Here is my pregnant belly month by month experience.

1 month pregnant to 3 months pregnant

Well, this was the most challenging and scary for me. I remember going for a checkup when I was 2 weeks pregnant. When the doctor was doing the ultrasound, he seemed worried because going by my last menstrual period calculation, there should have been a tiny embryo. But what I had was just a sac. He was worried that I had a blighted ovum. This is a pregnancy where the embryo never develops. I was really worried about this. So he decided that I go for a second scan after a week. That was the longest week I ever had. I wasn’t ready for bad news after having tried that long to get pregnant.

Well, the time came and fortunately, I got good news! Phew! The relief! I remember this was the first time when I was 1 month pregnant that I threw up. And that was the last throughout my pregnancy. I guess my body was just releasing all that stress I had built up during that week. I had an embryo developing at last!

Now much as I never threw up again during my pregnancy, I still felt nauseated especially when I was 2 months pregnant until the first trimester was over. Coping with nausea was quite challenging. Then there was the altering of diet, the cravings, and fatigue. I couldn’t stand the smell and taste of peas at 2 months pregnant. And this went even after having the baby. I  found a way around the nausea… sweets, and lemon!

Unfortunately, during this time, the belly hasn’t started showing. So you get no special treatment from people. I remember one time having to queue for an hour to get served at the bank. I almost passed out. If I was showing, I would have been allowed to cut the queue. If only I had an imprint on my forehead saying I was pregnant!

4 months pregnant to 6 months pregnant

Finally, the nausea was gone! The cravings were still there though. I remember one time, my husband and I had to leave the house at 11 pm and went into the city, moving from restaurant to restaurant looking for chicken wings. We didn’t find the ones that I was craving for. So we bought raw wings and there I was at one a.m. trying to recreate those wings.

At least during this time, I had started showing. My clothes weren’t fitting so I had to improvise. I hated how I looked at 4 months pregnant because my pregnant belly growing looked like I just had a big pot belly. I really felt ugly. I am sure most pregnant women have experienced this feeling. I was uncomfortable about this physical change.

Well, eventually, after I got to 5 months pregnant. At 5 months pregnant and 6 months pregnant was the best period for me. Change of wardrobe time. I got to flaunt my pregnant body in the trendiest clothes I could lay my hands on. And there was the special treatment from the public. Pregnant women love every bit of this. Plus we have earned it, right?

7 months pregnant to birth

At 7 months pregnant comes the extra fatigue because of the rapid development of the features. Then there is the having to adjust how you sleep. I don’t sleep on my back usually. But just because they say that during the third trimester it is not advisable, now I really wanted to. The other thing that I hated was the swelling of the feet. It was very uncomfortable.

There was a bit of a scare because during this time I once slipped and fell when I was coming from the bathroom. This was because a similar thing happened to my mum and gave birth prematurely at seven months. The doctor advised on checking my pregnant belly by week until he was satisfied that all was well. Things went smoothly after that and when my time came, I gave birth to a healthy baby.

This is the final stage of pregnancy. There is more discomfort because the baby puts more pressure on internal organs. Women have more difficulty breathing. And they tend to urinate more frequently. These are things that go away after birth.

Complications during the stages of pregnancy

Some of the common complications that most women experience are anemia and recurrent urinary tract infection. These are lesser complications. There are however some more serious complications that can put both the mother and baby at risk. These are things like preclampsia (high blood pressure) or severe nausea and vomiting during the first trimester which might affect the child’s development. Then there is also gestational diabetes and obesity which can also put the mother and baby at risk. Talk to your doctor whenever you feel ill.

Not all pregnant belly stages are the same for all women

When women share their pregnancy stories and experiences one gets to realize that not every woman goes through the same thing. There are some who never have morning sickness throughout their pregnancies. Then there are those who will throw up from the first month to the last month. Some women find pregnancy easy. Others find it more challenging. There are those who get scares and are put on compulsory bed rest until the baby is born.

People might say that pregnancy is a normal thing. That pregnant women need no special treatment. I tend to disagree. Yes, it is nature. But there is nothing normal about having a human being growing inside you. The responsibility of bringing another human being into the world is a big one. So all pregnant women and mothers deserve all the respect and support they can get. There should be more days dedicated to mothers.

Read this interesting story about how Miley Cyrus reacted to pregnancy rumors…

The post Stages of a pregnant belly and how to deal with it appeared first on Love is all colors.

Dating someone with kids may appear tricky. But does this mean that you should outrightly write off a great man just because they have kids? In this article on Love is all colors, we explore this rather complicated subject. Read on…

Things to consider before dating a man with kids

You might never be number 1

What kind of relationship does he have with the kids? If the guy you want to date has a close relationship with the kids or is living with the kids at home, then you will never get 100% of his attention. The kids will always come first. However, this doesn’t mean that he will neglect you. It just shows how dependable and caring he is. Now, if you can be understanding about these dynamics of the relationship and aren’t the attention-seeking kind of person, then, by all means, date him.

Do you want or love kids?

When a woman says, I don’t want kids, some people might find this a bit weird. Well, not every woman is born with the mummy genes. Some people might see this as selfish. However, this is a decision that you have to make. Now you might have met this wonderful man who has kids. But if you don’t want kids of your own, you need to ask yourself if you are willing to raise someone else’s kids.

The thing is, if you are looking for something serious, at some point you will probably have to meet the kids and probably live with them. Can you be a mother to them? If yes, then go ahead and date your guy.

Does he want a casual or a long-term relationship?

Now if the guy you have met just wants something casual, then dating someone with kids shouldn’t be an issue. There are some men who are dating with kids who prefer to keep their relationships away from the kids. If this is that kind of guy, then, by all means, date him. If on the other hand, he wants something serious, then you will have a decision to make.

Kids need time and focus

Yes, this dude you have met is incredible. But this doesn’t mean that you jump into the relationship blindly. Kids take a lot of energy. So if you are planning on dating a man with kids, then you need to be able to make some sacrifices where the kids are involved. You need to be ready to do the work and embrace those children as your own. You might be forced to be committed to both the man and the family. Are you ready for that kind of commitment? If the motherhood gene isn’t in you, then maybe you need to back out especially if you are dating someone with a kid in your 20s.

Can you respect their routines and traditions?

As a woman who doesn’t have kids of her own, you need to realize that this man had a life before meeting you. And this life is with him and the kids. So there was definitely a way that this family is accustomed to. For instance, you can’t be the kind of woman who expects the man to sacrifice the son’s soccer game just to go drinking with you. So if you won’t be able to be understanding of their routines, then save yourself the trouble. Unless the man is a deadbeat father, then the kids will always come before you.

Don’t go into people’s lives and disrupt them. If you do and the relationship with the kids go sour, you are the one who will take the blame for it. Plus this will also make the kids despise you. So if you are planning to have something long term with this dad, then respect their traditions. It might be hard but you can slide yourself politely into their equation.

Are the kids ready for their father’s new relationship?

Now, this all depends on the kids involved. There are some kids who can be very angry when they meet the other woman. This is because some feel that their mother is being replaced. Before you even rush into anything serious, ask the dude if he has dated before and how the kids are about his dating. If there is an issue, then you should probably remove yourself from the equation before you invest in the relationship and end up with your emotions getting hurt.

Create a dating someone with kids pro and cons list

Do some research by getting dating someone with kids books. Once you have done your research, go through your pros and cons list. Depending on how you look at it, this might be a very rewarding experience for you. But it is also very challenging. Because of the kids being in the man’s life, it might not always be the sparks flying kind of relationship. If the cons outweigh the cons, then you should probably reconsider dating a man with kids. This is because the disadvantages might put a strain on your relationship.

Always go with your gut

There is nothing wrong with making the choice of not wanting to date a man with kids. If you are not up for it, or your stand is, I don’t want kids, just walk away and save both of you heartache later. Remember, it is all up to you. You have the right to choose. Yes, some people or the guy might think you are shallow. But the choice is yours.

Dating someone with a child is hard. So if you have any doubts then simply walk away. Don’t let your friends guilt you into the kind of relationship that you are not ready for. The one thing that is more uncomfortable than not wanting to date a man with kids, is forcing yourself to date on then regret your decision later.

When is the right time to meet the kids? Follow the link for some great tips.

The post Dating someone with kids… Yay or Nay? appeared first on Love is all colors.

Choosing the perfect gifts for pregnant wife can be a tricky affair for the husband. The woman’s body is changing. The bulging tummy has replaced the abs and your wife might be feeling drained, exhausted and probably not as sexy. Well, isn’t it time you took advantage of the cheer and aura that the Christmas season brings and got her the perfect gift? You may wonder, “What exactly is the perfect gift for my pregnant wife?”

I think the best gifts ideas for pregnant wife this holiday season are those that will leave her feeling pampered, beautiful and loved. Check out these recommendations on Love is all colors.

Christmas gifts for pregnant wife

With the bump growing bigger every day, you need to give your pregnant wife a Christmas she will never forget! As you read on, you will find some recommended ideas that will leave the mom-to-be feeling loved even as she goes through the different trimesters.

While most people focus on the baby’s essentials and wardrobe, as a husband you need to also factor in the real star – the mommy-to-be. Make this Christmas different from the others by making it all about her. Let us face it when the baby comes, it is going to be all about the baby. We have put together a list of essential and fun Christmas gifts that you can buy for your pregnant wife. These suggestions can also apply if you are looking for gifts for newly pregnant friend.

Go mushy on the jewelry

Don’t just randomly buy her jewelry. There should be a sentimental value attached to any selected piece, especially if you are looking for early pregnancy gifts. Your pregnant wife will absolutely adore jewelry that can convey the message of a mother-child relationship. Get her a necklace with a pendant that has two small feet. Trust me, this will wow her and you will notice her subconsciously touching it from time to time because of the emotional attachment she will have to it.

Subtle jewelry pieces like earrings, bracelets, and necklaces are perfect.  As much as pregnant mothers cannot control the changes that their bodies undergo, they can comfortably rock trendy jewelry and accessories anytime during the pregnancy without feeling fat. PLEASE  stay off rings because most women’s fingers swell during pregnancy.

You do not have to break the bank to buy her the perfect jewelry. There are so many sentimental pieces you can get her based on your pocket size. Truly, you can never go wrong getting jewelry for your pregnant wife this Christmas.

Invest in a full body pregnancy pillow (well, because it works the magic!)

No other gift screams “I care about your comfort” than a pregnancy pillow. This is why it made it on our list of gift ideas for pregnant wife! For me, it is a must-have, particularly the one with the C-shaped design. The full body pillow gives extra comfort that magically relieves aches, thus ensuring proper rest because it supports the hips, back, neck and tummy.

As the pregnancy advances, one’s level of discomfort increases. You can also add the pregnancy pillows onto your shopping list for a perfect gift for your newly pregnant friend or wife this Christmas. This is one gift that is useful during and after the pregnancy. Its practicability makes it a highly needed item. It’s one of the best Xmas gift for wife because she needs it. According to reviews and ratings, it is extremely comfortable. So, what are you waiting for?

Buy classy but comfortable clothes

Pregnant women are not looking for tight body con dresses that will make them suck in their breath and feel like an elephant. Your pregnant wife will gladly choose a soft and comfortable dress over a tight one any time. We all know that while pregnancy is absolutely beautiful, it can also be quite uncomfortable.

It is important to note that her body is changing. Plus there are increased chances of skin irritation and rashes. Wearing uncomfortable clothes will cause more harm than good. If your pregnant wife is close to her due date, comfortable clothes like loose shirts, tunics, gowns, wraparounds will be suitable even after she gives birth.

While there may be different types of clothes that can be bought as gifts for pregnant wife, those made from cotton are your best bet. Do not buy clothes with zippers and belts. Opt for those that can be fastened with a drawstring based on the wearer’s convenience.

Keep in mind the presence of a growing belly and buy clothes that can accommodate these changes.

With pregnancy comes the constant urge to visit the toilet. When picking out an outfit for her, this should be the most important consideration. Remember to factor the toilet time when buying Christmas gifts for pregnant wife.

Baby bath products

Help her get prepared for her baby’s arrival by buying baby bath products. By bath products, I mean baby lotion, sponge or washcloths, shampoo,  moisturizing oil, and soap. Look out for those with natural ingredients. This is very important because the skin of a baby is quite sensitive and delicate.

Skincare products for babies should not contain alcohol. Always avoid the scented ones since your baby could be having allergies.

Sculpted family figurines

Most of the best figurines I know come sculpted and can be early pregnancy gifts. The gift becomes even more thoughtful when it can depict the essence of family and the new addition. It is indeed a gift that celebrates a new beginning and the joy that motherhood brings with it. It is perfect for hanging on centerpieces around the house.

Family figurines provide a reminder that no matter the challenges and storms life may throw at you, your family will always have your back. I guess it is indeed true that the love of a family is the greatest blessing a man can have. This makes it one of the best gifts for pregnant wife from husband.

Organize a Christmas maternity photo shoot session

You can organize a professional maternity photo shoot for your pregnant wife especially if she loves the outdoors. This is the season to be jolly and she will definitely appreciate the gesture. It is highly likely that your wife might want great pictures to capture every single moment of her pregnancy journey. And pregnant Christmas moments should make it to the list.

Maternity photography is a growing trend and will continue to be. The female body swollen with an unborn child is absolutely gorgeous if taken by a good photographer. You can never put a price on these pictures and the emotions they evoke when they are hung or pasted on scrapbooks.

Ask for recommendations of great photographers from friends who have had pregnancy photo shoots before. Call beforehand and find one who will be available during Christmas and surprise her with one of the memorable gift ideas for pregnant wife. Remember, its Christmas. To add some fun to it, get some Christmas costumes and play Mary and Joseph while at it.

Get your pregnant wife some sexy maternity bras and sexy lingerie

When we hear maternity bras, what comes to mind are shapeless bras that are quite hideous and do not belong under the Christmas tree. Strive to get a couple that will still make her feel sexy. Get your pregnant wife some maternity bras that are sexy and comfortable. The practical thing about maternity bras is that she can use them during the period of pregnancy and into motherhood. When choosing maternity bras, it is better to go for those with wide supportive straps that have also factored in the options for breastfeeding. It is better to go for soft fabrics like cotton with a lacy undertone.

To match her new bras how about getting her some soft lingerie too so that she can still bring out the foxy sexy self whenever she gets in the mood.

Get a pregnancy journal

Pregnancy comes with its highs and lows. The truth is that we easily forget the most important moments of our lives as time passes by. Once they are lost, that feeling may not be relived as perfectly as it happened the first time if we do not document these events as they occur.

For new moms-to-be, a pregnancy journal is one of the gifts for pregnant wife I highly recommend. This is a gift that will for sure leave a lasting impression. Your pregnant wife can keep track of her pregnancy milestones and progress as she prepares for her new bundle of joy.

Well, because it becomes all about the baby after birth, it can be quite difficult remembering all the details of the pregnancy.

There are many pregnancy journals in the market that can be a wonderful gift for your newly pregnant friend. These journals break down the journey into the different trimesters and start with fun prompts and spaces for pictures and cuttings. You can also paste sonograms of your baby’s development. They are exceptionally great for a first-time expectant mother. They are also a great addition to the stocking stuffers for your pregnant wife.

For me, this absolutely had to make it to our list because it is highly sentimental. I can just imagine the thoughts that will be going through her head as she reminisces every time she reads through her journal while rocking her baby to sleep. It is definitely a must-have memory book for both mother and baby!

A jar of heaven for her sweet tooth

We all know that cravings are synonymous to moms-to-be. The dessert struggle is an unending battle that is not trimester-specific. Why not make Christmas awesome by stuffing all the goodies that your pregnant wife craves for in a jar? Pregnancy cravings can be salty, spicy, sour or simply non-specific. It will definitely brighten her day and her mood, especially if the mood swings are becoming more frequent. Go all out and satisfy her cravings in a healthy way, if you can.

Some desserts that are healthy for both mother and child are the Greek yogurt, fruit sundae, mint-chocolate frappe, peanuts with chocolate toppings, among others. You can choose a specific day to collect some of these goodies and give them to her so that she can have delicious treat-full Christmas.

While it is important that a pregnant woman eats healthy, indulge her this Christmas with things that satisfy her cravings. Pregnancy is the time that you can put off the calories’ counting because the baby needs those extra calories to develop well.

Foot massages and spa date

How can I forget the foot massages as a gift idea for your pregnant wife? Swollen feet is a common and uncomfortable issue that most pregnant women deal with. What better way to pamper your wife this holiday season than giving her a foot massage? You have no idea how effective a good massage can be when it comes to alleviating discomfort.

Give her a ladies’ day out

What is a ladies’ day out without some manicure, pedicure, a makeover, hair appointment or a spa treatment? There is no woman who doesn’t like to feel beautiful, especially one who is expecting a baby.

However, it is important to take precautions, especially when selecting a salon for your pregnant wife. Make sure they use well-sterilized clippers and any other tools that will be used. You can buy her her own tools set if you are not comfortable with the ones being used at the salon.

Another great consideration to be made is the ventilation of the salon. Expectant moms have a heightened sense of smell. The chemicals and fumes in the salon might make some feel nauseated especially if the salon is not in a properly ventilated location.

One way to avoid such drama is to arrange for her a pampering session at home. You can also arrange a spa session for her at home. There are lots of people who do house calls these days. And if the money is the issue, you can be the masseuse too.

Search for the safest ways a pregnant woman can enjoy her pampering session with regards to getting her nails done, her face made up, her hair curled as well as other beauty and spa treatments. After all, considerations have been made, drop her at the selected location and pick her up when she is ready.

On getting home, bring the cinema to her. All it takes is a very affordable subscription to Netflix, a bowl of popcorn and your good company to make it a jolly season to remember!

Give her a blank check for a night out

What do I mean by this? Make this Christmas about her and give her the option of doing something she really likes while you go with the flow. Let her pick the place she wants to go on a date and go all out. Put on a tux and let her dress fancily and go for a fancy dinner if you can afford it. Whatever it is you get to do, make sure it makes her feel sexy and appreciated. Give her the gift of spending time with her.

You can even plan a surprise pre-baby trip for the two of you to a place she has expressed interest in going in the past. This will help the two of you reconnect as you wait for your baby’s arrival. It is your time to get away from the world and focus on just your spouse for a day or more if she has the energy.

There are a lot of cruises and getaways that are baby-friendly that take into consideration expectant mothers. Do your research and select the one that is just right for you.

Conclusion

The gift of procreation is one that is a miracle in itself. You and your pregnant wife are the beneficiaries of that gift! This post about gifts for pregnant wife is really important because mothers and fathers focus all their energy on ensuring that their babies have all they have and then the woman who is carrying the child is forgotten in the process. Toting their bumps through their different trimesters is no easy picnic and the perfect gift can help them unwind.

This is where you come in as a husband, friend, colleague or acquaintance. You need to make sure that they are comfortable in order for them to have easy pregnancies. Believe me, happy and relaxed mothers make for happy homes and happier newborns. With all the above gift ideas for pregnant wife, it is safe to conclude that your struggle is over. I am sure that you’ve gotten some great stocking stuffers for pregnant wife from this list.

You know your wife better than anyone. Use that knowledge to your advantage and get her the gift you know she will absolutely love (even if it isn’t captured in this post). As they say, ‘happy wife, happy life’!

If your girl loves the outdoors, read these great outdoor gift ideas that will blow her mind…

The post Find the best gifts for pregnant wife this Christmas appeared first on Love is all colors.

Are you tired of going through the same old holiday traditions year after year? It’s that time of the year. A time when families unwind and bask in the awesomeness that the season brings. The Christmas season brings with it a certain cheer and excitement in the air for both the old and the young. What better way to enjoy its goodness, bond as a family and make lasting memories than creating amazing holiday traditions?

Read this article on Love is all colors and pump some fun into your holiday.

Unique Christmas tradition ideas to start with your family

Family holiday traditions are certainly magical! Whether you believe it or not, Christmas traditions make this month special. They are worth every bit of planning put into it. In addition to giving everyone a sense of belonging, it gives everyone something to look forward to every year no matter the challenges they go through in their personal lives.

With these Christmas tradition ideas of some new Christmas traditions to start, you can infuse more holiday fun and spend quality time as a family.

Let us delve into some holiday traditions you can share with your family

1. Volunteering

While this may sound boring, volunteering is not. In fact, it is one of the best Christmas traditions you’ll ever practice. It is a way for families to give back to society. They can give their time, effort or money, making the world a little better. You never know how lonely people are until you give them the gift of your time. You should also think about some gifts for kids, women and cool gifts for guys. Make holiday volunteering as unique as it can be.

There are many ways to do this. You can connect with nonprofits like nursing homes, animal shelters, and so many others in your area and find out what they need. Help your children pick out their used clothes (that are still in great shape) and buy some more while doing your Christmas shopping.

Raise money for causes that are dear to your family. If you are cash constrained, you can offer to play Santa and bring some cheer to children in shelters and homes by donating your used toys and games. The idea behind volunteering as a family holiday tradition is the random acts of kindness the society can benefit from each member of the family. Still, it can teach your family empathy and instill lifelong values that they will not be so quick to forget.

2. Have an advent countdown calendar

This is one of our best Christmas Eve tradition ideas. Design events and activities around each day that will build excitement and anticipation. It could be a drive-around to see the Christmas lights, a scavenger hunt or something else that you and your kids will look forward to, with a reward attached to each activity.

You should pick a date in the month when the family gathers around for some reminiscing of the events that have happened within the year. Every milestone (the good, the bad and the downright embarrassing) achieved by every member of the family is penned down in a memory book and read out loud in a candlelit setting. This gives you an opportunity to get to know what has been happening in the lives of the people that you care about.

For me, the perfect day for a memory journal is on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, when we await the countdown of the dawn of Christmas day or the New Year. Of course, this comes accompanied with hot cocoa and cookies. At the end of the day, gifts are passed around and it becomes a night that you will hardly forget!

3. Take a holiday family photograph

We all know that a picture is worth more than a thousand words. Capture these moments that are so rare by taking a holiday photograph. This will become a great memory in the future when the youngsters have left the nest and you can look back at their progressions over the years.

Do not make the photo shoot all stiff and boring! Be goofy, creative, and crazy. More importantly, have fun while at it. The personalities of members of your family should shine through. You can display them around the house and use them for cards, especially for families that produce yearly holiday cards for families and friends.

Take different shots in different positions. Take some while decorating the tree or having a dinner party. Remember, you are not looking for the perfect picture, but one that showcases your family simply enjoying the pleasure of doing something together!

4. Have a movie marathon

Yaay!!! My personal favorite holiday tradition is the matching Christmas jammies’ party where every member of the family wears holiday PJs and selects a movie for everyone to watch. The movie marathon makes it to the list because it is already a holiday tradition for many, especially movie addicts.

Of course, we sometimes may yawn to the war movies selected by grandpa, scream at the horror movie selection from our brother and bawl our eyes out at the tragedy selected by our (evil) sister. For the romance movie lovers in the house, Hallmark has got Christmas covered with its selection of romance movies for the season. With a movie marathon, there is always something for everyone.

Plan early for the marathon by making it known to the family. This will help you ensure that the movies selected are made available before the marathon. Movie marathons can sure build memories that will last for a long time.

5. Cooking time can also be bonding time

With all the activities mapped out for the holiday season, food is the fuel that sustains the family. A lot of traditions revolve around cooking and eating. Cooking together creates an atmosphere of fun where family members can come together and exchange cooking skills and recipes in a fun way.

Have everyone play a part in helping out in the kitchen. The children should also be involved in this activity. So find a way to pull them from their toys, their video games, and presents. It does not have to be a complex meal. All it needs to be is something everyone can comfortably pitch in. The joy of holiday cooking is in the shared stories and laughter that is sure to follow… especially when someone screws up something. Plus, trying to find ways to fix up some of the mess is how people accidentally end up with “secret passed-down ingredients” to their food.

Let everyone be a chef for that day. Baking or cooking with kids does not mean that there must be a professional looking final product. You need to accept the fact that your kitchen is not going to be as neat as you’d want it to be. The memories are all there for you; in the amoebic-shaped cookie, the dough that makes its way to your daughter’s cheek and the batter that your toddler is using as hair cream. It all counts in the spirit of Christmas, no matter the mess.

Conclusion

The word that comes to mind when we mention tradition is continuity. Holiday traditions bind families together irrespective of distance. These are the good memories that your future will thank your present. The holiday tradition ideas suggested in this post are not to be followed to the latter. You can tweak them to suit your preferences and those of your loved ones.

Your special holiday tradition may be singing carols together, family dinner or doing arts and crafts with your children. Whichever you decide to do together as a family, always be consistent.

Thinking of making memories that last forever? Try these new Christmas traditions. Start a family holiday tradition today because every moment counts!

Here is a great article with tips on sharing holidays after breakup where mutual children are involved.

The post 5 Amazing Holiday Traditions to Bring Back the Family Fun appeared first on Love is all colors.

Photo credit: Jimmie48 Photography / Shutterstock.com

Serena Williams may be a pro on the tennis court, but the new mother has revealed that she is just like the rest of us as far as parenting is concerned.

The 36-year-old tennis champion welcomed her daughter Alexis Olympia into the world 11 months ago, and explained that her life has been full of ups and downs from the very beginning…

“Some days, I cry,” she said in an interview with TIME.

“I’m really sad. I’ve had meltdowns. It’s been a really tough 11 months.

“Sometimes she just wants Mommy, she doesn’t want anyone else.”

She then explained that it is a tough battle between being there for her daughter while also making time for herself, and we assume, her professional tennis life…

“I still have to learn a balance of being there for her and being there for me. I’m working on it,” she added.

“I never understood women before, when they put themselves in second or third place. And it’s so easy to do.

“I don’t think I’m doing it right.”

We applaud Serena Williams for being so open with her fans about her struggles.

We need more famous faces like Serena and Chrissy Teigen – who has also been very open with her postpartum difficulties – to let new mothers know they aren’t alone.

The post “I’ve had meltdowns!” – Serena Williams has found parenting “really tough” appeared first on Love is all colors.