Having kids is stressful enough when they’re little. There’s always a problem at school, a sudden fever, or a temper tantrum to deal with. In time, many of these problems go away–only to be replaced by other worries.

Eventually, your child will hit the age at which your state says it’s legal for them to drive, and you’ll let them get a license, and then you’ll worry even more.

Calm down. While teen drivers do make a lot of mistakes and have accidents at a disproportionate rate, there are things you can do to help mitigate the risks to your teen driver.

Insure Them Well

Most people already have car insurance when their teen begins to drive, so they usually just add the new driver to the policy. This isn’t always best. When that time comes, you should visit acceptanceinsurance.com and see if you can improve on your rates. This can help in two ways. You could simply end up paying less for the same coverage, or you could save enough to upgrade coverage, allowing for a lower deductible or for adding collision coverage.

Don’t assume that the company and the policy that works for Mom and Dad will still be best when it’s time to insure a teen. Do your research and get peace of mind with the ideal coverage for your new driver.

Set And Enforce Ground Rules

Some of the biggest threats to your teen driver’s safety are the driver’s own decisions. You need to start them on the right path by showing good driving habits yourself. That means putting down the phone, wearing seat belts, observing speed limits, and all the other safety practices you know you’ll eventually nag them to do.

Enforcement is considerably easier these days. You can do a lot to hold your child accountable on the road with very little effort. There are teen driver apps that track vehicle speeds, that disable calls while the car is in motion, and that even reward good driving behaviors. Getting them installed and properly configured might take some time, but from that point, it will be hands-off for you even as it works to save your child’s life.

Get Roadside Protection

Many kids start driving in a hand-me-down car. Mom and Dad go to the dealer and buy something new for themselves, and the old car goes to the teen driver. It’s a great money saver in many ways, but depending on the car’s age, it could expose your child to a roadside breakdown.

Dealing with this requires that you properly teach your young driver how to react in case of a flat tire, broken belt, or dead battery. And while many of these problems can be easily resolved by the driver himself or herself, others will end up requiring skilled work or even a tow. And besides, what teen wants to get out on prom night and change a flat tire in a tux or dress?

Invest in roadside assistance coverage. There will always be a reputable company that can go to your child no matter how far away his or her travels–or your own–have taken you from each other. And with cell phones so much more available and reliable today, it should always be easy to get into contact with the service.

Getting a license and a car is a necessity in our busy, far-flung lifestyle today. From there, a certain amount of worry is inescapable. But proper planning and a system of accountability can go a long way toward easing your concerns.

If you own an Android device, you have access to a huge range of apps on the Google Play store. Sometimes when you find an app and start using it, you wonder how you possibly survived without it in the past.

Here are some of the most popular apps in 2016 that you might want to try, and you may find that some of these become essential apps on your device.

Netflix

Netflix has gone from strength to strength in 2016. Its latest feature allows users to download TV shows and movies to their devices so they can watch them offline. This has just made an already excellent app almost essential for anyone who wants access to the best TV shows and movies wherever they are.

LastPass

LastPass was already a strong password management app, but in 2016 it became even better when it provided its services for free across multiple devices. It is an excellent tool for personal users and business users, and it will help you to stay secure in the cloud by securely storing all of your passwords and even generating passwords for you so you don’t have to remember them.

Weather Live Free

A good weather app is essential, and this is one of the best you can get on Android devices. Using the app, which you can learn more about here, you can get accurate forecasts all over the world. The stylish widget also provides you with quick access to the weather forecast so you can stay informed during the day.

Google Drive

Google Drive is not new, but it just keeps on getting better. Google’s cloud storage solution also comes with a full suite of office tools so you can create, edit, and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and more. It’s fantastic for both personal and business use, and it is fast becoming an essential app for millions of people.

Evernote

Evernote has also seen some useful updates during 2016, and it remains the best note-taking tool around. Use it to take simple notes or to manage your entire life, and it can be as simple or as powerful as you want it to be.

Spotify

Spotify is the best music-streaming service you can get on your Android phone or tablet, and it is another one of the most popular apps of the year. Search for almost any tune in the huge library, and then listen to your favorite music wherever you are.

SwiftKey Keyboard

Most people type a lot on their phones, but the default keyboard is nothing to shout about. SwiftKey, however, makes typing easier and faster. You can customize your keyboard, take advantage of better text prediction, and overall it makes the experience of typing on a small screen a lot better.

Try Out the Best Apps of the Year

These apps are some of the most popular apps for 2016, providing a range of features that many people find essential. If you have an Android device and you want to get even more out of it, try out some of these apps today.

Molly Mills is a tech loving Mom who would be lost without her smartphone and all her must-have apps. She writes about tech and the best apps she uses for work, managing daily life and for fun.

The expenses keep on coming when you have a baby, which makes it tempting to consider buying a few used items to keep the cost down. You might argue that babies don’t stay in things for long so you might be tempted to buy something that is almost like new. And with social media making second hand baby items more affordable than ever, it is no wonder why so many young parents are making the switch. However, there are reasons to stop and think about before you decide to get some used items.

Here is a look at what is fine to use second time around and what items should be new out the box. We also find out why some clothes and toys might be ok to reuse, and get the lowdown on why cribs and car seats are a far riskier the second time around.

They grow so quickly

It is worth bearing in mind that your baby will grow so quickly that any item of clothing you buy them probably won’t even fit them a few months later.

The average baby grows by about an inch each month and they are putting on weight at an equally impressive rate, which is why it makes sense to consider the idea of used clothes.

Reusing clothes makes a lot of sense. As the clothes won’t have been worn much and you will be saving money by reusing items you get from a trusted source.

Take the usual precautions and check the labels to be sure that any sleepwear used is flame-resistant.

Safety first with car seats

It is not common knowledge that car seats have expiration dates. This reason alone should persuade you it is not a good idea to put your child in a used car seat.

The average life of each car seat is often a maximum of six years. If the used seat is close to that date or has already had a fair amount of wear and tear, it might not perform to the same crash-safety standards you would expect from a new one. Like bicycle helmets, baby car seats should never be reused after any crash or impact. The problem with a second hand car seat is that you can never be sure if it was ever involved in a collision.

There is no point fussing over the safety features of modern vehicles only to use substandard child seating. Many modern cars like the Jeep Compass have plenty of safety features that come as standard, such as anti skid brakes and multiple airbags. Don’t compromise on that safety by putting your child in a car seat you are not 100% sure about. Get a new one, and if it does its job only once, you will be glad for the investment.

Toys that pass the test

You might have already discovered that it is hard to predict what toys your child will like and want to play with. That is why it is worth thinking about saving some money and giving them some selected reused toys.

Not all toys are going to be suitable. Check for any loose parts or chipped paint. Be sure to give toys and books a wipe over to get rid of any potential bacteria. Simple toys with no loose parts are a reasonable choice. Give them a yank and apply more pressure than a child is capable of applying. If they past this test then used toys are worth considering and they can keep your costs down.

Keep away from old cribs

You need to be aware that drop-side rail cribs were banned a few years ago due to safety concerns. Federal safety standards have been updated to reflect the problems with these older style cribs. New cribs are now subjected to more stringent safety requirements, including stronger crib slats and mattress support.

The best advice would be to steer clear of borrowing or buying any secondhand crib, car seat or other protective equipment. It is not worth taking the risk with your child’s safety.

Mary Gold is a mother of two pre-schoolers. She also runs her own online business, Mary enjoys sharing her ideas online through blogging.

It’s estimated that parents drive a colossal 27,000 miles just giving their children lifts. Often, to save time and fuel, many parents with kids attending the same school/club will often share lifts, meaning many children and teenagers are often receiving lifts off adults who aren’t their parents.

No matter what the vehicle and no matter who’s driving, there are still vital safety precautions to be aware of when taking a ride in a vehicle. Many kids these days will opt for rides over cycling or walking, simply because it’s quicker, and will find themselves getting into a vehicle at least once a day. So, if riding the school bus or jumping in your mom’s car is something you do on a daily basis, check out the tips below to make sure you’re as safe and secure as possible!

Wear a seatbelt at all times

Whilst it’s often considered common sense to wear a seatbelt in a vehicle, you’d be surprised to know how many people don’t bother. In fact, 1 in 7 people still don’t buckle up their seatbelt – a shocking figure when over 90 people are killed in car crashes every single day.

So, to keep you strapped in and as safe as possible in the unlikely event of an accident, make sure securing your seatbelt is the first thing you do when you get into any vehicle (not just your mom’s!). If you have younger sibling who are unable to sort their own seatbelt, make sure you help them too after you’ve secured yours.

Sit in the back  

Even if the front seat is available, always sit in the back as it’s statistically proven to be the safer than the front. It’s illegal for children under 12 to be sat in the front seat anyway but, if you’re older and free to choose, still opt for the back as it will significantly reduce your chance of hitting something hard if an accident occurs.

If you’re lucky enough to be riding in a spacious vehicle like a Chrysler 200, riding in the back will be roomy and comfortable. However, if you’re faced with a smaller vehicle, it’s important to prioritize and realize that safety should always come above comfort.

Follow instructions

If you ride the bus to school every day, it’s likely your bus will have rules and regulations you need to follow. Whilst you may want to have fun during the ride and sit with your friends, it’s important to listen to the driver at all times – even if they tell you to sit somewhere or do something you don’t particularly want to! Rules are there for your protection and safety, so it’s vital you take them seriously.

Getting rides is becoming increasingly common over walking or cycling, meaning you need to take safety precautions into account whilst in a moving vehicle. The above tips are so simple they’ll soon become habit the more often you do them, increasing safety without you even realizing!

Josh Brady is a work from home dad. He enjoys sharing his parenting tips an ideas online and his articles mainly appear on family and lifestyle sites.

Regardless of whether it’s a long-haul drive or a quick drive to school, kids have the potential to misbehave and create mayhem in virtually any vehicle. Especially for younger children, the prospect of being strapped in to an uncomfortable car seat is certainly not appealing, and they will often do everything in their power to make the journey as disruptive as possible no matter the length.

From your family car to a public school bus, here are a few tips specific to both younger and older children that will help you easily teach them how and why they should behave when on the road.

Experiment with different car seats

Clearly aimed at infants, this tip is a great one to try if you have a very young child who acts up every time you place them in the car. Generally, babies begin to become aware of their surroundings between 4 and 6 months of age, meaning this is often the time for the tantrums to happen.

Many parents assume that car seats are standardized and all relatively similar, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Adjustable and even rear facing car seats are available nowadays, which will give your child a different view and more space if they’re uncomfortable.

If you have a large car such as the Dodge Durango, you’ll certainly be able to try out a variety of different car seats to encourage your child to behave without the worry of running out of room.

Enforce rules and reward good behavior

Whilst crying fits are very common during infancy, as your infant grows into a fully-fledged young child, this is where the real car tantrums will start. One of the best ways to combat this from the outset it to establish non-negotiable rules before your child even gets in to the car. This way, they will know what is and isn’t acceptable meaning that, if you become angry when they break a rule, they won’t be surprised at your reaction.

However, it’s also important to reward good behavior when your child obeys rules and is well behaved, especially on long journeys. Research has consistently shown that reinforcing good behavior is extremely important, and is likely to encourage and teach your child the principles of behaving both in and out of the car.

This tip also applies to the milestone of the school bus. Before riding on the school bus, it’s unlikely that your child will have taken a ride in a vehicle on their own before. So, unless you stress to them the general rules of bus etiquette before they take their first journey (i.e. remaining seated until it’s time to get off, arriving on time, keeping their belongings to themselves), how else will they know?

No matter what the circumstance, vehicle journeys have the power to illicit noise and tantrums in children of almost any age. But with the right preparation, the above tips are sure to restore good behavior for virtually all journeys your child has!

Nina Williams works form home, which gives her a lot of time to be around her growing family. She is mother of two. She enjoys sharing her parenting tips online.

Some topics are awkward, especially when you need to discuss them with someone outside of your circle of family and friends.  However, your general practitioner is usually the best place to start when you want to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases.  It’s understood that you’re nervous and apprehensive, yet the worst-case scenario involves denying yourself treatment due to paralysis.  Here’s how to take charge of your body and talk to your doctor about STD testing.

Don’t Assume

Some assume that STD screening is part of an annual physical.  In some cases, a family doctor or private practice may do so (Though it’s unlikely.)  You’ll need to be direct in addressing the issue with your doctor.  Moreover, don’t assume any STD test will screen for all diseases.  Specificity may warrant homework on your part.  You may use an Internet search engine to list the symptoms and see what disease is related.  Alternatively, you may look at pictures to see if you have any matching visible symptoms.

Maintain Integrity

Many are reluctant to get tested because they’re embarrassed, not wanting their doctor to know their personal business.  You don’t have to share details with your doctor; simply ask to be tested for certain STDs because “you’re starting a new relationship” or want the “peace of mind.”  Don’t make the situation more difficult.  It’s perfectly normal to get regular health screenings when one is sexually active.

Understand Tests

STD screening is not laborious yet it’s not as simple as sticking a thermometer under your tongue.  Tests vary depending on the disease.  For example, gonorrhea is detected via a saliva swab or urine test.  Alternatively, syphilis is detected via a blood test.  If you’re squeamish about having blood drawn then you’ll need to prepare; don’t look for excuses to put off your STD screening.  Moreover, in the case of some diseases, you may need to wait several weeks before a test can detect its existence.

Some doctors make suggestions based on sex and behavior.  For example, men who have sex with other males benefit from getting tested for syphilis since such high rates of the disease exist among the gay male community.  Alternatively, all women should get pap smears on an annual basis.  Lastly, one’s city or immediate community can dictate their preference for screening.

Act Now

As mentioned, some are reluctant to get tested or seek subsequent treatment due to the taboo nature of having an STD.  However, a damaged ego is the least of one’s worries in some cases.  For example, some STDs can cause organ damage, blindness, infertility, etc.  A neglected sexually transmitted disease can lead to an STI (sexually transmitted infection).

Be ready for the doctor’s visit or seek other methods of help.  Visit a Planned Parenthood destination in your area or find a local clinic.  Alternatively, some test themselves with home kits found at drugstores.  In some cases, your chosen method may be inspired by price and your type of insurance.  Walk-in clinics are relatively cheap and usually offer a wider range of tests found in private doctor practices.  On the other hand, some people feel safest dealing with their family practitioner regardless of price.  Use online tools to find STD testing in the area.

Distinguish Diseases

A question everyone has is whether an ailment is curable.  In some cases, such as gonorrhea and syphilis, one can be entirely cured.  Conversely, herpes, genital warts, and HIV are currently incurable.  Doctors may prescribe medicine to hide or curb symptoms, such as breakouts, yet a person will need to address the issue intermittently to maintain optimal health.

Change Behavior

Some are in denial regarding sexual behavior.  Having unprotected sex with multiple partners greatly increases the likelihood of contracting an STD.  Some find themselves repeatedly infected with sexually transmitted diseases and wonder why they have such horrible luck.  For some, an STD warrants medicine and calls for a change in behavior.  Furthermore, some find peace in speaking with a counselor who may help illuminate underlying issues or a pattern of self-destructive behavior.

Control Conversation

Whether you get a screening from your family doctor or elsewhere, remember you control the conversation.  Don’t let others’ questions or beliefs get in the way of your good health.  You have a variety of options.  Take charge of your body and control of the conversation.  Make sure your physician or chosen body of health provides you care and options that benefit you and make you feel most comfortable.

Natalie Martin is a freelance writer, and when she is not working on her next article she can usually be found in her garden. She attended the University of Cincinnati before turning to writing, and now spends much of her time drawing attention to some of the major health problems that are plaguing the country today. Natalie resides along the Gulf Coast with her 6 year old Labrador Retriever.

Are you always on the lookout for family friendly vacations? Do you want a holiday that can educate your children as well as entertain? It may seem an unlikely choice, but a camping vacation could be the perfect thing. Camping can teach your children many life skills they wouldn’t learn otherwise. It’s a holiday with a difference that promises to be one to remember. Unlike a regular vacation, where they’ll play in the pool, time camping will be time well spent. The skills your children learn while you’re away are skills they’ll pass to their kids! Not convinced? Here are the things your kids stand to learn during their stay in nature.

Image from Flickr

LEARN TO PUT UP A TENT

Tent building is a skill that too many people fail to master. Why? Because most of us never take the time to learn! Make sure that’s not the case with your children by getting in there early on. Pop up tents may seem like an easier option, but they ruin the fun! Not to mention that they won’t teach your children. When stocking up on camping supplies, opt instead for a standard tent they can help build. Make sure the tent comes with the poles and pieces you need. If using an old tent, do a stock take before you set off. There’s nothing worse than reaching your destination and realizing you don’t have everything. Make the building of the tent a fun activity by getting the whole family involved. The more hands on deck, the easier it’ll be to bring your tent to life. We all know tent building can be stressful, but it’s important to keep things light hearted. Getting stressed will dissuade your kids from learning. It’ll also make the event an ordeal. No matter what happens, keep a smile on your face!

Image from Pexels

EXPERIENCE NATURE

Ensuring your children experience nature is essential at all times. No other vacation offers them the chance to explore like camping does. The campsite you pick will decide how much nature your kids experience. Take a look at your option and choose a site that offers the best chances. Sites based in forested areas are your best bet. Your children might even get the opportunity to witness some wildlife while you’re away! Get them involved in nature by sending them to collect logs. The benefit of a campsite is that you know they won’t come to any harm while they’re away. If you’re worried about them going into the forest, there’s no reason you can’t go with them! If you’re arranging activities during your stay, try to keep nature in mind. The more experiences outside their everyday lives your children get, the better. It may even be worth making a rule that bans electronics while you’re away. Impose that rule on yourself, too, to keep things fair! Your children may moan about this at first. After a few days in the wild, they’ll have forgotten all about it! Take the opportunity to teach them how to keep themselves amused without modern aids!

Image from Flickr

SEE THE STARS

City living is fantastic, but it doesn’t give much opportunity to study stars! Your camping holiday is the perfect time to teach your children a bit more about the magic in the sky! If you don’t know much about astrology, do your research before you go. You can pass that knowledge on to your children. Sleeping under the stars is an opportunity few of us get. It can be an amazing experience. Make sure to take plenty of time to look at what’s up above you. Children are curious, and learning about the night sky is sure to appeal to them! Teaching them during your camping trip may lead to a long-term hobby you never expected. Make the most of those clear night skies!

Image from Free Stock Photos

LEARN HOW TO BUILD A FIRE

Learning how to create a fire is another skill that many of us fail to grasp. With aids such as lighters, or electric heaters, there’s rarely need for such knowledge. Even so, how to build a fire is a good skill to have. Your kids may never need to use it for practical purposes, but it’s knowledge they’ll be glad to have! Again, this is something they’ll pass on to their children when the time comes. Some campsites don’t allow fires, so you’ll have to do your research before you go. If your campsite is one that doesn’t mind fires, you’re set to go. Make sure you know everything possible about building a fire before you go. You don’t want to end up unable to do it yourself! What kind of impression would that give? There are plenty of online tutorials that can help you out. Know what you need, and make sure you’ve got it with you. Bear in mind that fire can be dangerous. Keep a bucket of water or an extinguisher to hand. Take a flame source along, too, in case you need it. You may even want to practice the skill before you go. Do everything you can to ensure you’re aware how to teach your kids what they need to know!

Image from Pixabay

LEARNING TO COOK OUTSIDE

Camping also has the benefit that it can teach your children to cook outside. There’s something satisfying about cooking on an open fire or a wood burning camping stove.  Children enjoy cooking at the best of times, but they’ll enjoy it even more on an open fire! Make sure to teach them about safety from the off. Open flames can be dangerous, and you don’t want to be dealing with injuries! Stock up on supplies, like cooking pots or camping ovens. Stock up, too, on Dutch oven accessories so you know you’ve got everything you need!

As well as being educational, a camping trip should be fun. Remember that your children don’t have to be learning for the whole trip. Take plenty of time to make things fun for them. Too much learning could overwhelm them and put them off camping again in the future!

(Image Source)

For most parents, getting their kids outside and active can be a challenge. The little ones have so many ways to challenge and excite their minds without exercise. It’s almost impossible to offer them something better. So, you need to find another way. And, the best way to do this is through a hobby. If you can make an activity part of their life in this way, it will be much easier to keep them active. It may also give them a lot in the future, too.

One of the best exercises, and not just for kids is swimming. Because swimming isn’t an impact exercise, it doesn’t damage your bones or joints. It’s also very hard to have a collision in a pool, as well. In fact, once someone is a competent swimmer, there really aren’t that many risks in an indoor pool. Swimming also works a lot of different muscle groups, while also being aerobic. This means that it will increase both strength and fitness. Swimming can be a lifelong hobby for those that enjoy it, so it’s a great gift to give to your child.

You’ve probably seen kids on little scooters before. But, did you know, that these are actually professional sports equipment? Scooters have joined the ranks of skateboards and roller-blades, in recent years. Giving themselves an edge, because they’re also much safer than the older forms of skating. Scooters can be fun without a skatepark, though. A lot of kids will use them as a form of transport, rather than something that they do tricks on. And, scooter parts are usually much cheaper than bike or skateboard ones. So, you don’t have to worry if their nice scooter gets damaged; it’s still repairable.

Sports can be another great way to get your kid active. Sports play a major role in a lot of school life. So, helping your child to be a part of that is a great way to improve their life. Most people will have at least one sport that they enjoying playing. And, most people will be good at some sort of sport, as well. The right sport can be hard to find, though. So, in most cases, it’s best to let your child choose. Most schools will offer loads of options to give your child some choice. And, you’ll probably be able to find local clubs, too.

Adding a competitive element to any of these can be a healthy way to motivate your child to keep active. Healthy competition can make people excited to do something. If you achieve this with your child’s exercise, you’ll ensure that they stay healthy for as long as possible.

Hopefully, this will give you an idea of what you need to do in order to keep a child outside and active. It can be a challenge getting young ones to stay fit. But, in the long run, it’s very worth it for their quality of life in the future. Instilling these ideas early on will give your child the power to keep going into later life.