Despite the idea that there is a perfect time in someone’s life to start a family, the truth is that there is no right or wrong time. When you start a family is not an entirely controllable aspect of life, and everyone from teenagers to middle-aged couples find themselves thrust into parenthood at the drop of a hat.
Let’s face it, the nuclear family was never a reality even all the way back in the 50’s. Young couples have always found themselves starting a family whether they were ready or not, but it is true that young families have it harder than most.
From financial struggles to learning the ropes of parenthood and maintaining a relationship, all too many families end up falling apart. Before you let stress get the better of you, take a look at these essential tips to building a healthy, happy family.
Having Dinner Together Is Important
Your schedules might not always allow for a daily dinner sit-down, but enjoying a meal together even once a week has a drastic improvement on the welfare of your relationship and your children. It leads to better academic achievement in school, stronger bonds between family members, and improves everyone’s self-esteem.
You don’t have to sit down at the table, either. Whether you all watch a favorite TV show while chowing down or enjoy a meal at your local fast-food joint, the bonding that takes place is essential for everyone’s happiness.
Reduce Stress
I sounds impossible, right? Between finding money for the bills, finding budgeting tips, paying for food, and everything else you have to deal with on a daily basis, how on Earth is anyone supposed to eliminate stress?
While you might not be able to take away your stressors, you can do things as a family that help to eliminate it. Something as simple as watching a comedy, spending some time outdoors, or playing with something artistic such as Play-Doh can all be extremely relaxing activities.
Remember that your stress affects your children on every level, as they are intuitive to your heightened levels of frustration. The calmer you can remain, the happier you and everyone else will be.
Create A Positive Environment
Eliminating stress is one part of this equation, but choosing a good location to raise a family is another. Moving isn’t always in the budget, but you don’t need a family sized home to make this aspect of life a possibility. Pick an apartment in an area you can afford that offers good schools and a tight-knit community.
If hunting for Berkeley CA apartments, look in Hercules where the homes are more affordable but still benefit from the exquisite school system. It’s all about the area’s price tag and benefits to your children offered in the area.
It doesn’t have to be Cali or the UC Davis apartments for rent, though. Every state has multiple locations perfectly catered to family life.
Grandparents Are Important
When considering what location would be best for your children as they grow, keep the distance from your own family in mind. If you have a good bond with your parents, then let them help as much as humanly possible.
Children who spend time with their grandparents are more likely to be compassionate, more social, and cooperative in their early years. This same interaction leads to more well-adjusted adults, and a little breathing room for you and your partner.
Everything on a Checklist
Before you fry your brain trying to remember everything that needs to be done in a week, make a checklist. Write down every doctor’s appointment, grocery store list, and oil change. The less you have to draw from memory, the more you will be able to focus on the here and now.
This sanity saving trick will help keep your life from spinning out of control, as well as turn you into the supermom (or dad) who stays on top of absolutely everything with ease. Write it down, write it ALL down.
Stay Strong
The modern young family has it rough, but it doesn’t mean you can’t make it through these years and look back with a smile. While there’s no ultimate handbook on parenting at any age, following these tips will make your life a little smoother and far less stressful.
