1. Large Physical Buttons and High-Contrast Displays

Smooth touchscreens require fine finger control that most older people lose due to joint stiffness. Screen tapping and lost home screens lead seniors to give up using mobile phones. So, mobile phones for seniors are designed to have high-contrast numbers with great features that will make them happy.

Below are the hardware components that make calling simple:

• Raised Physical Buttons: Give clear click feedback that prevents misdialing for arthritic or shaky hands
• Large High-Contrast Text: Displays extra-large numbers and simple menus that accommodate vision changes
• Durable Flip Designs: Protects the screen from accidental dials and lets users answer calls simply by opening the lid

2. Integrated One-Touch Emergency SOS Buttons

Basic phones require unlocking screens and typing emergency numbers, tasks that are hard during a crisis. Senior-focused cellphones include physical SOS buttons on the back of the device for instant emergency activation. Pressing the SOS button activates immediate help when they need it the most.

Look at the life-saving safety features for peace of mind:

• One-Touch SOS Key: Triggers immediate calls to family or emergency contacts without needing to unlock the phone
• Automatic Alert Texts: Sends customizable text alerts automatically to emergency contacts during urgent situations
• GPS Location Sharing: Includes precise location details in emergency texts so family members can locate fallen seniors quickly

3. Loud Audio Amplification and Hearing Aid Support

Age-related hearing loss can make phone conversations difficult to hear via standard mobile speakers. High-pitched digital audio can sound muffled, forcing seniors to ask callers to repeat themselves. Senior cellphones have loud earpiece speakers to ensure incoming calls are heard clearly across the home.

Here are the audio features built for clear communication:

• Amplified Loudspeakers: Deliver loud, clear voice audio through the earpiece and hands-free speakerphone
• Extra-Loud Ringtones: Features high-decibel ringers so seniors hear incoming calls from another room
• Hearing Aid Compatibility: Pairs cleanly with hearing aids without producing annoying static or buzzing feedback

4. Simple Scam Protection and Call Filtering

Older adults are often targeted by scam callers, spam text links, and aggressive telemarketing numbers. Complex smartphone operating systems make it easy for seniors to accidentally tap malicious links, download risky files, or share private details. Senior-friendly cellphones have simple call filtering options like approved caller lists that automatically stop unknown or unapproved numbers.

Here are the built-in security tools included:

• Approved Contact Filtering: Blocks calls from unknown numbers, allowing only saved family contacts to ring through
• Scam-Safe Menus: Removes open web browsers and risky link downloads that compromise personal security
• Remote Family Management: Lets family members add contact numbers and adjust settings remotely via a secure app

5. Easy Charging Cradles and Photo Speed Dialling

Fiddling with tiny charging cables takes fine hand and good eyesight that frustrates older adults. Insertion of cables into tiny phone ports causes damage to the charging pin or loss of contact with family. Senior cellphones have desktop cradles that enable users to charge phones just by resting in a dock.

Give Your Senior Family Members Simple Tech

Providing your elderly parents or grandparents with a simple, senior-focused cellphone is a wonderful way to give them safety, independence, and connection. Big physical buttons, loud amplified sound, simple menus, and one-touch emergency SOS features remove technological frustration. Keep your loved ones connected with family, ensure access to emergency help, and enjoy complete peace of mind.

Mum takes longer than usual to get back from the shop. Dad rings from a road he knows well, suddenly unsure which way to turn. A neighbour mentions seeing him looking a bit lost.

You try not to panic. Maybe it was tiredness, a bad day, or one of those lapses everyone has. But when it happens again, the worry is harder to ignore.

You do not want to take away your parent’s independence. You just want to know when a familiar routine needs a little more support.

The first signs can be easy to miss

They are often small enough to explain away. A short walk takes much longer than expected. A parent comes home flustered but insists they are fine. They avoid a route they used to take without thinking, or they call you because they have gone the wrong way.

Sometimes someone else spots it first. A neighbour says Dad seemed unsure outside the house. A shopkeeper asks if Mum is alright. A friend mentions that she seemed a bit muddled after lunch.

Those comments can sting, even when they are kindly meant. Part of you may want to defend your parent, and part of you may feel guilty for not seeing it sooner.

One odd moment does not mean there is a serious problem. A pattern is different. If your parent is losing confidence, getting anxious outside the home, or struggling to get back calmly, it is worth paying attention.

Going out is about more than the errand

For an ageing parent, popping out is rarely just about buying milk or picking up the paper. It can be the bit of the day that still feels normal. A chat at the till, a familiar pavement, a nod from a neighbour, five minutes of fresh air. These things matter.

That is why safety conversations can go wrong so quickly. What sounds like a sensible suggestion to you may sound like control to them. A parent who has made their own decisions for decades may hear worry as criticism, even when it comes from love.

Start with what they care about keeping. If the walk to the corner shop matters, talk about that walk. If they like going out after lunch, talk about that time of day. It feels very different from saying, “You can’t do that anymore.”

The aim is to keep the routine where it still feels safe.

When a normal walk starts to worry you

There is a point where forgetfulness begins to feel like something more. Maybe your parent leaves without saying where they are going. Maybe they go out at odd times, get confused on familiar streets, or cannot clearly explain where they have been.

Memory changes can be strange like that. Someone can seem perfectly themselves while sitting at the kitchen table, then become unsettled when a usual route looks unfamiliar or a small change throws them off. Families are right to take the concern seriously, especially because six in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once.

That does not mean every late return is an emergency. It does mean repeated incidents need a calm, honest look, especially if your parent seems frightened, embarrassed or unable to work out how they got somewhere.

Make the usual routine easier, not smaller

Small changes often work better than big announcements. You might agree on a rough time for them to be home, make sure they carry a charged phone, or tuck an emergency contact card into a coat pocket or purse.

Keep things familiar where possible. Same route, same time of day, same nearby shop, same landmarks. If your parent already has a routine that mostly works, build around it rather than replacing it completely.

A trusted neighbour can help as well. You do not need to make it dramatic. A quiet, “If Dad ever seems unsure, would you mind letting me know?” can be enough. It gives you another pair of eyes without making your parent feel surrounded.

Ask clear questions if care is involved

If your parent has carers coming in or lives in a care home, you are allowed to ask direct questions. How do staff notice changes in confidence or memory? What happens if someone leaves unexpectedly? Are concerns written down? Has the same thing happened more than once?

One incident may not show the full picture. Repeated confusion near exits, unexplained absences or being found somewhere unexpected can point to unsafe wandering, especially when someone needs supervision.

Clear questions are better than vague worry. Ask who checks in, what staff do when your parent seems unsettled, and how quickly the family is told if something changes. You are not being difficult. You are trying to understand whether the right support is in place.

Do not carry the worry alone

This sort of thing often lands on one person, usually the one who lives closest or answers the phone most often. It can get heavy quickly.

If you have siblings, a partner or other close relatives involved, talk before there is a scare. Keep it practical. Say what you have noticed. Ask what they have seen. Try not to jump straight from “Mum got lost once” to “everything has to change tomorrow.”

These conversations often sit alongside wider senior living decisions, so it helps to keep safety, independence and your parent’s wishes in the same discussion.

Where possible, include your parent. Even if changes are needed, being part of the conversation can make them feel less frightening.

Choose the moment carefully

A rushed conversation after a worrying incident is rarely the best one. Everyone is tired. Your parent may feel embarrassed. You may sound sharper than you mean to.

Pick a calmer time. Keep it simple. You might say, “I know you like getting out, and I don’t want that to stop. I just think we need a plan for days when things feel confusing.”

Then listen. Your parent may already know something has shifted, even if they have not said it out loud. They may have their own ideas, such as going out earlier, carrying phone numbers, or letting someone know before they leave.

Change is easier to accept when it does not feel like it has been decided behind their back.

Keeping the door open

Noticing that a familiar routine feels less safe does not mean taking over. It means adding enough support to help your parents keep their independence with more confidence.

Aging parents or relatives deserve to have their voices heard, but balancing their preferences with practical solutions is rarely straightforward. Many families struggle to find consensus, especially when emotions run high. These hurdles can delay important decisions, affecting the senior’s well-being and quality of life.

This article provides actionable insights to help families work together. It explores ways to foster collaboration, respect seniors’ needs, and make compassionate, practical decisions for a loved one’s care.

1. Understanding the Needs and Preferences of Seniors

Involving seniors in decisions about their living arrangements shows respect for their autonomy. Their preferences, values, and concerns should guide the process to ensure their comfort and dignity. This helps create trust and reduces resistance to changes in their living situation.

Families must identify their loved one’s physical, emotional, and social needs. Health conditions, mobility issues, and mental health must be carefully evaluated. Emotional support and opportunities for meaningful connections are equally important. Understanding these factors ensures decisions are tailored to their unique circumstances.

For example, some seniors may prefer to stay close to their current community, while others need access to specific medical services. Facilities like St Vincent’s senior care offer a range of options, including specialized medical care and supportive living environments, tailored to meet these needs. Exploring such services helps families align living arrangements with their loved one’s health and personal preferences. These preferences can help narrow options for assisted living, independent living, or other care arrangements.

2. Open and Honest Communication Among Family Members

Family discussions are essential when planning senior living arrangements. Transparent conversations ensure everyone understands the senior’s needs, preferences, and available options. This collaborative approach prevents confusion and promotes unity during the decision-making process.

Families should schedule dedicated meetings to focus solely on senior care decisions. Creating a shared framework for making decisions helps keep discussions organized and productive. Addressing conflicts respectfully ensures each person feels heard and reduces tension. Listening actively and expressing thoughts calmly fosters a positive environment.

Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and reduces guilt associated with difficult decisions. When families work together openly, they can make thoughtful choices that prioritize their loved one’s well-being while considering everyone’s perspectives and responsibilities.

3. Balancing Financial and Emotional Considerations

Senior living decisions often come with significant financial implications. Different options, such as independent living, assisted living, or nursing homes, vary widely in cost. Families need to evaluate their loved one’s care needs alongside their budget to find suitable arrangements without unnecessary financial strain.

Emotional challenges, such as guilt about choosing a care facility or disagreements over expenses, can complicate decisions. Families must address these feelings openly and with empathy to prevent tension. Acknowledging that care decisions prioritize safety and well-being can help ease guilt.

Resources like senior care financial advisors or community assistance programs can provide valuable guidance. These experts can help families understand costs, explore financial aid options, and make informed choices tailored to their specific circumstances.

4. Sharing Responsibilities as a Family

Dividing responsibilities among family members is essential for improving your senior’s health and wellbeing. Financial contributions, caregiving duties, and emotional support should be distributed based on each person’s strengths and availability. This approach ensures no single individual feels overwhelmed.

Using tools like shared calendars or caregiving apps can help families coordinate tasks and schedules. Legal agreements may also clarify responsibilities and prevent misunderstandings. These tools promote accountability and streamline caregiving efforts, allowing everyone to stay organized and on track.

Shared responsibilities not only reduce stress but also strengthen family bonds. When everyone works together, it fosters a sense of teamwork and mutual understanding. Collaborative efforts ensure seniors receive the care and support they deserve while maintaining harmony within the family.

5. Leveraging Professional Guidance and Resources

Professional guidance can help families make informed senior living decisions. Eldercare consultants, social workers, and geriatric care managers offer expertise on available options, care needs, and financial considerations. Their insights can simplify the decision-making process and provide clarity during stressful times.

Support groups also play a valuable role in navigating challenges. Connecting with other families facing similar decisions can provide emotional support, practical tips, and reassurance. These groups create a sense of community, reducing feelings of isolation.

Online tools and directories further ease the process of finding senior living options. Websites offering detailed reviews, cost breakdowns, and location-specific recommendations help families compare and select suitable facilities. Utilizing these resources saves time and ensures well-informed decisions for loved ones.

Conclusion

Making senior living decisions requires families to work together with compassion and understanding. By focusing on the senior’s needs and preferences, fostering open communication, balancing financial and emotional considerations, and sharing responsibilities, families can navigate this process more effectively. Leveraging professional guidance and resources further simplifies the journey and ensures well-informed choices.

Periodic family check-ins are essential to reassess the senior’s evolving needs. As circumstances change, revisiting care plans ensures they remain appropriate and beneficial. Exploring trends like aging-in-place technologies or hybrid living arrangements can offer innovative solutions tailored to seniors’ unique situations.

Families who collaborate can create a supportive environment that prioritizes their loved one’s well-being. These thoughtful efforts ensure seniors receive the care they deserve while fostering stronger family connections throughout the process. 

Determine Your Needs and Preferences

Start by assessing your healthcare needs and personal preferences. Take into account factors such as age, gender, medical history, and any pre-existing health conditions relevant to older adults. Different primary care providers may have specializations that cater to the unique healthcare demands of older patients. Some older individuals may prefer a geriatric specialist or a primary care provider with expertise in managing conditions commonly seen in the elderly. Additionally, consider practical aspects such as the provider’s proximity, office hours, and preference for a male or female healthcare professional.

Look for a Primary Care Facility 

Once you’ve identified your healthcare needs and preferences, it’s time to search for a primary care provider that fits your specific requirements. Researching various healthcare facilities can be beneficial in this regard. Consider checking your health insurance network to see which providers are covered under your plan. Using online resources can be helpful in this process; looking at patient reviews, facility ratings, and any accolades awarded to the providers. At healthcare facilities such as Conviva Care Centers, you have access to a comprehensive range of services, each designed to cater to your healthcare needs. Reach out to the provider’s office for any additional information you may need, such as their approach to healthcare and the range of services they offer. Remember, a good primary care provider is not only one who meets your medical needs but also someone with whom you feel comfortable discussing health concerns. 

Ask for Recommendations

For seniors, the search can start by reaching out to friends, family members, or colleagues who have experience with primary care providers specializing in senior healthcare. Their insights can offer valuable information and guidance. Additionally, browsing online reviews and healthcare directories that focus on senior care providers can provide a broader perspective.

Check Qualifications and Credentials

To ensure seniors receive the best care possible, it’s imperative to verify the qualifications and credentials of prospective primary care providers. Seniors should rely on medical professionals with the right medical degrees, relevant certifications, and memberships in organizations specializing in senior healthcare.

In-Network vs. Out-of-Network

If you have health insurance, it’s essential to check whether the primary care provider is in-network with your insurance plan. The difference between in-network and out-of-network providers are something you should keep yourself updated on. In-network providers typically offer more cost-effective care, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses. However, if you have a preferred provider who is out-of-network, consider whether you’re willing to pay higher fees for their services.

Meet and Interview Potential Providers

These meetings present an opportunity to ask relevant questions and assess compatibility with specific healthcare needs. Seniors can inquire about the provider’s approach to preventive care, their experience in managing senior-related health conditions, and their office policies. The comfort level and quality of communication are vital aspects to consider when assessing potential primary care providers.

Accessibility and Communication

Accessibility and effective communication are critical factors for seniors. You should evaluate whether prospective providers are responsive to inquiries, offer convenient appointment scheduling, and are accessible during emergencies. A primary care provider who excels in accessibility and communication can significantly enhance the overall healthcare experience for seniors.

Choosing the right primary care provider is a highly personal and important decision for seniors. These considerations are intended to guide them through the selection process, helping them find a healthcare professional specializing in senior care. A trusted and compatible primary care provider plays a pivotal role in managing the health and well-being of seniors. With careful consideration, research, and these tailored steps, seniors can discover a provider who meets their unique healthcare goals and preferences, thereby building a long-lasting, beneficial healthcare relationship.

The Importance of Alone Time

We cannot spend every hour with our kids. Although we may love them to pieces, there comes a time where mummy needs some peace and quiet and some time alone with her thoughts. This is not a selfish thing to think; it is not normal to never have a moment alone. When you stay at home, it can be even harder to find this alone time.

Alone time should not consist of doing the dishes, cleaning the house, or ironing clothes. Alone time should be about doing something for you and you alone. This may be reading a book, starting a hobby, doing some yoga, or even having a nap. For your own mental health and to be able to give your very best to your kids, you need alone time.

Create a Schedule

Whilst anyone with kids understands that a schedule doesn’t always go to plan, trying to schedule your days as much as possible can help with finding alone time. Creating a schedule where your kids have their own play time, nap time, or time playing outdoors with the neighbours can offer you the chance to spend some time with yourself. Finding alone time in your schedule is essential, so make sure to make time every day.

Speak to Your Partner

If you have a partner that works outside of the house, chances are they want to come in from a day at work and relax too. From the outside, it can seem as though staying at home all day is an easier job, but it certainly isn’t. Talk to your partner if you have any concerns or if you need them to help out a little more when they come in. You don’t have to ask for every night alone, but even just having your partner take the kids to the park for an hour after work can give you some time alone.

Let them know your concerns about having alone time – they will understand. It may be that they also want their alone time and once the kids are in bed, you can hang out in different rooms for a night, doing your own thing. Although you may not get to see each other much, alone time, even from each other, is the key to a lasting relationship. 

Don’t Waste Your Alone Time

Once you get alone time, be sure not to waste it. Many mums get those few minutes, or hours of peace, and don’t know what to do with it. Your alone time should be just that, and this also means staying away from social media apps. Even if you are scrolling alone, you will likely not feel fulfilled once the time is over, and you won’t have had time with your thoughts. Screen time and alone time don’t need to be one and the same, although it’s okay to incorporate a screen if you are doing something you enjoy.

If you aren’t sure what to do with your alone time, think about what you used to do before the kids. This could be joining an online yoga class, getting into knitting or painting, or even meditation. If you enjoy playing games, you might want to visit an online casino. Online Casinos have a list of the 10 best UK online casinos you can check out if you aren’t sure where to start. Here you can find the best welcome bonuses and extra spins, so you can spend some of your alone time having some fun and trying to win big.

Lock the Door

Sometimes when we have our alone time, it can help to simply lock the doors. This may not be wise if you are the only adult in the house, but if your partner is watching the kids downstairs, simply locking the door can stop any interruptions. Even if you tell your child or your partner that you having some time alone, this may not stop them coming into the room. If you need time to find a relaxing space, locking the door is a warning to your kids that you are not to be disturbed. This is definitely something to bear in mind if you want a relaxing bath without constant interruptions.

Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries for yourself and your kids can help them to know when you are available and when you aren’t. Whilst we want to be there for our kids, they can wait a few minutes if you are in the middle of doing something for you. Not everything needs to be constant, and from day one your kids need to know you are not there to meet every small need. You will always be there for them but they need to understand the importance of alone time for themselves too. This will promote their independence from an early age.

This also means setting boundaries for yourself and giving yourself a break. The dishes need to be done, the kids are asking what’s for dinner and you haven’t had a moment’s peace since 6am. Order that takeaway, cook some freezer food, have toast and cereal for tea! Sometimes it’s okay to let something else slide if we need a break. Don’t beat yourself up for it, as alone time can be just as important as a homecooked meal.  

Finding alone time as a stay-at-home mum is vital to keeping yourself sane and teaching your kids boundaries. Schedule your days, as it can help a lot to have a plan of action. If you need help, speak to your partner. Once you do get your time alone, lock the door and do something just for you. Nobody said it was easy, but alone time is possible, even as a stay-at-home mum.

But how do you know what to say, how much to say and what not to say? I think as a parent we have to trust our instincts and we know our children and just what sort of information they need, however, it is key to discuss with your partner and family just how much information you will give and to ensure it is consistent from everyone.

How to talk to kids about Coronavirus without scaring them

Find Out What Your Child Already Knows.

Start off by asking them about what they know to establish their baseline beliefs such as for tweens and older – “Are people in school talking about coronavirus? What are they saying?”  or “Have you heard people talking about a new illness” for younger children.

This is a great way of starting a conversation and making sure that it is accurate and based on the information you feel is appropriate.

Keep it Age Appropriate and Honest

So for younger kids, you may choose to say “there is a nasty germ spreading fast and making some people sick. It is my job as your parent to protect and look after you, but you can help me do this by making sure you wash your hands when I ask you”.

Also, a lot of the messaging uses the term old – it is worth establishing what your child see’s as old. Old to a 7-year-old is a lot younger than it is to a 40-year-old.

Keep it Simple

The BBC has some great advice on keeping it simple and taking control of the information. Minimise the risk and focus on ht they can do to help.

Reassure them

If we are finding this a scary time as an adult, just imagine how a child might feel, especially if they are getting information from hearsay and hearing snippets of conversation.

We don’t want to scare them, so reassure them that we are doing all we can to stop the illness and model the behavior you want to see, wash your hands with them, use tissues, stop handshakes and demonstrate elbow bumps. BBC Newsround has a great resource section showing how to wash your hands and discuss other concerns.

Talk to older children about trusted sources of information

One of the conversations I have had with my teens is what sources of information to trust. They both have access to social media and the internet and there is so much false information out there. Places I have told them that are OK for news include:

• BBC – Newsround for younger children
• Who – World Health Organisation
• NHS
• Pubic Health England

We need to educate ourselves on where they are accessing information and I know a lot of teens are getting information via TikTok, which is why I was pleased to hear they had partnered with the World Health Organisation to create trustworthy information on Covid-19.

My friend Sally puts it so well

“I think virtually all women to some extent are raised and encouraged to be critical of their bodies, which is compounded by social media – and that’s an important conversation. Whatever size your body is, you are entirely valid to have feelings about it.

But there is a danger that “body positivity” has become a conversation about women of an average size, who lack confidence after having a baby, however, that is a different conversation, and I don’t dismiss anyone’s feelings, but when those conversations are being led by and shared among women who are already high profile in part because of the advantages they have (slim, white, educated, straight), then in my experience is it crowds out those women who are already marginalised and brutalised to some extent by social media.

I’m not sure what the solution is. Should slim women be more inclusive in their campaigns? Perhaps. Should fat women get a lot more vocal and angry and demand to be represented? Probably. Should the media recognise that body positivity isn’t just a case of selling positive slogan sweatshirts where an XL is a size 14? I can only hope!”

Then last month I was introduced to something so radical, so unusual and so against everything that we are taught to do in this social media age.  What is it you ask?

Just stay silent and say nothing

I know it so radical right! Say nothing? How does that increase awareness of fat acceptance?

Well, it is known as body neutrality and about not giving space to our perceived flaws and focussing our energies elsewhere. So instead of me posting a picture of me wearing shorts with a caption about my chubby knees and bulbous legs then being applauded for being brave, I would just post a photo of me in shorts.  I should just honour and respect the body I have and what it can do.

I was introduced to this concept by Laura Jane Williams with her column in Red Magazine

But what incentive is there for influencers to stop mentioning their perceived flaws when they are getting 100’s and 1000’s of likes and comments?  For parents, I think there is a massive reason to stop highlighting and discussing their mum-tum, cellulite and body weight. By not drawing their children’s attention to them they are truly accepting their bodies for what they do rather than what they look like and, therefore, setting a great example.  Something Claudia Winkleman says was one of the biggest life lessons she learned from her mum.

Appearance was never really discussed in my home growing up. I grew up knowing that my appearance didn’t and shouldn’t impact on my self-worth. That I was always more than how I looked and this worked both ways.  My parents never commented on my skirts being too short, or me wearing to much make up. Instead, they focused on what I did and how I did it. Conversely, my Mum never discussed her body in any negative way or really in anyway! She was always more than happy to pop on a swimming costume and come swimming with me and the boys when they were small.  She was a fierce woman who always appeared really self-confident. I don’t remember her ever dieting or watching what she ate. I just remember my Dad telling her how much he loved her and that she was intelligent, feisty and beautiful.

I read a great post by Ashlee Bennett explaining how by using words associated with physical descriptions to express emotional feelings doesn’t do the feeling justice and just adds to the stigma associated with them compounding an emotional reaction to the word.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

When you use words that are associated with physical, aesthetic descriptions – fat, ugly, skinny, pretty, unattractive etc – to express your emotional state, you deny yourself the opportunity to learn about what you’re really feeling. What you’re really feeling is attempting to be expressed through words which currently don’t do the feeling justice when using words not meant to describe emotions. . . Fat, when used as a feeling, takes on the stereotypical, stigmatising attributes associated with people in larger bodies, and the social meaning you give to fat, which then sets in motion an emotional reaction. This usually misses the mark too – because then you’re experiencing an emotion – usually shame, disgust, about the actual emotion you’ve mislabelled ‘fat’. Without knowing, the connection between ‘fat’ and ‘shame’ is reinforced – shame in this case, is an emotion about an emotion that is still not identified. What emotions are connected to the word fat for you? Hint – they may be emotions which you feel ashamed to experience. . . #psychology #healthateverysize #stigma #mentalhealth #feminism #wellbeing #edrecovery #emotions #bodyimage #dietculture #dietitian #therapy #feelings #fat #fatstigma #bodypositivity #bopo #arttherapy

A post shared by Ashlee Bennett – Melb AUS (@bodyimage_therapist) on Sep 30, 2018 at 2:57pm PDT

So I am going to take a leaf out of my Mum’s book and practice what she preached.  I am going to aim for Body Neutrality or even more radically Fat Acceptance. I am no longer going to tag my posts #BodyPositive. I want to be recognised as a person first and fat second or heck, size not even to come into the equation.  The time has come to stay that I am enough.  I am sick of women being not enough – not skinny enough, not pretty enough, not healthy enough, skin not clear enough, not famous enough, Not doing enough, not loving themselves enough and not sexy enough.

I AM ENOUGH AND SO ARE YOU

Mums get in the picture

I am really pleased to say that I am getting myself in front of the lens more and more.  I haven’t managed to shake my dislike of being photographed or even the images of me, but I really do understand the need to be in images, so that when we look back at them I am present.

5 simple tips to get mum in the picture

Give the camera to someone else.  On our recent holiday to Mallorca, we made Mini cameraman and it was great.  Not only did he feel really important for being in charge of the camera, but at 10 he took some great images that I was in and it gave a new perspective of the holiday.   I feel pretty secure in trusting the boys with my cameras as they are older at 11 and 12, but with younger children, I would advocate buying a pointy and shoot and giving it to them with a good neck strap.

Look through old family pictures from when you were a child.  This is one of the things that made a real impact on me.  I am so lucky that we have a vast amount of family photographs (that my brother has) and that includes my Mum and Dad.  When my mum died we looked through them and I was so glad of them and the memories they triggered.  I want this for my boys.

Start with a selfie.  I have loads of selfies of me and the boys.  We all take them a lot and they are not perfectly posed and in a lot of them we are pulling faces, but you know what…. the kids love them.

Join a challenge such as Me and Mine which is run by Lucy, Katie, Lucy, Alex, Fritha,  Charlotte. and Jenny, which is all about getting a family photo once a month.

Have a professional photo shoot.  I am going to admit that having photographs professional done and really well done was a pivotal moment in this process for me.  We are not a posing family and I feel really insecure about my looks after a double mastectomy, failed reconstruction and large weight gain due to ongoing medications.  So finding the right photographer and style of pictures is key.  We have been so lucky and our recent photoshoot with Liam Crawley was a blast for all the family.

I loved our experience with Liam – it was really easy from start to finish.  We agreed on a place for the photographs to be taken and also a time.  We had looked at Liam’s portfolio before our shoot and loved his style. The fact that he takes pictures with large negative space really appealed to us and the fact that the families personality shone out from each of the photographs spoke to us as a family. Liam is a multi-award winning wedding photographer and often is approached by other photographers to take family shots for them.

He really understood our boys and was not concerned with the fact that they never stood still, in fact, he embraced that as you can see.

Photo shoots are not just for families with youngsters, just take a look at this fab family photo shoot over at Slummy Single Mummy. You can see the highlights from our photoshoot here.

I was too busy laughing during most of the photoshoot that I didn’t worry about what I looked like.  It was really that much fun.  Once we had a photo shoot, Liam went away and then a few days later contacted me with a link to our private image library with the edited images in.  He has lots of different packages to choose from and I would urge you to get in touch with him if you are looing for a unique family photograph.

We have had our photographs for a few months now and still can not decide which ones to have made into a canvas for the wall.  I LOVE each and every one of them.

As you’re well aware, getting the little ones to sleep is hard enough, but hopefully this will make summer that little bit easier for you.

1. Blow Their Nose Before Bed

An easy way to get rid of some those awful sniffles is to simply blow their nose before bed!  If your child isn’t a fan, then make it a fun part of the bed time routine; tell your child that if they let you blow their nose, they can blow yours!  Doing this before bed will help clear out any daytime muck that may aggravate their allergies.  Alongside this, it’ll make it that much easier to breathe smoothly during the night-time, and hopefully mean less chances of waking up with a pollen-blocked nose.

2. Invest in Some Child Friendly Nasal Spray

If you’re looking for something a little stronger, there are plenty of child friendly nasal sprays that will help clear out those nostrils before bedtime.
Calpol and Otrivine are tailored to younger allergy sufferers, and a quick spray before tucking them in is all you need to prepare them for a sneeze-free snooze.

3. Add Some Eucalyptus to Bath Time

A good scrub before hitting the mattress is great for getting rid of the pollen that may still be lingering from a playful day.  If you’re worried that this isn’t quite enough to alleviate the issue, then try adding a dash of eucalyptus oil to your child’s bath.  However, this is not suited for children under the age of 10 due to the chemical cineole.  Assuming that your child is over 10 however, a dash of eucalyptus will relieve some of those allergy infused issues just in time for bed, and hopefully, lead to a sniffle free night!

4. Invest in an Air Purifier

If your child is particularly susceptible to summer allergies, then investing in an air purifier may be a great way to air out the room and make it easier for him or her to breathe easily at night.  Alongside this, it will also mean that any dust or pollen that has gathered throughout the day will be circulated out and won’t irritate their allergies any further.

5. Avoid Opening the Window Before 10am

Pollen loves nothing more than an early morning. The sun has just risen, the flowers are in bloom and those pesky grains are getting ready to aggravate all the innocent hay fever sufferers who are just trying to enjoy their summer.

If your child is one of them, try avoiding opening their bedroom window during these peak pollen times as chances are it’ll congregate in your child’s room and await their attempts at a restful night.

Summer is the season of fun, and hay fever can really put a damper on things.  If your child is exhausted from allergies keeping them up at night, then hopefully these tips will help them get enough rest to have the energy they need to enjoy the sun!

Do your children suffer with sleep due to allergies?  If you’d like more advice on sleep, or would like to know what you need to help alleviate any issues that are stopping you sleep, take a look here.