Why are so many biological fathers absent in the lives of their children?

Is it guilt, shame, or embarrassment? Perhaps some fathers don’t even realize they have a child and are living completely oblivious to the fact that someone, somewhere, wants to know who they are.

Any number of factors can cause this distance, but some of the more common reasons, according to Dr. Taylor, are the fear of disappointment, poor finances, and relationship issues.

Fear of Disappointment

Both children and fathers may be apprehensive to seek out each other. The child may have been told negative stories about his or her biological father and might be afraid that the father would not want to be in their life. On the other side of the coin, many biological fathers are afraid they will be a disappointment to their children. These fears can cause both parties to hold off a search for years and sometimes their entire life. This emptiness can easily be filled if both parties overcome their fears of disappointment.

Finances Situations

Many biological fathers may be afraid that their financial situation is not impressive enough for their child. They might spend years waiting for the next promotion or for the time when they can buy a house, a car, or anything else that might impress their child. Even if they know who their child is, they might not make the effort to spend time with them because they fear they cannot provide the things the child wants or needs.

If the father is unsure of the child’s paternity, they might fear that DNA testing is expensive and difficult to achieve. Fortunately, DNA testing is more accessible and affordable than ever before. Identigene is a DNA Paternity test that is available over the counter at most major drug and department stores.

Relationship Issues

Difficulties between the mother and father can greatly impact the extent of involvement a father has with his paternal child. If the relationship ended on a rocky note, the father may fear the confrontation of the child’s mother and not feel as entitled to a relationship with that child. However, fathers are a very important part of a child’s life and development and relationship issues should not stand in the way of this connection.

Children Need Their Fathers

Many do not realize just how important fathers are in a child’s life. A recent survey conducted by Identigene shows that a majority of Americans feel there are many benefits to a child having their biological father in their lives. These benefits include: enhancing the child’s self-esteem, providing the child with a masculine parental figure, and giving the child a sense of family and self. In fact, Dr. Taylor also points out that “Numerous studies show that children who do not have a father figure in their life are more likely to endure financial hardship, use drugs, quit school, or engage in criminal behavior.”

Get an at Home DNA Paternity Test to Solidify the Connection with your Biological Child

Children need their biological father in their lives, no matter their age. There’s tremendous value to the relationships they can build together and the relationships their families can build with one another. Recently, a man was united with his biological child after 44 years of separation. Learn more about this story here: Paternity Test Unites Father and Son after 44 Years

If you’re not a part of your child’s life, what is stopping you?

At Home DNA Paternity Test – Secure that Fatherhood Connection was originally published on Dealectica.

You might wonder how spending less money can improve your health. The answers are simple really and all have to do with making changes in your lifestyle.

Saving Money

The first thing you have to do to live frugal, is to start saving more money. Your goal isn’t just to be able to pay your bills, it’s to be able to save money for when you really need it. The easiest way to accomplish this is by having savings accounts. A single account is no sufficient. You need an emergency account, a rainy day account, and a retirement accounts at minimum. Many also have Christmas and vacation savings account. If your bank will automatically split your deposits, this is a big help in the savings process.

Cooking at Home

When you are trying to save money one of the first things to go is often eating out and expensive junk food. When you cook meals at home you are able to control the amount of fat and sodium that you add to your dishes. Fast food meals are loaded with sugar, carbs, and calories, and while you may appreciate their speed and ease, they are killing your budget and your waistline. Another benefit of cooking at home is you are also less likely to splurge for costly sugary beverages which can really keep you out of shape. If you remove a 12 -oz can of soda from your diet per day you can save yourself about150 calories in a day, 1050 calories in a week, 3,500 in about 3 1/2 weeks. Since 3500 is in a pound, this could really help take off the pounds.

Low Cost and Free Entertainment

If you weren’t trying to cut back on expenses, you might spend Friday night having dinner out a movie. A glass of wine, a tub of popcorn, chocolate candy, and a super-size soda can be very expensive. These are also really poor food choices and should be limited in a healthy diet. If you are living frugally you will likely look for alternative forms of entertainment that are cheap and often free. Going for a hike or a to fly a home-made kite is a frugal way to have fun that may help you burn a few calories.

Stopping Bad and Expensive Habits

Drinking and smoking are not only harmful to your body they are also very expensive. If you are in saving mode then cutting out the cigarettes and beer can really help you meet your savings goals. Removing these two vices from your like can increase your life expectancy, reduce the calories the you consume, and allow you to make decisions without the effects of mind-altering substances in your body.

Your original goal may be to be a little more frugal and save money but ultimately your can improve your health. Cooking at home, find free entertainment, and stopping bad habits save your money and reduce your health risks. But this is only the beginning of how frugality can improve your health. Who knew that saving money could have such a valuable impact on your health?

Be sure to comment below and let us know ways you can think of that being frugal can keep you healthy.

Is There a Correlation Between Frugality and a Healthy Lifestyle? was originally published on Dealectica.

Let the Kids Pack a Bag

Deciding what to take with you can be tricky when you’re trying to preserve trunk space. Why not give the kids a bag each to fill with their favorite books and toys? This way you’re teaching them how to prioritize, you know they’ve got their favorites and – an added bonus – you don’t have to pack!

I Spy…

I Spy Treasure Hunt: A Book of Picture Riddles

In-car entertainment doesn’t have to be expensive. A good old-fashioned game of I spy is not only free but it’ll keep the kids occupied for ages. We can’t guarantee that they’ll get many right though, as, unless you’re stuck in traffic, you’ll be long past what they’ve spied with their little eyes!

A Portable DVD Player

DBPOWER 10.5

Get a bit of peace and quiet by letting the kids watch their favorite film or TV show on a portable DVD player. When the show’s finished, stop off for a rest so the kids can stretch their legs and you can all have a bite to eat.

iPhone or iPad Apps

Apple iPhone X, Fully Unlocked 5.8

If you or your partner have an iPhone or iPad, there are loads of child-friendly apps out there. If your child can use one, and lets face it, they’re better on them than us, you can download cheap, age-appropriate games for them to tap away on in the back. From educational maths games, to flying animals, there are plenty to choose from.

Play the License Plate Game

ILLINOTS Route 66 Retro Vintage Auto License Plate Tin Sign Embossed Tag Size Home Pub Bar Decor 6 X 12

This is another old travel classic which, not only helps the kids with their alphabet, but also gives their eyes a break if they’ve been looking at a screen for too long. Try and think of words from letters spotted in number plates. Start with kinds of animals, then foods and maybe even countries or states, depending on how old they are.

Bingo!

Real Life Travel Bingo– Finally, a travel game for REAL families!

This is something that both the kids and the adults can play. Well, all except the driver! Create a bingo sheet for everyone with pictures of things that you might see along your way. As you spot something that’s on your sheet, cross it out. The first one to spot them all wins!

Let Them Ride Up Front

Kids love to get in the front seat, so, if they’re old enough, why not let them take it in turns to ride in the grown up’s seat (passenger side, of course) while the driver explains how the car works? They’ll get their first driving lessons whilst you get to lounge in the back with all their snacks!

Finally – Take Pajamas and a Couple of Blankets

50X70CM Fashion Solid Soft Throw Kids Blanket Warm Coral Plaid Blankets Flannel WensLTD (Yellow)

Make sure you’ve got a pair of pajamas and some bedding in case the kids get tired out and need a nap. A set of spare clothes will also come in handy if there’s any accidents or spillages!

Long car trips with the kids don’t have be dreaded. As long as you find the perfect balance between interactive games and technology based in-car entertainment, the little ones will stay out of mischief. Before you know it, you’ll be there!

How to Keep the Kids Entertained in the Car was originally published on Dealectica.

As awesome as it is to be able to order contacts online, we’re a world that relies on mobile technology. On a mobile device, a traditional website can be a bit of a challenge to navigate. Everything on the page is all tiny, and tapping tiny buttons with our built-in stylus (ie: Fingers) can be a bit difficult.

Lucky for us, the fine folks at 1-800 Contacts have got us covered. If you want to save money on your contact lenses, there most certainly is an App for that.

The 1-800 Contacts App is an innovative contact lens shopping experience. With just 3 taps, you can order contact lens and have them shipped your way.

What else can you do in 3 taps? I don’t even think you can make a phone call on the iPhone in 3 taps. But you can order contacts?

That’s pretty rad.

And I don’t know about you, but I believe the general consensus is that rad things are good.

Do you know what else is rad?

For a limited time, anyone who downloads the App and places an order from within in the app gets free shipping. That’s free shipping on your contacts, with no minimum purchase, and regardless of the contacts, you purchase.

One of the coolest things about the 1-800 Contacts App is that you can scan the barcode of the box your contacts came in. This ensures you are ordering exactly want you want. This eliminates the possibility of ordering the wrong contacts because you selected the wrong ones, or the names were very similar. Just point your camera at your barcode and the app will walk you through the rest.

And you thought you’re the camera in your iPhone was just to take myspace pictures of yourself in the bathroom mirror?

What…. You don’t use myspace?

Oh… and the iPhone has a front facing camera?

Total nerd-fail on my behalf. How will I ever be allowed back at a sci-fi convention ever again.

Just kidding… I totally don’t go to sci-fi conventions. Just electronics, nursing, blogging… well honestly, I think I go to all conventions. So scratch that. It’s not that I don’t go to sci-fi conventions, it’s that I haven’t been to one.

Where were we?

Ah yes, the radness of the 1-800 Contacts App.

Another cool thing the 1-800 Contacts App. does  is help you keep track of how many contacts you have left. This is awesome when you’re not near your supply and remember that you probably need to order more. Just pull out our iPhone, launch the app, and you’ll find out

When you think about ordering contacts, sometimes you aren’t near your supply. Our attention spans are growing shorter and shorter. If you’re anything like me, you pretty much have to complete a task right when you think about it, or else said task will likely not get completed.

And don’t try to pretend you’re just an awesome time-manager. I’m a nurse! I live and breathe time management.

The description of this app alone makes me want to use it. I also think I want t call 1-800-Contacts just to hear the adorable Utah accents.

I mean, who knew Utah had an accent. And on top of that, who knew it would be adorable?

The internet is just full of knowledge!

But I’m curious, so I have a few questions for you:

• Do you wear contacts?
• How do you order your contact lenses?
• Do you dig the idea of order your contacts through an App with 3 taps?

This post contains sponsored content. Opinions stated are my own.

How to Save Money on Contact Lenses was originally published on Dealectica.

Some of the best times are getting down on the floor and playing with Legos or RC cars. Play dough and silly putty are still a year are so off for us. Our preschooler can’t quite handle these substances without making disastrous messes… and sometimes I think that is his primary objective.

But luckily, as the mommy, I get the opportunity to buy my own toys every now and then. And even though I adore all things tech and couldn’t live without my iPhone, there are times when I need a “toy” a little more squishy.

So what’s an adult to do? Silly Putty is just a little… well too silly. Why? It’s a tiny portion. I’m a grown-up lady. I need a mammoth portion of the squishy material. Luckily there’s Thinking Putty.

What is Thinking Putty?

I’m glad you ask because I was going to tell you anyways. The fact that you want to know means I get to share with you rather than force the information down your throat. And that just seems nicer.

Thinking Putty is like Silly Putty for grown-ups.

With over 30 amazing colors, this is one ball of fun as a toy, stress ball, or therapy putty

• • Thinking Putty is non-toxic and non-gooey, it is the ultimate toy for kids and adults
  • Available in super Illusions, Putty Creatures, Glow in the Darks, Heat Sensitive’s and more!
  • Thinking Putty can bounce, shatter, and stretch; Great for science and learning at home or school
  • Thinking putty can be used in the office for stress relief or during creative brainstorming

• Can be used as therapy putty to assist with fine motor skills, arthritis, ligament injuries, etc.

At this very moment, my personal can of Thinking Putty has seemed to have found itself a new home on one of my coworker’s desks. When I showed it to her, she thought it was the greatest thing stating “This would make the BEST stress ball!” Since I’m just so nice, I decided to gift it to her. I guess that means I’ll have to pick up another can of Thinking Putty for myself.

Available via Amazon: Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty 3.2oz (Includes super strong magnet)

Discover Thinking Putty was originally published on Dealectica.

via: HomeInsurance.org

Most people associate swimming pools with good times and happy children. But unfortunately many do no fully evaluate all the risks involved in swimming at a public pool. And while this is not meant at all to scare you aware from the water, I hope you gain some valuable information to help you be better prepared for any risks that may cross your path.

Public pools can be gross, and kids aren’t the only ones to blame. 17% of adults admit to peeing in the pool (while I think that many won’t admit to it). Interestingly enough, 78% believe that fellow swimmers are guilty of peeing in the pool. Also, urine, sweat, and sunscreen can actually cause the chlorine to be eliminated sooner. Without chlorine a pool would be overrun with nasty bacteria.

So how do you protect yourself, your family, and other swimmers?

Here’s a few tips:

• Don’t swim if you’d been having diarrhea or other stomach problems.
• Ask the staff in charge of the pool how they keep it clean and how often they check the chemical levels.
• Make sure that children take bathroom breaks often and that diapers are changed only in approved areas.
• Shower before you swim so you don’t bring anything with you into the water.
• Do Not Swallow Pool Water. There is nasty stuff in there and it can make you very sick!

Do you go to a community pool to swim? Do you follow precautions to stay safe?

Summer Swimming: Public Pool Dangers [Infographic] was originally published on Dealectica.

2. Supplement with Vitamin D. Recent studies have shown that most Americans are vitamin D deficient. Keeping vitamin D in our bodies at optimal levels helps our immune systems stay strong and ready to combat not only common everyday diseases like the cold and flu, but also many degenerative diseases like diabetes and heart disease. When supplementing, always take vitamin D3 which is the natural form.

3. If and when you get sick and develop a fever, let the fever run its course. A fever is one of your bodies last attempts at combating the disease. Bacteria and virus cannot survive at higher than normal temperatures. If you quickly reduce the fever by taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen, you may feel better, but you handicap your immune system by eliminating one of its strongest weapons. Our immune systems are like our muscular system, they need to be exercised. The more it is able to fight a common ailment, the better equipped it will be to fight off the next invasion. Of course if a fever gets too high, above 104 degrees, a doctor should be consulted.

4. Eat foods that are in their most natural state, which means to stay away from processed foods. This also includes eating more raw foods. Processed foods are loaded with unwanted ingredients like sugar and sodium. For instance, mashing your own potatoes is much healthier than eating the processed boxed type. Also, by increasing your intake of raw food, you are eating foods that are filled with nutrients and enzymes that help in digesting those foods.

5. Get enough rest and sleep. Studies show that getting enough sleep at night not only strengthens the immune system, it also helps control your weight. Another often overlooked aspect of rest is to take breaks throughout the day to clear your mind and let it rest. This can be accomplished with a short 5-15 minute meditation sometime throughout the day, or to just close your eyes and clear you mind to let your thoughts unwind and your mind rejuvenate. It does wonders for your energy and overall well being.

6. Eat dirt. This does not mean to go outside and grab a tablespoon of gritty dirt and put it in your mouth. This means that when you wash and clean things, do not obsess over the cleanliness of the everything. A little bit of unwanted impurities in our systems helps to exercise our immune systems and strengthens them.

6 Summer Health Tips for Moms was originally published on Dealectica.

I’m lucky that I’m not alone in this relaxation technique because if the gamers were only marketing to me, they might not be able to feed their children. Luckily many men, women, girls, and boys enjoy getting their game on. The variety of games ensures that pretty much everyone can find a style of game that strikes their fancy.Whether it is facebook Farmville’s type games or one of the plentiful choices on iTunes of the Play store. It’s strangely comforting to know that I’m not the only one who unleashing my nerd rage on virtual pixels. Whether it is bad piggies or Templars of Assassin’s Creed, no digital creation can avoid my nerdy de-stress rage.

Some of my favorite games are where I can control entire civilizations of people. It’s empowering and relaxing to be able to command tiny pixelated characters to do my bidding. Who needs to rule the world when I can easily rule an entire civilization thanks to my iPad? If you haven’t yet experienced the supreme joy of holding digital villager’s lives in your had, you really need t give it a shot.

Before you run off to work on your evil laugh and grin whilst plotting to take over the virtual world of your choice, don’t forget we can always benefit from a little quiet time every now and then. Those are the times that I flip my iPad to silent mode. That count, right?

How do you relieve stress?

Gaming to Relax? was originally published on Dealectica.

1. Regularly sanitize your home. Keep disinfectant wipes available and daily wipe down surfaces in your kitchen and bathrooms. Also, sanitize door handles, light switches and other commonly touched surfaces. Disinfectants effectively killed 99.9% of germs and bacteria, which can reduce your family risk of the flu, the common cold, stomach ailments and other viruses. Likewise, keep anti-bacterial hand gel in your purse or car and cleanse your hands throughout the day.

2. Schedule routine physicals. Some people avoid the doctor and only seek medical attention when ill. However, annual physicals can reduce the risk of many conditions, and if you develop a medical condition, a physical or check up can diagnose the condition early. See a doctor at least once a year for an annual physical, and if you experience unusual symptoms, seek medical attention.

3. Get an annual flu vaccine. There are several misconceptions about the flu vaccine, and some people feel that the vaccine will produce flu-like symptoms. Side effects from vaccinations are common, however, these side effects are mild and typically disappear in 48 hours. The flu is more than a cold, and the virus is responsible for nearly 200,000 hospitalizations each year. Getting the annual vaccine reduces your family’s risk of infection, and can alleviate flu-related complications, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Flu vaccines are available year-round, with many doctors receiving heavy supplies around early fall. You only need one shot a year, and the vaccine is fully effective after two weeks.

4. Use a medical alert system. Do you have an elderly or sick relative living in the home? If so, consider giving this person a medical alert bracelet or necklace. If this person slips and falls or faces another type of emergency, he can contact 911 with the touch of a button. These alert systems are highly beneficial and provide peace of mind if an elderly relative lives alone, or spends time alone during the day.

5. Stay active. Being healthy doesn’t require strenuous activity. Exercising for 30 minutes three times a week promotes heart health and helps maintain a healthy body weight. Get the entire family active and seek out fun exercises. Go for a walk as a family, bike ride, go for a hike or play sports together.

6. Maintain healthy eating habits. A high sugar and high-fat diet contributes to a variety of illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Set the example and prepare healthy foods for your family. Rather than stock up on sweets and other junk foods, purchase healthy snacks such as raw veggies, fruit, peanuts and other low-fat selections. Prepare lean meats, healthy grains, and encourage your family to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Drink plenty of water – at least eight glasses a day. That sounds like a lot, I know, but it actually WILL make you feel better.

Modifying your lifestyle not only contributes to better health, it can also boost energy levels and improve your mental outlook. It may take awhile to get your family on board. But with persistence and patience, you can single-handedly improve your family’s health.

Simple Steps to Keep Your Family Safe was originally published on Dealectica.

But parents too have a responsibility to make sure their kids’ teeth are clean and healthy, and instilling a solid daily routine of brushing and flossing can make a real difference. The more knowledgeable your kids are about the importance of dental health, the better chance their teeth have of surviving through adulthood.

Unhealthy gums can become inflamed and diseased if left unchecked, and teeth can build up damaging bacteria over time. Parents should encourage healthy dental practices early on as part of the daily routine, in order to educate their kids and protect against the dental risks that can so easily require further attention.

Dr. Cobb, pediatric dentistry works with kids of all ages. Practitioners often feel that the most effective gains in dental health can be made on the preventative side. To avoid these problems from arising in the first place, a combination of a more tooth-sensitive diet and more effective daily care can help prevent these problems from arising in the first place.

Acid erosion is one of the main concerns, causing the enamel to become thinner and exposing the more sensitive dentine in the tooth to external elements. This can cause sharp pain and discomfort for sufferers, and it may even result in teeth being removed. A diet that is less acidic is one way to combat this.

Candy, sugary drinks and even fruit juices can erode teeth to a dangerous extent, and removing these from your diet can prevent further damage from taking hold. When you do consume food with a particularly high acid content, it is important to do so at meal times. Snacking in between presents a more constant attack on your kids’ teeth that they simply cannot handle.

Flossing is easily overlooked, but it remains at least as important as brushing to your child’s oral health. Flossing once or twice a day is recommended in order to remove food and bacteria build-ups from in between teeth. This complements brushing as part of a complete dental routine that can keep your child’s teeth and gums stronger for longer.

Looking after your child’s dental health is important, both for first and adult teeth. A more focused parental approach can avoid unpleasant and uncomfortable treatments, in addition to a host of other health problems that can arise from poor dental health and hygiene.

Looking After Your Children’s Teeth was originally published on Dealectica.