The Best Planner For Parents Who Work At Home

 A parent's job is 24/7 and it seems that we are always busy, especially parents of school-aged kids. Throw in a work-at-home job and life can get quite chaotic at times. Having a planner can help you stay organized in life.

 If you have children who attend school, you know about busy. From making sure they get to school to driving them to all their activities, you have a busy schedule. Then add in doctor appointments along with a job, it can be hard to remember the who, what, and when. Keeping track of everything can be tough and a planner can be just the thing that you need.

 I am not talking about some planner app or calendar on your phone, I am talking about a paper planner that you can write in. While some people can manage all the kid activities and other items on their phone, for me it can get too complicated. Especially when you need to remember which app has which information. It can be stressful and time-consuming to just type all the information on the different apps. Oh, you also have to remember to share everything with your partner and hope that they read it. 

Why a customized planner makes sense for busy parents

 Any parent can tell you that parenting is no joke. It is wildly fulfilling and also just simply wild at times. Trying to balance your work and home life while also managing your children's lives and many activities can be exhausting. Having a Plum Paper planner that is tailored to your needs is a great way to stay organized when things get hectic. Our customizable planners are a great resource for those with children, as they can be customized to fit your family’s schedule. A planner is a plus for parents who work from home.

  As a blogger who has teen children, life can be busy. So busy that it can be easy to forget things. So I use a planner to help me manage my work schedule and my kid's schedule. I use a paper planner so I can write everything down. A paper planner has a calendar to keep track of my daily activities and all the kid's events, along with my many allergy shot appointments. My planner also has many other features that I was able to add with a custom planner from Plum Paper.

  I know what you are thinking ~ I can do all that on my phone. A planner is different in so many ways. A planner can actually be less stressful and it can take less time to use when compared to a phone. Jotting something down in a planner can be quicker than finding the app on your phone and typing in the info.

Why I like using a planner 

 I like using a planner for so many reasons. I like that I can write things down in different places in my planner. I also like that I can choose the different planner pages that are for my family life. Ordering a custom Plum Paper paper to match my needs was the first step in managing my busy life. 

A planner that brings me joy

 My phone is the source of my busy job and it does not always bring me joy when I look at it. The cover of my planner brings me joy as I selected a design that made me happy. I also selected all the pages inside my custom planner to fit my needs as a parent who works on the computer. 

The Planner Pages That I selected 

~ A calendar with big squares to write down work assignments and appointments

~ To-Do List Pages for all my ideas for my articles

~ Lined Note Pages to keep track of products that I receive

~ Password Pages to keep track of all the websites that I visit

~ Lined Note Pages to keep track of invoices and payments

~ Sticker Pages that I can write on

Plum Planner has Planners For Everyone

 Your planner needs may be very different than mine and with Plum Planner, you can choose the planner that works best for you. If you don't have a clue what type of planner you want, Plum Paper has many layouts to select from. 

 Plum Paper makes ordering a planner that fits your needs with a step-by-step process. There are hundreds of images to select from for your planner cover. You will love the many different calendar styles to select from. Then the fun starts with selecting which pages you want in your planner. You can select the pages for your personal needs. Plum Paper has a huge selection of custom pages for your planner.

Some planner suggestions

~ Teacher Planner

~ Meal Planner

~ Work Planner

~ Budget Planner

~ Wedding Planner

~ Family Planner

I love my planner from Plum Planner

 I have used many planners over the years and most of them were standard planners, even some made for bloggers. My frustration with regular planners is all the additional pages that I never use and that can add bulk to a planner. That can also make a planner weigh more.

 So I love that I made my planner to fit my planning needs. I selected the pages that I knew I would use and I chose the amount of pages that I needed. I was also able to select the size of my planner from three different sizes. I chose the smallest one so it would be easy to toss into my bag when I traveled.

Head to Plum Paper to see all the different options for planners.

Managing Emotional Trauma After a Child’s Injury

 Falls and being struck by something are the two most common causes of non-fatal injuries in children. Injuries caused by being struck by a person, animal, car, or some other inanimate object, like a baseball, vary from bone fractures to traumatic brain injuries. 

 

 There are 2 million ER visits each year for children aged 0-14, which costs over $7 billion in medical bills. 156,502 children were injured in car accidents in 2022, a 4% increase in the previous year. School injuries are less common, but injuries sustained at school account for 20% of pediatric injuries, and in one study, 15.5% of the children assessed presented with moderate or severe injuries. 

Seeing a child in pain or threat of danger triggers strong emotions in caregivers. Managing the emotional aftermath of a child's injury for both the child and caregiver is an essential part of the healing process.

Zachary Leacox, a personal injury attorney in Palm Bay, FL, shares what we can do to provide emotional support after your child has suffered an injury.

Providing Emotional Support for the Injured Child

● Reassure them - Once medical issues are addressed, provide emotional reassurance. Let them know they are safe now, and you are there for them. 

● Encourage expression - Let them talk about or draw what happened. Don’t force them, but let them know you are ready to listen when they want to.

● Stick to routines - Keeping regular routines as much as possible provides a sense of comfort and normalcy.

● Be patient - It is normal for a child to regress a bit or act out after a trauma. Provide extra patience and comfort.

● Watch for signs of trauma - Sleep issues, anxiety, persistent fear, anger, or emotional numbness may indicate a child is having trouble coping. Studies show that 60% of adults have experienced trauma in their childhood. Seek professional counseling if needed.

Taking Care of Your Own Emotional Needs After Your Child’s Injury

● Don’t minimize your feelings - Witnessing or learning about a child’s injury is traumatic for parents, too. Allow yourself to process the emotions instead of minimizing them.  

● Talk it out - Confide in trusted family or friends. Sharing your fears and traumatic memories can help diffuse their power over you.

● Take care of yourself - Ensure you get enough sleep, nutrition, and self-care. You can’t fully help your child heal if you are emotionally depleted.

● Seek counseling if needed - If anxiety, depression or trauma symptoms persist, seek professional counseling for yourself. Your well-being impacts your child.

● Be patient with yourself - Healing from trauma takes time for everyone. Give yourself grace on difficult days.

Moving Forward After The Trauma of The Injury

● Focus on the present—As time passes, redirect your thoughts to the here and now rather than dwelling on the trauma. Live in the present with your child.

● Find meaning - As you process the experience, reflect on lessons learned, personal growth, gratitude for healing, or renewed priorities.

● Give hope - Remind your child of all the things they can do and goals they can set. Help them see a hopeful future.

● Celebrate recovery - Note milestones and victories in the recovery process. Celebrate the strength and resilience of your child.

Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

Talk to a personal injury attorney if the accident wasn’t your child’s fault. They can help you claim compensation for your and the child’s trauma, medical bills, and more. 

The trauma of a child’s injury can deeply impact the entire family. By providing ongoing emotional support, caring for your own needs, and focusing on the path ahead, families can recover and even grow stronger in the process.

What You Need to Know to Start a Career as a Dietitian Nutritionist

 Becoming a dietitian nutritionist is an exciting and rewarding career path for those passionate about health, wellness, and helping others improve their lives through nutrition. Thanks to the growing awareness of how diet impacts health, the demand for dietitian nutritionists has increased, making it a great time to explore this profession. Here are some essential steps you should follow to start a successful career as a dietitian nutritionist.

Obtain a Relevant Degree

 The first step to starting a career as a dietitian nutritionist is to earn a degree in a related field. Most aspiring dietitian nutritionists pursue a bachelor's degree in nutrition, dietetics, or food science. These programs cover the fundamental topics needed to understand how food affects the body and how to apply that knowledge in clinical or community settings. Courses often include biology, chemistry, human physiology, food service management, and medical nutrition therapy. For those looking to advance their career opportunities or gain more specialized knowledge, pursuing a master of nutrition and dietetics might be ideal. A graduate degree allows you to dive deeper into specialized areas of dietetics, such as clinical nutrition, public health nutrition, or food systems management. In some states, a master’s degree may soon be required to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), so considering this step early in your journey can give you a competitive edge.

Complete a Supervised Practice Program

 Once you've earned your degree, the next step is completing a supervised practice program, also known as a dietetic internship. These programs, which typically require 1,200 hours of hands-on experience, are critical for preparing you to work in the field. Internships are conducted in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, community organizations, and food service establishments, and they allow you to apply your academic knowledge in real-world scenarios.

 Dietetic internships are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), ensuring that they meet the professional standards required for future dietitians. You’ll rotate through different practice areas, such as clinical dietetics, community nutrition, and food service management, gaining valuable experience that will prepare you for your career.

Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Exam

 After completing your internship, you need to take and pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam. This national examination is designed to test your knowledge and skills in clinical nutrition, food service systems, and community nutrition. It’s a huge milestone in becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), a credential that is recognized nationwide.

 The CDR exam consists of multiple-choice questions that evaluate your ability to apply the principles of nutrition and dietetics in various situations. Thorough preparation is essential for success, so many candidates choose to take review courses or study from specialized materials designed for the exam.

Obtain State Licensure

 Many states require dietitian nutritionists to obtain licensure or certification before they can practice. Licensing requirements vary by state, but they generally include completing your education, supervised practice, and passing the CDR exam. Some states also require background checks or continuing education to maintain your license.

 Research the specific requirements in the state where you plan to practice. In states where licensure is required, working without it can lead to penalties or disqualification from practicing dietetics. Keeping your licensure up to date through ongoing education allows you to stay current with the latest advancements in the field.

Consider Specializations and Certifications

 As you begin your career as a dietitian nutritionist, you may want to explore different specializations within the field. Specializing allows you to focus on areas of nutrition that interest you the most, be it pediatric nutrition, sports nutrition, or working with patients who have chronic illnesses like diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

 Obtaining additional certifications in your area of interest can enhance your qualifications and make you stand out in the job market. Some common certifications include becoming a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) or pursuing a certification in sports dietetics or pediatric nutrition. These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to providing high-quality care in your chosen specialty.

Gain Experience in a Variety of Settings

 Dietitian nutritionists have the opportunity to work in a wide range of environments (hospitals, clinics, schools, community health organizations) and private practice. To build a well-rounded career, it’s a good idea to gain experience in several different settings early on. This will help you determine what area of dietetics you are most passionate about and where you can make the greatest impact.

 Clinical dietitians work with patients to develop nutrition plans for medical conditions, while community dietitians focus on public health initiatives. Food service dietitians manage large-scale meal planning for institutions like schools and hospitals. By exploring different roles, you can find the best fit for your skills and interests.

Stay Updated with Continuing Education

 The field of nutrition and dietetics is constantly evolving as new research emerges and dietary guidelines are updated. To maintain your RDN credentials, you’ll need to complete continuing education every five years. The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires 75 hours of continuing education to maintain your registration.

 Continuing education can take many forms, including attending conferences, taking online courses, or participating in workshops. Staying updated with the latest developments in nutrition science and dietetics ensures that you can continue to provide the best possible advice to your clients and stay competitive in your career.

Build a Professional Network and Join Relevant Organizations

 Building a professional network is crucial for career advancement in any field, and dietetics is no exception. Joining organizations like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) or local dietetic associations can provide you with resources, job listings, and networking opportunities. These organizations often offer events, webinars, and conferences where you can learn from industry experts and connect with peers.

 You can even seek out a mentor who can guide you through the early stages of your career. A mentor can provide valuable advice, help you navigate challenges, and introduce you to opportunities that can help you grow professionally.

 Starting a career as a dietitian nutritionist requires dedication, education, and practical experience, but it’s a rewarding journey. With the right qualifications, supervised practice, and a commitment to lifelong learning, you’ll be prepared to make a significant impact in the field of nutrition. Regardless of your area of specialization, your role as a dietitian nutritionist will be sure to improve the health and well-being of those you serve.