Leaf and Steel

motherhood - growth - living

How Parents Can Be Thoughtful Health Advocates for the Whole Family

Today’s post is a guest post by Katie Conroy from advicemine.com. If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, head over here!

Parenthood comes with a huge number of fun times and rewarding experiences but also a few significant responsibilities. Maintaining the health and well-being of your family is one of your chief concerns as a loving parent.

That includes your children, your spouse, even your aging parents, and, of course, yourself as well. Being health-conscious is not just about satisfying basic needs, though. You can go above and beyond as a parent by being a mindful, thoughtful health advocate so that your family can thrive for many years to come.

Make Good Lifestyle Choices for Your Household

The first step in living healthier is to make small changes to your daily habits over time. When it comes to personal fitness, you can start by simply going for walks during your work breaks or taking the stairs more often.

As for making choices that benefit your whole family, the best approach is to tackle the issue as a team. For example, children are more likely to eat healthy snacks if their parents are foregoing junk food as well. If you have young kids who enjoy playing outside, consider joining in the games so that everyone gets a little more physical activity.

Find the Right Healthcare Professionals

Medical care is something that you should not approach with an anyone-will-do attitude. Health experts explain that finding the right primary care doctor is very important for building a bond of trust with your healthcare provider. When you have a consistent relationship with one doctor, you can be confident in their knowledge of your family and their intentions to serve your best interests. Your health matters, and whether you want to read more about the Monica Kraft Duke settlement or you want to read more about how you can ensure that your teens make the right choices, it’s all about knowing the right healthcare professionals. You’re going to do so much better with their health when you have the right people around you!

Try finding a physician with experience caring for any specific medical conditions that might exist in your family. Your chosen doctor should also be someone who is patient, good with children, and who makes you feel comfortable voicing your questions and concerns.

Organize Your Family’s Medical Records

While your healthcare provider should keep track of your medical history, you can take extra steps toward securing your family’s well-being by keeping your own copies of medical documents. It is a good idea to have both a physical folder as well as a digital storage solution for organizing important documents by the individual. As one example, you can use a free online tool to compile x-rays and other medical images into one convenient PDF file.

When you properly organize your medical documents, it is very easy to review your records whenever necessary. You should regularly check over your bills and other important documents for errors and inconsistencies.

Consider Senior Living for Your Aging Parent

If you have a parent that requires round-the-clock care for a serious health condition, it might be time to talk to them about senior living. Choosing a trusted senior facility will ensure that your aging parent has constant access to skilled nursing and comfortable living conditions. It is not a decision to be made hastily, though, so be sure to read reviews, compare costs, and check detailed facility reports. 

Being your family’s main health advocate can be a fulfilling responsibility but also draining at times. You can draw on motivational parenting resources from Leaf and Steel to reinvigorate and reinspire your sense of purpose. With a positive attitude, overseeing your family’s well-being will become like second nature. 

What did you think of Katie’s article? How do you make positive, healthy decisions for your family? Let us know below!

O.

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If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!

Give the Gift of Reading

Today’s post is a guest post by Elaine of Following Augustine! She is sharing the benefits and joys of reading with little ones.

Be sure to check out Elaine’s site at edebock.wordpress.com!

If you would like to guest post on Leaf and Steel please visit our Guest Post page to view requirements and ideas!

Let’s get into it…

One of the most precious gifts that a parent or grandparent can give a child is the gift of reading. Not necessarily teaching them to read, but reading to and with them. One of my favorite memories from my years of teaching elementary school is that of reading to my students every day. It always saddened me to know that for some children, that was the only time they were ever read to.

It’s never too early to start reading to your baby. While he or she might seem too young to understand, baby will enjoy being close to you and listening to the sound of your voice and will quickly learn to associate this feeling of comfort with books and reading. 

Reading to your little one is also a great way to introduce concepts such as numbers, letters, colors, and shapes in a fun way. Instead of simply reading the words, talk about the illustrations and as baby gets older, begin asking questions. “Where’s the puppy?” “What color is the car?” “How many balloons?” Immersing your child in language helps develop listening skills and memory and begins to build a rich known vocabulary even before they start to talk. 

At some point, your toddler or preschooler might choose a favorite story that they want to hear over and over again. This might seem a bit mind numbing and you may even be tempted to hide that book away in a deep, dark closet, but don’t do it! According to children’s author and illustrator, Rosemary Wells, “All really good picture books are written to be read five hundred times!” By all means, encourage your child to listen to other stories, but keep on reading that favorite one too. What you read isn’t as important as the fact that you do.

Picture books often repeat key words or phrases over and over again. Even before your child learns to read, they will probably begin to recognize these patterns in familiar stories.

When you’re reading aloud and come to such a word or phrase, pause to see if your child will “read” it themself. As they begin to participate in this way, the excitement of reading grows. 

Once your child learns to read on their own, have them read to you or introduce paired reading where you take turns, but don’t stop reading to them. As they get older, you can introduce chapter books, perhaps reading one chapter each day.

This is also a good time to introduce them to a variety of different kinds of stories. You might even be able to share a favorite book from your own childhood.  

Make reading with your child part of your daily routine, perhaps before nap time or bedtime. This gives you and your child an opportunity to cuddle and connect and its calming effect might also help your little one fall asleep more easily.

Books are costly, but there are inexpensive ways to surround your child with them. Second-hand stores and garage sales are often good sources of books at very reasonable prices. And then there’s the library, a never-ending source of books for all ages. There, your child can have the excitement of choosing for themselves from a vast array of books.

Many libraries also have story time for babies and young children. While you’re there, you might want to choose a book for yourself too. Modeling reading is a great way to encourage your child’s interest in books. 

Reading is the key to lifelong learning. It has the power to take your child to faraway places and opens their mind to a whole world of possibilities. If you can instill a love of reading at an early age, you will have given your child a priceless gift that lasts a lifetime.

Elaine is a retired elementary and junior high school teacher, the mother of three grown children, and grandmother of eight. She has been writing the blog, Following Augustine, for over fourteen years. 

Thank you, Elaine, for your post!

Let us know your thoughts below!

O.

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Guest Post: Meals in 15 Minutes or Less

Today’s post is a guest post by Sheenia Jackson! She is sharing some quick and easy meals in 15 minutes of less!

Sheenia previously wrote a post on Moms in May, you can check it out here.

Be sure to visit her site and Instagram!

If you would like to guest post on Leaf and Steel please visit our Guest Post page to view requirements and ideas!

Let’s get into it…

I have to say the kitchen is my happy place! But as a busy mom with much to juggle, my favorite meals are those that are simple, fast, and delicious.

Usually, my ultimate cooking goal is to get a healthy meal on the table, while adding a few minutes back into my day. To me, that’s a Win-Win!

Summer is quickly approaching, which means moms will be busy planning family activities and feeding big appetites. In this article, I will be sharing three of my favorite summer recipes that are kind to your budget, ready within minutes, and sure to please your family any day of the week!

From Sunday dinners, to lazy weeknight meals, to game-day appetizers… these dishes include simple ingredients and are perfect for many occasions!

Tasty Shrimp Tacos

Fresh and delicious! This recipe features crisp veggies, a tasty homemade sauce, and fresh squeezed limes. What’s not to love?

Since the only thing we’re cooking is the shrimp, dinner will be served in no time, and you’ll soon be resting your feet!

What You’ll Need…

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb. shrimp    
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Your favorite seasoning

For the Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 ½  tablespoons lime juice
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha sauce

Ideas for Toppings: white corn tortillas, shredded purple cabbage, sliced red onions, grated Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, fresh squeezed limes, sliced avocado

Let’s Make It!

  • Start by rinsing your shrimp and patting it dry with paper towels. Place the shrimp in a large bowl and add your favorite seasonings. I personally enjoy Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, and Kinder’s all-purpose seasoning blend. Follow your taste buds and make it your own!
  • Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and sauté the shrimp until cooked through (1-2 minutes per side). Set the shrimp aside…
  • Toast the tortillas in a skillet or on a hot griddle. Just a couple seconds will do!
  • Build your tacos by arranging your desired toppings and shrimp over each tortilla.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the sauce ingredients and serve over tacos.

Easy Peasy, right?!

I usually opt for fresh shrimp in this recipe, but you can use frozen if you prefer. Just be sure to thaw before cooking.

Shrimp tacos aren’t the same without corn tortillas in my opinion, but feel free to use flour tortillas if you’d like.

Build-Your-Own taco night is a delicious theme to add to your summer meal planning.

If you haven’t already, give Shrimp Tacos a try!

Sheet Pan Nachos

Loaded nachos. Simple ingredients. Kid-friendly. What more can I say?

What You’ll Need…

  • 1 lb. ground beef or turkey
  • Choice of seasoning mix
  • 12 oz. bag tortilla chips
  • 14 oz. canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned will do)
  • Shredded Mexican cheese

Ideas for Toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded romaine lettuce, sliced red onions, fresh squeezed limes, sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, diced jalapenos

Let’s Make It!

  • Preheat your oven to 400F.  Cover a large baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil.
  • Season your meat with your favorite spices and cook in a skillet until browned, 5-10 minutes tops! Then drain excess fat.
  • Place tortilla chips in a single layer onto the baking sheet. Top tortillas with cooked meat, pinto beans, corn and your desired amount of shredded cheese.
  • Place into the oven and bake for 5 minutes.
  • Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

For the seasoning mix, I like to use a combination of several spices. Some of my favorites include cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and honestly… whatever I have on hand!

You may also use a 1 ounce packet of store-bought taco seasoning mix if you prefer to go that route. You really can’t go wrong with a simple meal like this. Be creative, be flexible, and enjoy!

Sloppy Joe Sliders

Who doesn’t love an old childhood favorite every once in a while?

I love serving this meal because it brings back precious memories. But I do have to say, this version of “Sloppy Joes” is much tastier than the one I remember growing up.

In this recipe, we’re trading in the canned sauce for a sweet and zesty homemade sauce that takes little time to cook up!

Three home-made Sloppy Joe slider sandwiches on a black serving tray.

What You’ll Need…

For the Beef:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb. ground beef

For the Sauce:

  • 8 oz. canned tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Ideas for Toppings: slider buns, sliced pickles, shredded lettuce

Let’s Make It!

  • Add ground beef and minced garlic to a skillet, then cook until browned, 5-10 minutes. Drain grease from meat.
  • Pour the sauce ingredients over the cooked meat and stir.
  • Cover with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve on slider buns and enjoy with your favorite toppings!

If you get extremely lucky and have more time to spare, I highly recommend letting the meat sauce simmer just a tad bit longer. An extra 10 minutes will allow your sauce to reach peak flavor!

If you can’t spare the extra minutes, no worries!

Pair your sliders with potato chips or fresh fruit, and embrace the nostalgia!

Summing It All Up!

When it comes to quick and delicious meals, the options are endless.

The point of this article is to prompt you to think about fun and creative dinners to serve your family, without sacrificing TASTE, HEALTH, or TIME.

When using canned items in a recipe, try to aim for “organic” or “no sodium added” labels.

Remember, cooking well doesn’t mean cooking fancy… A few simple ingredients go a long way!

Homemade meals are the best, especially when they’re made EASY and with love.

Happy Cooking!

I’m Sheenia Denae, a SAHM who loves to write, cook, and create simple recipes.

You can find me on Instagram @made_to_be_marvelous or check out my website at sheeniadenae.wixsite.com/iwrite/

I’m always happy to share my thoughts, dishes, and other helpful tips with fellow mommas.

Let’s connect!

Thank you Sheenia for guest posting!

What did you think of the post?

Let us know below!

O.

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Moms in May

Today’s post is a guest post by Sheenia Denae. Find her on Instagram or on her website!

We are always accepting guest posts on Leaf and Steel. You can find more information on submitting your post here.

The birds are chirping, the flowers are budding, and the wind is blowing at just the right speed! As nature prepares itself for summer, I think of all the fun things that are underway. Family vacations, backyard barbecues, and picnic lunches are just around the corner!

But there’s something else I love about May. Something that makes me look forward to this month more than all the others. This is the time of year when we’re celebrated for being moms!

I look forward to that special day where I’m pampered with gifts, showered with balloons, and recognized for my hard work and efforts toward raising my little munchkin! But as sweet as it is to be celebrated by others, I mostly look forward to the opportunities to celebrate myself.

As moms, we know that every day is Mother’s Day! That is why prioritizing our self-care is essential.

In this article, we will highlight a few ways for us to sneak in a little fun and add a little spice to our lives throughout the month of May!

Take a Class

The beautiful weather and pleasant temperatures this month brings makes it a perfect time for taking indoor or outdoor classes that spark our interest.

If you enjoy painting, cooking, or arranging flowers in your spare time, taking a class could be a great way to perfect your craft in either of those areas.

If you want to explore something totally new, on the other hand, such as music, dancing, or flying… taking a class could be a great way to change things up in your life.

Here’s a short list of just a few perks you can gain by taking a class:

  • Mental relaxation
  • Fun and enjoyment
  • Learning a new skill
  • Connecting with other great people

I’m not sure about you, but I was SOLD at “mental relaxation.” So think about it!  If anything piques your interest that you haven’t had the chance to explore… now is the time!

Whatever direction you decide to take, taking a class would be a great way to carve out some quality time for yourself!

Dress to Impress

There’s an old saying that goes, “When we look good, we feel good.”

When was the last time you dressed up and felt good about yourself?  I mean really good!

As moms, we tend to get so busy prioritizing everyone else’s needs that we neglect ourselves at times… especially when it comes to our wardrobes.

May presents the perfect time for us to ditch the yoga pants and sweatshirts, and pull out those gorgeous sundresses that we haven’t worn in a while.

Dressing up has been proven to increase energy and confidence, encourage creative thinking, and foster self-expression… which all sounds like self-care to me!

So for the month of May, try giving your sweatpants and t-shirts a break. They deserve it!

Explore the Great Outdoors

We can’t celebrate Moms in May without honoring the mother of all mothers… Our beautiful Mother Nature is a sight to behold!

Since we spend so much of our time indoors (cooking, cleaning, and tending to household tasks), May is a great time for us to commit to more outdoor activities.

If you’ve been looking for new ways to keep your Vitamin D levels up, here’s a list of some fun activities you can enjoy.

  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Bird watching
  • Outdoor photography

The way you connect with nature doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. A simple morning walk can help clear your mind, increase your energy, and make you feel better throughout your day.

Take a minute to think about the ways you’d like to explore, and let the May adventures begin!

I’m a devoted wife, girl mom, and educator turned homemaker.  After teaching for over 11 years, I decided to care for my family full time.  I’m now a part time freelance writer, creating blog posts and articles for businesses and individuals in my spare time.  My hobbies include cooking, reading recipes, and hiking with my family.

Find me on Instagram @made_to_be_marvelous or check out my website at sheeniadenae.wixsite.com/iwrite/

Lets Connect!

Thank you Sheenia for guest posting!

What did you think of the post?

Let us know below!

O.

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Guest Post: Keeping the Focus on You

Today’s post is a Guest Post by Ashley Lopez of Ashley Spills! Be sure to check her out on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook later!

Hello Leaf and Steel readers! My name is Ashley and my blog is Ashley Spills. I am 27 years old and I am from San Diego, California. I connected with Olivia on WordPress and have been following her blog for a few months now. Though I am not a mother, I find myself attracted to her posts about motherhood because I hope to be one soon(ish).

In my blog, I write about all things self. So, self-awareness, self-love, self-care, self-improvement, self-discipline, and more. I write reflective pieces that at times may seem random, but all of them lead to a deeper connection to self and introspection—something we should all strive for. While I’m unpacking the essentials of me and my life by writing thoughtful think pieces, I encourage my audience to do the same.

I used to float through life unaware and the journey was daunting. Over the past two years, I have come to realize and understand so many things about myself. At times, we live life without taking a second to sit back and reflect on our day because we are so busy. As we get older, we feel as if time is going by so much faster than it was when we were younger. That is not the case.  As adults, our lives tend to be a bit more repetitive, so it feels like we are checking things off of a list all the time. Work, check. Dinner, check. Clean, check. Wash my face, check.

Where is the fun in all of that? Well, that’s what I’m on a mission to find. A way to make life feel fulfilled while understanding the small corks that make me me. 

Some of my beliefs 

I believe reflecting on your day, week, month, and year is a great way to slow down to see what you can improve on and recognize what is working for you. For example, noticing things that give you a positive attitude and make you feel empowered (exercise, self-care activities, reading, hobbies, etc.) are things you should aim to do at least 15 minutes a day.

I also think it’s possible to reach self-discovery by spending time alone; Expressing yourself through art; Finding your triggers that lead to negative behavior; And appreciating what makes you mad, happy, sad, excited, or scared. Acknowledging, doing, and understanding all these things will lead to self-awareness.

Why I think self-awareness is important for motherhood

As mentioned previously, I am not a mother, but I do hope to be one. I long for the feeling of pregnancy, giving birth, and parenting. I want to feel a love that’s so pure, it can’t be broken—or explained. My journey toward self-awareness hasn’t been easy, but I am proud to say I know (mostly) what I like, what I don’t like, what triggers me, and more and the why behind it. I know that motherhood is going to be a whole new world. Everything that comes with it is going to be bizarre and probably weird at first. I also probably won’t know anything about myself at all when I become a mother and I’ll have to start this ride to self-awareness all over again.  

Everything I am learning now will most likely be thrown out the window, but that’s okay. I am hoping that I will still have pieces of me and some mental clarity in my life. When I am a mother, I want to know how to take care of myself, mentally and physically, so I can transfer some of my energy to the little human I will be molding. 

The more you know about yourself

The more you get to know yourself, the better you’ll be able to handle your reactions, accept what is, and move forward. If you’re interested in unraveling your thoughts and better understanding yourself, check out my blog and we’ll face our truest-selves together. The journey to self-awareness is one you don’t want to miss because every day gives you a chance to learn more about yourself. I promise: You are worth it.

Thanks for reading, xo.

Below are links to my blog, my Facebook page, my Instagram, and my Pinterest:

Ashley Spills Blog

Ashley Spills Facebook

Ashley Spills Instagram

Ashley Spills Pinterest

Thank you Ashley!

If you would like to guest post on Leaf and Steel, head to our Guest Post page!

What did you think of this post?

How do you keep the focus on yourself?

Let us know below!

O.

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Guest Post: How to Be a More Self-Confident Mother and Enhance Your Life

Today’s post is a guest post by Katie Conroy from advicemine.com. If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, head over here!

How to Be a More Self-Confident Mother and Enhance Your Life

Nobody said being a mom was easy. Motherhood is a big responsibility and comes with many expectations, both within and without. It can be daunting, and often overwhelming. How do you take care of someone else when looking after yourself is often a struggle? The answer is by being self-confident! 

When you’re self-confident, you’re powerful. When you’re powerful, you can move mountains – or at least take care of your family and just live life better. Finding some extra self-confidence will go a long way toward making your journey as a mom smoother and more enjoyable. Today, Leaf and Steel offers some tested-and-true advice on becoming a more self-confident person (and mother):      

Praise Yourself

When was the last time you said or admitted something good about yourself? Appreciating yourself for everything you do, big and small, is a necessary first step in feeling good about yourself. And when you feel good about yourself, you’re more confident in who you are – which in turn makes doing new things easier. See the self-perpetuating cycle here?

Practice praising yourself for how far you’ve come, how much you’ve achieved, and how well you take care of your loved ones. It’s how you’ll slowly and surely build up your self-confidence levels, says Mindvalley. It’s also a great way to improve the overall positivity of your household.

Be Okay with Being Judged

Being a mother opens you up to many judgments, as you’re doubtless aware. Everyone has an opinion on how you should raise your kids, and how well you’re doing. Not everyone will see your challenges and the sacrifices you make. The criticisms will flow, essentially, and praise may be non-existent – and that’s okay. Realize that the way people treat you says more about them than it does about you.

Learn to read people’s intentions instead of taking their words at face value. Be at peace with how you’re doing as a parent (and otherwise) – that’s what really matters. 

Change Up Your Friend Circle

Do the people around you push you down or pull you up? As Sigmund Freud put it, “Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, make sure you are not just surrounded by idiots”. The people around you have a massive impact on your self-confidence, beliefs, and ways of being. If they’re supportive, caring, and kind, it’s easier to be comfortable in your own skin and be more self-confident. If they’re toxic or manipulative, they’re going to thrive on you being weak (not confident), and be invested in pulling you down. Set strong boundaries for existing relationships, and find better people, if necessary.

Go in a Different Career Direction

The work you do is an important part of your identity. Performing your job well and making a difference in other people’s lives, in whatever fashion, can help you gain self-respect. If you feel your career isn’t where it should be, or you’re concerned about balancing your current career with your family life, don’t hesitate to go back to school to enhance your prospects. For instance, an online degree in business could help you gain business acumen – whether your program of choice is business management, management and leadership, or marketing – and just become a more capable person overall.

Groom and Dress Well

Appearances matter. The way you look affects the way other people perceive you and treat you. More importantly, the way you look also affects how you perceive and treat yourself. By dressing well, visiting the spa, and taking care of your body and hair, you’re going to look and feel prettier. Don’t be afraid of indulging yourself every once in a while. If you make grooming a habit, you’ll quickly witness an increase in your self-confidence levels.

Take Care of Your Body

Your body, along with your mind and emotions, is one of the pillars of your existence. You must look after it well to keep it beautiful and healthy. When your body is in good shape, you have plenty of energy, feel more capable, and can do more. If you don’t look after your body enough, you are going to feel down, drained, and incapable. Start a fitness routine, eat healthier, and do your best to fulfill your body’s needs to be more self-confident.

Allow Failure to Teach You 

Success is at the end of the road riddled with failures. Don’t let your failures destroy your self-confidence. Society often conditions us to feel bad about our mistakes, with guilt and self-criticism becoming our constant companions. It’s important to understand that making mistakes is being human. No one is perfect, and you don’t learn to walk without falling down a few times. In fact, falling is intrinsic to understanding how to not fall. Mistakes teach you what not to do next time. They’re priming you for success if you let them. 

Trust Yourself

When you trust, you’re confident in something or someone. You trust the ground to be solid, water to be wet, and probably your parents to care about you – but do you trust yourself? Trust is intrinsic to confidence. Most people trust themselves in some ways, but not others. You probably trust yourself to get out of bed without assistance, for example, but do you trust yourself to return a million dollars you found lying on the ground?

The answer, for most people, is maybe! You should choose to trust yourself to return the money (or not. Hey, it’s a million dollars, we make no judgments here). The key part is choosing to trust yourself to do or be a certain way. If you aren’t there yet, trust that you’re still learning how, and you will get there in time. You have to crawl before you can walk. Trust the process, and do attempt.

Confidence takes time to build up. It’s tied to how you feel and think about yourself – and changing your mindset isn’t something that will happen overnight. Be persistent, set short-term and long-term goals, and learn how to be there for yourself while you make changes (big or small). You will, eventually, get there – and you will be able to teach your kids to be the same way. It helps everyone, so don’t hesitate to invest in yourself.

Katie Conroy enjoys writing and created advicemine.com where she shares advice from her experiences, education & research. She particularly enjoys writing about lifestyle topics and created the website to share advice she has learned through experience, education and research.

You can find Katie at advicemine.com, or shoot her an email at info@advicemine.com !

Thank you, Katie, for your article!

For more information on guest posting on Leaf and Steel, click here!

What do you do to build confidence as a parent?

Let us know below!

O.

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