If you find yourself not being able to participate in your traditional Secret Santa game this holiday, no worries, you can still play Secret Santa and spread Christmas cheer to others.

One of the best parts about Christmas is being able to bring joy to the hearts of others in sometimes what may be considered a small and simple gesture. Here are some ways you can get involved in the Secret Santa fun this Christmas, but don't forget to keep it a surprise.

Leave a gift at a neighbors doorstep.

Surprise a neighbor by leaving a small gift or treat at their doorstep without revealing or hinting off that it's from you. If you live close enough to them, you may be able to even catch their reaction once they notice the sweet gesture. Spreading the holiday cheer in the areas we live in is a perfect way to foster a sense of community that will continue to spread all throughout the neighborhood.

Send an E-Donation to an organization or charity of your choice.

Technology makes it so easy for us to continue our giving efforts virtually. There are so many organizations, senior living facilities, and orphanages that offer online services to help donors send electronic donations. You can do a quick and simple search online to check out some of the available organizations accepting donations for the holidays.

One Warm Coat is a national organization that helps to supply warm winter coats to those in need. It is heartbreaking to know that so many people will go without basic necessities such as a coat to keep them warm during the colder months. One Warm Coat allows you to help them fulfill this need by donating funds, donating coats, or even holding a coat drive for the organization. Their website provides all of the information needed to help support them, and there is even an active map on their website that allows you to check and see if there are any local coat drives or donation centers in your area. These donations will help these organizations and facilities create a joyful holiday experience for the ones they serve.

Adopt an angel from the Angel Tree.

Another great way to spread holiday cheer is by bringing a smile to a child's face on Christmas morning. Walmart has partnered with the Salvation Army for many years to provide an Angel Tree service that allows families in need to apply for their children to be added to the Angel Tree. What happens then is Walmart will put together a Christmas wish list for each child and pin it on a tree that will be located in the store. Volunteers are then able to go into Walmart stores and select an angel to buy Christmas presents for. Many families, unfortunately, fall into compromising circumstances during the holidays, and your adoption of an angel could mean one less child waking up disappointed on Christmas morning. It is completely anonymous and a special way to give to those in need during the holidays.

Grant a Christmas wish.

It could be a loved one, a friend, or a co-worker that you know who has been talking about something special they have wanted to do or get for themselves. Make their Christmas wish come true by secretly gifting them the very thing they wished to buy for themselves. You'll be able to witness the joy on their face when they react to receiving it, and it'll be a secret memory that you share with them for years to come.

Pay it forward.

Next time you're in the drive-thru at your local Starbucks, offer to pay for the order in front or behind you. This small gesture can make a world of difference in someone's day, and it's sure to spread the holiday cheer. Believe it or not, often times when this is done, it starts a chain reaction, and multiple will continue doing it even after you leave. Your kindness could lead to many people getting the bill for the favorite holiday drink covered and that alone is rewarding.

Create Christmas cards to leave out for strangers.

Our words carry so much power, and during the holidays, it's important that we are intentional with our words and speak from a place of love as often as we can. Spend some time creating Christmas cards that you can take out and leave in random places you may travel, like on someone's windshield, a mailbox, or even in a public bathroom. The small, uplifting messages in your cards could be the very thing that changes someone's life or saves it. We never know what people are going through, and we should always be mindful of that when it comes to how we interact with others.

Christmas can be a very difficult time for people, and by random acts of kindness such as playing Secret Santa, you are able to spread hope to those who may be facing challenges this holiday season. We have the ability to lift someone else's spirits in the gestures we do, and the fact that we are able to do that is more than enough recognition. The most important thing to remember about playing Secret Santa this Christmas is to remember that this is something we should participate in all the time and not just around the holidays. We should always take the opportunity to help someone else, and if everyone could adopt that attitude, the world could become a more loving and safe space for everyone. After all, Christmas isn't about what you can get, but what you can give to others.

The post 6 Ways to Be a Secret Santa and Spread Christmas Cheer appeared first on FamilyToday.

So, are you ready to get into the holiday spirit and carry out the true meaning of Christmas? Then have your go at this 12 days of Christmas challenge.

Pay it forward.

If you’ve ever experienced being in line at your local Starbucks and unexpectedly being told by the cashier that the person in front of you has paid for your drink, then you understand how meaningful that simple gesture was and what difference it could make in how your day starts. Now is your time to do the same for someone else.

Visit a nativity scene with your family or friends.

Check your local area’s activity board, get your loved ones packed up in the car, and drive to visit a local nativity scene display. Share the story of Christmas with the people you love most.

Make a holiday goodie bag for your local delivery driver.

The holidays are definitely a pretty busy time for your local delivery drivers, and as they work to make sure everyone receives all of their holiday packages, it’s nice to show them our appreciation for the work they do. Put together a small treat bag that you can leave either in your mailbox or on your doorstep for an expected delivery driver. You could even add a little note just to let them know how much they are appreciated. Again, a small gesture can go a long way for someone, especially during the holidays.

Host a holiday movie night.

One of the best parts of the holiday season is all of the classic Christmas movies that we’re able to watch and enjoy with our families. Grab some of your favorite movies and host a night of binge-watching holiday classics. To top off the festive night, set a Christmas pajama dress code for everyone, and don’t forget to take pictures.

Volunteer at your local shelter or soup kitchen.

There are so many people who experience great hardships around the holidays, and by volunteering at a local shelter or soup kitchen, you’ll get a first-hand view of just how many people are in unfortunate situations during the holidays. Make a difference in your community by offering to pack meals or serve them. You’ll learn a lot about the people that live within your community, and it can be a truly eye-opening experience for why gratitude is such an important thing to practice.

Make homemade Christmas ornaments.

Making homemade Christmas ornaments is a great way to create holiday memories for the years to come. There are so many different ways to make Christmas ornaments that don't involve any fancy supplies. Some of the most memorable Christmas ornaments can be created just with things you have lying around your home. Countryliving.com compiled a list together of DIY Christmas ornament crafts that are easy to make and fun for the whole family.  Create some ornaments to hang on your tree or even decorate your home with, and don’t forget to add this year’s date.

Support a Local Business.

Take the opportunity to support a local business this holiday season, whether that’s at a restaurant, local store, or even an online business. You could choose to shop locally or by gift cards to give away as gifts. Even something as simple as sharing posts from local businesses on your social media accounts is another great way to show them your support. These are just a few of the ways you can do your part to show small businesses in your area that they matter.

Bake a Christmas dessert to share with others.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without enjoying all of the yummy holiday treats. Grab your favorite holiday dessert recipe or experiment with a new one and bake up some delicious treats you can share with others. Delish.com has tons of holiday dessert recipes for you to try.

Adopt a family or child for the holiday season.

There are so many people in the world that will go without this holiday season, and you should always take the opportunity to be a blessing to someone else. As the holidays are approaching, you may notice Christmas trees at your local grocery stores or malls filled with names of either children or families you can help sponsor. You could be helping to fulfill a child’s Christmas list wish or even helping to provide a nice Christmas dinner for a family.

Go see a local display of Christmas lights.

Grab your favorite Christmas pajamas and hot cocoa to go view the beautiful Christmas light displays in your area. This is a great tradition to start with your family or friends and the perfect way to take in some of the magic behind the holidays.

Decorate a Gingerbread house.

Christmas isn’t complete without a gingerbread house, so it’s a must that you carve out some time to decorate your very own. Your local Walmart You could even turn it into a mini-challenge with your loved ones to see who has the best holiday decorating skills.

Go ice skating.

Some of us don’t get to experience the joy of living in a Christmas wonderland during the holidays, but there are ways we can still create that experience. Going ice skating is one way to create that winter wonderland ambiance, and it’s a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy.

This list should help you get started with creating some great holiday memories for the years to come and hopefully spark some new traditions. The holidays are meant to bring joy to everyone, and sometimes it’s doing the simplest things that will create lasting joy for us.

The post 12 Days of Christmas Challenge appeared first on FamilyToday.

If you’re unable to be with your loved ones this year physically, check out 7 ways you can spend the holidays together even when you’re apart.

Have a holiday movie night.

Who says you have to be with someone to enjoy a holiday-themed movie night? Plan a night to get cozy in your holiday-themed pajamas, grab your favorite snacks, and schedule a video call with your loved ones. Apps like Zoom make it easier to add multiple people to a video call. Decide on a movie everyone can stream and watch together. It’s a great way to foster togetherness even while apart, and you’ll forget all about not being able to be there with them .

Plan a holiday gift exchange.

Another great thing about the holidays is being able to give and receive meaningful gifts from the people closest to you, and you can still do that even when you’re apart. Notify everyone you want to participate in the gift exchange, and to make things fun, do a drawing of names to decide who everyone will send their gifts to. Then, plan a day where everyone can jump on a video call to open the gifts they receive. Of course, factor in how much time may be needed for everyone to mail their gifts off, but shopping with websites like Amazon make it easier for customers by offering fast shipping options.

Take a holiday photo in matching pajamas.

Create lasting memories by finding matching holiday outfits or pajamas you and your loved ones can purchase and snap photos in. Even though you won’t be taking a group photo nestled up in the same living room, you can still keep up with your holiday dress code.

Host a holiday dessert decorating competition.

Whether it is cookies, gingerbread houses, cakes, or other yummy holiday desserts, challenge your loved ones to a night of a little friendly competition and lots of holiday cheer. Decide which dessert everyone will bake/decorate, then hop on a video call and set a couple of ground rules like setting a time limit (to keep the playing ground fair). Once everyone is done, show off your creations on social media, and whoever’s dessert gets the most likes wins!

Sing your hearts out in a virtual holiday karaoke night.

The holidays aren’t complete without some of your favorite holiday tunes, and this year will be no different. A virtual holiday karaoke night is a great alternative to holiday caroling and a new tradition everyone can enjoy. Create a playlist of some of your holiday favorites and share it with everyone wanting to participate. Apple Music offers an easy way to create and share playlists with other Apple Music users. Then, prepare to sing your heart out in a night full of music, laughs, and the people who matter most.

Make a holiday bucket list together.

Collaborate and come up with a list of things you can still do even while being apart. Whether it’s making homemade Christmas cards to send out, volunteering at your local shelter’s holiday dinner, going to look at lights, or reading a holiday story, once you’ve created a list, check-in with each other as you complete items on the bucket list. This is a great way to stay connected to others during the holiday season.

Decorate and hang them a stocking.

What better way to keep your loved ones with you during the holidays than to decorate and hang them a stocking. Add their name to the stocking and attach a picture of them on it so you’ll feel like they are right there with you. If you want to take it a step further, stuff something in the stocking that makes you think of them. It’s a thoughtful way to show your appreciation for someone, and hopefully, next year, they’ll be right there with you to hang it up stockings.

The holidays may look a lot different for you this year, but they don’t have to feel any different. Although you may not be able to spend the holidays with loved ones physically, technology makes it so much easier to still feel connected with them throughout the holidays. If you find yourself missing the people closest to you a little extra this year, try finding ways you can still celebrate with them and remember, this isn’t a permanent holiday tradition. Plus, it gives you a head start on planning all of the things you’ll be able to do together and in-person next year. Happy Holidays!

The post 7 Ways to Spend the Holidays Together When You’re Apart appeared first on FamilyToday.

Months into the global coronavirus pandemic and many couples find themselves having to make adjustments even in their relationship to keep a sense of normality. Most couples are discovering that the pandemic has made them appreciate their partners more, according to a report done by the American Family Survey.

It's expected that the pandemic has changed the way many Americans move through their day-to-day lives. Children have switched to online learning, adults are turning their homes into office workspaces, and many may even be facing extreme economic hardship. The pandemic has presented its own set of challenges, but with its challenges, it has presented some added positives for those in relationships.

The survey reported that many Americans in relationships said that the pandemic has actually made them appreciate their partner or even deepened their commitment to their partner and relationship.

While 56 percent of those surveyed said the pandemic has made them appreciate their partner, only 20 percent reported that the pandemic had increased stress in their relationship, and 13 percent stated that the pandemic has made them question the strength of their relationship. Everyone has had to figure out how to navigate through the ups and downs that have come along with a global pandemic, and for many, that's become an added stressor on their relationships.

Couples have been confined to just the walls of their home for months, sometimes without outside physical interaction from anyone aside from their partners. While this is likely to drive anyone crazy, many couples have used it as an opportunity to get closer to their partner.

Spending each day doing the same things in the same place is enough to drive any couple a little crazy, but there are some ways to make sure this doesn't negatively impact the relationship.

Maintain self-care.

You can't take care of your relationship without taking care of yourself first. Try to keep up with normal activities you enjoyed before the pandemic or explore new ones. Tap into your creative side, pick up doing yoga, reading, anything that will give you an outlet, and puts the attention on you. You need to take care of yourself outside of your partner, and it's okay not to involve them in your self-care. By maintaining self-care, you can bring the best version of yourself into your relationship.

Respect each other's personal space and boundaries.

It's challenging enough trying to manage being quarantined at home with your partner for extended periods, so you both must be able to give each other some personal space to be alone. As much as you may be doing together, you need to have the same amount of alone time to create a a healthy balance in your relationship.

Maintain open communication with your partner.

Just because you're spending all of this added time together doesn't mean you know what your partner is feeling or thinking, and vice-versa. Establishing and maintaining open communication allows you to both be on the same page as far as your expectations, avoiding misunderstandings, and making assumptions. Maintaining strong communication with your partner also gives you both the opportunity to learn more about each other and stay closely connected.

"Couples who are able to maintain good communication and be supportive and responsive to each other throughout the COVID-19 crisis will likely remain together and possibly feel more connected for having weathered the storm," the Association for Psychological Science said in an article for newswise.com." The article also states that couples who are experiencing difficulties with communicating and effectively supporting each other might feel less happy within their relationship or marriage, which will likely result in them going separate ways.

Keep things fun.

Don't let the current circumstances keep you from planning dates and activities with your partner. Even if you have to do it all from home, never let the dating aspect die from your relationship. Plan a special dinner together, movie night, or even just quality time together to just talk and play board games. Whatever you do, just try to keep things light and fun as often as you can within your relationship. These moments will mean a lot when you're facing challenges.

What's going on in the world right now isn't a permanent situation but something that will be around for quite some time. The best thing you can do for your relationship is to continue to focus on all the good that you and your partner share. This pandemic probably isn't the first challenge you've experienced within your relationship, and it certainly won't be the last.

The post The Surprising Way the Pandemic is Changing Couples appeared first on FamilyToday.

So, whether your family wants to go for a more traditional theme or keep things modern,  check out some of the most epic costume ideas your family is guaranteed to love. The photos you'll capture from these ideas will be priceless.

Family Shark ‘Do-Do-Do-Do-Do-Do-Do’

What better way to keep up with current trends than to recreate this viral nursery rhyme with the whole family! Mommy shark, Daddy shark, baby or baby sharks, even the grandparents can join in! Amazon makes this costume super easy to get and affordable by selling cute shark costumes for the whole family.

Black Panther

Wakanda forever! The whole family can indulge in the Marvel phenomenon by dressing up as the characters from the movie. Warning, this idea may cause a slight war at home when it comes to deciding who gets to be what, but nevertheless, this costume idea will always be a fan favorite.

Grease Lightening

Show off your family’s theatrical talents by dressing up as the classic Sandy, Rizzo, and Danny from Grease. The whole family can get decked out in the perfect ‘50s styled Grease costumes, and depending on how big your family is, you’ll even be able to have your possies of Pink Ladies and T-birds. The look itself can be simply achieved by throwing in high ponytails, shades, and of course, extra gel for the guys.

A Herd of Unicorns

You may have noticed how widely popular everything unicorn has been, especially if you have younger girls in your home, but now is your time to make their unicorn dreams come true by dressing your family as a herd of unicorns. This may take some convincing for the boys of the house, but everyone can create their own unique unicorn costume using unicorn onesies. There are onesies for men, women, and an extra sparkly one for girls. Pair your costumes with funky rainbow-colored wigs, and your look will be complete.

Wizard of Oz

This family costume idea is perfect for larger families and can be created by incorporating clothes your family most likely already has. All you’ll need to do is add the classic touches to each costume, like maybe creating the ruby red shoes using red glitter and glue or using a straw for the scarecrow’s body.

Jurassic Park

This movie makes for a great family costume idea, which again can also be created using clothing you already have at home. Dress up as Dr. Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler, and if there’s a baby in the bunch, dressing them up as a dinosaur adds the cutest touch to the overall theme.

‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Characters

This theme is fitting for the occasion, and for a family that enjoys Halloween just as much as they enjoy Christmas, it’s an epic choice! Costumes for the whole family can be found here, or if you’re feeling crafty, the character looks can easily be recreated in a DIY project.

Nintendo Family

The gamers of the house will love this costume idea, and because of the limitless amount of characters, everyone will be able to choose their own perfect Mario-cart character costume. A guide on how to achieve this family costume idea can be found here.

Guardians of the Galaxy

Show the world how ready your family is to protect the universe by dressing up as Guardian of the Galaxy characters. Check out how simple these looks can be created at Sugar Bee Craft.

Mail Delivery Drivers

How timely is a costume showing your family's appreciation for all the handworkers at Amazon, UPS, and FedEx? A super cute and fun costume that can easily be crafted.

Napoleon Dynamite

If your family enjoys this movie just as much as they enjoy tater tot casserole, then it’s only right that you partake in this family costume idea. It won’t take much to create your own rendition of the hilarious film characters, and it’ll make for great Facebook pictures.

Planning out your family costumes should be a fun experience for everyone, and there are tons of family costume ideas online that are sure to make everyone proud to wear on Halloween.

The post 11 Epic Family Costume Ideas appeared first on FamilyToday.

Here are seven of the greatest costume ideas for moms.

Smarty Pants Costume.

Never give up the opportunity to make matters a little… punny. This costume is super easy to create, and the basis of it would be like your typical nerd outfit. The big square glasses, pigtails, overalls. The plot or pun in this costume comes with creating the pants. Take an old pair of jeans and use double-sided-glue to attach smarties candies all over the pants. Minimal effort, especially if you’re in need of a last-minute costume that takes minutes to pull together.

Mombie

Think of yourself in the middle of the night, running off of zero sleep with a newborn baby who is inconsolable. Think of yourself at 7am with a full to-do list for the day, kids running all over the place, and you just realized you have zero coffee in the cabinet. Or, if you’re like me, simply roll out of bed. The mombie is the perfect representation of what you sometimes get being a mom. Messy hair, yesterday’s pajamas, and shoes that don’t match. Feel free to go crazy with this idea and really make it your own.

Rosie the Riveter

What better representation of mom power than Rosie the Riveter? I’ll wait…

Take an old plaid or jean button-down shirt, roll up the sleeves and pair them with some jeans and work boots. Then, tie your hair back and take a red bandanna to tie around your head like a headband. Finish the look with some bright red lipstick, and make sure to flex those muscles for the photo op!

Pig in a Blanket

This costume idea is super cute and very easy to assemble. Just take some costume pig ears and nose (if you can’t find a pig nose, painting one on with pink makeup works). Create a pink ensemble from head to toe, grab an old blanket to carry around, and et voila!

‘Day of the Dead’ Skeleton

You don’t have to be a makeup artist to achieve this look, but it will require some face-painting skills. Don’t worry, there is plenty of easy day of the dead make up tutorials on YouTube. Find one that you like best, and pair your deadly looking face with just about any outfit you have in your closet. The finishing touch is adding a flower such as a rose to your hair.

Audrey Hepburn

Is Halloween the only day of the year you feel like you put the most effort into getting yourself dressed? You are not alone. Have a little black dress in your closet that has been collecting dust because there’s a zero chance you’ll ever wear it out? Me too! Although pulling it out to go trick-or-treating with your kids may not be ideal, you can still feel chic as ever by using it to create a classic old Hollywood look of the fashion icon Audrey Hepburn. Pair it with a cheap tiara, some long black satin gloves, pearls, and I give you Breakfast at Tiffany’s…… in October!

Gumball Machine

This is a cute mom costume, especially for expecting moms. Take a white t-shirt and hot glue a bunch of colorful pom poms to the bottom half of the shirt, completely covering your baby bump. Pair the shirt with some red pants, make a 25-cent coin cut out to carry around, and you’ve got a super sweet costume that your bundle of joy gets to be apart of.

Whether you’ve been scrolling for months trying to find costume ideas, are viewing this article the night before Halloween, or heck, even a couple of hours before heading out with your family to trick-or-treat, you too can be excited about having a great costume. Your kids shouldn’t be the only ones that get to experience all of the Halloween fun, and as much energy you have probably already spent trying to help them pick costumes, you deserve a cool one of your own.

The post 7 of the Greatest Costume Ideas for Moms appeared first on FamilyToday.

If you’re ready to spice up-or rather spook up your Halloween party food, check out some of these awesomely gross Halloween treat ideas.

Vampire Apple Teeth

This is an effortless recipe that gives a healthy twist to Halloween treats. You’ll need three red apples, creamy peanut butter, silver almonds, and cranberries. Start by slicing your apples into triangular wedges. Then you’ll want to cut smaller triangular wedges out of those and spread the inside of the apple with your creamy peanut butter. Take two cranberries and stick them on the outer edge of the mouth to create the vampire fang. Once you’ve done that. Stick four of the slivered almonds in between the fangs for teeth, and you have created bloody vampire teeth. If you don’t plan on serving the apples within a couple hours of making them, cover them in a plastic wrap and keep cold in the fridge, so the apples don’t discolor.

Spooky Worm Halloween Jello

Nothing says awesomely gross on Halloween than jello made out of worms, spiders, and spider eggs. Luckily for us, we can substitute those with candy imposters to make a super cool Halloween dish. For this simple recipe, you’ll need two small boxes of green and purple jello mix, seven ounces of large pearl tapioca, a pack of gummy worms (feel free to use sour ones if you prefer), and some plastic or candy spiders.

You’ll want to first soak the tapioca in water overnight according to the instructions on the packaging and then drain them. We’ll use these as our spider eggs. Next, you’re going to follow the instructions on the jello mix and prepare the jellos in two separate containers. Then, take two to three of your candy worms or spiders and place them at the bottom of 10-12 smalls cups. If you’re entertaining a larger group of people, you may need to prepare more cups. Once that’s done, pour the jello over your tapioca, then split your cups up, and pour green jello on one half and purple jello on the other. You’ll need to let them chill in the refrigerator for at least one to two hours until the jello has set.

To finish off this gross dessert, run a sharp knife around the rim of each jello cup to un-mold. Set the bottoms of the jello cup in a hot tray of water for about 30 seconds and then flip them onto a plate and serve.

Bloody Shirley Temples

Quench your party guests thirst with this gross yet oddly refreshing Halloween rendition of a Shirley Temple. This recipe is also kid-friendly, so no one is left out of the blood-sucking; see what I did there? Never mind, you’ll get it by the end of this recipe.

This recipe calls for sprite, ice, grenadine, and plastic syringes. Start by pouring the sprite over ice in a glass until it stops fizzing. Then take your syringe and squirt grenadine into the glass to create a bloody looking and a sweet-tasting drink. Feel free to leave the syringe in the glass as a cool decoration.

Creepy Halloween Eyeballs

Okay, I know the whole eyeball recipe for Halloween is so overdone, but I mean, really, is it something you can resist having? I promise you’ll blow your guest away this year with how grossly real this recipe will look. You’ll need about one-fourth cup of strawberry jam, one can of lychees, drained, a container of fresh blueberries, and toothpicks.

Spoon a little bit of the strawberry jam into the hole of each lychee to create a bloody eyeball. Then place a blueberry in the hole and secure it with a toothpick. You’ll instantly create a gross bloody eyeball that looks like it’s being punctured by the toothpick, gross! I meant, yummy!

Dirty Earwax Q-Tip Treats

If you’re not gagging at the sight of this treat, then you aren’t doing Halloween right, but I promise they taste a lot better than they look. For this recipe, you’ll need a box of Q-tips, which is a pretty inexpensive item that can easily be found at your local dollar store. Make sure to save the box the Q-tips come in; it’ll come in handy as a prop in making the dish look very real. You’ll also need a serving tray, a bag of jet puffed mini marshmallows, and Kraft Caramels.

Using a strong pair of scissors, snip off the ends of the Q-tips to remove the cotton swabs, which you’ll then replace with the mini marshmallows. Next, melt the caramels by sticking them in a microwavable dish and slowly melt them in the microwave. A good rule of thumb is to melt the caramels in 1o second increments. Then, once your earwax, I mean caramel, is nice and gushy, start dipping your marshmallow Q-tips and remember the grosser they look, the better, so feel free to go crazy with the caramel. Then using the original Q-tip container, set the Q-tips inside of the container and then put the container on a cool Halloween tray to serve.

The awesome thing about these Halloween treats is they are very minimalistic in ingredients and offer a lot of room for your own added creativity. Add these recipes to your Halloween party menu, and you’re sure to have your family and friends grossed out. (in the best way possible)

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While some believe that children being able to see their parents have a healthy relationship with alcohol is great for teaching them responsible ways to interact with it, others believe it gives children the green light to experiment with early alcohol use.

"You're swamped with so many different opinions when you speak to people," food editor Jane de Graaf explained in an interview with Australia's "Today Show."

De Graag says she has friends on both ends of the spectrum, some who hide drinking from their kids and others who will go home "in a bad state." She made it clear that she doesn't support parents who abuse alcohol, especially in front of their children, but believes there needs to be a "mid-ground" or balance between the two.

The Reality

Children are a lot more aware then what they are often given credit for. If you regularly drink in front of your children, they are more than likely aware of how much and how often you are drinking. They are also going to be paying attention to your mannerisms when it comes to alcohol. If you're treating alcohol as a reward or coping mechanism, using language like "oh this is so good," you could unknowingly be sending the wrong message to your child about drinking.

"We know from some studies that kids from the age of 3 can start to understand the circumstances under which, or where, alcohol is consumed -- whether that's a celebration or an argument that leads to a domestic incident," Michael Thorn, the CEO of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education  explains. "Kids understand what's going on with their parents drinking."

Parents and family life significantly influence a child's behaviors and beliefs regarding alcohol. The relationship you have with alcohol can greatly shape your child's attitude towards it. When children have experienced seeing their parents drunk, they are more than likely to have a negative attitude towards alcohol, possibly leading to their own reckless drinking habits in the future.

The Recommendation

Although there have been many studies done on parents drinking in front of their children, there is nothing that has directly proven that parents who drink in front of their children are putting them at risk of XYZ. Other factors contribute to a child's relationship with alcohol, such as peer pressure, alcohol marketing, and genetics. Still, parents should be mindful of the significance of their role when it comes to alcohol. One of the best ways for parents to do that is not to glamorize alcohol, be clear about expectations for your child's behavior, be honest about the risks, and be open to answering their questions.

Mayra Mendez, Ph.D., LMFT says there is no reason to hide an alcoholic beverage from your child's view, but model responsible drinking behaviors to help contribute to their understanding about alcohol consumption.

"Children may be exposed to appropriate, moderated use of alcohol at dinnertime or at a family gathering. Socializing children to alcohol is not only necessary for their learning social norms and cultural expectations about alcohol use, but an essential part of seeing socioculturally informed behaviors applied in day-to-day interactions," Mendez says.

Clinical psychologist Robin Goodmin has also weighed on the subject matter, stating that setting a good example for your children when it comes to alcohol involves setting guidelines on drinking.

"Parents must decide their own values and attitudes about drinking first. It's not illegal for them to drink in front of their children, and not always realistic to abstain in front of them. There are things adults are allowed to do that children and teens are not," she said.

Some of the guidelines Robin suggests, especially as children become teenagers, are strict, no underage drinking policies within your home, no driving or getting in a car with someone who is under the influence, and also knowing your child. Be involved in knowing who your child's friends are and what they're doing when they're together. She also suggests knowing the warning signs of alcohol problems.

Bottom Line

Parents must remain consistent with their message regarding alcohol and be mindful that there is no room for double standards. Modeling positive examples as early as possible will help your child as they continue to grow older.

The post Should Parents Drink Alcohol in Front of Their Kids? appeared first on FamilyToday.

Since healthy fats are an important part of a balanced diet, let’s go over some of the foods that are high in healthy fats that you should be feeding your family.

Avocados

Avocados contain monounsaturated fats, and they are free of sodium, sugar, and cholesterol, which makes them the perfect candidate for your family’s meals. Avocados contain nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, magnesium, fiber, and vitamin K, which will all help support bone health and the overall immune system. They are naturally a good fat, and they are sugar-free, which is a huge bonus. Some easy ways to use avocados in meals include mixing it into a smoothie, chopping it up and mixing it into a salad, smearing it onto toast, and an all-around favorite, guacamole.

Olive, peanut, and sesame oils

Extra virgin Olive oil is considered one of the most healthy and versatile oils to cook with and eat. Olive oil contains both monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats and has been linked to good heart health. Peanut oil is one of many nut oils and can be a great cooking oil to flavor your dishes. It also contains the highest amount of monosaturated fats among cooking oils. Sesame oil has a potent flavor and is best used for high-heat recipes. It also contains both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

What’s great about oils like olive oil and nut oils is not only can they be used as healthier cooking oils, but you can also use them to make heart-healthy salad dressings. Mix two parts oil with one part vinegar, add herbs of your choice, and within seconds you’ve created a healthy alternative for your salads.

Salmon

Salmon is a great source of healthy fats loaded with vitamins A, D, E, and K, which can help benefit the eyes, joints, repair muscles, and feed the brain. Salmon is rich in omega -3 fatty acids, which helps sharpen the brain and improve memory retention. Salmon is an easy go-to for healthy meals, and there are so many ways you can cook it, whether in the oven, stovetop, or on the grill.

Cheese

Cheese may be considered a guilty pleasure to some, but it’s incredibly healthy to include in your family’s diet. Cheese is rich in protein, and it’s a great source of calcium, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and many more nutrients. If you’re concerned with calories, low-calorie cheeses like swiss, feta, and part-skim mozzarella are some alternatives and taste just as great. It’s important to be mindful that cheese can also be loaded with sodium, so be aware of hard cheeses like provolone, parmigiano, and gouda, which require more salt in the aging process. You can also check your local grocery store for low-sodium options of your favorite cheeses.

Dark Chocolate

That’s right, dark chocolate can be added into a healthy balanced diet. Dark chocolate is jam-packed with antioxidants and fiber making it the perfect alternative to satisfy any sweet tooth. Dark chocolate has a fatty acid profile made up of monounsaturated fats with a small amount of polyunsaturated fats. Several studies have also shown that individuals who eat dark chocolate weekly are less than half likely to suffer from heart-related problems. Although Dark chocolate contains many nutrients and healthy fats, it is high in calories with a considerable amount of sugar, so consuming in moderation is important.

Eggs

Eggs are pretty inexpensive and a great source of protein for your family to have. A majority of the protein of an egg is found in the egg white, which includes vitamin B2. There is also a ton of minerals in eggs, such as zinc, iron, and copper. When buying eggs for your family, it’s best to choose eggs from organically raised chicken. Look for cartons labeled “free-range” this means the eggs have come from hens who had access to roam around outside of a confined space. The options are endless when it comes to what you can do with eggs, whether that be for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and they should be a staple item in your refrigerator.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are considered a high-fat plant food that contains the heart healthy omega -3 fatty acid called ALA. They are loaded with fiber and minerals, and provide numerous health benefits for your family, such as providing anti-inflammatory effects and lowering blood pressure. Chia seeds can be used to make chia pudding, sprinkled into yogurt or oatmeal for some added crunch, or even baked into waffles, muffins, or pancakes for added nutrition and fiber.

These are just a few of the many foods out there that contain a considerable amount of healthy fats. The more you discover, the more unhealthy fats you can start to remove from your family’s diet. We sometimes become too concerned with cutting calories from the foods we eat that we strip ourselves of the fats our bodies need to maintain proper health. Aim to create a well-balanced diet that includes various vegetables, fruits, beans, and healthy fats while eliminating trans fats, which is found in fast food and baked goods. Your family will appreciate your efforts to provide healthy meals, and you will have the satisfaction of knowing you are doing your best to take care of them.

The post 7 Healthy-Fat Enriched Foods You Should be Feeding Your Family appeared first on FamilyToday.

Because society has somewhat groomed us to think that relationships are supposed to be easy and straightforward, we are less likely to stay and work things out when problems arise. Relationships aren't going to always be sunshine and butterflies in your stomach. There will be some challenging moments you experience that will require you to reflect and ask yourself some tough questions. One of the most common questions that can come up in any relationship is, "Should I give my partner a second chance?"

This question is likely to come up after a break up has already happened, but the question is a sign that the relationship may not be over. If you have recently found yourself in the aftermath of a breakup and you're struggling to find an answer to this question, here are some times where you should consider giving your partner a second chance.

You both are committed to making it work.

Relationships aren't easy, and it takes work from both you and your partner for the relationship to function healthily. If you both are committed to working past your issues and acting on those commitments, then it's not a bad idea to give the relationship a second chance. Change doesn't happen overnight, but if you both can commit to changing your relationship's dynamic over time, you have a better chance of not running into the same issues in the future.

The mistake wasn't severe enough to end the relationship.

Take a moment to think about what happened. Is this the first time something like that has happened? Was the mistake something you could move on from with time? Ask yourself these questions, and if your partner has shown you that it won't happen again, you should think about giving them a second chance. We all make mistakes, especially in relationships, but you have to decide for yourself what mistakes you can and can't come back from.

They're honest with you.

Honest is a must in any relationship. If you and your partner can openly and honestly communicate with each other, your relationship is worth more than you may be giving it credit for. If your partner is honest with you about the situation, don't take it lightly. Honesty is a sign of respect, and when your partner can demonstrate that, it's worth the reconsideration.

Your partner is genuinely sorry.

It's easy to tell when someone is saying sorry to make you feel better versus being empathetic and genuinely sorry. If your partner is genuine with their apology, they are remorseful of the fact that they've hurt someone they love. Recognizing your faults and owning up to them is not an easy thing to do, so if that's what your partner is doing, they want to show you their willingness to make things right with you. If you still love and what to be with this person, they deserve a chance to show you that.

It's more than just love.

Love alone isn't enough to sustain a healthy relationship, and it can't be the only reason for you to stay in one. If love is the only thing keeping you with someone, then it's probably best to go your separate ways. However, if your relationship possesses other vital factors such as loyal, respect, and trust, then your relationship has a strong foundation, and it's safe to consider giving it another go around.

Your partner has learned their lesson.

It's one thing to be sorry, but it's another to be sorry and have learned from the mistake. Do you think your partner understands the repercussions of their actions? If you feel confident that they have learned from their mistake and are doing what is needed to make sure it doesn't happen again, it's okay to give them a second chance.

You are receiving enough rewards and fulfillment from the relationship to consider a second chance.

Have you taken to account all that you have been getting from the relationship? Aside from the issue that made you break up, were you being fulfilled in all the ways you needed to be fulfilled by your partner? Relationships can have their own set of problems, so it's important to decide for yourself how much you are willing to put up with and factor what you're getting out of the relationship. This doesn't mean you're a selfish person looking to take from someone, but an invested individual looking to make sure there is a return to their investment.

Your first priority when deciding whether to give a relationship a second chance should be what's in your best interest. You have to take care of yourself, which could mean forgiveness and salvaging the relationship or walking away from it for good. Relationships aren't easy and having to make that kind of decision may be tough to do, but you have to do what's right for you. Give yourself time to decide that, and don't let anyone, including your former partner, rush you into making any decisions. No one can tell you how you're supposed to move forward in a relationship. You have to determine that for yourself. Being clear about your boundaries in relationships will help you to decide when second chances are warranted if they are warranted at all, and there is nothing wrong with that.

The post 7 Times You Should Give Your Partner a Second Chance appeared first on FamilyToday.