In TV and movies, women always seem to know the day and practically the hour they are due for their periods, so if they're late by a day, they announce they are pregnant. Most women in real life get the same idea after a few days or a week not starting their cycle.

However, a missed period isn't the only way to detect pregnancy. There are many other symptoms that can indicate pregnancy, and while every woman (and every pregnancy) is different, here are a few signs you may not have realized could mean you're pregnant.

A stuffy nose

It may feel as if you have a cold that won't go away or allergies are affecting you particularly badly, but as early as the second month, you can be affected by "rhinitis of pregnancy," according to Baby Center. Estrogen can make the mucus membranes in your nose swell, and because your body is making more blood, it can cause swelling of the small blood vessels in the lining of the nose.

Balance is off

It may seem obvious that a woman who's heavily pregnant will be a bit clumsy, but it's also true that a woman early in her pregnancy can feel off-balance. The hormone relaxin, released by the ovaries to soften ligaments and joints in the pelvis to allow room for the baby to grow and to be delivered, affects ligaments and joints throughout the body, as well, making your whole body feel not quite the same as it was, according to Fit Pregnancy.

Animals know

Science doesn't yet prove that dogs or other pets can detect pregnancy, but many women have reported their pets started acting differently when they were pregnant. One woman in a casual poll said a Toy Poodle started sniffing at her legs all the time. Cats may sit near and rub against a pregnant belly. "Research suggests that some dogs can detect cancer by smell, so it's possible they could smell changes in your body during pregnancy, too," Baby Center notes.

Heightened sense of smell

If your husband's natural scent starts seeming unpleasant or the vegetables you've always loved suddenly smell too strongly to eat or even cook, blame it on pregnancy hormones again - this time it's estrogen that's the culprit, according to What to Expect.

Crave nonfood items

Some women actually start looking with interest at dirt or laundry starch. A woman in the poll said she craved blue dish soap during pregnancy and had to stop buying it until delivery. It's unclear why this condition, called "pica," happens or how prevalent it is, but it is a symptom that can happen even early on.

Headaches

Women do have more headaches when they're pregnant, especially at the beginning. Experts don't know for sure what causes them, but it's likely they're triggered by hormone changes, increased blood volume and circulation, and that increased sinus congestion, according to Baby Center.

No symptoms

Perhaps what may seem to be the strangest symptom is no symptoms at all. Some women truly have no symptoms of pregnancy, like the very common nausea, tender breasts or frequent urination. Even the missed period can be spoofed - many women have implantation bleeding at the time they would have gone through menstruation.

The post 7 signs you’re pregnant and don’t realize it appeared first on FamilyToday.

However, an unlikely miracle reminded them to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve their dream of a lasting marriage.

We've all felt this way. When you're years into marriage, with many responsibilities filling your hours and pressing on your shoulders, those early days of bliss seem long ago and even - if you're not careful - long gone.

But just as your house and job always need attention, even more vitally, so does your relationship with your wife. Here are eight common mistakes in marriage to fix before it's too late to save it.

1. Put your wife first

A job brings in money to take care of your family, sure, but there's always a way to balance the time you spend there and the time you spend with your family, particularly your spouse. Even your children become second priority: They'll eventually grow up and leave the nest, for one thing, leaving you and your wife to yourselves. Make your marriage a strong one so you will be able to enjoy those later years together - and so your children will have your marriage as a positive model to follow themselves.

2. Remember your goals

Whether you sit down as a couple weekly or monthly, make it a priority to talk alone (and uninterrupted) about your goals. Have you set measurable goals? Have you made progress on them? Have you forgotten them altogether? If you have gone off-course from what you wanted to do together, such as going on regular dates, parenting in a certain style, etc., figure out ways to get back on track.

3. Don't emotionally cheat

Today, especially thanks to social media, it's ever easier to have emotional relationships with other people, whether they're old flames or co-workers. If you notice you're confiding too much in someone outside your marriage, put the brakes on. If you have to "unfriend" someone, do it.

4. Have fun!

Life is hard work. The demands that come with raising children and working toward particular goals are draining. It can be easy to focus on just getting things done. But fun and laughter aren't "extras" you only get to enjoy once you've gotten those things done; they're essential to reducing stress and building those relationships you cherish. Take a few minutes to tell your spouse a funny interaction you had during your day; boot the kids off the gaming device for a while and entertain them playing silly virtual sports with your wife; sing out loud (even if you "can't" sing) to a favorite pop song from the time you were dating.

5. Be the best dad you can be

You know your children need your attention, for many reasons, but you might not realize just how important your being a great dad is for your relationship with your wife. Sure, she needs some quiet time to herself regularly, and that can be accomplished when you "take the kids off her hands"; however, her feelings for you are strengthened and boosted when she sees you teaching the little ones she loves so much, having fun with them and otherwise showing your love and tenderness to them.

6. Respond to your spouse's 'bids'

Relationship experts at the Gottman Institute identified a factor in relationships that made a difference in whether couples stayed together. As therapist Zach Brittle wrote for the Gottman website, "A bid is any attempt from one partner to another for attention, affirmation, affection, or any other positive connection." It could be reaching out for a touch or hug, starting a story about a positive or negative experience, asking for a compliment and so on. If you find yourself brushing away bids because you're too busy or tired (or you're too preoccupied to notice them at all), take the challenge to respond to your spouse's bids for attention or affection more frequently.

7. Quit the sarcasm

Another predictor of failed marriages the Gottman Institute identified is the way partners respond to each other. What you say isn't necessarily as crucial as how you say it. If you find yourself responding to your beloved with contempt, criticism or sarcasm, learn how to replace those negative communication patterns with positive ones.

8. Remember the good times

You got married for some great reasons, right? Take time to reflect on those regularly, alone or with your spouse. Look back by reading journals or looking at old photos. Talk about what you did and what drew you to each other. Remembering fun times and the best qualities you treasure in each other can help you see those qualities anew and do better overlooking the negative things that tend to crowd your thoughts now.

To see how the Davis family was able to overcome the challenges that threatened their marriage and build a stronger family, watch The Stray in theaters October 6.

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This stage of life can feel as if we're leaving behind many of the gains we made for ourselves in our 20s. Being a mom now means many of us have young children, maybe one or two in the early years of school and a preschooler and an infant or toddler. They are at the ages where they are quite dependent on us, though they're testing out small ways to be "independent."

With these young ones, it's easy to feel marooned on a deserted island at home, where the walls of our houses might as well be the shores of the ocean, cutting us off from civilization on the far-off mainland. Leaving the house for what were previously simple trips, to the grocery store, to Walmart or Target, is at once a treat (to see different sights and actual adult people) and a trial.

Getting two or three small people dressed (with shoes), pottied or changed and fed, as well as trying to catch them in good moods (after naptimes) is a challenge. And then once we're out, all that preparation was a waste of time and energy because somehow, they still absolutely have to go to the bathroom, eat a snack, grab things off shelves (or at the very least touch every single one of them) and even, just for fun, throw a satisfying, attention-grabbing fit. We can feel like ringmasters encircled by a few circus acts, and everyone is watching as we make our way through a store.

If we are stay-at-home moms, we're likely not getting to do much in the way of the paid work we were trained to do and enjoyed. It's easy to feel we're missing out on prime years to stretch our career wings and really get traction in jobs. At the same time, our fellow moms who are working can easily feel left out of things on the homefront: missing out on some of their children's milestones and activities, perhaps misunderstood or even judged by some of us stay-at-home moms.

Earlier generations of moms didn't have social media to exacerbate any negative feelings that come from comparing. But now, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest just taunt us about how much we're not doing (or not doing right), while our friends all seem to be nailing it.

In this stage of mothering, we're tired all the time and worried we're not doing something right: With a baby, we don't know if we're holding him enough or too much, feeding her too often or too infrequently; we feel guilty for putting her down and letting her cry while we run to the toilet or take a quick shower. With a toddler, we start to wonder when we should be potty training and if we should be letting him drink juice. Preschoolers: Just how long is it until it's embarrassing that he's still not potty trained? Should we put her in a preschool, and which one? Should we be scouring Pinterest and doing lots of enriching activities at home? Are we bad moms if we're not? And once they're old enough for kindergarten and those early grades, is it now time to put them in other activities like dance, gymnastics or soccer? How much is too much?

And just when we're overwhelmed with all we could and should be doing for our children, there are our husbands to consider. It can be tough to work on our relationships with our sweethearts by going out on dates and doing nice little things for them.

It's even tougher, seemingly impossible, to take care of ourselves, to nourish our souls by taking a little time to read or get out in nature or put on makeup and do our hair for an evening with some gal pals.

The answers aren't easy to come by at this stage, and that's OK. Many other moms before us have faced the same quandaries and not found simple solutions. And self-care will continue to take a back seat as we go on to parent teens and navigate an entirely different stage of our children's lives. But one day, a day that seems very far off now, life will change significantly again. We'll start having more breathing room for ourselves and won't be utterly consumed by taking care of our children's most basic needs. Our children really will become more independent (yikes!). Then we'll be working on helping them with altogether different kinds of needs: teaching them how to become self-reliant adults who can turn around and give back to their communities and their families.

In the meantime, we can hand off the babies to our husbands for half an hour and retreat to our rooms to nap or read. We can ask our moms or a good friend to take the kids for a couple of hours so we can try out a spa nearby, like Island Spa and Sauna, where we can relax in the hot tubs and saunas and even get a massage or body scrub.

And most important, we can take solace in the truth that we really aren't alone. No mom is an island, though it may feel that way.

The post An open letter to 30-something moms appeared first on FamilyToday.

And that's what many of us do when fleetingly thinking about homeschooling - we don't even consider it because of some common misconceptions or fears.

Here are five of those myths about home school - and the truths behind them.

Home-schooled kids will turn out weird because they won't get to socialize

This is probably the biggest fear moms have about home school because we all want our kids to be well-rounded and happy. School doesn't just teach math and science; it provides opportunities (and, yeah, we all know from experience that too many of these are unpleasant ones) to be in social situations with people of all backgrounds and personalities. So we bite the bullet and keep our children in school, where they may face bullies or kids with potty mouths, so they can learn real-world social skills.

But honestly, is anything in "real life" like junior high or high school? We all say we're glad we don't have to go back to those days. So why make your kids go through them at all? There are lots of other ways to get your children interacting with some great peers, whether it be through community events, church, extended family or resources set up specifically for home-schoolers.

You'll go crazy with kids at home all the time

OK, so this may actually be your top concern, or it's a close second. Sure, some moms really do love having their children home for summer or winter breaks, to relax together and do fun activities. But many of us dread the inevitable bickering and fighting that happen after our kids spend just one day at home together. Having them at school regularly keeps them apart from each other, out of each other's stuff and personal spaces and with their friends, opening up some much-welcomed quiet time for mom. It's a lot easier to get things done at home or run errands without kids underfoot all the time. Because, after all, every mom has to have some alone time every once in a while.

However, life with home-schooling can actually be less stressful for everyone, for a few reasons: You aren't at the mercy of projects, tests, activities or other demands imposed by schools and teachers and "the system." You can actually have more fun together doing what you choose to do. Your schedule is much more flexible because you can get a lot more schoolwork done in less time each day, leaving the rest of the day open to explore your own extracurricular ideas and interests.

And you can always find new ways to carve out that crucial "me time," whether it's by taking advantage of community resources or coordinating group activities with other home-schooling parents, or just banishing them to their rooms for an hour or two (ahem ... giving them opportunities to learn to entertain themselves in the quiet of their spaces).

Parents who home-school are those "granola," "hippie" or "un-schooling" types

Face it: You know who you picture sometimes when imagining yourself joining the ranks of home-schooling parents. They are the ones who are a little on the edges of society, choosing a relaxed, off-the-grid lifestyle, who don't use the internet. But really, the families who home-school are the most normal and well-adjusted ones around. They have smartphones, eat junk food as much as you do, and are really fun and personable and social. And very, very few people out there go the "un-schooling" route (learning natural lessons in the course of life and without using structured classes to teach children). Home-school parents make sure their children are getting the necessary classes and skills mandated by state requirements.

You'll have to spend money

Public school is paid for by tax dollars, but home-schooling requires you to buy materials - and figure out which curriculum is best for your family. It's true that it might cost you a bit extra in the beginning as you try different "brands" that are out there. But if you do your research - online, with trusted friends, with local home-schooling groups - you likely can limit that waste to a small amount.

And even better, home-schooling can save you money. You can vacation in the offseason when everyone else is tethered to school schedules so prices for hotels, airfare and amusements parks and so on are lower. Plus, you don't have to do school fundraisers or get supplies or goodies for a whole class of 30 (times however many kids you have in school).

Your kids won't get to be in activities or have the resources public schools offer

School has so many great extracurriculars, whether it's sports or drama or music. But the truth is, many communities have these kinds of activities available as well. Check out your city's or county's programs, sports or classes. There's likely a community theater or two; soccer, baseball, basketball; even a youth orchestra. And home-school groups are available everywhere. You can find a group of parents who are home-schooling and share and pool resources. That's not to mention what's available online, like great educational games or streaming services such as the Dove Channel that provide awesome educational programs and appropriate content for young ones. And don't forget you can take time as a family to travel to museums or historic sites, whenever suits you. The world is your oyster.

Get your one month free trial to the Dove Channel by clicking here.

The post 5 myths about home school (and 5 truths) appeared first on FamilyToday.

Traveling and preparing to go somewhere can be real work: packing (and double-checking), getting the timing right for flights or traffic, sitting for long periods of time and keeping boredom or even motion sickness at bay.

When it involves taking a baby somewhere, the work and the stress can be quadrupled. With all the needs of an infant or toddler, driving or flying and navigating airports or highways (and at the holidays? - crazy!) can be even more unpredictable than usual.

Here are 19 tips that can reduce the stress a bit when going the distance, either in the air or on the road, with a little one.

1. Use a baby carrier

A soft pack that allows you to carry your baby close to your chest, keeping her snuggly while keeping your hands free, is particularly helpful at airports. You can wear your baby from the car all the way to the plane and still easily tote your carry-on and her diaper bag.

2. Dress him in footie pajamas

Socks are notorious for getting lost, no matter where you are, so to avoid cold tootsies on your sweet patootie, dress him in an easy one-piece that covers his feet.

3. Drive or fly during naptime

If your flight or drive will only be a few hours long, try to take it during your baby's regular naptime.

4. Bring your car seat on the flight

It's not mandatory, but if you bring an infant car seat on the airplane (be sure to also get an inexpensive folding, wheeled luggage cart to make it easy to cart with you through the airport) you can buckle your baby in to the plane's seat next to you, so you do not have to hold him the whole time, which makes a real difference when you need to eat, stretch or go to the bathroom.

5. Pack chewy toys

Your infant loves to chew and suck - everything goes in her mouth. So bring along a few little soft and squishy toys made for just that.

6. Bring toys with lights and music

Bright colors, lights and music will draw your baby's attention when the road seems never-ending.

7. Pack favorite toys along with a few new ones

You wouldn't leave behind that favorite stuffed animal he can't sleep without, but also buy a few new things that will introduce novelty into the boring ride.

8. Pack spare outfits

If your baby arrives at your destination in the original outfit, you should win a medal or get recognition from a world-record book because it's highly unlikely.

9. Wear loose, comfy clothing that's washable

If you're holding your baby for a flight, you'll want to be as comfortable as possible. Get some quality knit separates that won't wrinkle and will be easy to pack and wash.

10. Bring an extra t-shirt for yourself

Babies spit up and poo always seems to ooze through several layers when you're traveling. Be ready for it by having something to change into for yourself.

11. Pack sanitizing wipes

Airlines don't sanitize their planes in between flights (or hardly ever). Use them to clean armrests, the window ledge and the back-of-seat table when you first start settling in. For flights and your car, you'll need them for messes.

12. Invest in a travel crib

Find one you like that you can easily carry, that's simple to wipe down, and that you can set up and take down easily and quickly.

13. Pack a bottle warmer

If you breast-feed, you may find it's easier to travel with a supply of pumped milk and a bottle. And breast milk will have been stored in the freezer or fridge, so you may want to buy a bottle-warmer you can plug in to get the milk to room temperature wherever you are. The same goes if you feed with formula and mix it ahead of time.

14. Pick up an outlet adapter

On that note, visit an electronics store to buy an outlet adapter that turns a car DC outlet (cigarette lighter) into a regular AC outlet. You can use it anywhere and power anything.

15. Bring plenty of ziplock plastic bags

You'll need them to isolate clothes or burp cloths that have been spit up on or peed or pooped on.

16. Bring laundry detergent

Even a snack-size bag will be perfect for a scoop or two of detergent. You never know when you'll need to wash something, if you've run out of all your spares.

17. Bring help

If you can possibly swing it, get someone to travel with you because going alone is tough.

18. Get help before and after your trip

If you have to travel alone, be sure to get some help with your baby before and after you travel, so you can be as rested as possible beforehand and have some time to recover after. It's not a job for the faint of heart.

19. Go with the flow

Do the best you can to pack and prepare and then take things as they come. The journey will likely bring stresses, but do what you can to roll with them without getting too frustrated. Though the trip may be long (or just seem that way), you'll get to be with friends and family or at a great destination at the end.

The post 19 ways to make traveling with a baby easier appeared first on FamilyToday.

Birth mothers have months to ponder and weigh options before deciding on adoption. They go through pros and cons of that choice and then, one fateful day, place their child in the arms of another. Here are seven things those women want the rest of us to know about that life-changing decision:

1. They aren't "giving their child up for adoption"

A commonly used phrase is "give up for adoption." However, that phrase has a negative connotation. Instead, these mothers prefer the terms "choosing adoption" or "placing for adoption." In actuality, they don't believe they are giving anything up. Instead, they are choosing a different life for both themselves and their children.

2. They love their children

Mothers don't choose to put their children up for adoption because they are incapable of mothering or because they don't want to care for their child. They do it because they believe it is the best option for their child.
Ashlee, who placed her daughter in adoption a year ago, said, "I would have loved to raise my daughter, but I decided that she needed a stable home... I placed her for adoption because I couldn't give her a life she deserved."

3. Adoption is hard

Leigh (name has been changed for privacy) gave birth to Benjamin in November 2009, and has an open adoption, although she has yet to see Ben in person.

In Kristin Hill Taylor's book "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith and My Family," Leigh said, "I grieved as any mother would after delivering and losing her child. I felt like I was being torn apart. Even though I knew it was the right decision, it was still hard to let him go."

4. Mothers get a better life

Even though it is hard to give up their children, women who place their children in adoption believe that not only is it the best option for their children, it's the best option for their own life as well.

"I think that adoption is a great idea for any mother who might have reservations about having a child at a bad time in their life," Leigh said. "I've never believed in abortion, and to give someone a child who might not be able to have one or to someone who might be able to give the child better opportunities in life is wonderful."

5. They don't regret their decision

While a birth mom's decision will always bring up vivid emotions, many would not go back and change it. When Ashlee was asked why she didn't regret her choice, she answered, "Because my baby is happy, fed and sheltered. That's all that matters to me. That's all I ever wanted for her."

Likewise, after giving birth, Leigh said, "I cried for many days and still do every now and then, but I still know it was the right thing and wouldn't change my decision for anything."

6. Meeting their children incites mixed feelings

Mandy (name has been changed) had just finished her freshman year in college when she gave birth to Catherine in May 2007. She has an open adoption and met her daughter for the first time when she was six years old. Mandy told Taylor about the moment she first met Catherine, "It was a very exciting and somewhat unsettling moment. I was excited to get the initial meeting out of the way and get to know her personality a little."

7. Open adoption can be uncomfortable

For many mothers, an open adoption (an adoption where the parents have varying amounts of contact and types of relationships with their children) can be an awkward balance because she doesn't understand her role in her child's life. In her New York Times article, Amy Seek, whose open adoption allows her to often spend time with her biological son stated,"I don't know how to be any kind of mother, much less one who surrendered her child but is back to help build a Lego castle."

8. Open adoption can be helpful

On the other hand, Mandy stated, "I think meeting with [my daughter] at a younger age was very beneficial to her and her comfort level with being adopted. It will also help her deal with some of the questions that might come up later in life and being comfortable with asking them. It helped me get more comfortable with the idea of answering questions for her. It will only get easier and easier to see her from here out."

9. They miss their children every day

It's nearly impossible for any mother to not think about her children. Even though they may not be parenting their children, they don't forget them.

"Even though I am not raising my daughter, she is still in my heart and I miss and love her every day," Ashlee said.

Watch Randall reconnect with his biological father on This is Us at 9/8 central on NBC or right now on nbc.com.

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According to Prevention, back pain is second only to the common cold on the list of reasons people visit the doctor. In fact, it is the third-most common cause for surgery and the fifth-highest cause for hospitalization. Going about the daily grind with an aching back is especially challenging. It is hard to believe over 80 percent of adults go about their lives with lower back pain according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

What is the cause of so many people suffering from a bad back? Well, there may be some everyday decisions you are making that are setting you up for a massive dose of back pain in later years.

Sitting any which way at your desk

Pick a chair "that supports your spinal curves," according to the Mayo Clinic, and adjust its height so your feet will be flat on the floor and your computer monitor about arm's length away from you and the top will be "at or slightly below eye level." Use these 11 steps to show you how to sit properly.

Smoking

It's well known that smoking does damage to your heart and lungs and can cause cancer, stroke and even diabetes. But it can also cause lower back pain, possibly because the same vascular damage caused by smoking in other areas of the body can lead to vascular damage in the discs and joints, according to spine-health.com. The remedy? Find a smoking-cessation program that will work for you.

Being sedentary

Yes, you've heard it before: Exercise helps with just about anything, from mental health to plenty of physical ailments. Stay fit, even if it's just by walking - but do it regularly - and your likelihood of developing back pain will be lower.

Holding on to stress

Emotions play a part in your back pain, believe it or not. "Stress can lead to muscle tension in the back, and depression and anxiety may make the pain feel even worse," according to WebMD. Even worse, the chronic pain can then contribute to psychological difficulties.

Powering through pain

You may feel tough when you ignore oncoming pain and go about your business, but it's highly unlikely back pain will just go away on its own, especially if you practice some of these bad habits. See a doctor and get help soon.

Excess weight

Carrying around extra pounds can put stress on your back. Do what you can to control your weight by adopting a healthier diet and exercising regularly. There are online programs that specialize in personal weight loss. MyHealth Pass offers such a program called MyHealth Coach. This virtual program offers coaching sessions, personal workout plans, stress-management tools, and professional resources to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Lifting improperly

You may lift heavy objects regularly for a job or at home, or you may just be helping a friend move or rearranging furniture at home. Either way, taking the time to research, and remembering to use proper lifting techniques will make a world of difference when it comes to your back. The Mayo Clinic has a handy slideshow that demonstrates proper lifting.

Hours in the car

If your job requires lots of travel, you have a long commute to your office each day, or you are taxiing kids to and from school for half of the day, bad driving posture can lead to future pain that's more than just the frustration of traffic. Darran W. Marlow, director of the chiropractic division at the Texas Back Institute, offered this suggestion to Prevention: "Be sure you sit at a 90-degree angle, close to the wheel so you don't have to stretch."

Your bike isn't a good fit

If you're saving the environment by biking to work, you might not be saving your back. Prevention offers some tips on ways to make sure your bike is as comfortable as it can be, including having the bar on a road bike or hybrid "about 1 to 2 inches from your crotch" and 3 to 6 inches on mountain bikes. It also suggests tilting "the front tip of your saddle down about 10 to 15 degrees." For more help, consult a local bicycle shop.

Wearing high heels

You've probably heard it many times before, but high heels are not a friend to your feet or your back. If you just can't bring yourself to ditch your favorite pair of heels, be certain to find some that fit well. Or, you can do regular stretches that correct your posture and target back pain, such as those recommended by the American Osteopathic Association, that will help "loosen hamstrings and work to alleviate back pain."

You're Mary Poppins

When it comes to a bag that has everything, that is. If you can pull out just about anything from your tote or purse, you may be very well prepared for almost anything, but be prepared to experience back pain later on, too. If you'd like to avoid that pain, carry a light bag and, as recommended by the American Chiropractic Association, make sure it doesn't weigh more than 10 percent of your body weight when it is completely full.

You're snoozing on an old mattress

You've heard the fact: You sleep for about a third of your life, so having a quality mattress (and pillow) is vital to your quality of sleep and to your body's mechanics. Find one that is medium-firm, according to Prevention, and create healthy alignment by "tucking a pillow under your knees if you sleep on your back, between your knees if you're a side sleeper, or beneath your stomach and hips if you snooze on your belly." Also, a sturdy mattress only lasts about nine to ten years, so if you're past that point, it's probably time to go shopping.

If you're at the point where you need help with back pain, MyHealth Pass offers MyHealthy Back, an eight-week program that will address that pain. The program features certified specialists who have helped over 10,000 patients relieve their back pain and they are ready to alleviate your pain as well.

The post 12 ways you are unknowingly wrecking your back appeared first on FamilyToday.

Here are just seven questions your teen may want answers to but might be too afraid to ask you.

Is this new bodily function (of puberty) normal?

A girl might be wondering about discharge from her vagina (likely normal, but some types could indicate an infection), or both boys and girls could be unsure about hair growth in new places. They might be noticing they smell different. It's time to up the hygiene practices.

Does ___ count as sex?

Considering that public figures engage in various sexual activities but don't name them as "sex," young people are likely pretty confused about what counts as sex. Their peers, who are testing the waters and sharing their experiences, are very likely not going to know the right answer, either. A parent or trusted adult such as an extended family member or school counselor would be able to provide the most accurate and considered answer, if the teen were to just ask.

Is porn really that bad?

Pornography today is readily available, and children can easily see it just by searching with seemingly innocuous terms and clicking on the wrong link. And barely clothed celebrities can be seen on broadcast TV, social media and magazines. With sexualized imagery everywhere, young people can be easily confused about the dangers of pornographic images. As fightthenewdrug.org explains, porn actually rewires the brain, can adversely affect real relationships and can even lead to violence. Yes, it is that bad.

Parents can take some steps to protect their children from these negative effects of pornography, including using filters or apps, and educating their kids about how to search more safely and how to react if a site pops up, for instance.

Does sending a picture of me in underwear count as sexting?

As kidshealth.org defines it, "sexting (or 'sex texting') is the sending or receiving of sexually explicit or sexually suggestive images, messages, or video via a cellphone or the internet." It can include just text messages that "propose sex or refer to sex acts;" it could be photos or selfies that show the teen nude or "nearly nude" (so, yes, wearing only underwear in a photo would be considered sexting), or videos of nudity of sex acts.

Is this mean post on social media bullying?

Any bullying that happens via "electronic technology" is cyberbullying, according to stopbullying.gov. It can be done through social media, text messages, websites or chats, and on cell phones, tablets or desktop or laptop computers. Bullying could be a mean social media post or multiple teens spreading nasty rumors or sharing embarrassing pictures online or through text messages. Whether your teen is the culprit or the victim, take action by monitoring your teen's online behavior by using the WebSafety app, or reporting bullying to proper authorities.

Are you proud of me?

Teens are in a difficult period of their lives where their self-esteem may be taking some hits. So it's even possible for them to wonder if their parents are proud of them and the kind of people they are. It may be the hardest question for them to ask. Be proactive and take the time to tell your teen specifically what you are proud of him or her for, whether it's a kind heart, selfless actions or hard work and discipline to achieve a goal.

If I did ___, would it disappoint you?

The corollary to the above concern is worrying whether a certain behavior or mistake would make a teen's parents profoundly disappointed. And disappointment in one mistake could seem like a deal-breaker in a young person's mind. Parents can reassure that love is unconditional and help a teen work through what might be a small mistake or bigger problem.

Even when teens know their parents love them, it can be tough for them to speak up to ask tricky questions. Be available and be ready to listen, and don't be afraid to ask for help (from trusted friends, church leaders or specialists) if you need it, too.

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The average family or household spent more than $50,000 in 2014 (the latest data available), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unfortunately, little of that money going out of a family's bank account was on vacations or other "fun" activities.

The main expenses families pay for every year are housing, transportation, food, insurance and pensions, health care, entertainment, and clothes and services, in that order.

With that much money to pay for almost all necessities, how can a family save money on some of those big things? Here are a few ideas.

Housing

Whether you're renting or buying, perhaps the most obvious way to save on housing is finding a modest home. Many families spend so much money on their home, they often find themselves "house poor." Your first focus should be on finding a home that satisfies your family's needs before looking at any extra wants. If you have a mortgage already, try paying half a payment every two weeks, so you will end up paying a full extra payment every year; be sure to have the private mortgage insurance removed from your loan once you have 80 percent equity in your home; shop around for less expensive insurance, and make sure your property taxes are correct. Check out a few more tips from thepennyhoarder.com,

Transportation

This category is hefty because it often includes loan payments on a car (sometimes more than one), maintenance, insurance, registration and gas. One of the biggest ways to save on a car is to avoid buying brand new. A new car depreciates in value as soon as you drive it off the lot, so if you want a fairly new vehicle, shop for reliable vehicles that are one to two years old. Consult sites like Consumer Reports or Edmunds that provide tools to show the "true cost to own" over a five-year period. Better yet, park your car more often and take public transit or ride a bike.

Food

This category is unavoidable. The Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that families' costs for buying food to prepare and eat at home stayed relatively stable for a few years, but the amount of money spent at restaurants has risen since the Great Recession.

If you have a budget for restaurants, take the time to plan how much you can afford to eat out, and then use resources that are readily available online, such as Groupon, Entertainment Book, and Restaurant.com to find discounts and daily specials. Most schools or youth programs also sell coupon books for local restaurants. Otherwise, sign up for email specials or follow your favorite restaurant on social media. By simply Googling the name of your favorite restaurant, you may discover additional coupons.

At home, the best way to save is to find the local store that has the lowest regular prices. Then either memorize or jot down how much you typically pay for the food you buy most often. When those items go on sale, stock up. Plan your meals for the week around particularly good weekly deals on meats or other main ingredients.

Insurance and pensions

According to getrichslowly.com, the best way to save on insurance, whether it's home or auto or renters, is to "self-insure." Create a savings account to pay for smaller problems that might come up, which will allow you to raise your deductibles, thus lowering your premiums. With any insurance, the site suggests, do your research before you meet with an agent, and know exactly what you need, so you don't get unnecessary coverage that's more expensive. With life insurance, take care of your health and cut out habits that will automatically raise rates, such as smoking.

Entertainment

As with eating out, plenty of websites and physical coupons can help you save money on entertainment. Every family does need some fun time together, after all. Sometimes, club stores will offer discounts that are the lowest price available to amusement parks or movies, for instance. Sign up for emails offering specials.

For regular entertainment expenses like cable and Internet, compare competing companies. If you've found one that works best for you, be sure every year or so to call and ask customer service if it can give you a lower price. Often, cable or satellite-TV companies will transfer you to a "loyalty department" that will give you a cheaper package that fits your needs or a discount. It never hurts to ask.

Clothes

Clothing and shoes can be expensive for a family - especially one with growing children - and the cost often hits your budget when you are least prepared for the expense. Perfectly nice clothes and shoes just won't fit during all those growth spurts. If you have a favorite store that is reasonably priced and has clothes that work well for your family, sign up for emails, follow the company on social media, or consider signing up for the store's credit card to get regular coupons and discounts. Try hitting the thrift shops and find out if your area has a consignment shop or "sales event" that allows you to sell your kids' outgrown items and buy others'.

Health care

There are lots of options available for health insurance, but the marketplace can also make shopping for the best and most affordable plan confusing. Do your research and ask advice from those who have been there. Take advantage of agents who work for your chosen health plan to make sure you're getting the value from what you're paying for.

Try a service like <a href="tel:844-771-0022">MyHealth Pass</a>, which provides assets like 24/7 access to doctors over the phone or video chat to "fill in the gaps" of your insurance plan. Services include MyHealth Rx and MyHealth Pricing Tool, which help you find the least expensive prescriptions and medical procedure options in your area.

The post How to save money on the 7 items your family spends the most on appeared first on FamilyToday.

Watching TV

It's not surprising that being a couch potato isn't good for your health, but a study from the University of Queensland in Australia found that "every hour of television watched after age 25 was associated with a 22-minute reduction in average life expectancy," WebMD reported. That reality show about survival just reduced yours.

Listening to music

If you automatically pop on a set of headphones while going about daily tasks, you could be aging your ears. Stave off hearing loss by limiting the amount of time you wear earbuds or bigger headphones (one expert suggests an hour per day) and turning down the volume, so people around you can't hear your music, according to U.S. News and World Report Health.

Losing sight of your eye health

It's easy to notice little lines and wrinkles appearing over time around your eyes (and dash for the store to find an eye cream), but have you thought about taking care of your vision? People who don't have the need for vision-correcting glasses or contacts may forget to check in with an optometrist or ophthalmologist periodically to ensure their eyes are healthy.

Turning up the heat

Staying toasty warm in the wintertime may do a number on your skin. As realbuzz.com notes, "The central heating and air conditioning systems that many of us use at home and at work can severely dry out skin, leading to premature ageing and wrinkles." Turn down the heat and wear layers, and use a humidifier or even put a glass of water in each room. Your skin will thank you.

Drinking from bottles and through straws

Copious consumption of sodas is hurting waistlines and blood sugar levels across the country, but how you drink (even if it's water) can make you look older. "Sucking on straws and drinking out of sports bottles causes the same pursing action - and therefore the same fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth - as smoking," realbuzz.com says. Pour your drinks into a glass before imbibing.

Eating a low fat diet

Still sticking to a low fat diet? That's so '90s. The advice to steer clear of all fats has been proven not just wrong but harmful. Our bodies and brains need fats - at least, healthy ones. Scientific research advises limiting saturated fat, eliminating trans fats and embracing unsaturated fats. Omega-3 fatty acids are "the ultimate anti-aging fat, essential for protecting your brain, heart, bones, joints, skin, and more," according to Prevention. Look for fatty fish, nuts, and olive oil.

Not making intimacy a priority

Having an active sex life is a great anti-aging tactic. Studies show that people who regularly are intimate with their spouses "have stronger immune systems, less pain, a lower cancer risk, healthier hearts, and less stress," according to Prevention.

Not helping your hands

If you've looked down and had the shock of thinking, "When did I get my mom's hands?" it's probably past time to take better care of them. Many of us may be getting the message about slathering on sunscreen to protect against skin cancer, but our hands might be missing out. Faces, arms, shoulders and necks tend to be the priority for sunscreen. Don't forget the backs of your hands when blocking the sun.

Ignoring your feet

Staying active and on your feet is a good thing for the rest of your body, but it can do a number on various parts of your feet. Stay on your toes about what you can do to treat them well. Take a little extra time to find shoes that fit well, WebMD recommends, prevent ingrown toenails by trimming your nails "straight across with clean, sharp nail scissors" (don't round the corners) and stretch your calf muscles (WebMD suggests doing this three times a day), so you don't put more stress on the balls of your feet.

Exercising but not using weights

Exercise is one of the best tools to stay healthy and young. Moving in all kinds of ways, even just walking or gardening, can boost your mood and reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and some kinds of cancers, among plenty of other benefits. But don't ignore strength training. It protects bone health and muscle mass, improves balance and coordination, and can prevent disease, according to Everyday Health - all things that are lifelong concerns.

Being immune to your immune system

Your immune system is working constantly to fend off attacks by viruses, bacteria and parasites. It's a complex, carefully modulated system that keeps you healthy. Give it some TLC by supplementing your body's natural intelligence and capacity to fight disease and heal itself. Cell-IQ's Immune-IQ fortifies your immune system's ability to fight sickness.

Your body is doing all it can to stay healthy and age well. Treat it with care with good habits and help it be well from within with Immune-IQ.

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