Mothers of toddlers have special challenges as they raise little people whose personalities are suddenly too big for the bodies they live in. Dealing with emotional and physical growing pains on a daily basis takes a special kind of love to deal with. Here are some things toddlers need their mothers to teach them as they traverse this difficult period of life.

Your toddlers need ...

... to know they are enough

There's enough pressure in the world urging kids to learn more and grow up faster. Toddlers are already growing at a mile a minute. Sometimes they need their mother to slow things down and let them know it's OK to just be themselves. Let them move at their own pace for once, let them show you their favorite toy 50 times in a row, let them bask in your attention and feel confident that you aren't wishing you were doing something else.

... to see a good example of healthy living

If you want your toddler to eat his or her green beans, you'd better be willing to do the same. At this age, kids love to copy what other people do, so setting a good example of healthy eating and exercise will prompt them to follow suit.

"You don't have to be perfect all the time, but if kids see you trying to eat right and getting physically active, they'll take notice of your efforts. You'll send a message that good health is impor­tant to your family," says the American Heart Association. Try inviting your kids to help prepare healthy meals and make a point of being active half an hour every day.

... to hear loving words

Mothers serve more on a daily basis than perhaps any other line of work in the world. They clean, they cook, they work, they change diapers (hopefully not all at once) then they wake up the next morning and do it all over again. But in the midst of all this selfless giving, you might forget to tell your children what all these acts of service mean: that you love them, unconditionally. So in the midst of all your serving, make sure your toddler hears you express your love, as well.

... to be read to

There's no better way to bond with your child and be fully present him or her than by reading books together. Even toddlers can get caught up in the pages of a good book.

"Study after study shows that early reading with children helps them learn to speak, interact, bond with parents and read early themselves, and reading with kids who already know how to read helps them feel close to caretakers, understand the world around them and be empathetic citizens of the world," according to The Washington Post.

... to be told "no"

Telling a toddler "yes" is one of the easiest things in the world. Having the courage to say no, on the other hand, takes the bravery of a knight facing a sleeping dragon and intentionally poking it in the eye.

The thing is, kids grow up and if they've never been told no, they're in for a rude awakening. Getting used to making do with what they have or realizing there are limitations to their desires at an early age could help your child deal with rejection more easily as he or she grows up.

... to be allowed to make mistakes

Mothers struggle to let their toddlers make mistakes when it would be so much easier to do everything for them, protecting them from the big, bad world. And yet making mistakes is a crucial way that kids learn and grow.

For instance, when the time is right, your child might graduate from a stroller to a trike, giving them more freedom, though it also means mom has to sacrifice a little control. These small developmental steps are crucial for every child to experience, though, yes, there might be a few more bumps and bruises along the way.

The Strolly changes with your growing child, starting out as a stroller and changing to a trike or balance bike when the time is right. Are you ready to help your child learn and grow?

Strolly has been nominated for "Toy of the Year." Vote for them here!

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All that growing, stretching and changing doesn't vanish overnight. In fact, most womens' bodies never completely return to their pre-pregnancy size and shape. Here are some changes you shouldn't be surprised to see stick around for some time after delivery, and some changes that may be permanent.

1. Black line from pubic bone to belly button

If you are one of the 75 percent of women who develop a linea nigra or black line extending from your pubic bone to your belly button and possibly higher during pregnancy, you can expect the line to stick around for up to a year after childbirth.

If the line bothers you, try rubbing a little lemon juice on it but, "Stay away from bleaching creams, as they often contain hydroquinone, which has not been proven safe to use if you are pregnant or nursing," Vaneeta Sheth, M.D., told Fit Pregnancy. The linea nigra is considered cosmetic and should not affect your health in the slightest, though it may return in successive pregnancies.

2. Muscle Separation

Diastasis recti is a fancy term for the abdominal muscle separation that can occur in as many as two-thirds of pregnancy women. As your belly grows, the muscles supporting it may move apart, leaving a gap in the middle.

Once you've delivered your baby and your stomach starts to shrink, the gap will slowly close, but until your doctor has confirmed that the diastasis recti has been repaired, you should be careful how you exercise your abdominal muscles. Pushing yourself too hard too soon can cause further damage to the muscles and may prevent them from ever healing properly said physical therapist Karen S. Weeks in an interview with U.S. Health News.

3. Loose tummy skin

It shouldn't surprise you that after being stretched beyond what you thought humanly possible, your tummy skin will need some time to revert to its previous shape. Plan on leaving the hospital in clothes you wore when you were about six months pregnant and don't put too much pressure on yourself to fit in your pre-pregnancy clothes right away. You'll need to give your body time to recover from the rigors of labor and childbirth before you start hitting the gym again.

4. Hair loss

During pregnancy, many women notice an increase in the thickness of their hair. This is due to changes in hormonal levels that control hair growth and loss. Once the baby is born and your body's hormones return to normal, you'll start shedding all that extra hair.

Don't worry, you're not going bald. "This excessive shedding is temporary, and you do not have to do anything to remedy it. Most women see their hair return to its normal fullness by their child's first birthday," says the American Academy of Dermatology.

5. Wider feet

Are you still struggling to fit into your old shoes? This is one change that may be permanent. When you were pregnant, your feet spread because of hormonal changes that caused your ligaments to relax. Sometimes these ligaments never tighten up to their previous size. Use it as an excuse to do some therapeutic postpartum shoe shopping.

6. Thicker fingers

If you had to take your rings off at the end of your pregnancy or risk having them stuck on your hands, don't expect to slip them back on the day after you deliver. Due to swelling and weight gain, your fingers may not return to their more slender form for weeks or months. Some moms eventually choose to resize their wedding rings when it becomes apparent that thicker fingers are here to stay.

7. Engorged breasts

You likely noticed your breasts becoming larger and firmer throughout your pregnancy in preparation for breast milk production. Whether you plan on breastfeeding or not, plan on dealing with breast engorgement for the first days and even weeks following childbirth.

During this time, your body is learning to regulate how much breast milk should be produced based on demand. Due to the overproduction that usually happens at first, you can expect to experience redness, soreness and significant breast enlargement. Try not to overexpress the milk or you'll be signaling to your body that it needs to produce more.

8. Changes in body shape

Pregnancy does more than rearrange your organs, it can change how your body stores fat, too. You may find that you naturally store more fat in your legs, buttocks or abdominal region after pregnancy than you did before. Other than maintaining a healthy weight and proper nutrition, there's usually little you can do to change your body shape. Try to embrace your new body as a reminder of the little miracle you were able to create.

9. Incontinence

Many women experience some level of incontinence during pregnancy from the weight of the uterus pressing on their bladders or from well-placed kicks by their adorable little womb-dwellers. Unfortunately, this is one pregnancy side effect that can persist after giving birth.

"Childbirth weakens the pelvic floor muscles, which can cause an overactive bladder," explains WebMD. Incontinence can also be caused by damage to the urethra or the nerves surrounding the bladder sustained during childbirth. Your doctor can prescribe exercises or other therapies that will help you regain your muscle tone with time.

Following birth, you'll be astounded by how quickly your baby continues to learn and grow. The Strolly grows with your little one, changing its shape to fit each new stage of development as it comes (from stroller to tricycle) not so differently than your body did for those long nine months of pregnancy. Strolly was even nominated for "Toddler Toy of the Year." Vote for Strolly to win "Toddler Toy of the Year" by clicking here!

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Whether you give birth in a hospital or at a birthing center, with or without an epidural or via cesarean section, going through childbirth admits you into the vast club of women who have the shared experience of going through the worst and best moments of their lives simultaneously. And you suddenly have something in common with every other mom out there: your personal birth story.

While every woman's story is different, the following are some things most moms can agree on. Which of the following childbirth experiences do you relate with?

1. Postpartum memory loss is real

Something strange happens when that newborn baby is placed on your chest. All the pain and discomfort of the last few hours and months is suddenly wiped from your memory. It doesn't matter that you're tired beyond all belief or partially naked or still in pain - none of what has happened to your body in the last nine months matters anymore because you're holding in your arms the little human that caused it all, and you couldn't be happier.

2. When you're in enough pain, literally nothing can embarrass you

It's perfectly natural to feel nervous at the idea of the lack of personal privacy during childbirth. You are, after all, going to have to get undressed in front of any number of nonfamily members at some point in the process. But most women find that when labor pains hit and the chips are down, privacy concerns go out the window. Suddenly, you find yourself making all kinds of inelegant sounds and walking around in various states of undress without caring who sees you. Extreme pain and sheer focus on the monumental task at hand can do that to a person.

One mom said of her experience, "Somehow it's not weird to have a million people in your room looking in between your legs. In fact, sometimes you kind of want them to because it means something might finally be happening to get that baby out!"

3. You've never felt so obsessed with the sound of a heartbeat

During those nine long months of pregnancy and then through labor and delivery, no sound is quite as important to a mother as the sound of a strong, healthy heartbeat emanating from the doppler or sensor the doctor places on her stomach. It's the first sound you hear your baby make and its reassuring presence through the months reassures you that everything is going to be OK. You almost miss it after the baby's born in some strange way.

4. Mesh panties never felt so comfortable

Following childbirth, it takes some time for your body to rid itself of the excess blood and tissue your uterus developed during pregnancy. Moms everywhere swear by the mesh panties hospitals provide that help hold sanitary napkins in place in the first days and weeks after your baby enters the world. At this point, fashion is the last thing you'll be caring about.

5. It's possible to sleep in any position

You've never been as happier or as exhausted as when you're a brand new mom. After the effort of labor and delivery and then keeping up with feeding an infant around the clock, moms often find themselves nodding off at all kinds of surprising moments: in the middle of a conversation, for instance, or while eating dinner or while sitting propped up in a hospital bed with lumpy pillows and all kinds of wires feeding into your arms. None of that matters when you're an exhausted mom who just needs to sleep.

6. Afterbirth pains can feel like labor

Unfortunately, labor and delivery doesn't end with the entrance of your baby into the world. Of course, you might not notice delivering the placenta when you've got a beautiful new baby in your arms and the pain of contractions is finally over.

Your uterus isn't done with you, though. In the hospital, a nurse comes in every few hours after delivery to massage your uterus to make sure it's shrinking back down, and the faster this happens, the quicker the bleeding stops. It can also feel almost as painful as labor. These afterbirth pains often get worse with each successive pregnancy and are commonly felt during breast-feeding in the first few days following giving birth.

7. You've never felt so happy to hear a baby cry

That first wail an infant makes on entering the world is the most beautiful sound its mother has ever heard. Somehow the little cells that began dividing all those months ago have developed into a real, tiny human and that first cry confirms that you and your baby have finally completed your first journey together.

8. Breastfeeding is no walk in the park

For something that is supposed to be one of the most natural processes in the world, breastfeeding isn't as simple as you'd think. First-time moms, in particular, might be surprised by how steep the learning curve is as neither they nor the babies have ever done it before. Suckling is instinctive for babies, but that doesn't mean they know how to nurse efficiently. Luckily, hospitals and birthing centers often have on-site lactation consultants that can help with any questions you may have.

9. Using the bathroom never seemed so scary

Following childbirth, many women dread their first few trips to the bathroom, especially following a severe tear or c-section. Luckily, doctors usually try to help make these trips a little less terrifying by prescribing a stool softener to help everything go a little more smoothly.

Babies seem to grow faster than ever once they're safely delivered into the world. Before you know it, your baby will be transitioning from stroller to trike and you'll be regaling a new generation of first-time mothers with tales of your birth experiences. The Strolly is the perfect transitional stroller for the active mom and toddler.

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One aspect of parenting many people struggle with is knowing how to talk to young kids in a way they'll understand while still teaching them correct principles. Most parents will tell you it's something you'll learn as you go along, but there are a few things experts agree that parents should avoid saying. Here are some phrases to strike from your parenting vocabulary today.

"Good job!"

Children like to have affirmation for their accomplishments and good deeds, but if you don't specify what they've done well, they won't know what action to duplicate in the future.

Be specific when you praise your child by saying things like, "Look at how round that circle is you drew!" or "Do you see how well you stayed in the lines when you colored that picture?" With actionable praise, your children will improve more rapidly than when they get vague compliments that don't give true direction.

"You're OK"

When your toddler is sad, frustrated or confused, validate his or her feelings rather than dismissing them with this simple phrase. Try helping your child name the emotion he or she is feeling. For instance, you might say, "I can see you're feeling frustrated because you can't zip your coat up. I would feel frustrated if that happened to me, too."

"Let me do it for you"

If you step in every time your daughter tries to brush her hair, how will she learn to groom herself? If you put away the silverware you asked your son to put away two hours ago, he'll miss out on learning about categorization and the consequences of putting off a chore until playtime.

Leadership expert Dr. Tim Elmore told Forbes.com, "When we rescue too quickly and overindulge our children with 'assistance,' we remove the need for them to navigate hardships and solve problems on their own." It might take more time, but allowing your children to experience failure can be an important part of how they learn to do things for themselves.

"I do everything for you"

Be careful of making sweeping generalizations that aren't entirely true. This statement, with the idea that your kids do nothing for themselves, marginalizes what they really can do on their own. Recognize their efforts, give them some credit, and remind yourself that while you do have to do a lot of things for your kids, this is a fleeting time. Someday, they actually will do everything for themselves and you may miss this time when they really needed you.

"You're making great progress at (fill in the blank), but..."

Adding that qualifier at the end of a compliment basically negates all the good your compliment was going to offer your child. When paying your child a compliment, try not to follow it up with something he or she needs to do better. Let the compliment marinate and find another time to offer correction.

"You make me feel ... "

Don't ever lay the blame for your feelings at the feet of your children. It teaches them that you can't control your emotions, and that might lead them to think they can't control their own either. If you're feeling frustrated because of your child's actions, explain your feelings. "I'm feeling upset because I don't like being late," is one explanation you might offer when their dawdling gets you rattled. You'll be surprised by how much your kids can understand and how willing they are to change their behaviors once they understand why they should.

"You can't have dessert until you eat everything on your plate."

Bribing your kids with dessert to get them to eat their dinner just teaches them that the dessert is more desirable than the healthy food they're supposed to be eating. Kid's Health suggests parents try other methods of getting their kids to eat dinner, like telling them they need to eat a "no thank you bite," allowing them to pick one of the items on the dinner menu or by preparing disliked foods in new ways.

"Don't do that!"

Don't do what? Don't walk? Don't play with dolls? Don't breathe too loud? Like praise, telling a child what not to do should involve specific directions so he or she knows what action should not be repeated.

"We're never coming to this store again if you don't calm down!"

Don't make threats you aren't willing to follow through on. For one, kids can generally recognize bluster versus real warnings. And for another, when you don't follow through, it sets a bad precedent about your expectations and may prompt rebellious kids to rebel more often because they assume you won't make good on the promised punishment.

The Strolly is a stroller that grows up with your child. From stroller to bike, it will fit your child for years to come. (But when it comes to dealing with toddler temper tantrums, you're on your own.)

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Is it safe to buy a used stroller?

It might be tempting to look for a used stroller because you can get them so much more cheaply than a brand new one, but Consumer Reports discourages parents from buying used unless the stroller is relatively new and you trust the person selling it to you. Older strollers won't meet the current stroller safety regulations and may have loose, broken or missing parts that could compromise its structural integrity.

Will it fit in your trunk?

This is a crucial question if you plan on taking the stroller anywhere besides the neighborhood where you live. You'll likely have no trouble squeezing in an umbrella stroller, but some strollers, especially those made for two kids, need extra storage space.

What terrain will you be traveling on?

Some strollers perform better on certain surfaces than others. For instance, the small, solid wheels of carriage type strollers do great on flat sidewalks and roads, but can't turn at all on rocks or sand. Bigger tires, like those of the Strolly and the jogging stroller, allow you to navigate bumps and off-road trails more easily. Three wheel configurations can also give you better leverage and easier maneuvering off the pavement than four wheels can.

How will your family change in the future?

It's important to take into account the foreseeable future when purchasing a stroller. How will your family situation change six months, a year, or five years down the road? You'll want to consider how your stroller will meet your needs in the years to come.

If you have two children close in age, it might be worth it to get a double stroller. However, if your oldest is getting close to growing out of a stroller, you'll need to consider what the easiest way will be for you to get around and may want to get a stroller that changes as your child grows. Some parents opt for a baby carrier and a singleton stroller and not going with a double stroller.

Will you take it with you when you travel?

Traveling with strollers can be tricky, whether you fold them in the back of a car or take them with you on an airplane. The good news is, most airlines allow free stroller checking either at the security desk or at the gate. Strollers you take with you on car trips need to be able to squeeze into a car packed with luggage, which might be a discouraging prospect, but if you plan on doing much walking around at your destination the extra effort could be
worth it.

What stroller accessories are you looking for?

Strollers these days come with all sorts of handy amenities, from built-in speakers to cup holders to pedals to keep your tot entertained while you push. Think about the weather and the places you plan on taking your stroller. Which accessories are most important for you to have?

How often will you use your stroller?

If you'll be using your stroller very frequently, it might be worth it to you to go a little higher end to get one that is high quality and will last through miles of walking or jogging.

How long will you use it?

A good quality stroller should give your family years of enjoyment. You'll be able to use it even longer if it can change as your child grows. For instance, the Strolly can be changed from a stroller to a tricycle or balance bike when your child has grown too big for or become bored of sitting quietly in a normal stroller.

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Here are a few things you can easily add to your routine that will allow you to ensure the effects of your love last forever.

Tell your stories

When people are experiencing a tough time, it can be reassuring to hear they aren't the only ones who've gone through challenges. Share your experiences when appropriate and what you were able to learn from that trial.

Pass down treasures

Everyone has something to pass on to friends, family or future generations. Consider what you can share that will change someone's life or remind him or her of your love after you're gone. For instance, you might teach a skill, make a handmade gift, record your life story or write a love letter.

Donate to your favorite charity

Do you appreciate the work being done by a nonprofit organization or charity? Sign up to make a monthly contribution, make a one-time donation or shop at an online retailer like Ziphub that donates a portion of its proceeds to your chosen charity. These organizations couldn't exist without the support of generous individuals like you.

Have patience with your children

A quick, unkind word can affect your children more than you know. See if you can't slow down and be patient more often. Your example will affect the way they interact with others and their children someday.

Lend a listening ear

Sometimes all a person needs is someone to talk to. Take the time to listen.

Volunteer for a good cause

Can you spend time volunteering at your local library, a soup kitchen or in your kids' classrooms? Every moment spent volunteering impacts another person's life for good.

Say 'I love you' more often

You can't say this phrase too often. Is there a friend or extended family member you haven't said it to recently? Call them up or send them a card to let them know you're thinking of them.

Keep a gratitude journal

Sometimes we need a reminder of what we have to be thankful for. Your posterity will appreciate seeing the blessings in your life and may be more aware of the blessings in their lives.

Be happy for others' successes

Never feel bad or envious of someone else's success. We're all on our individual journeys and each person's increased happiness should increase your own as well.

Eat with your family

Spending quality time with family members speaks more loudly of your love than words could.

Shop at stores that share your beliefs

Support stores whose beliefs align with your own. Your patronage will help those stores continue to succeed and you'll feel good about living true to your standards.

Admit your mistakes

Admitting you aren't perfect takes pressure off yourself and those you interact with. We should all be allowed to make mistakes sometimes.

Practice empathy

Sometimes love means actively trying to feel how someone else feels. We all need a good friend who will cry with us when times get hard.

Make and take meals

Love might not always require words. Sometimes, it's communicated with service and a full stomach. Who doesn't love good food made by a friend?

Talk to your kids

When was the last time you sat down and had a conversation with your kids? Do you know what they think, what they enjoy, what's going on in their lives? If they're too little to respond, they'll still feel the love of your undivided attention.

Donate blood

Here's a volunteer opportunity that doesn't take a lot of time and is instantly gratifying.

Serve your spouse

While you're serving others, don't forget the person who should feel your love and benefit from your service most frequently: your spouse.

Give hugs freely

Few things can be as comforting or as healing as a simple hug.

Sign up to be an organ donor

You can serve others even in the event you pass away. There can never be too many organ donors, and the simple act of signing up costs you nothing.

Be kind to those less fortunate

When you feel prompted, see what you can do to serve those in your community who are less fortunate. Buy someone a hot meal, listen to his or her story or do some secret act of service.

Forgive

When you forgive, you're giving a gift that goes two ways: to the person who needed your forgiveness and to yourself.

Show your love by using ZipHub where a portion of the money you spend online can be donated to causes you believe in (at no extra cost to you).

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You might be getting taken advantage of if ...

You click the first option your search engine returns

A major way search engines earn their money is by click-through marketing and well-placed advertisements. A discerning consumer can tell the difference between a true search result and an ad by reading the fine print in the result description. If it's an ad, and not a true search result, it will usually have a label designating it as such. Common click-bait sites that will pop up at the top of search lists are those selling tickets to events, airfare or hotels. These sites often charge higher prices than if you'd purchased your tickets directly from the vendors themselves.

You allow companies to benefit off you without reaping your rewards

No one likes to miss out on free money, but people don't always take advantage of rewards programs offered by the businesses they shop at. Some companies offer rewards points for loyal customers who shop at their stores frequently and encourage their friends and family to do the same. One example is ZipHub, an online central location for purchasing goods, gifts and services. It donates 10 percent of its revenue to the nonprofit organizations of your choice, besides offering a referral rewards program to those who refer other members, businesses and nonprofits to the network.

You don't read the fine print at your banking institution

Banks are notorious for hitting customers with hidden fees, so it's important you're aware of when and how those fees might be applied. For instance, debt.org says some banks will charge you extra for making transactions via human beings rather than using their online services. You'll also get charged plenty if you choose to have a replacement debit card "rushed" to you, with a $5 charge for the card alone plus $20 to $25 for "rushing" it. Some banks are even charging to send a print copy of your monthly statement to you, giving you another reason to save some trees and go paperless.

You don't do your research into advertising claims

If the advertising claims you hear on TV or see in ads sound unbelievably good, you might want to reconsider believing them. The Huffington Post has reported the results of recent lawsuits against companies that stretched the truth when it came to how good their products actually were.

For example, Skechers paid a $40 million settlement in 2012 to the Federal Trade Commission for "making scientifically unfounded claims" about its Shape-Ups sneakers. There was no scientific evidence supporting their claim that it could "burn calories and firm thighs with each step." And in 2009, Olay withdrew an ad run in the U.K. that featured a visual of former model Twiggy, age 59, who's impossibly smooth face was being used to advertise Definity eye cream. It turned out the image had been retouched and the ad was banned because it could give consumers a "misleading impression of the effect the product could achieve."

You use cloud storage offered by large corporations

It's true, online cloud storage offers a safety net to those who would like to back up their important documents and images. However, not all cloud storage locations were created equally. Consumers who take advantage of "free" cloud storage options may be unintentionally allowing companies to access their private data.

"One of the concerns with using storage clouds is corporate data profiteering," according to Inc.com. "Forgetting for a moment the risk of hacks that large cloud providers are vulnerable to, the providers themselves can utilize the data that consumers host on their cloud accounts to target them with ads and promotions," the site went on.

A better idea is to look into private cloud storage. It probably won't be free, but it will keep your data and your private information safe.

Visit ZipHub.com today to find out how you can earn money and donate to your favorite charity just by doing your shopping online.

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... to feel appreciated

Every one of these ideas is a two-way street. While you may be able to tell your husband you need to hear him tell you he loves you more often or that he thinks you're a great mother or wife, he may feel constrained by society's expectations or his own stoic nature to stay silent.

Do you know in what ways your husband can feel your appreciation the most? If you're at a loss, try taking the 5 Love Languages test together. You could both learn something new about each other.

... some time to himself

Just like you, your husband needs to have some alone time to reconnect with himself, wind down and relax. What does your husband like to do? If he's been stretching himself too thin, encourage him to take some time to recharge, whether it's going out with his friends, watching sports or getting a massage. The bonus is that when you remind him to take care of himself, he'll be more capable of helping you take care of yourself.

... you to like yourself

Of course your husband believes you are beautiful, amazing person, so it can be painful to them when you don't feel the same about yourself. Try to see yourself through his eyes. But on the flip side, don't rely on him as the basis of your self-esteem.

"If you are using him to feel OK about yourself, it will never be enough and you will constantly be in search of the next boost," according to Jill P. Weber, Ph.D., in an article for Psychology Today. "In addition, there is typically a correlation between how much women are unaccepting of themselves and their tendency to criticize and hyper-control the man in their life."

When you're more accepting of yourself and your own flaws, you'll likely find yourself more accepting of your spouse, as well.

... to feel handsome

This may be the last thing your husband will admit (or the first, depending on his personality), but he likes to know you're attracted to him. Nothing boosts a man's confidence like the knowledge that his wife finds him attractive.

Is there something about his appearance he feels insecure about? Encourage him to spend some time at the gym or accompany him to a spa. Let him get some new clothes that are especially flattering. You'll both appreciate the effort.

... to be allowed to make mistakes

Men aren't perfect, but they may sometimes feel the same pressure women feel to avoid even the appearance of error. The pressure to constantly outperform themselves at the workplace or at home can be intense. If you can see the strain is getting to your husband, take him aside and let him know he doesn't need to take the weight of the world on his shoulders. While you appreciate his desire to do everything for your family, you need him to take care of his own mental health, as well.

... intimacy

Sex is a crucial part of the marriage relationship for both husband and wife, but it may be especially important to men. "Once the sex goes, so many other problems follow," said Dr. Geoff Hackett, an expert on sexual medicine and former chairman of the British Society for Sexual Medicine.

"It has also been proven that couples - especially men - will live longer, happier lives if they remain in a steady, loving relationship. There is no doubt that a healthy sex life is one of the most important factors in a thriving and successful marriage."

The key is having an honest conversation with your husband about what his needs are. You might be surprised at what you don't know about him.

The post Your husband has these 6 needs. Are you fulfilling them? appeared first on FamilyToday.

Korean body scrub

If you've never had the chance to have someone scrub all the dull, dirty, dead skin from your body, you've been missing out on a great chance to give yourself the exfoliating treatment of a lifetime. Trained spa service providers like those at Island Spa & Sauna use exfoliating mits to rub you down from head to toe, removing grimy skin and unclogging your pores as they go. You'll literally be able to see the dead skin falling off your body, but customers say the treatment isn't painful; it's more like a full body massage. The treatment leaves your skin so soft, said one woman who underwent the Korean body scrub for a Buzzfeed video, you'll be comparing it to that of a newborn baby.

Lemon and yeast blemish remover

When zits and other skin blemishes come calling, sometimes it seems like all you see when you look in the mirror are those tiny imperfections. Rather than running out for an expensive zit remover cream or popping the pimple by hand, try this recipe passed on to Reader's Digest from The Doctorsbeauty expert Kym Douglas: "Make a paste using a little bit of brewer's yeast, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a bit of water. Apply right on your blemish and leave for ten minutes."

If you want to leave it longer or if you'd like it to have more contact with your skin, apply a bandage to it. Douglas says the yeast will fight the bacteria while the lemon dries out the blemish.

Caviar facial

That's right, it turns out that famous fish egg delicacy isn't just a garnish, caviar is great for your skin, too. And it's now an ingredient in a trending facial that spas offer as an age-defying facial for customers looking to prevent or lessen the look of age spots.

Beverly Hills MD points out that caviar has a high antioxidant and protein content, similar to seaweed and algae, which are other ingredients often added to facials to improve their effect on the skin. A study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine also found that caviar extract can help boost the skin's collagen production "and also beneficially affect mitochondrial function." Basically, it helps your skin retain its plump, full look and reduces the occurrence of fine lines and wrinkles.

Honey moisturizer

Apparently, honey may be the last skin product you ever need. It's popping up in all sorts of products, but the plain stuff might work the best. Women's Health Magazine explained, "Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into the skin and ensure it's retained it in the layers where it's needed most for penetrating, long-lasting hydration." You can test out honey's moisturizing powers yourself by spreading some on clean, dry (and, you might consider, hairless) skin, let it sit for around 20 minutes, then rinse it clean.

According to Women's health, honey can also be used as a pore cleanser, a scar fader, an exfoliator, and an acne treatment. Try them out. Which honey treatment works best for you?

Vegetable oil heel healer

When the cracks in your heels start resembling miniature models of the Grand Canyon, another application of lotion probably isn't going to do anything. You've got to heal the cracks, which means calling in the cavalry-and raiding your pantry. Livestrong.com says applying vegetable oil with a warm wet towel before bed will allow the oil to penetrate and soften the skin cells over night. Here's the key: slip on a pair of socks immediately after rubbing your feet down with the oil. This helps retain the moisture in your skin (and keeps the vegetable oil off your sheets) leaving your feet slightly moistened and soft in the morning. Plan on repeat treatments for really deep fissures.

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1. Rub ice on your fine lines and wrinkles

Rubbing ice on your face might sound a little goosebump-inducing, but aesthetician and cosmetic chemist Mary Schook told Cosmopolitan it can work like a charm for closing and tightening your pores. It can also help reduce inflammation and puffiness, whether from acne, sun exposure, or lack of sleep.

2. Get a Korean body scrub

Over-the-counter body scrubs you find at pharmacies and beauty stores will only exfoliate your skin so far. For a deep exfoliation that completely clears out your pores and rids you of dead, dry skin, visit a spa where beauticians can professionally dig deal to remove all that gunk that builds up on your skin. Try a Korean body scrub to find out just how bright your skin can glow.

3. Soak in a sea salt bath

You've likely noticed how pruny your fingers and toes can get after you've had a long bath. But did you know taking a sea salt bath actually prevents moisture loss, meaning you'll get out of the tub sans pruny skin and feeling more hydrated than ever? It has healing properties as well. "Salt absorbs dirt, grime and toxins and cleanses your skin's pores deeply," Women's Health Magazine explains. "The magnesium in sea salt may also help reduce water retention in the body."

4. Get a collagen anti-aging facial

The secret to young-looking skin is the quality of your collagen. It's what gives your skin its structure and strength while also aiding in the process of eliminating dead skin cells. A collagen anti-aging facial is designed to combat the aging process with an organic lemon enzyme exfoliation treatment that clarifies the skin, while a multivitamin ampoule application and a collagen firming mask promote elasticity. This treatment is usually offered at a spa where experienced aestheticians can assess your skin and determine which product will work best for you.

5. Get muddy

Mud or clay wraps are another treatment you can try for delivering nutrients to, reducing inflammation in, and drawing toxins out of your skin, according to Livestrong. Whether you apply it yourself or get it done at a spa, the treatment usually involves mixing a dry clay mixture with water, applying it to your skin, then wrapping your body with cloth or plastic sheets. The treatment has also been found effective in reducing joint pain and improving circulation.

6. Treat yourself to a massage

Nothing puts more strain on your skin than stress (just think about those frown lines etching themselves into your forehead!). Forget about your troubles for a while and relax into a well-deserved deep tissue massage or, if you're feeling adventurous, try hot stone therapy. If your schedule is too tight to fit a trip to the spa in right away, you can give yourself a quick neck massage, where you'll likely find a lot of tension after a long day.

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