3WAYS TRAVEL CAN TRANSFORMYOUR KIDS THE LIFELONG BENEFITS OF TRAVEL
When you go on a trip, whether it’s a quick jaunt to a neighboring town or a weeklong stay in an exotic locale, you interact with new people and cultures. It’s one thing to hear someone talk about the laid-back vibes of theWest Coast, but you can’t really feel them for yourself until you’ve meandered through the redwoods or watched the sun set over Puget Sound. Now, imagine the positive effects this kind of cultural awakening could have on a young mind! While we tend to think about the worst-case scenarios and added stresses of traveling with kids, they stand to benefit as much, if not more, from travel as we do. You never know — your son or daughter may realize a passion for a subject that will one day become their career. As you’re plotting destinations for the new year, keep these life-changing possibilities in mind.
By fostering a sense of healthy curiosity about new places, you’ll help your child feel confident enough to branch out of their comfort zone and make new friends at home and on the road. 3. THEY’LL UNDERSTAND COMPASSION. After a trip to Fiji, Lonely Planet Kids writer Patrick Kinsella found that, long after they returned, his eldest daughter continued to reflect on her experience. “It’s an eye- and mind-opening experience, especially for Ivy, who has never before considered that someone her age might not have a TV, let alone lack electricity,” Kinsella writes. “For many months afterward, Ivy talk[ed] about Po, imagining her Fijian friend’s life.” Because they’re so open-minded, kids are the perfect sponges for new experiences. At the very least, they’ll
1. HISTORY WILL COME TO LIFE. Yes, your kids will read aboutWorldWar II in school and take state capital quizzes. But in the end, nothing compares to firsthand experiences of culturally significant loca- tions. Imagine showing a child the Galapagos Islands, where Darwin’s famous theory of evolution was conceived, or having the chance to talk about the beginnings of the RevolutionaryWar while strolling through Minute Man National Historical Park in Massachusetts. If you live in a state with a rich history, make it a point to visit one of the nearby museums. If you’re planning a vacation abroad, incorporate visits to historical sites. Take the opportunity to learn as a family! 2. THEY’LL PICK UP NEW SKILLS. In addition to learning about history, your child may discover a new skill. They may learn a bit of conversational Spanish during a trip to Mexico or they might play soccer with a group of children and realize they have a knack for it.
be less likely to take what they have for granted, and they might even develop an expansive and exploratory worldview.
3 CARE TIPS FOR YOUR PET’S ORAL HEALTH YES, YOU DO NEED TO BRUSH YOUR DOG’S TEETH
BRUSH YOUR PET’S TEETH. The first step to caring for your pet’s teeth is regular brushing. Find a specially designed pet toothbrush or a child’s toothbrush and get pet-friendly toothpaste — never use human toothpaste on your pet! Most tooth- pastes contain fluoride, which is extremely toxic to pets. Dog owners can get some advice on brushing at rover.com/blog/how- to-brush-your-dogs-teeth. Meanwhile, cat lovers should check out petful.com/groom- ing/how-to-brush-cats-teeth-right-way. CHOOSE THE RIGHT TREATS. The occasional dental treat can help clear plaque from your pet’s teeth. Rawhide bones are also great for knocking away tartar and keeping your furry friend’s gums healthy. Dogs and cats both will welcome a tasty rawhide bone as a treat.
ENLIST PROFESSIONAL HELP. Just like your trips to the dentist, it’s im- portant that a vet checks your pet’s teeth regularly. Sometimes, your pet may need a professional veterinary dental cleaning. While it may sound extreme, professional cleanings are important to maintain your pet's health and are far less dangerous than a periodontal disease, which may develop otherwise. Often times, pets won’t show signs of tooth pain until they refuse to eat. This is why it’s important to stay on top of your pet’s oral health. In many households, the dog or cat is a member of the family. The least we can do is make sure their teeth are as healthy as our own.
We love our pets. The internet is the greatest invention in the history of mankind, and we use it to post pictures of cats. The average dog owner spends around $1,600 a year on their pup. Despite our undying adoration, there’s one area pet owners tend to overlook, and this oversight can seriously jeopardize your pet’s health. Just like humans, your pet’s oral health is systemic to the rest of their health. Tooth decay and gum disease have been linked to heart disease, kidney failure, and other chronic illnesses. However, unlike us, dogs and cats aren’t able to properly care for their teeth. Here’s what you can do to make sure your pet’s pearly whites stay healthy.
2
www.drpitner.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker