This is a new monthly series that we will update each year as the particular month arrives. Much of each post will be good from year to year, and because parenting is often challenging, we want to present tools and strategies that might be helpful, in this case, for parenting in July.
Here are things that we’re learning and loving in the month of July! We will talk about a few things that we are learning and loving in our lives right now. This may include recipes, books, movies and tips for life in the middle of the sandwich, etc.
Here are some ideas for parenting in July, and be sure to check out the best deals to look for in July down below. (see our June post here)
**This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the full disclosure in the foot bar.
Parenting in July: Learning
Did you know that there are many benefits to learning something new? Seriously, it is so important to keep learning throughout life.
I was reading an article about this, and here are my favorite reasons why you should continue to learn new things.
- Your brain chemistry changes -this is good!
- You can delay dementia or even stop it! -this is really good!
- Learning new things can make you happier, and as a side benefit, you can also meet new people, which is always a good thing.
There are several other great ways you can benefit from learning new things, so get out there and learn something new to keep your brain working!🥸
Parenting in July: Books to read
•The Book of Lost Friends -Wingate
This book was wonderful! It is set in two time periods. This sucked me in, and I could not put this down! I love Lisa Wingate’s books.
“The first time period is Louisiana in 1875. Three young women (Hannie- a former slave, Lavinia -who Hannie had previously had to serve, and Juneau Jane -the illegitimate half-sister of Lavinia) are connected in multiple ways, and who don’t get along for many reasons, find themselves on a journey to to hopefully right some wrongs. Along the way, some really terrible things occur, and they find out that they really need each other. They all have their own reasons to be on this journey, and the entire time you are wondering whether things will work out or not.
The other setting is Louisiana in 1987. A young woman, Benny, is a first year teacher in a tiny community at a rural school hoping to pay off her student loan debt. She tries desperately to reach her students and to make a difference in their lives. She uncovers a book with clues about the three young women from 1875, but some local townspeople do not want that information to come out.“
•The Girl With 7 Names -Lee
This book was a fascinating memoir by a young woman who is originally from North Korea. It got a little tedious in a couple of spots, but all the ways that she had to deal with a myriad of problems getting herself and her family out of North Korea was so amazing! I pushed through those couple parts, and am in awe of her persistence, patience, and perseverance!
“As a child growing up in North Korea, Hyeonseo Lee was one of millions trapped by a secretive and brutal communist regime. Her home on the border with China gave her some exposure to the world beyond the confines of the Hermit Kingdom and, as the famine of the 1990s struck, she began to wonder, question and to realise that she had been brainwashed her entire life. Given the repression, poverty and starvation she witnessed surely her country could not be, as she had been told “the best on the planet?”
Aged seventeen, she decided to escape North Korea. She could not have imagined that it would be twelve years before she was reunited with her family.”
•Challenger Deep: Stories, Fables, and Lessons to Help You Rise Above Adversity -Matheny
I have met and talked with Tami online, and she is such a inspiring person! The stories in this book are very inspiring.
This is a book that you can pick up and put down because there are many smaller stories and fables within it. I have been reading it for awhile, and I just finished it!
“A collection of short stories and fables to help you overcome adversity and even to embrace it.“
Parenting in July: Grandparenting
Finding little things for the grandkids is so fun! We will be with ours for the big 250th, so I found some inexpensive patriotic items to have on hand.
Red White and Blue Patriotic Face Glitter
Mini flags for the kids to plant around the house
*I love finding out things that are cool for this monthly blog post. If you ever find out something that is helpful or interesting, please share with me!
Parenting in July: Movies to watch
Oh my goodness! Have you seen Pressure yet? We rented it on Amazon, and it was soooo good. If you like WW2 history, then it is the right one for you! This story follows Dwight D. Eisenhower and a team of various experts who try to figure out the best day to land at Normandy, France. This was termed D-Day, and with our country’s birthday coming up, the timing is great for this one.
Parenting in July: Game to play
I have seen a version of this game advertised online, and thought I would like it, but I only allow myself to have solitaire and mahjong on my phone -I lose too much time to this already!
So, I was thrilled to see that this is an actual physical game –Color Stack Challenge, that you can play. I just ordered it to take on our trip to Colorado in July -great for all ages!
Parenting in July: Gadgets to try
Milk frother – This little gadget is cute and fun to use. I just stayed at my girlfriend’s house, and she has one of these to stir her collagen into her coffee each morning. My son used it to whip his cream into his coffee, and we both loved using this. This would be a fun gift for your teen to froth their coffee or tea! (Collagen has many benefits for those of us over 40- read more here! -This is not meant to be health advice, just info for you to look into!)
Parenting in July: Clothing
July is the best time to purchase summer wear because fall clothing will soon be out. Grab swimwear as well!
Parenting in July: Quote
“Cause a little bit of summer is what the whole year is about.“ —John Mayer
Don’t you just love summer?
Parenting in July: Holidays to remember
Did you know that July is National ice cream month?? Yum!
National Postal Worker Day (1), Independence Day (4), National Fried Chicken Day (6), National Video Games Day (8)-REALLY???, Peach Ice Cream Day (17), National Ice Cream Soda Day (20),
Parenting in July: Aging parents
Caregiver Daily Log Book: Care Journal to Track the Medication, Meals, Vital Signs & much more
This log would come in handy for a parent needing a lot of care. There are spaces to keep track of several things.
Parenting in July: Deals to look for
This is a great month to look for deals on major appliances.
Also, look for deals on tech. If you have a student who is looking for new or updated tech, here is more information.
Parenting in July: Helpful posts
How to Plan a Budget With Your College Bound Teen
Backpack Essentials for College: What You Must Have (get organized now for the upcoming school year)
Essential Tech Your Teen Needs for College
What Will My Teen Need in the Dorm?
15+ Best Gift Guides for Teens
Best Conversations to Have With Your Teen Who Is Thinking About College
The Truth About Student Loan Debt
Help Your Teen Set Up His or Her First Apartment
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