Blog- Ty and Venessa Crandell

Tips On Raising Nice & Caring Kids: Instill These Essential Values

September 15, 2018 Ty and Venessa Crandell Family, Legacy

Parents have a special privilege to be the greatest influencers in the early years of their child’s life. So as a responsible parent, one of your goals is probably to raise a kind and caring kid. Aside from doing society a big favor, it would be a huge accomplishment to see your children grow up to be compassionate and caring adults.

Yet as they say, it takes a village to raise a child. As they grow, your little one will most likely be exposed to various ideas, elements, and individuals that can positively or negatively create a huge impact on them. If you are not vigilant, you may one day discover that your child has become a stranger and that it is too late for any remedy. The following suggestions will help ensure that you are raising your kids well.

Teach Your Children To Be Courteous

One of the best indicators of a poorly-raised child is rudeness so teaching simple polite gestures such as saying please, excuse me, and thank you is a must. Aside from that, good manners are beneficial in all aspects of life so it is best to instill this value as early as possible. Remember that polite children grow up to be gracious adults.

Teach Them The Power of Kindness

You surely do not want to raise bullies with little or no regard to the feelings of others. So encourage your kids to do small acts of kindness every day. Tell them that the simple effort of lending a helping hand to a needy friend or saying a word of encouragement to a grieving person has the power to turn someone one’s life for the better.

Teach Them The Value Of Patience

Try your best not to rant whenever you have to line up and try not to scream when your child is being unruly. It is definitely a big challenge but displaying self-control will teach the youngsters the value of patience. Teaching them patience will help your children to manage their emotions and stay calm in stressful situations.

Encourage Them To Share

Your kid will grow up to be a generous fellow if you as parents will provide them opportunities to share what they have, no matter how small it is. It can be as simple as giving them extra food in their lunch bag so they have something to share with their classmates. You can also get your children involved in charitable activities. The thought that their small act will be of good help to others will boost your kid’s confidence as well.

Show Them Ways To Be Grateful

If you fail to teach your kids the value of gratitude, they may grow up to be whiners and complainers. Teaching your kids to be thankful for the things they have in life will help you raise happy and positive individuals. You can try simple activities like keeping a daily gratitude journal together so they can be aware of the blessings they receive.

The task of parenthood may be overwhelming and you probably sometimes worry that you are screwing things up for your kids. Yet amidst the millions of parenting tips and suggestion you will come across along the way, the formula for raising good kids boils down to one thing and that is by leading through example. Kids learn more by watching you and will likely pick up most of your gestures and habits.

Therefore, the most effective way to teach values to your children is by practicing the values yourself. The best thing about it is that as you teach your kids to be better a person, you end up improving yourself as well.

Three Vital Reasons To Aim For Financial Freedom

July 15, 2018 Ty and Venessa Crandell Freedom

Financial freedom results from earning, or saving, enough money to be comfortable, no matter what unforeseen circumstance occurs. If you’ve established passive income from multiple revenue streams, or have a job that covers your expenses, you are in the perfect position to let your money work for you. Having the liberty to make decisions based on choice, rather than the pursuit of income, is a key element of life satisfaction. This type of happiness adds value to your existence. Here’s how:

You Can Live a Healthier Life

Monetary flexibility is good for your health. Extra capital in your savings account can go toward an emergency health fund. Even with a decent insurance plan, unexpected illnesses or accidents can become a huge expense. If you are not prepared to cover such a cost, you may be forced to choose between: incurring debt and settling for the medical care you can afford. On the contrary, if you’ve budgeted for such a scenario, you can pay for the medical attention you need without creating a financial crisis. Having the peace of mind that comes with being prepared reduces stress levels. Most people fear the unknown because they haven’t been able to adequately plan for it. Fear causes stress. This panic can be minimized with financial freedom. To top it off, creating an emergency fund not only decreases stress, but also betters your mental health. Worrying about money is draining. It can consume your every thought and action, but it doesn’t have to. You deserve the freedom of serenity, the freedom of prioritizing quality over cost, and the freedom of mental health. While money doesn’t buy happiness, it does indeed afford you better options for your health, and we can all benefit from that.

You Can Be a Blessing to Others

Most people have the desire to give, but lack the means. Some choose to set aside their budgets to assist others, but may face financial consequences down the line. This scenario is not ideal. Financial freedom affords you a unique opportunity to help others, sans fiscal compromise. Once you have more than enough money to support yourself, it’s much easier to give freely without sacrificing funds that were budgeted for other needs.

Financial freedom also creates flexibility of time. Charity doesn’t always mean money. Sometimes, time is the best gift you can give. People who must work a certain number of weekly hours in order to pay their bills probably don’t have many opportunities to take time off for service projects. However, people who have the flexibility of time, can and do.

You Can Take Control Again

When you are living paycheck to paycheck, you don’t have full control. Your financial needs dictate your time, decisions, and behavior. You may not be able to be spontaneous, take risks, or boldly stand up for your beliefs. When another person controls your ability to pay for your basic needs, you have to be careful not to agitate that source. Not being fully in control is limiting. Without financial freedom, it’s difficult to feel uninhibited. You may yearn to follow your dreams, pursue your passions, or express yourself without worry, but the consequences feel steep. Just remember, you don’t have to live that way. Set your goals on becoming financially unrestricted and watch how your options widen. Stop missing out on experiences that may interfere with your paycheck. Stop running from your dreams. Make freedom of choice a reality.

Financial freedom unlocks liberation in many other areas of life. You can’t afford to let money control you. Your health, passion, and life of charity are waiting for you. Create a path to economic independence, and start living the life you deserve.

How to Keep The Romance Alive (Even With Kids)

May 15, 2018 Ty and Venessa Crandell Family, Freedom

Whether you’re new parents or a couple married for 25 years with children in their teens, keeping romance alive isn’t always easy. Schedules get complicated and busier. Stressors may change, but new ones always seem to replace the old ones. Life is just plain busy. So finding the time — making it — is key to ensuring love grows along with the kids. Remember: One day it will be just the two of you once more.

Here are six simple ways to keep that romance alive.

Date Nights

Schedule a date night and stick to it. Write it in the calendar and honor it just like you would any appointment. The date doesn’t have to be fancy, complicated or expensive. Dinner and a movie — let yourselves be entertained. Or a hike on a mountain trail with a picnic by a stream. A bottle of wine, cheese and loaf of bread on a beach as the sun sets. A tennis match or golf outing. It’s about time for the two of you. Take turns choosing the date.

Me Time Is Just As Important

Give each other time alone to do something that rejuvenates you. Sometimes, we need to fill ourselves up before we can give to others. Take the kids to a movie so you can have a few hours to read a favorite book in peace. Encourage your partner to join that softball league. Walk the dog on that favorite trail. Have a women’s — or men’s — night out where you can enjoy friendships without worrying about what the kids are doing. Respecting each other’s individuality is a gracious gift.

Write It Down

Leave each other love notes in unexpected places — a lunchbox, by the coffeemaker, taped to the bathroom mirror, inside a suitcase. And do so frequently.

Getaway Just The Two Of You

Take a night or weekend away. You’re lucky if you have family who volunteers to watch the kids so that you can have a romantic getaway. If you don’t, ask good friends who you trust to watch the children — and return the favor. Even if infrequent, a night or two in a place other than home rekindles the fire.

Remember the Golden Rule

Be kind to each other. Raising children is difficult. There’s no one manual to follow. And sometimes the stresses of the day trigger negative reactions. Remember to forgive one another, to allow for imperfection and to realize not everything said in frustration is personal. Forgive and move one. As Gary Chapman, author of “The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate,” said: “Forgiveness is not a feeling; it is a commitment. It is a choice to show mercy, not to hold the offense up against the offender. Forgiveness is an expression of love.”

Thoughtful Communication

Take time to talk each day, to connect, even for 5 minutes. Listen actively. Grab a quick kiss while doing the dishes. Say thank you for the little things. Hug as you pass each other in the doorway. Hold hands while watching that Disney movie for the 10th time. And always say “I love you” as you fall off to sleep.

Although making the time for each other and creating romance is easier said than done, it is essential for a happy family, and successful marriage. If you can carve out the time together, it will make parenting more fun and rewarding– you will not only be building a special bond with your children, but also a deeper bond with your significant other.

4 Qualities To Seek Out In Finding The Right Mentor For You

March 15, 2018 Ty and Venessa Crandell Mentorship

So often when people dream, they hold an unsustainable perception that in order to successfully achieve their goal, they must become some form of perfect. This common misconception of needing to be the best of the best can be seen across all fields and even be applied when people are in search of a mentor. Indeed candidates for mentors are ideally ones that have experienced a high level of success, but keep in mind finding the right mentor for you weighs more in importance than finding one that is able to do anything. Consider these four traits when narrowing in on who you want to guide you.

They Practice What They Preach
When seeking out a mentor, their consistent behavior is equally as important as their achievements. Anyone can read a textbook, how-to guide, or job description to uncover the proper techniques and qualifications for a specific role. When it comes to health or career choices, people are well aware what the correct decision is, but have a tough time following the path that they must be on. In selecting a mentor, find individuals that are dedicated to their purpose and disciplined to the process. Seeing someone act in a way that you aspire to be will help you find your motivation. A mentor that is true in both their words and actions will be able to assist you in overcoming roadblocks on your path to success.

There Is A Balance of Success and Failures
Whether you relate to the idea that “the greatest successes stem from failure” or “The greatest lessons are learned in failure”, there’s no denying that a stifled attempt at success can teach you great deals. By no means should you support an individual that continues to putz around in faulty practices, but dig into a mentor’s past to see if they have stumbled and gotten back up. The ability to learn from your mistakes is a vital skill to have and will make you better in all that you do. People that have recovered from instances of failure will also have the compassion and encouraging words for when you stumble along in your journey.

You Want To Learn From And Inspire Each Other
While their knowledge may be more factual about what will work and what won’t, your mentor should have an open mind about the things that they can learn from you. You should inspire each other to learn and grow together as individuals. Industries and skills are constantly transforming to make jobs more efficient or daily processes more effective. Find a mentor that is comfortable with the idea that they can learn from you and one that gives off positive energy that you can both work off of.

They Know When To Push You
Another key benefit of having a quality mentor that is right for you is having someone to push you past hurdles. A good mentor will have your best interest at heart because they care about you as a person, but will know when to give you an extra nudge to move you up to the next goal. The right mentor will be able to accurately assess your emotions and abilities towards the task at hand and will be able to push past your comfort zone without tearing you down. Whether it be through verbal coaching for your spirit, or addressing different character traits you need to possess to reach your goal a mentor is not afraid to be hard on you when they can see that you are capable of defeating the current barrier you are facing.

Ultimately when finding a mentor, take a moment and think if they are someone you would like to resemble in the future. You should never aim to be just like another person, but if you can respect and admire the way your mentor goes about their daily life, then you have found the person to guide you.

If you yourself are looking to become a mentor and don’t know if you’re fit for it, check out our post Is There Such A Thing As A Perfect Mentor?

3 Ways to Make this Holiday Season One You Won’t Forget

December 22, 2017 Ty and Venessa Crandell Family

There’s no question that the holidays are the most joyful time of the year. And there really is something to be said about carrying on family traditions from on holiday season to the next. But everyone can use a little change every now and then, so don’t be afraid to make a little tweak in your holiday plans this year! Here are 3 ways to make this holiday season one you won’t forget.

Schedule a trip

If you’re used to spending the holidays at home, planning a fun trip for the holidays will be sure to make this season you will never forget. Always wanted to have a tropical Christmas? Or maybe one abroad? This year is just as good as any other to make those dreams come true. So pack your bags and learn what it’s like to celebrate the holidays in a different culture.

Start a new family tradition

Keeping the family traditions alive is so important to maintaining the family identity, values, and culture across generations. But who says there’s any harm in making new ones? Gather your family together this season for a new family tradition. Maybe instead of opening Christmas presents on Christmas morning, you head down to the local soup kitchen to serve Christmas breakfast for those who are less fortunate than you. Or perhaps you host your first annual holiday party that raises awareness for a cause your family cares about. Whatever it is, make sure your new tradition brings the family together and brings joy into other’s lives.

Try simplifying your plans instead

Instead of breaking your back trying to make it to every single holiday party you always do, take a break. There’s no reason to attend the work party, the neighborhood party, and the holiday high school reunion party all in the same weekend. Even if it’s what you do every year, make this holiday season a bit more relaxing and family-focused. Only go to the events that mean something to you because that’s really what the holiday season is all about.

The holidays are the time of year to spend time with your family making memories and carrying on the traditions you’ve always had. But this year, try these 3 ways to make this holiday season one you will never forget!

The Importance of Becoming the Dreamer and the Doer

November 13, 2017 Ty and Venessa Crandell Freedom

Sarah Ban Breathnach, a celebrated author and public speaker, once claimed that “the world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do.” And in those two sentences, Ban Breathnach captures the entire sentiments of the mentality we all need to adopt in order to live a productive and fulfilling life. Too often, people feel the need to define themselves as one or the other––as a dreamer or a doer, a romantic or a realist, a play-it-safer or a go-getter. But progress doesn’t function in dichotomies. Progress is a result of everyone becoming their best selves and not conforming to definitions, boundaries, or labels.

In the pursuit of whatever it is that you want to get out of life, you must work on and improve both aspects of your character. You must become both the dreamer and the doer. You must embrace your inner dreamer and allow yourself to live a lifestyle that promotes and encourages creativity and imagination. Live in a way that allows you the freedom to chase inspiration wherever and whenever you may find it. In doing so, your life will fuel your passions and reignite your spirit, again and again, every day. The world needs dreamers to think outside of the box, imagine the possibilities, and challenge the standard because that is exactly how progress is made.

Additionally, in order to match your creative imagination and make your ideas and dreams constructive and fulfilling, you have to become a go-getter and take action. The world needs people who realize their dreams and act on them. More than anything, the world needs people who have come alive. There’s a difference between people who dream of their goals and the people who make them a reality. And in order for this world to advance and change, we need people to be proactive in pursuit of whatever it is that makes them come alive. So wake up every morning determined to do one thing each day that sets your dream in motion.

Essentially, Sarah Ban Breathnach got it right when she said we have to become a hybrid of both a dreamer and a doer because that is just what you need to make something meaningful out of your life.

3 Beautiful Things About Pregnancy You Don’t Hear About Enough

October 6, 2017 Ty and Venessa Crandell Family

If you take a look at what’s on the web about pregnancy or read any kind of informational pregnancy books or guides, you will no doubt get your fair share of precautions, warnings, signs to look for, and the horror stories. But people forget to share, write about, and tell you about the downright wonderful things that happen over this nine-month period. And the events of pregnancy truly are amazing. These are 3 of the most beautiful things about pregnancy that you don’t hear about enough.

The Anticipation

Nine months is a long time await the arrival of your son or daughter. Thinking of names, decorating the nursery, and picking out baby outfits are necessary ways to prepare for the arrival of your child, but they also build up the suspense. And oh what a wonderful suspense pregnancy is! Just as your baby is getting ready to make its way into the world, pregnancy is the perfect amount of time to make sure you are prepared and the world your baby enters into is full of love.

The Natural Glow

Pregnancy causes physical changes in your body that actually make your body glow from the inside out. Your hair is fuller, your nails are stronger, and your skin is brighter. Not to mention, life is literally pulsing through your veins, so you can’t help but smile. Your entire body naturally glows a little more than normal over this nine-month period with the gift of life.

The Relatability

Because pregnancy is such a natural process, nearly everyone you meet will make some sort of connection with you. You will hear all kinds of “congratulations” from close friends and strangers alike. Whether you run into an expectant mother in line at the grocery store, see a young family with a newborn baby on a stroll through your neighborhood, or you meet an older couple who shares the joys of parenthood with you, the “pregnancy connection” is unlike any other bond.

Sure, pregnancy can be scary, especially if you’ve never been through it before. Your body changes in ways you didn’t even know it could, and you may experience feelings and emotions you didn’t even know existed. But when it really comes down to it, pregnancy is one of the most beautiful things that can happen to a woman. What do you think of these beautiful things about pregnancy?

3 Ways To Spice Up Your Family Nights

August 28, 2017 Ty and Venessa Crandell Family

With the school year back in full swing, schedules fill up faster and the to-do list gets longer. And consequently, scheduling some time for family activities is suddenly so much harder than it was during those blissful summer months. But don’t let family time take a backseat this school year. Instead, switch up your go-to family nights with something a little different and a bit more exciting.

Read some ideas to find out how you can spice up your normal family activities into family nights no one will want to miss.

Bring movie night outdoors

While the weather is nice enough, bring the cinema under the stars. Hold a family vote on what movie you will watch, and bring a T.V. onto the back deck. Place your lawn chairs in the shape of a movie auditorium and serve popcorn for the full experience. Better yet, if you have a pool, set up a projector screen and use floats instead of lawn chairs. It may take a little more effort, but your family will be talking about outdoor movie until the next time.

Make game night a little more competitive

A little healthy competition never hurt anybody. Next time you break out the board games for family game night, invite another family over to join in on the fun. Family friends, next-door neighbors, or the in-laws all make for a fun-filled night of competition. If you really want to go all-out, create a tournament system in whatever game you play to keep the fun going all night long.

Recreate the restaurant experience at home

Instead of going out to your family’s favorite restaurant, dine in at home. Assign different jobs to every family member so everyone is involved, and get creative with the menu! Create a restaurant experience in your home complete with a candlelit table and your nicest dishes. If you want to put in some extra effort, don’t skip out on dessert. Make-your-own ice cream sundae bars complete with all the toppings are always a hit!

Family nights can get a little repetitive if you do the same old thing every time. This school year put an exciting twist on your go-to family night activities. These spiced-up family nights will have your kids asking you to clear the schedule for the next one in no time at all.

5 Tips for Raising Empathetic Kids

July 24, 2017 Ty and Venessa Crandell Family, Legacy

Every parents’ dream is to raise children who lead a life of empathy, compassion, and kindness and who inspire others to do the same. Like all other things in life, children best learn these habits by observing how their parents and other adult figures treat them when they are scared, sad, upset, or angry. Read our top tips for raising empathetic kids and establishing an empathetic environment at home so that your children show compassion and inspire others from a young age.

Be a role model

First and foremost, children learn habits and behaviors early on from watching how their parents act and respond to any and all situations. In the early years of their life and even after, children’s young minds take in and absorb everything they see around them. Not to mention, every kid grows up thinking that their parents are super-humans, and their greatest dream in life is to grow up to be just like you. So make sure you lead by example, and that your children see you living a life of compassion, and they will likely grow up and do the same.

Teach them to be kind before anything else

Your children will no doubt grow to be intelligent, wonderful, witty, talented, beautiful, and brave people in this world. But make sure they know that, before any of these other things, the most important thing for them to be is kind. Teach them that a warm heart and an open mind will take them far in life. More than anything, teach them kindness by showing kindness––to them, to your spouse, to friends, and to strangers.

Hold them to high standards and communicate your expectations to them

The biggest and easiest parenting mistake to make is to reward your children for every single instance of good behavior or after every good deed they do. It’s important to remember that we should expect our kids to be kind and compassionate, and that showing kindness is not always worthy of an award. Be sure to hold your kids to a high standard when it comes to their behavior and the way they treat others, and communicate your expectations clearly. Refrain from rewarding them after every instance they act with kindness to teach them that this kind of behavior should be expected at all times.

Make your child is aware about the world around them

It’s never too early to start showing your children the importance of service and philanthropy. Volunteer with a local charity and bring them along. Talk about the news and causes you care about around them. Raise their awareness even if they don’t completely understand the cause. If anything, they will know that you are passionate about something, they will understand it’s important to care for others, and that will instill in them a desire to act with passion as well.

Empower your kids

Teach them they can make a difference, and they will. Encourage them every single day to show one intentional act of kindness, and they will feel empowered to do so. Stop helicopter-parenting and let your children prove to you and to themselves that they can accomplish anything they want to as long as it’s fueled by a passion and desire to make the world a better place.

Establish these parenting habits early, so your children grow up in a home with clear and defined expectations of kindness, empathy, and compassion. In doing so, your children will learn habits they will use for the rest of their lives to inspire others to hold themselves to the same standard as well.

Check out The Most Important Thing You Can Leave Behind for Your Kids to learn more about our thoughts on family legacy and the importance of instilling values in your children.

4 Ways To Celebrate The Fourth With Your Kids

June 29, 2017 Ty and Venessa Crandell Family, Freedom

It really is true that children make all holidays more exciting, and the Fourth of July is no exception. While watching fireworks at the end of the day is usually the the most traditional and most anticipated aspect of this holiday for children, there are so many fun things to do before the show starts. The Fourth of July festivities don’t have to wait until dark to commence, and there are a lot of great ways to celebrate with your kids earlier in the day. If you’re wondering what activities to plan, read these 4 ways to celebrate the Fourth with your kids.

Make red white and blue treats

Whipping up some sweet treats are an easy way to entertain your children while enjoying quality bonding time. Look up a good sugar cookie recipe, or even more American, an apple pie, and teach your children how to make it. Baking is a simple, fun activity and provides a finished product that acts as the perfect canvas for children to decorate with red, white, and blue icing and star-shaped sprinkles. Decorating treats are also perfect for bigger groups of kids of all ages, but be sure to make plenty because they go fast! Visit our Pinterest board for some good Fourth of July recipes.

Plan fun crafts on hand

Patriotic crafts are a great way to get in the holiday spirit with your children, and are fun for both you and them. Crafts keep kids engaged while developing a family tradition that everyone is sure to cherish. The best crafts for children involve letting them be creative and take reign of their work. Have your child pick out a few rocks from the yard that they can paint with red, white, and blue designs, or create firework artwork using red, white, and blue paint and some straws. View our Fourth of July Pinterest board for more ideas for fun crafts:

Play sports together

Backyard sports are a great way to get your children active on the Fourth, and are also a good way to bond as a family. Set up a volleyball net in the backyard for your family to hit the ball back and forth, or maybe start up a competitive tournament. The more the merrier! Badminton is another backyard sports favorite that is super easy to set up and play. If you want to stray away from the conventional sports, you can even get creative and hold a relay race or water balloon war if it gets really warm.

Participate in a neighborhood parade

Have your kids decorate their bicycle or golf cart with patriotic decorations to ride in the local Fourth of July parade. Many neighborhoods and cities have small parades in which kids and their parents can join in and display their American pride. Decorating their bicycle and dressing up in red, white, and blue to parade around the neighborhood is a great way to get your kids excited about the day, and is a fun social activity as well.