Tammie's Take~

Getting Your Child Excited for School Throughout the Year

Reviews · November 30, 2017

Schooling is one of the most important parts of a child’s life, but it shouldn’t be the only means that they get their education. Similarly, getting your child excited for school can allow them to benefit even more from the schooling that they offer in the classroom. You need to cultivate a love of learning in order for your child to succeed on all fronts, and you need to do this getting them excited for school throughout the year. To do this, try to adopt these tips into their daily life:

Back-To-School Shopping

One of the most fun ways you can get your child excited for school is back-to-school shopping. This can be done multiple times throughout the year so that you can not only keep them appropriately clothed and stocked, you can also spread spending throughout the year. This means that, instead of buying a lot of new clothes at the start of the school year, you can only update their wardrobe as they need it per season.

For instance, you can get your child excited by getting them to pick out the Vingino jeans that they want as soon as January, before the new term starts. That way they can have new jeans that will not only look great, but also keep them warm throughout the winter. The same goes for all other kinds of clothes. Being warm in winter is important for children not only to stave off any illnesses that may come their way, but to also keep their mind on school and play. You don’t want your child to miss out on making friends and getting exercise during winter just because their clothes are too thin and they’re too cold, after all.

After-School Learning

There is so much to learn, and so little time! Don’t rely solely on the schooling system and enroll your children in after-school programs so that they can work on what they love to do, not just what the curriculum offers. If your child loves art, sign them up to community classes. If they want to learn how to sculpt, or make robots, or do anything, there are likely courses you can find in your neighborhood.

Make it a family event and go with them if it’s an open-ages class, or let them make new friends from all around your community.

At-Home Learning

As parents, our first job is to take care of our children. Our second job is to teach them. There are so many life skills that can be taught at home, in the form of chores. For instance, your child could learn:

How to Cook

Cooking is a skill that many first-year university and college students lack, and it’s hurting them. They are gaining excess weight and simultaneously being malnourished. This occurs when you eat food that offers too few vitamins, like a diet of instant noodles.

Teaching your children how to cook, and later tasking them with making dinner say, once a week, will not only give them the experience they need to make delicious food, but also how to make healthy meals. The more effort you put into teaching them this skill, the better, healthier, and more successful they will be once they move out.

How to Do Laundry

Similarly, how to do laundry properly is another skill that everyone should know. It’s also a chore you can get even young children started on, since it is very safe to do. Start them off by teaching them how to sort clothes. Teach them what can be washed and what goes together. Next, when they are older, get them involved in using the machine. Teach them what clothes should be washed on which setting, and more. This is another life skill that they will be glad to have learned from you once they moved out.

How to Clean

Cleaning can, if done improperly with dangerous chemicals, be dangerous. That is why you need to teach your children how to clean, because if they have to figure it out themselves when they have moved out, they will either do a poor job, or they might experience chemical burns. As a bonus, you will also ensure that they do their part in keeping the house clean.

This might not seem like the best way to get your child excited, but you can make it fun. Do chores together and combine fun, family time with chores.

Reward Successes

Whenever your child gets good grades at school, reward them. This also applies to any after-school achievements. Rewards could be as small as making them their favorite dinner, or it could be buying them something special. Rewarding them doesn’t have to be a big financial obligation, but it is the positive reinforcement that they need to succeed.

Do Homework Together

Another way to make your child love school is to help them with their homework. You don’t even have to do any work yourself, but sit down and let your child explain why a certain math problem works or doesn’t, or why they wrote down a specific answer for a question. This will open a dialogue between the two of you, and also help them think critically and remember better.

Make a Routine

Last but not least, try to make their after-school chores and duties like homework routine. Children thrive off of routine, and if they do their homework, say every day after dinner, they will become accustomed to the time they don’t get to play. This can be further extended to anything, from chores, to helping them practice playing a musical instrument.

Getting your child ready for school, whether it be primary, high or college, throughout the year means putting effort into their education. It means making learning fun, whether it’s during school, while doing homework, or while they are doing their chores. Do this by letting them learn what they want to after school, and by making every lesson, from homework to chores, a fun bonding experience.

7 tips for meeting new people

Reviews · November 30, 2017

Expanding your social circle is an incredibly complicated process. Often, it can be hard to tell if someone is genuinely looking for a long and true friendship. It can also be difficult to find the time to invest in your existing relationships. However, it is vital that you put the work in, as this is the best way for you to enrich your life and to make the most of every moment. If you are determined to establish meaningful connections, you will need to read on. Below are seven tips that will help you to meet new people.

Use technology

If you are eager to meet like-minded individuals, you should use technology to your advantage. This will help you to widen your search and to find people who are also interested in building connections. There are an impressive number of apps that you can download to help you on your way. Don’t worry, these don’t have to be dating apps. Instead, they can be friendship apps that help you to connect with people on a deeper level. They can also help you to focus your search on people in your local area. This will come in handy if you don’t have the time to go out of your way. You should also sign up to social media and remember to invest in your platforms. Creating a strong online profile will help to draw people towards your page. You should also be honest about your interests and the kind of people that you like to spend time with.

Have a sense of humour

In order to be approachable, you will need to have a good sense of humor. This is a really important step, as taking yourself too seriously could prevent you from making new friends. If you are wondering how you can do this, why not enjoy a daily joke? This is a fail-safe approach to ensuring that you always have a way to break the ice. If you are able to brighten someone’s day by bringing a smile to their face, it will be much more likely that you can build a connection with them. Just make sure that you search for clean jokes, as you don’t want to take too many risks when you are meeting someone for the first time.

Take up a new hobby

You should also consider taking up a new hobby. This is a very organic way for you to meet new people. Just make sure that you choose a hobby that you are genuinely excited about. This will ensure that you don’t have to feign enthusiasm when you are talking to your new acquaintances. You should also keep your options open. Why not take up more than one activity? You could do something sporty, something arty, and something intellectual. This will help you to meet a wide range of people and will increase your chances of meeting someone that you truly have a connection with.

Look at your existing social circle

Another option is to get to know friends of a friend. If you really get on with someone, it is likely that you will also get on with their loved ones. That is why you should hold a large event such as a dinner party or a big night out. Instead of just inviting your own friends, make sure that everybody has a plus one. That way you will get to meet new people and will have someone there to introduce you to them. This is an especially good idea for people who struggle in social situations. Instead of worrying about making a new acquaintance, you can take comfort in the fact that you are only meeting people that are trusted by your friends.

Sign up for a class

You could also try signing up for a class. That way, even if you don’t meet new people, you will have at least learnt something new. Perhaps there is a topic that you have always been interested in. Maybe you are desperate to learn a new language. Whatever the case, don’t hold back! Instead of worrying about making new friends, just try to focus on the lesson that you are learning. This will help to take some of the pressure off and will prevent you from appearing desperate. Once you have been to the class for a few weeks, why not suggest to some of your peers that you set up a study group? This is a fantastic way for you to add a social element to your studies.

Show an interest in others

When you do begin to widen your social circle, make sure that you ask plenty of questions. Most people relish the opportunity to talk about themselves and are comforted when someone seems genuinely interested in them. Not only this, but if you are nervous around strangers, this is a great way for you to take the pressure off yourself. Instead of worrying about what you are going to say next, you can simply pay attention to the other person. You should also make sure to remember all of the answers that you receive. Even if you just hold onto a few facts, this should be more than enough to impress your new acquaintance.

Take public transport

You should also embrace the opportunity to take public transport whenever possible. Not only will this save you money and help the environment, it will also provide you with the perfect opportunity to meet new people. The first step is making plenty of eye contact and wearing a broad smile. You should also try to avoid listening to music, as it is unlikely that people will talk to you if you have your headphones in. Once you have found someone who is happy to meet your eye and return your smile, you could make a brief comment about the weather. If this person seems eager to respond to you, then you should try to start a full conversation. Ideally, you should look out for people that you see on a regular basis. This will make it much easier for you to establish a strong rapport.

5 ways to strengthen your relationship

Reviews · November 30, 2017

Even if you are incredibly proud of the current state of your relationship, it is vital that you still put the work in. There is always room for improvement. It is also important to remember that you and your partner are constantly changing. As you move through life, your tastes will change, your personalities will evolve, and your perspectives will alter. That is why you need to do everything in your power to ensure your connection stands the test of time. If you are wondering how to do this, you will need to read on. Below are five ways that you can strengthen your relationship.

Give each other gifts

Although it is useful to have a routine, it is also important to take your partner by surprise from time to time. One of the best ways for you to do this is by treating them to a thoughtful gift. Ideally, this gift should be an item that introduces a little excitement into your relationship. If you are searching for inspiration, you should turn to Hydromax. This is the perfect place for you to find a gift that will help to improve your partner’s confidence. It could also help to improve your levels of intimacy.

Give each other compliments

Make it your goal to give your partner a compliment every time you see them. Whatever you do, don’t just stick to aesthetic observations, as this could come across as shallow. Instead, you should think about deep and meaningful compliments that you can share with your other half. You could even make each other positive affirmation jars that are filled with uplifting opinions about each other. This will take the pressure off you having to remember to say something each day. Instead, your partner can choose when they enjoy one of your compliments.

Schedule in conversations

Even if you are struggling to manage a particularly demanding schedule, you should still make time for conversations with your partner. This will ensure that you stay connected and are receptive to each other’s needs. Perhaps you could set aside at least one evening every week to talk things through. Obviously, it would be great if you could find even more time, but this is not always possible. When you do get the chance to talk, make sure that you turn off your technology, eliminate all distractions, and sit facing one another. It may feel awkward at first, but it is a great way for you to improve your emotional intimacy.

Prepare each other meals

You should also have a go at preparing each other meals. Simple gestures like this are a great way to express affection. Why not look out for days when your partner is extremely stressed and will benefit from an uplifting treat? Just imagine how touched they will be if you go out of your way to bring a smile to their face. You should also encourage your partner to do the same. Hopefully, they will do so without you having to ask, but if not you could always challenge each other to make at least one special meal a week. Don’t worry this doesn’t have to be a complicated process. There are plenty of quick and easy dinners that will still taste delicious.

Set yourself a joint goal

In your relationship, you should be working together as a team. You need to have each other’s backs in stressful situations and understand both of your strengths and weaknesses. Why not improve this area of your relationship by setting yourself a collective goal? You could run a marathon together, raise money for a charitable organization, or undertake a DIY project. The most important thing is that you are working together to do something positive.

5 Tips to Deter Intruders

Reviews · November 29, 2017

The holiday season is upon us. It’s a time for coming together and celebrating, giving and receiving gifts, and being thankful and grateful for what we have. Unfortunately, it is also a time when we are susceptible to being victims of crime. Read on how to make the holiday season remembered for all the right reasons.

Recycle

Yes, you read it correctly, and you may be questioning how your recycling can affect your potential for being a victim of crime. The cardboard boxes that you leave out on the curb for the recycling collection are a very clear indicator to people that you have recently had a whole lot of new equipment that is a prime target for intruders. Break up your cardboard boxes into smaller pieces so that they fit in bins.

Light up

Install LED flood lights from E-conolight into your garden or yard so that your outside space is adequately lit. Pay attention to doorways and any dark passageways or vulnerable areas. Not only are you burglar proofing your outside space, but making it safer for you to use the space in the dark too. Invest in some timers for lamps for inside your home, so that they come on when it gets dark. Don’t light up your living spaces as this will just illuminate the fact the house is empty; instead, opt for lamps in hallways of upstairs rooms that will give the illusion of someone being home.

Landscape

Don’t be tempted to leave your garden or yard to become neglected over winter. Just because you are not outside enjoying it like you do in milder seasons, it does not mean that you should allow it to become unkempt. Unkempt gardens provide ideal hiding places for intruders to watch your home from. Try to mow the lawn once again before winter becomes too harsh: people equate long grass lawns with homes whose occupants have gone away on vacation. Keep items such as ladders locked away in a garage or storage to prevent any opportunistic robbers from being able to access your home – they tend not to bring their own!

Mirror, mirror on the wall

Mirrors are essential accessories for any interior; however, check what view your mirror can provide an outside inquisitive intruder. Can they see whether your security system is activated by looking in the mirror? Or, perhaps they can see the car keys on the console table? Step outside and look through the windows to examine what your mirror reflects, it may be more than you had hoped. Cut to size mirrors can help avoid the scenario where the current mirror is offering a view for potential intruders, fitting to dimensions that suit your house layout.

If you can’t make it, fake it

From the street, an intruder will not be able to tell whether your CCTV cameras are real or dummy, and nor will they hang around to test it! You can also purchase decals of a fake alarm system to deter opportunistic thieves further. Another great trick to use is for your neighbors to leave footprints in the driveway and around the yard if it snows while you are away.

People rob houses as and when they see fit – if the right circumstances are aligned. They will not enter a home or property if they consider that the chances of getting caught are high. Use these tips to reduce the chances of your home being targeted so that you can enjoy the rest of the holiday season in peace.

Be Smart this Winter: How to Keep Your Family Safe

Reviews · November 28, 2017

Having a family is a big responsibility, and it’s important to ensure that you do everything you can to keep every single member – children, grandparents, even pets – as safe as possible. Over the winter period, there is a lot more to think about in terms of safety around the home, and this list should give you some ideas on things to check up on before winter really sets in.

Pipes

Pipes are vulnerable to freezing and bursting during the winter, and this can lead to severe issues when it comes to having water in your home. Plus, they can be expensive to fix. So it’s better to prevent this from happening rather than having to deal with the consequences if it does. Ideally, you should disconnect your garden hoses, and drain any water that is left in the spigot. Any automatic sprinkler systems should be drained as well. One of the reasons that pipes burst is due to a pressure build-up, so if the temperature is going to drop, leave outside faucets trickling a tiny bit. That will mean the pressure can’t build up. Another good idea is to insulate your pipes using foam and special pipe sleeves.

Roof

If snow is threatening, check your roof. There might be loose, missing, or damaged tiles up there, which aren’t an issue during the warmer months and could easily go unnoticed. However, in the winter, if it snows or if there is heavy rain or storms, these problem shingles could allow a leak. Check your guttering too for any leaves or other debris that will need to be cleared.

Clear The Paths

Removing snow and ice from your paths and driveway is extremely important. This will prevent slips and falls, which can lead to broken bones in the worst cases. Prepare in advance by keeping a snow shovel or snow blower in the garage, as well as a sack of rock salt or ice melt which can be sprinkled on steps and walkways to stop more ice from forming.

Batteries

Having a good stock of batteries in the home is another essential yet often forgotten element of keeping your family safe. Power outages during the winter happen a lot more often, yet the power is required a lot more (particularly lighting since it gets dark a lot earlier). Having a good stock of batteries for battery operated lighting and flashlights will mean you can stay safe in the home and prevent additional falls. Batteries can also be used for radios which will give you updates on the weather, and will be a form of entertainment if things are really bad.

Keep Healthy

As well as checking your home’s health, it’s a good idea to check your family’s too. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the vet to check on your pet too. A place like thevet.co.uk will be able to give your furry loved ones the care they need without having to schedule an appointment. Schedule a routine check-up for everyone in the home, just to make sure that no one is coming down with anything nasty. Viruses and illness are prevalent during winter, and are especially dangerous for the very young and the elderly. However, no one wants to get sick, and one person being unwell can lead to everyone else catching the illness. It can also have a knock-on effect if the kids can’t get to school, or the adults can’t get to work.