Moms

How Homeschooling Can Improve a Child’s Future

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Image Credit  Homeschooling has several advantages for children; it can make their learning more meaningful, boost their confidence, and improve their chances of attending a quality university in the future. If you are still to be convinced, read on to find out more about why it works.   Flexible Learning  In conventional education, children must follow a rigid curriculum during term time. The only time off they have is during the holidays when everything is busy, and excursions are less easy to organize and manage. With homeschooling, there is a more flexible approach to the studies.  Academic flexibility is not only better for the child and their learning styles, but it is also better for their future training. When it comes time to attend university or college, children are prepared for flexible learning approaches and have a self-starter attitude that helps them to succeed in life.    More Confidence  A traditional school environment has some disadvantages. One of the main criticisms of homeschooling is that the children are not socialized correctly; not only is that inaccurate, but a homeschooling environment can also make children more confident and improve their future.  A school’s social environment exists, but that doesn’t mean it is helpful for self-esteem and confidence. Instead of coming up against people and situations that knock their confidence, they are always encouraged to speak up and contribute to the lesson, making students brighter.    Social Skills  Again, one of the main criticisms leveled at homeschooling is the fact there is no social environment for the children to develop. Again, this is not exactly the case. Instead of having little or no choice over their social environment, kids can be socialized in the right ways.  If you are homeschooling your kids, make sure you choose some clubs and groups for them to attend throughout the week, these groups and events can be focused on their interests and passions, or they can center around their studies. It’s a more controlled social space to develop.   Meaningful Learning  Homeschooling allows teacher-parents to design their own curriculum; as long as the exam material is covered on the course and the exams are applied for at the right time, your children can learn freely about their subjects and the world. Why not take an educational excursion?  Make your child’s learning more focused and meaningful for them by designing a curriculum that speaks to their real interests. Not only will they achieve better results in their exams, but it will inspire a lifelong passion for learning that should lead to positive outcomes for their futures.     Career Outlook  The future is bright for kids that are homeschooled; it means they have the passion, confidence, and training to make a profitable career for themselves. If your child shows some promise with numbers, look into their Career Outlook in Accounting and encourage them in a future direction. Final Thoughts  Homeschooling is now more popular than ever, and more parents see the benefits of a flexible learning approach and more self-confidence for their student-children. Not only can homeschooled children do better in life, but parents can also enjoy working with them. 

4 Activities to Bond With Your Grandchild

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Image credit Today’s dynamic world offers exciting opportunities for grandparents and grandkids to bond like never before. The Internet, for example, has opened a virtual window of opportunity for grandparents to stay in touch with their grandchildren who may live across the country or even on another continent. Many grandparents, however, don’t have computers or Internet access. Others may not be comfortable using such devices because they are unfamiliar with technology. But grandparents who want to connect with their grandchildren can find many opportunities to do so face-to-face and virtually. Activities such as skiing, soccer, crafts, and cooking are all excellent ways to spend time with your grandkids. Keep reading for some great ideas on how you can bond with them and build lasting relationships that will last a lifetime! Crafting Crafting can be an excellent way for grandparents to bond with their grandchildren. You can engage the kids in projects such as making Christmas ornaments and decorations, scrapbooking, or knitting and crocheting. You can also try making your own greeting cards and gift wrap. Doing crafts together will be a great bonding experience and allow the grandkids to learn some excellent life skills. Many craft stores and websites offer easy-to-follow craft kits that are ideal for beginners. Some craft stores also host craft parties where children can socialize while creating a keepsake they can take home. You can find many craft ideas online if you don’t have easy access to a craft store.  Cooking If you love to cook, you can share your passion with your grandkids by inviting them to join you in the kitchen. If you don’t feel comfortable handing the kids a knife or letting them near the stove, you can choose kid-friendly recipes that don’t require much cooking. You can start by teaching your grandkids how to cook your favorite meals or create a mini party with sandwiches, cakes, jelly, pizza, and the BEST baked chicken legs recipe! Many online recipe sites are designed for children so you can find age-appropriate ideas and inspiration to enjoy your time cooking together. Learn A New Skill or Hobby If you have always wanted to learn a new skill or hobby, now is the time to do it. Learning a new skill or hobby with your grandkids will give you a sense of pride and accomplishment. It will also give you something to talk about and help you bond with your grandkids. Plenty of hobbies and skills are appropriate for grandchildren and grandparents to learn together. If you have always wanted to learn how to play an instrument, now is the perfect time to do it. You can search the Internet for local groups or organizations that offer classes and lessons. Conclusion Bonding with your grandchildren will help them to develop a strong sense of self, provide them with role models, and give them the support they need to overcome challenges in their own lives. It will also help you to feel fulfilled, connected, and loved. There are many ways that you can bond with your grandchildren. You can craft, cook, join a club or organization, learn a new skill or hobby, or even create your own group or club. No matter what you choose, remember that the most important thing is to have fun, be yourself, and enjoy the time you spend with your grandchildren.

9 Tips To Help Keep You Healthy This Cold and Flu Season

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Image credit Everyone knows the winter months are when cold and flu season strikes. Cold and flu season typically starts around September and can last until April. You catch your coworker sneezing, your neighbor is still coughing from the double whammy of a summer cold and straining of the head from a lingering cough that won’t shift, and you can’t help but wonder how long it will be before the dreaded flu season reaches your doors. The CDC estimates that the flu causes between 9 and 41 million illnesses each year, can put up to 710,000 people in the hospital, and is the cause of 12,00 to 52,000 deaths each year. If you don’t want to be amongst the numbers and are looking for ways to avoid catching these highly contagious airborne viruses, this post looks at some ways you can protect yourself during cold and flu season to reduce your risk of becoming ill. Wash your hands First things first: Wash your hands. This is probably the most effective way to ward off any infection. When you’re out and about, whether at work, school, or even home, always keep your hands clean, this might sound like a no-brainer, but many people still don’t wash their hands as often as they should. Be sure to wash your hands after using the bathroom, before eating, and before touching anyone who might be sick.  You need to wash all parts of your hands, fingers, palms, and nails for a minimum of 20 seconds to help to break down any virus particles you may have come into contact with. Remember, water alone won’t do this. You need soap to clean your hands thoroughly. Avoid drying your hands with a cloth that others may have used, and stick to hand driers and paper towels you can quickly dispose of. Antibacterial Wipes While this might seem like overkill, carrying a small packet of antibacterial wipes when going to public places can come in handy. It allows you to use the wipes to clean commonly touched surfaces where you think people may have been infected, such as door handles or bathroom fittings you need to touch too. This can reduce the risk of contamination from touching items when outside of the house. This is an excellent idea for immunocompromised people who are worried about the risk of being out and about this cold and flu season. Use hand sanitizer Hand sanitizers are a great way to avoid picking up germs from public surfaces and other people. If you don’t have access to a sink, make sure you have some hand sanitizer on you. For added protection, make sure to choose a formula that contains at least 60% alcohol. You simply rub the gel or liquid into your hands as you would when washing using soap and water for on-the-go protection in the absence of hand washing facilities. Avoid touching your face and nose. Yes, it’s tempting to touch your nose while sniffing, but resist the urge. Many of us do so without even realizing we are doing it. Studies have shown that people touch their faces around 23 times per hour which equates to touching your face every 2.6 seconds. The nose is the number one way germs are transmitted, so try to keep your hands away from your face and nose. If you’re sick, keep your distance from loved ones who may be especially vulnerable to infection, like children and the elderly. Wash your hands regularly and try to avoid touching your face as much as possible. Disinfect your home regularly. This is especially important if someone in your household is sick. If you have kids or pets, you’re probably already familiar with disinfecting regularly. While it may seem excessive or overkill, disinfecting periodically is one of the best ways to avoid bringing in new infections. While you may be tempted to use chemical disinfectants like bleach or Lysol (which are effective but may pose health risks), eco-friendly alternatives like vinegar, club soda, and tea tree matures are also available. Avoid sick people where possible. Unfortunately, there are no magic spells that will make you completely immune to picking up an infection. If you’re in close contact with someone who is sick, there’s a good chance you’ll pick up whatever they have. If you’re at work or school and you see someone in the office or classroom who clearly has a cold or the flu, avoid them as much as possible. Try to stand around 1 meter away where possible and avoid touching your face or making physical contact with them. If you have to interact with them, be sure to wash your hands regularly to avoid spreading their germs. Eat well and stay hydrated. You may be inclined to eat whatever you can shovel down at this time of year just to get some extra calories. But eating healthy does wonders for warding off sickness. The better your body and immune system are, the easier it will be for you to fight off any viruses and infections you may pick up during the winter to help you stay healthy and fight fit. Make sure to get plenty of vitamin C in your diet (strawberries, citrus fruits, kiwis, and peppers are excellent sources of vitamin C), as well as plenty of sleep and exercise. Hydration is another crucial aspect of staying healthy during winter, so drink plenty of water. Conclusion While these tips aren’t foolproof, and there will always be the risk of picking up the common cold and flu each week, there are small habits you can put in place to reduce your risk of becoming ill and having serious complications from flu viruses. Remember, most antibiotics do not work on viruses meaning you can’t use them to help you overcome the flu. Putting all of these tips in place can help to give you your best chance of limiting exposure and accidentally coming into contact with something that could make you sick … Read more

5 Secrets to Planning the Best Thanksgiving Dinner

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5 Secrets to Planning the Best Thanksgiving Dinner Image Credit Thanksgiving continues to remain one of the best holidays. It’s about eating delicious meals while bonding with family and friends. Most importantly, it’s about being thankful for all the amazing blessings in life. Nearly 50% of people in a survey consider Thanksgiving to be very important to them.  Are you planning Thanksgiving dinner this year? If so, you don’t need to worry about throwing the best dinner. With these tips, you can showcase your excellent cooking and party planning skills. Check out these secrets to help you. Plan ahead of time It’s never too early to start planning your Thanksgiving dinner, especially since you’re hosting. When you plan, you’ll be more relaxed as the time draws near and be better positioned to come up with alternate solutions in case an issue arises.  What should go into your early plans? Firstly, you must create a guest list. Knowing the number of people you want to have over for dinner can help the rest of your planning go smoothly. You’d know how much food and drinks you need and if your home can accommodate that number. Because the Thanksgiving holiday usually involves many people traveling home, it would be good to have a complete guest list at least a month before to give them the chance to prepare for travel.  You can also plan for food, whether cooking or ordering catered meals. Most dishes can be done before time and warmed up before dinner.  Settle on a venue and time Thanksgiving dinners usually happen in homes. If you’re in charge this year, you probably plan to host dinner at your house. However, if your guest list is large and your home isn’t spacious enough for the number of people you want, you don’t have to fret. You can move the dinner outdoors if the weather permits.  Alternatively, you can choose a different venue. It could be at another relative’s home that’s much bigger or even at a restaurant that offers fixed Thanksgiving dinners. It might not be the same, but you wouldn’t have to worry about cleaning up afterward.  The time of your dinner party depends on your preference and the availability of your guests. Even though these events are called Thanksgiving dinners, they usually start by midday. Whatever time you choose should be appropriate for not only you but your guests as well.  Plan the menu  With your Thanksgiving dinner, you can get as creative as possible. You can choose to go completely traditional or add a modern twist to your dinner. Whatever menu you decide, ensure that your turkey takes center place. If you’re in charge of the turkey this year, you must find the best stuffing recipe! What about your side dishes? Would you stick to the classic mashed potatoes or include new options that your guests enjoy? You can also include vegetarian or vegan options for those with dietary restrictions. Don’t forget the yummy desserts and pies that everyone loves.  There are tons of factors to consider when creating a menu. If you want your guests to be satisfied with the food choices, you can reach out to a few of them for suggestions.  Make room for fun activities Sure, the food makes Thanksgiving dinners memorable, but the activities you have lined up can also leave your guests anticipating the next holiday dinner. Traditionally, many families or gatherings tend to catch a game or watch the parade or a concert on TV.  However, if you want something more active that requires group participation and effort, you can think of a few games you can play together. You can organize races or even divide your guests into football teams for fun yet competitive games.  You can host a fun round of trivia, bingo, or charades at a much slower pace to get everyone’s minds active. It’s also easy for you to research other fun games to play. Take care of yourself It’s easy to get wrapped up in all the planning. However, be careful when planning because you can forget to take care of yourself and miss out on all the fun activities with your loved ones. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask for help. Additionally, try not to fret over everything that happens during dinner. When you’re more relaxed, your guests also pick off that vibe and relax.  Thanksgiving is the perfect time to kick off the festive season and spend time with the people you love the most. You’ll be known for your excellent hosting skills with these amazing tips.

Reasons To Protect Your Older Dog’s Back

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My sweet rescue-dog, Archie, will be 8 years old in the new year. He’s been perfect for me to have as a little companion or emotional support dog. He never barks (unless he sees the UPS man) and is very good at house training. Archie has all kinds of signs to let us know what he needs and seem to understand what we’re saying. We do our very best to take care of him. He has his regular vet check-ups and takes his prescriptions. He has been neutured, chipped, and has a collar with his/our identification. He’s part Bichon so his main hair is long, curly, and wild! I trim it every few months with a kit and need to clip around his eyes a little more often, because he has tears that get matted. Last year, out of the blue, we noticed he was just sitting on the flour, away from us. This was something he has never done. We coaxed him up to the couch and he wouldn’t come. As we started watching him, we noticed that he started shaking. He shook all over, as if he had a fever or chills. We brought him food, water, treats, and even peanut butter. He wouldn’t eat or drink anything. We knew he must be hurting or sick. Herniated Disc We called and the vet saw him the next morning. She felt his spine a lot, going up and down his back. After a few minutes she said that he had a vertabrate problem. I think she was suggesting a slipped or herniated disk. Either way, there was inflammation. She gave us a lot of instructions. Medications We were to give Archie two dog prescriptions, which we picked up at the drugstore. We had Archie covered under our Kroger Family Discount Plan, which saved us a lot of money on the Gabapentin. He was to take 75 mg of Gabapentin twice a day (for nerve pain) and Prednisone (for a week) to bring down the inflammation so that the spine/disks could go back to normal size and heal. Jumping Can Create Injury The Vet said that dogs such as Dachshunds, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua, Beagles, and German Sheperds are more prone to herniated disc than some other breeds. Our Archie is part Chihuahua and part Bichon Frise. We needed to find a way to keep him from jumping on the couch. The Vet said to lift him carefully to the couch and up the stairs. To prevent him going up the stairs we put a baby gate at the bottom. We were to do this for a month. This was a real inconvience, but so was a very expensive surgery. Later, I asked the Vet about this problem returning. She said that it would most likely return. And because of his breed, it could very well become chronic. Oh, that really worried us. Our entire love this little dog and we want to prevent him getting in pain again. What can we. do. Chronic Pain The Vet said the best way to prevent this problem from re-occuring is to prevent him from jumping up on the couch, running up the stairs, or jumping on the bed. I can’t always be there to pick him up, but I found a solution! Dog Ramp Prevents Pain Alpha Paw is a company that makes items for dogs and cats. They have a creation called DachRamp, which is for smaller dogs. They also have a larger ramp and a ramp to use outdoors with a car. Using these adjustable ramps will make it easy for your dog to stop jumping up and down. They easily collapse and can slide under the bed or furniture.

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