The Perils of Motherhood – And How To Get Through Them

This post may contain affiliate links.
Thank you for visiting Cori's Cozy Corner! Please make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our E-mails!

Being a mom is probably the most rewarding job on this earth. But anyone that tell you it’s easy is not being truthful. It is hard work, and it comes with a lot of worry and stress. There are so many pitfalls that you can find yourself in. Luckily there is plenty of advice to help you steer your ship through the choppy waters of motherhood. So if you are feeling in need of a bit of guidance, read on for some help and support.

pexels-photo-225744Image

Time Management

From the time that your baby first comes into the world, your whole life is turned on its head. Once their babies are born a mom’s priorities is swayed towards caring for the little ones, even at the expense of their own self-care. It is a huge life changing event, that forever alters the way that mother deal with time and tasks from that moment on. But how does that fit in with all the other responsibilities of adult life?

Well, this priority shift can cause problems for working moms. As they can find it hard to balance the care and attention of their kids with the demands made of them at work. It can be doubly difficult to fit in things like school meetings and dentist appointment because of their schedule.

Happily small changes can help there. Working moms can appeal to their boss to work flextime. Then you can still do the same number of hours but you won’t have to miss your kids first day at school or their end of term play.

pexels-photoPicture

Fitting in seemingly little things like dental appointments can be tricky. You need to ask yourself: is the dentist available when you need them?

If the answer is no, then it might be time to switch to a new provider that offers out of hours appointments in the evenings and at weekends. This will help you get all the vital health issue sorted in the limited time you do have.

Stay at home moms have to struggle with time management tool but in a different way. The expectations on the stay at home mom are high. They are often expected to run an immaculate home, cook all the meals as well as raising the kids. They also have an added sense of burden as people expect them to spend most of their day spending quality time with the kids. As if their other tasks wouldn’t take up a full day, without that!

fashion-person-woman-handImage here

A good way of dealing with this is to try and get into a reasonable routine. Then you can divide your time between the kids and the chores. It can even be good for the kids to have some time without your full attention. So they learn to amuse themselves by practicing their reading or playing quietly.

Guilt

black-and-white-person-woman-girlPicture here

Another massive issue that mom have to deal with is guilt. That guilt that what they are doing isn’t quite good enough. That they could be a better mom. That maybe they should give up their career and spend all their time at home. Or, that they worry that they are not contributing to the families finances and should go back to work full time. Even though that is not what they want.

Unfortunately, some guilt just comes with the territory. Of course, it doesn’t help either when a group of mothers get into that weird one-upmanship game. So what if little Johnny could count to 10 before he was one? You have to remember that all children develop at their own pace. It is not a race, and it’s certainly not a competition.

So how to deal with mom guilt? Well, it’s a tricky one and what works for one person may not work for another. It is tempting to seek reassurance from our children or spouses, but sometimes this can be counter productive. This is because our sense of self-worth is based on another’s judgment. Of course, usually our kids and spouse will be kind, but not always. So it can be pretty shaky ground.

A combination of self-kindness and clear parenting goals works the best. It is important to set goals, so you know how you will deal with different sort of situations as they arise. For example, your goal may be that you won’t reinforce their bad behavior with attention. The forgiveness comes in because sometimes you’ll slip up and won’t do it. But that is OK. You are only human. As long as you are mostly on track, then you will get to that goal eventually. Meeting your goals will help you see that you are a ‘good mom’ in a way that is defined by you and no one else.

Sleep Time

One of the most major pitfalls for moms is sleeping habits. Have you spoken to anyone with kids that have not had some trouble getting them off to sleep at one time or another? Sleep issues can take many forms. Among others, they can want to get into your bed for comfort when they are young. Or they can refuse to sleep and seem full of energy whenever bedtime rolls around.

pexels-photo-46100Image source

But how can you avoid this pitfall? Well, there are several methods of encouraging good sleep in your kids, and it is often a case of ‘just try it and see.’ If that one doesn’t work, then go onto the next one.

Some moms like to try to the cry it out method. This means they put their kids to bed and when they cry to get up and for attention, instead of responding the parents just them leave. Eventually, they learn that they crying has no effect, so they stop and just go to sleep. Other parents swear by a good bedtime routine including a lavender scented bath and a story. Still, others use technological gadgets to help such a lullaby mobile or Grow Clocks.

Rules

Setting rules and reinforcing them consistently is somewhere where it can be easy for any mom to fall down. Most people are pretty good on the rules side. Don’t shout, don’t run, don’t hit your sister, that kind of thing. But it is the consistency that is difficult to implement.

The trouble is that kids won’t respond to rules if they are not consistently reinforced, and that is where being a mom gets hard.

When people dream of being a mother, they don’t tend to think of repeating rules and actioning the consequences. No one likes to be the bad guy. But unfortunately, that is a big part of it. The kids need to know that if they don’t do something that is asked of them that there is a clear, regular system of consequences put in place. You can see this at work best on TV programs such as Supernanny.

In Supernanny, she warns the child of the rule they are breaking. Reminds them again and then implements a consequence. Which is usually spending time in a “cool down zone.”

This provides a way to remove the child from the situation where they are breaking the rule. It also allows them to have to feel and process their emotional response. The child often learns very fast that they can control their emotional response and rejoin the activity that they were doing.

The whole thing is meant to be impersonal, in a good way. It is not the child that is the problem but the behavior and when that behavior ceases they can carry on with what they were doing.

This is a way of dealing with behavior that can take a lot of stress off mom. But it also has the advantage of not endangering the relationship between mother and child. As the child is not cast as ‘bad’ just the behavior.

The Mother – Child Bond

pexels-photo-94338Picture source

Something that is a less discussed pitfall of being a mother is that is that it is fraught with change and to a degree loss. From the moment that they are born they are gradually moving away from your protective care out into the big wide world.

Your job is to educate so they can be a successful adult. The problem is that because motherhood requires so much sacrifice, many moms start to see themselves only in that role.

This can create issues when the child go through stages where they are less dependent on their mother.  Such as preadolescence and adolescence. It can be difficult for moms that have worked hard to have a good bond with their child, to start to let them go.

So how can this be avoided? The answer is to a greater or lesser extent depending on your personality and viewpoint sand that of your kids, it can’t. All mom are going to experience some pain and strife as their kids get older and start striking out on their own. The best thing is to be aware of it and know to expect it so you can deal with it easier.

laughter-775062_640Picture link

Laying the groundwork while they are young for a communicative relationship can also help during the rough times. As can the realization that their desire to leave the nest and live in the big wide world is a good thing. As it means that, at least in some way, you have successfully avoided or transversed many of the pitfalls that motherhood can bring.

Cori's Cozy Corner Disclosure Policy

When Disaster Strikes: Nursing Your Damaged Home Back To Good Health

This post may contain affiliate links.
Thank you for visiting Cori's Cozy Corner! Please make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our E-mails!

Our homes may be the place where we feel safest, most secure, and protected. But all the locks and alarms in the world can’t stop terrible weather and other disasters from striking. Perhaps more distressing than the damage to the decor is the harm it can do to your mental and emotional health. Fire, vandalism, burglary, flooding, and wind damage can all happen to our properties. What you do next could change how seriously it affects you:

Fire

With the holiday period approaching, most of us are pretty wary of the dangers of fire in the home. Faulty electrics, knocked over candles, and poorly discarded cigarettes can all become incredibly destructive. Smoke damage can spread throughout the house. And if a fire takes hold, you could see significant damage. Once the heat is gone, it’s important to get the insurance company to document everything. Then you can decide to wait for their payout or get started with cleaning up and repainting.

2605236591_0a2d5a6f82_zThanks to Flickr.com for the photo

Vandalism

Spray paint is notoriously difficult to remove, but there are products that can make lighter work of it. If the messages left on your property are offensive, chances are they’re illegal in more ways than one. Make sure you file a report and photographic evidence with your local police force. Your DIY skills may come in handy if fencing is kicked down or windows are smashed. However, it may be best to call a professional team to tackle it, especially if you are insured.

Burglary

Find your home has been broken into can be more distressing than losing the valuables that were stolen. For your own peace of mind, you might choose to make some changes to your home and enjoy a fresh start. Paint the walls, move the furniture around, and invest in new locks. It will help remove reminders of what happened, and you might feel less vulnerable.

Flooding

When it rains, it can really pour! If a lot of rain falls in a short space of time, your home may become flooded. The trouble is, this water that is rising in your home can be full of bacteria and germs that may be harmful to you and your family. You will likely need to move out while the house is treated to a flood damage cleanup by the professionals. The last thing you need is mold developing.

5728197747_d7c2b7c7ee_zThanks to Flickr.com for the photo

Wind Damage

It doesn’t take a tornado to damage your roof and fences. Strong winds can be very destructive. They can blow debris around that may damage your windows too. Once you have identified the damage, it’s important to weatherproof your home again. Use plastic or tarp sheeting to keep the rain out. Board up any windows, and clear any glass away safely. The last thing you want is a sharp shard blowing about in a strong gale. If the roof is damaged, consult a professional roofing expert to confirm it is structurally safe.

Lots of things can go wrong with our houses, but fortunately, such occurrences are rare. Insurance policies usually cover much of the cost of damage when one of the above happens. Make sure you take photos quickly.

Cori's Cozy Corner Disclosure Policy

Easy Ways To Ensure Your Teen Stays Safe When Going Out With Friends!

This post may contain affiliate links.
Thank you for visiting Cori's Cozy Corner! Please make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our E-mails!

When your child becomes a teenager, it can lead to troublesome relationships. After all, they believe they are an adult and want more independence. But at the same time, you want to keep them safe as you know the dangers of the world. So when they do want to go out on their own with friends, it can be a hard one for moms. You don’t want to restrict them as they might rebel. And time with their buddies is great to boost their mood and energy levels. However, you need to ensure they stay safe while out without you. Therefore, here are some easy ways to ensure your teen stays safe when going out with friends.

girl-535877_640Pixabay

Make sure their phone is fully charged

It’s so important that your teen can call you if they have an issue when they are out with friends. Or if it’s an emergency, they need to be able to call the police. Therefore, you need to ensure they go out with their phone fully charged. That way, you know they can make contact if there is an issue. If their phone battery is rubbish, you might want to look into a portable charger. That way, they can quickly charge their battery and make contact. It also stops them from using the excuse their phone died, so they couldn’t contact you! Also, get them to install some form of Find my Phone app. That way, if they don’t come home, you can find out exactly where they are!

   iphone-500291_640Image from Pixabay

Arrange transport for them

Your teen is likely to complain if you offer to drop them off at their destination. After all, it’s ‘uncool’ to be seen with their mom! However, it can be too dangerous for your kid to walk to meet their friends on their own. Therefore, to compromise, you should arrange transport for them. There are so many different apps now such as Uber which lets you sort a ride easily for your teen. And it’s ideal for moms as you will know exactly who is picking them up and you can pay before they go. Also, you can read reviews online so that you know your teen is safely getting to their destination. And you can also arrange a lift back, so they don’t end up getting home too late! Failing this, ask a ‘cool’ cousin or aunt to take them, so you know they will get to their destination safely!

woman-1150568_640Image Credit

Set a curfew  

You need to make sure you set a clear curfew with your teen so that they know what time to come home. Explain to them what will happen if they don’t come back then. After all, they need to understand it’s a privilege they are going out, so they need to be respectful. And as this article says, some cities have a mandatory curfew for teenagers of a particular age. So explain this to your teen as well, so they know it’s crucial to follow the law!

And make sure you know exactly who they are going to meet. You don’t want it to turn out to be someone your teen has never met before. Therefore, make sure you trust the friends they are meeting and stop them from going unless you are confident your teen is telling the truth.

pexels-photo-42389Pexels

Cori's Cozy Corner Disclosure Policy

The Point Of Planning Properly: Why A House Extension Can’t Be Half-Done

This post may contain affiliate links.
Thank you for visiting Cori's Cozy Corner! Please make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our E-mails!

There are few things more rewarding than sitting in a newly-renovated home. Having done all of the work that was needed and looking around you, it all feels worth it. And as we picture doing this, it’s not unlike those episodes of TV shows which open with an intriguing scene. The scene ends, and when the next one begins we see a caption on screen: “Several Weeks Earlier”.

As you contemplate that first scene, you wonder “what happened to get them from where we last saw them to this?”. And as the episode unfolds, questions are slowly answered. When you look at a point in your future, when you’re relaxing and watching TV in a new extension, you need to think about that. Yes, it’s rewarding to be there with all the work done. But how will you get from here to there?

“Several Weeks Earlier”: Get Your Master Plan In Place

The first thing you need to do when you decide to build an extension is ask yourself some basic questions. “What?” is the first one. What is it going to look like? What do you want to put in there? You may have some big plans for it, but are they feasible? You’ll only know when you plan it. So the next questions are the “How?” ones. How much will it cost? How will you get it looking like you want it to look?

danville_planning_commission_-_with_residentProper planning prevents poor performance

Some of the more ambitious plans will involve borrowing to pay for the work required. If you plan to do a lot of the work yourself, then you mostly just need to fund the materials, although you may need a survey carried out. So if you do need to borrow, “Who” are you going to ask for that money? Comparing the amounts you can borrow, and deals you can get, using services like LendingTree is important.

At this stage, you may need to “reality check” your plans. Can you afford all of the things you want? Will you have to make sacrifices, and learn how to do some of the basic work yourself? Compromising so early on may feel like defeat. But it’s a world or two better than being four weeks in and realizing you’re going to need to change plans.

A Few Weeks In: Are Things Going To Plan?

The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry, to semi-quote the poet Robert Burns. It’s a nice way of putting it – you can make what looks like a watertight plan, but does it survive real life? External factors like weather, health and the reliability of people you hire are aspects beyond your control. So if you find that you’re running behind schedule, you may need to amend the plan.

It’s not desirable, for example, to have two teams of workmen in the property at the same time. They may get in each other’s way and spend time arguing about who should be where when. At the same time, the longer you have people working on your house, the more it stands to cost you. So if things are running behind schedule, consider if there are parts of the plan you’re not wedded to. These can be changed or scrapped.

Nearing Completion: Don’t Be Tempted To Rush Now

Athletes, on seeing the finish line, tend to break into a sprint to get there first. If you’ve ever called a business at 4pm on a Friday, you’ll be familiar with the distant tone of voice on the other end. In short, people are prone to see beyond the finish once it is in sight. And this makes them half-do things.

rushing_is_dangerous_any_time_-_any_place_-_nara_-_515318Still true today…

You’ll even find yourself saying it: “Okay then, one final push! Then we can live in this.”. And that’s rather the point. You will be living in it, hopefully for some time. Against that long future, what is a few weeks of work being done right versus a few days rushing it? And certain things – like wiring, plumbing and structural soundness – can’t be rushed. Other things, like painting and finishing, can in that they aren’t safety-focused. But they still matter.

As basic a rule as it is, “do things right” needs to be the motto all the way through. Otherwise, when you look again at that opening scene to the TV show in your head, things won’t look right. Why does one of you have a bandage on your head? Why is the wind blowing in through the wall? What’s on fire? These are not the questions you want to be asking – so ask the right ones now.

Cori's Cozy Corner Disclosure Policy

Why Homemade Food Should Be Your Bread And Butter

This post may contain affiliate links.
Thank you for visiting Cori's Cozy Corner! Please make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our E-mails!

Do you watch a variety of cookery programmes on TV? There’s so many of them that you’re bound not to be at least hooked by one. So why do we reject the advice given to us by these top chefs and still buy ready made meals? The mind boggles.

Convenience is a factor that we must take into account. Yes, you can just microwave your ready meal and it’s on the table after 3 and a half minutes but is there the feeling of great satisfaction in this process? And how do you feel after eating it? Lets face it. You could have had a lovely day of preparing a delicious meal for you and your loved ones. There’s nothing quite like cutting an onion is there? It gets very emotional though at times. Also,have a think about what it’s doing for your body. A ready meal is not only expensive but also contains incredibly high amounts of salt and other doses of unhealthy flavourings whereas D.I.Y cooking is much healthier, cheaper and brings the family together. Only one winner isn’t there?

family-cookingImage by

Homemade cooking has many more advantages too. You’ve done so well in planting those seeds in order for delicious vegetables to grow, so what a waste it would be not to use them in your meals? They will taste fresh and nutritious and why not be inventive and throw those carrots in puff pastry or those runner beans in a stir fry? The choice is yours. This is definitely cooking at its finest. Not only this, but you can creative in your fruit salads and breakfasts. Mix in some seasonal berries to your granola or ripe apples from your tree to your homemade tarte tatin. Just remember to wash them all first!

eating-healthy-foodsImage by

There’s so much technology in cooking that even if there was a splash of misery in the old styles of prepping, they have certainly been taken over now. Save money on your daily loaf purchase by investing in a bread maker. Remember to go online and check out sites like great bread maker reviews before your purchase however. Once you’ve found one that suits your lifestyle, you can make your range of paninis, toasties and even banana bread. Moreover, if you love eating cakes from the local patisserie, then why not try making one of your own. Historically, they used to be an upper class treat but now it’s for everybody’s tastes. Celebrate that by making a lemon drizzle, victoria sponge or a good old chocolate cake and treat your friends and family. If they can’t get enough, maybe you could even sell them at the church fair, the country club or beyond. Spread the word. Be creative. Be imaginative. Who knows what this could lead to? A head chef job perhaps?

Your kitchen will certainly be the talk of the town! You’ll be amazed by what it does to your bank account too. That expensive family trip to Florida may actually be back in the pipeline everyone!

Cori's Cozy Corner Disclosure Policy

Back to Basics – Wonderful Ways to Go a Month Without Using Technology

This post may contain affiliate links.
Thank you for visiting Cori's Cozy Corner! Please make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our E-mails!

As an experiment, you should try a month without technology. Or, at least, as little technology as you can. This is a really important way of showing you the most important things in life. You can get back to basics for a bit and discover the essence of conversation and imagination once again.

It might seem like this is going to be a real struggle, but it’s a worthwhile experiment. You may well find you enrich your life as a result. There are plenty of tips you can use to help you enjoy a tech-free month. This list will also present alternatives to using tech to do things that are important to you.

books-1149959_960_720Image By Pixabay.com

Entertainment

Oh no, you’re thinking, how are you ever going to keep yourself entertained with no technology?! Simple answer, read. Do things you always used to do before you became surgically attached to your phone. Read lots of books and improve your imagination that way. You can also go out walking and have bike rides. Playing sport is another great idea because it’s fun and popular, and it doesn’t require technology to play. Honestly, you’ll be surprised by how much more you appreciate forms of entertainment when you cut your technology usage.

Communicate With People

Ah, communication. The dying art from. It was Albert Einstein who said that once technology surpasses human interaction the world will have a generation of idiots. While it may be unfair to label anyone an idiot, the basis of Einstein’s quote is true. We don’t communicate anymore as human beings, and we’re too quick to hide behind screens. Now that you’re ditching the technology for a month, it may well open your eyes to how little we communicate. If you want to talk to a friend or colleague, forget about Facebook. Don’t text. Pick up the White Pages, find their landline number, and give them a call! You might be surprised by how much you both end up getting out of the experience.

Have a Vacation

Vacation is the perfect time to get away from the stresses of your real life. And you could use some of your tech-free month to take a trip. A tech-free vacation is the best you will ever have, and you should try to take the kids too. Consider something like camping to give you a simpler and more basic view of the world. There are plenty of fun-filled outdoor family activities you could get up to that don’t involve technology of any kind. Why not go hiking and enjoy nature in all it’s splendor? Take the chance to get out there in the wide world and enjoy nature and the sights without using your phone.

14304196042_36a1eb2250_bImage Source

Keep Abreast of Current Events

How can you keep up with news and current affairs without technology? Well, you can read the paper, of course. But, you could also listen to the news on the radio. Sure, the radio is technology, but it’s something that’s barely used anymore. And it’s a definite change from you Googling things! Reading the newspaper and listening to the radio presents you with a great way of keeping abreast of the news and current affairs. And it makes you look at things in a different light without the influence of technology.

So, you see, it is entirely possible to have a great month without having to rely on technology. And you may actually end up enjoying the experiment more than you think. Perhaps this will usher in a new, tech-free focus for you in your life!

Cori's Cozy Corner Disclosure Policy

You’re Moving House! Sorting The Flash From The Trash

This post may contain affiliate links.
Thank you for visiting Cori's Cozy Corner! Please make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our E-mails!

Tomorrow is moving day so you’d better get cracking.You’re starting a brand new life and what better way than to throw some of your old memories away. But which ones do you keep and which are destined for the bottom of the rubbish bin? Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Happy couple in their new home having fun - moving concept

Happy couple in their new home having fun – moving concept

Image by

Let’s start with your bedroom. What things are essential to your new life? You can leave your creaky old bed and the tea stained mattress here. You’ve got a brand spanking new one already at your new house which you can’t wait to jump on. However those extra sheets and pillowcases at the top of your cupboard are a necessity. Dump them in the flash. The wardrobe can also stay behind. It’s hanging off its hinges anyway. However, pick out the clothes from it that you wear regularly and put them in some bin bags. There is no space for those holey underpants unfortunately. What about those bedside table ornaments and all those old documents in your chest of drawers? With the documents, it’s essential to keep important bank statements as well as your passport (obviously) and with the ornaments, well you’ll have to decide which are the ones that hold most personal sentimental value for you. Try to leave big bulky items behind. The moving van is only so big after all and you’re the one who will be carrying the box up and down those flights of stairs.

The bathroom is the next place to go. What should we move from here to the moving van which you hired from a company such as National Van Lines? Unfortunately, you can’t bring your bath or power shower but you’ll need the shower curtain won’t you? Not only is it light but it was new and quite expensive so why not bring it with you? Bring towels, toiletries and toilet paper as well. Yes, they may be cheap but you’ve bought them in bulk and why increase your shopping load even more when you’re there?

What else will you need from round the house? Go into your living room. Well your new place is already furnitured but what about that favourite armchair that you’ve always liked? You’ll have to discuss with your family as well as see if there’s room in the moving van before you dump it in. This is the same for those expensive cabinets in the corner of the room. Maybe you could do a quick sale if there isn’t room in the van but if you do decide to take it, remember to wrap it up safely and securely as you will with your cherished new plasma TV? An essential for the new house. Finally, look into your kitchen. A lot of it will have to stay behind like the cabinets but why not clear what’s inside carefully into bubble wrap and cardboard boxes. Your new kitchen is fully furnitured so you can leave the dishwasher and washing machine behind (Your new ones will work better anyway).

Tired out from all the packing? I bet you are but you definitely deserve your rest. Just remember to wake up in time to the toot toot of your moving van and happy moving!

Cori's Cozy Corner Disclosure Policy

Appy Gardening! Mobile Apps To Help Grow Your Gardening Knowledge

This post may contain affiliate links.
Thank you for visiting Cori's Cozy Corner! Please make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our E-mails!

festival-flags-garden-partywww.pexels.com

Many house chores, such as DIY is always a difficult task to complete if you don’t know your way around a hammer. Likewise, gardening is always a mammoth task. Usually, if you come across a problem you can use Google for an answer, but in doing that, you may not find a reliable source of information. Have you thought about trying gardening apps? There are many available and provide a very reliable amount of information. Here are some that you can try out.

GardenTags

This app is designed specifically for gardening users. It is a social media platform very similar to Instagram. It lets you upload photos of specific plants and then adds them to its encyclopaedia. So after a while, there will be a library of thousands of photos of plants which have been uploaded by users from around the world. You could also add pictures of your garden for other users to enjoy. You can also look at other people’s gardens to get you inspired. Like with the popular social media apps, you can comment, like or share the pictures that you see on your own timeline. This will save you peering around someone’s privacy fencing to take a picture of a flower you don’t recognise and maintain your dignity at the same time!

There are also special themed days on occasion. For example, you are asked to upload images such as vases or just flowers of a specific color. The app is getting upgrades all the time, and the makers are aiming for this to be one of the big apps associated with gardening.

PlantSnapp

This app is reliant on a network of experts from around the UK which gives home gardeners advice around the clock.

So for example, if you have been away somewhere and saw a plant that you didn’t recognize, you can upload a picture, and you will receive an answer within 24 hours. As well as this they will give you a link to where to buy it and advice on how to grow it in your garden.

It also gives you advice on pests and identifying diseases. So if you saw marks on your flowers that you didn’t recognize, the panel of experts is able to offer you advice and support so your mind can be put at ease.

4479584_6e1b3dc4http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4479584

RHS Grow Your Own

This app is for beginners and anybody that is interested in growing your own fruit or vegetables. The basic app is free and covers 39 popular vegetables, which is enough to get you started.

There are also links included so you can buy plants and seeds from reputable sellers. You can also purchase the correct equipment that is needed to grow them.

As well as these functions, harvesting, sowing and growing are covered too. The app will help you choose the right crop based on the amount of space that you have and your expertise. There’s also a calendar function which tells you what to do and when to do it. The calendar is also location aware and can give alerts of possible droughts or frost.

Cori's Cozy Corner Disclosure Policy

Getting The Most Of Every Room. A Study You’ll Want To Spend Time In

This post may contain affiliate links.
Thank you for visiting Cori's Cozy Corner! Please make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our E-mails!

apple-desk-office-workingPexels Image

We all want our home to be perfect. Each room should be kitted out with things you love. The study is often neglected. It can become the junk room, where everything unwanted gets dumped. Having a room like that in can bring down the mood of the whole house. Everything else can be perfect, but having that one room shut off can ruin the whole thing. There’s no need for your study to be like that. Even if it’s not used often, you can still make sure it stays beautiful by stocking it with a few essential items.

A DESK

Getting a good desk is a fantastic place to start. The desk can be the centrepiece of a study, so you might want to get a grand one. Or, you might want a basic desk that takes up as little space as possible. Whatever you choose, getting your desk sorted will be a great help in stocking the rest of the room. Having a desk and computer will invite activity in the room, too.

A COMPUTER

That leads us nicely to the computer. Getting a computer, rather than a laptop, is an excellent way to invite activity to the study. Laptops are fantastic because they’re portable, but remember, you want to spend more time in that unused room! You can’t just take a computer to another room; you’ll have to stick around to use it.

unog_library_filing_cabinetWikimedia Image

STORAGE

The study can also be a perfect place to store important documents. There are many storage systems to consider. Do you want just a basic filing cabinet? Do you want something a little more secure, like a home safe? There are some important things to consider before buying a Home Safe. Doing a little research is sure to help you make up your mind. Either way, make sure you develop a system that works for you. Having papers all over the place is a sure way to put you off going near. Getting them under control will be a great help. Not to mention, it’ll make life a lot easier when it comes to finding those relevant documents.

BOOKCASES

Another fantastic way to optimise your study is by installing bookcases. These can be as simple or elaborate as you would like. If you have an extensive book collection, it’s worth going for something a little larger. After all, you want to keep all those books neat and tidy. If you have a more modest collection, then something smaller should do the trick. Remember, though; bookcases aren’t just useful for storing books. You could use the shelves for storage boxes to keep clutter to a minimum.

However, you go about filling your study, keeping it tidy will be a massive help. Make a conscious effort to spend time in there and it will become an integrated part of your house in no time. The trick to completing a room is to use it! Keep it warm and welcome and you’ll soon love spending time there.

Cori's Cozy Corner Disclosure Policy

You Must Use These Methods to Get Involved with Your Child’s School

This post may contain affiliate links.
Thank you for visiting Cori's Cozy Corner! Please make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our E-mails!

Being involved in your child’s education is vital. You may trust that their school is the best place for them to learn. But even if their teachers can give them the education they deserve, you shouldn’t be completely hands-off. Getting involved with their school and helps them, the school, and other children too. It’s important for parents to be in touch with schools to help them maintain good standards. There are official bodies that do that, but it’s also helpful for parents to put pressure on schools. You need to ensure that they’re helping to solve problems and doing their best for each student. There are many ways to get involved with your child’s schooling. Start by considering the advice below.

Attend an Open House of Parent-teacher Conference

If you’re not sure how to get started, it’s easier than you might imagine. One of the easiest things to do is to go to an open house or a parent-teacher conference. It gives you the opportunity to get to know your child’s school. You can also get familiar with their teachers, and other parents. You might meet your child’s friends too, as well as their parents. It’s the ideal time to start talking to people about getting involved in the school. You can talk to your child’s teacher about any opportunities that are available. You might meet someone from the PTA or get talking to some parents about things you could do.

exeter_high_school_new_hampshireCredit to Austin Blake Grant

Get to Know Your Child’s Teacher

Parent-teacher conferences are good opportunities to meet with your child’s teachers. However, you don’t have to wait for one to talk to them. You can make sure you stay in contact with them about issues that affect your child. It’s especially important if your child has any issues that need addressing. They might need extra support in the classroom or help to improve their social skills. You should feel comfortable approaching their teacher about anything you need to talk about. However, make sure you get a balance between getting to know them and bothering them. They have other parents to deal with too, so they can’t dedicate all their time to you.

Volunteer for Events and Field Trips

If you’re a stay at home parent or have a flexible job, you might consider volunteering for events and trips. Even if you work full-time, you might be able to help with things at the weekends or in the evenings. Just make sure that you have the time to spare. Don’t volunteer for things if there’s a chance you might let everyone down. There could be several things you could volunteer for. You can go on field trips, but remember that will involve supervising children. Not every parent is cut out for watching a group of ten six-year-olds. You can also get involved with things like fundraising events. These include bake sales and similar things.

Attend Events

You don’t have to be on an organizing committee to get involved with events at your child’s school. Even just going to the events is a good way for you to stay in touch with what’s happening. You can observe the efforts the school and parents make to create a community. You’ll have time to talk to other parents and chat with teachers. You will sometimes have the opportunity to see what the students have been doing in the classroom. You can see a school play or perhaps attend a science fair. It might encourage you to be more involved for the next event.

books-education-school-literature-48126Credit to Pexels

Help Out in the Classroom

There are several ways you could consider helping out inside the school too. You might be able to provide assistance during the day if you are able to spare the time. Not all parents can do this, but if you can, it’s a good way to volunteer your time. You might be able to provide classroom assistance. You can help to supervise or set up the classroom for activities. Other places in the school where you could volunteer include the cafeteria and library. You could also be a lunchtime monitor in the playground. The school might ask for volunteers in these positions. If they don’t, you could approach someone to ask if there are any opportunities.

Get Involved with the PTA

Many parents choose to get involved with the parent-teacher association. You can do it in your spare time, so you don’t need to be a stay-at-home parent. However, sometimes it can take up a lot of time, especially if you’re on the committee. Make sure you know what being a member involves before you get started. Being a member can have some excellent benefits. For example, you might have access to a school directory app. This can be extremely useful to help you keep track of events or get in touch with parents and teachers. You can choose to get more involved than most too. Some parents enjoy doing as much as they can to contribute.

bus-school-school-bus-yellow-159658Credit to Pexels

Assist with Clubs After School

If you aren’t able to help out during usual school hours, you could consider helping after school. There are usually a number of extra-curricular activities run at or by the school. One thing you could do is provide tutoring once school is finished. Some schools also have clubs for children who need to stay a little later before they can go home. You can also get involved with a specific activity or club, from sports to science, chess or art club. You might have skills you can contribute or perhaps you can just supervise. This is often easier if you aren’t able to spare your time during the school day.

Share Your Expertise and Experience

Parents often have skills and experience that they can share with students. Many schools have a career day when you can come in and talk about your job. While not everything is exciting to children, it’s a good idea for them to learn about a range of careers. You don’t have to wait for a career day to talk about your job, though. You could share your skills in ways that would be useful to students, teachers and parents. For example, you could volunteer your science knowledge to help at the science fair. You could set up a field trip to your workplace or tutor students in your area of expertise.

Share Your Culture

Sharing your cultural background is also a great way to get involved with your child’s school. It’s especially useful for younger children who are still learning about the world. You might visit the school to talk about a religious festival that you celebrate. Or you could teach your child’s class how to make a favorite dish. These activities are excellent to help students understand each other. They can learn to be sensitive to people’s differences. You could also consider offering language lessons for both parents and pupils. They could be both in English or another language.

board-928381_640Credit to geralt

Monitor Your Child’s Homework

Being involved with your child’s school can also mean making an effort closer to home. Children can come home with homework from a young age, and it’s important to know what they’re given. Helping them with their homework helps you to keep in touch with what they’re working on. Every parent has a different style for helping their child with their homework. Some sit with them while they work, while others check it over when they’re finished. The important thing to do is keep an eye on how much they get and what they’re working on. You might want to discuss any issues with the school, or perhaps with other parents.

Help to Address Problems in the School

No school is perfect. There can often be issues that come up that students or parents are unhappy with. It’s important that parents feel empowered to deal with these problems. Sometimes, it’s also appropriate to encourage pupils to work on resolving issues on their own. Getting involved with your child’s school means addressing the negatives, as well as joining in with the positive aspects. This might involve getting some parents together to campaign for something. Or it could just mean setting up a meeting with your child’s teacher or even the principal to have a talk.

Help Out from Home

Not everyone is able to attend school events or be there during the day. If you work full-time, you can still offer your help from home. For example, you could volunteer to make costumes for the school play. You might use your time to edit the school’s newsletter or bake some cakes you can send in for the bake sale. You don’t have to be at the school all the time to make a contribution. However, it is helpful if you’re able to make an appearance on occasion. You can make sure everyone knows your face, as well as your name.

Get involved with your child’s school to help give them a better education and experience. It’s good for you too, especially if you’re a stay at home parent.

Cori's Cozy Corner Disclosure Policy