Archives for December 2017

DuckTales and Tangled On DVD December 12th PLUS FREE Activities For Kids

December 8, 2017 By
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DuckTales – Woo-oo! & Tangled The Series: Queen for a Day arrive on DVD December 12th. Below are some fun FREE activities for both.

DuckTales Woo HooDuckTales – Woo-oo!

From defying danger to solving mysteries, chart a course for action-packed thrills with DuckTales “Woo-oo!”

The high-flying fun begins when Donald Duck reluctantly takes his mischief-making nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie to McDuck Manor, stately home of their rich, reclusive, great-uncle Scrooge McDuck. Enthralled by the exploits of their once-legendary great-uncle, the triplets and their fearless new friend Webby unwittingly unleash secret totems from Scrooge’s epic past, launching the entire family on a daring, deep-sea quest for the Lost City of Atlantis.

David Tennant (“Doctor Who”) as Scrooge McDuck, Danny Pudi (“Community”) as Huey, Ben Schwartz (“Parks and Recreation”) as Dewey, Bobby Moynihan (“Saturday Night Live”) as Louie, Kate Micucci (“Garfunkel and Oates”) as Webby Vanderquack, Beck Bennett (“Saturday Night Live”) as Launchpad McQuack, Toks Olagundoye (“Castle”) as Mrs. Beakley and Tony Anselmo (“Mickey Mouse”) as Donald Duck.

Download DuckTales Woo-oo! Activities

Tangled Queen DVDTangled The Series: Queen for a Day

The fate or Corona hangs in the balance when Rapunzel faces the ultimate test in “Queen for a Day.”

When the King and Queen leave town, Rapunzel is set to lead. However, when a blizzard threatens to destroy Corona, the Princess is faced with some tough decisions.

Mandy Moore as Rapunzel; Zachary Levi as Eugene, Eden Espinosa as Cassandra; Jeremy Jordan as Varian; Clancy Brown as King Frederic and Julie Bowen as Queen Arianna.

Download Tangled The Series - Queen for a Day Activities

Filed Under: Disney, Entertainment, Family Fun, Movies, Movies Tagged With: , ,
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What To Do If You’re Struggling With Addiction

December 8, 2017 By
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Don’t feel bad or ashamed if you’re battling addiction. It’s more common than you think and you’re not alone. Don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Stay focused on what you can do to get better and all the people who care about you.

There’s no need to run and hide. At a time like this, you need to be open and start talking about your problems. There are steps you can take to help you get healthy and back on your feet. You don’t have to suffer any longer. See what to do if you’re struggling with addiction.

Admit there’s A Problem

Start by admitting to yourself that there’s a problem and you recognize that you’re not in a good place. It’ll be hard, but it’s a necessary step in the process. This alone will help you see that while you may be afraid, being honest with yourself is always the right way to go. Write it down if you have to or say it in the mirror. You have to truly believe that you’re not well. You have to want to find a solution that’s going to get you to a better place in your life.

Remain Hopeful

This isn’t a time to talk down to yourself or beat yourself up. You need to focus on remaining hopeful that you’ll get through this, no matter what it takes. Hope allows you to see that there are multiple exit paths available to you and that with a little hard work you’ll be able to locate them just fine. Find the light at the end of the tunnel and focus your energy there. Don’t let your mind wander to thinking about what could go wrong and why you’re not good enough to go through with fighting this battle.

Find Support

You’ll definitely want to find support at a time like this. You’re going to be facing a lot of confusion, hardship and difficult emotions that you’ll want to share with someone else and not have to process alone. Find a trusted friend or family member to talk to and let them in on what’s going on. Tell them what you need from them and see if they’d be interested in stepping up and helping you. It’s a good idea to find someone who you can call if you’re feeling uneasy or are having any cravings.

Get Help

It’s never too late to get professional help. Check yourself into a facility like Muse Treatment where they specialize in helping those suffering from addiction. Their inpatient drug rehab program prides itself on a safe experience to recover and adjust to a new life in sobriety, while allowing clients to maintain a strong sense of integrity and individuality. Their facility provides a program that covers therapy and discovery, relapse prevention and education and brain training. This may be exactly what you need to get over the hump and be on your way to a healthy lifestyle.

Focus on the Positives

While there’s going to be a temptation to see the negative that’s been brought to life from your addiction, you have to stay positive. Your brain is already suffering from addiction and doesn’t need any more harmful and destructive thought patterns lingering. Read stories of success and uplifting quotes to get you through the rough patches. Start a gratitude journal and record all you’re grateful for each day and read it continuously. Your mind needs all of the optimism it can get right now and positive thinking skills it’s what’s going to help you succeed at a time like this.

Build A New Lifestyle

There’s so much to experience and enjoy once you get clean. Focus your energy on rebuilding. Think about all that can be, and the potential you now have. Review your strengths and what you do bring to the table. Begin dreaming about a job you desire, where you want to live and who you want to be a part of your journey. Picture and visualize all that could be and put your energy into setting and reaching your new goals. This will help you want to overcome the addiction because you’ll see how much it’s been holding you back once you have a clear head.

Surround yourself with People who understand

It’s extremely difficult to battle addiction alone. You need people who are going to pick you up when you’re feeling down and not judge you no matter how bad it gets. This is a great time to choose new friends and keep the ones who’ve always been there for you. Surround yourself with people who are cheering for you to heal and love you. Distance yourself from anyone who makes your recovery harder and doesn’t have your best interests at heart. Going through a tough situation like this will quickly reveal who those people are.

Adopt new Coping Skills

The way you’ve always coped with stress wasn’t healthy. You need to come up with new ways to deal with the hardships of life. Listen to music, exercise and start opening up more to people who you trust. Developing new coping skills is essential to staying sober and not letting your addiction creep back into your life. Come up with a long list of ideas that you can turn to when you’re feeling anxious or stressed out. Keep a journal and write down what works for you and what doesn’t, so you can adjust accordingly. You’ll soon realize that you don’t need destructive behaviors to enjoy your days. You can live a sober life and still have fun.

Conclusion

Addiction is no easy feat. While you have a long road ahead of you, you can overcome it with the right tools in place. Focus on the end goal and what your life can look like when you stay clean. Don’t let roadblocks and obstacles get you down. Gather a good support system and only allow positive thoughts to consume you. This is what to do if you’re struggling with addiction.

Filed Under: Health, Fitness, Weightloss, and Wellness
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How Parents Can Be Truly Present For Their Children

December 8, 2017 By
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Children need their parents, but they especially need their parents to be full present for them. Just being in the room isn’t always enough – you need to engage and enjoy your children too. That can be hard, particularly if you work as well as run the household. Yet, it’s essential to truly bond with your kids. Here are some excellent and easy ways to ensure that you spend quality time with your children, and you’re present for all of it.

Get Enough Sleep

The average perfect number of hours of sleep per night for an adult is seven. That will change depending on the individual – some need more, some less – but in general, seven hours is what you should be aiming for. That can be hard to achieve; once the kids are in bed, that’s your time, and you want to make the most of it, which is why parents tend to go to bed late, and get up early, before the kids, to make sure everything is ready for them. While that’s fine for a few days at a time, the best thing to do is to go to bed early two or three times a week. Getting enough sleep will mean you are much more productive in the work you do, and it will take you less time to do it. It will also mean that you are less easily distracted. Added together, that ensures that when you spend time with your children after getting enough sleep, you’ll be present for them, not just wearily participating.

Put The Phone Down

It’s true that our smartphones have become the ultimate distraction in the 21st century. They are the ideal way to stop worrying about the here and now, and to occupy your mind for a minute or two. Plus, they mean that work is never far away – you can always check in with the office, and you can always be contacted. Neither of those things is healthy when you want to be truly present for your kids. Put the phone away. Leave it in another room. Turn it off completely. The same goes for the TV, the tablet, the laptop… If you are going to be with your children, be with your children; you don’t need the apps and the emails as well.

Look At Your Children

It can be tempting – and we’ve all done it – not to look at your child when they ask you a question. If you’re doing the dishes or writing an email or folding laundry, or any of the other myriad jobs that have to be done, and you’re asked a question, you answer. You don’t turn around. You don’t look into your child’s face. Yet, it’s important that you do. It might be a hard habit to get into, but ensuring that you look at your child when they speak to you, and fully engage when you answer is extremely important. If you really are too busy to do that, then ask them to wait, and then make time to go to them to help them with their question. Looking at your child as they speak to you will reassure them that their thoughts and ideas really do matter to you.

Be Good To Yourself

If you’re not looking after yourself, you can’t look after your children either. Kids are hard work – they are tiring, they are exhausting. So you need to be in tip top shape to get through each day. If you’re feeling run down or unwell, you need to rest and recover. If that means asking a friend or family member to help you out, so be it. It’s not a sign of weakness, and you’re certainly not saying you can’t cope, but you do need to concentrate on getting healthy again so that you can be a more present parent. If the problem is larger than feeling exhausted and run down, or a virus or cold, and you feel you need professional help, don’t be afraid to check into The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake. Kicking an addiction is something that is absolutely imperative if you want to be able to take care of your children in the best possible way.

Join In

It’s easy to think you’re being present because you’re in the same room as your kids, watching their fun. If you weren’t there, though, would it make a difference to their day? Possibly not. If that’s the case, it’s more important that you join in with their game. Get off the side lines and get involved – it’s a lot more fun, and you’ll stop worrying about everything else that’s going in if you truly engage with the play time that is happening in the here and now. Live in the moment, just like your children do, and it will open up some wonderful opportunities to make the best memories.

Plan Ahead

Not every parent can simply stop their work and be with their kids. It’s perfectly normal, in fact, to want to earn a living. So the key here is to plan ahead. If there is a holiday coming up, make sure you have time put aside to be with your children. If there is a school play or soccer match or swim meet, plan to be there. Sometimes you just won’t be able to, but if you can plan your life around these important events, you and your children will feel much happier.

Find The Simple Things

Conversely, not every present moment needs to be planned. Think of a car journey to the store, for example. You could just have your kids in the back on their tablets, you listening to the radio, and not a word spoken for the whole journey. Or you could take the time to look out of the window, point things out like rainbows or animals or funny shaped clouds, and start up a conversation or a game. That’s being present – and it makes a chore much more interesting.

 

Filed Under: Parenting
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5 Tips for Keeping Your Sanity While Raising Children

December 8, 2017 By
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Raising children is one of the most wonderful and rewarding things you can ever do in your life. Each day you get to watch them grow, learn, and become their own unique being. Now let’s keep things real, raising kids is also a test of your sanity. You’ll be pushed to the brink time and time again and somehow you’ll need to find a way to stay calm, keep things in perspective, and not totally lose it.

Because being a parent is arguably the hardest job there is, a little help is usually welcome. With that in mind here are five tips that you can use that will help keep your sanity while you raise your kids.

Choose Your Battles Wisely

As a parent there are going to be all kinds of things that drive you crazy. This is why it’s important to really choose your battles and not sweat the small stuff. If you find yourself gearing up for an argument why not stop, take a moment and ask yourself if it’s really worth it.

As long as your child isn’t in a serious or dangerous situation, often it’s better to let them go ahead with their actions and learn a valuable lesson through first-hand experiences. By doing this you avoid a fight, you don’t end up getting worked up, and chances are the child is going to learn a lot more from their experience over a fight with their parent.

Find a Creative Outlet

Even if you aren’t a creative person by nature, finding a creative way to get out your emotions can be extremely helpful. Maybe that means taking a painting or pottery class, perhaps it involves writing in a journal on a daily basis, or maybe you want to keep things light and create your very own digital comic through RageMaker.net.

Carve Out Time for Yourself

Parents are notorious for giving all their time and energy to their children, leaving very little if any extra steam for themselves. While your children are certainly deserving of your time and attention, you deserve time for yourself to do the things you love too. That could be making sure you leave time to enjoy a book on the couch, getting together with a friend for coffee, relaxing in a bubble bath, or anything else that allows you to relax and focus on you.

Don’t Worry About the House Being Spotless

Before you had kids you were probably able to live in a spotless house that was organized and presentable at all times. Kids certainly change that and suddenly that spotless house is a thing of the past. Again it’s not something to sweat. There is nothing wrong with a little mess, just keep it within reason. It’s also a good idea to teach the kids early on while they are still very young that they need to be cleaning up.

Take Up Exercising

If you’ve never really been the type to work-out, now is the time to change your perspective. Including regular daily exercise of 30 minutes or more will do wonders for your energy level, your mood, and your personal health.

Parenting is never an easy job but that’s exactly what it’s so rewarding. Finding ways to stay sane can help make the path a whole lot more enjoyable.

Filed Under: Parenting
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Why Health Insurance Isn’t A Waste Of Money

December 8, 2017 By
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Health insurance; it’s just another wasted expense, right? The way the majority of Americans put it, you would think it to be the case. After all, large quantities of people pay for it year in, year out and don’t make a claim. That’s thousands of dollars every twelve months for a backup plan. No wonder so many US citizens don’t have coverage.

But, because it is expensive and doesn’t always pay out doesn’t mean it’s arbitrary. In fact, health insurance is one of the most important purchases any adult can have in the United States. Why? Why don’t you take a look at the following to find out more?

The Health Service Isn’t Free

Unlike many countries in Europe, the US doesn’t have a national, regulated health service. Sure, the NHS may not be a shining example of public health care, but at least it exists. As such, people in Britain, as long as they are citizens, can walk into any hospital in the country and get treatment free of charge. Americans don’t have this luxury as average people don’t have enough money to afford healthcare. Therefore, an insurance policy is essential to cover any and all ailments which you may have now and in the future. Over the course of a year, it’s better to pay in monthly installments than to pay a lump sum upfront. Even if you are rich and healthy, it’s a risk that isn’t worth taking.

Medical Emergencies Can Bankrupt You

The reason everyone has health insurance, including the rich, is because of the cost of treatment. A general consultation can cost upward of $100 depending on the length and seriousness of the visit. So, medical procedures can exceed thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. Now, you don’t have this money lying around the house stuffed under a mattress, because, well you’re not an investment banker. And, even if you did, you would rather someone else pick up the tab. The great news is that insurance companies pay the bill on your behalf. All you have to do is keep up with the policy payments and they will always have your back. As an American, it’s nice to know a medical emergency won’t impact your finances as well as your health.

It’s Mandatory For Obamacare

President Trump may be trying to dismantle everything Obama did, but he hasn’t succeeded yet. Until such point the Republicans repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, it will stand strong. Designed to help people who couldn’t afford healthcare, Obamacare subsidizes treatment for the poor. However, there is one caveat which everyone should understand: an insurance policy is mandatory. Without one, you will face fines and the cost of looking after your health will rise. Don’t worry because the system is designed to cut insurance expenses, so there should be a policy for everyone. A tip to remember is that health shares and health insurance are not the same things. As a rule, look for a premium that is affordable but that also provides comprehensive coverage. Consumers Advocate is full of reviews and information regarding health insurance making it a fantastic resource to use for research.

It Covers Malpractice

The idea that doctors and nurses are infallible is wrong. Like everyone else, they make mistakes and their mistakes are heightened because your health is at risk. No one wants to sue, but sometimes it’s the only option when the medical professionals were negligent. Of course, you don’t need insurance to sue anyone, including doctors and nurses. But, a comprehensive insurance policy makes a medical malpractice lawyer more affordable. As long as it is included in the terms and conditions, the agreement will cover the costs of an attorney. Considering a quality lawyer is expensive, it is a savvy move to include the clause in an insurance policy. Also, your medical malpractice coverage will help should the person in question not have insurance. It’s unlikely, but it’s a nice backup plan nonetheless.

The Price Is Flexible

There is no doubt that the main reason people don’t have coverage is the high cost. However, something most Americans don’t realize is that the price is flexible if you are smart. It’s worth noting insurance companies don’t accept payment plans and want their money as soon as possible. Still, it’s possible to structure the policy so that the cost is low and doesn’t break the bank. For example, a high deductible is an option. The way it works is that you pay until you hit the deductible, and the insurance company pays the rest. This is just one method, but there are dozens more.

Although it seems like a waste, health insurance is essential.

 

Filed Under: Money Matters
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Ferdinand In Theaters December 15

December 7, 2017 By
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My girls and I are so excited for Ferdinand to arrive in theaters December 15th. I didn’t even know my girls knew who John Cena was and that this movie was even “on their radar” since they’re getting older but they saw a commerical and asked to see it. It looks like a great family movie so I can’t wait to take them. Tickets for this wonder-bull movie are now available! Click here to purchase your advance tickets!

Synopsis: “Ferdinand” tells the story of a giant bull with a big heart. After being mistaken for a dangerous beast, he is captured and torn from his home. Determined to return to his family, he rallies a misfit team on the ultimate adventure. Set in Spain, Ferdinand proves you can’t judge a bull by its cover.

From Blue Sky Studios and Carlos Saldanha, the director of “Rio” and inspired by the beloved book “The Story of Ferdinand” by Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson, “Ferdinand” is a heartwarming animated comedy adventure with an all-star cast that includes John Cena, Kate McKinnon, Gina Rodriguez, Anthony Anderson and many more.

Directed by: Carlos Saldanha

Cast: John Cena, Kate McKinnon, Gina Rodriguez, Daveed Diggs, Gabriel Iglesias, Bobby Cannavale, David Tennant, Anthony Anderson, Flula Borg, Sally Phillips, Boris Kodjoe, Jerrod Carmichael, Raúl Esparza, Karla Martínez, Miguel Ángel Silvestre.

Get a sneak peak at the film with these brand new clips from Blue Sky Entertainment and 20th Century Fox!

Watch the John Cena “Intern For a Day” video here:

john cena

Be sure to check out John Cena reading the “The Story of Ferdinand” to students at the Library of Congress HERE: https://www.facebook.com/poststyle/videos/10155256732608412/
ICYMI: Got the Ferdinand feels? Try out the new FERDINAND Facebook mask now! fox.co/IAmFerdinandHorns
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We were sent this adorable ornament craft. While we celebrate Chanukah so we don’t have a Christmas tree, this ornament is adorable and it’s now sitting on our entertainment center. Thank you Blue Sky Studios! 🙂
ferdinand collage

FERDINAND Official Channels
OFFICIAL SITE: FerdinandMovie.com
FACEBOOK: www.Facebook.com/FerdinandMovie
TWITTER: www.Twitter.com/FerdinandMovie
INSTAGRAM: www.Instagram.com/FerdinandMovie
HASHTAG: #Ferdinand
Filed Under: Entertainment, Fox Entertainment, Movies, Movies Tagged With: ,
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4 Ways To Have Healthy Fun With Your Child

December 7, 2017 By
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In a world where technology is gradually dictating our lives, most of us have forgotten what genuine happiness is like. Our stressful lives are also shadowing those of our children’s. Being introduced to technology at a very early age, they are addicted to technology in no time. In a scenario like this, it is very important to take up some tasks along with our children that act as stress busters to us, even while nourishing the psychological well-being of kids and connecting to our roots. So here are few such tasks, which will enable you to have a healthy yet happy time with your little ones:

  1. Gardening: It is one of those hobbies, which relaxes our entire being and is very therapeutic. Studies show that gardening significantly reduces cortisol levels, thereby improving our mood. Introducing your child to this activity gives them a learning experience. It makes them relax and helps them stay focused, which in turn improves their memory and concentration. Most importantly, both of you can have loads of fun while spending quality time with each other.
  2. Pets: Raising a pet is a very good choice as it becomes an excellent companion to your child. In addition, the task of taking care of the pet will make them empathetic, will teach them to be responsible, and will also help them socialize. For adults, engaging with the pet helps lower their blood pressure, stress and anxiety levels. It will also pull you up from depression. Choose a pet that is compatible with your home. Cats, for example, are best suited for those who prefer less action in their lives. Dogs, on the other hand, are for livelier homes. You also have other choices like fish and birds, or you can go for exotic pets like ferrets. For more information on different types of pets, you can check online sites like petsarethebest.net.
  3. Nature outings: It can be as inexpensive as a park or a picnic in some beautiful place. Spending time in nature is good for the well-being of you and your child. Teaching your child to appreciate and respect nature will help them develop a sense of responsibility towards it, which is extremely essential for the present generation.
  4. Nurture their talents: Teach them what you know. It could be a musical instrument, singing, dancing, cooking, crafts or even games you played as a child. Make sure it is something you both enjoy. Don’t be overzealous and stress your child towards perfection. Do not forget that the main objective is to spend fun time together. Alternatively, you and your child can take an activity you both are new to and learn with each other. That will be even more fun.

These tasks maybe sometimes bland and boring in the beginning, but when you remember the motive behind them, you can make ways to convert them into fun-filled activities. Remember spending quality time with your child is as important as working hard for them.

 

 

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Ways To Get More Involved With Your Kids

December 7, 2017 By
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Growing up isn’t easy for anyone. As a parent, you struggle to keep the household together and stay current with your children’s happenings. Kids, on the other hand, are also going through their own growing pains and trying to figure out how to deal with life’s ups and downs.

One way to help cut any tension is to get closer to your kids and make a promise to yourself to be closer to them. Not having the time or being too busy are only excuses. You have to make being a bigger part of their lives a priority. Have practical ideas in mind to implement, and by doing so, it will help you reach your goal. See ways to get more involved with your kids.

Cook & Gather for Family Dinner

Invite your children to cook a meal with you. Let them help every step of the way. Pick the dish, go to the grocery store and prepare the food together. Select a night everyone will be home and available to sit down as a group for a family dinner. Cooking the meal will be a great bonding experience, and you can continue to talk and catch up while you eat. Make it a regular occurrence and use the activity as a way to grow closer to your kids.

Coach their Sports Team

Get more involved with your kids by coaching one of their sports teams. Pick an activity you and your kids both enjoy and offer to help manage the group. Come to the table with good ideas related to drills and ways to increase comradery amongst the kids. One thought is to use the Custom Center online to order custom patches for everyone on the team. There’s always room in the world for another well-designed patch. For groups, clubs and organizations around the world, custom patches are powerful symbols of affiliation. Group members display their patches on jackets, vests, shirts and uniforms with great pride.

Invite them on Walks

Exercise is good for you and an activity like walking helps promote an environment to start an engaging conversation. Invite your kids on walks with you and see how quickly the words start flowing. Let them choose a path in the neighborhood that they want to explore and be there with them as you embark on a new journey outside. Inviting them along to get fresh air also makes the experience less lonely for you. It’s okay to walk in silence too, sometimes just being together is enough.

Attend School Functions

All it takes to get closer to your kids is to show them you care. You can tell them all you want, but it means a lot to them when you show up at their activities, hobbies and school functions. Stay on top of it by keeping a calendar related to school functions, so you have no excuse not to attend when the date rolls around. You’ll likely enjoy yourself and will get to meet other parents who struggle with the same obstacles as you do.

Schedule Time on the Calendar

You’re busy, and your calendar fills up fast, so that’s why it’s up to you to make sure you set aside time during the week and on weekends to spend time with your kids. It’s important to establish these moments with your kids and help keep them out of trouble. Create a regular family game night or a day that’s designed for you and your children to play and have fun. Make it a point to mark down who, what, where and when, so there are no hesitations when the time comes to be more involved with your kids.

Volunteer Together

One way to spend time with your kids and help your local community or school is to volunteer together. Sit down and talk to your children about the benefits of volunteering and why it’s important. Entice them to want to help out by letting them know you’ll take them out for ice cream or a movie when you’re all done. Check out a bake sale at the school or go serve food at a local shelter. It’s a great opportunity to teach your children responsibility and get closer to them.

Practice Work-Life Balance

It’s going to be difficult to get more involved with your kid’s lives if you’re always working. Be home for your kids when they return from school if possible, or at least shortly after. Set boundaries at work and home to enforce strict limits on your availability. Make spending quality time with your kids a priority, and you’ll find it’s easier to do so when you’re committed. It’ll be nearly impossible to juggle working late all the time and being a parent who’s available to build deeper relationships with the kids. You can’t have it all, so pick and choose wisely where you spend your time.

Ask the Right Questions

You’re the parent, and it’s perfectly okay to ask questions about where they’re going and who they’re with. Don’t let your kids make you feel uncomfortable or bad for wanting to pry into their business a bit. Make it a point to meet your children’s friends and parents, so you know who they’re hanging out with and what they’re up to. Being too busy to have these sort of talks or looking the other way may come back to bite you in the end. Involve yourself with what your kids are doing and be aware of their interests and how they’re spending their time when you’re not around.

Conclusion

As the parent, it’s up to you to initiate conversations and activities that are going to help you become closer to your kids. Don’t be afraid to keep trying if you’re finding the process difficult at first. Building better relationships with your children takes time and patience. Keep letting them know that you’re there for them and show how much you care by inserting yourself in their life. These are ways to get more involved with your kids.

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Four Easy Steps To Finding Your Perfect Home

December 4, 2017 By
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It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. And where you choose to live can have a huge impact – on your health, your life prospects and your happiness. But too often buying a home is something that gets rushed into. You’re keen to begin your new life, you find a property you like the look of and before you know it, a sale is going through. But before you get to that point, take a minute to consider the following points and really make sure that this is a home that will serve you well for years to come:

Find out what ‘perfect’ means to you

Everyone’s idea of the ideal home is different, so make sure your not too influenced by homes magazines and eager realtors. Go into the process knowing exactly what perfect means to you. Make sure you browse plenty of real estate websites to find your ideal fit, from oceanside apartments in Miami ( see https://sofiacoralgables.com for some beautiful views) or cabins in the Black Mountains of North Carolina (the properties at http://eaglesnestatbannerelk.com/available-properties/ are unreal).

Decide on a budget

Now before you view any homes, it’s vital to have a clear idea of your budget. Make sure you’ve compared mortgage lenders and approach a few to see what amounts and rates you’ll be able to get. With this new knowledge, fine tune your preferences. You may not be able to stretch to a mansion, but you can certainly find a home in your dream situation.

Could you remodel?

If a home isn’t immediately appealing to you, consider whether you could make it your dream home with a remodel. They don’t always have to be drastic- sometimes a coat of paint, and new windows and exterior doors can facelift a tired house in the right location. Or if the layout is wrong, could you reconfigure it? Take down walls, add an extension? Try to see possibilities. The one thing you can’t change is where it is, so if that’s right, what else could you adapt? Most things can be changed- you just need to make sure that the agreed sale price leaves enough over in your budget to get the works done- you may have to learn to negotiate!

Do your research

Even a dream home can turn into a nightmare if you make unexpected discoveries during or after purchase. So make sure you get a real feel for the neighbourhood. Visit at different times of the day to see if the noise or traffic throws up anything unexpected. Check out any local planning applications to learn about new developments that could change the feel of the areas. Use the internet to research demographic information about house sale prices, school performance and crime rates. If you can, chat to some locals and get a feel for the area. Only then can you know that you’ve truly found your ideal new home.

Take your time, consider all the different factors and you really can find your forever home to invest in.

Filed Under: For The Home
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Making History Interesting On Vacation

December 4, 2017 By
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When you go on vacation with the kids, it can often feel like you’re dragging them around. Unless you give up and go on a kid’s break, it can be impossible to make your child enjoy their holiday. Thankfully, though, this doesn’t mean you have to succumb to a vacation based around play. Instead, you just have to make the history on your holiday a lot more interesting, and this post is here to help you do it.

Choose The Right Landmarks: The very first part of this is choosing the landmarks you’ll be visiting. Most people will find it hard to decide where to go using appearance alone. Instead, using the right factors, you can base this decision on the logic and thought. Along with this, though, you should also do some research along the way.

 

  • The Kids: First, you have to consider what you children will enjoy, especially if you’re going to historical places. For example, a child will prefer a battleground over a museum, as this will give them more to imagine. To understand what they might like, it could be worth looking at some options like with the kid.

 

  • The Knowledge: Along with the people the place is aimed at, you should also consider the sort of knowledge it will be spreading. In some cases, you won’t be interested in one war over another, and this will make it hard to enjoy it. Always make sure to read through some of the information before setting off. A lot of the time, people don’t realise quite how bad the service stations are.

Work Together: When you’re on holiday, the learning everyone’s doing doesn’t rely on age. Instead, you get the chance to work together on your education, with the kids helping you to solve the issues you can’t do on your own. You can give your kids a very strong drive to learn on their vacations if you trick them into enjoying it. Of course, though, you will also have to think about how much you enjoy this sort of vacation, as well.

Use Good Tours: Finally, as the last area to think about, the professionals you rely on for your vacation will be very important. Click here to take a look at some of the offerings you have, along with doing some research for yourself. Not a lot of people realize how much a tour can enhance their vacation. But, with the right effort, you could find an example which lets you get to know the place very well.

Hopefully, this post will inspire you to start working harder on the time you put into your historical holidays. Kids will always put up a fight when they have to learn out of school. But, with the right effort, you can make sure that they enjoy this sort of trip, embracing it more than they ever take to their education.

Filed Under: Travel
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