Category Archives: Parenting & Family

Family Time: Awesome Hobbies You Can Share With Your Kids

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Spending time with your kids is always full of new memories you will use to “embarrass” them in front of their friends. However, nothing can replace those moments and you will always feel as though they grew up too quickly. Instead of waiting for the perfect time to have family time, you can be more proactive and create your own.

Hobbies are one of the gratifying and easiest ways to have not only fun but also spend quality time with your family. Kids love the new and interesting stuff, and it won’t take you long to find something that will interest you all. In order to help, we prepared the list of possible hobbies you can share with your kids. So choose one and make those memories every parent likes to share at social gatherings.   

Take lessons together

There must be something you think you missed to learn when you were a kid. Having kids is a perfect time to make up for that perceived lost time. For example, take language lessons together or attend a drawing class. This will give you a unique opportunity to not only learn something new but also teach your kid how to be a responsible student.

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Some other fun experiences could be to learn how to make origami or pottery class since kids like making stuff. However, whatever you choose make sure your child is interested to learn since otherwise, it will only be a one-sided amusement.  

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Grow plants in the garden

If you have an outdoor space, turn it into the garden and start planting together with your kids. They like getting dirty and you can even get them gardening tools specifically intended for kids. You will both spend an amusing time choosing what to plant and how to organize your garden.

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This is also an educational moment when you can teach them about food and importance of environment in human life. Digging the soil will help them release the energy and observing the growing process will make them feel important

Explore nature

Going on hikes is not only healthy but will also give you the chance to talk with your kid away from the city chaos. Nature is maybe a usual choice for family time, but it is always full of options and opportunities.

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You can play sports on the lawn or jog in the park, as well as having a picnic time during weekends and start a family tradition. You can show your kids the meaning of nature in human life while allowing them to dazzle you with their imagination about faraway lands among the greenery.   

Fun time with music

If you know how to play an instrument, don’t impose it on your kid, but rather let them get to know all the choices together with you. First off, introduce them to the instrument. For example, visiting piano sales with a child is an enjoyable way to show them what it’s all about. Watch concerts with them or take them to one.  

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Turn it into a family thing to regularly attend certain concerts and musical happenings. If you want, you can also learn to play the same instrument with your kid. That would take this family time hobby to a whole different level and make the experience more memorable.

 Start a collection together

Kids like to collect things like napkins and toys. This is a wonderful occasion to wake up the child inside and start a collection together with your kid. It’s never too late to be geeky, so team up with your kid and start some interesting collections together.  

There are also fairs and festivals dedicated to certain collecting interests, so you can go there together, have fun and expand your collection. It’s always nice to meet fellow collectors and it will only help your child and you bond even more.

In the end

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The most important thing you have to do before starting a hobby with your kids is to listen to them. They will already show interest in certain things and you can help them broaden their knowledge by being supportive. Additionally, sharing a hobby will also teach you more about your children and make you, even more, a part of their growing up.

 

Safety Solution For Your Vehicle Save The Lives Of Children & Pets

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I am very excited to talk to you all today, as there has finally been a technical breakthrough in protecting children and pets from being run over by vehicles or equipment.

Our friends North of us in Canada have developed a revolutionary way of protecting people, environment, and assets. This Canadian company is called National Safety Solutions, and they have patented the Start Right Safety Device. Now that they have completed all their vigorous testing of the prototypes National Safety Solutions is proud to say that they have begun manufacturing in Vancouver, Canada.


The device operates like this; when the driver or operator of any type of vehicle jumps in and starts the engine an 85-decibel alarm sounds within 5 seconds, for those of you unsure of how loud this is, it is comparable to a food blender (88db) or a Vacuum Cleaner (70db). Once the alarm has sounded the driver knows immediately that they have forgotten to walk around the vehicle and ensure that kids or pets are not playing behind, around or even under the vehicle or leaving hazards such as bikes, or skateboards that are out of sight of the back up camera (if your vehicle has one).

With the alarm sounding, the driver turns the vehicle off and takes a small handheld Scanner and proceeds to pass the Scanner over each strategically place Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags usually on each corner of the vehicle. When you have completed these steps, the driver returns to the driver seat and turns the ignition on. The Scanner connects with a few quick beeps to the Data Logger inside the vehicle, and the alarm will not sound. This device has taken the complacency out of drivers that never look around the vehicle or the drivers that solely rely on their mirrors and back-up cameras. In our busy lives we all make a very common mistake, that is not making sure it is safe to move or vehicles. So many folks have done this and now live with the grief of being responsible for one of these horrific accidents. Nothing will ever replace the simple ‘feet on the ground’ approach to ensuring that your vehicle is safe to move.

If you could take a minute to check out KIDSANDCARS.org http://www.kidsandcars.org/ you will see just how often this really happens. I am sure many people have said ‘It would never happen to me’, ‘I have a back up camera’ or ‘I checked my mirrors I know it is safe to go’! How many of us really think about if it is safe to move our vehicles? I know I look for the obvious when sitting in the driver’s seat but after following up with the website of KIDSANDCARS.org, I now realize how big the blind spots really are while sitting in my vehicle. This has been a huge eye opener for me, therefore I envision this safety device to be on all types of vehicles and equipment, from personal vehicles, school buses, government cars and trucks, as well as many industrial and commercial applications.

The folks at National Safety Solutions tell me that if there is enough interest in their product within the USA then they will begin manufacturing the Start Right Safety Device right here in America. It is always nice to say, ‘Made in America’ and not somewhere offshore. When you follow up with this great product, you will contact Byron@nsslca.com and use the promo code: B2018K01T which will entitle you to a promotional discount on your purchase. The best part about this whole concept is that we can prevent so many horrific incidents for under $725.00 CND. With the Promo discount and exchange rate it will be approximately $500.00 USD or possibly less. Now that is what I call inexpensive peace of mind.

This product is an exciting and innovative resource that we all can utilize to help protect our children, grandchildren, pets, our fellow workers, and our property and assets. If you have been, or know someone that has ever been, impacted by this type of incident please share this with them as you could be that person that has helped prevent the next life changing event.

A Picture To Help Your Child With Math

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Nursery Design Help

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Your baby is on the way and you still haven’t finished designing a nursery? There’s no reason for panic, you can have a comfortable and stylish nursery in no time. With just a few trendy and practical ideas, you’ll design a stimulating and chic environment for your new family member.

In with the crib

When designing a nursery, you’ll have a lot of opportunities for DIY projects, improvisation and more affordable details, but the crib should definitely be an investment piece. Don’t hesitate to spend a bit more on a high-quality crib because your little one will be using it for the years to come. You can even find a crib that converts to a toddler bed, which is quite practical solution. You need to ensure that the crib you picked meets all the safety requirements and standards. Additionally, make sure to get a high-quality mattress that will provide your baby’s back with the right support. Afterwards, you can experiment with bedding and design that will fit the general style of the room.

The changing table is next in line

Since you’ll be changing your baby quite frequently, having a changing table will save you a lot of trouble. If you’re buying a freestanding changing table, find a multifunctional one that can be used for storing toys later on. For a small nursery, a changing top is a great solution because it can be attached to any dresser. Once you’ve found a changing table that meets your needs, make sure to equip it with all the essentials like diapers, wipes, lotions, changing pad covers, etc.

Storage to the rescue

Despite their tininess, you’ll realise soon enough that your little person needs lots of stuff. So, unless you want to trip every time you enter the nursery, you need to add plenty of storage. Depending on the size of the room, you have a range of different options, from wall shelves, to closets, to bins and baskets. The most practical solution is opting for multifunctional furniture. For example, you can buy a crib with drawers at the bottom, or a window seat with a storage compartment.

Don’t forget to treat yourself

Since you’ll spend a lot of sleepless nights and days in the nursery, then it’s only fair that you get something for yourself – a comfortable nursery chair. However, you don’t have to stick to a plain design, but choose a chair that will reflect your personal style. For example, Coco Republic offers a lot of comfortable and trendy options, ranging from lounge and reading chairs, to comfy chaise lounges.

Stylish décor

There’s no reason why your baby’s nursery can’t be stylish. There are a lot of nursery trends that all interior design enthusiasts are introducing into their own homes. Nature-inspired décor is extremely popular because it brings a sense of serenity and tranquillity, so you can decorate your nursery with big florals, mountains, cacti, leaves and animals. The hot hues are Greenery, Pantone’s colour of the year, gold rose and a neutral palette of muted tones, while bolder hues can be used for accent details.

When it comes to ideas for using these trends in your nursery, just follow your imagination. You can use these designs for decorative details, introduce them through art, add both style and depth by using soft fabrics, or transform one wall into a work of art.

DIY artwork

Your child’s environment can greatly influence their development, so why not surround them with beautiful and stimulating artwork. And what’s better way to spark your child’s creativity than being creative yourself? Do you want to pass your love for music to your child? Just frame vintage sheet music of your favourite song. You can also transform fabric leftovers into letters and then decorate your kid’s room with alphabet.

In just a few steps, you’ll design a perfect nursery for your baby. All you need to do is pick quality furniture, and use décor trends and imagination to add style to a comfortable room.

Top 5 Books To Make Your Communication Skills To The Next Level

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It’s no secret that exceptional communication skills are fundamental in all aspects of our lives. We need to communicate to thrive. Regardless of your current skills, there’s always room for improvement. In business, there’s a constant need for efficient communication because it is an opportunity for you to make an impression and stand out among colleagues, collaborators, bosses, and peers. Send the right message across a wider audience in the most humane way possible, and check out these 5 books that will help you hone and perfect your abilities.

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  1. On Speaking Well – Peggy Noonan

Exceptional speaking abilities is vital in business, and “On Speaking Well” is all about teaching you how do it. Delivering a speech might seem terrifying to many people because it involves getting judged; and we all being criticized. A good speech improves communication skills; it increases self-esteem and it give you confidence that what you’re saying is worth hearing. If your goal is to impress and make people remember you, this is the book you should read. The key is to go with the flow and not try too hard to impress. Stick to sharing information and facts you can back up with solid proof, and relax. Remain calm and be actionable – people will listen.

  1. How to Talk to Anyone – Leil Lowndes

Making an impression on someone can be challenging. In ‘How to Talk to Anyone’, Leil Lowndes emphasizes that you have 10 seconds to do it. Do you have what it takes to grab attention? The book teach readers how to refine and reshape their communication skills. Reading it, you’ll find out what magic qualities you need to make people respect you. Climbing up the corporate ladder is challenging, and the key to success is mostly related to how you communicate. Dealing with people and adapting yourself to each and every person that crosses your path is yet another thing you’ll learn to master by carefully reading “How to Talk to Anyone’.

  1. Talk like Ted – Carmine Gallo

“Talk like Ted” is a book about what techniques can make you become an extraordinary speaker. Sensible speaking abilities are fundamental for efficient communication at work and in your private life. To some degree, we all fear speaking in front of a crowd. But you don’t have that luxury in business, especially if you want to attain greatness. Gallo sets Steve Jobs as the perfect example in the book. He also mentions some of its best TED talks, highlighting on what everyone can do to strengthen their abilities, give up their fears, and just get the courage to get on a stage and talk effortlessly.

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  1. Never Split the Difference – Chris Voss

Why do we need to have negotiation skills to communicate? Can anyone become an excellent negotiator? In “Never Split the Difference”, Voss teaches the readers everything he needs to know about the art of negotiating effectively; in business and in personal life. He emphasizes on hardcore negotiations as if everything you have depends on your persuasion skills. To master negotiations, first you have to understand that it’s pure art. Not everyone can do it.

  1. Skill with People – Les Giblin

“Skill with People” is an all-in-one book that teaches reader everything they need to know about communication. Whether you have to talk to people, clients, or with your own boss, in the book you’ll find pertinent advice that makes talking easier and more productive. Dealing with people might seem tricky; but you have to do it in order to hone your communication skills as well. If there’s a topic you can’t really talk about, or are ashamed to talk about, in “Skill with People” you’ll learn to overcome all your fears.

Take your business communication skills to the next level by reading the most motivating books. The best are all about offering advice. You’ll learn valuable things along the way, and little by little holding a speech or talking to people won’t be that nerve-wracking anymore. Let other people wow you with their experiences, mistakes and lessons, and you’ll end up mastering the art of efficient communication in business.