A Happy Family

How to keep your house tidy with small kids

>> Feb 6, 2016

Having kids is probably the most beautiful thing that could happen to any individual. Every single moment spent together is unique in its own way and the emotions you share are special, to say the least. On the other hand, kids are a lifetime responsibility and require special attention and care, particularly when they are small. Keeping the house tidy is probably one of the most difficult things in all the scope of work small kids require. Every parent could use a helping hand there, period. Having all that in mind, this is what we advise on the matter.

image:pixabay.com/en/washing-dishes-soap-sink-bubbles-1112077

Have the kids involved

Keeping a house clean is surely easier when everyone in the family is involved. This goes for the young ones, as well. The sooner they learn the importance of keeping the house tidy, the better. Naturally, they are not expected to clean the bathroom, but teaching them to pick up their toys after they finished playing with them is a good place to start. There are several ways to do this, all of them resulting in taking some of the burden of your shoulders. On top of that, it will teach your kids responsibility, something they will come useful when they grow up.

Establish a routine

Although it is impossible to have a full routine with small kids around, having at least some is necessary in getting anything around the house done, tidying included. What this means in practice is, for example, to delegate half an hour after lunch to washing the dishes and putting them away instead of just leaving them in the sink waiting for another opportunity to do it. You will be surprised how quickly the kids will become aware of this routine and stop expecting you to entertain them during those thirtyish minutes, regardless of what choir you use them for.

image:flickr.com/photos/donnieray/16686547995

Take every opportunity to vacuum

Regular vacuuming will soon become your most important weapon since floor surfaces are kids’ natural playground spots, shoulder to shoulder with beds and armchairs. There will rarely be a chance to vacuum the entire house while kids are in since it takes time to complete, something that parents constantly lack. Instead, opt for partial actions, completing single spots at a time. Also, take steam vacuum cleaners into serious consideration, not only they are perfect for regular vacuuming, they are exceptionally efficient against the myriad of stains kids are able to produce practically anywhere around the house. They will save you a lot of time.

Regular decluttering

One of the biggest issues related to keeping the house tidy is to resolve the problem of obsolete things that kids outgrow or lose interest in. Decluterring is important on more than one level and the sooner you and your kids accept it as a completely normal and desired activity the better. You can spice it up by marking every box that contains obsolete items with a smiley, a mark that will emphasize the fact that the stuff your children are not using anymore will in fact make someone else happy. Soon you will have a much tidier home and children that know the importance of generosity and sharing.

Keeping your house tidy is important on so many levels. Still, remember that times flies fast and that kids grow up so fast. Be flexible, if they really want to snuggle or play with you, all the choirs can wait a bit longer, do not miss an opportunity to enjoy your time together as much and as often as possible.

About the author

Marie Nieves is a student and a blogger who loves unusual trips, gadgets and creative ideas. She is an avid lover of photography interested in interior and exterior design. Marie is regular author on Smooth Decorator and she loves to talk about her experiences. You can find Marie on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and G+.

Is It Possible to Motivate Teenagers?

>> Feb 5, 2016

As unyielding as it might sound, it is possible to motivate a teen, even more so, you will be able to inspire them to do things they did not like in the start. Keep in mind that it will be a delicate matter, and that you should approach it with great care. Otherwise, your teen might get rebellious and stubborn.

Make a Deal With Your Teen

You need to lay out your terms openly, and explain in detail what you expect. After all, they are young adults, and they must be given a level of reasonability. However, be sure to set clear rules and to present what will happen, if they do not hold up their part of the deal. Furthermore, try to stay true to your terms as well, because you have to show them that they have your trust. Nevertheless, teach your teen that trust is earned and not just gained for free.

Set Clear Goals for Motivation

Unless you give them a direction and a sense of achievability, they will need to see that there is a higher purpose and that reaching it will be rewarded. Be sure to offer help as well, because teens might feel overwhelmed. Give them a hand and work together to create a bond, which can be transformed into more, and which will be appreciated by your teen. Understand that they are going through tough changes, and that most often, they will be stubborn.

Finding Inspiration Where You Least Expect It

Every teenager will behave differently, but you need to be patient and learn what their interests are, in order to pull out some ways to inspire them. Connecting with them will be tedious, and you need to think back how you felt when you were a teen. Speak from experience, and make sure to offer comfort whenever possible, to appeal to you teen. On the other hand, you can try to enter their world, slowly and subtly, to find out what you can do to peak their interest.

Offer an Incentive To Motivate Your Teen

Some teens will react better to an incentive, when they are asked to do something. However, do not assume that it has to be money all the time, ask them what they need, but do not be hasty to agree to their terms. Negotiations can be done easily if you find a common way to communicate, but, be sure to pull out if you see that it is not leading anywhere.

Help Them With Their Driver's License

One of the biggest tests your teen has to pass, which could have serious implications if they fail, is to learn how to drive a car. Luckily, you can sign them up in one of the greater driving schools in Melbourne, to ensure that they pass on their first try. On the other hand, you need to spend time with them, whenever possible to help and encourage them when driving. This will be useful to boost and build their confidence, and to learn the responsibilities on the road.

It will be possible to motivate your teens, but you need to ensure that you are no forcing your will onto them, and that they have a say in it as well. Be sure to hear them out, because it will be a crucial aspect you need to pay attention to. The teen brain is a delicate mindset, and it will be fragile, meaning that you cannot approach them directly. Take the slow approach and do not rush it, otherwise you will frighten them and be counterproductive.

Car Accident - Few Tips To Stay Out Of Trouble

Among all the living beings, the life of humans has remained the most precious to mankind. Yet people show poor and careless attitude towards their well-being and life, while driving on the road.

To avoid these serious car accidents there are few simple steps that can be taken, which are outlined below.

image:en.wikipedia.org

Be familiar with the law

While driving on the road you need to be quite familiar with the general traffic rules and law. These laws include:

· Driving on the correct side of the road

· Taking care of speed limitations

· Follow the traffic signals

· Always wear the seat belts

· Keeping a safe distance from other cars

Check your car first

Before you go for a ride, it is most important to have a good hold over your car. Know all the necessary functions of your car such as accelerator, brakes, clutch and signal lights. Scrutinize your accelerator, clutch and brakes are working properly or not. Also keep a check on the tyres and ensure that they are properly inflated and have grip to get friction on the road.

Avoid distraction

Avoid using mobile phones, while you are driving. Most of the accidents that happen these days are the consequences of using mobile phones, while you drive. Also, make sure that you do not get too involved in a serious conversation which can cause distraction, while driving. Do not drive while you are under stress as your reaction time will drop off.

Be careful with the speed

Always take care of the speed limit, while on the road within traffic. Different roads and highways have set a standard speed for specific vehicles. You need to be aware of the fact that what is the speed limit of the lane? Also, what is the speed limit of your vehicle? It is important to be synchronous with the other vehicles on the road to avoid stress.

Keep a watchful eye

You need to be careful on the intersections as there are more chances of mishap to occur. Use side mirrors, while taking turn and changing lanes. Make sure that you have given side signal while taking a turn because any mistake can result in crash. Care to slow when you see a Zebra crossing or children on the side.

Avoid driving while you are under influence of alcohol

Consuming alcohol reduces reaction speed and under impulsive conditions, if you fail to respond you can be in trouble. Avoid driving late at night, as your body becomes more vulnerable, during night time. If you cannot make decision on time, you are more prone towards meeting an accident.

Also avoid driving at night time as your viewing capacity decreases. On Australian freeways be careful while overtaking a huge vehicle, such as truck and buses.

Follow above tips and learn defensive driving to avoid car accidents or road mishaps in future. In case you have met with an accident, it is best for you to hire car accident attorney Perth. An experienced lawyer to help you enables to get your insurance claim easily.

Facts and Features That You Must Know About the Cremation Services

Cremation is fast emerging as an alternate to burial service in Christian society. Due to paucity of burial grounds for dead bodies in metropolitan and crowded cities and acceptance of this ritual by Catholic Church, the world is witnessing a steep growth in cremation rate that this figure now stand at above 40%. However the choice between a burial and cremation is a very personal one and is arrived at keeping in mind family traditions, values and last wishes of the deceased.

Here we are covering some basic information on cremation services for your ready reference:

What Is Cremation?

In cremation, the dead body is reduced to ashes in a crematorium by a thermal dissolution process. At first, a formal funeral ceremony is held where the dead body is kept in a coffin for visitors and relatives followed by a cremation ceremony.
The cremated ashes are then handed over to the family in an Urn. Cremation is a just an alternate way to the traditional burial service and is considered as dignified as the later.

Where is Cremation carried out?

Cremation is definitely not as expensive as burial as one need not procure a casket, unless you plan to hold a funeral function for which a casket be rented out. The cremation can be performed at a very equitable price at the crematory hall of the funeral home or even at a local crematory ground.

What is Direct Cremation?

One of the very cost effective and cheapest ways to dispose of the body is to call for direct cremation services.
One may not choose to hold a funeral function and call the cremation provider who collects dead body, cremates it and hands over the ashes to you and the death certificate.
The family can then hold a memorial service in the name of the deceased when it best suits them thereby reducing the funeral costs drastically.

How to Choose the Best Cremation Service Provider?

There are various ways to check the credibility and reliability of the chosen cremation provider. Verify the background of the staff, credentials of the crematory and procedures run by them are as per guidelines and whether they identify the deceased and provide death certificate and ashes correctly and timely.

What Would You do Once You have Received Ashes?

Cremated remains and ashes must be disposed of as per wish of the deceased or can be safely kept in an urn. Many cremation services provide a burial ground for the ashes that serve as a memorial place. The ashes can even be scattered in the sea as per national guidelines, however scattering them in a private area is strictly prohibited unless it is allowed by the owner. It is always beneficial to discuss and preplan final burial wishes with the cremation service provider so that last wishes are completed with no hiccups.

Can Cremation be Pre Planned?

One of the ways to ease off burden from your family at time of your death is to pre plan how you want to be cremated and remembered as. It lends a sense of great relief to the family that your final wishes and procedures were well thought of in advance and will be carried as per your desires.

The cremation service provider offers various flexible plans and discusses in detail about what kind of service you want to choose and the costs surrounding it: from traditional burial, direct cremation to a memorial service, choice of ash disposal, scriptures and music, funeral service, participants and even pre funding the entire expenditure while you are still alive. Preplanning your cremation is a form of love and is increasingly practiced in urban society today.