How To Manage Your Kid's Gaming Hobby

 So your kid loves gaming? They won’t be the only ones. It’s a hobby for millions of people, in an industry worth almost 200 billion. Gamers come in all different shapes and sizes. People can game for a living, others can for a hobby, and unfortunately, others get completely addicted to games to the point where it can ruin a life. Gaming is insanely popular with children, to a varying degree. Interest plays a big part, but there’s always going to be some in your own child’s friendship group interested in gaming who will pull them in. Gaming isn’t bad, and unfortunately it comes with a stigma in certain circles. Yet, sometimes a gaming hobby needs to be managed properly, for a whole host of reasons, especially if you’re trying to homeschool during these difficult times. Here are some points to consider when managing your child’s gaming hobby. A key point to remember, however, is that all children are different. You’ll know yours better than anyone and you’ll know how they respond to certain stimuli and restrictions. As such, always bear that in mind when considering a response and be careful when seeking to apply advice straight from the page instead of thinking it through. Try to apply anything in a bespoke way, not a wide reaching one.

Watch Out For The Pricing

Gaming doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby for your children, but it can be if you aren’t careful. You only have to spend a short while with Google and you’ll see some horror stories of kids buying thousands of pounds worth of extras. You can see some of this with the high cost of the next generation consoles. Some parents like to keep their children happy but this can lead to them needing to seek out debt relief such as DTSS sovereign. The key pitfalls are in in game purchases. Take Fortnite for example. The game itself is free, you’ll be happy to know. You’ve probably heard of it as it’s taken the world by storm the last few years. While the game is free, the add ons aren’t. These usually come in the form of in game wearables. No one wants the basic stuff. While one or two items are cheap, they can build up if they have your bank details on the system. To avoid this, remove your card details from the system. Even if you have a child who you think wouldn’t purchase items, it’s better safe than sorry because these amounts can be really hard to get refunded. 

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Be Careful What Games You Let Them Play

Games come with age ratings, just like films and you should try to stick to these as best as possible. However, you know how mature your children are. If all of their friends are playing a game and you think they’d be okay to play, then go ahead. A popular one is Call of Duty which is an eighteen rated game in most iterations. Teenagers are usually fine with games like this but it's the smaller children who can potentially be damaged by playing games like this so be as careful as you can. Even the ones which look like they’re designed for children can be deceptive. This is certainly the case if they’re gaming on an iPhone, some weird games can get approved for the Apple or Android store so try to be careful when using those platforms to let your children's game. If you’re ever unsure then check the reviews. Also speak to other parents in your child’s friendship group just to see what’s going on and whether they’re playing the game too.

Use It As A Reward System

It’s important that gaming doesn't become the be all and end all. If they’re in school or college and have important exams coming up, then is the time to limit it. You can do this by rewarding good behavior. Two hours of study can give an hour of gaming or any variation you think is appropriate. You can also incentivize good performance. If there’s a new game coming out or a new console, you can offer to buy it if the child gets a good grade or hits a certain percentile. It’s a great way to reward them without having to take something away. There doesn’t have to be exams either. You can do this on a grade maintaining basis or a weekly basis. If your child plays with friends, linking up with their parents and working out a schedule helps because your child will know that they aren’t missing out. If they know their friends aren’t playing without them they won’t be so hard done by when doing school work. If you haven’t used it as a reward system before it can be hard to bed in and implement. 

Remember The Positives

It’s important to remember that there are many positives to gaming. At the moment, with coronavirus changing the way people socialize and even live, gaming can be a great chance for your children to speak to their friends. Interaction is vital for a child’s mental health and taking gaming away could, in some cases, take their only interaction away depending on how severe the lockdown is in your area. Each family will differ, as will each child, but interaction is always a must. Gaming is also good for brain development. Playing games like shooters or racing games are great for the reflexes as they hone them and make them sharper. They also work on problem solving skills and social interaction. Working with friends to overcome problems in the gaming world develop vital skills for adult life. The point is there are many positives to gaming, don’t blinker yourself into thinking otherwise. It’s just the same as watching TV or being addicted to Netflix...always remember that if you’re fixing to judge. Everything in moderation. Too much of it is bad, especially if you find your child is missing out on social events or becoming completely withdrawn. 

4 Fun Ways To Keep The Kids Entertained At Home

Baking with kids is a blast!

(Originally posted 6/11/2019, but with the COVID situation, I thought I'd give it an update and repost)

With the school summer vacation looming comes the tricky task of how to keep your kids entertained for weeks on end. The weather isn’t always on your side, and you might face many wet and dreary days stuck in the house together (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing because who can say no to some quality family time?).

Keeping everyone busy and entertained doesn’t have to break the bank – the more creative you get with it, the more fun things you can come up with which may not even cost a dime.

Of course, there are also some cool investments you can make, too, if there comes a point when you’d rather the kids entertain themselves with a piece of tech because you need to get on with the laundry and your own tasks for the day.

Take a look at some of these tips to get your creative fun-loving gears whirring. 

Build an Awesome Fort

If your kids are still young enough to appreciate the power of imagination, it only takes a minute’s work to transform a pile of empty boxes, cushions and sheets into a fairy tale castle, fort or fun-filled maze. 

The great thing is you won’t need to spend any money: just pull the bed sheets right off the bed, lay them on the back of the couch and get creating your dream fort!

Bake Something Yummy Together

Because there’s nothing better than tasty treats and snacks while enjoying a cozy day home with the family – and what kid is going to say no to the concept of whipping up some delicious home-baking? 

Get creative with food coloring, fun stencils or weird flavors. This is also great for teaching your kids elements of cooking and making their way around the kitchen, as well as showing them what great products can come from using the kitchen at home. It may get messy, but that just means you’ve done it right. 

Invest in Audio and Video Products

In this day and age, there’s only so long you can keep a child away from a screen. Obviously the goal is to get your kids away from the TV or tablet long enough to enjoy family time and fresh air, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a bad thing for you and the kids to enjoy a movie together, cartoons or a bit of fun music. 

Companies like The Wires Zone offer free shipping on pieces of tech, and even same-day shipping if you’ve woken up just realizing you promised the kids you’d watch a home movie today. They offer items like Blu-Ray players and surround-sound speakers to make sure your family movie day is done right.  

Practice Face Painting

Make use of cheap skin-friendly paints to transform your kids into little tigers or their favorite superhero – and let them have fun doing the same to you! Get the artistic juices flowing.

Just don’t forget to check the mirror before you go answering the door to any unexpected callers!

Need more ideas? Check out these Top 18 Ideas for a Perfect Night In!

Make Memories with Your Kids!!!!

 It is a Friday in September. 

Homeschooling during coronavirus is going better than most years and we have a rhythm going and I don't want to interrupt it. Just kidding. We are like 2 weeks in and already a little bit "behind."

It is kinda chilly. Maybe rain is coming.

It isn't my husband's Friday off, so he can't come with us, but it had to be THIS DAY ONLY (you know when your schedule is so full as a parent and there is NO OTHER DAY to do something?).

We already had the budget done and I forgot to put this as a line item (when we go to this place like once a year, we have to eat at a heavenly spot called Burrito King). What if we could not live without something from The General Store or The Nature Center Shop?

I am swamped with proofreading projects.

The Rona is rampant on the college campus, where we are heading to see Julia, who lived with us for five months this year.

My wonderful and talented husband had the big van torn up, working on the timing system, so the 6 of us will cram into the truck and drive an hour each way.

My daughter has a sleepover later today to be dropped off at, so also crammed in the truck with 6 decent-sized people would be a pillow, blanket and suitcase. Oh, and the plans changed as far as drop-off time turning into LATER, so I had to pivot.

It's the time of the Rona, and unexpected things happen, which sometimes make me nervous, but mostly make me surly. I don't like to be surly. For instance, we are going to avoid the Natural History Museum this time because of all the mask stuff (the potential for workers and volunteers to bark at us for having them below our nose or whatever). I'm not getting into a debate about masks with anyone, but just know that I do not want to kill anyone with my germy breath, but we are not pro-mask for various reasons that I will not go into here (although, hey, I do have a pretty good platform for a blog post on that someday). That is all.

I've done this a lot over the years, where I waffled on going somewhere, packing up all the diapers, snacks, juice pouches and sippie cups, keep a trash bag in the car at all times, stop by the side of the highway to nurse a baby or toddler. There were other things we needed to be doing, other things we wanted to be doing, but we did this thing anyway.

You know what? My kids are now 10, 12, 15, 17, and 19, and the things they talk about fondly are some of those very things I had to force myself out of the house to do.

Loading up a bunch of bikes and snacks and sunscreen and waters back at the end of March for eight people and taking two vehicles to drive 30-plus minutes to ride one of the most beautiful trails in the city was a pain. Especially since the entire world had our same idea because there was nowhere else to go but OUTSIDE back in the spring of 2020 so even finding parking at the parks was difficult. But we did it ... twice. And the kids still talk about it fondly. We will probably do it again next year.

So there are a bunch of reasons why I wanted to just cancel today. Just forget it. Let's try another day (although we'd been doing that for a year and it never worked out).

Be we are going anyway. Because there is never a PERFECT DAY. There is today. So just jump. Just go.

Come back for an update on our day!

3 Things To Know About Pool Care

Owning a pool can be a rewarding experience. The thought of splashing around with friends during a pool party, or floating serenely on the clear, calm water is very enticing. Like many other parts of the yard and house, pools need regular maintenance to function properly.

1. Water Quality

An important part of maintaining a pool is keeping a close eye on the water quality. If the chemicals in the pool become unbalanced or are not added in a timely manner, then the pool water can become unsafe to swim in. Even if the water looks clear, things may not be perfectly in balance. If a water quality issue is suspected, then a sample can be taken for water testing Pittsburgh. Professionals can diagnose any problems and recommend solutions.

2. Sanitation System

There are different sanitation systems available and each one has its pros and cons. Chlorine systems are a popular choice and can be used for any type of pool. Saltwater and bromine systems are less harsh on skin than traditional chlorine systems but can be more costly. Mineral systems are also becoming more widespread, as they are generally easy to maintain. It is important to note that both saltwater and mineral systems do still utilize chlorine in different amounts.

3. Liner

Any pool with a liner should be monitored. They will last about 5-10 years before needing to be replaced. Replacing the liner is best done by professionals, as it is a tricky task. Done incorrectly, it can lead to an uneven liner with air bubbles or leaks. To replace the liner, the pool will need to be drained. If the pool is old, the walls may not be able to stand up without the support of the water.

Having a pool can be fun for everyone, whether it is a whole family or a single person who wants to enjoy calm afternoons doing laps. Take care of the system and it should last for a long time.

How to Get a Broad Educational Experience in the Time of COVID-19

The Coronavirus has wreaked havoc in almost every area of our lives, grinding the economy to a halt and putting a stop to our educational system. Of course, as homeschoolers, everyone else's new normal — being thrust into the role of at-home educators — is the old normal, at least when it comes to being our kids' teachers. That's why we're in a unique position to offer a few tips on helping your children make the most of these extraordinary circumstances. Here are a few of the most helpful.

 

Photo by Julia M Cameron from Pexels

 

1. Create a Structure

 

Experts say implementing a daily routine helps kids (and adults, for that matter) deal with the uncertainty and anxiety that times like these can foster. You'll want to set a time to wake up, a time to eat and a time to start lessons and you'll want to stick to it. Many parents find it useful to have a physical schedule, whether it's on a whiteboard, a printed piece of paper or the family's virtual calendar. Others choose to use a timer to keep the day from getting off track. Here are some more detailed pointers on creating an effective homeschool schedule.

 

2. But Stay Flexible

 

A little bit of routine helps us accomplish goals and stay on task. Too much routine is jail. There's no perfect answer to striking a balance between the two. Some parents might find it helpful to schedule plenty of play and free time without organizing or directing it. At first, taking those reins off might lead to some bored, or even destructive, moments. In time, though, this freedom can help rekindle a passion and reignite imagination.

 

3. Encourage Passion Projects

 

Now's the perfect chance to funnel all that extra downtime into something your child's passionate about. Maybe they want to hone their muffin baking skills or shred on the guitar. Maybe it's building a roller coaster in Minecraft or perhaps it's writing the great American novel. Passion projects work on so many levels: they bring joy, they kill boredom, they connect kids to the broader world around them, they invite new friendships and they help kids see that learning doesn't have to be a chore. And, if they love doing it, you won't have to push them into it.

 

4. Allow Time for Processing

 

We don't yet know the long-term effects of Coronavirus school closures on students but one thing is certain: our kids are constantly processing and internalizing this experience. Finding healthy ways to do this is an educational experience that's just as important as any textbook subject. This might mean encouraging them to keep a video diary or their experience, helping them express their feelings through art or having family sit-downs where you discuss the emotions — negative and positive — that you're all going through.

 

5. Make Use of Resources

 

There's no shortage of homeschool resources out there, and that's more true now that we're all in the same boat. These resources include lesson plans you can implement at home, web-based courses from major schools, ideas for creative playtime, free virtual concerts and plays, online museum walkthroughs and games that inspire learning. There is so much out there, in fact, that it can get overwhelming. To not get bogged down, try to stick with what's working for you or what makes your child's eyes light up.

 

The beautiful thing about times like these is they inspire resilience and show us what we're made of. Yes, they're tough, but they also create beautiful moments of togetherness, love and creativity. Take a deep breath. Throw out the idea of perfection and focus on those moments.

Top 3 Tips for Your Next Family Day Trip

Summer is here, and that means beautiful weather and extra vacation days to take the whole family out on a day trip. After all, with so many places open late in the summer months, there could be a whole world for your family to explore right in your backyard, whether you prefer zoos, historical sites or amusement parks. Unfortunately, travel time can also have its frustrating downsides. Luckily, taking a few steps to prepare before you leave can take all the hassle out of your day trip. To learn more about the top three tips you should keep in mind before you head out, read on.

1. Bring Boxed Lunches

If your least favorite part of going out on day trips with a big group is having to get the food together, consider picking up ready-made lunches. With boxed lunches, for instance, you can easily feed the whole group without having to deal with the hassle of cooking and prepping. The best part is, it’s easy to get them ready-made – for instance, box lunches st louis mo could help make your life a lot easier the next time a big trip rolls around.

2. Set an Itinerary

In order to make the most of your time, it’s a good idea to sketch out a rough itinerary the night before you leave. That way, you’ll know what you definitely want to see and do, and it’ll be easy to prioritize.

3. Play Car Music

As anyone with kids knows, it can be tough to keep them entertained for long stretches in the car. To combat this, you’ll want to come prepared with something to play, like music or audiobooks. This way, they’ll be having fun before you even get to the destination!

Day trips are the perfect way to spend a summer day with your family, but sometimes the logistics can seem complicated. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way! Try these tips before your next trip, and you can look forward to a relaxing day.

Keeping Your Family Healthy

When it comes to keeping your family healthy it isn’t always a straightforward as we would like, and when it comes to bringing up children to be healthy they generally resist on many levels. It is difficult to keep children healthy because they are exploring and pushing boundaries at all times. This can be very stressful for parents, but there are a few things that you can do that helps keep everybody healthy and stress levels low. The first thing to do is to expect that they will be some ups and downs, and children will explore and I have bumps along the way, some of which may mean they need some medical care, but following these tips for all the family should help you reduce The number of problems you face.

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

Be aware

The first thing we can do to ensure that our family stays as healthy as possible is to be aware of any symptoms or potential problems. If you know that your child has told you they have itchy throat and ears, and you act on it quickly, you can potentially prevent any problems with infections, or anything getting out of hand further down the line. Our bodies are great at telling us when something isn’t quite right, and if we listen to the signs and treat them quickly we should avoid any potential problems. If you find something changing, something hurting more, or a symptom that is suggestive of A health concern, then you will find plenty of advice online, but essentially speaking to a medical professional should always be the first line of action. Your doctor should be able to point you in the right direction and give you any medication that is needed to keep you healthy and on the right track. So keeping a close eye and monitoring the situation, can improve the likelihood of it being a minor complaint, rather than anything more serious.

Nutrients

There is no hiding the fact that what we eat makes a difference to our overall health, plenty of fruit, and vegetables, are essential for good health. Eating too much processed high fat and high salt or high sugar food isn’t advised and can cause serious issues if you aren’t taking care of yourself. Many studies show that if we are gaining plenty of vital nutrients and vitamins, then we are much more likely to be able to recover from illness and prevent damage to ourselves.

Sunlight

Sunlight is important, The vitamin D that our bodies produce once we are exposed to sunlight is essential for our bone health, and many other benefits are gained from this. Of course, we need to take care to reduce some damage to our skin as well, but vitamin di can help our focus, it can help our immune system, and it can help us feel much more energized. If you live in a country that doesn’t have much sunlight for a large portion of the year, it is worth looking into supplements, but these do not replace a healthy lifestyle.

Here's How To Prepare For An Awesome Family Trip

Are you planning on taking the kids camping? If so, then there are definitely a few things to consider. Here are the important factors to keep in mind to ensure that your camping trip does go off without a hitch. 

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Check The Tent 

Before you head out camping you do need to make sure that all your equipment is working effectively. This is crucial to ensure that you don’t run into issues when you arrive at the campsite. Believe it or not, this can happen. One of the most common mistakes people make is thinking the tent will be okay because it’s been in storage for a while. Well, that’s just not the case. The reality is that a tent in storage can develop numerous issues, particularly if it wasn’t put away the right way. Use a dry run to check the tent before camping. Look for issues with leaks and other issues that could cause you problems when you’re out for a couple of weeks in the wilderness. 

Get The Right Equipment

You also need to make sure that you have all the right equipment for a fantastic camping trip. You’ll probably find that there’s more to purchase here than you might expect. For instance, you do need to make sure that you have all the right cooking supplies. Cooking outdoor equipment is definitely not the same as what you probably have lying around your kitchen so don’t make the mistake of just relying on this. You also need to think about whether a power supply will be necessary for your camping trip as well. 

Research Campsites

It’s definitely worth researching the different campsites that you can go to because there are a lot of choices that could suit your needs. You could think about the different activities that are available nearby. You might also want to consider whether the campsite in question is suitable for your requirements. For instance, some will provide electric outlets for devices while others will not. Some campsites will have lakes nearby that are going to be ideal for those interested in exploring some fun water sports. 

Prepare For The Best And The Worst

You might also want to think about the worst situations that you could encounter when camping. Specifically, you need to consider what you’re going to do if the weather takes a turn. This can happen, even if you are planning to go camping in the middle of the summer. There need to be contingency plans in place for this. If the weather makes it impossible to continue camping, make sure that you know where the nearest hotel or shelter is. You might also want to ensure that you pack some fun activities for those rainy days in the woods. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the best ways to prepare for your next family camping trip the right way. If you take this advice, you can guarantee that you have a fun-filled adventure that is sure to bring you closer together. 

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Why You Should Buy A Dog This Year!

During these difficult times in quarantine we have all felt a sense of uncertainty, worry and possibly loneliness and depression. Emotions and feelings that we do not want to feel again and ones that we could look to try and avoid by looking into buying a pet. Dogs are wonderful pets that can bring you back to life. Give you a purpose, show you their love for you and give you a reason to get up in the morning. Coronavirus has impacted us all in many ways and will continue to do so into the future. So how can we change things around? 

Photo: Pixabay

Buying a dog will be the best purchase of your life. They will be loyal, loving and give you a companionship you didn’t know you were capable of having. If you are looking for Lucky Labs then you may want to know some of the biggest benefits of having a dog in your life. 

The responsibility, patience, selflessness, and commitment that comes with having a dog brings out the best in us as well as giving us an inner strength. Over the years, dogs have proven that they improve our physical and mental health. They can also help those around us, such as our family and friends. Falling in love with a dog is easy and especially if you are looking at getting a puppy! Puppies take time and dedication and need a lot of looking after and work. Sharing your home with a dog also means over 15 years worth of financing but the cost will be well worth it. 

How Do Dogs Help Our Health

There are a number of benefits that dogs have on our health. Studies show that having a dog is linked to lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, and decreased triglyceride levels, these can all improve health. If you have high blood pressure or any type of cardiovascular issues then you will find that they could help vastly. They say a dog is a man's best friend and this could not be truer. A companion for life with a trustworthy and kind nature, they are undoubtedly an irreplaceable friend in your life. Dogs still remain the number one choice in pets, around the world. A dog is the icing on the cake for any family, or even perhaps an older person who lacks companionship and of course guide dogs who assist those of us who are more vulnerable in society. Assistance dogs also play a vital role to those people who find life that little bit tougher to deal with - which is something to talk to your carer about (if you have one) because many are eligible for a care dog. In addition to this, here is how they can help your mental and physical health: 

1. They Keep You Active 

Dogs need to be exercised and this is the perfect excuse for you to get out and go for a walk. Having a dog encourages owners to exercise more and makes you want to play with them and get more physical, this improves your muscle, joints and general health and fitness. 

2. They Help Your Mood! 

Dogs are great for the mind. Having a dog can actually help improve mood and prevent depression in men or women and they certainly will ease anxiety due to how they impact the nervous system. Stroking or petting a dog can relax you and you do not need to do a lot of this with your dog to feel the benefits. Experts say that 15 to 30 minutes with their pet can be enough to make you feel more relaxed and calm. Spending time with your pooch can also raise the chemical levels in your brain which will bring you less stress and less inclination to snap or become angry easier. 

3. They Have Been Known To Help Health Diagnosis 

Some dogs can sniff out and detect skin, bladder, breast, colon, lung, and ovarian cancer. It is believed that dogs have a natural ability to smell certain types of cancer that have led to owners going to get a check up. If you notice your dog behaving differently or showing an interest in a certain area more often they do, then it is worth bringing it up with your doctor. Their sense of smell is impeccable and could help you out in many ways! 

Also dogs are: 

• They are true friends for life! 
• They will protect your kids and build good relationships with them. 
• They help kids develop skills. 
• They promote emotional development and empathy for youngsters.
• Can help with behavioral problems.

In addition to this, they can also make us happier and more attractive to the opposite sex. Not only because they look cute and people are attracted to a cute dog in the park, but because dogs make you so happy that you radiate a smile and happiness that will attract others. They will put you in a better mood and make you feel happier and ready to take on new things. Overall, dogs will bring a lot of benefits to your life, even if you don’t think you’re a ‘dog person’ there is always time to really see how you get on with a dog, you will likely be surprised!

Photo: Pixabay

How Much Time And Energy Do I Need To Dedicate To My Dog

Many dogs are left unattended for eight or 10 hours every day while their owners work and some are ok with this but the average dog gets by happily with an hour or two of play time each day. You need to spend at least 2-3 hours a day with your dog in order for them to feel happy and loved. Ideally less than eight hours a day away from your dog is the best, for example a standard 9-5 job should be just fine. However, dogs crave attention and they need love, companionship, exercise, and stimulation. Make sure that you have the time and are getting a dog for the right reason and if you travel often or are on the road for long periods of time, it may be a good idea to reconsider this. 

Also, you must be sure that you can fund having a dog well. Financially providing for your dogs is a huge part of the job and you don’t want to go without and you do not want your dog to go without. On average, owners spend around $1,400 to $4,300 per year this adds up with food, supplies, insurance and pet cover etc. 

The Types Of Things You May Need To Buy 

You are going to want to make sure you have adequate supplies for your dog. Your dog must have regular check ups also to ensure that they are in good health. You could also look at having your dog spayed or neutered which is helpful in the long run. You may also want to look at microchipping them to make sure they are safe, just in case you get separated from them. You can always track your dog whenever you need to and don’t have to worry about losing your pet. Here are some standard supplies that every dog owner will need:

• Food and water bowls.
• Food
• Collar.
• Four to six-foot leash.
• Hard plastic carrier or foldable metal crate.
• Dog bed.
• Doggy shampoo and conditioner.
• Blankets. 
• Toys for them to develop. 
• Dental supplies. 
• Grooming supplies 
• Dog guard.
• Any home supplies to keep them safe.