30 January 2016

Breastfeeding: The Struggles and Rewards



From the time I realized I wanted children, I always knew I would breastfeed. Another option didn’t really even occur to me after years of watching my mother nurse all six of my younger siblings. First of all, she normalized breastfeeding for me so seeing a woman nurse was a non-issue for me. I also thought nothing of watching her hand express milk into a bottle on one of the rare occasions she left the baby with a sitter, or into a bowl of baby cereal when the baby started taking solid foods. Second of all, my mother created a tender image of the mother/baby relationship as she cradled each of my siblings to her breast and nursed them. I saw the sweetness, and the safety she created there at her bosom. She really made breastfeeding look so effortless. After years of watching her, it never occurred to me that perhaps breastfeeding wouldn’t come easily. It’s one of those things you assume just happens when you watch a woman doing it.

My first daughter was born after 23 hours, half of which I spent sleeping, having succumbed to taking an epidural. She was sleepy, I was tired, and five hours after she was born I brought her to the breast for the first time where I spent over an hour trying to get her to latch onto me. Muscles I didn’t even know I had ache as I tensed them to hold her to me, put the nipple in correctly, and keep her awake. In those frustrating moments, I realized why many mothers don’t nurse and I was so afraid I would be one of them. Then, she latched. It was beautiful. She began to suck and I had no idea if there was actually anything coming out, but my body relaxed because at least she was sucking. In subsequent feedings she got better at nursing and began to demand it vociferously. She also started filling her diapers. But breastfeeding was still anything but easy. I remember the toe-curling, mind numbing pain I experienced for two months due to an improper latch. I didn’t know that she was latching on incorrectly. She was getting all the milk she needed so I didn’t really care. I just held my breath when she latched on and waited a minute or two while the burning pain turned to numbness. 

At two weeks, she was a pro at nursing, though it still hurt, but we had to introduce a bottle so that she could eat when I went back to work. She hated the bottle. She fought, and screamed until she was so exhausted she needed a five minute catnap. Then she awoke to scream some more. At the same time, the bottle introduced nipple confusion into our nursing relationship. Now she not only didn’t take the bottle, but she seemed to have forgotten how to take the breast too. Through tears and heart palpitations and worry that made me sick to my stomach, we persevered. I was determined, determined not to fail. My first child would be breastfed until she was at least a year old. Then, suddenly, two months had passed and I don’t know how it happened: whether I relaxed, or she relaxed, or she just matured past a difficult stage, but suddenly here it was: the effortless nursing I had always observed as a child. Truly effortless. Baby cries, baby nurses, baby falls asleep with a contented, milk-drunk look on her face. Nursing was no longer a chore, it was our solace, our happy, safe space. Now nursing was everything my mother had showed me it could be. Two months of engorgement, bleeding, blisters, crying, fighting, fussing, worry, failures, and pain were over. Just like that. All the work had been worth it. My daughter and I finally solidified a healthy nursing relationship that actually felt easy and lasted until she was 25 months old. It also helped to have maternity dresses that were not only comfortable after birth, but they also were designed to aid with easy nursing no matter the setting.  I love the maternity/nursing dresses at nappybagstore.com.au.  Check them out!


With my second, third and fourth children, I was able to have a natural birth and nurse them within the first hour after they were born. They both lay on my bare skin still covered in amniotic stickiness and learned to nurse in those first magical sixty minutes. I don’t know if nursing them was easier because we had a better start at it or because I was more relaxed about it. Each of them had their own nursing difficulties as well, but my prior experience and a proper start certainly helped us through the rough patches. Nursing is natural and instinctual. But it is not easy. It’s hard. It can be almost impossibly hard and I now fully understand - not just with my head, but with my heart. Now when I see another woman struggling through it, I can weep for her, and with her because I remember. But I can also smile for her and tell her that she can do it. As difficult as it was to begin with, my children were all able to nurse well into toddlerhood. It gets easier. I promise. It will get easier, and it will be worth it. 








Disclosure:  This is a contributed post.

28 January 2016

HEYS Strawberry Pink Luggage Giveaway

Here's a fun giveaway for you all today!  Enter to win a Strawberry Pink Luggage Set from HEYS!  Just use the Rafflecopter form below to get your entries in and the winner will be selected at the end of February.  Good Luck!


Disclosure:  Textbook Mommy is not responsible for prize fulfillment. 

27 January 2016

What to Consider in a Wholesale Clothing Directory

Camouflage clothing refers to attire that has colors that enable the wearer to blend with the immediate environment. Essentially the motivation behind the use of this kind of clothing is basically to make the wearer unnoticeable by the target. The whole sale market for camouflage clothing is enormous since this kind of attire continues to be used by different categories of people and institutions. Militaries all over the world lead the pack in the use of camouflage clothing. Under this category are other security organs such as: paramilitary forces, police forces, fire fighters, as well as search and rescue teams. 
 
The attire enables the respective wearers to disguise by merging their look with that of the immediate environment whether in the jungle in vegetation or elsewhere. Hunters too use camouflage clothing to conceal their visibility while trailing animals in their habitats. When looking for the ideal wholesaler of these products the best thing is seek a wholesale camouflage clothing directory. What does this portend to the wholesaler of camouflage clothing? Location of the business is critical. 
 
A well situated wholesale faculty should be easily accessible to the potential bulk purchasers. This implies that the wholesaler has to determine who the purchasers are and where they are located. A well situated wholesale location should be easily accessible to the target clients. This lowers transport costs and allows the bulk buyers to have easy reach for purposes of window shopping and product sampling. There are various categories and types of camouflage clothing. The wholesale camouflage clothing directory thus highlights the details of the products available in the wholesale stores. This allows the bulk purchaser to establish which wholesaler has the type of products needed. Pricing is a critical factor that is included in the directory. The bulk buyers are prone to make comparisons prices among the various wholesale shops. Decisions on which shop to buy from are partly going to be influenced by the price factor. 
 
Competition in business is ever present. To enable the wholesalers secure sales and increase its market share, the businesses in wholesale camouflage clothing directory need to determine develop and implement effective m marketing strategies. This calls for the adoption of other result-oriented marketing communication strategies at the shop level. Such might include, sales promotions, offers, advertising both on print and electronic media as well as the internet. By taking care of these considerations the wholesale camouflage business will surely be on its way to success!

Visit at B2Bwholesaler.com the wholesale directory now for more information and wholesale products!

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.

23 January 2016

How You Can Make Potty Training Easier

Potty training has got a reputation for being stressful and just a nightmare. A lot of people may have told you that it was so hard. Then they will have scared you off with all the tales of the messes and accidents. It doesn’t have to stress you out, though. If you are waiting until your child is ready, it can take a short amount of time to get them dry! Here are a few steps that you can take to start your little one potty training.



Getting the Potty


You should make going to get the potty a big deal. Let them choose a color they like and make a big fuss. The next thing to do is to talk to them about it and what it is. Have it in the bathroom or the room that you usually change their diaper in. Then when you change their diaper, you can sit them on it for a few minutes. They could even sit on it when watching their favorite TV show. Of course, if there is anything in the potty, make a big deal out of it. Our children love to get praise, right? They thrive off it and will be sure to repeat the action to get the same reaction.

Potty Train in Sessions


So you have decided to make a start on potty training. It is a good idea to take it a couple of days at a time. Start off with a morning of having them out of a diaper. Just for a few hours and see how it goes. If it goes well, try it for a few hours in the afternoon. There may be a few accidents but don’t stress too much if there is. By the third day of doing this, you should try to have a full day of no diaper. There are a lot of resources online to help you potty train. Have a look at something like http://pottytrainingsolved.com/ for some more tips and guidance.





Going Out


Some people like just to stay in for a week and get their child dry before having to be anywhere in public. If you can’t, or don’t want to do this, there are options. You just need to plan ahead. It is a good idea to take the potty with you. Take a plastic bag with you too and a bottle of water if it needs to be rinsed out. If you know where you will be going to, then plan ahead and make a note of where there might be bathrooms. You might need to know it when you have to dash there in an emergency situation.

Use a Reward Chart


As I have said earlier, make a big deal out of them using the potty. We don’t just want to give them treats all the time. But I haven’t met many little ones that don’t like stickers. Getting a reward chart is a great idea to track their progress and the bonus is they get a sticker if they use the potty! http://www.supernanny.co.uk/ has some great reward charts that you could use.



Disclosure: This is a contributed post.

Cowhide Rugs - A Timeless Classic For Your Home

Though you might think that cowhide rugs only work as a decorating accessory for western-themed rooms, these naturally-created beauties are ideal for a variety of decorating needs. Due to their versatility and beauty, cowhides are becoming a common decorating accent. Many decorating trends come and go, but cowhide rugs have been a key part of many interior design schemes for decades. The beautiful patterns and warm texture of a cow rug are suitable for many different areas within the home.

One of the biggest reasons that cowhide rugs have become so popular within the interior design community is that they are incredibly durable and easy to clean. In natural circumstances, a cow hide protects a cow from water, dirt, and other natural elements. This means that a cow hide is stain resistant and does not trap dust, and it is therefore extremely hypoallergenic. In order to keep your rug in top condition, all you should have to do is shake it out every week or two. If any dirt or other stains appear on the rug, a slight amount of warm water and soap will quickly remove it.

There are a few things to keep in mind in order to ensure that your cowhide rug remains in good condition for years to come. Never machine wash or dry clean the rug, since this can damage some of its durability. Direct sunlight may cause some fading, so it is best to position cowhide rugs away from large, sunny windows. You can vacuum a cow hide rug to remove any small particles of dirt, but a vacuum brush could snag the hide. Instead, a wand attachment is a better choice. With the right upkeep, a cowhide rug can last for years and become a treasured family heirloom.

Cowhide rugs come in a variety of colors, so it is easy to find one that suits your design scheme. A warm reddish brown rug looks cozy and masculine with dark green and brown hues, while a delicate cream and tan speckled cowhide is perfectly suited to an elegant room of soft pastels. Even a sleekly modern room can benefit from the abstract patterns of a black and white Holstein cow hide rug. Cowhide rugs can be solid colors that ground a room, or they can be vibrant patterns which become a key focal point.

Cowhide rugs come in many different sizes and prices, so anyone can get the perfect rug for any room of the house. Since they are so affordable, even a person on a budget can easily find a cowhide rug within their price point. A smaller rug looks chic in an entryway or home office, and some cowhide rugs are even large enough to function as an area rug within a living room. Medium sized rugs are particularly versatile, and they can go anywhere from a bedroom to a game room.

In addition to being used as a rug, there are many other ways that you can show off your gorgeous cow hide. A medium sized hide can double as a throw blanket draped across a couch. If a cowhide as a particularly beautiful pattern, it can even be hung on a wall to create a focal piece of artwork within a room. Due to their versatility and durability, a cowhide rug can be moved throughout the house to fit your decorating needs.

16 January 2016

Five Tips for Planning Your Family Vacation

Photo Credit: BRYNTEG

It's the start of a new year and for many it is already a time to start getting a jump on planning out spring and summer vacations.  While it can seem like a daunting task, planning your family vacation can be easier than you think if you take some simple steps to plan efficiently.  The following are some of the ways I like to make sure our family has a great vacation without all the chaos! 


Pick Your Destination

First you will need to get the obvious out of the way which is where your family will be heading to for vacation.  Will it be within the country or abroad?  Take a look at your budget and then select some options that fit within your price range.  From there you can start researching destinations further to select what may be a good fit for your family vacation.  

Select Where You Are Going To Stay

Once you have your destination mapped out you then need to figure out where your family is going to stay.  This could be several different options such as a family resort, a hotel, or even with family members depending on your reason for travel.  This step of the process will also require some research as you will want to find somewhere that not only fits your budget, but also somewhere that is going to have room for your family and that has the commodities you are looking for.

Plan Out Your Activities

Before you head off on on your family vacation it is a good idea to plan out your activities ahead of time to have an itinerary of what you want to accomplish as far as what to see and do while you are at your destination.  Once again, research your destination and what the area has to offer for families.  Do they have any local family activities or attractions to visit such as museums, theme parks, beaches, or other recommended must see stops to make.  A good idea is to also call the town visitor's center or check their website for more information.

Pack Accordingly

This step can seem like a no brainer but many times families go on vacation only to realize they forgot many items they intended to bring along.  What I like to do is make a list ahead of time of "must pack" items and when it comes time to pack I check them off as they get packed.  It is also a good idea to check the weather right before you head off to your destination so you are prepared to dress appropriately. 

Plan For Smooth Traveling

Traveling can be exhausting, whether it be by car, plane, or other means.  Certain items can help make traveling go smoothly for everyone involved.  Some examples are neck pillows, electronic devices for music, movies, and gaming.  I especially recommend having plenty of snacks and drinks on hand for staying full and hydrated along the way.  Last but not least, be sure to relax and have fun!  While it can be easy to get caught up in all the planning and rushing that goes along with getting out the door and on the road, remember to enjoy these moments with your loved ones!

14 January 2016

How to Teach Your Children About the Major Faiths and Religions

Children need to be taught about religions and faiths if you want them to develop a fully rounded view of the world. Here’s how to do that.

Give an Overview of all Faiths and Religions

You should start off by giving your children a basic overview of all the major religions that you think they should know about. Tell them a bit about the history, practices and beliefs of these religions, and answer any questions they might have. It’s important not to make it too dull and boring though. It’s very easy to become a boring teacher when you’re informing your kids, but it’s much better to keep it exciting if you want to hold their interest. They’ll be more likely to learn something if it’s made interesting.

Don’t Forget Atheism

It’s also important to teach your children about atheism, even if it might not seem like a religion or faith to you. To be an atheist is to reject the existence of a God or deities. This is just as relevant as a Christian believing in God. This will give your children the knowledge that you don’t have to have a religion. They can reject all the religions and be an atheist if they think that’s what’s best. Make sure you highlight that this is a legitimate belief, and no less legitimate than any religion.

Introduce them to Different People with Different Beliefs

As well as teaching them about different religions, you should introduce them to real people. This will allow them to see a human side to it. Reading about religion in a book or listening to a parent is one thing. But it doesn’t seem real to them until they meet someone who embodies that religion. So, if you know different people with different religions, you could let them talk to your children about what their religion means to them. It could help their understanding a great deal.

Don’t Pressure Your Children

If you’re a parent with a particular religion, the chances are you want your child to follow the same one as they grow up. But it can be much healthier to let them make their own decisions when it comes to questions of faith and religion. Educating them and telling them about all the religions and faiths out there is the first step in the right direction. This will then help them to make an informed decision when it comes to them choosing which religion, if any, they want to follow. But don’t pressure on them to go a certain way.



Always Teach Tolerance

One of the most important things to remember when you’re teaching your children about religion is that tolerance is important. You don’t be responsible for giving your children unnecessary and unhelpful prejudices. You should teach them about understanding and exploring variety rather than just picking a side and sticking to it. And it doesn’t mean that they should accept anything they hear in the name of religion. And they should definitely be able to question things whenever they feel the need.




Disclosure: This is a contributed post.

Educational Experiences for Your Kids Outside of the Classroom

Not all learning takes place in the classroom. In fact, a great deal of it takes place elsewhere. Children, teenagers and even adults don't have to be in a formal educational setting to learn. All of us learn new things all the time, whether it's something small or more significant. There are lots of settings and activities where children can expand their knowledge. They don't have to be cooped up at school, or even at home, to learn. If you want to help to expand your child's experiences, you should try to get them involved in some of the activities below.



Hobbies and Clubs


There are usually plenty of activities children can engage with after school or on the weekends. Some parents worry about overloading their children. But some kids are happy to have a full schedule. After-school clubs and lessons can be especially useful. Working parents who can't pick up their kids until a little later can make use of them. You can make sure they're learning and having fun in the couple of hours they have to wait for you. They might change after-school activities a lot as they grow. But most kids will latch onto something they love eventually.

Field Trips


Going on a field trip doesn't just have to be something that your kids do at school. However, if you want to, you can get involved with organizing educational field trips for their class. You can also look for fun days out that you can do together. There's so much you can learn from going on a "field trip" together. And it doesn't have to be to a museum or art gallery to be educational. Almost anywhere could be turned into an educational place to go to. You could go shopping and learn to count out money. Going to the park can give you a chance to explore nature.

Work Experience and Volunteering


Work experience is more often something that teenagers and young adults are likely to do. But even younger children can find ways to do it. It could range from role playing some jobs to setting up a lemonade stand during the summer. Children don't necessarily need any structured work experience. But it can be fun and educational to pretend. You might also have some opportunities to take them to work so they can see what your working environment is like. Volunteering can be a great experience for kids too, as well as older teenagers.

Travel


Taking the opportunity to travel can be an excellent way to enjoy educational experiences. They have the chance to see new places and try new things, and perhaps even hear another language. Even just the act of making a journey and getting ready for it can be an educational experience. Kids can learn how to be prepared and how to navigate different modes of transport, from buses to planes.

Learning doesn't have to take place in the classroom all the time. You and your kids can get out there and discover a whole world of things to do.





Disclosure:  This is a contributed post.

Five Top Tips on Choosing the Right Pillow


Pillows might not figure high on your list of things to replace, purchase or otherwise invest much time, effort of money into, but perhaps they should. After all, aside from old, flat or poor quality preventing a restful nights sleep, opting for the wrong pillow or pillows could even cause or worsen neck or back pain. Hence, and with people spending an estimated third of their lives in bed, it is prudent to plump for the ones, and here is how.


Know Your Stuff(ing)


Not all pillows are made the same, or even equal, so it makes sense to know your options. At the very least, the four options you should be aware of are down, feather, synthetic fill and microfibre.

Downs feather pillows are, of the four options, the plumpest and the fluffiest, shortly followed by feather pillows which are often somewhat more firm and almost always a less expensive option. Then, for the best in volume and price, opting for a pillow or pillows filled with a combination of down and feather is often best. Alternatively though, synthetic pillows are cheaper yet, but as such tend to need replacing more regularly and become flat far quicker. Lastly, microfibre pillows are the newest type out there and provide a supreme level of support and will mould themselves to accommodate your needs.


Sleep Position


The position in which a person most often sleeps should go in some way to determine the pillow(s) they choose to invest in. That is, different types of pillows are better suited to different types of sleepers. With that in mind, heres how to get the right pillow(s) to accommodate each type of sleeper.

Side sleepers should look to for a pillow which is thick and firm to offer a good level of support for their head and avoid cricking their neck or sleeping with their head in an unnatural position. Those who sleep on their stomachs meanwhile require the opposite; whilst many advise stomach sleepers to do away with pillows altogether, a flattish pillow can be used to offer support and comfort. Lastly, those who sleep on their backs require a pillow which is neither too plump nor too flat in order to support the head and help align the spine.


Age


So often bedding and pillow guides speak about the age of your bedding. It is just as important though to take into account the age of the sleeper.

Babies and children under twelve months old, for example, should sleep without any pillow whatsoever. Above this age, a pillow can be introduced and may provide comfort and support, but should always be one chosen for its softness.

Children are not quite yet fully formed human beings; then, it is important to take this into consideration when providing pillows for them to use. Their necks, shoulders and bodies are smaller and as such a soft, easily yielding pillow should be implemented to provide support and comfort but which will not strain their small necks.

For more information and some handy tips on getting toddler and child bedding right, the Parent Guide website provides an invaluable source of information.


Allergies


If you are experiencing regular allergies or often wake with a stuffy nose, puffy face or the itches, investing in a new pillow, though surprising perhaps, might just prove the cure.

Firstly, avoid feather pillows and down pillows. For allergy sufferers, hollow fibre and micro fibre pillows are by far the best option. Because there are numerous pillows sold containing these synthetic stuffings, look specifically for a pillow which states it is of the non-allergenicvariety.

That said, if the idea of turning to synthetic pillows causes nightmares in itself, there is an alternative; consider investing in a silk blend pillow. Whilst a totally natural product, silk also happens to be a fantastic pillow stuffing as it is lightweight, hypo-allergenic and can be very easily freshened up by simply being aired outside or even put on a cool wash cycle.


Make a Change


Lastly, be aware that when things change in your life, it might be time to change your pillow(s) too.

That is, if you gain or lose weight, suffer an injury or illness which causes chronic or long-term pain or requires changing the way you posture yourself or sleep position, it is time to consider a new pillow. As such, it is equally important to re-evaluate the pillows you use as you age. After all, we all change how we dress, lives, eat, sleep and go about life as we get older, so why would we then not too update our bedding alongside our wardrobes?



Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.

12 January 2016

Organic Lavender Body Butter Giveaway

Who loves Etsy products?  I know I do!  Well today I have an awesome giveaway to share with you all where you can enter to win some Organic Lavender Body Butter from Etsy.  Entering is easy!  All you need to do is enter via the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win.  Good Luck!


Disclosure:  Textbook Mommy is not responsible for prize fulfillment. 

10 January 2016

Traditional Home Style Lighting Options to Fit Your Needs

www.lightingmiami.com/brands/jeremiah-lighting
If you're searching for the best selection of traditional home style lighting options that will fit your needs, Jeremiah Lighting has got you covered!  With their amazing variety of lighting to choose from, you will find just what you are looking for to give your home that special touch.  Jeremiah Lighting specializes in traditional lighting and you can browse all they have to offer including chandeliers, ceiling lighting, lamps, outdoor lighting, ceiling fans, wall lighting, decor, and more at their website here!

One great option to check out over at Jeremiah Lighting is their Idea Corner.  There you can find some great photos and ideas for lighting options you can implement into your own home with products you can find for purchase on Jeremiah Lighting's website.  There's even a section on their website to talk about lighting projects and to upload and share lighting project pictures.  What a great way to find project inspiration! Some of the top brands featured on their website include Casablanca, Craftmade, Dale Tiffany, Crystorama, and many more.

Jeremiah Lighting has a discount going on right now for 15% off if you head over to their website.  You can also contact them at 1-844-285-5885.  The staff at Jeremiah Lighting are very knowledgeable and are happy to help discuss with you solutions to all your home and even commercial lighting needs.  If you are in Florida you can also stop by their beautiful showroom in Miami.  Location information is listed on their website.




Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post. 




09 January 2016

How Acting Classes Can Help Your Child Do Better In School and Life


Acting classes can be tremendously beneficial to children. Children will learn important skills that can not only help them in an acting career, but it can also help them in their day to day life.
The acting class will help your child develop numerous skills, including:
  • Self-Esteem- During a child's early years of life, it is crucial for your child to recognize their importance. Self-esteem coupled with confidence will help your child face challenges that will occur throughout their life. Confidence will help ensure they are successful in school and have the ability to make friends, both of which will help the child be happy.
  • Creativity- Acting classes help children be able to express themselves by increasing their creativity. Creativity can help improve a child's mental health and coping mechanisms, which can help build healthier and stronger relationships.
  • Empathy- This important characteristic helps children understand how others feel. It is an important skill that acting classes can help the child develop.
  • Communications and Social Skills- Acting class will help your child develop these two important skills. A child needs to learn how to effectively communicate both verbally and non-verbally. Communication skills involve both actively listening as well as speaking confidently.
  • Reading Improvement- Acting involves a lot of reading. They have to learn to read their lines properly.
  • Concentration- Concentration skills will help your child exceed in school work. This skill will be developed during acting classes.
  • Memory- In order to act, a child must learn to memorize their lines. As they develop their memory, you will begin to see improvement in their grades.
  • Discipline- In order to be successful at acting, a child must learn to develop self-control and professionalism.
As you can see, acting classes offer numerous benefits. These benefits not only help the child become a better actor/actress, but it will also help them develop life skills that will help them throughout their life. If your child is interested in acting, consider enrolling them in acting classes. Soon, you will begin to see a difference in your child's demeanor, grades and happiness.


Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.

07 January 2016

Planning A Surprise Party? Read These Amazing Tips

Even though surprise parties are a lot of fun, they require a great deal of time and effort. But if planned and executed well they can bring a smile to the face of everyone involved. The success of your party will rely on multiple things going your way, and this can make it a high pressured process. So if you’re planning a top secret party for a birthday or special occasion don’t rely on luck. Take a look at these tips and plan a party that is stress-free and remains a surprise up until the last minute.



Consider your venue carefully


It’s probably best not to choose a place that is too far away or somewhere too different to what they are used to. They will suspect something is going on and may be less inclined to go somewhere they aren’t familiar with. It could be difficult to organize a surprise party at your own home too without arousing suspicion. Casually suggest visiting a local restaurant or bar, just the two of you and do just that. Except when they walk in, they will be met with a room full of friendly faces celebrating this special occasion.

Ensure your guests get there first


The worst thing that could potentially happen is that everyone arrives after the person you want to surprise does. Consider this before sending out invitations to your guests and think about an appropriate arrival time. Remember that many people usually arrive fashionably late to parties. So you can either reinforce the importance of the time or allow some extra time for you to work with. For instance, if your party person is arriving at 8, ask your guests to arrive at 7.30. It will be easier to manage with a smaller group of people, so don’t invite too many people to attend. This will also make it easier for your plans to remain a secret.

When to plan the party


Evenings and weekends are usually the best time for party planning. But this can be difficult if you live with the person you are planning the event for. So you may need to get creative. Use your lunch hour to ring potential venues to set a definite date and to invite your guests. This will be better than emailing as it won’t leave a paper trail your guest of honor might read accidentally. Also, don’t forget to organize things like photography for the event, decorations and transport for your guest. These may seem like minor details but can make or break your party. Create decoy activities and secretly meet up with close friends and family attending the party. You can use this time to assign tasks for them to complete and also ask them for help with catering, storing of items and help setting up. This should spread out the workload and ease the pressure off you to do everything.
These tips will ensure that your surprise party is a complete success. The additional effort you put in will be worth all the hassle when you see the look on the party person’s face.


Disclosure: This is a contributed post.






Steps To Take If Your Child Struggles At School



It can be incredibly upsetting to find your child is not doing as well as you’d hoped they would at school. But my first piece of advice to give to you is not to panic. Despite your hopes and dreams for your child, there is a number of different reasons why a child might struggle in education. It could be an underlying problem that you have not yet picked up on. Or, it might be something that can easily be fixed. Here are some of the things that you can do to help a child who is finding school difficult.

Take Them To An Optician


It’s quite possible that your child is struggling because they can not see the board or their textbooks properly. This could be because they need glasses. Young children will not be able to pinpoint the reason they can not complete their work. They won’t be able to tell you they can’t see the board. But if you take them to see an optician this issue will become apparent. Check out these signs http://www.allaboutvision.com for more information. However, it’s also possible that their difficulty is instead psychological.

Get Them Tested For Dyslexia


If your child is having issues in a specific class rather than a broader problem, this could point to the underlying condition of dyslexia. Not all children receive a diagnosis of this at an early age. Although, it should be picked up by school professionals, teachers often miss the signs. If you think this could be the cause, take your child to be tested for this condition. Once you know they are having this issue; there are ways to cope with it. Depending on the age of your child you may wish to switch them to a specialist school for this condition. You can find out more about this possibility on http://www.riversideschool.org/. Alternately, the school they are already attending might be able to offer them help and support to cope with the condition.

Signs Of Bullying


If it’s not an eye problem or a psychological condition, the next issue might be bullying. Bullying can be incredibly detrimental to a child's ability to learn. The problem is that bullying often goes undetected unless the child directly mentions it to a parent or someone else. Common signs of bullying could be a general dislike for school, bruises on the body or changes in mood. If your child has become more isolated, they could be suffering from some kind of emotional bullying.

Falling Behind


Of course, it’s entirely possible that the cause is nothing to do with any of these problems. It may simply be that your child finds the school form of learning difficult. Contrary to popular belief, we don’t all learn in the same way, and some children simply find it difficult to cope with typical forms of teaching. If that’s the case, you should encourage learning outside of school, perhaps with private tutoring. That way, you will be able to keep your child on track with the rest of the class. 


Disclosure:  This is a contributed post.

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