30 March 2016

3 Reasons Why Prenatal Yoga Will Make You Love Pregnancy


Believe me, I understand how hard being pregnant can be. From the nausea to the inability to sleep, the discomfort and the anxiety, not forgetting that your body is also in a constant state of incredible change, pregnancy can be a bumpy nine-month journey. During my first pregnancy, I remember wishing it was over before I was even half way through. Not only did I find all of the physical changes challenging to cope with, I also struggled with feeling alone and isolated. Even though I had friends and family around me, I didn’t feel like I was connecting with any of them on the level I was needing.

I relied heavily on my yoga practice to help me through these ups and downs, and it did help, but not as much as I thought it would. What really took my first pregnancy from feeling like I was just surviving to truly enjoying each day was beginning my prenatal yoga practice

Prenatal yoga isn’t “traditional” yoga. It is designed to specifically help women manage the constant mental and physical demands of pregnancy while providing a supportive community that they can rely on. Prenatal yoga is safe at all trimesters and can be done whether you are an experienced yoga student or are someone who has never stepped foot onto a yoga mat.

Here are 3 reasons why you will love prenatal yoga:


It Relieves Discomfort: The movements and stretches practiced in prenatal yoga help you to manage the physical pains and discomforts associated with pregnancy. From back pain to hip pain, headaches to nausea, prenatal yoga can (and will) help with all of it. The practice will strengthen your muscles and body as well, which will help you to maintain better posture even as your baby grows. Good posture equals less pain. And let’s not forget all of the mental discomforts that can come with being pregnant! The relaxation and breathing techniques taught in prenatal yoga do wonders for anxiety and stress.

It Connects You To Your Baby: Taking time out of our crazy schedules to practice prenatal yoga is so important because it gives you time to really slow down and connect with your baby on a whole new level. Every time you step on your mat to practice when you are pregnant is a reminder that you are not alone, that everything you are going through (the ups and downs) are for something (actually, someone!) that is absolutely incredible. Reminding yourself of this is one of the best ways to truly love your pregnancy.

It Provides You With Community: Whether you practice prenatal yoga at a local studio, online, or on your own, you are reminded that you are part of an exclusive “mom club”. By remembering this you are able to tap into the strength, energy, and intuition of moms around the globe (both past and present).

If you are interested in learning more about prenatal yoga or trying a free class now, visit http://yoginiology.com/prenatalyoga




Disclosure: This is a contributed post.

29 March 2016

How To Help Your Teen Through Depression

Teenagers are known for being moody and rebellious but what about as being prone to depression? Being moody and rebelling against your parents as a teen is normal behavior. This type of thing is generally what’s expected once kids reach their thirteenth birthday. However, as well as these typical teen behaviours, parents should also be on the lookout for signs of depression.


Most of us think that depression is something that only affects adults, but that’s not actually the case. On average, one in every 20 teenagers will suffer from depression. The question is, how do you tell if your teen is depressed and how can you help them through it? For everything that you need to know, keep reading.

Depression goes beyond moodiness

Teenagers are known for being moody, but depression is much more severe than that. When their teens are moody and sleep a lot, many parents worry that they are depressed. However, that’s not the case - hormones cause the moodiness and tiredness. Depression is completely different to normal teen behavior.

A major sign that your teen could be depressed is that their personality changes. You may notice changes in their sleep pattern - if a teen who didn’t sleep a lot before starts constantly sleeping this is a warning sign. Other signs of depression include a change in appetite, problems with school grades and social issues. If you notice that your child seems down, and it lasts for longer than two weeks, it’s time to get help.

There are lots of treatment options

The good news is that when it comes to teenage depression, there are a lot of treatment options. With the right treatment and guidance, within four to six weeks, you should start to see your teenager returning to themselves again. So as long as the right treatment option is chosen, treatment can work incredibly quickly.

The most common form of treatment is therapy, and sometimes medication as well. While talking things out can help, for some teenagers, a different approach is needed. A popular method is wilderness therapy, like the Wilderness Therapy Trek Program. There's something about spending time in nature that can help some depression suffers recover more quickly. So this is definitely a treatment option that's worth considering.  When it comes to depression, there isn’t a one size fits all treatment, and it’s important to realize that.

Be there for your child

As a parent, seeing your child struggling with depression is awful. Seeing them fall into themselves and be unable to do anything about it is incredibly difficult. You might not be able to make everything better but what you can do is be there for them no matter what. All you need to do is be there to help them through their depression one step at a time.

If they want to talk, make sure that you’re there to listen. On days when they don’t feel like getting out of bed, make getting up worthwhile. Go for lunch, treat them to a little gift, have fun together. You may not be able to make them better, but you can show them that you’ll always be there for them.

There you have it, how to tell if your teenager has depression and how to help them.







Disclosure:  This is a contributed post.

Busy Mom? How To Get A Little Bit Of "Me Time"

Life as a mom can get so hectic and chaotic. Especially with four girls. However, that is no reason not to get a little bit of time for me. I think all moms need a little “me time” every now and again. Of course, these days that me time isn’t sat lazing around a spa drinking cocktails all day. It’s about getting snippets of time as and when you can. It’s seeing an opportunity and grabbing it with both hands. I thought I would share with you some of the ways I try and snatch a bit of time for myself to recharge my batteries. 

 Photo Credit: Flickr

Get some products that are just for mom.

Many times you have to share your bathtub with the toys or use the kids bath essence. Well, I am saying while that is alright for a short-term thing, it’s nice to get some products that are just for you. Some new moisturizers, bath creams and scented candles that smell divine. These are the things you can whip out at a moment's notice to just relax. Australian fragrance brand Aromabotanical have a wonderful collection.

A nice hot bath

When the children are all tucked up in bed, this is the perfect chance for you to have a little time to yourself. This could mean running a nice hot bath and having a good long soak. You can put some of those products to good use and relax in the aromas. A hot bath can be all it takes to recharge your batteries and feel human again. Being a mom can take every bit of energy from you, so make sure you take care of yourself.

A moment with a hot drink, a magazine or good book

Maybe the kids are at school, or you just have a bit of time if they still nap. Use this time to your advantage. I appreciate you may have chores to do or errands to run. But if you just take ten minutes to yourself to enjoy a nice drink and have a read of something that interests you. You won’t believe how refreshed you will feel that you will probably get just as many chores done if not more.

An at home facial

This isn’t as posh as it sounds. It’s taking the chance to pop on a face mask and relax while it does it’s thing. Or concentrating on your skin by giving it some TLC. It may not be as relaxing as having a facial in a beauty place, but you will see the benefits. When we look good, we feel good. So taking care of yourselves is one of the best ways to boost your confidence.

Paint your nails

When you have freshly painted nails, you instantly feel better about yourself. It doesn’t take long to do but can be an instant mood lifter. You could get up a little earlier and do them then, or use your evening after that relaxing bath to give yourself a little pamper. These things don’t need to cost you a lot of money.

Most important of all taking time for yourself gives you the opportunity to take care of yourself. If you are a happy contented person, then you are a happy contented mom. The kids get the best of you when you are feeling at your best. So invest in the time to make that happen. 





Disclosure:  This is a contributed post.

24 March 2016

The Terrible Twos

Last week, Jen from tamethetantrum.com asked her 3,500 subscribers to describe the one place they're most afraid of having the Terrible Twos strike! The unanimous answer: at a restaurant. So she decided to write a helpful post on the top 10 steps to surviving temper tantrums at a restaurant, which you can find here: http://www.tamethetantrum.com/#!The-Terrible-Twos-at-the-Restaurant-Surviving-through-Dessert/c1bwo/56f01d300cf213d90db21dca

23 March 2016

Vidangel Review

Taking the worry out of your kids watching movies


Okay Mom’s, I have to brag about this new product called Vidangel. I have been able to let my kids watch movies without me having to worry! It is cheaper then Redbox as well and can stream it from any device. The coolest thing is that it has filters you can select from and choose what you want to cut out from the movie. Sure their may not be a ton of stuff to delete from a PG movie but I like to watch it with my husband late at night and skip all the crude language and profanity.

There aren’t many other services like this available right now in the market. They seem to have found a loophole where they can ‘buy back’ the movie. I learned most of these things after reading a in-depth Vidangel review from Filterthatmovie. I am definitely going to have to brag about this to the Mom’s at soccer games and make sure that when my kids have a sleepover they use it. 

So to all my readers out there, let me know what movies you are watching and if you have caught any good flicks lately. And if you have, think about all the different parts you may have closed your eyes or muted it, or closed your children's eyes! Now you can avoid that stuff with smooth skip overs for only $1-2 per rental. I really like this service, you do need a good internet connection however but that is easy to come by these days.

If you have tried Vidangel or any other movie filtering product out there on the market please leave a comment below about which one is your favorite. Until then, keep being the best mom you can be to your kids and make sure you know what they are seeing on the TV and iPad.



Disclosure:  This is a guest post.

22 March 2016

What To Eat After You Get Your Braces

For adults and children alike getting braces is often the first step to a gorgeous new smile, but there are some limits on what types of food you should eat. Though they're designed to be sturdy and resilient, eating certain foods can damage your braces or lengthen the time you'll have to wear them. Foods that are hard, sticky, crunchy, or tough, such as taffy and hard candy, ice, gum, and nuts, should definitely be avoided while you have braces. 
 
Other foods can be eaten, but it's best not to bite into them with your front teeth -- this is good news for lovers of raw vegetables, pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. You can still eat these favorite foods, you'll just need to cut it and chew with your back teeth. Even corn on the cob can be enjoyed with braces if you slice the kernels off first. 
 
Many foods are great for those who have braces, such as soft produce and vegetables that have been steamed. Grapefruit, oranges, kiwi, and berries can be eaten alongside soft dairy products, yogurt, and soft cheese for a healthy snack that won't damage your teeth. Other foods that are braces friendly include: 
 
- Softer meats, such as chicken, turkey, meatballs, and deli meats
- Salmon, cod, crab cakes, tuna, and similar seafood
- Noodles, pasta, soft cooked rice, and other grains
- Muffins, tortillas, pancakes, and biscuits
- Eggs that have been hard boiled, scrambled, or fried
- Soups, chili, and cooked beans

The list of foods that you can enjoy while wearing braces is quite long. Remember to avoid eating anything that can damage your orthodontic work, such as very crunchy, hard, or sticky foods. The reward for being mindful about what you eat and taking care not to bite down on certain foods with your front teeth is a faster reveal of your healthy, new smile. 
 
Parents and children alike need to be mindful of what is the best sort of food to eat. Needless to say that a little help goes a long way. Here are some great dinner ideas for kids with braces that adults could probably try too.
Braces can seem like they are going to be on forever initially, however once you get used to them and get over the start it only gets easier. And the great thing is when you take them off you have a beautiful new smile.

Top Tips On Getting Your Child To Go To Bed On Time!

Trying to get your child to go to bed at night time can be a difficult task. They want to stay up and play, and it can take you ages to get them to go to bed and sleep. As we talked about here, making sure your child gets enough sleep is crucial for their health. Not only does it boost their concentration, but it also means they can sleep off the day's event and be ready to play the next day. There’s nothing worse than an overtired child. Here’s some top tips on getting your child to go to bed on time.


Fun bed

A fun bed can make the difference when trying to persuade a toddler to go to bed. A girls princess castle will entice her to go to her room. While toddler beds for boys such as a fun rocket themed or race car bed will appeal to your child. And ultimately help them to actually to want to go to their bedroom. You can accessorize the bed with their favorite teddies and some fun cushions, to really encourage them to enjoy bedtime.

Bedtime story

A traditional way of getting your child to go to bed on time is to encourage them with a bedtime story. As discussed here, a bedtime story is a great way to bond with your little one. If you work during the day, you don’t get a proper chance to spend some quality time with your child. Therefore, a bedtime story allows you both to spend time together. A bedtime story also helps enhance their imagination and gives them a love for reading.

A TV or Music player in the bedroom

If you don’t have a television in your child’s bedroom, it might be a good time to put one in there for them to use. Playing a DVD of your child’s program is an excellent way to persuade them to go to bed on time. And they will likely to go to sleep while they are watching the show. Listening to music is also a great way of getting your child to their bedroom on time. You can put on some nice nursery rhymes or some light music which will help them fall asleep. They may remember you rocking them to sleep to certain music when they were a baby, so it will be a soothing way to get them to sleep.

Not too much napping in the day.

If your toddler is sleeping too much during the day, it can disrupt their sleeping pattern at night. If they are between 1-3 years old, they should not be sleeping for more than three hours max a day. They will be missing out on essential learning time, and it will mean long sleepless nights for you. Try and change their schedule of sleeping, if this is the case, and then hopefully they will be tired and want to go to bed on time.

Remember every child is different and if they are genuinely not tired at night, you might need to take them to the doctor for further advice. 



Disclosure:  This is a contributed post.


18 March 2016

Simple Things All Parents Can Do To Help Keep Their Kids Healthy

Keeping your kids fit and healthy is something that all parents should be trying to do on a daily basis. Making sure they eat a varied diet and do plenty of exercise is highly important and beneficial to your children as they grow. It keeps their body working efficiently, keeps them strong and protects them from getting sick. But to enhance their health and kids even further, there are some other things all parents need to do. Take a look at these suggestions which will help them remain happy and healthy inside and out.

 Photo Credit: Flickr


Make sure they get enough sleep

When your children are asleep, this is the time when they grow and re-energize for the day ahead. It also boost their concentration and allows their body to heal itself. So making sure they get plenty of rest each night is essential. SO if your child is frequently overtired, they may not be getting enough. Choose a suitable time for them to go to bed and for naps throughout the day. Take anything out of their bedrooms which might as a stimulant which could stop them going to sleep. This could be a tablet, games console or toys. Even bright lights could be keeping them awake. Use this site for children’s bedtime stories and poems to help them drift off and make their room feel relaxing and as quiet as possible.



Encourage them to cook

Obesity is a problem throughout the world and causes a whole host of healthy problems from diabetes to cancer. If your child becomes obese, they may also have mobility and respiratory issues as they get older. Encouraging your kids to cook with you teaches them how to control their weight and diet. So why not ask them to create their own packed lunch for school or learn how to make a healthy new recipe together. Teaching them about cooking early on will keep them active, improve their diets and get them interested in new and exciting foods.

Photo Credit: Flickr


Help them clean their teeth

Dental care is something that parents should start teaching their children from an early age. Even though their milk teeth will eventually drop out, it’s still important to encourage good dental health. If your kids are brushing their own teeth, they may not have the correct technique to give their teeth a sufficient clean each day. Not cleaning the teeth and gums thoroughly enough can lead to gum disease and toothache which can both bring your kids a lot of pain. Thankfully there are things you can do to reduce the risk of this happening. You can watch this video explaining how much toothpaste to use on children's teeth and make regular trips to your dentist. You can also time how long they brush their teeth and show them the correct brushing technique.



All of these suggestions can keep your kids stay healthy as they grow and develop. The last thing you want is for you child to become sick or be in pain. So do whatever you can to reduce the risk of this happening and they will be happier, healthier adults as a result.




Disclosure:  This is a contributed post.

16 March 2016

9 Tips to Staying Safe While Driving with Kids

It goes without saying that driving with kids in the car is a lot more stressful than driving on your own. For one, you’re worried about their safety and well being as you’re behind the wheel, but the other reason it can be more stressful is because your children can become a distraction. Every parent has likely experienced sibling rivalries, screaming babies, toys being chucked out the window and much more. 
The truth is, it can get pretty dangerous in an instant. So, we came up with a few pointers on how you can enhance safety on the road while driving with your kids:
1.  Do a Vehicle Check
Before you load the kids into the car, be sure to do a quick inspection of the vehicle. Every time you drive you put wear and tear on the vehicle. This damage will ultimately alter the performance of the vehicle. Therefore, to ensure that you and your kids are safe on the road you need to do a once over of the inside and outside of your vehicle. For example, accident attorney Mike Pines gives advice on how to check your tires to minimize the chances of an accident. Other vehicle checks to consider would be looking underneath the vehicle to make sure that necessary fluids aren’t leaking and to inspect the seat belts to ensure they’re functioning properly.
2.  Buckle Up for Safety
No matter how old your children are they need to be wearing the proper safety belts. Before you pull out of the driveway, do a quick check to make sure that everyone has been strapped in with a seat belt or car seat. You also want to make sure you’re buckled up too as this sets a good example for the kids and of course keeps you safe as well.
3.  Find Great Entertainment
To keep the screaming, crying, and fighting to a minimum in the back seat it is probably a good idea to make sure that you have great entertainment for the kids. Thanks to modern technology, there are plenty of things that can keep them occupied at all ages. Whether they’re going to watch a movie or play games on a tablet, or color and play with their favorite toy, the more entertained they are, the less likely they are to become a distraction while you’re on the road.
4.  Put Safety Locks On
Younger children have a tendency to grab at the handle while the car is in motion, fling things out of the window, and even stick their head out the window while you’re driving. To avoid this problem it is important to put the safety locks on. Most vehicles have the means to put on childproof locks which prevent children from opening the door from the inside or operating the window without permission.
5.  Follow the Rules of the Road
Another bit of advice would be to follow the rules of the road. This means no speeding, following behind vehicles at a safe distance, and of course paying attention to traffic signs.
6.  Secure a Place for Trash
There is nothing more dangerous than an empty water bottle being flung up to the front seat or having a plastic bag suddenly flapping around freely in the car. To prevent these distractions, it is beneficial to have a designated place for trash. Whether you tie a plastic bag to the door handle and place trash in there or invest in compartment for your car. There are plenty of organizational compartments that can easily store trash, toys, and other things you need in the vehicle. The more organized your car is, the less likely that something will distract you as you drive.
7.  Take Frequent Breaks
If you’re taking a long road trip with children, it is probably a good idea to take breaks often. When your kids become irritable they tend to take the distractions to another level. Stop and allow them to stretch their legs, use the restroom, and possibly re-energize with some food and drinks.
8.  No Cell Phone
While driving, you should never get on the cell phone as it can cause an accident. No matter who might be calling it is best to wait until you can pull over. If you tend to use the phone a lot, at the very least you should invest in a hands-free system that allows you to make and receive phone calls without having to physically hold the phone in your hand.
9.  Get the Right Insurance
No one plans to be involved in an accident, but the truth is it can happen at any time. In order to protect you and your children it is imperative that you invest in the right car insurance. The right insurance coverage should financially compensate you for any damage to your vehicle and pay for any medical bills that may be necessary for you and your children.
No matter how angelic your children might be, there is always the potential that they can become a distraction in the car. To prevent an accident and keep your family safe, follow all of the above advice. While it may not prevent your child from finding other creative ways to grab your attention, it can certainly minimize the risks. 

14 March 2016

Is Bedtime A Nightmare For Your Family?

So, it’s your little one’s bedtime. You read them a story, kiss them on the forehead, tuck them up and switch the light off. Then they drop off to dreamland, where they stay until the morning, bright and ready for the day ahead. Ha! Does that sound like your house? Your kids? No? Maybe I should have started that with “Once upon a  time,” because for many people, it’s about as real as a fairy tale. Although it should be a time that is peaceful and serene, the truth is often very, very different.

Photo Credit: Flickr

More parents than you might realize dread their kids bedtimes. Instead of it being the start of their own evening, a time for themselves it can mark the beginning of hours of trouble. Whether you are trying to get stuff done, or only attempting to have sometime to yourself, bedtime is important. Getting them in there, and staying there can be a complete nightmare. When your child doesn’t sleep well, it usually means you won’t either. And sleep deprivation is horrible and means you’re always tired. Looking after a family is a lot of work at the best of times, and if you’re not firing on all cylinders, it can make life even harder.

If this sounds like you, then what can you do?

Well, the good news is, it will pass eventually. By the time, kids start school they will usually be sleeping through the night and have a reasonable length of shut eye. That may seem impossible far off if you're having these problems with a toddler, but there is light at the end of the tunnel! Usually, though, it’ll happen long before that, so don’t worry too much. It’s easy to say that when you’ve not been up half the night! But it WILL pass. Just hold on to that thought, even if it doesn't seem much comfort yet.

Routine and consistency are vital when it comes to getting your kids to bed. Once your children know the drill, then their brain will help by sending them signals that yes, it really is time for them to go to the land of nod. Start winding down a couple of hours before you want them to go to bed. Try and make sure there’s no television or gadgets with blue light at this time. We’re talking phones, tablets and consoles, too. Blue light is incredibly detrimental to REM sleep and plays havoc with our circadian rhythms. Help them relax with music, a splash and soak with a gentle baby bubble bath is a good way to get them ready to go to bed. The temperature drop to the body when getting out a both can trigger the body into sleep mode.
 
Photo Credit: Flickr
 
Read your little one a story and talk to them about their day. Keep the lights dimmed and talk in soft, soothing tones. If your child is scared of the dark, you can get all sorts of child-friendly night lights. These can help alleviate any fears. It may take a while for you to get the routine working, but if you remain consistent and maintain boundaries, you’ll find success. Just be patient. It’ll be worth it in the end!

 
 
Disclosure:  This is a contributed post.
 


06 March 2016

Bark at the Moon Natural Turkey Dog Treats Review and Giveaway


When it comes to giving your dog a treat you want something that that your dog will of course find tasty, but also a treat that is good for your pooch at the same time!  Green Butterfly Brands, the creator of Bark At The Moon Natural Turkey Dog Treats also feel that treats should be both tasty and good for your dog, and they created their dog treats with only the best ingredients.  Bark At The Moon Dog Treats came about when Lauren, owner of Green Butterfly Brands decided there needed to be a change after coming across different dog treats and becoming frustrated when looking at the list of ingredients and not being able to pronounce many of their contents and also seeing many times listed "Made in China".  Lauren treasures her dog Mr. Bear and wanted to create a product that not only contained all natural ingredients but was something her dog would enjoy.  This is how Green Butterfly Brands and Bark At The Moon Natural Turkey Dog Treats was born!


Bark At The Moon Natural Turkey Dog Treats Are Proudly Made in The USA!

Bark At The Moon Natural Turkey Dog Treats contain a veterinarian formulated recipe with 100% human grade ingredients.  All ingredients come sourced right here in the USA!  The name is not deceiving, as the main ingredient in these treats is organic turkey.  Other natural ingredients in these treats include peas, carrots, beans, and other ingredients that you would find in your own kitchen.  This is a treat you can feel good about giving your pet!

  • Made in the USA with 100% American sourced human-grade ingredients

  • Grain free - gluten free – wheat free

  • No artificial flavors, colors, fillers or preservatives

  • Veterinarian-formulated recipe

  • Low in fat and calories. Perfect for low fat diets and dogs concerned about their waistlines.

  • Great for dogs with sensitive tummies

  • Made in small batches to ensure quality

  • Perfect training treat or puppy reward



Fun Fact:  A portion of every sale goes towards training service dogs for disabled veterans through K9s for Warriors


The great folks at Green Butterfly Brands recently sent me some Bark At The Moon Natural Turkey Dog Treats to review with my dog and boy was he excited to be the taste tester!  Not only did my dog love the taste of these treats but these are treats that as his owner I can feel good about giving to him knowing that the ingredients are all natural and made right here in the USA.  My pooch and I both highly recommend Bark At The Moon Natural Turkey Dog Treats!

Follow Bark At The Moon Dog Treats:

Giveaway

Prizes (3): Three lucky readers of Textbook Mommy are going to win a 32 ounce super saver size of Bark At The Moon Natural Turkey Dog Treats!
Details: Open to residents of the U.S., 18 years of age and older.  Entry is via Rafflecopter form below.  Winners will have 48 hours to respond to winning email or an alternate winner(s) will be selected.  Good Luck!


Disclosure:  I was provided a sample of the above mentioned product in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are 100% mine own.  Textbook Mommy is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

02 March 2016

Why Choose a Tutor Online?



When you are looking for a tutor for yourself or a child, it can be a difficult process if you don’t know where to start. That’s where having easy access to the resources that can be found online can make the search for a private tutor process so much easier, faster, more affordable and better!

To start with, looking for tutors online opens up so many tutors and options that you might not find with other methods of searching. Many of the best and brightest tutors are members of some of the online tutoring websites and can not be found easily offline. You would have to know them or someone that had worked with them before in order to find this gem of a Science tutor or THE tutor in your area that is a private SAT tutor and helps so many kids improve their standardized test scores.

What experience does a tutor have and what are their top areas of expertise? It’s easy to state or say that you are brilliant at Geometry or top notch in SAS, but how will you know? Most of the online tutors and tutor sites provide not only background but also experience and skills for each of their tutors. That combined with the ability to check out reviews on a tutor makes it easier to find a great fit for yourself or a child. This way you have a better idea in advance of hiring or paying for a tutor. Here are some great tutoring tips.

If you have not hired tutors before, knowing what are reasonable prices per hour or by subject area can be difficult. We were amazed at the variations in pricing for a tutor in Spanish for my son and found that the quality wasn’t very different, just the pricing. Yes, it’s an expense to have a tutor but if you get the results you need, the cost seems minimal. Since yours or your child’s education will be ongoing, making sure that you get quality results and affordable pricing is easier by looking for your tutors online.

Security and safety is becoming a bigger and bigger issue for many people when choosing a home tutor for their children. While you need a tutor, you may not know anything about someone that just pins up a sign somewhere or that you find in a classifieds section of a site or paper. However, if you utilize online tutoring resources, many of them have verified or reviewed the tutors before accepting them. That can provide you a greater sense of security. In addition, you can frequently messenger the tutors privately and securely before you give out any personal or confidential information. And these days, that is very important.

One of the best benefits of choosing a tutor online is the flexibility that it offers you in terms of when and where you have your tutoring! Depending upon the course or what you need, not only are in person studying and tutoring sessions possible but it’s also possible to have online sessions via Skype or other setups similar to that. This makes finding a great tutor that can work with your lifestyle and requirements much easier and enables you to find a fit that works for you! If you find a tutor and schedule that meets your needs, you are more likely to get greater results as well.

Staying on top of your classes and grades can be more difficult some semesters. Having the option to quickly and easily find a tutor online that knows what you need to know makes it all a bit easier. It also insures that you do not fall behind and have to scramble to catch up at the last minute! That’s a great support to have for when you need it.



Disclosure:  This is a contributed post.

For the Love of the Game: How to Make Sure Youth Sports Stay Positive



You and your children probably love youth sports and thoroughly enjoy taking part in them. For parents they provide some extra time to bond with younger ones, while also help foster strength in the parent/ child relationship. We’ve compiled a list of things to ensure you do to keep things positive – take a look below.

1. Continue to teach important skills.

Most young children cannot pick up a skill after only one demonstration. Repeat yourself often. Talk about different situations in which the particular skill might come into play. Then, practice those skills time and time again until it almost becomes second nature to the child.

2. Focus on the positive parts of the game.

It is much easier to remember what went wrong rather than what went right in life. This is true for adults as well as children. Think about your job. What do you remember from last week? Is the first thought that pops into your head something negative or something positive? Employers, for example, tend to miss the vast majority of the good things going on in the office because they only see the bad. With sports, constantly work to see the good. Look for opportunities to praise children. For each criticism that you hand out, you need to say at least four positive things as well. This helps to build children up rather than making them feel like they will never be successful.

3. Be specific in your praise.

Children are more likely to remember a specific compliment rather than a generic statement. For instance, saying "Your batting form looked great out there today" is more likely to resonate with a child than simply saying "Great hitting!" However, coaches are more likely to be specific when it comes to corrections and not to compliments. This is one of the reasons that children remember more negatives than positives.

4. Make a big deal over a success.

Kids react to animation. Your tone of voice, your facial expressions and your gestures are all important. When something good happens, get animated! Rewarding your child or the team after special occasions can be a great way to showcase positivity. This can be done with away days to a pro match, custom baseball jerseys or maybe with a meal out with the whole team. 

5. Enjoy yourself.

I have coached for a long time, but there is one player that sticks out in my mind. He was not a particularly emotional player, but if he found himself getting worked up, he would repeat a particular phrase to himself. While I can't remember the exact language, it had to do with the fact that having fun is the ultimate goal of the game. When pressed further about his mantra, the player told me that to him, having fun was learning and growing as player. When coaching children, it is important to impart knowledge to them. This is part of the fun of the game.

6. Laugh often.

The player that I mentioned above had a hard game one time. He was pitching, and he gave up a lot of walks in the first inning, to the point that the other team scored five runs. When it was our turn to get up to bat, the entire team seemed down. The pitcher walked up to me and smiled, however. He kept things positive and made a small joke about what had happened on the field. It quickly lightened up the atmosphere and the rest of the team got their heads back into the game. As a coach, it is important to be able to laugh. The kids need it and the adults need it as well.

7. Don't make assumptions.

Kids may not be familiar with the language that you are using. As you give directions, keep it simple. Make sure your players understand what you are asking them to do. Also, teach skills in several different ways so that children are able to get a better picture of what you are saying to them.



Disclosure:  This is a contributed post.

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