How kids can help around the home

Hey readers,

With all of the responsibilities we have to fulfil to provide for our family, keep their content, and maintain order in our homes, it's easy for parents to feel completely overwhelmed. 

Below I offer some advice on persuading kids to help keep the house clean and organised.

Show them how to do it. 

 It is unfair to expect a youngster to complete a task without first teaching them how to do it. Show your kids the proper and safe ways to vacuum, sweep, rake, and perform other household activities. 

Additionally, be sure they know your expectations for the task's completion.

Be specific with your expectations, so your children understand 

precisely what is expected of them. 

In light of this, try not to be too harsh with your children when they don't complete a task. Offer your help if your children complain that a job is too difficult or need support. 

Please give them a hand to show that you're in this together rather than making them do it independently.

Set a time limit for chores. 

Setting time limitations is an intelligent approach to ensure your youngster completes their responsibilities. 

One may say: Okay, you have 20 minutes to finish the dishes.

Your child's bedtime increases if she hasn't finished them in 20 minutes. Or she wastes some time on electronics. This results in a cost for her foot drag.

The benefit of this system is that you are no longer bugging people all the time. You're merely keeping time instead. 

Even better, use a timer that has an alert for cooking. You can say the following evening. "Let's not have the same thing happen again as last night; you didn't like going to bed sooner," she said.

Encourage your youngster to compete with herself as another time tactic. One may say: Let's see if you can finish it tonight in 15 minutes. 

But keep in mind that you must do it properly. I'll investigate. Even better, offer your child a perk: "You can stay up for an additional 15 minutes if you finish it in that time. You may also spend another 15 minutes online.

The youngster will then experience increased excitement and stimulation. 

Your child will get something if she completes the work, but she won't lose anything if she doesn't. 

Because it's more motivating and less punitive, you're incentivising your child to do better. This reward system is always superior to one in which the child loses anything.

Get them when they are young.

Young, capture their enthusiasm! Even though they can't be of much use, young children frequently want to assist their parents so they may engage in the fun and feel grown-up.

Although it can be tempting to decline their assistance (especially when we believe it will make things more complicated for us), it's essential to capitalise on their enthusiasm by assigning them tasks that are suitable for their age and skill level and that make them feel like they are contributing. 

By permitting and encouraging our kids to contribute, we give them a sense of belonging, utility, accomplishment, and responsibility. Naturally, this increases their knowledge of and proficiency in these activities.

Examples of age-appropriate chores include:

2-4 years old:

* Help make the bed.

* Pick up toys.

* Help clean spills.

* Help dust and wipe surfaces.

* Help sort laundry.

* Help water plants.

5-7 years old:

* Help load the dishwasher.

* Help put away groceries.

* Put dirty clothes in the washing machine.

* Help set the table.

8-11 years old:

* Help hoover.

* Help make meals.

* Prepare breakfast.

* Help wash the car.

Giving our kids age-appropriate chores early on (even if they can't perform a perfect job) makes it much simpler to push them as they get older. 

If you continue to reject your child now, they'll lose interest in participating when they get older.

Make learning fun. 

Make it a party as you clean by playing music and dancing! If you have TV to catch up on, watch it as you clean. 

You can utilise entertaining tools like vibrant, fluffy dusters or delectably fragrant, non-toxic cleaning materials.

Try cleaning while the clock is running for an extra challenge! Before the timer reaches zero, instruct your children to put their clothes or toys away. Somebody should play countdown music 

added inspiration.

There are many approaches to having fun while cleaning. Your kids will cooperate more readily the more vigorously you clean!

Cleaning reward chart. 

By making a chart with your little helpers to track their assistance around the house, you may reward them.

Ask them to record each activity they complete in the chart by drawing a star or writing it down. PlPleaseive them a modest incentive when they achieve a particular number of stars or complete a certain number of chores during the week.

This doesn't have to be an expensive gift; it might be a night watching a movie at home, a piece of chocolate, or additional computer time.

How do you help get your kids to help around the home? I love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

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My Sunday Photo 28/01/2023

 

Saw some local Chinese dance to celebrate the Chinese New year yesterday. Lovely to see different cultures ☺ 

The best low or non alcoholic drinks 2023

Hey readers, 

Are you attempting to cut back on alcohol but unsure where to begin? Do not be alarmed; the market for non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages has never been more alluring.

If you enjoy sipping on a cold beverage but want to avoid the worst hangovers, detrimental effects on your mental health, and consuming infinite calories, there are many fantastic solutions available. 

Discover the health advantages of abstaining from alcohol and some of the tastiest drinks available by reading on.

1. Lucky Saint (0.5%).

 

This extremely low-alcohol beer is a multi-award winner, and I can see who is precisely why it tastes exactly like the real thing. 

I've never been a big beer drinker, but this has changed my mind. My husband has occasionally preferred a Lucky Saint over a regular lager. A strong ten.

2. Shorebreak 330ml (0%).

One of the best examples of hazy pale ales is Shorebreak from Cornwall's Firebrand brewery, which is cloudy, intensely hopped, and less bitter. 

It has a luscious mango sweetness from the American Simcoe, Citra, and Cascade hops that pair nicely with Thai curry and a sorbet. 

This beer has tiny frothy sparkle and is nearly more like juice. It is nicer because it prefers to be consumed cold.

3. Brewdog Hazy Jane AF (0%).

This Brewdog Hazy Jane is yet another popular alcohol-free option, building on the success of Punk AF. 

It has a light fizz reminiscent of kombucha and is heavy on tropical fruit (think mango and passionfruit). In other words, there are tonnes of flavours without any alcohol.

4. Caleno Dark & Spicy Non-Alcoholic Spirit (0%).

 Caleno, which contains zero sugar, won over our panel with its robust tropical fruit flavour and addition of toasted pineapple, coconut, cardamom, and ginger.

 For a positive twist on the Dark & Stormy, we suggest topping it with premium ginger beer and a splash of lime.

5. Lyre's non-alcoholic Amaretto (0%).

This creative company did a fantastic job at re-creating amaretto without alcohol. Sweet, almondy, abundant flavour. 

This would be a beautiful way to end dinner or to add to cocktails if it was well chilled.

6. Belle & Co Sparkling Rose Alcohol-Free Wine (0%).

You shouldn't let a minor inconvenience like Dry January stop you if your standard operating procedure is to drink rose all day. 

With its sparkling rose alcohol-free wine created from unfermented grapes and green tea, Belle & Co. provides a delectable escape. 

With only 22cal in every 100ml, it's a fantastic option for dieters as well.

What do you think about my list?  Have to try any?  Do you recommend any names that I haven't mentioned above?  

Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

6 kitchen gadgets you didn't know you needed

Hey readers, 

The kitchen serves as a haven for exploration. It's where happy endings to late nights are found, and childhood memories are created. The kitchen is, in other words, the centre and soul of the house.

If the kitchen is your favourite room, you probably have a few appliances to go along with the simmering pots and the butter, oil, and garlic aromas. While a decent food processor will always be helpful, we're focusing on less well-known items that are nonetheless potent at mealtime.

See my top 6  kitchen gadgets you didn't know you needed below.

1. A handheld soap dispenser brush. 

Using a handheld soap dispenser brush is more enjoyable than using one of those flat sponges. Press the top button to release the liquid soap, then scrub away with the brush facing downward.

2. Kitchen Gizmo Pot Strainer.

 

Every time you prepare pasta or other items that require straining, there is no need to store, locate, and wash a large colander. You can use any pot, pan, or bowl that may connect to the Strain Pot Strainer. This silicone filter is simple to store and dishwasher safe.

3. Kitchen Sponge Holder. 

 

Okay, aside from being lovely, this doesn't do anything outstanding. This silly, entertaining, and helpful tool will make doing the dishes more enjoyable. The sponge can drain and dry appropriately because the bottom is an open grid.

4. Tomorrow's Kitchen Silicone Utensil Rest. 

A utensil rest that can accommodate more than one is necessary when preparing several dishes. The Tomorrow's Kitchen Silicone Utensil Rest helps you keep flavours and sauces separate (and off the counter).

5. Angry Mama Microwave Oven Cleaner. 

There is something incredibly irritating about cleaning a microwave. Food gets baked on, there are so many crevices, and it always seems clean. But keep hope: This little kitchen tool can remove all the grime from your microwave's walls and doors with water and vinegar.

Add vinegar and water to the "Angry Mama" body before attaching her head. Any baked-on food or oil will become softer as steam escapes from the holes in her head.

6. 8-in-1 kitchen tool. 

You're looking at a measuring cup, can opener, juicer, grater, egg cracker, shredder, and funnel. We would love to see a more durable multi-purpose cooking tool!

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 22/01/2023

 

Jack frost came to play this week ❄ 

How to recharge on your day off.

Hey readers,  

Everybody anticipates their days off. We look forward to having a day off, whether a weekend, personal day, or vacation, and we count down the minutes.

 Unfortunately, vacation days sometimes fall short of our expectations. Have you ever left work feeling drained and harried, more eager to take a break than ready to take on the day's new challenges? To learn some advice and activities to recharge on your day off, continue reading.

1. Make your bed.

 

After moving into my apartment this past fall, I had fresh bed linens, an early wake-up time, and a headboard for the first time in years. Given that I left my bed in the same tattered heap it was in when I got up, why was I treating my space like a college dorm room?

I've made a conscious effort over the past few months to make my bed as soon as I wake up. I've never developed a habit for which I am more grateful at the end of the day.

Making my bed is one of the quickest tasks as it doesn't take long. All I have to do is make sure the quilt and pillows are puffed up and straight on my bed. 

 Although it initially appeared absurd, who will check my room when I'm gone all day? Making your bed when you get home helps you feel better after work. 

Now, instead of being distracted and excessively irritated by an untidy atmosphere when I return home from a long day at work, I can enter my room and feel put together.

 Making your bed in the morning might help you start the day off feeling focused and orderly.

2. Get ahead. 

Use your additional day to catch up on work, housekeeping, errands, paperwork, doctor's appointments, haircuts, manicures, and other obligations before taking a break. 

Long-term stress reduction will result from it, and you'll feel more productive and self-assured in the near term. Using your day to get ahead is always a good idea in the long run—you'll thank yourself later, provided you are not exhausted.

3. Go for a walk.  

Take a stroll through your neighbourhood, the park, a garden, or any other tranquil area nearby. Walking is terrific exercise and a great way to unwind and reflect.

4. Take some time offline. 

Consider this: when was the last time you went a whole day without using the internet? That entails avoiding work-related emails, social media, messaging, and applications.

 For many of us, the internet permeates every aspect of our lives. And even if it is beneficial to feel connected and current, it also means that you can only partially unplug.

So why not disconnect from the internet? You should entirely cut yourself off from the internet on your next day off. 

Turn off your Wi-Fi, put your phone in aeroplane mode, and block all temptations from the internet from your line of sight.

 Instead, focus on offline hobbies like reading or creative pursuits like drawing.

5. Watch your stimulant and alcohol use. 

We frequently turn to caffeine or alcohol when worn out, stressed out, at ease, or celebrating.

 While most individuals will agree that enjoying things in moderation is acceptable, 

overindulging can eventually result in health problems. If you're feeling lethargic and reaching for your fourth coffee of the day, a glass of water, a quick walk, or some sleep will better treat the underlying issue.

What do you find helpful to recharge on a day off? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X 

Things to never forget as a mum!

Hey readers,

Since becoming a parent, there are specific guidelines I have learnt along the way to make my life that little smoother and calmer in my household. Here are some lessons that I have learnt along the way.

1. When you see a low dosage of squash which is one of your child's favourites, and they won't drink anything else, but then you find out one day you have to have some in, so you have to rush out to find a shop close to you that may cost a lot more than a supermarket. 

Always ensure you have the right squash in because I can guarantee they will refuse to drink it if you get the wrong flavoured squash. 

2. You always need to ensure you have baked beans in the house as a safety backup if dinner goes wrong. Coincidently one of the situations that have happened to me numerous times, so I learnt the hard way!

3. Make sure your little darlings have been to the toilet before leaving anywhere. I bet that 5 minutes after you have left anywhere, they will need the same bathroom. 

4. Going away, forget backup clothing. Make sure you have something like a toy to occupy your child in the awful hours of the evening.

5. Make sure you have charged the tablet, phone, or Nintendo Switch because I can not stomach another meltdown because one of the electrical devices has died in the middle of a game or something equivalent.

6. Make sure you do not allow their nanny to give your kids sugar immediately. 

Always make sure you hide the sugar and distribute it sensibly, so the kids don't crawl up the wall in about ten minutes to have them deal with the comedown.

7. Since my boys have developed into their person, NEVER EVER get two different toys for treats.

 Very important if you have two children of similar ages to get the same items. It saves tears and arguments and is generally less hair-pulling for you as an adult.

8. If you can not commit to something for your child, don't say anything to them.

9. Never get anxious about anything parent related or trying to get your child to do anything because let's face it, bribing will always be your friend.

10. To get the other partner to do anything when you can not bother, paint your nails and let them know it is their turn to make tea or get a child drink etc. I can confirm that it works a treat every time.

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 15/01/2023

 

And just like that the tree is gone until December!