There has been much study and acknowledgement about how much animals benefit us as humans. They bring joy into our lives and offer unconditional love. Animals process a mysterious and spiritual nature to calm anxiety and soothe our need for companionship. They have a sixth sense of knowing when we need at little extra love.

These things and more have been explored in-depth, but what about what animals can teach us? We have cognitive skills far beyond them, yet much like children, we can learn so much from smaller creatures whose power is in “being”, not necessarily “knowing”.

Lessons We Can Learn from Animals

There are many things happening all around every single day that teach us about ourselves and our world. But are we learning?

Your pet has life lessons for you. You may live on a farm with animals or have a myriad of birds in your back yard. These animals are part of our lives. However, what they can teach us is proportional to how much we are paying attention to them.

How Animals Inspire and Educate Humans

Animals Live in the Moment

We can learn a lot about enjoying each moment that comes our way. Animals don’t live in the past, nor do they worry about the future. We can’t change the past or future by holding on to anxiety about it, so why waste precious time within in each moment that is ours to enjoy?

This is easier said than done for us humans. But we can learn a lot about seizing the day for our own well-being.

Animals are Not Hubris

Humans that are hubris are conceited, arrogant, vain, and self-important. They look down their noses at others. While it’s true there is a pecking order within the animal kingdom, this comes from their need for survival in the wild.

A single dog within your family will view themselves as ranked at a certain level within their ‘family pack,’ even if it is a human pack. But it does not come from a pompous heart. Animals can teach us humility.

Animals Play Everyday

One aspect of living in the moment and enjoying everything it has to offer is taking time to play. We all know pets love to play. But we see it in farm animals and creatures in the wild as well.

Whether they are playing by themselves with an object with other within their species or humans, animals love to wrestle, nudge up to others, play a game of chase or hide and seek. For us humans, this daily mindset and activity benefits our well-being in so many ways.

Animals Exercise Everyday

Animals innately understand the need to burn off energy. Even if you don’t wake your dog for a walk, you may find them running around the house or in the back yard.  In the home, the back yard and through all of nature, you see movement.

Sometimes it’s slow, sometimes it’s quick. We humans need this as well for better health and longer life. The key is to make it part of your life, whether it’s periodic regular exercise that gets your heart pumping, yoga, or a daily walk.

Animals Value Sleep

Some people like staying up late even when they are tired. Others crawl into bed but spend time on their phones, which only wakes them up. In North America especially, we humans are overworked and too busy in our personal time to get proper sleep. Sleep depravation is a problem and affecting the health of too many humans.

Do you know who doesn’t have a problem getting enough sleep?  Animals. Wild animals need it to survive in the wild. Domestic animals take naps when they are tired. Every animal naturally gets the sleep they need. They do it by putting distractions out of their minds. We can learn a lot from that.

Animals are Patient

When you think about it. Animals have very little control over the world around them. So, it’s no wonder that they learn patience from the moment they are born.  Food is not always in the fridge ready to be eaten. At home, animals can’t go outside until we open the door for them. They are confined to their immediate surroundings, sometimes even in a cage for travel, training, or their own safety.

In the wild, the most an animal can do is move to a different area if they want or need a change. For everything else related to their survival, animals must work for it. Even so, the time to eat or sleep may have to wait. Humans who are attuned to mindful living understand that the more you try to control, the more anxiety you will have. The more we let go of, the more we are at content, at peace, and patient.

Conclusion

How will you spend your day? You week? How will you live your life with a focus on your health and well-being. Even animals who depend fully on humans for survival still take care of themselves to a certain extent. Animals innately understand that a balanced life is a healthy one.

Down time, play, sufficient hours asleep, and taking time for oneself is never wasted time. It’s a life well spent and will even lead to a longer life with continual stress.

There is also one thing else we can spend time doing that has proven to benefit us as a human life. And is spending time in nature. And spending time caring for animals that give use back so much more than we give.

Read about the 3 life enhancing benefits of pet ownership.
Learn how to teach kids responsibility through dog ownership.

Concerned about the sanctity of your online privacy?  Looking for a way to surf the web safely without worrying about the risk of getting hacked and having your identity stolen? Incorporating a VPN extension into your Chrome browser is an easy way to protect yourself.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the intricacies of choosing and installing a free VPN Chrome extension to give you peace of mind.

The need to safeguard your online travels is a continual battle as technology develops to stay one step ahead of cyber criminals. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a protective barrier around your devices and identity.

Chrome is the most popular browser used by far with a Chrome 65.76% share among internet users. You can seamlessly integrate a free VPN Chrome extension into the Chrome browser.

Understanding Chrome Extensions

Before delving into the VPN realm, acquainting ourselves with Chrome extensions helps to understand how add-ons amplify the capabilities of your browser. Extensions transform it into a versatile instrument tailored to your unique needs.

Having only the extensions installed that cater to your surfing needs significantly elevate your online experience, ensure that Chrome remains as fast as possible.

The Importance of VPNs

Why the VPN extension? Beyond the defense it provides against data theft, VPNs have many other benefits. It protects freedom of speech for those in oppressive countries, protects gamers from swatting and doxing, and can protect children from savvy predators who may be looking for victims in their local area.

Choosing the Right VPN Extension

The choice of the right VPN for Chrome extension becomes pivotal for a secure and seamless online experience. Seek out extensions compatible with your browser, especially those tailored for Chrome, ensuring an effortless amalgamation.

Opt for user-friendly options featuring streamlined setup processes. Emphasize security, prioritizing extensions that boast robust encryption and privacy features. Velocity becomes a pertinent consideration as well; gravitate towards extensions guaranteeing a fluid browsing experience.

Lastly, insights from user reviews can prove invaluable. Drawing from the experiences of others equips you to make an enlightened decision. By weighing these considerations, you shall discern a VPN extension tailor-made to your requisites, safeguarding your online endeavors.

How to Install the Extension to Chrome?

Embedding a complimentary free VPN Chrome extension onto Chrome is an uncomplicated undertaking, fortifying online privacy and security.

Here’s how to install it:

1.   Access in Chrome Web Store

• Open your Chrome browser and click the three dots in the top right corner. Then click Extensions, followed by ‘Visit Chrome Web Store.’

2.   Search for the Chrome Extension

• Upon arriving in the Chrome Store, search for your desired extension. In this case, type ‘free VPN Chrome extension’ in the search bar and click enter.

3.   Select and Research Options

• Any search within the Chrome store will show a list of relevant results. Click on the options to read features and reviews of each. Click the back button to return to the list.  results.

4.   Install and Activate

• When you are ready to install the extension you want, you can initiate the installation by clicking the “Add to Chrome” button. Chrome prompts a confirmation for installation; proceed by clicking “Add Extension.” The extension downloads and installs automatically.

5.   Create an Account (if required)

• Certain VPN extensions necessitate the creation of an account. Follow on-screen instructions to establish your account, if prompted.

Configuring the VPN Settings

Installation accomplished? Within the extensions settings you can customize options for maximum performance.

Click the VPN extension icon in the top-right corner of your Chrome browser. A click grants access to the extension settings.

Some extensions permit the selection of server locations or activation of additional features for an optimized user experience.

The free VPN Chrome extension seamlessly integrated to ensure secure safe and private browsing. The extension encodes your internet connection, shielding your data from potential threats.

The activation and deactivation of your VPN should mirror the simplicity of flipping a switch. Effective utilization of your VPN extension impacts performance and internet speed.

Conclusion

To clarify, browsing with a VPN is different from incognito mode.  When we refer to private browsing using a free VPN, it means your location is hidden. Hackers do not see where you live.  They see a different location. Predators with the ability to track people will not have the ability to even know what city or region you live in. Incognito mode simply turns off track of your browser history.  A VPN on the other hand, protects all facets of your privacy.

Finally, don’t let a VPN give you false security. Even with private browsing on Chrome in place, you should never give out personal information to others online. Follow best cyber security practices. You should still adhere to strict privacy settings for your social media accounts. VPN’s will also not prevent you from infecting your computer with a virus. Caution is still advised when visiting unknown websites.

If you’re a parent, you know that the digital-focused world we live in brings a whole new set of challenges. Gone are the days when ensuring a child’s well-being was largely about physical safety and education. Today, we have to deal not just with regular bullying but cyberbullying, as well.

Cyberbullying, a distressing by-product of our online-centric lives, has emerged as a significant threat to young minds. Unlike traditional bullying, it doesn’t end at the school gates and can pervade every aspect of a child’s life, with the potential to be relentless, invasive, and deeply traumatic.

As parents, understanding this phenomenon, its impact, and how it manifests is crucial. Recognizing the red flags of cyberbullying is not just prudent; it’s a necessary step in safeguarding our children’s mental and emotional well-being in this digital age.

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying, a term that has become increasingly relevant in our digital age, refers to the use of electronic communication to intimidate, threaten, or harass an individual.

This modern form of bullying transcends the traditional playground boundaries, occurring through social media, text messages, and other digital platforms. It can manifest in various forms: spreading malicious rumors online, sharing private or embarrassing information without consent, and sending threatening messages.

What is particularly alarming is the rapid integration of technology in education, which, while offering numerous benefits, also opens doors to new forms of harassment. A striking statistic from the world of educational technology (EdTech) underscores this shift.

EdTech usage in K-12 schools has risen by 99% since 2020, signifying a shift towards digital education. This surge in digital learning tools not only changes the educational landscape but also highlights the need for resources that educate about digital safety, including the prevention of scams and fraud, which can be forms of implicit bullying.

They’re suddenly exposed to the entire world wide web, and not a friendly environment where they know their teacher and the other 20 or so children they share the classroom with.

Red Flags Indicating Your Child Might Be Bullied Online

Detecting cyberbullying can be challenging, as it often occurs out of physical view. However, since the hidden nature of this form of abuse can be very brutal to the victim, parents can often notice:

• Academic indicators: A decline in academic performance or an apparent aversion to attending school can be red flags. This might manifest as excuses to avoid school or a lack of interest in homework and assignments.
• Altered eating and sleeping patterns: Noticeable changes in eating habits, such as skipping meals or binge eating, can be indicative of stress or anxiety stemming from cyberbullying. Similarly, disrupted sleep patterns, insomnia, or frequent nightmares are common in children facing online harassment.
• Emotional distress: Perhaps the most telling signs are emotional. Withdrawal from family and friends, a sudden loss of self-esteem, signs of fear or helplessness, and an unwillingness to discuss online activities can all point to a child struggling with cyberbullying.

The Other Side of the Coin: Signs Your Child Might Be a Cyberbully

While much attention is rightly given to identifying victims of cyberbullying, it’s equally important to recognize when a child might be the perpetrator. All it takes is hanging out with the wrong crew on a Discord server, and your child might :

• Aggressive behavior and frequent conflicts: If your child exhibits increasingly aggressive behavior, both online and offline, or seems to be involved in frequent verbal or physical conflicts, it could be a sign of cyberbullying behavior.
• Signs of increased secrecy and possession of unexplained items: A sudden increase in privacy, particularly regarding their digital life, or having new items or money that they can’t or won’t explain, can indicate involvement in negative online activities.
• Shifts in social dynamics: Pay attention to changes in your child’s friend groups and their attitudes toward others. A child who bullies others might display a lack of empathy, be overly concerned with popularity, or have friends who also engage in bullying.

Barriers to Communication: Why Children Stay Silent

Understanding why children often remain silent about bullying experiences is crucial for effective intervention. Here are some common reasons:

Fear and Humiliation

Children may fear retaliation from the bully or feel humiliated about being targeted. They might believe that talking about it will only make the situation worse. And who can blame them, honestly? Especially given the fact many counselors take the zero-tolerance route and effectively prevent bullying victims from defending themselves.

Social Isolation

A child who is bullied might already feel socially isolated and believe that no one cares or could understand their situation. That is, ultimately, one of the bully’s goals—to make the victim feel hopeless, rendering them unwilling to put up a fight. So if you feel your kid is spending less time with his close friends, it might be a sign something is happening.

Concerns About Adult Intervention

Children may worry that involving adults will not help or could lead to more severe consequences from the bully. They might also fear being judged or misunderstood by adults. Once again, they’re not completely wrong in this line of thinking. No matter what, do not victimize, patronize, or suggest that they’re weak. Instead, provide support and security from the get-go.

Proactive Parenting: Initiating Conversations and Building Trust

As parents, it’s essential to create an environment where open communication about online safety is the norm. It’s far, far too late to try to diagnose the situation once your child is already being bullied. Instead, you ought to:

• Start early and be consistent: Engage in conversations about digital behavior, online safety, and empathy from an early age, and maintain these dialogues consistently as your child grows. Explain what bullying is and slowly introduce the child to ‘reality.’
• Create a safe space for communication: Ensure your child feels safe and comfortable talking to you. Avoid reactions that might make them feel judged or scared to share their experiences. If you had something similar happen to you, share it!
• Educate yourself and your child: Stay informed about the latest trends in social media and online gaming. The best way to talk about these things is informally, not through “Hey, sit down, we have an important subject to discuss” and similar methods.
• Listen more than you speak: When your child talks about their online experiences, listen more than you advise. Understanding their perspective is key to providing the right support.
• Model positive online behavior: Lead by example. Show respect and kindness in your own online interactions and discuss why this is important.

Reaching Through the Screen: When Cyberbullying Becomes Real

Oftentimes, cyberbullying is just one step of the wider cycle of abuse. Once the bully establishes control online and realizes they can make the feel victim uncomfortable, no matter how protected they actually are, they want more. This yearning for control inevitably leads to the cyberbullying spilling out into the real world.

It can start from Instagram or TikTok DMs and lead to your child being followed home from school. That’s why a good way to get to the bottom of such situations is to make use of your residential surveillance system and see if your child behaves strangely or has frequent unwanted visitors.

In addition, you should preemptively establish contacts with:

• Teachers
• The principal
• Your child’s friends’ parents
• Coaches and any other community figures

Sometimes, you can’t be clairvoyant and predict your child will be victimized, which is why communicating effectively with educators and other figures will help you find out, even if the child is unwilling to talk at first.

Empowering Parents in the Digital Age

As parents, staying informed, proactive, and engaged in your child’s digital life is key. By being aware of the potential risks and knowing how to address them, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of your children in this interconnected world. But most importantly, you should set a proper example and avoid aggressive behavior online yourself.

About the Author:
Ryan Harris is a copywriter focused on eLearning and the digital transitions going on in the education realm. Before turning to writing full time, Ryan worked for five years as a teacher in Tulsa and then spent six years overseeing product development at many successful Edtech companies, including 2U, EPAM, and NovoEd.

Growing up means outgrowing things, and for kids, this often includes their mattresses. But what do you do with a mattress that’s no longer needed? As parents, it’s helpful to recognize that these transitions provide unique opportunities to teach children about sustainability and the value of repurposing.

Throwing it away adds to landfill waste. So, it’s important to find smarter, eco-friendly solutions.

Fortunately, there are options available if you know where to look.  Here are a few practical and creative ways to repurpose your child’s outgrown mattress.

Repurposing Kid’s Outgrown Mattress

It’s no secret that children grow quickly, and with this growth comes a rapid accumulation of items that no longer fit their needs. This includes mattresses, which can contribute significantly to landfill waste.

Here are some ideas to transform it into something new and useful:

Transforming the Mattress into a Playmat or Pet Bed

One of the simplest and most effective ways to repurpose an old mattress is by turning it into a playmat for children or a bed for pets. The padding of the mattress provides a soft and safe area for children to play. For a pet bed, you can cut the mattress to an appropriate size for your pet, cover it with a durable fabric, and have a comfortable bed for your furry friend.

DIY Projects Using Mattress Materials

These are some of the materials of a mattress that can be deconstructed and used in various DIY projects:

• Cushioning: Utilize mattress foam to create comfortable padding in homemade furniture or unique craft items.
• Gardening: Transform mattress springs into innovative garden trellises for plant support.
• Art: Craft artistic installations or sculptures using the springs from the mattress.
• Recycling: Repurpose different mattress materials for various eco-friendly DIY projects.

Learn more about the benefits of art therapy and techniques for working with children.

Crafting Sentimental Items into New Keepsakes

Old mattresses can hold sentimental value, especially if they were part of a child’s early years. Materials from these mattresses can be transformed into keepsakes. For example, fabric covers can be used to create memory quilts or pillows, which will preserve memories in a tangible form.

Assessing and Sorting Outgrown Mattress and Baby Gear

When it comes to managing your child’s outgrown mattress and baby gear, it’s a good idea to approach the task systematically.

Identifying Items for Recycling or Disposal

First, evaluate each item’s condition. If a mattress or baby gear is beyond repair or too worn out for further use, recycling is the best option. However, not all areas have easy access to recycling facilities. Check local waste management guidelines to identify the most environmentally friendly disposal methods. You can find more information about mattress disposal here.

Evaluating What Can Be Donated or Regifted

Donation is a fantastic way to extend the life of gently used items while helping others. Not all charitable organizations welcome donations of baby gear and mattresses, but some do accept them as long as they are in good condition. You could also make sure that these items meet safety standards and haven’t been recalled.

Another thoughtful idea is giving the mattress to a friend who is about to have a baby. If the mattress is still in good condition, it can be a valuable gift. It will save the new mom the expense of purchasing a new one while extending the useful life of the mattress.

Considering Selling Gently Used Items for Profit

Selling gently used baby gear and mattresses can be both profitable and sustainable. Online marketplaces, consignment stores, and local parenting groups are great platforms for this. Remember, the key to successful selling is ensuring the items are clean, in good condition, and meet current safety standards.

When to Decide if a Mattress Should Be Repurposed or Replaced

The decision to completely replace a mattress, whether or not your child has outgrown it, often depends on its age and condition. Most mattresses last about seven to ten years with proper care.

Obvious signs like sagging, visible wear and tear, or if your child complains of discomfort, are clear indicators that it’s time for a new mattress. However, if the mattress is still in good shape but no longer suitable for your child’s needs, repurposing it for other uses in your home is an environmentally friendly option​​.

Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Mattresses

Investing in a natural mattress for your child is crucial for their development and quality of sleep.  However, maintaining and caring for the mattress is equally important to ensure its longevity and continued comfort. Proper maintenance can make the mattress last longer. It can also help the mattress better suit your growing child. This may eliminate the need for a quick replacement.

Proper Maintenance of Mattresses

Regularly Rotate the Mattress

Rotating your child’s mattress is essential to prevent sagging and uneven wear. Depending on the type of mattress, follow these recommendations:

• For foam, latex, and newer innerspring mattresses, rotate every 6 to 12 months.
• Older innerspring models may need rotation every 2 to 6 months.
• Note that certain mattresses with specific designs, like zoned ones, should not be rotated, so always check the manufacturer’s guidelines​​.

Use a Mattress Protector

Using a mattress protector helps keep dirt, sweat, dust mites, and moisture away. And it plays a role in maintaining the mattress’s warranty. Many warranties become void if the mattress is dirty. Mattress protectors, typically water-resistant or waterproof, can significantly prolong the lifespan of the mattress by preventing damage from spills and stains.

Clean the Mattress Regularly

Cleaning the mattress on a regular basis, about every six months, is advisable to maintain its hygiene and longevity. Here’s what you should do:

• Vacuum the mattress to remove dust mites and dead skin cells.
• If there are stains, gently blot them with a suitable cleanser.
• Keep the mattress dry to prevent mold and mildew growth. Use fans or air conditioning to speed up drying if the mattress becomes wet.

Conclusion

When it’s time to deal with your child’s outgrown mattress, it’s not just about making space or getting rid of it. It’s a chance to make smart, eco-friendly choices. By reusing, giving away, or recycling the mattress, you are doing your share to reduce waste. These may be small steps, but they show how small actions can make a big difference. You never know; it might just inspire those around you to think twice before throwing things away.