Category: Parenting

As a father of three pre-teens, I understand the importance of spending quality time with my kids while also teaching them valuable skills to help get them ready for the real world. That’s why I love doing simple and safe DIY tasks with them around the house.

Not only do these activities provide a fun bonding experience, but they also help to build their confidence and independence which will come in handy when they’re old enough to have their own homes. So today I will share some easy and safe DIY tasks that you can do with your children, to help set them up for success.

Installing Window Blinds

One DIY/home decor task that is simple and safe to do with the help of your little ones is installing a new set of roller blinds.

This task can be done in just a few steps, and it’s a great way to teach your children about measuring and safely introduce them to some power tools (under careful supervision of course).

First, measure the width and height of the window where you want to install the blinds.

Next, purchase a set of blinds that fit those measurements and wait for your new blinds to be delivered.

Once you receive your blinds, mount the brackets onto the window frame using a power drill and screws.

Finally, insert the blinds into the brackets and test them to make sure they open and close smoothly.

Hanging Shelves

Another great DIY task to do with your kids is hanging a new set of shelves, this will be especially fun installing in their bedroom as they will have a personal stake in the task.

Putting up a shelf with your children will only take a few minutes, which is ideal for holding their attention and it is a great way to teach your kids about using a spirit level, screwdrivers, and a tape measure.

First, decide where you want to hang the shelves and measure the distance between each shelf.

Next, using a level, mark where the brackets should go on the wall.

Then, using a power drill, drill holes where the brackets will need to be attached to the wall.

After that, use a screwdriver and some screws to secure the brackets to the wall.

Finally, slide the shelf onto the brackets and make sure its level using the spirit level before securing it with screws.

Painting a Room

Painting a room is another DIY task that is safe and fun to do with your children, aside from the potential to make a mess, but that’s what floor covers are for.

This task will be a perfect way to teach your children about colour co-ordination as well as teamwork skills as they work together.

First, choose a room to paint (ideally a bed room or common area), then take a trip to your local hardware store to pick out the colours you all want to use, as well as grab some brushes and rollers.

Once you have your paints and brushes at the ready, cover the floors and furniture with floor covers or old sheets you don’t mind getting messy.

Next, use some tape to cover up any areas you don’t want to get paint on, like electrical sockets or skirting boards.

Finally, using your rollers and brushes, carefully paint the walls as a team, with younger children doing lower areas, older children doing middle areas and parents doing higher areas. Make sure to take breaks and have fun with your kids during the process!

Planting a Garden

If you have a green thumb and want to pass that onto your children, planting a garden is a great DIY task to do with your children outside in your garden.

Planting a family garden is a fantastic way to teach your kids about nature and responsibility, and a great way to get them interested in biology before starting science lessons.

First, take your children out to your garden and choose a sunny spot to plant your family garden.

Once you’ve chose an area, clear the space of any weeds or garden debris and remove the grass to get to the soil.

Next, dig small holes in the soil for each plant or seed, making sure to leave space for the plants to grow.

Finally, plant the seeds or plants in their fresh holes (making sure to add extra soil to fill any space left),and water them regularly. Make sure to involve your kids in regular watering sessions to teach them about the different types of plants you’re growing and give them some responsibility.

Navigating the transition to adulthood can be daunting for any teenager, especially when confronted with overwhelming social pressures. As a parent, it can be difficult to know how to help guide your child toward making positive—and sometimes difficult–choices in life. There are numerous challenges that a parent will face throughout their child’s teenage years.

Some of these issues include societal norms dictating where teens should go to college or what jobs they should aim for, as well as understanding how best to support your teen as they branch away from familiar paths. These concerns require thoughtful consideration and an awareness of their goals and ambitions, and how they may or may not line up with your own expectations.

In this blog post, we’ll explore ways you can help your son or daughter find their own meaningful path while empowering them through these formative years of adulthood.

1. Understand Your Teenager’s Social Environment

As your child enters their teenage years, awareness of their social environment will become increasingly important. Adolescence is a time of immense growth and development, much of which occurs within social interactions. Understanding the dynamics of your teenager’s social world can help you guide them toward healthy relationships and provide support when needed.

It’s important to remember that the teenage years can be turbulent, and your child’s social environment can impact their emotional well-being. By listening to your teenager, observing their interactions with friends, and advocating for their needs, you can help them navigate this important part of their life with confidence and resilience.

2. Talk About How to Handle Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is a real challenge for all teenagers. While it’s very natural to want to fit in, of equal importance for your teenager is for them to understand that there are different types of peer pressure and ways to manage them effectively.

Encourage your teen to talk openly about any difficulties they might face regarding peer pressure. Discuss the importance of setting boundaries and standing up for their beliefs when handling social media addiction and bullying, as well as navigating relationships with peers or older people. You can also check in with your teen periodically to ensure they feel supported and empowered when making decisions reflecting their values and goals.

3. Encourage Independence and Self-Reliance

It’s our nature as parents to strive for the best for our beloved children, yet that instinctive need to shield them can often lead us into excessive hovering. Encouraging independence and self-reliance is essential for your teenager’s success. It starts with accepting that they are becoming their person. Allowing your teenager to make decisions empowers them to take ownership of their choices, successes, and failures.

Empathize with their struggles and provide guidance, but always remember that their path is theirs to discover. As they learn to make decisions, they will become more confident in themselves and develop the skills they need to succeed on whatever path they choose.

4. Set a Good Example with Responsible Decision Making

You want your teenagers to make good choices that lead to success. However, teaching responsible decision-making is easier said than done. It’s about guiding them to find their path rather than dictating it. One should never underestimate the power of leading by example. It begins with making smart choices ourselves. Share past experiences where you messed up, as well as admitting current failures. This will show your teens the importance of taking responsibility for the consequences of our actions, past and present. Encouraging our children to think critically, weigh their options, and make informed decisions will reward them throughout their lifetime.

5. Help Them Find Positions of Responsibility and Leadership

Every parent desires success in their teenager’s future endeavors. One way to achieve this is to help them find positions of responsibility and leadership. Whether it’s joining a club at school, volunteering in the community, or pursuing internships, these opportunities will most surely help your teen develop important skills. The valuable experience they gain will serve them well when faced with the challenges life will throw their way. By encouraging and supporting their endeavors, you can help your teenager find their path towards success and a fulfilling future.

6. Celebrate Achievements and Offer Support During Struggles

As teenagers navigate the complexities of adolescence, finding their path can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. However, as parents or mentors, it is important to celebrate their achievements and offer support during their struggles. Celebrating their accomplishments, no matter how small, can boost their confidence and motivate them toward further success.

Meanwhile, during times of difficulty, it is crucial to provide a safe space for them to open up. This will create opportunities for you to offer guidance and provide options for solutions. By respecting their journey and offering unconditional love, teenagers can feel empowered to discover their unique path toward fulfilling their dreams and aspirations.

Supporting and guiding your teenager as they grow into adulthood is an ongoing and iterative process. Even as they gain new skills and confidence, it is vital to always be there by their side, offering a hand to hold, an open ear to listen, and a constant reminder of admiration. Give them the tools necessary to make successful decisions for themselves when the time comes, while teaching them to understand that success does not come without failure.

With inflation still stubbornly high, the idea of being able to save for your child’s college education can seem scarier than ever before. You want to be sure you can give them the best experience possible, afford their top-choice school, and help set them up for their future, but how can you accomplish that goal?

We’ve got many ways that you can start saving money today, building your child’s college education fund slowly over time. So, let’s take explore the most useful tips.

Cut Back on Expenses – Free Up Cash for Savings

Whenever you’ve got a savings goal, a good place to start is with the budget. You need to know how much money you can save and be realistic about your goals. If you aren’t currently able to put that much aside, try looking at areas of the budget that can be reduced. Are there any areas that you are overspending on?

Some tips for saving money on monthly expenses include:

• Cut back on entertainment expenses
• Drive smarter not more often, always map out your route in advance
• Use energy-efficiency tips to save on electricity expenses
• Stop dining out or ordering food in
• Cut back on how many streaming services you are subscribed to
• Find a cheaper cell phone plan and provider

The more you look at your budget the more savings can often be found. Sometimes it just takes a little creativity.

Start Saving as Early as Possible

And because you may not be able to save a lot of money at once, you’ll want to start saving as early as possible to secure your child’s future. Perhaps your child is very young right now and college is the last thing on your mind, well this is the perfect time to start a savings account for them. Be sure to look at a variety of savings plans taking into account the interest, if they offer any tax savings or incentives, and if any are sponsored by the state or federal government.

Consider Investing in the Stock Market

The stock market can also be an avenue worth pursuing. While there are no guarantees when you invest in stocks, there are those that are a little safer if you don’t mind being in it for the long haul and not expecting quick returns.

Worth consideration is monthly dividend stocks because as the name implies, they offer a constant income. Some companies will issue a dividend monthly, which can help you track savings a little better. It’s worth noting that the majority will pay quarterly or yearly, so finding monthly payers can be a little harder. It’s also important to research the company you’re investing in to ensure it’s a wise decision.

Supplemental Income Can Grow the College Fund Faster

Any effort to reduce your need to borrow money for college will pay off in reduced stress after you graduate. If think you’re going to be applying for a student loan because you are unable to save enough, don’t be discouraged.  Anything you can do today to reduce your monthly loan payment, when you begin working in your chosen career, will be well worth the effort.

To grow a college fund faster than some of the other tips allow, coming up with ways to earn supplemental income outside your regular employment really helps to add to your bottom line.  This is extra money not needed for any current bills, which means every penny you make can be put aside and earmarked as savings.

Money earned that goes direct to savings can be very motivational. Working an extra job for a few years can result in a sizeable savings amount, and then you can let it sit in a savings account and earn interest until your child needs it. This is a labor-intensive savings option and won’t be easy, but it’s also incredibly effective.

Supplemental income can include anything from apps and online income platforms, to a part-time job or side hustle. Brainstorm ideas with your family. Try to think about something you excel in or that you love doing so that it won’t seem like such a hardship.

You Can Make a Big Difference

Even if you’re not able to save for your child’s entire college education, any bit you can offer will help and will make a huge difference.

Parents need to teach their children many lessons as they grow up, including how to follow directions. Some kids may need help learning how to follow instructions to the absolute letter, but there are ways that you can help them get better at this. Here are five ways to help kids learn to follow directions.

Ask for Their Undivided Attention

You can help your kids learn how to follow directions by asking them for their undivided attention. Ask them to look at you and tell them that it is important that they listen to what you are saying.

Otherwise, you will likely have no luck if you give directions when they seem distracted. Try to keep yourself in their line of sight or kneel to their level so that they will focus on you.

Make the Directions Simple

Another way to help kids learn how to follow directions is to make the way you give them instructions as simple as possible. Try to keep your wording clear and avoid saddling it with too much information. These extra words may confuse your child and end up causing them to misunderstand what you want them to do.

Limit It to One Direction at a Time

Although adults may find it easy to take directions that involve multiple steps, such instructions can be harder for young children to follow. They may end up feeling confused about what they are supposed to do, and ultimately skip a step. You can help them by giving only one instruction at a time.

As your kids get older and gain more practice in following directions, you can start to group more requests together. For example, you may give them a direction that involves multiples steps by saying, “Go outside, get the mail, and remember to close the mailbox.” Older children will be better at following instructions that involve doing one thing after another.

Let Them Process the Directions

You can also help your children learn how to take directions by giving them time to process the information. After you have explained an instruction to them, give them a few seconds to work it out in their brain.

This will help them get better at processing directions in the future. If your child still has questions, make sure that you answer them calmly and patiently so that they can better understand what you want them to do.

Sign Them Up for an Activity

Finally, you can help your kids learn to follow directions by signing them up for an afterschool activity when they reach the appropriate age. For example, one of the ways gymnastics helps improve your kids’ social skills is by putting them in structured classes where they listen and learn new skills during each session. That provides them with an ideal environment where they can practice following directions.

When you teach your kids how to follow directions, you will help them learn skills that will benefit them later in life during school and in their careers. Try to be a positive role model for your kids so that they can learn from you and eventually use the same methods to teach their own children how to follow directions.