Mommy Has to Work

Do Fantasy Games Help Our Child’s Imagination?

March 8, 2018 By Anne

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When we think of kids playing video games, we often think about all of the negative consequences it can have such as stopping them from going outside to play in the real world, making them more ignorant and teaching them that violence is ok.

But did you ever stop to consider all of the positive aspects of playing video games? Just because your child spends the evening playing Final Fantasy XV doesn’t mean they are out of touch with reality, it can actually be helping their brain function and fueling their imagination.

We all know that a child’s imagination is something which is unique and pretty darn incredible. Children are free of the chains we carry with realism and practicality. They don’t care whether something makes sense or is physically possible, they just believe in what they want to believe. A child with an active imagination will always develop into a more well-rounded and creative individual than one without it. This is why feeding your child’s imagination is crucial for their development into clever and intuitive adults.

Social skills

As your child grows up they will likely be faced with many scary situations that they are not prepared for. Social skills are what our child learns throughout their early years, and they can shape what sort of personality they have as they grow older. For example, if your child struggles with small talk and interacting with other children they can eventually become shy and withdrawn, leading them to develop mental health issues and anxiety later on in life. Gaming can actually be a massive help for children who struggle to talk to others because of the wealth of online games available these days. You will see that many combat games and fantasy games offer online sections where your child can team up with people from all over the world, and perhaps discuss which d2 runes to purchase to help your character to become more powerful. Exposure to other people will build their confidence and allow them to eventually talk to more people in person. It can really bring your child out of their shell

Attention span

We all know that kids can have pretty short attention spans. A lot of the time they will only remember what they want to remember and forget about everything else entirely. Gaming is a tool which focuses a child’s attention they need to be able to complete a mission or win a race for prizes. It focuses the mind and in turn it makes it much easier for your child to pay attention to all of the facts. This will bleed out into the rest of their lives and allow them to start paying attention in school more, to you and gain a better sense of learning overall. It will enable them to filter out information they don’t need and identify what is important.

Creativity

As we have already touched on above, imagination and creativity can be the foundation of a successful child and help them to develop into amazing careers later on in life. Creativity can be highly influenced by playing games because they encourage the child to think about the creation of their character, world and even levels on some games such as minecraft. Games which push children towards making avatars and even buildings can greatly improve their imagination and light that creative spark which allows them to excel in this area of life.

Memory

Memory is an essential skill which your child will need to master from a very early age. They will need a good memory to complete exams, learn important life skills and develop into successful careers later on in life. By playing games which require you to think and remember small details, your child will gain this essential skill and they will be able to put it to use in real life. For example, if they play a game which involves many different clues to reach a final conclusion you child will not only pick up memory but they will learn deduction too. This can be seen in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate as well as many other titles.

Anxiety

Aside from the fact that playing games online with other people can increase confidence, games can also provide escape and comfort, reducing stress and giving your child a safe haven to come to when they become anxious. The type of games which usually invoke feelings of happiness and comfort are ones such as Animal Crossing, Candy Crush and Puzzles Like Sudoku. You can buy d2 runes at yesgamer.com These are simple games to learn and they provide a routine for your child which will calm them down and release good hormones into their bloodstream.

A social activity

Gaming isn’t just about all the seriousness we are discussing above, it can also be a great way to bring friends and family together and get everyone to bond for the evening. Many of the LEGO games are popular for the family because they allow you to play as a team and this can promote healthier relationships between you and your children as you work together to solve puzzles and complete missions in the game. You can make video games into a real part of your family life by having a games evening every friday night with some simple family food and everyone gathered in the room together. This will teach your child about the importance of family and also the importance of teamwork.

A the end of all of this, you can see that video games can have a very positive impact on your child and the way that they develop into adults in the future. It is important to bear in mind though that you don’t want your child to spend every waking moment playing games, because they need to experience the outside world too. Make sure that you give your child an hour or so an evening to play on their game and limit them to this amount of time every week. If they decide they want to have 3 hours on one day in exchange for missing a few days, this is also fine as long as you reach an agreement you are both happy with.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

When Is the Best Time to Have an Energy Drink?

March 8, 2018 By Anne

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If you want to feel the effects of an energy drink at a specific time, you need to drink it about 30 to 60 minutes before then. Say, you need to feel strong and alert at 9 a.m. That means you should have the energy drink between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. There are a lot of factors that influence how an energy drink affects you physically, but depending on the exact contents of your drink, and the amount of sugar it contains, the effects will last for about six hours.

How Certain Factors Affect the Results of Drinking Energy Drinks

In theory, drinking an energy drink should result in an increased flow of energy in your system, making you feel active and more mentally engaged. But the effects also depend on the ingredients of your drink and your condition at the time you drink it. The amount of sugar in the drink, your physical condition at the time, and the amount of physical activity you engage in after the drink all influence what effects you will feel.

These factors should explain why sometimes you feel the effects of the energy drinks kick in very shortly, while other times the effects take much longer to appear. And depending on the amount of physical exertion you involve yourself in, the effects could also remain for a long or a short period of time.

Why Might You Need Organo Gold Coffee products?

There are certain activities that can really be boosted by energy drinks. Most of these activities require stamina or physical strength. So, what are some activities that we frequently have energy drinks for?

1. While engaging in sports and exercise

Taking part in sports activities can exhaust you physically, especially if the sports you engage in require lots of stamina like triathlons and marathons. But in reality, all sports require you to be physically strong and have lots of stamina. Volleyball, basketball, swimming, tennis—they all need your strength to play well. An energy drink can help you go the extra mile when the game gets tough.

2. While partying day and night

If you are out partying day and night, you will feel exhausted since you are up and about for longer than usual. Drinking a bottle of your favorite energy drink will help you stay up longer and have a good time at that party you’re at. An energy drink might also help you to mitigate that hang-over feeling after a night out.

3. While at work

If you want to avoid feeling sluggish at work after a night out, drinking an energy drink one hour before starting your work can help you improve your mental focus. Also, if you’re just having a tough day or really need to get that report out, an energy drink can help you overcome any obstacle in your way.

4. While driving

A long drive will make you sleepy, especially if you only slept a few hours before you started your morning trip. A bottle or a cup of energy drink will help you stay awake during that long drive and help you make sure you don’t fall asleep at the wheel. Be careful though. The best way to ensure you stay awake during your trip is to get plenty of rest before and take frequent breaks during your trip. Energy drinks are only there to support you on your road trip.

Anne

Mary Poppins Returns

March 6, 2018 By Anne

In the sequel, which arrives in theatres this Christmas, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives.

MARY POPPINS RETURNS stars Emily Blunt as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure; Lin-Manuel Miranda as her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London; Ben Whishaw as Michael Banks; Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks; and Julie Walters as the Banks’ housekeeper Ellen; with Colin Firth as Fidelity Fiduciary Bank’s William Weatherall Wilkins; and Meryl Streep as Mary’s eccentric cousin, Topsy. The film also introduces three new Banks’ children played by Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and newcomer Joel Dawson. Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady, a treasured character from the PL Travers books and Dick Van Dyke is Mr. Dawes Jr., the retired chairman of the bank now run by Firth’s character.

Like MARY POPPINS RETURNS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marypoppinsreturns/

Follow Walt Disney Studios on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneystudios

Follow Walt Disney Studios on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneystudios/

MARY POPPINS RETURNS arrives in theatres everywhere on December 25, 2018!

Anne

‘But, Ermmmm…’ 8 Things Teachers Wish They Could Tell Parents

March 6, 2018 By Anne

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Teachers are like politicians – we want to say something but we must think twice. After all, we have to get along with parents for the sake of the children. To be honest, moms and dads will be the first to say they aren’t the easiest people to deal with when their child’s future is on the line. And, it’s perfectly acceptable because both parties only want the best for the kids.

Of course, holding your tongue is a rope walk at times as bottling up emotions can be unhealthy. The last thing an educator wants is to cut loose Kevin Bacon style and insult the people with the children’s best interests at heart.

So, what can you do find the perfect balance? Well, the good news is you don’t have to be involved in a political doody-storm as long as you have a vivid imagination. Here are eight things you wish you could tell parents as a teacher.Just knowing fellow peers feel this way will help to blow off steam, as will the fact that parents also understand.

#1: You’re Not Friends

It’s becoming increasingly less rare to hear things along the lines of ‘my child is my best friend.’ In later years, the bond between two grown-ups that love each other may be stronger than anything on the planet. At the moment, young kids shouldn’t have to bear the cross of being chummy with their mommy or daddy. The reason is that parents can’t see the line from time to time and their kids end up becoming involved in situations which are challenging. For example, the kids may absorb their parents’ opinions which then impacts their relationships at school. No one judges a mom and dad for this because wanting to be friends shows that they love them more than anything in world. However, it can cause an issue or two in class.

#2: Let Them Go

“Frozen” is an animated classic, not only because it’s well-written and catchy, but because there are life lessons to learn. One obvious example is the song “Let It Go.” For teachers, this is a hot subject at the moment as children are becoming more and more independent. However, school shootings make it harder for parents to provide them with the freedom they need for obvious reasons. It’s a tricky dichotomy, not least because kids are the most precious things in the world. Teachers know better than anyone, though, how a lack of independence impacts their life academically and socially. Kids can simply rebel when they feel too much pressure and it isn’t healthy. Although they aren’t our children, we do have some simple advice which may come in handy. For instance, parents may be interested to hear that putting them in charge of their outfit is freeing for a child.

#3: Data Isn’t God

Google has helped the cause a lot for teachers and parents alike. Nowadays, it’s far easier to understand success and failure and how to react thanks to 21st century Big Data. All they have to do is compare test results against other children in their class and they can see the relative performance. There’s no doubt that there is a lot of positive things about using data, particularly as it shows teachers where certain students need to improve. However, parents should be aware that a ranking system isn’t everything with regards to success. Giving adults time to settle down is essential and kids are as impressionable. Sometimes, it’s better to focus on happiness and enjoyment because students raise their standard when they are content at school and home. I think it’s safe to say teachers and parents can attest to this, which is why it would be nice to say out loud in the right context.

#4: I Do Need Help, But…

Teachers will be the first people to admit they need assistance. As populations increase, the number of bodies in a single classroom grows and kids aren’t allowed the same level of one-on-one time. Personal time with a teacher is essential for growth, which is why we want extra people to burden the pressure. But, help doesn’t always manifest itself in parent form if they aren’t qualified. We would love nothing than a certified assistant regardless, but qualifications come first. Also, it’s can be hard for parent-teachers to be objective when a loved one is involved. Moms and dads shouldn’t take this as a slight as it’s not as if we want them out of the school; far from it. Lots of MSN education jobs exist and need filling for the sake of pupil’s mental and physical well-being. Let’s face it – a school nurse is the lifeblood of any academic institution and they aren’t the only ones. These jobs can appease both groups as it involves everyone without the awkward ‘stepping on toes’ syndrome.

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#5: Sports Stars Aren’t Role Models

Neither are actors or musicians for that matter. Unfortunately, society invests into the notion that rich and famous people should lead by example and it’s wrong. In the end, it tends to go wrong for the role models and the followers. People make mistakes and that is an occupational hazard of being a human being, but the atmosphere does not allow for errors. Once Lebron James or Nicki Minaj says something uncomfortable, there is a weird dynamic for teachers and parents to address. Are they bad people? What should the kids think? The answer, of course, is nothing because they have nothing to learn from their life as they are miles apart. From money to lifestyle, there are barely any similarities, which means children shouldn’t be conflicted. As old-fashioned as it sounds, moms, dads, aunts, uncles and brothers and sisters should be the driving force in a child’s life. In many ways, parents and teachers agree on this because we have experience and understand the role model dynamic. One thing this isn’t is a stranger telling a person how to take care of their child.

#6: Physical Education Isn’t A Joke

‘How they are doing in math class? What about science and English?’ As the three core subjects of the curriculum, parents focus on these areas more than any others. To a point, they are right to add extra weighting to some classes as they are essential outside of the school grounds. Still, it doesn’t mean a subject is insignificant even though it isn’t as crucial as the others. P.E has to be the ultimate example because kids wear short-shorts and hate the experience. In relation to childhood obesity, however, physical education has to be the most imperative subject on the syllabus. Obesity in kids is the biggest health concern in the United States for young people, overtaking drug abuse and smoking. Just to put it into perspective, the number of overweight kids has tripled since 1971 up until the current day. Obesity in adolescent kids, aged between 12-19, has risen by 12% since the 1970s to the present day. In the main, moms and dads are supportive of P.E as they are very health conscious, so an odd note is excusable.

#7: Video Games Are Dangerous

The opinion that Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty turn kids into felons is farfetched. Mental health is a complicated matter and there’s more to it than a violent video game. However, kids are impressionable from an early age and they can take things on board which are blatantly wrong. Yes, these lessons can be heard in music and seen in films, but PlayStations and Xboxes are the main culprits as the number of children gamers increases. Teachers aren’t and never will campaign to ban games because kids need to blow off steam. Still, spending too much time on a console can lead to weird behavior. Lots of teachers are experiencing school work which relates to war, for example. Parents and teachers can work together to show kids that until they are old enough to understand, they shouldn’t play “R” rated games.

#8: Homework Helps

Is there a more controversial topic for teachers than after-school study? The answer is no! Moms and dads want the best for their kids and are happy for teachers to set homework. In most cases, the parents don’t get involved and leave the school to dictate the curriculum. However, sometimes, there are complaints about the lack of after-school study, as well as the amount and the level. What’s important for teachers to explain is that there are only so many hours in a typical day and we have to be able to ask students to complete school work in their own time. The majority of guardians agree with this logic as they want to challenge their kids academically. The times when there is a breakdown in communication, both parties should remember this and talk openly. That way, it’s straightforward to see the arguments and come to a compromise.

Parents and teachers: what do you think of this list? Please get in touch and voice your opinions.

Anne

Brighter Futures – What You Should Consider Switching to Solar Power

March 2, 2018 By Anne

Image: http://climate.org/smart-solutions/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Solar-Panels-on-MCM-Home.jpg

Cutting the cost of heating our homes can be a long and daunting project. Just keeping the water warm can be costly enough, let alone the whole house. If you live in an older house that is difficult to keep warm or are considering building a new house, you should consider switching to solar power and do your part for the environment.

Solar panels are a great way to go to keep costs low but they also cut back on non-reusable fossil fuels for electricity. With solar panels installed you don’t need oil, gas, coal or timber to keep your home warm and cosy. Solar panels work by absorbing power from the sunlight, storing it in the panels and converting that power into electricity. The result is truly clean energy and it never runs out. It’s a great alternative to using fuels that pollute the environment and run up your monthly household bills.

Keep reading to find out what you need to consider when making the switch to solar.

Invest in the Future

Costs of panels can vary, however, it’s important to invest in a quality setup to save yourself money down the line and get the most from your panels. Despite the initial investment, solar panels will pay for themselves with the amount of money you save on fossil fuels and the reduced impact you will be making on the environment.

When it comes to getting the best return form your solar panels, more is more. If you want to install enough panels to make your home generate enough to be self-sufficient, then it will be more expensive than just installing a few to help ease the cost of heating. Make sure to consider the size of your home and what your expectations are before choosing a setup.

A solar panel can store about between four and five watts per square metre, so for every kW you generate, you need about forty to fifty square metres of solar panels. Many companies offer incentives and there are also tax benefits for businesses for having these panels installed, and the costs saved in the long term are definitely worth it.

Your Usage

Usage and other factors will play a big part in these equations, as well. If you have several people living at home, all taking showers, running appliances, and are in your home around the clock, it will cost more than a couple who are not home much, eat out or go away at the weekend.

The cost of installing enough panels to meet your usage will vary between suppliers. Other factors, like where you live, if you are running a hot tub or air conditioner and whether incentives are offered, are also worth considering.

Having panels installed in a new house or an older one can make a difference in the overall cost for installation, as more work or materials may be involved in an older building and this can be worth taking into account.

Ask around for pricing and talk to your neighbours and friends about their solar panels. It’s always good to go with a reputable company that someone you know can vouch for.

Spend Now and Save Later

The savings solar panels offer in the long run are well worth it, not only for the money you save in electric bills but also the reduced impact on the environment. Once the systems are in place, they need very little maintenance and will pay for themselves for years to come.

The beauty of solar panels is they produce zero waste and cut your costs considerably. You will need to shop around for the best pricing and for what will suit your needs best. It’s also important to consider the size of your home, your energy usage and what your goals are with your new panels before starting your installation. However, once your panels are in place, you’ll be ready to enjoy all of the benefits they provide now and long into the future.