Great Tips On How To Make Homeschooling Enjoyable For Parents And Kids

 There's no doubt that homeschooling can be a big challenge for parents. Not only do you have to manage your own time and resources, but you also have to juggle your children's needs. However, there are ways to make homeschooling more enjoyable for both you and your children. 

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Here Are Some Tips On How To Make Homeschooling More Enjoyable For You As A Parent:

Get organized

One of the most important things you can do to make homeschooling more enjoyable is to get organized. This means creating a schedule and sticking to it. It also means having a designated space for learning, whether it's a corner of your living room or a dedicated home office. Having everything in its place will help reduce stress and make homeschooling run more smoothly.

Take breaks

Homeschooling can be intense, so it's important to take breaks when you need them. This means taking a few minutes to yourself every now and then, as well as scheduling regular field trips or other activities outside of the home. Taking breaks will help you keep your energy up and avoid burnout.

Get involved in the homeschooling community

There are many benefits to getting involved in the homeschooling community, both online and offline. Doing so will give you access to support, resources, and friendship. It's also a great way to meet other families who are homeschooling and get ideas for making your own homeschooling experience more enjoyable.

Integrating Educational Products

Utilizing educational products can enhance and enrich the homeschooling experience for both you and your children. Educational products range from interactive apps and websites for self-paced learning to board games and hands-on science kits. ABCmouse can promote self-paced learning across various subjects while engaging educational toys can reinforce topics covered during lessons for increased retention and understanding. Whenever selecting educational products to support homeschool learning make sure they match both age- and skill-level appropriateness so as to facilitate your child's journey toward their educational journey successfully!

Have realistic expectations

Homeschooling is not going to be perfect, and that's okay. However, trying to achieve perfection will only lead to frustration. Instead, focus on setting realistic goals and being flexible when things don't go as planned. Having realistic expectations will help you enjoy homeschooling more and feel better about your progress.

Make time for yourself

It's important to remember that homeschooling is not all about your children. You also need to make time for yourself. This means taking care of your own needs, both physically and emotionally. Whether it's getting enough sleep, exercising, or reading a good book, make sure you're taking care of yourself so you can be the best parent possible.

Find a balance.

It's important to find a balance between structure and flexibility in your homeschooling routine. Don't be afraid to mix things up from time to time, and let your kids take the lead on some days. A little bit of variety will keep everyone interested and engaged.

Take advantage of technology.

There are so many great homeschooling resources available online these days. Use them! There are tons of great inferences graphic organizers to try, websites, teacher apps, and online courses that can make homeschooling more fun and effective.

Have fun

Last but not least, don't forget to have fun! Homeschooling can be a lot of work, but it can also be a lot of fun. Make sure you're enjoying the process and taking time to celebrate your successes. This will help you stay motivated and make homeschooling more enjoyable for everyone involved.

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It can be difficult to find the right balance between structure and freedom when homeschooling your children. On the one hand, you want to give them the education they need to succeed in life. 

But, on the other hand, you don't want to make it so rigid that they hate learning altogether. So how can you find that sweet spot? 

Here Are A Few Tips On How To Make Homeschooling Enjoyable For Your Kids:

Let them have a say in their curriculum.

One of the great things about homeschooling is that you have the flexibility to tailor the curriculum to your child's interests and needs. Sit down with them at the beginning of each school year and ask them what they would like to learn about. You might be surprised at what they come up with!

Make learning interactive.

Nobody likes being lectured for hours on end, least of all kids. So make learning interactive! Get them up and moving around, doing hands-on activities, and engage in discussions. The more they're involved, the more likely they are to actually enjoy it.

Take advantage of outside resources.

There's no need to go it alone when homeschooling your children. There are plenty of great resources out there to help you both with the curriculum and with planning fun activities. Look into local homeschool groups, online forums, and websites specifically for homeschoolers.

Reward good behavior.

Everyone loves a little bit of positive reinforcement! So if your kids are doing a great job with their homeschooling work, be sure to let them know how proud you are. A small reward now and then can go a long way in keeping them motivated.

Give them some downtime.

Homeschooling can be intense, and it's important to give your kids a break every now and then. Make sure to schedule some downtime for them to just relax, play, and be kids. This will help them stay motivated and focused when it's time to get back to work.

Take a field trip once in a while.

Field trips are a great way to mix things up and make learning more fun. They're also a great opportunity for your kids to socialize with other homeschoolers. Look into local museums, zoos, parks, historical sites, and anywhere else that might be interesting and educational.

Let them teach you something.

One of the best ways to learn is by teaching others. So why not let your kids teach you something for a change? It can be anything they're interested in - from how to play their favorite video game to what they're learning in their homeschooling curriculum. Not only will they love being the teacher for once, but you might actually learn something new!

Make it fun!

This is perhaps the most important tip of all. If you're not having fun, chances are your kids aren't either. So find ways to make learning fun! Get creative with games, activities, and projects. The more enjoyable it is, the more likely your kids are to want to keep doing it.

The Worst Type of Love: 8 Tips for Disguising Love Handles

 

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We all have parts of ourselves that we feel like we need to disguise. Love handles are one of those things that most of us have to contend with. The excess fat around the sides of the waist is something that we can either feel that we are proud of ourselves to show off, or we need to feel more comfortable in ourselves. This is why some of the following styling tips can work wonders.

The Right Shapewear

Whether it's women's boy shorts, panty girdles, or control briefs, the right type of underwear or shorts will flatten the bulge around the stomach area, which creates a slimmer effect and lifts evenly. Make sure that you wear them above your belly button so you can conceal the tummy bulges.

Black or Dark Outfits

A lot of people tend to forget about the notion of illusion. Dark colors are fantastic to make your body look more in shape without highlighting bulges. Dark colors in the form of blacks, maroons, blues, or dark browns can work together to make the use of light and dark paneling, which can conceal and highlight curves. You don't have to completely dress in dark colors. You can mix it up with bright colors on the top of the body, but dark colors on the bottom are great for hiding any sort of creases, bumps, and folds.

Vertical Stripes

Another illusion tactic. It fits with vertical stripes and can make you look taller. Be warned, horizontal stripes can have the opposite effect because they add that illusion of width and can make you look shorter as well as broader. Vertical stripes have the effect that can make somebody look slimmer while also disguising the love handles because it draws attention away from the curves to the height of the person.

Empire Waistlines

Dresses with a silhouette that is sitting up between the bust and the waist give an illusion of curves. There are a wide variety of options you can work with here, including A-line dresses. When using A-lined silhouettes, it’s going to make your curves more flattering because they will conceal those love handles and will widen the space in an area, creating an illusion of slimness. You need to stay away from materials that are more body-hugging, such as polyester, lycra, or satin but choose a chiffon or sheer fabrics for the A-line dresses.

Wear Thicker Fabrics

It's important to remember that if you wear finer fabrics, this can tend to stick to your body and this will show the unwanted bulges. When you choose a thick fabric with detailed designs, it will sit on your body better without clinging to the curves and not make these things so obvious.

The Right Accessories

It is a very common fashion tip to distract attention from the parts of your body that you don't want to put on display. And this is why you've got to make sure the accessories are from the neck upwards. For example, a scarf will divert attention towards the neck, but you've got to remember that the scarf should have bold patterns or bright colors. But if you are concerned about wearing scarves during the summer, you can always use thin scarves that are made of cotton or linen. Additionally, you can go for flashy and bold earrings. And while you may not want to go for large earrings, especially in professional settings, you can opt for bright-colored studs that come with bold patterns or studded ring-shaped earrings.

Avoid Baggy Clothing

You have to choose clothes that are the right fit rather than being figure-hugging, but if you choose loose clothing. as much as it can disguise love handles, it can make you look bigger. It's so important to go for the right thing. It's not just for aesthetics, but it will make you feel more confident because it gives a more appealing look.

Look at the Length

When you are putting together a final look, you've got to address the length of your skirt or dress, so when you are picking a fitted dress, it needs to be just right. If it's too short, it will make your thighs look bigger. Having dresses that end just above the knee tends to suit all body types.

Whether you are trying to make a great first impression or you are now trying to feel more confident in yourself, those love handles can be critters to remove. It's about having the right combination of tactics to disguise them.

How to Freeze Asparagus

Freezing vegetables is a great way to save money during the winter months. This easy tutorial will have you freezing asparagus now for enjoyment this winter. With this method your asparagus will be as fresh tasting as it was the day you purchased it. 

I am a major farmers market fan. In fact, it is the thing I get the most excited about! I want to get there early and I come prepared with bags and baskets to carry home my fresh finds. In fact, it is not at all uncommon to find me standing in line on a Tuesday afternoon, patiently awaiting the bell that signals the start of the market. I have a favorite farmer and he sells out FAST! LOL. I find it to be worth the wait.

You would likely find it worth the wait too. I got a steal on asparagus and mini peppers recently. I am talking $1 a pound for the freshest asparagus in town. I bought 10 pounds of it without hesitation.

Asparagus for days is my jam. But, these gorgeous stalks are meant for a cold, blustery day, when asparagus doesn't look this good at the store, but it packs a hefty price tag of up to $6 a pound where I live. To preserve asparagus this is what you need.

I do use a foodsaver, but you can get a vaccum sealer for about $30 on amazon and big rolls of the bags. They are well worth the investment if you are going to do a lot of freezing! I know every expert will tell you food goes bad fast; but honestly I have had veggies frozen for 2 years that are still super fresh when packaged properly with a food saver... but, I guess now you know my secret. I rarely defrost my deep freezer HA!

So here is what you need:

Supplies:

A bowl of ice water

1 pound of asparagus

6 cups of water

Paper Towels

Food saver or freezer bags

Directions:

Snap the ends of the asparagus and discard the woody ends.

Boil 4 cups of water.

Place 2 cups of water and the ice into a large bowl.

When the water has come to a boil, drop the asparagus into the boiling water.

Allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the asparagus turns bright green.

Remove the asparagus from the boiling water and immediately place it in the ice water.

Remove after 30 seconds.

Place the asparagus on paper towels and allow to drain.

Pat the asparagus dry.

Place it in a food saver or freezer bag and remove as much air as possible.

Place in the freezer for up to a year.

If you are looking for more ways to save money; here are some reader's favorite posts. 

5 Baby Items You Won't Need

6 Things Not to Bargain Shop For

How To Save Money on Back to School Clothes

The Best Supplements You Can Use to Support Your Health

 

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Everyone knows that eating a healthy diet is essential, but sometimes it’s not enough. Even the most wholesome foods won’t give you everything you need to stay healthy, and many of us don’t get enough specific vitamins and minerals from our food alone. That’s where supplements come in. Luckily, there are several supplements out there that can help fill in those gaps. Not only will taking them to support your overall health, but a well-chosen supplement regimen can bring numerous benefits for people trying to improve their diet and fitness routines or recover from illness or injury. The key is to find the right supplements for your specific needs—and avoid the pitfalls of low-quality supplements with unproven benefits.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a crucial vitamin that most people don’t get enough of. It’s well-known for its bone benefits but also supports healthy immune function, mental health, cardiovascular health, and more. While it’s found in foods like eggs and salmon, it’s often not enough. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2018 say that everyone over the age of 9 should be getting 600 international units (IU) of Vitamin D per day; many people are still not getting enough—especially those who are inside a lot, who wear sunscreen that blocks UVB, who are overweight, and who have darker skin tones. Supplementing with Vitamin D can help make sure you’re getting enough.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Most of us are eating less fish than we should be, which means we’re missing out on the health benefits of these essential fats. Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and can be taken as a supplement. Omega-3s are linked to various health benefits, including a stronger immune system, healthier skin, mental health benefits, and reduced inflammation. Some people might find that they don’t get enough omega-3s in their diet and would benefit from a daily supplement.

If you check out this dentist in Springfield VA, they'll also tell you that Omega-3 fatty acids also offer significant benefits for dental health. These healthy fats have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the gums, potentially lowering the risk of periodontal disease. By supporting gum health, omega-3s may also contribute to a healthier oral environment, making it more difficult for harmful bacteria to thrive. Additionally, omega-3s promote a balanced immune response, which can enhance the body's ability to fight off oral infections and maintain overall oral wellness.

Vitamin B12

You want to be healthy and working correctly! Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the health of your bones and brain organs. Unfortunately, B12 deficiency is surprisingly common: studies have shown that 30% of people over the age of 50, 70% of people over the age of 70, and 95% of people over the age of 95 have suboptimal B12 status. That’s because B12 is found in animal foods, and deficiency can occur when dietary intake is low, intestinal absorption is impaired, or there is an increased need for B12. Supplementing with B12 can help make sure your levels are healthy.

CBD Products

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound in hemp and marijuana plants. While hemp-based CBD is legal, marijuana-based CBD is not, though, in some states, it’s legal with a medical prescription and doctor’s recommendation. CBD has been shown to have many benefits, including promoting healthy inflammation, supporting mood and mental health, reducing anxiety, and promoting restful sleep. CBD is also thought to have several health benefits, including supporting bone health, immune health, and healthy digestion. If you feel you could benefit from supplementing with CBD or products such as Delta 9 THC, ensure you’re getting a high-quality product from a reputable retailer. As well as there being regular types of cream for shingles on the market you can also get CBD varieties too. It’s good for other skin or nerve issues because of its potential to ease discomfort and calm irritation. If you feel you could benefit from supplementing with CBD or products such as Delta 9 THC, ensure you’re getting a high-quality product from a reputable retailer.

Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the most essential minerals for health. Studies have shown that many people are deficient in magnesium: approximately 80% of American adults don’t get enough magnesium from their diets alone. Magnesium is involved in hundreds of health processes in the body, including healthy metabolism, immune function, healthy sleep, and more. Unfortunately, many of us are deficient in this vital mineral, which can lead to serious health issues over time. Supplementing with magnesium can help make sure you are getting enough.

Conclusion

You should eat a healthy diet, but sometimes it’s just not enough. Even the most wholesome foods won’t give you everything you need to stay healthy, and many of us don’t get enough specific vitamins and minerals from our food alone. That’s where supplements come in. Luckily, there are several supplements out there that can help fill in those gaps. 

$200 Walmart Card Giveaway!

If the price of gas is causing a pinch in your wallet, you are not alone!

It seems like the price of gas has been cutting into summer fun, grocery budgets and everything else. So, 20 of your favorite bloggers have come together to give one lucky reader a helping hand, in the form of a $200 Walmart card, which you can use for gas or groceries!

I am participating on behalf of my new website and podcast Township Falls.

This is a true crime podcast with tones of history, travel and a gross miscarriage of justice.  I hope you will give us a listen and a 5 star review on apple podcasts.

Enter for your chance to win a $200 e-Gift card to Walmart! This giveaway is open to the US only where permitted, age 18 and older. This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on 8.31.22. See below for terms and conditions

 

This giveaway is hosted by Chatty Patty’s Place and The Review Wire. All entries will be verified—only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. Any person who has won a prize (or whose household has won a prize) in any promotion sponsored by the Sponsor in the past thirty (30) days before this contest start date is not eligible to win a prize in this contest. Entrants who have created social accounts purely to enter Competitions or Sweepstakes will not be eligible to win. All social accounts used must be public. The winner will be chosen randomly through Sweep Widget and contacted via email. A reply to the winning email is required within 48 hours before a new winner is chosen. Void where prohibited by law. One person entering per household, please

How To Freeze Mini Sweet Peppers

 If you have time to visit your local farmers market this week; this is the time to stock up on all the tasty little peppers that are available right now. I am a farmers market enthusiast for sure. There is nothing quite like a basket of freshly picked, locally grown veggies for $1. 

I have been buying everything in season from sweet onions, to asparagus and corn on the cob and sticking it in my freezer for the winter. I wish I could can, but I have a cook top stove and have been told those don't heat evenly for safe canning.

Last week, my favorite farmer at the market had small baskets of mini sweet peppers, jalapeno pepper and wax peppers for $1. I was told they were picked that morning. They were perfect, beautiful and vibrant, they smelled like summer should. I bought 3 baskets of each. We kept a basket that we mixed from the variety aside for fresh eating, and then I prepared the rest for the freezer.

Wash and cut the tops off of the mini sweet peppers.

Clear out the seeds and slice them at desired thickness.

Lay the peppers on a paper towel to dry the juices.

Place the peppers in a single layer on a plate.

Pop the peppers in the freezer for 45 minutes.

Remove from the freezer and transfer to a freezer bag or a food saver bag. Try to remove as much air as possible.

Place in the freezer for up to 1 year.

I usually add 3 or 4 peppers per food storage bag, because that is the amount that my family uses, but, you can adjust the amount of sliced peppers you add to each pack.

You might be wondering how to use the pepper slices after they have been frozen?

I like to add them to crock pot meals, casseroles, scrambled eggs, etc. 

They are perfect for sheet pan fajitas. 

I like to mix the peppers and onion together to freeze for easy chili veggies.

In general, they are perfect for use, just like any other frozen peppers you might buy at the store, but so much cheaper! I can make several packs to use later for about 25 cents each.

Find more money saving ideas here:

6 Things Not To Bargain Shop For 

Why It's Important to Try New Foods

 Woman eating pizza - Image Courtesy of Pexels
Eating is good for the soul. But you can get stuck in a food rut. So it's essential to try new foods and grow as a result. Here are some of the main reasons this is important.
Could be Your Next Favourite Thing
How do you know you like something if you don't try it? Even the aroma of something is often vastly different to how it tastes. Unfortunately, many people get stuck in a food cycle of eating the same things all the time. And often, these don't do any good. They could be junk food or just reusing the same ingredients. For example, chilli con Carne, spaghetti bolognese and cottage pie are essentially the same things with one or two things added. So pop into a German deli, try a local Japanese restaurant or explore the foods of the Russian shop around the corner. For a truly unique culinary adventure, consider visiting places like Raw Bar on The Square. Known for its vibrant selection of fresh seafood and creative dishes, it’s the perfect spot to step outside your usual dining habits. Whether it’s sampling oysters for the first time or savoring their signature seafood platters, trying something new here could lead you to your next favorite dish.
A Healthier Way to Eat
The food you often eat may be causing you harm. Some countries, like the UK and USA, constantly consume vast amounts of junk food from takeaways or processed and pre-packaged meals. But cooking fresh food has many health benefits. For example, you will have more energy, increased focus and healthier toilet habits. European countries like France, Italy and Spain place emphasis on the importance of cooking fresh. And often, it involves generational participation. This teaches kids how to look after themselves and makes beautiful memories.
Try New Foods for Cultural Experience
Every culture worldwide has different foods to eat, methods of preparation and even how they enjoy their foods. For example, Indian families will eat together in one sitting. Often with multiple generations enjoying their fresh meals with each other. But this is more than eating. It's a cultural experience because each generation before, and the ones before them, have spent hundreds of years improving and refining family recipes. Which is why they taste amazing. Of course, this is also true of Chinese, Japanese and most mainland European cultures.
Be an Example for the Children
If you have kids, then you know it can be a nightmare to get them to eat. Yet often, they grow up on the same diet as their parents. Which may or may not be the best thing for them. By trying new foods, you can encourage your children to do the same. And for the same reasons with the same results. And although you may not like a particular cuisine, your children should have the freedom of choice over what they eat. Otherwise, it could mean a lifetime of takeout food and microwave meals. Which isn't just bad for them. It means no cooking skills and costs more.
Improve Your Own Cooking
Any professional chef worth the salt in their kitchen will tell you that you can't improve your cooking without trying other cuisines. Even if you stick to one cuisine, you will learn to use ingredients in different ways. For instance, Brits love making meatballs and spaghetti with minced beef. Yet Mexicans love to shallow fry small amounts at a time for crispy beef tacos. There are always more ways to use something. But if you don't try dishes from other countries, you will never know. Plus, you get to enjoy the journey, and it's an excuse to eat a bit more.
Summary
There are many benefits when you try new foods from all over the world. These include discovering your next favourite thing, experiencing culture and improving your cooking.

Instant Pot Banana Rice Pudding

 

My family loves rice pudding and I often make it in the instant pot. But, we had some over ripe bananas and I thought maybe, I could put them to use in the pudding we all love so much. And let me tell you, this is one of my most delicious ideas yet!

This is such an easy recipe. You can have it ready in minutes if you like it warm, but if you like it cool, no worries! Just give it a little time to rest and cool.

This is a great recipe to keep on hand because it is cheap to make, and it tastes like a million bucks when you dig into it. It is a great way to stretch your grocery budget by adding in affordable rice to your desserts. Plus this no bake goodie won't heat up the house on a hot day.

Ingredients:

1 c white rice

1 ½ c water

2 cups of milk

½ c sugar

2 overripe bananas

1 tsp vanilla

Add rice and water to the instant pot.

Seal and select high heat.

Set the timer for 3 minutes.

It will take about 10 minutes before the timer begins to countdown.

When the timer beeps, turn off the instant pot. 

After 10 minutes, quick release the steam.

Add milk and sugar.

Stir.

In a small bowl, smash the bananas and add vanilla and cinnamon.

Pour this into the rice.

Turn the instant pot to saute, and allow to cook until it comes to a boil. 

Remove the liner from the instant pot and allow to cool and thicken.

Serve warm or cold, with cinnamon sprinkled over the top and sliced bananas if you like.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Makes 6 servings.

If you are looking for more affordable dessert ideas you might like these peanut butter cream puffs or  my homemade stove top rice pudding recipe.