Category: Family

Everything that matters most to you and your family, from fun activities to spend time with your kids to the best discounts for seniors.

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Children Family Health & Home Recreation & Leisure

Warm-Weather Activities to Enjoy With Family

warm-weather activities

Some people may find the summer season annoying due to hot sunny days. But you can enjoy some warm-weather activities in this period with your friends and family. Wondering what you can do? Read the article to find some exciting ideas.

Go for a Picnic

Picnicking is one of the best warm-weather activities for families. So, pack a delicious lunch with your family or ask your friends to bring one food item with them to add a variety to your menu. Make sure to pick a new scenic place for having a memorable time with your friends or family. You can opt for a botanical garden, mountain, or lake.

And yes, do remember to take all the essential items with you, like a bed sheet to place on the ground and water bottles to keep yourself hydrated.

Whitewater Rafting

If you are looking for extreme fun and entertainment, whitewater rafting is for you. No other activity can beat the charm and pleasure of whitewater rafting down a river with your family or some buddies.

Not only is it exciting, but it is also pretty much affordable for a large group of friends. The best part is that everyone from beginners to experts can enjoy this activity. However, you have to pick a different level of rafting for everyone according to their skills.

Ice Skating

The idea of enjoying a winter sport when it’s burning outside seems to be absurd. However, a fun activity can help you battle the scorching summer heat. The first thing you need to do is to search for the best ice skating places near your location.

After that, wear some warm clothes so that you don’t get cold in that area’s freezing temperature. You are ready to head out to have a little bit of icy fun.

Go Boating

You don’t always need a yacht to spend some relaxing time on the water. You can go for a rowboat or paddleboat ride, whatever is accessible to you. This is a perfect way to enjoy some family or friend’s time together, as these types of boats can accommodate four people at a time. You can have a private tour of a nearby lake or river.

Make sure to take something to eat for your family or friends if you plan to spend the entire day on the boat.

Go Hiking

Clear and sunny days are ideal for hiking. But hiking for the first time will be boring if you go alone. So, make sure to take your friends and family who have the strength to hike across rough terrains.

Pack some tasty lunch, fill up your bottle, and get ready. Don’t forget to take your dog with you if he loves fun, competitive activities. Opt for any hiking trails near you and make the most of this adventure. Don’t forget to take sunscreen with you if you want to protect your skin from scorching sun rays.

Bottom Line

Apart from the warm-weather activities mentioned above, you can also watch sunset or sunrise, do gardening, or have a bonfire at night. Do anything that can help you enjoy this weather with your friends and family.

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Career & Education Children Education Family

Help Your Child Succeed in Elementary School

elementary school

Wondering how you can help your child to succeed in elementary school? If so, here are some tips and ideas to help your kids.

1.    Make Your Child’s Learning Important

Teach your children that learning is important. Of course, children learn better and quickly if they love a particular subject. However, learning other things that they don’t find interesting is also important. It helps them to know and explore different things.

2.    Aim High

You don’t need to pressure your children; just teach them to aim high. You must realize that your expectations can significantly impact your child’s performance in elementary school. So, don’t expect your children to score 100% in every subject but encourage them to do their best.

3.    Prioritize Your Child’s Study Time

Playing and interacting with other children is important for your kid’s social and intellectual skills. But that doesn’t mean to give them a free hand. Make it clear from the beginning of their school life that they have to study before playing. This will help them understand the importance of studies over other things.

4.    Stay Up to Date

It’s important to stay informed about your children’s school. You can check the school’s website and see the calendar for the upcoming events and tests. You can also check what new posts they have published on their site for annual exams.

5.    Meet your Child’s Teacher

You need to meet your kid’s teacher whenever you get time. You can discuss your child’s performance and ask the teachers to guide you on what you can do for the betterment of your children.

6.    Help them Prepare for Tests

It’s important to prepare your kids for class tests and discuss their studies. The more you will involve with them in the preparation process, the more they will feel motivated to study.

7.    Stick to a Routine

Many parents don’t understand that having a proper routine for their kids is crucial even on holidays. Having a routine will prevent them from getting off the track. You need to give them breakfast, lunch, and dinner on time. They should give time to their studies and also get to play with their friends. Also, make sure they sleep on time.

8.    Talk Often

You need to know how your children feel about their teacher, classmate, and classroom. Ask them what they like and dislike about their school. Give them a chance to express their excitements, anxieties, or disappointments every day. Moreover, support and encourage them by praising their efforts and achievements.

9.    Show Your Interest

Don’t only ask about your children’s day or what they think about school. You need to listen to them carefully and show interest. Guide them on what they can do to solve a certain problem. Also, teach them how they can improve themselves even more.

10.  Designate a Space For Your Child’s School Work

Like adults want a workspace to complete their tasks without any stress and distractions, children also need a study room. You need to designate a place in your house with ample light, enough room to work, and lots of supplies. This will encourage your kid to study without being distracted.

Bottom Line

If you want to make your kid succeed in elementary school, you need to give time to your children. But make sure to avoid putting a lot of pressure on them, as it can negatively impact their performance. Try to be their friend with them while discussing studies.

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Children Family

20 Memorial Day Activities for the Whole Family

memorial day

Memorial Day is a day when you have a chance to honor those soldiers who sacrificed their lives while serving in the US military. Here are some Memorial Day activities for your whole family to show that you acknowledge and remember the service members who died to protect us.

1. Go for virtual Tour of the White House

If you live far from the capital, you can still visit the White House. You can use Google Arts and Culture for a virtual tour of the White House with your family.

2. Listen to Veterans’ Stories

While celebrating Memorial Day, you can also honor the living veterans. You and your family can sit together in the living room and watch some documentaries highlighting the services of veterans.

3. Craft Memorial Day Poppy

This is one of the best Memorial Day activities. You and your family can make them together to wear them as a sign of remembrance of the deceased soldiers.

4. Say a Prayer

Memorial Day is all about appreciating the services of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives while serving in the military. Take some time and say a prayer for those who have served your country.

5. Phone a Veteran You Know

If you have veterans in your family or friend, call them to say thanks for their dedicated services. They will feel appreciated and happy.

6. Visit a Veteran’s Cemetery

You can visit a cemetery with your family to pay your respect to the men and women who died in service to our country. You can place flowers and flags on their graves to say thank you.

7. Volunteer for Others

The best way to understand their services is to spend a day serving others. You and your family can join an organization to help people.

8. Try a Craft

You can make your children understand the importance of this day by involving them in a patriotic craft session. Make a couple of decorative items in the color of blue, white, and red as a Memorial Day activity.

9. Handmade Patriotic Shirts

This is the best activity to perform with your entire family. You can paint blue and white flowers or the flag of our country on a T-Shirt. After that, you can wear them and do other activities of the day.

10. Popsicle Stick Flag

It is a clever and easy idea to involve your kids in a Memorial Day fun activity. Once they make these flags, you can place them anywhere visible in your house.

11. Read and Discuss American History

Before doing any activity, teach your kids about our nation’s history and the reason to celebrate this day.

12. Attend a Parade

Attend a Memorial Day parade with your family. It will be the best experience for your entire family.

13. Visit the Family of a Fallen Soldier

You can visit a family who has lost someone in the war and thank them. It is a good way to show that you remember and acknowledge their sacrifice.

14. Take a Moment of Silence

It does not matter where you live, take a moment of silence with your family member at 3 pm. After this, you can send your thanks to the fallen.

15. Watch the Memorial Day Concert

Another way to celebrate this day is to watch the Memorial Day concert with your family. You can watch it on TV or attend the concert personally.

16. Watch a Patriotic Movie

If you want to know more about the stories of brave men and women, you can watch a patriotic movie. Make sure to pick the one that is based on actual stories.

17. Throw a Themed Zoom Potluck

You can throw a Zoom potluck to meet your extended family by maintaining social distancing. Ask everyone to show their preparations for the day and pay your respect to the fallen.

18. Host a Patriotic Party

If you have veterans in your neighborhood, you can host a virtual patriotic party. Ask them to join you on Zoom and remember the sacrifices of the soldiers who died while serving our country, and know their stories.

19. Fly a Flag

You can show your respect and gratitude by hanging Old Glory in your front yard. Make sure to follow the US Flag Code guidelines.

20. Create Patriotic Chalk Art

Create chalk art with your kids. You can chalk our flag or just write “thanks to veterans” using sidewalk chalk.

Bottom Line

No matter what Memorial Day activities you do, just make sure to involve veterans’ families. This is the best way to celebrate this day. You must also make sure your whole family participates in these activities and appreciate the services of the fallen.

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Children Family

It’s Father’s Day! 20 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate

celebrate father's day

If you are wondering how you can celebrate Father’s day in a meaningful way and show how much you love him, then you need to read the article. The following are some tips and ideas to make this day memorable and amazing.

1. Have a Family Game Night

Let your father show his competitive side with the best indoor games. You can go for fun games like Jenga, monopoly, and charades.

2. Host a Wine Tasting

If your dad loves wine, then it is the ultimate treat for him on Father’s Day. Select some best wines and add some cheese and grapes to your wine tasting platform.

3. Book Spa Appointment

On this special day, you can pamper him by booking a relaxing spa session for your father. Make sure to pick the best place, and ask them to add your dad’s favorite candles and music to the session.

4. Learn About Your Father’s Family Tree

The best way to make him feel special is to take some time and try to know about his family more. Ask about your dad’s family and his childhood memories.

5. Solve a Puzzle Together

Having a fun day with your dad is the best way to make him feel good on Father’s Day. Bring a new and challenging puzzle and gift it to your dad. Make sure to play with him to add excitement to the day.

6. Share Beautiful Memories

Share some beautiful and unforgettable memories of your father with him. It will make him feel appreciated and loved. You can make a collage of his pictures and gift them to him.

7. Host a Friendly and Family Competition

Arranging an exciting and enjoyable competition between your family and Father’s friends is a wonderful way to make the day memorable for everyone.

8. Make a Hand-Made Gift

If you are good at arts and crafts, then make a small beautiful gift for your dad. You can create a card or a decorating item for your father.

9. Explore Ancestral Locations

If you know about any particular sites that belong to your Father’s ancestors, you can spend a day with your father and revisit that place.

10. Bake a Treat or Dinner

You can bake a delicious cake for your dad. Or you can make some cookies, lasagna, or anything your father likes.

11. Participate in Your Father’s Favorite Hobby

What is your Father’s favorite hobby? Do they love gardening or cooking? Whatever they like, participate in their hobby for a day.

12. Set Up a DIY Sushi Night

It is an amazing activity to do with your father. Go for buying different fishes and food ingredients you want to add to your DIY sushi. Then, prepare delicious sushi with him.

13. Arrange a Picnic For Your Father

If you and your siblings want to spend some time together with your father, arrange a picnic at a local park.

14. Celebrate with Fireworks

Fireworks are the best way to celebrate Father’s day. Just make sure to take precautions while playing with these things.

15. Head to a League of Baseball

If your father loves to enjoy a baseball game or has a wish to watch a live baseball match, purchase two tickets for the game and surprise your dad.

16. Plan a Road Trip

Pick a place to go with your father and get on the road trip. Make sure that the chosen site is best to surprise your dad.

17. Make Your Father Brunch

Yes, it’s kind of a Mother’s Day thing. But if you are good at cooking, your father will feel great pleasure eating something you make.

18. Take him for Dinner Night

You can pick your Father’s favorite restaurant to enjoy a meal together. Make sure to pay the bill.

19. Fly a Kite Together

Make two kites with your father and fly them together to have a pleasant daytime. You can purchase one if you don’t want to make it yourself.

20. Go Camping

Camping is the best way to enjoy a bonfire and nighttime together. Just make sure to purchase all the equipment necessary for your camping.

Bottom Line

So these are some ideas to celebrate Father’s day and make it a memorable day for your father. You can choose any one activity or do all of them to show your love and make your dad happy.

Categories
Children Family Senior

8 Ways to be a Fabulous Grandparent

fabulous grandparent

Grand-parenting is just as necessary in shaping a child’s life positively as parenting is. Here are 8 ways to be a fabulous grandparent:

1.    Recognize Your Value

Grandparents often fail to recognize and acknowledge the monumental importance they have. You are even a more prominent source of wisdom, education, and experience for your grandchildren. Devote more of your time to them, such as offering childcare or scheduling time at least once a week with the kids.

2.    Devote Unconditional Time

As a grandparent, you probably have lesser social and work commitments, so you must devote as much time as possible to your grandchildren. Teach them things their parents cannot make time for, such as taking them to construction sites to watch from a distance, talking about life under the water, and your experiences of traveling to other countries.  

3.    Refraining from Appearing Fearful

Grandchildren often seek validation and approval for their experimental projects from grandparents. So, the next time a child comes to share his/her plans with you, refrain from voicing out how you dread the idea.

Lend unconditional support, enthusiasm, and encouragement while keeping a watchful eye as the little ones embark on their journeys and passions. As a grandparent, you can pretend to be thrilled about whatever excites them (of course, only if appropriate).

4.    Ponder Over Books

As a grandparent, the greatest gift you can give the grandchildren is by transforming them into book lovers. They’re from the age of technology, and most likely, their parents are too. So, you have the unique gift of sharing the love of books with them and introducing them to a whole new world of learning.

5.    Encourage Spirituality

If you follow a reticular faith, then be a spiritual inspiration for your grandchildren. Spend time meditating, praying, reading your Holy Book, and teaching all the little ones spiritual values.

6.    Good Manners

If anyone hopes to teach the importance of manners, values, and traditions to the little ones, it is you as their fabulous grandparent! So, teach your grandchildren the art of manners, courtesy words, family values, and others.

7.    Do Not Over Indulge

Many live under the perception that grandparents are selfless. While pampering your next generation is a great thing, overindulging them will only have unfavorable effects in their future. Lavish them with love and whatever you can afford while teaching them to be grateful. Also, never hesitate to say no to your grandchildren when they make unreasonable demands.

8.    Avoid Jealousy

Those who face being a grandparent prematurely are often unable to cope with the conflicting emotions. Hence, you may feel bouts of jealousy over your daughter/son-in-law and may intentionally or unintentionally criticize him/her, which your grandchild can pick up.

Speak only positive words of your grandchild’s parents and other family members, so that they learn to respect everyone and never indulge in bitter feelings in any way.

Categories
Children Family

It’s Good Friday! 30 Seafood and Meat-Free Meals

good friday meals

Wondering what you can cook this Good Friday? If so, then you have come to the right place. We have mentioned some mouthwatering and flavorsome seafood and meat-free meals that children, elders, and others in your family will love. Let’s take a look.

1. Sweet-and-Smoky Cedar-Planked Salmon

It is a blend of light brown sugar and smoked paprika, which offers you a tasty grilled flavor.

2. Bulgur and Cashew Stuffed Eggplant

This meal is free from meat and dairy and allows you to experience a completely different taste of spices and sweet.

3. Spring Pasta with Salmon

Pasta and salmon is the perfect combo that everyone in the family would love. The peas and spices make this meal super appetizing.

4. Thai Scallop Curry with Shiitake Mushrooms and Zucchini Noodles

It gives you an exceptionally earthy experience with fresh ginger, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and curry powder.

5. Pesto-Topped Grilled Swordfish Steak

It’s your chance to enjoy grilled flavors by incorporating them in the pesto and swordfish. You will lick your fingers for sure.

6. Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Salsa Verde

It’s another sumptuous dish that offers you a fillet of grilled fish. You can enhance the taste by adding sizzling salsa to your menu.

7. Pasta with Walnut Pesto

This is a unique dish in our list of meals. You can enjoy the flavors of pasta, walnut pesto, herbs, and vegetables, all in one dish.

8. Shrimp Scampi

You need to add garlic butter on top of it for a lip-smacking aroma. A squeeze of lemon and crusty bread on the side will boost its flavor and appearance.

9. Panzanella with Marinated Chimichurri and Chickpeas

Panzanella is a salad that combines with bread to offer you a delicious main course. Herbs, oil, and vinegar are used to make it rich and tasty.

10. Salmon Wellington

On this Good Friday, have wellington on your table that contains spinach, salmon, and parmesan. Your family will surely love your efforts.

11. Wild Mushroom and Potato Burrata Pizza

How can we forget to add a pizza to our list? This veggies and herb pizza is a superb way to celebrate Good Friday.

12. Portobello Pot Roast

Pot roast is one of the classic holiday meals. This is slightly different, as you will use mushrooms for heft instead of meat-laden.

13. Trumpet Mushroom Calamar

You may know that mushroom is the best substitute for meat. This is why you need to use mushrooms instead of squids in them. It will have a delicious texture and taste.

14. Tempeh Fish n’ Chips And Tartar Sauce

This dish offers you mouthwatering flavors of lemon, flakes, and Old Bay Seasoning. The tender and crunchy fish will force your guest to admire your cooking skills.

15. Vegan Fish and Chips

Chips, vegan, and fish are a flavorful combo that is pretty easy to make without any mess and has exceptionally great taste.

16. Battered Hearts of Palm Crab Cakes

The battered heart of palm crab cake is fried until it gets crispy. Then you will need to serve it with beamy tangy homemade tartar sauce.

17. Black Bean and Carrot Crispy Tacos

Craving tacos this Good Friday? Add this to your menu to have a crunchy meat-free treat.

18. Vegetarian Chili with Beans and Grains

This is the quickest, easiest, and tastiest meal you can make for the entire family. It is best to serve children, elders, and youngsters.

19. Mississippi Catfish Gumbo

This stew is made with catfish and okra. It is the best way to skip sausages and yet cook a classic dish for your family.

20. Cucumber-Salmon Panzanella

This healthy and simple greens and bread salad is the best food item to serve in your lunch and dinner, giving you mouthwatering and smacking flavors.

21. Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese

This is the best cheesy option, which is also healthy, to have on your dinner menu this Good Friday.

22. Smoky Tempeh Black Bean Burgers

Your guests will be surprised after taking a bite that this juicy burger is actually vegan. You can make it for your friends who are vegan.

23. Broiled Flounder With Lemon Cream Sauce

This is a simple fish dish that has a sour and spicy flavor. The creamy sauce is the primary tastemaker in this recipe.

24. Vegan Cioppino

This is an Italian-style fish stew with lots of vegetables, herbs, and tomato broth.

25. Adobong Pusit

If you love the natural rich flavors of squid, you need to try this. It contains soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar.

26. Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Instead of using tuna, you can use chickpea in your salad sandwich to get a simple yet flavorsome dish.

27. Vegan Nicoise Avocado Salad

This delicious dish has an intense flavor that will tantalize your taste buds at the first bite. It contains green beans, potatoes, and avocado.

28. Tuna Noodle Casserole

It is best for people who love tuna. Cooking a meal with tuna, noodle, and casserole, you can enjoy three separate flavors in a single dish.

29. Sriracha Tofu

Even meat-eaters will fall for this tangy tofu. It has a spicy and sweet taste that is perfect for adding to your Good Friday dinner.

30. Sheet Pan Pistachio Crusted Salmon and Glazed Carrots

This is a one-pan meal that is exceptionally great for every type of family. Even your children will love its intense and rich flavors.

Bottom Line

You can pick a few dishes from this list to serve to your family and guests this Good Friday. They will surely love and appreciate your cooking skills.

Categories
Family Senior

10 Discounts Seniors Didn’t Know About

senior discounts

Many seniors remain in ignorance of the multiple discounts they can avail when they’re out spending money. You could save a significant amount on several purchases if you knew what discounts you’re entitled to.

Here are the top 10 discounts:

1.   Groceries

Several grocery stores offer senior discounts, which you must ask for while paying for your purchases. For example, Farm Fresh offers 5% discounts for fifty-five-year-olds and above on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while New Seasons Market offers a 10% discount for seniors every Wednesday.

Remember to verify the next time you’re out buying the groceries.

2.   Mortgage Rate Reduction

There is a free mortgage program that offers up to $3,120 savings for seniors annually. It would be best if you found out about the validity and eligibility of this program from your bank the next time you’re paying.

3.   Home Alarm Savings

Many Home Alarm companies offer a 10% discount for senior homeowners. The idea is to encourage every senior citizen to safeguard their property and lives with a reliable alarm system, more so because of their age-related vulnerability.

4.   Restaurant Meals

A lot of dine-outs offer discount deals and a certain percent of the entire bill for senior customers. From steak restaurants to fast food joints, there is usually a discount at the majority of places if you’re fifty-five years and above.

5.   Cruise Discounts

From all-inclusive travel options to exclusive deals for fifty-year-olds and above, many cruising companies worldwide offer discounts for seniors. You can luxuriate in the splendors of the sea at great deals as a senior, but only if you ask for your discount when you’re booking your trip next time.

6.   Medical Bill Discounts

Seniors require more treatments and doctor visits as they age, and many insurance companies offer discount cards. As a senior, you also receive hearing, vision, prescription drug, and dental coverage, all with a supplemental insurance plan.

You can avail some incredible medical benefits as a senior but do remember to ask for those.

7.   Brand Discounts

Stein Mart, Marshall’s, Kohl’s, Banana Republic, and Ross offer discounts for seniors. You need to be fifty years and above to shop on discounts at these fabulous places on designated days. However, it is best to verify each of these stores’ age eligibility before you go shopping with your old pals.

Many stores also offer a monthly Senior’s Day where you can avail 20% discounts on your membership cards, shop online, or other features.

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Family Financial Insurance Senior

When Can I Change My Medicare Insurance Plan?

medicare insurance plan

We know that Medicare insurance is complicated. There are restrictions, open enrollment periods, and so many different plans from which you can choose. It’s easy to find yourself with one hundred different questions.

One of the most common questions we see is, “when can I change my Medicare supplement insurance plan? While we’d like to say the answer is simple, much like Medicare, it’s complicated. In this guide, however, you’ll learn more about when you can change your supplement plans and how to do it.  

What are Medicare Supplement plans?

It is important that you understand the difference between your Medicare insurance and Your Medicare Supplement plan. Your Medicare plan is provided by the government, but a Medicare Supplement Plan is a private health insurance policy.

The purpose of a Supplement plan is to supplement the coverage you get with your original Part A or Part B Medicare plan. For a monthly payment, Medicare Supplement plans usually cover your coinsurance, deductible, and copays. They help to fill in the gaps that you would otherwise be required to pay out of pocket. For that reason, they are sometimes referred to as Medigap insurance plans.

When Can I Change My Plans?

The simple answer is that you can change your Medicare Supplement plan anytime, but of course, there’s a catch. Since supplements are private health insurance policies, the insurance company can choose to turn you down for health reasons.

Supplements are not the same as your Medicare Part C or D plan. Therefore, they aren’t eligible for changes during the Annual Election Period, which occurs in the fall.

There’s only one time when you can enroll in any supplement without being rejected, and that time is six months after you turn 65 or enroll in Part B, whichever comes later. Once this period passes, you can still apply, but the decision is ultimately up to the provider.  

How Do I Change My Plans?

If you would like to change your Medicare Supplement plan, all you have to do is fill out an application with questions related to your health. Many states also require you to pass a medical underwriting.

What does that mean?

It is the process of examining your medical history in order to determine any risk factors that could affect your health insurance coverage. If you are found to be too much of a risk, the private insurance company can deny you or charge you a higher rate. However, there are also many situations that could be covered under your guaranteed-issue rights.

Reasons to Change Your Insurance

Though the application process isn’t always easy, there are several reasons that seniors choose to switch their Medicare Supplement plans. You should consider changing your plan if you:

  • Found the same plan for less money from a different insurance company
  • Need more benefits than what your plan currently offers
  • Don’t use all of the benefits that you currently have
  • Wish you buy your plan from another insurance provider

Request a Quote for a Medicare Supplement Plan

Your best chance to get the coverage you need is within your one-time enrollment window, but you can change your supplement plan at any time! If this is something you’re interested in, we recommend that you do your research and request a Medicare insurance quote from different companies.

Once you have found your ideal plan, you can start the application process. Many companies offer a “free look period” for 30 days. That means you can take 30 days to decide if your new plan is the best Medicare insurance plan for your needs.

Categories
Children Family Health & Home Wellness

Don’t Live Alone? 10 Ways to Carve Out Me Time

In Need Of Alone Time

Not every one of us is fortunate to own or rent our own space. Sometimes, family obligations and cultural values force us to live in a family system, while environmental factors such as the pandemic and others force us to move in with family or roommates, instead of living alone.

No matter what the reasons may be, it can get entirely frustrating when you just do not get any time for yourself. Devoid of peace and quiet, one cannot survive calmly for long. So how can you carve out alone time for your own sanity when you don’t live alone?

Here is how:

1.    Communicate Your Need for Peace Clearly

Emphasize how you need peace and some alone time. Of course, if you’re dealing with family or friends, you need to set the boundary very gently without hurting feelings. You can make a weekly routine where you spend some time in a solo activity, like writing your journal, etc. Let others know not to interrupt you then.

2.    Boundaries

Set a physical boundary that helps you withdraw to a secluded corner, even if for only a few minutes in a day, to enjoy that much needed alone time. It could be your reading corner, a desk, or even a Prayer place.

3.    Plan a Solo Outdoor Escapade Every Weekend

Whether it is a close-by park or a hiking trail, or even a trip for groceries, make sure you plan one trip every Saturday or Sunday alone.

4.    A Daily Stroll

This is a great idea because it will not only keep you physically fit but also give you much-needed free time. A jog every morning or a leisurely stroll alone in the evenings is a great idea.

5.    Stop By at a Café on Your Way Home from Work

There are days when you are lucky to have a lesser workload. In that case, try not to return home directly but rather stop for a cup of coffee at a café for a breather and soak up all the moments alone.

6.    Early Mornings

The best time to grab some alone time is to wake up before the others. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Imagine the silence and tranquility when all else are asleep, and you can just relax without intrusion.

7.    Early Bedtime

Similarly, going to bed early is a great way to spend some me-time too. If nothing else works, an early bedtime routine during the week can give you some time to run through your thoughts alone before drifting off.

8.    Date Nights or Happy Hours

Although it may not be alone time, do not hesitate or feel guilty to plan these. It’s okay to grab some special time without the presence of your family or your roommates. A date with your pals or happy hours with colleagues is a treat you deserve every once in a while.

9.    Practice Solitude

Even when you’re living with a crowd, you can practice alone time. It requires some skill, but soon you’ll be able to withdraw emotionally and mentally from the others. Choose a quiet corner during family dinner times or others and try not to contribute in conversation. Focus on your thoughts while trying to block out the sounds around you.

10. Volunteer for Errands

Does your mom need something from the farmer’s market? Has the family pet run out of its stock of biscuits? Volunteer to run outdoor errands if you can manage them. This could be a great way of being by yourself, away from the people at home.

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Career & Education Children Education Family Government Grants

Education Grants for Single Mothers and Fathers

Education grants for single parents

We’ve all seen the ads talking about “grants for single mothers” or “go back to school now, forgivable loans”. But they always seem to feel like scams, and I’m left wondering many times if there is any authenticity to them. In most cases, they are exactly what they sound like: too good to be true.

Many end up leading to lists of financial aid links and programs that you can buy, while some others aren’t even legit websites and are just scams trying to take money and information from those looking for help.

With that in mind, there are some real educational funding programs that provide grants for single parents. There are also scholarship programs and educational grants for single parents that are based on skill and merit. Lastly, there are programs to help students pay off educational loans.

Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant Program is one of the more well-known grant programs. It is not limited to only single mothers, despite being known as the “single mother grant”. Pell grants have helped many parents continue their education and boost their earning ability.

Federal Pell Grants are based strictly on financial need and are generally offered only to undergraduate students. To qualify for a Federal Pell Grant the applicant must first have filled out and filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. Applications can be filled out online through the official website. The 2020-2021 school year holds a maximum possible Federal Pell Grant amount of $6,345.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants

The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant programs operate on a state-by-state basis. They are most frequently given to students who show the most need based on the information submitted in their FAFSA. Depending on the degree of financial need, awards up to $4,000 per year can be seen.

Academic Competitiveness Grant

This is another merit-based grant. The Academic Competitiveness Grant is specifically designed for first year college students and second year students who graduated in 2006 or after. It is awarded as a supplement to students receiving the Federal Pell Grant. Students can expect up to $750 for their first year and up to $1,300 for their second year.

Individual State Grants For Single Parents

In addition, a large number of states offer their own various grants and financial assistance options for single parents. These are less popular and often underutilized because fewer people know about them. Qualifications for each of these will vary by state. California’s version, called the Cal Grant is prioritized for low-income and otherwise disadvantaged families. These programs should have websites in coordination with the state, and more information will be available there.

SMART Grants

The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant or SMART Grant is an award given to students in programs related to the sciences, such as mathematics, technology, engineering, and more. The recipients are determined by merit from third and fourth year Pell Grant students.