How To Promote Healthy Gaming Habits In Your Child

video games

Gaming offers immense benefits for children, including boosting their learning, health, and social skills. But video gaming can also be detrimental for children without the proper parental guidance. As the online video gaming community is growing rapidly, parents need to be concerned about issues like gaming addiction and bullying. If your child loves playing video games, there are some things you can do to help ensure that they healthily enjoy this hobby. Here are some tips you can use. 

  • Set limits

The WHO has officially recognized addictive gaming as a gaming disorder that exposes your children to various risks. A gaming disorder can negatively affect your child’s social life, mental health, and even fitness. In most cases, the primary cause of gaming addiction is failing to have limits to gaming time.

As a parent, you owe it as a duty of care to your child to set gaming limits to prevent any form of gaming disorder. You can create a timetable to control how many hours your child spends behind a game. You can also set rules to ensure that they take care of all their daily tasks such as home chores and doing their homework.

  • Play games together as a family

Sometimes, the best way to introduce healthy gaming habits to your children is by playing together as a family and setting a good behavioral example when playing—doing this will teach your kids how to cooperate with their siblings when playing, what language to avoid, and how to behave regardless of the type of game. 

  • Be mindful

If your child already knows how to download their video games, you need to be mindful about what type of media content they’re exposing themselves to. Be sure that the content doesn’t negatively affect their mood, behavior, choice of words, sleep pattern, and so on. Also, make sure that they understand online games usually come with hidden messages and ads that can collect personal information. Choosing a good video gaming VPS that offers good security online and 24/7 support will be wise. You might also consider finding a cheap VPS provider that offers all the security benefits without eating into your monthly budget.

  • Teach your child to identify online bullying

Online bullying extends to online video games, as many video games today allow players to play with or against each other. That means your child will be interacting with other people they might not know. Beyond the risk of sharing personal information online, such online interactions can also expose a child to online bullying, which can have severe psychological effects on any child who falls victim.

You might not be able to control how other children behave online, but you can teach your child to identify such behaviors and how best to react or avoid them. On the flip side, your child could also be the bully. So it would be best if you taught them how to interact healthily, cordially, and respectfully with other players.

Painless Ways to Cut Your Expenses

piggy bank

If you are looking to tighten your belt, whether because you want to pay down your debt, pay off the mortgage or save some extra in your kid’s college fund, you could be forgiven for thinking that doing so would be a painful road filled with many sacrifices, but it really doesn’t have to be that way.

It is totally possible to cut your expenses, start spending less, and not feel the pain when you do so. Here are a few ways you can do exactly that:

  1. Track your spending

There are lots of simple apps and software packages you can use to track every cent you spend, and they are very easy to set up and use. Why do that? Because, when you track everything that you are spending, it is really easy to immediately identify any expenses that are unnecessary to you. You can then choose to stop spending money on those things or continue depending on how important they are to you.

  1. Cut your energy consumption 

Right now, energy bills are one of the biggest regular expenses that many of us face, but it would be unthinkable for us to go without heat and electricity for long. Luckily, you can lowe tout energy bills without having to sacrifice a thing. For example, you can learn more about lowering our energy use here by doing simple things such as turning off appliances and better insulating your home. These ideas are all fairly inexpensive and easy to implement, and once they were in place, you can carry on as normal while also benefiting from much lower utility bills – what’s not to love?

  1. Cancel unused subscriptions

From Netflix to Kindle Unlimited, most of us have a subscription or four on the go at any given time, and you know what? Many of us rarely if ever use those services we have subscribed to, so a really easy way to painlessly cut your expenses is to do an audit of all of the subscriptions you currently have active, and then systematically cancel any you do not use often enough to justify the cost or impact upon you if you were to no longer have access to them, Have every member of the family do the same and you’ll be surprised at just how much money you can save. 

  1. Consider downsizing

This is not always possible to desirable but for many families, downsizing can be a great way of potentially saving thousands of dollars each year. The bigger your home, the more your mortgage is likely to cost and the more money you are likely to spend on maintaining it, so by moving to a smaller space, you can easily cut your expenses, and if you choose a home that has just the right amount of space for you all to live comfortably in, it will be a pretty painless change to make. You may even be able to move to a better neighborhood while still saving a significant sum, so your quality of life could actually impede as a result of downsizing!

  1. Batch cook

Eating at home, rather than eating out may seem like a hardship at first if you are used to dining out most evenings, but when you think about it, it really is not. When you eat at home, you have complete control over the ingredients you use and what you make, which means you can always eat your favorites. You can also make your food healthier than it would otherwise be, which might help to keep your health costs down too!

When it comes to eating at home, one way to really cut your expenses is to batch cook. If you work out in advance what you are going to eat for the next week or month, then you can be sure to only buy the necessary ingredients, and by cooking them in one big batch you will use less fuel, while also ensuring that you don’t have to worry about finding something to eat after a stressful day at work. It doesn’t get much better than that.

  1. Use cash

Something that many people find useful when trying to lower their expenses, is to use cash instead of a credit or debit card. It is all too easy to spend more than you really should when you are paying with a card and you don’t see the money physically leaving your hands. By drawing out a set amount of cash for the month and using that and only that to pay for things, it is much easier to keep track and rein in your spending. So, if you are something of a shopaholic, and you often buy things you don’t really need, you may find that this technique is a huge help.

  1. Keep a list of wants

Speaking of shopping, something else that can help you to painlessly give up those impulse buying instincts is to have a list of wants. When you see something you want to buy, instead of purchasing it then and there, make a note of it and wait 30 days. If, after 30 days, you still want to buy said item, go ahead and do so, but more often than not, you will find that the initial rush of dopamine that makes you want that things vanishes and you no longer feel the desire to own that dress or car or whatever it is. This can really help you to curb unnecessary spending and get a better perspective on things.

Cutting your expenses and saving money really doesn’t have to cause you a lot of heartache if you don’t want it to and you will quickly find you can live just as well on less. As you can see above, there are lots of simple things you can do to lower your monthly expenditure that will not only not impact your life particularly negatively, but in some cases, may actually enhance it! So, what are you waiting for?

Top 8 Countries To Visit (And Why)

There’s nothing akin to the experiences you can have when you are traveling the world. These 8 countries are incredibly stunning and each offers its own unique experiences.

Iceland

If you ever want to climb a glacier in one of the most breathtaking countries in the world, then look no further. The landscape of Iceland is beautiful with volcanic black sand beaches and some of the most epic waterfalls to behold. There is also the possibility of seeing the northern lights if you are there at the right time of year and get lucky.

Cambodia

The Kingdom Of Wonder is home to many ancient temples, most famously the Angkor Wat Complex which is just outside of the small city of Siem Reap in the north-western area of the country. The country is rich with history and many guided tours are available to educate on the often tumultuous history of the Kingdom.

Ireland

Affectionately known as the Emerald Isle, Ireland has been a favourite destination for many world travelers. The cliffs of Moher in Galway should be one of the destinations on the list with its more than impressive scenery. If you get up to Northern Ireland you can visit the Giant’s Causeway or the Dark Hedges that was featured in the TV Show The Game Of Thrones.

Australia

Among the multitude of things to do and see, horse racing is one of the highlights of the sporting world in Australia. If you can get information on The Championships betting tips, for example, you have a better chance of scoring a win during the Sydney Autumn Festival which is one of Australia’s most popular horse racing events.

Egypt

One of the most ancient civilizations in the world, Egypt is home to the world-famous Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. That alone should be enough to get you there. However, there are a lot of other things to do while you are there. Perusing the markets is great for an experience as well as visiting the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities.

Thailand

Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles for good reason. The country is a lot more geographically diverse than you might think. Up north in Chiang Mai is a revered mountain known as Doi Sutep, while down south hosts multiple islands that have been a haven for backpackers.

Italy

Italy has spawned many geniuses throughout its history. So, if you are a history buff Italy is the place for you. Rome especially has a prolific history that is well documented. Take yourself to Rome where the colosseum still stands after nearly 2000 years or you can make your way up to Pisa to see the world-famous Leaning Tower. Travel further north and visit Venice while you still can and take a ride on the gondolas.

Mexico

Even if you don’t speak the language you can experience a great adventure in the country that should no doubt include Chichen Itsa, aside from the cheap tequila and stunning beaches. Diving is a major drawcard for Mexico with Tulum playing host to incredible cenotes that cannot be found anywhere in the world.

Every type of travel offers inspiration so whether you choose one of these countries or something else that holds an appeal for you, the important thing is getting out there to explore the world in the first place.

How Sleep Gives You a Healthy Mind and Healthy Body

In a world where incomes no longer match expenses, working part-time for more income can make spending time in bed feel like a lost opportunity. It is becoming routine for people to take naps during travels or skip sleep altogether to have fun or accomplish a task. This can cause significant detriment to their health. It is essential to weigh the short-term benefits and long-term effects on your health before skipping your sleep.

Sleep is a vital function that allows your mind and body to recharge and remain refreshed and alert during the day. Quality sleep keeps your body healthy and strong enough to fend off diseases. Without adequate sleep, your brain may fail to function appropriately, impairing your ability to process memories, concentrate, and think clearly.

What to know about sleep?

People in different age groups require different amounts of sleep per day, with the adults requiring less time in bed. Children below three months require 14 to 17 hours of sleep while those between four and eleven months need 12 to 15 hours daily. This is almost double the seven to nine hours suitable for adults. Failure to get adequate sleep can lead to attention lapses, delayed reactions, reduced cognition, and mood shifts.

Your body regulates the sleep cycle through circadian rhythm. This informs the brain of the actions to take throughout the day. Light also plays a role in informing your brain if it is day or night. As the sun rises, the body releases cortisol hormones, which promote alertness and energy. In the evening, the body produces melatonin, which causes drowsiness.

A few changes in your diet and lifestyle can help you enjoy quality sleep. Taking CBD for sleep can help you spend more quality time in bed by reducing anxiety and easing chronic pain. You may also enjoy better sleep if you make your bedroom a comfortable sleeping environment and abstain from caffeine before bed.

Quality sleep in creating a healthy mind and body

Quality sleep goes through four stages: three non-rapid eye movement (NREM) cycles and a rapid eye movement (REM) stage. The first NREM stage takes you from wakefulness to sleep. The second stage consists of deeper sleep with eye movements ceasing and body temperature decreasing. The third stage will see your brain wave activity, breathing, and heartbeat, reach their lowest levels. The REM stage is the deepest level of your sleep. Dreaming occurs at the REM stage. If you are struggling with sleeping disorders, you may need to revamp your bedroom for better sleep. The reasons why you should ensure quality, adequate sleep every night include:

It can help you avoid weight gain

Poor sleeping habits may cause weight gain due to changes in hormones that control appetite, leptin, and ghrelin. You are likely to avoid overeating or indulging in unhealthy food if you spend adequate time in bed. Your body gets refreshed and alert, helping you avoid snacks and energy boosters that can make you gain weight.

It can improve concentration and productivity

Sleep deprivation is not good for your health and mind, and sleepy people are likely to cause accidents on the road as they struggle to remain alert for prolonged periods. Quality sleep is necessary for proper brain function, including productivity, concentration, cognition, and performance. In extreme cases, sleep deprivation can affect brain function to a similar degree to alcohol intoxication.

It maximizes athletic performance

Adequate sleep is fundamental for all athletics as it helps in body recovery and muscle relaxation. Most body growth functions occur during sleep. Working out without taking sufficient sleep can make you fail to attain your maximum potential. Athletes with adequate sleep tend to have improved accuracy, speed, mental well-being, and reaction times.

Reduces risk of diseases

Get enough sleep to stay healthy and happier. A sleep disorder can impair your immune function, putting you at risk of various diseases like a cold. Inadequate sleep may cause cell inflammation, which may trigger inflammatory bowel disease and other disorders. Your sleeping habits can affect glucose metabolism and put you at risk of type 2 diabetes.

Getting enough sleep may mean you make a few sacrifices like minimizing social night outings, but it can help you remain healthy and happier. People who enjoy adequate sleep get sick less often and stay at a healthy weight. They also think more clearly and perform better in their duties.

Defeating Midlife Stress: 4 Key Tactics

The concept of stress in life is not the same as what it was 20 or 30 years ago. Entering the middle of our lives can be a challenging time. Women can start to undergo menopause, but also the fact that life appears to be more pressurizing now than at any point over the last few decades. While is debatable, the fact that increased communication has resulted in increased anxiety cannot be ignored. What can we do if we are feeling the pressures of middle-age, whether it is parental duties, career malaise, or just the midlife slump? 

Do Not Underestimate Nourishment

It sounds so obvious, but so many of us are swept away by the power of intermittent fasting or having one meal a day, but if we are undergoing a lot of stress, depriving our body is not the best approach. We have to nourish our bodies, and this will help us to feel more grounded. But additionally, look at your natural peaks and troughs when you are living your daily life. Many people find that anxiety just creeps upon them, which is why CBD products have helped many (you can click here for CBD products). If you can nourish yourself, you are giving yourself a stronger foundation to thrive. 

Reducing Your Commitments

We feel that we’ve got to be sociable when we don’t want to. Sometimes our social obligations exceed our obligations to ourselves. If the commitments and responsibilities do not reward you, you should not feel guilty for ending any relationships that don’t meet your needs. 

Recognizing Your Feelings

It is easier than ever to put off any negative thoughts because we are inundated with things that over-stimulate our senses. It is so important to learn how to recognize our feelings while also paying attention to our body’s signals. If your body is telling you something you need to listen to it. So few of us trust our instincts, but if we begin to recognize our feelings, we can give our bodies and brains the right resources to thrive.

Develop New Interests

As we approach the middle of our lives, we can look back on our past with regrets, or we can look to the future with trepidation. But it is the here-and-now that matters. Developing new interests is a great way to nourish our spirit. Because this gives us a feeling of mattering in a world where we could start to feel obsolete. The middle of our lives is a very precarious time because we can worry about getting older. But there are so many people that have understood that getting older is about learning to relax. While learning de-stressing techniques are so important so we can go past this midlife point with excitement we have to re-discover our passion for life. This is why it is so important to have a combination of methods, while also realizing that you haven’t lost anything by getting older, but in fact, you have a lot more to gain.

Repair Appliances – Tips You Need To Learn Now

dirty dishes

Today we all rely heavily on the appliances in our homes. They add comfort and productivity to our lives, and when one of them doesn’t work properly that can cause a considerable amount of stress. Appliances are normally taken for granted, and only given attention when they start to break down. The repairs after a significant appliance failure can be very expensive and many times they can be prevented entirely by ensuring you are performing regular maintenance on your appliances and serving your appliances consistently.

Maintaining appliances regularly improves their efficiency

Appliances that aren’t regularly maintained tend to work harder than they need to, burning more electricity or gas in the house. Many homeowners invest in dryers to help prepare clothing, bedding and other items for everyday use. However, there are a host of problems that can afflict your dryer over time, from a broken dryer drum to a malfunctioning control panel.  Furthermore, a dryer with a clogged exhaust vent or dirty filter is a dual problem as this is a huge fire hazard. You could possibly end up running the dryer longer in the hope of getting your clothes dry. This can add to your utility bills, as this is burning unnecessary energy.

As appliances start to age, natural wear-and-tear can indeed slow down their efficiency. Appliance repair and servicing can overall catch little things that have a significant impact on efficiency, providing effective repairs and fair costs.

Extending Appliance Lifespan With Regular Care

Like any other appliance, the dishwasher requires occasional maintenance.  You should expect your dishwasher to last at least 10 years without breaking down, but many develop faults earlier. Checking your appliances  at least once a month helps you identify issues early on and saves you money in the long run. Review the manufacturer’s recommendations on how to use and maintain your dishwasher. If your glasses and plates come out with a white residue on them, you may have hard water. Try using a water softener or a detergent that helps to soften your floor. Filters are also designed to clip out easily for regular cleaning. They need rinsing under the tap once a week, so they don’t get into the inner workings of the machine and cause blockages.

Repairing Appliances Regularly Is A Cost-Effective Strategy

Repairing household equipment that breaks down can be cheaper than buying a new one. From the financial point of view, an appliance repair can save some money. On average, the cost of repair is usually 20 to 30 percent the cost of replacement. Check if your appliance is under warranty. You might be able to have it restored at a low rate or maybe even for free. This is important because replacement parts may even cost more than the cost of purchasing a new one.

Provides Safety and Assurance

Maintaining the repair of appliances helps keep your home and you properly safe. A dishwasher that’s not draining well could potentially flood your kitchen. A refrigerator that’s running too warm can also sicken your family. Maintaining your appliances well reduces the risk of appliance-related property damage.

Should Your Child Be Taking STEM Classes?

Researchers and educators have agreed that literacy experience needs to get noticed early in children’s language development. For over 30 years, educators have tried to foster the children’s literacy skills through the strong movement that got established. It has resulted in the availability of information targeted to parents who mentor them by giving their children the best. They help play word games, repeat nursery rhymes, sing songs, read books, and notice the child’s handwriting.

The aspect has proved to be very important, and many have proposed to continue giving literacy skills to our children. Through this learning and reading, it has been a major success in life and schools.

Early literacy skills have promoted the system which forms the basic, most important part of the success of our children’s academics. Our children’s early childhood forms the starting point of STEM, making them curious to explore a lot in their environment and world.

One parent’s role model, Sundar Pichai, was encouraged and motivated to study STEM and it made him who he is today. Growing up in Madurai, a city in the south of India, he got nurtured towards technology. It got this father listening to what he had to do to solve problems in electrical engineering. Sundar Pichai had displayed exceptional memory of recalling numbers dialed each day on his rotary phone.

He ventured into technology, and currently, he serves as the CEO of Google. Today, Sundar Pichai net worth amounts to 13.8 million dollars with over 4832 shares in the alphabet stock.

The government has helped ensure the children know what they get good at, thus improving their career later. They have also made children interested in politics through their curiosity after making them much emphatic. Moreover, the government has had an influence on making the parents realize their children need to get their skills directed to their future careers.

Parents and teachers need to watch closely and see what motivates a child. This can help them detect what they are capable of, thus detecting their interests in the skills. But, unfortunately, the educators and parents sometimes tend to underestimate the skills and miss the children’s talents. Parents and educators need to look at the following to learn if their children’s skills direct them to STEM.

  • Children get to notice things all around them. They start getting into an environment where they notice the changes in seasons, plants, and even how the wind keeps on moving. Once the educators and parents start observing kids, they tend to get more observant, especially when they seem to get thinking about what is going on in nature. They get advised to encourage them, get into their conversation, and help them understand the language and all the observations. For any science, making observations creates a critical part and ensures the data gathered from the hypothesis
  • Encourage children at the table to describe all the things they see and get involved. Once the parents and educators start to notice, the children can describe the features and attributes of what they see and form the basis of a child’s interest in science. It makes them form the language of STEM, which builds a lot of confidence in science, thus encouraging them to study
  • Children should be asked “what” and “why” questions. It makes them think harder and figure out how things work and what will happen. It helps the children get a confident answer and makes them interested in discussing more of their interests
  • Children might be interested in counting things. They start by counting everything they see, such as pennies or cars on the road. They even tend to count the leaves on a tree. A parent will know their kids have an interest in mathematics
  • Children thinking about space tend to show more interest in sciences. They should be encouraged to study STEM. In addition, children interested in space need to get a lot of encouragement as this will help them take difficult classes as they try to make rocket science their career

Creating a Safe and Soothing Space for Your Children

vase of flowers

As soon as you had children, you always wanted to create a home environment that felt safe, secure and calming. As little ones grow up, their surroundings can have a huge impact on their development and overall well-being. This means that you may want to focus on making a few changes around your house sooner rather than later. Whether you’re trying to deter pests or improve the quality of the air in your home, there are a number of techniques that you can adopt. Creating a safe and soothing space for your children will not only help them to feel comfortable at home, but it will also allow them to adapt to new environments successfully. As a parent, you will always want what’s best for your little ones and the first step towards happiness is creating a safe space for your child. Use some of the following ideas to take action on your home environment and you will soon feel confident that your house is the perfect place to raise healthy and happy children for years to come.

Secure Your Windows and Doors

When you’re worried about security in your home the main thing that springs to mind is your children. No matter what, you want to make sure they’re kept safe whilst they’re sleeping, playing and relaxing at home. Replacing any broken doors or windows is your first step to creating the calming environment you have always wanted for your children. If there are any gaps in your current windows it’s likely they’ll be able to hear whistling from the wind, and they may even feel cold draughts at night time. This is why you may want to consider aluminum window installation to create a higher level of insulation and security for your property. Although it may seem like a small change to your home, having new windows brings a sense of freshness and safety that your family will appreciate for the years to come.

Reduce Toxins and Chemicals

Keeping your home clean and tidy is something you will always battle as a parent. You want to maintain spotless surfaces and rigorously clean the highchairs so that they’re always sparkling clean, however your cleaning products could be creating a toxic environment. Now is the ideal time to take a look at the labels of your washing detergent, sprays and kitchen cleaning products. Switching to eco-friendly, natural solutions can help to create a safer environment for your little ones. You can even have a go at making your own at home cleaning products using some of the items you already have in your cupboards. White wine vinegar can be used as a surface spray to kill any unwanted bacteria. You can also use bi-carbonate of soda to get rid of any staines on your white dishes, cups and plates.

Create a Routine

Structure and routine can allow your children to thrive at home. Even if you want to create a fairly relaxed and calm home environment, a gentle routine is extremely beneficial to your children. Try eating at the same time each morning for breakfast and having a routine for getting ready in the morning. During the weekends it can be trickier to stick to a set routine as you may have plans outside the house. You can maintain a level of calm by sticking to your bedtime routine so that the start and end of their day is always the same. When your children know what to expect in the mornings and the evenings it becomes much easier to create a calming routine that works for everyone in the household.

Ask for Help With Chores

Structure and routine in your household should go hand in hand with chores. From a young age your children should be able to help you with age-appropriate tasks around the house. Whether they’re making their own bed or feeding the family dog, this creates a sense of responsibility and respect. When your children feel trusted at home it can help to build their self confidence when they’re at school or playing with friends. Offering this level of independence will greatly improve their development over the years as they will always know what is expected of them in the house.

Think About Your Color Schemes

If you’re looking to create a relaxing home environment, then the color schemes you choose are very important. Bright, dark and brash colors can be overstimulating to little children so make sure you take this into consideration when you’re decorating their bedrooms. Opt for cool, soothing shades such as dusky pinks, light creams and baby blues. With a calming bedroom, your child will always feel safe when they’re playing or going to bed at night.

Build a Safe Environment

Overall, your home can be the safest and most calming environment possible for your children, but do they have a dedicated space to relax and unwind? Even small children need a safe space to escape to when they’re feeling tired or stressed. You probably run yourself a hot bubble bath or you curl up in your favourite chair with a book. Creating a similar type of space for your children can create a sense of safety for them. Whether you use comfortable cushions and cuddly toys to create a quiet corner or they have a dedicated playhouse to take time out to themselves, there are so many ways to create a safe environment for your little ones.

Choose Child Friendly Storage

Have you ever found your child emptying out the kitchen cupboards or tearing your bedroom drawers apart whilst you weren’t watching? Not only do you want to keep your child safe, but you also want to ensure a level of independence for your children. Preventing them from getting inside every drawer and cupboard is almost impossible, which is why you should aim to adopt two simple strategies. The first one is securing all dangerous cleaning items, medicines and small parts into high cupboards with a lock. Even if your children manage to sneak into the kitchen when you’re not looking, you can have peace of mind that your hazardous substances are locked away and out of reach from little hands. Next of all, you may want to consider creating a child safe cupboard. Allowing your children to easily access their favorite toys, cups, plates or shoes can give them a level of independence whilst keeping them safe at home. When they have a dedicated cupboard that they can call their own, they will be much less likely to cause mayhem in the other areas of your home!

Every home environment is completely different, so it’s up to you to make the most of the space you have. Whether you’re working with minimal outdoor space and a large living area, or you have small bedrooms and an expansive communal space, you need to play to the strengths of your home. Most importantly, you need to consider the needs of your child or children first and foremost. Whether you want to create a special reading corner to encourage your little one to pick up a book more often or you need to pay special attention to the cleaning products you use, it’s time to create your own version of a safe space. Ultimately, as long as your child feels happy and content when they come home you have done your job as a parent perfectly. Start making small and simple changes today and your child will start to reap the benefits quicker than you know!