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Kids often study better when they’re in their own study space which is distraction-free. While it’s not always possible to put a whole room aside for study, simply creating a small zone where they can work without their siblings or the TV distracting them can make a big difference to their grades. Here are some ways that you can put together a study space that’ll help them to focus, but also create a pleasant environment that they’ll be happy to spend time in.
Find a suitable space in your home You most likely won’t have a designated room that can become a kid’s study, unless you want to re-purpose a spare bedroom or sacrifice a walk-in closet. However, you can divide a section of a room using all sorts of things, from bookcases to old shipping pallets. A study area doesn’t have to be completely soundproof, unless your child gets unusually distracted, but it should be somewhere where they can’t see a TV or their siblings playing games. Some background noise, like cooking dinner or cleaning the house, can be quite relaxing to some people when they study. It’s usually best to put a study area in a communal space, as lots of homework needs to be done on the computer, and time online should always be supervised. Putting a study area in your kid’s bedroom also risks them getting distracted by their toys. Make it comfortable While a desk and office chair are good for short bursts of studying, many kids respond better to learning if they’re comfortable. Finding the best bean bag chair for kids will mean they can just relax and get into their books, or they can use a lap tray for when they need to use their laptop or take notes. Kids tend to sit at a desk all day at school, so when they get home, they may study better if they have a big comfy chair to sink into. Keep things organized Does your child run around every morning trying to find their books for the day? Or are they that kid with the giant backpack who carries everything around? A study space will help them stay organized, but they might need some help. Firstly, think of installing some bookshelves, as this means any odd textbooks or workbooks around the house can be placed there, making it easy to find them in the morning. You may also want to add some boxes for keeping things like their laptop, tablet and other things they use for studying safe and secure. This means that when it’s homework time, or they need to study for a test, all the things they need are in one place. Use natural light when possible It’s important that a study space is well-lit, you should opt for natural lighting if possible. Natural light can make us more productive, and kids will like having a window in their study space so they can see the outdoors. If it’s not possible to use natural light, for example, if you’re using a windowless room, then make sure the room is well-lit and let your child take plenty of breaks, so they don’t strain their eyes. Make it an electronic free zone While your child may need a laptop to study, consider whether it needs to be internet connected. Having the internet will always be a distraction, and while you can put on filters for things like adult content, this won’t necessarily stop your child from goofing off on other fun sites. If you have a Chromebook, you can manage what sites your child visits by syncing them to your Google account, which can be useful if they often mess around on the internet. Phones are also a big distraction when studying, even if they’re next to them on the table, it’s always tempting to pick them up. Even adults have trouble resisting the lure of a smartphone! Either keep their phone in a separate room, or get them to install productivity apps on their phone, which will allow you to ‘lock’ the phone for certain periods while they study. Show off their achievements Run out of space on the fridge for all their amazing pictures and grades? Their study space is a good place to show off their achievements. Put up a pin board so they can stick up some of their favorite projects and keep a shelf clear for medals and certificates. Kids often work harder when they feel encouraged, so when they know they’ve performed well in the past, they’re more likely to want to replicate this success in the future, so it may encourage them to study more. Install a white noise machine Every child is different, but in general, if you have music with words playing in the background it’s likely to be distracting. Some parents use classical music as a background noise to a child’s study, although for other children, this can still be too much stimulation. A good way to block out noise and keep your child focused is to play white noise. These soothing sounds are ideal for kids who need to work in busy areas and may find it hard to study. Be warned, white noise can send some kids to sleep, so make sure they aren’t too relaxed. Every parent or caregiver knows how hard it can be to get your child to sit down and study. It’s no surprise, they sit still at school all day, so unless they love learning they aren’t going to be very enthusiastic about starting over again when they get home. However, by giving them their own little study space, you can gently encourage them to spend more time on their homework and ensure they focus. For each hour of study in their new space, give them a treat such as some screen time, and you may soon see them becoming more enthusiastic about their studies.
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It’s that time of year again: the temperature starts to drop, the sun islower in the sky and spends less time warming us, and the weather outside isn’t always conducive to hanging out the washing to dry. It’s no coincidence that this is also the time of year that we start to see condensation forming on our windows and doors in the mornings. It tends to lead to more than just damp curtains, but also mold and mildew formation and that familiar smell that means microscopic life has found a way to grow, unwanted, around our windows and doors. In this article, we’ll take a look at a few ways you can prevent the formation of condensation in the first place and keep your home mold-free.
Is your washing machine properly vented? Washing our clothes turns out to be one of the biggest culprits in the fight against condensation. All that moisture has to go somewhere,and unless your washing machine (and tumble dryer) are properly vented outside, then all that mixture is going to head straight for the nearest cold spot. At this time of year, that’s probably your windows. Make sure those appliances are properly vented, and you’ll see a dramatic reduction in household condensation. Are you drying your clothes outside? If you aren’t, you should be! It might not be the warmest time of the year, but as long as it isn’t raining, you should make the effort to hang your drying clothes outdoors. Not only will this save you money on tumble drying electricity but it will also stop all that evaporating moisture from heading straight to your windows and doors. If it’s warm, open those windows. When it’s super cold, you don’t want to be leaving all your doors and windows open and create mammoth heating bills. Even just leaving a few of your smaller windows open when it isn’t too cold will give that moisture an escape route and keep the condensation from forming on the rest of the glass in your house. Good ventilation is good practice,and it’s ok to sacrifice a tiny bit of heat to keep a well-ventilated home all year round. It doesn’t matter what sort of windows you have, old fashioned single pane windows or the latest double glazed sash windows; condensation doesn’t discriminate, so make sure you give it a sensible exit route. Makes sure you’re extracting from kitchens and bathrooms At this time of year, the water we use to steam our vegetables and wash in the shower cannot wait to hit the cold air, turn immediately to steam, and head straight for the cold points in these rooms, usually the windows. Make sure you turn on the extractor fan when you’re cooking or taking a shower, ideally ensure that you have an automatic switch so that you don’t even have to think about it. Condensation can be a real pain, but as long as you keep things well ventilated and do everything you can to let that moisture out of your house, you’ll keep your home condensation-free all year round. Dogs can be incredible additions to any family. They can offer unconditional love, support and – in the case of conditions such as autism – service dogs can significantly help the managing of day to day activities for those people who need it most.
Nevertheless, there is always the chance that the new introduction of a child or baby within the home will give the family dog cause to be jealous. If they are extensively used to receiving all the love and attention, it can be a shock to the system to suddenly find a new human receiving a share of the affection. What Are the Signs of Jealousy in a Dog? The key signs to watch out for include: • Aggression, growling or barking • Suddenly urinating or emptying their bowels within the home, and particularly near items which belong to the child or smell of the child • Acting unhappy or anxious • Clinginess • A change in eating habits, such as overeating How to Best Deal with a Jealous Dog In order to restore harmony to your home and encourage a positive bond between your dog and child, ensure you try the following methods. Treat Your Dog A lot of your time will be spent occupied with your new child, naturally, but your dog still needs care and attention, too. Treat your dog to something special from time to time to make them understand that they still have your attention. While it’s important not to pander to their every need (which will make them believe that their clinginess is being rewarded), it’s a good idea to show them love, whether it’s a new toy, extra cuddle time or pampering and grooming services from heartandpaw.com. Interact with Both Dog and Child Together If you need to attend to your child, pay an even amount of attention to your dog at the same time. This could mean reaching out to pat your dog and talk to your dog at the same time you are playing with and talking to your child. Alternating between the two means your dog is still included and can see that you are paying an equal amount of diligence. Keep Your Dog’s Routine as Normal as Possible If your dog is used to a certain way of doing things, such as a specific walk and feeding time, then stick to the schedule you’ve always had. You don’t want your dog to be stuck waiting for its walk while it watches you feed and play with your child. While of course there may be times when routines need to be switched around, try and keep your dog’s routine as stable as it was before your new child arrived. Eliminate Any Extra Stress Factors This means avoiding providing your dog with any extra reasons to become disgruntled. This could be your child taking your dog’s toy for one of its own, or your child scaring your dog or else acting in a way which makes the dog feel uncomfortable and encroaches on their personal space. Remember: the safety of your child, dog and you is paramount in any situation. If your dog’s jealousy is leading to overly aggressive behaviour, you may want to seek professional help with dog behaviour specialists. Are you currently considering what you want your career to look like? Perhaps you are someone already with many years of experience and who is toying with the idea of a complete career change?
Either way, if you enjoy helping others and working closely with people, there is a good chance that you are considering studying nursing. Here are just a few reasons as to why it could be the right career choice for you. Nurses are rarely unemployed and are paid well Studies have shown that nurses are some of the most highly employable professionals. Statistically, over 90% of registered nurses (RN) find a job within six months of completing their degree. If you have been struggling to find employment, this might make the nursing profession exceptionally attractive. Just keep in mind, however, that the salary and employment rates differ quite substantially from state to state. According to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Report, below are the average salaries earned by registered nurses in the USA according to state, as well as how many registered nurses were practicing in each state, as of 2017. The top 10 lowest paying states for registered nurses (still impressive figures) from lowest paying to highest paying are as follows: ● South Dakota: o The average salary for registered nurses: $57,010 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 12,530 ● Mississippi o The average salary for registered nurses: $57,700 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 28,760 ● Alabama o The average salary for registered nurses: $57,890 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 49,290 ● Iowa o The average salary for registered nurses: $57,930 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 33,280 ● Arkansas o The average salary for registered nurses: $58,810 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 24,380 ● Kansas o The average salary for registered nurses: $59,940 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 28,900 ● Tennessee o The average salary for registered nurses: $60,050 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 59,530 ● West Virginia o The average salary for registered nurses: $60,380 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 20,410 ● Kentucky o The average salary for registered nurses: $61,530 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 44,410 ● Oklahoma o The average salary for registered nurses: $61,640 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 28,000 ● Nebraska o The average salary for registered nurses: $62,210 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 22,870 The top 10 highest paying states for registered nurses from lowest paying to highest paying are as follows: ● New Jersey o The average salary for registered nurses: $82,010 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 80,560 ● Connecticut o The average salary for registered nurses: $80,200 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 34,310 ● New York o The average salary for registered nurses: $83,450 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 180,170 ● Nevada o The average salary for registered nurses: $84,980 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 21,060 ● Alaska o The average salary for registered nurses: $87,510 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 5,570 ● Oregon o The average salary for registered nurses: $88,770 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 35,140 ● Massachusetts o The average salary for registered nurses: $89,330 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 82,870 ● District of Columbia o The average salary for registered nurses: $90,110 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 11,000 ● Hawaii o The average salary for registered nurses: $96,990 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 10,800 ● California o The average salary for registered nurses: $102,700 o Number of registered nurses practicing: 282,290 Ultimately, California and Hawaii are two states known to pay their nurses the highest salaries. However, there is a lot of job competition in California considering just how many nurses are residing and working there. This is why it is so important to look at more than just numbers when deciding where to kick-start your nursing career in the USA. Nurses have rewarding jobs There are few jobs as rewarding as those that allow you to help and care for others and really make a difference in their lives. As a nurse, you will be able to do this on a daily basis which can give your job and your life a much greater sense of meaning. You can also expect to wake up each morning and really look forward to going to work. Furthermore, the longer you spend progressing your nursing career, the more confident you are likely to become in your position and the bigger difference you are likely to make. You have a number of options when it comes to studying nursing If you are studying to become a RN or you are looking to transition from a RN to a BSN, there are many options to think about. While you can opt to study full time at a college or university, you may also wish to consider signing up for online courses. Online RN to BSN programs are usually substantially more affordable and convenient. Furthermore, they offer you the following benefits: ● Flexible hours. You can complete your course in your own time without having to worry about attending compulsory lectures or logging in at specific times. You will also be able to complete most, if not all, of your course via the internet in the comfort of your home. ● Tailored support. Most online education providers will offer you access to a reliable support structure that you can reach out to any time you have questions or require assistance. ● Small classes. No more getting lost in the crowds of a packed lecture hall. Online classes are kept small so that every student receives more one-on-one attention and guidance. ● Save money. Research shows that, on average, you can expect to save up to $200 per credit hour when you opt to study online as opposed to at a traditional learning institution. Another benefit of studying nursing online is the fact that you will have the opportunity to learn new life skills along the way, as well as personal skills that will prepare you for practicing as a nurse after you graduate. For example, you will maximize your communication skills. This is due to the fact that it will be up to you to approach the relevant people if you ever feel lost or unsure at any point during your studies. You will often speak to these people in person (over the phone or via video call) which means that you will improve your verbal communication. However, you will also regularly need to contact them via email which, inevitably, will aid you in improving your written communication too. Furthermore, you will develop handy problem-solving skills which will prove truly invaluable in your future career when dealing with patients and when bound by strict time constraints. Your problem solving skills will evolve because you are likely to come across various obstacles throughout your online studies that you will need to overcome. For example, you may encounter time management challenges and need to shuffle your schedule strategically, or you may need to take the time to figure out an aspect of your coursework that you don’t understand when immediate support is not available. You have the freedom to work anywhere There are countless careers that require you to be based in the city center of your state in order to ensure career progression or to maximize your chances of employment. However, when it comes to nurses, you can decide to live anywhere you like. After all, every community that has a medical center, clinic, or hospital will require qualified, enthusiastic nurses. Having said that, it is definitely recommended that you do your research before applying for nursing jobs. Not only should you research the various medical institutions in your area, but you should also research where the best opportunities are around the country. As you can see above, both the average salaries and number of existing nurses differs greatly from state to state. Be careful about simply deciding to move to California or Hawaii just because they pay their nursing staff the best, however. It is also important to consider what your chances are of finding employment in each state. The more nurses there are practicing in the area, the more difficult it will be for you to find a job – especially when you are still lacking in work experience. Many registered nurses will opt to remain in their current state and work for a few years before considering moving elsewhere for better pay or opportunities. Also, keep in mind that BSN prepared and qualified nurses immediately earn more than RNs. The great news is that you can study towards a BSN degree while you work as an RN. You will always be respected Becoming a nurse is a noble calling and one that many people will respect you for. You can be proud of your job and proud of the hard work that it took to get you where you are. Ultimately, becoming a nurse promises endless benefits, rewards, and experiences. If it sounds like a path that you would like to take, embrace the opportunity. You will be very glad that you did. Adjusting to life with a disability is extremely tough, and it can be made even worse if the usual welcoming and loving home suddenly becomes a place of difficulty, due to inaccessibility, navigation problems, and a feeling that it simply isn’t a nice place to be anymore. Everybody deserves a home that they can feel safe and happy in, which is why making a home as disability-friendly as possible is essential in these circumstances.
These 5 tips can help you prepare for this scenario. 1. Consider the Layout Some disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, see a high number of mobility issues, and a wheelchair or walking aid may be required. With this in mind, it may be that your home needs to be re-organized so that a room on the ground floor of the house can be transformed into a bedroom, in order to avoid the stairs. Or,perhaps a stairlift would need to be installed to comfortably get upstairs. You can also find help in making a cerebral palsy claim if you believe you have ever received substandard medical care. 2. Optimize the Bathroom Simple tasks such as washing, bathing and using the toilet can be very difficult with a disability. This means that extra care needs to be taken in the bathroom, and certain new features may need to be installed, such as a seat or bench in the shower or handles beside the bath and toilet to help mobility and remain safe whilst moving around. It might also be the case that a bath needs to be replaced by a walk-in shower, to make it easier for mobility and access. 3. Think Carefully About Additional Rooms or Features Individuals with autism, for example, may benefit in a sensory room provided in the home as a safe place to can relax and enjoy some quiet time. Or it may be that you want to transform their existing space or bedroom into a sensory environment. For individuals who are unable to walk around by themselves or leave the house without assistance, it may be necessary to provide a more comfortable and stimulating space to ensure that the time spent indoors is filled with activities or items that can be enjoyed, such as books, television or video games, depending on their interests. 4. Switch to Open Plan Doors, and separate rooms with corridors and walls, may be difficult to navigate for disabled people, especially for those in a wheelchair. Open plan living offers a larger, more open and welcoming space for the individual in question. It also encourages a more sociable place so that they might avoid feeling alienated or alone. 5. Consider the Front Entrance What was once a welcoming feature could now be an impossible area to navigate for a disabled person. Perhaps you have front steps or a large door with a very high door handle or lock. A ramp could be the solution to replace the front steps, or a hand-rail if needed, and you should consider a new door with a more accessible handle – or, perhaps, think of an alternate entrance that could make the situation more manageable. |
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