Education Archives - 3 Kids and Us

5 Important Questions to Ask Before Buying a Home

January 26, 2023 by admin

Everybody knows that buying a house is one of the biggest and most expensive decisions you’ll make in life. Most homes to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and many people need to take out a mortgage to pay for one. This means you could be living in a home and paying down the mortgage for the next 30 years (if not longer). Consequently, you definitely don’t want to rush into homeownership without asking a few questions first. So, in today’s guide, we’re going to take a closer look at 5 important questions to ask before buying a home!

Is this enough space for my family?

Even if you and a spouse are just planning to move in by yourselves, you should always plan for the future. Do you want to have kids? What about pets? Will your parents need to move in with you when they get older? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you’ll need to make sure that the house is big enough for your current and future family. Moreover, you’ll need to make sure that it’s big enough to fit all of your possessions. And once you’re ready to move everything into your new home, remember to contact the experts at Black Tie Moving for help!

Is this a safe neighborhood?

Nobody wants to live in a neighborhood with a bad reputation. So, do your homework on the area before you sign the papers. It’s very difficult to back out of a mortgage later on, so if you don’t like the neighborhood once you move in, there’s not much you can do about it. If you have kids, living in a safe area with good schools is especially crucial.

Can I afford this house?

Naturally, you should always do a thorough review of your finances before buying a home. Assuming that you’re getting a mortgage, the lender will review your finances before you can be approved. However, just because you get approved for a loan doesn’t mean that you will be able to afford it 5, 10, or 20 years from now. Therefore, it is vitally important to consider your current and future finances when shopping for a home.

Am I getting a good rate on the mortgage?

At the moment, mortgage rates are much higher than they were just a few years ago. Even getting an interest rate that is one percentage point higher could mean spending thousands of dollars more over the life of the loan. So, always shop around and even consider government subsidies to get a good rate on your mortgage.

Can I see myself living here for the next 30 years?

Many mortgages are fixed at 30 years, which means you will need to consider your long-term plans before making a decision. If you’re unsure about a home, you should think about what you really want for the future. Do you see yourself living here for 30 years or more? If not, why? Asking these questions will help you decide if a home is right for you.

Did you like this guide on 5 important questions to ask before buying a home? If so, be sure to check out some of our other articles on 3 Kids and Us today!

5 Ways to Get Your Child Excited About Learning

January 26, 2022 by admin

Your child’s education is one of the most important aspects of their upbringing. Naturally, learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. You have to teach your child at home as well. But just as importantly, you have to make sure that your child actually wants to learn. If learning is not enjoyable for young children, they will want to spend their formative years doing other things that do not always help open and expand their minds. So, in today’s post, we are going to look at 5 ways to get your child excited about learning!

Talk With Your Child’s Teachers

It goes without saying that a lot of learning will happen at school. To a large degree, this part of your child’s education is outside of your control. For this reason, it is important to speak with your child’s teacher on a regular basis. This way, you can exchange information, learning about potential problem areas that your child faces in the classroom while also providing their teacher with useful tips about how your child learns at home. If you’re looking for a Pre-K program that actively engages with kids and creates excitement for learning, be sure to check out the programs available through Frog Street!

Read With Your Child

Reading is one of the best ways to help your child learn. While some children do not enjoy reading as much as others, most children love stories. So, you can read to your child or with your child. Either way, having your child engage with books on a regular basis (ideally every day) will help them grow and learn through fun stories.

Limit Non-Educational Screen Time

Smartphones and tablets can be great tools to help your child have fun while learning. Though many experts recommend keeping your child away from screens during their first few years, they will almost certainly encounter them at one point or another. For this reason, you should ideally limit their ability to access smart devices at home without your supervision. When they are using smartphones or tablets, they should be engaging in learning activities or playing educational games.

Incorporate Lessons Into Daily Activities

Everything you do with your child is an opportunity to learn. Whether you’re going for a walk in the park or making dinner at home, use these opportunities to teach your child about the world around them. Your child likely has tons of questions about things they see and observe, so do your best to answer their questions and even create engaging activities or games around different subjects.

Show Your Own Enthusiasm For Learning

Ultimately, children learn the most from observing others. Moreover, children tend to copy the behavior of their parent, parents, or caregivers. If you seem bored by learning activities, how can you expect your child to get excited? So, even if you had a long day at work and are feeling tired, do your best to show excitement about learning with your child. They will likely mimic your positive attitude in no time!

Did you enjoy our guide on 5 ways to get your child excited about learning? If so, be sure to check out some of our other posts on 3 Kids And Us today!

How to help your parents grow old with dignity

May 20, 2021 by admin

No one likes the harsh realization that our parents are aging and need a helping hand to grow old comfortably.

The older they get older, the less independent they seem to become, and the more likely they are to reject assistance.

Below are some quick tips to help you!

Treat Them With Respect

First and foremost we must treat our parents at this stage of their lives with the utmost respect.

Talk with them and discuss your ideas or ask for permission with any big decisions needing to be made.

If they decide that they do want your help a good place to start is by going along to their appointments with their regular doctor.

As your parents age, it is challenging, and the last thing they want is to be a burden on their children.

If they’re physically able to take care of themselves there’s no need to suddenly start discussing mobility aids.

Do not be disrespectful towards your parents or interfere in their business without their consent.

Safety Always Takes Priority

If you parents are finding it tough to get around the house however, it might be a good idea to start looking at some possibilities.

Companies such as Age UK Mobility provide home visit services where they come and evaluate your parents home for possible upgrades.

These can be anything from handrails to walk in showers or baths. These simple yet effective changes to your parents home really help with keeping their independence.

If stairs are in the home you can look at getting an assistance device such as a stair lift, which allows them to use the stairs.

What about maintaining the garden? Is that something they can do or should you look at other options. Just because they’re old doesn’t mean you can let the gardens go.

If getting groceries is difficult for them perhaps it’s time you look into home delivery or one of the many options available today.

Be Supportive In Any Way Possible

You should be as supportive as possible towards your parents both physically and mentally.

Being unable to drive or to remember things can have a serious impact on a seniors self-esteem.

Consider encouraging your parents to develop new hobbies or meet new friends. Always ensure that they have reliable transportation to get around when possible.

Learn To Communicate With Their Specialists Or Doctors

Eventually the time will come where you will have to take care of their health or manage medications.

The importance of having a good relationship with their healthcare professionals is paramount. Nobody knows when an unexpected situation might occur, so you must be prepared.

Take notes when talking to their doctors and have them saved in your phone for reference.

Make sure your parents understand what the Doctor is explaining and that any instructions are clear to both you and them.

Be sure to keep track of their legal documents and medical information, and remember to follow up with your doctor’s instructions as older parents often forget their dosage and medications.

How to Stop Bad Lifestyle Habits Before they Start

April 22, 2021 by admin

If you’ve ever tried to kick a bad habit, then you know just how difficult and stressful it can be to do so. Certain bad habits –– like smoking or eating junk food, for instance –– can be very addictive in addition to being very detrimental to your well-being. As such, it’s preferable to avoid these activities altogether. Stopping a bad habit before it becomes a part of your lifestyle can save you a ton of stress, frustration, and (often) money. To that end, today we’ll help you identify poor choices that can lead to dangerous behaviors so that you can prevent them from affecting your life. Check it out here:

Speak to a Doctor

Generally speaking, there are few things better for your health than scheduling regular trips to the doctor’s office. Doctors can help you identify potential problems before they affect your well-being. And they can help you get in touch with specialists to address specific issues. For example, if you suffer from bunion pain, your doctor may direct you to make an appointment with a clinic like Northwest Surgery Center for further assistance. Always keep in mind that in the fight for good health, your doctor is your best ally.

Develop a Routine

Many bad habits start during downtime. Idleness and boredom can lead even the healthiest of individuals to begin bad habits without even realizing it! If you’ve ever absent-mindedly ate an entire bag of chips while at work, then you know just how easy it can be to engage in unhealthy activities. That’s why it’s important to fill your day with a detailed and energizing routine. Give yourself something to do every hour. It’s much better to knock out a round of household chores than to spend 90 minutes scrolling through your social media feeds for no reason!

Partner Up

Like it or not, the people around you can have an impact on your own wellness. So it’s vital to surround yourself with individuals who encourage you to make healthy choices. After all, if your friends want to go to a bar, you’ll probably end up drinking. But if they want to go to the gym, you’ll be more likely to join them and squeeze in a quality workout. Plus, signing up for fitness classes or partnering up with a physical trainer will help you hold yourself accountable and spot poor lifestyle choices ASAP.

Conclusion

No matter what, most people have at least one bad habit they’d like to be rid of. Don’t beat yourself up if you suffer a wellness setback! Rather, maintain positive thoughts and do your best to become a healthier person day by day.

4 Methods From Talkspace to Discover Whether Online Learning Works for Your Child

November 10, 2020 by admin

Throughout the world, many students are experiencing school in a completely new way. Instead of students learning in a classroom, most educational facilities have begun online or distance learning. Other students are experiencing hybrid plans, combining both in-person and distance education.

Many students are dealing with new ways to learn. However, it’s also important to think about what these children’s parents are going through.

Determining Whether Distance Learning Works for Your Child

If you want to learn how your child is doing with distance learning, you can follow a few tips. Here are four great ways to learn more about how online learning works for your child.

Take a Closer Look at Their Problems

During this time, many children feel that online learning is like entering a new world. Because of this feeling, it’s understandable for children to feel like they’re struggling in certain areas. If you want to help your child, take a closer look at the exact issues they’re experiencing.

Work to Establish Educational Goals

Another important step to take is to understand your child’s goals. These types of goals can vary, depending on your child’s age and where they’re at in lesson plans. It’s also a good idea to ask your child’s school or teacher if they can provide you with copies of current lesson plans.

Focus on Your Child’s Mental Health

As people continue focusing on physical health issues, it’s sometimes easy to forget about your family’s mental health. When you’re used to attending school in person, remote learning sometimes causes mental health issues to develop.

Another way to help your child includes online therapy. Popular online therapy services like Talkspace enable children to speak with therapists. Plus, Talkspace has many therapists on hand who specialize in helping younger patients. Best of all, services like Talkspace are often more cost-effective than working with a local therapist.

Take Time to Speak With Educators

There’s another important group to focus on during this time, and that’s those teaching your children. Educators also have to make many adjustments to work from home. With that in mind, they know a lot about what you and your child might be going through. If your child is dealing with distance learning issues, it’s a good idea to schedule a time to speak with their teacher.

This type of meeting is helpful because it allows teachers to take a closer look at what issues your child might be dealing with. Unfortunately, it’s sometimes hard for teachers to spot what’s happening with one student in a remote setting. It might also allow your child to schedule one-on-time time with a teacher.

Parents Know Best

If things are going well with your child’s distance learning, that’s great. However, as a parent, you probably know the signs of a struggling child. It’s difficult to find children and parents who aren’t struggling with this new way of learning. Fortunately, the stress of this event is something we will all eventually put behind us.