Featured Guest, Author at Raising World Children

5 Great Places to Visit During Spring Break 2020

Spring break 2020 will soon be here, which means you’re running out of time to choose your vacation destination. Fortunately, you can take a quiz to find your ideal vacation spot, or consider these five spots make for great family vacations.

San Diego, California

You won’t find many spring break destination lists that miss San Diego, and for good reason! There are beaches and boardwalks, the zoo that sprawls over 100 acres, Seaworld, Legoland, and a safari park to keep family members of all ages entertained. Head just outside the city to hike if you need a break from the tourist spots. When you’re ready for a break, you can enjoy a meal at one of the city’s many restaurants.

Columbia, South Carolina

There’s no shortage of things to do in Columbia, South Carolina. Whether you want to enjoy the pairing of modern buildings with storied architecture or go kayaking on one of the surrounding rivers, you’re sure to be delighted. The city truly defines southern hospitality, which helps it stand apart from other spring break destinations. Everyone will enjoy everything the South Carolina State Museum has to offer with its exhibit and planetarium.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

It may still be chilly in Wisconsin over spring break, but don’t let that stop you! Head indoors to the Kalahari Resort and Waterpark, an indoor oasis in Wisconsin Dells, the watermark capital of the world. The park includes rides, roller coasters, and go-karts. Park entry is included with resort tickets, or you can stay offsite at one of the many cabins and hotels in the city.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Try this destination if you prefer someplace a bit more exotic and warm for your spring break. Puerto Vallarta is located on Mexico’s western coast between Mazatlan and Acapulco. The old town is paved with cobblestone, and you can enjoy Mariachi music in the shaded plazas. If you enjoy architecture, there’s always the Baroque-style Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Also, the whole family can enjoy sports such as snorkeling, parasailing, and kayaking on the water.

Ogden, Utah

Most people want to head where it’s warmer for spring break, but if you’re not like most people, you might want to head to the mountains with the family and enjoy some skiing. The views in Ogden, not far from Salt Lake City, are gorgeous. Choose from Snowbasin Resort or Powder Mountain to ski before enjoying your evening meal on the charming main street.

Of course, any destination can make for a good spring break when you’re with your family.

Unique tips for Sustainable Living for a Green Planet

During times like these, when the world is being hit by natural disasters and weather conditions continue to escalate to the extremes all across continents, the conversation on preserving our environment and making it sustainable becomes more pressing. It is important imbibe these tips for sustainable living environment.

As the climate changes and global warming continues unabated, we need to change our ways in order to conserve our resources. Our planet is depressed, and the sad truth is that we are part of the problem.

Sustainability is the key and it has become the motivating factor of many countries with regard to changing their lifestyle.

Sustainability should be practiced everyday and can be made into a lifestyle. Below are 8 ways to do so to preserve our planet:

1. Proper waste management

This remains to be the most common method of promoting sustainability. Manage your waste properly. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Segregate what has to be disposed off. This helps in minimizing the waste that gets dumped on landfills which saves valuable space.

2. Grow your own garden

Part of having a sustainable living involves cutting down on the cost of your needs. To minimize your food expenses, you can grow your own garden. Not only will it help with your budget but it will also provide you healthier options. It will help reduce your carbon footprint and you can also enjoy some time outdoors.

3. Plant more trees

Speaking of outdoors, another factor that will never be left out of any conversation involving sustainable living is about Nature. One of the basics of protecting our environment and going green is planting more trees.

Many businesses around the country are also promoting this cause. Real estate properties like the Part of Hamilo Coast’s sustainable efforts was mangrove reforestation. They continue to preserve more than 10,000 mangrove trees, which cover approximately 10 hectares of the estate, making it the largest mangrove area in Nasugbu, Batangas.

4. Keep your utility consumption on track

Another good way of preserving our environment is by saving energy. Start at home and at your workplace. Unplug appliances and gadgets that are not in use or are fully charged, use refillable containers for drinking water, or shorten your shower time.

5. Use less gas

Walk, ride a bike, use public transportation, or carpool to work or school. Cleaner air means healthier surroundings. There is also the option of alternative fuel sources should you choose to avail of them.

6. Make educated choices on your purchases

Be informed, especially with what you purchase. Read the labels to know if you are buying something that will contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Switch to energy-saving appliances and eco-friendly products.

7. Reduce the use of paper

Paper makes up for most of the waste we dispose off everyday. But now that nearly every transaction can be done online, the use of paper has decreased. Do everything online, and download software instead of opting to have packages delivered.

8. DIY for a sustainable living

Minimize waste and expenses by doing it yourself. For example, you can make a homemade natural cleaner by using ingredients available at home.

To conclude, we only have ONE planet and WE are responsible to make the world a better place to live in. With small changes in our daily lifestyle, we can make a huge difference that surely impacts our mission. Simple tips for sustainable living are wonderful for a green planet for a better tomorrow.

Angelo Castelda works as a contributor for a news magazine in Asia. He loves to learn and understand diverse cultures and aims to share through his writing his experiences around the world.

Think of the Children When Deciding Custody

When you go through a divorce, it’s easy to get caught up in your own feelings of hurt and devastation. But if you have kids, you’re not the only one who’s suffering. As trying as this time can be for you and your ex as adults, it’s often completely overwhelming for your children when you are deciding custody.

They may feel a complicated mix of emotions that range from grief to anger to relief, depending on the circumstances.

It’s you and your ex’s job as the parents to look beyond how the divorce is affecting you, and instead look out for your children’s best interests. How the two of you handle custody issues is one of the keys to making the divorce as easy as possible on your children.

Here are some rules the two of you should agree upon that will make the custody decisions go as smoothly as possible when deciding custody.

Holidays With the Children

Before the divorce, your kids may have built some special memories with each parent that center around the holidays. Rather than use the holiday times as a custody battleground, it is best in most situations if you and your spouse reach a compromise that allows the kids to continue celebrating them with both parents.

You can agree to switch off from year to year who will get to have the children with them on the actual date of the holiday. If it’s not your year to get the kids for a certain holiday, choose to celebrate it whenever you get to see them that’s near that date. The less of a fuss both you and your ex make about holiday visitation, the more relaxed and happy your children can be when it comes to adjusting to their new normal. The same goes for other special occasions and the regular custody routine as well.

Be Honest About Each Other’s Parental Fitness

Some ex-husbands or ex-wives who feel anger toward their ex-spouse make up horrible falsehoods about them in an attempt to “punish them.” They may try to use those falsehoods to try and tarnish the ex-spouse’s reputation with family and especially with the children. However, many people go even further and try to also give their ex a bad name with the court system.

In fact, many vindictive exes try to get back at former partners by seeking to have the courts declare them to be unfit parents so they won’t get the amount of child custody that they deserve. This type of cruel behavior doesn’t just embitter the ex-spouse, it also hurts the children terribly. Rather than risk causing extreme psychological damage to your kids, agree with your ex that both of you will be honest and above board when it comes to establishing a custody plan.

Address Legitimate Safety Concerns in a Legal Way

Sometimes, sadly, an ex-spouse does pose a legitimate threat to the safety of the children. If this is the case, deal with these issues in a legal manner. Report any suspected case of abuse or neglect to your state’s appropriate authorities. You may also want to hire a forensic psychiatrist from a group such as fpamed that adheres to psychiatric ethical standards set forth by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

A professional who works in the field of psychiatry and family law can conduct a psychiatric evaluation that will help to determine if your child’s safety is at risk. These types of evaluations are considered strong evidence in family courts.

Do Not Criticize Your Ex to Your Kids

Though it’s very hard sometimes to hold in your frustrations at your ex around your children, it’s usually for the best. Agree in advance that no matter how the custody issues are decided in the courts, you won’t bad-mouth your ex to the kids. Of course, if there are safety concerns, you need to communicate them carefully to your children.

Try to avoid projecting negative emotions about your ex-spouse to your kids because they may internalize those emotions. They may also have a difficult time maintaining a healthy relationship with both parents if the parents vent their anger at their ex around the children.

Divorce is extremely challenging for everyone involved. As hard as it is, you and your ex must remember to act like mature grown-ups in this difficult situation. The two of you can greatly lessen the pain for your kids and yourselves if you agree to follow this list of rules before the custody process begins.

5 Tips on Having “The Talk” with Your Kids

Let’s talk about the talk.

This talk is one of the most important talks you will have with your child. Yes, I’m referring to ” SEX TALK“

We give so much importance on feeding healthy food and good thoughts , but have we thought of giving good and healthy sex education?

Physical,Mental and the least talked about SEXUAL HEALTH is important for overall development and its RESPONSIBILITY of every parent.

I am like most of you moms. I have always been this 90s child who changed channels when kissing scenes happened, never had a conversation about menstruation or sex with my parents, I even thought babies were formed when people kissed.

Lets see WHEN, WHERE, HOW and WHY to have the TALK.

**WHEN** :

My father was narrating a story to my 7 year old boy, where kunthi devi is blessed with a baby by sun god .Suddenly i heard my son say ” but i thought babies are formed when egg and sperm meets”. No, he’s not being over smart or trying to see a reaction from us.He told this with utmost matter of fact.

Upon my inquiry, he told me he read it in an anatomy book for children that I apparently had got for him.

So,when my son was 3-4 , he would often ask me “who put me in your belly”. I would say god .

At 5-6, I would say amma and appa loved each other, that’s how you and your brother were born.

Now at 7, armed with a proof when my child questioned me , as a mom i took this as an opportunity to explain the female body and male body with his own book and told him biologically. Have i told him about the actual sex act? NO. But will definitely do.When this question arises in another 2 years, I would not hesitate.

**WHERE**

If the child questions you about sex or anything related to his body at an inappropriate place. DO NOT shush him.This will give him signals that this is something absolutely wrong.Instead, let him know this can always be discussed at the privacy of home.

**HOW** :

How to explain your child as young as 7 or 8 about sex? There are so many books available for children.Teach it in simple biological terms.Only when you de-sexualize the sex act, the child will know it is something normal .

**WHY**

This is the most important.WHY on earth would I want to explain about sex, menstruation or puberty to my precious little child. Believe me, you are doing him/ her a favor.IF you do not do it,they will learn through improper sources (friends,internet)and end up being confused teenagers( just like us 90s kids).

LASTLY,

If you are a mom who thinks my child will figure out all this when the age comes. If you are one to divert or redirect the questions to dad.Think twice.Give them the correct foundation. He/ she is learning the most important function of a human from their own mom/ dad. Just like how you taught them rhymes/ math / science/ godly songs.

Their mind will tune it to accept this as something which is NATURAL and NORMAL.

Have you had the talk with your kids? How did it go?

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4 Skills That Promote Future Career Growth

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to help your child succeed, both now and in the future. Though you can’t ace their first job interview for them when that day comes, you can build skills now that will benefit them in their future career. Skills that promote future career growth are simple yet powerful.

Adding to the usefulness of this process is that skills that are useful in the job world are skills that help your children succeed today, no matter what age they are. Here are a few skills that you can focus on to help your child be their very best.

Patience

No matter what type of company your child works for, they are going to have to interact with at least a handful of people. When they do so, some degree of patience will likely be required. Patience is something that can’t be switched on overnight. Instead, it must be taught over many years to give time and space to practice and fail at being patient. A byproduct of teaching the importance of patience is teaching the importance of delayed gratification, another crucial business skill.

Problem-Solving

Even if your child is advanced for their age, when they begin a career, they will not know everything there is to know about that job. They will likely run across many situations they’ve never encountered before, requiring problem-solving skills to ensure their success. Problem-solving can be taught in a variety of ways, such as through online chess lessons, building with construction blocks, doing crossword puzzles, and a variety of other simple, fun tasks that teach children how to figure things out for themselves.

7 Steps To Teach Kids Goal Setting & Perseverance

Goal-Setting

Hopefully, when your child begins a career, they won’t be content to settle for the position they start in. One way to encourage this ambitious behavior is to develop goal-setting skills in your child when they are young. For example, you can have your child set a goal to save a certain amount of money to buy a toy or set a goal of improving their grade in a class they don’t enjoy. This process of working toward something long-term will help them to have determination and staying power as they work to move up in their career field.

Promptness

With so many distractions facing your child, one of the best gifts you can give them is the skill of promptness. If your child works to complete tasks in a timely manner and keeps track of when they should show up to various events, it will instill in them the importance of promptness and help protect against procrastination. In the business world, promptness is crucial to keeping a job, and a lack of procrastination will help them stand out from a world of constantly distracted co-workers.

Though it can be tempting to try and steer your child toward a specific career that you know is lucrative, your most important job as a parent is simply to teach them the skills they need to be successful in any career. Don’t unnecessarily narrow the focus of your child, which could prevent them from discovering their true passion where they will truly blossom. Any career can be lucrative if your child puts into practice the skills you have taught them.

Dads Can Provide Value Around the Dinner Table

The dinner table is a fun and chaotic place where the family gathers to eat and share their day. When you have younger children, it can often be a place of enormous mess and strain. Have you wondered how to provide value around dinner the dinner table?

Primarily, mothers have been the ones to tend to the children and the cleanup of the messes in days gone by. However, the modern dad pitches in and helps to ease the burden on mom. Here are some ways that dads can help take care of their kids around the dinner table.

1. Help Serve the Meal

How many times does mom barely get enough time to eat because she is getting the plates ready for the rest of the family? Dad can help to serve the children. If they need help with cutting steak or pork chops, then he can also assist with this seemingly time-consuming chore. When everybody is eating and their bellies are filling, there will be less chaos in the serving process.

2. Create a Warm and Inviting Environment

If you were to poll children around America, they would all say that they would prefer to eat in front of the TV or while playing a video game. It’s just as much dad’s responsibility as it is mom’s to make the table a warm and inviting place to congregate. Teaching these principals starts at a young age.

If you’ve spent good money on fancy dining tables from reclaimed wood in Boston, MA, you want to make sure the family gets use from it. Who says the dinner table is only about food? You should teach kids to play games, sit and chat, and learn that this is a spot that is at the center of the heart of the home.

3. Clean Up

Any mother will tell you that cleanup is the hardest part of any meal. Children love to throw food to the dog down below or at their sibling. The floor can often look like someone emptied a trash can when the meal is done. Dad can make sure that peace and order are followed during the dinner process. By keeping up with wiping hands and any spills as they occur, the cleanup won’t be nearly as intense.

4. Be Present

Not every family has the luxury of having dinner together. Work schedules often inhibit eating as a family. However, when dad and mom are both home, an effort should be made to have dinner as a family. There’s something remarkable about setting aside time for each other.

Life is crazy, and people want to eat on the go. However, there is something sacred about having a meal as a family. Even if dinner time gets a bit chaotic, dad can help to ease the burden on mom during this time. With any luck, your children will grow to appreciate and teach their kids the importance of gathering around the table.

I am the Mom of the Average Child

Yes, you read it right. I am the mom of an average child. By average, I simply mean my child is the average learner, average in scoring marks, average in sports and in extra curricular activities. What’s special about him then? NOTHING as per society and school norms.

I often get asked, oh! You are an Indian.. Your son must be good in math and studies in general… I simply say no, he is not. He is average. Am I ashamed to say this? No.. Should I be lying that he is the best in something which he is not, in front of others? Definitely no.

My son is that average child who people fail to notice either for not being at the top or being at the bottom. People fail to notice his sweet smile ,funny talks, tight hugs, friendly personality, kind behaviour, mild manners, helpful nature because he is JUST an average child.

The school, society celebrates children who are top scorers or good in sports and extracurricular,which rightfully they should. Amidst all this, my average child who is a spectator and cheers his friends with full heart goes unnoticed.

His love for sports,( even when he knows he is not going to be selected for school team), his love for music(even though he knows he is not going to be selected for school choir) never diminishes. He does all this to enjoy it rather to compete.

Am I a mom who is not strict with him for not scoring at the top? Yes, I am strict to an extent and lost my cool many times in the past.

His words pierced through me when my 7 year old asked, “mummy do you not respect me”? How many of us thought we should respect children? We adults demand our respect each and every moment of our life. Why not a child?

Among children preparing for IIT, MBBS even at a tender age of 10 years. My average child is talking about traveling the world ,meeting new people and eating different cuisines.

My average child might or might not become a doctor, astronaut ,scientist. But, he is sure to grow up to be a good person, who will spread cheer.

Last but not least:

Notice the average child. All that child wants is a smile or a kind word from us adults for just being himself to give him assurance to trust the world.

Each child is different, so is each parenting Style😊

Mathangi Murali is a mom of two boys. She is a full time mom living in Cyprus. She enjoys learning new languages , reading and photography. She has recently ventured into blogging on parenting and motherhood. She believes that a happy child makes a happy world and every child deserves to be respected for their choices.

Before you go, check out our award winning, best selling book on parenting confident kids who have a global growth mindset.

How to Help Children Adjust to a Long Distance Move

Moving can be stressful even if you’re just relocating down the street; but for children who are moving long-distance, leaving their home, neighborhood, and school can be an especially difficult challenge.

Parents shouldn’t avoid talking about the move and its stressors; it’s hard for anyone to leave a home that they love. To help make the conversation and transition easier, take a look at these tips.

Include Them in the Home-Buying Process

Rather than simply moving your kids to a new house they don’t know anything about, allow them to be involved in the entire process. Look at single family home listings together, and compile a list of features the family would love in their next house. Looking at houses together and discussing options will give kids a sense of control over a situation that could otherwise leave them feeling lost.

Plan Their New Bedroom

Before you move, show you children photos of the new house, and plan a shopping trip to pick out new decorations. From a new bedspread to a comfy chair, allow children to help prepare for their new space and get excited about making the new house feel like home.

You can also talk about different design ideas they may like to try, such as painting the walls a fun color together.

Go on a Google Maps Tour

Check out the new neighborhood together by entering the address on Google Maps and taking a virtual tour. You can also plug in the address of their future school, which can help the transition feel slightly less scary. Check out the surrounding neighborhood, and point out different places you recognize from the website when you arrive.

Have a Farewell Party

Have one last family party in your house before the move; it doesn’t have to be super elaborate; giving the kids new pajamas and a stuffed animal to take with them while you eat some pizza and watch movies can be a great way to make their send-off less sad.

If your children are younger, consider attaching a notecard to their new stuffed animal that tells them how excited they are to move into the new house together!

Use the Move as a Teaching Moment

A big move might be your children’s first encounters with loss and grief. Be sure to have a sit-down talk if needed and ask them how they feel. Assure them that it’s okay to be upset they’re moving, but shift the conversation in a positive direction by reminding them of the memories you’ll always get to keep no matter where you live.

How To Get the Most Value Out of Homeschooling Autistic Kids

Raising a child who is on the autistic spectrum frequently involves a wide range of challenges that parents may not have expecting. Private schools, tutors and homeschooling groups can often provide parents with options, resources and accommodations that may simply not be available through a conventional public school. Finding ways to minimize and better manage your child’s outbursts, tantrums or combative episodes can often make a world of difference.

Focused Attention

Large classroom size can be a real issue, even for non-autistic children and those without special needs. Getting lost in the crowd means that sensory issues or other situations which may trigger an outburst are less likely to be noticed and addressed in time. Homeschooling groups can provide the more focused attention needed to ensure that such issues are less likely to cause problems throughout the school day.

Control of the Environment

The ability to better control and manage your child’s surroundings and environment can also be a major asset. Homeschooling groups can arrange for private bus rental, adjust light and sound levels within the classroom and ensure that environmental stimuli can be kept at a more manageable level. Attending a conventional school could make something as simple as arranging for your child to wear noise-cancelling headphones a more difficult undertaking.

Individualized Lesson Plans

While every student is different, teaching and working with children on the spectrum often involves a great deal of trial-and-error in order to find the right approach. Homeschooling opportunities make it much easier to create lesson plans or even a curriculum that has been tailored to your child’s specific needs. Taking a more personalized approach to teaching and instruction can be essential when dealing with any student who may be having difficulty with a conventional classroom environment.

Acceptance and Understanding

Finding emotional acceptance is another concern that should not be overlooked. Autistic children often have trouble fitting in within a public or even private school environment. Homeschooling groups are often an ideal alternative, one that can provide a more nurturing emotional environment.

School can be especially challenging for both autistic children as well as their parents. Finding the right options, resources or the alternatives that may be more accommodating can often be an issue of great importance. From managing the daily commute with greater ease to finding greater social acceptance or mastering a lesson plan, homeschooling groups and options may have far more to offer than you might imagine.

Plan Your Child’s Baptism with Ease

Being an expectant mother, there is a lot of planning to get done before your little one arrives, including his baptism. Baptisms are a ceremony that serves as a submission to Christ. When you decide to have one for your son, there are many elements that need to be planned ahead to make sure the baptism is successful.

Once you commit to the idea of having a baptism, there are a number of ways to prepare before your son arrives. Making a checklist of items helps keep you organized throughout the process. Some planning items to include the following points.

1. Choosing the Godparents

Godparents are significant because they serve as partakers in the moral development of your baby. They also assume legal guardianship in cases of emergency. Pregnancy is a great time to begin considering who you would like to take on this responsibility.

2. Picking a Name

Once you’ve decided to have a baptism, naming your baby after a saint is tradition. Even if you decide on a non-traditional first name, dedicating the middle name is recommended. Information on the name’s corresponding patron saint is also beneficial during your baptism planning journey.

3. Fulfilling Requirements

When planning a baptism, there may be required classes or necessary timelines you have to meet. These can be done with the parish of your church. It is best to call ahead and find out what you need.

The church you regularly attend and contribute to should be the location for your son’s baptism. You will receive paperwork to prove you are a Catholic and a parish member. Once completed, your church will approve your ceremony.

4. Event Details

After being approved, it is time to pick a date and time. Baptisms are typically the first introduction of your son to the outside world, but parishes suggest completing it within the first month of life.

Once the date is secured, creating a guest list is the next priority. Whether you decide to include friends and family or plan an intimate event is your choice.

5. Clothing

It’s tradition for your son to wear white for the ceremony. If you don’t have an heirloom, you can always find boys baptism outfits online.

Remember, while this is a milestone in your son’s life, an extravagant event isn’t necessary. Simply planning to have an intimate ceremony to commemorate your baby’s submission to Christ works perfectly fine.

How Tagaytay, Philippines Became A Favorite Family Vacation Destination

Coined as the Second Summer Capital of the Philippines is Tagaytay City, a small town in the province of Cavite that has gained much attention and popularity through the years.

Tagaytay, as mentioned, is a small municipality located in the province of Cavite in the region of Luzon. It was dubbed as the Second Summer Capital of the Philippines because of how it gives off year-round cold and misty weather just like Baguio, which is the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

Today, Tagaytay remains as one of the best tourist destinations down south of Manila. In fact, it continues to charm locals and foreigners alike as the years go by. No matter how old you get or how many times you’ve been here, you can, and you will definitely never get tired of going back to Tagaytay. Want to know why?

Here’s why Tagaytay, Philippines has become a family favorite over the years:

Close Proximity To Manila

One of the most common reasons as to why Tagaytay has continuously become a family favorite is because of its close proximity to Manila. It only takes about an hour to an hour and a half of drive to get to Tagaytay. And, with all the new and countless roads, expressways, and terminals, it has become a lot easier to travel to this town.

This is primarily the reason why most families and friend groups prefer Tagaytay over Baguio. Because with Tagaytay, you get to take day trips without the hassle of commuting or traveling to and from the destination. More than the long hours, you also have to dread the horrifying traffic in Manila. With Tagaytay, you get to keep coming back even and most especially on the weekends, when you just need to take a breather.

Delectable Food Choices

Tagaytay is also known for its delectable food choices. May that be breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks, Tagaytay has it all!

More than anything, this town is most famous for its sumptuous, hot bowl of bulalo. Filipinos and foreigners alike keep coming back to Tagaytay because of this beauty. Mahogany Market, for one, serves the best Tagaytay bulalo, so if you’re just around the area or planning to visit Tagaytay soon. Make sure to drop by Mahogany Market and treat yourself to some bulalo!

Aside from bulalo, Tagaytay is also known for its wide range of restaurants and fast food choices. Strolling down Tagaytay, and as you look from left to right, streets are filled with restaurants that serve only the best Filipino food. Enjoy a hearty breakfast meal at Breakfast At Antonio’s, Tagaytay’s most favorite breakfast place. They have so much food choices ranging from Filipino to European, all the way to American.

In the mood for some merienda? Visit Tagaytay’s Tsokolateria for a cup of hot cocoa perfectly paired with their delicious pastries. Before heading home, you may also want to drop by pasalubong centers and purchase buko pies, lengua de gatos, fresh milk, and so much more.

Unlimited Outdoor Activities To Enjoy

While Tagaytay is known for its “laidback” type of living, it can also bring family and friends some fun and adrenaline rush every now and then. For one, Picnic Grove is one of the oldest yet still popular destinations in Tagaytay where families and friend groups can go on picnics, ride zip lines and cable cars, stroll down, and trek, just to name a few.

If you want to play sports, you definitely can! Home to Asia’s most exciting golf course is Tagaytay Highlands, the first and best mountain resort in the country. Unleash your inner Tiger Woods here and play golf all afternoon. Oh, and did I mention they have world-class services, features, and amenities? Tagaytay Highlands is the first and the only one in the country to have Swiss cable car transport systems, which you can definitely use when transferring from one golf course to another. Other than golf, you can also play basketball, badminton, and swimming, among others.

Aside from Tagaytay Highlands, you can also indulge in outdoor activities and trigger an adrenaline rush at Sky Ranch Tagaytay, the city’s most famous amusement park filled with fun and gut-twisting rides. It’s also home to Tagaytay’s tallest Ferris wheel, which is the Sky Eye. Other than Ferris wheels, you can also ride the grand carousel, roller coasters, the anchor’s away, and so much more.

Relaxing Climate

Tagaytay can never be called the “Little Baguio” of the South if it isn’t for its year-round cold climate; hence, it’s one of the very reasons why people keep coming back here.

Tagaytay’s cold and misty weather gives off this sense of relaxation. Most people travel to Tagaytay over the weekend to temporarily escape the fast-paced, stressful, and sunny streets of Manila, and Tagaytay does an excellent job in doing just that. Allowing people to cool off a bit, take a breather, and just enjoy the province, laidback life.

With that, a lot of businesses took advantage of this. If you still did not know, Tagaytay is filled with spas and wellness centers where you can definitely enjoy some well-deserved R&R. Take a dip in the jacuzzi, have a relaxing whole-body massage, do facials, and a lot more.

Wrapping Up

Tagaytay is definitely one for the books. Anyone who has been to Tagaytay knows how much charm this place brings people, no matter their age. Nowadays, it has become quite hard to find the perfect place to do all sorts of things, especially with family – yet here you are, reading about Tagaytay and all its beauty. Still haven’t been here? I think now is the best time to check out the place. Who knows? This might just become your new favorite destination.

Angelo Castelda works as a contributor for a news magazine in Asia. He loves to learn and understand diverse cultures and aims to share through his writing his experiences around the world.

Tips To Strengthen Parent-Teacher Communication

For most classroom teachers besides preparing engaging lessons and activities, there is one very important thing they had to prepare during each upcoming school year. And yes — you guessed it — better communication and collaboration with parents. Sure a lot of teachers do everything they can to strengthen the parent-teacher communication, plenty of them admit that they’ve failed at establishing an effective strategy for communicating with parents. That’s not to say they didn’t try. Teachers have said that they did have the right goals and intentions — heck some even came up with the perfect method, but at the end of the day many of them didn’t have a clear vision for what an effective communication would look like.

A Strong and Positive Parent-Teacher Communication Is Necessary

A positive and effective relationship between parents and teachers is imperative for the best interest of the students. Strong parent-teacher communication throughout the year is essential for the student’s overall academic success and well-being. Furthermore, it helps teachers and parents to work together to support a student’s learning and success. Parents can provide teachers with insights about his or her children especially the strengths and weaknesses, which the teachers can utilize to form better relationship and communication with the student. There have been many reports that reiterate that children whose parents actively participate in their education have a better chance to excel in the school you have chosen for them.

Here are three steps for teachers to establish an effective and positive parent-teacher communication:

Be Transparent and Determined

Today we live and work in a world surrounded by technology and where information is available and accessible to anyone. Many school districts allow parents to access assessment portals online where they can look up their kids’ data profiles, report cards, and even see their grade books get updated in real-time. This is extremely useful and it demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to increase transparency in a bid to improve parent-teacher communication. But this doesn’t mean that the parents know everything. So, there should be some form of direct communication with the parent and teacher. Despite the fact most districts offer parents opportunities to keep track of their kids’ education, a 2017 study conducted by Learning Heroes, a nonprofit organization reported that 86% of parents relied wholly on report cards for their children’s’ educational progress. What’s more concerning is the fact 9 out of 10 parents surveyed assumed that their children are performing above the average, which is unfortunately not the case according to the collected data.

Teachers should set realistic targets for transparency and encourage parents to look into their children’s education. Progress portals and sites are widely available. Teachers should request parents to get in the habit of checking these portals and websites through the use of links and reminders online or letters sent directly to homes, and demonstrate accessing them in parent-teacher conferences. Some teachers also encourage students to remind their parents to visit the portals and sites frequently. Strengthen parent teacher communication well.

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Use Comprehensible Language

During any kind of communication, teachers should use informal language. You’ve to keep in mind that though many parents have college degrees, not everyone is familiar with educational jargon. So if you use a word whether in writing or while speaking and the parents have to look up a specific word in the dictionary to find its meaning, you can rest assured that you’ve failed to effectively communicate. We recommend you use simple, easy-to-understand language, short sentences during all written communication. Be direct and always be respectful and show appreciation for parents. Students come from various cultural backgrounds so be sensitive to cultural differences.

The Parents Are Your Partners.

It’s not uncommon to see teachers sometimes lose sight of what they want to communicate with parents and even sometimes students. Effective and positive communication is not all about updates and reminders; it’s a two-way process. A communication can only be effective if it helps in nurturing a mutually beneficial relationship. So teachers should remember not only to send information but facilitating channels that empower parents to respond easily. Phone calls, emails, and messaging applications all work well. Sending biweekly or monthly newsletters about the student’s overall performance and educational activities also work great.

As we are living in a multi-cultural and globalized world, sending SMS messages with translation features will overcome any language barriers hence fostering a much stronger and productive relationship between the teachers and parents. This approach not only starts conversations, but it also sends a message to parents that you do care about students and what happens in the classroom.

RAISE A CONFIDENT and GLOBAL KID BY BEING AN EMPOWERED PARENT.

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8 French Cities One Must Visit in 2020

The new year is here, and most of us are already planning for new beginnings. Apart from the new year’s resolutions, we like to plan our holidays for the year as well. There are a few holiday destinations that loved by travelers all over the world. Fine 8 french cities one must visit.

One of the most visited tourist countries in the world is France. The charm and the hospitality of the french are something that attracts tourists year after year.

They say that the French are the most passionate people in the world. It reflects well in all fields of life. Right from their architecture to the cuisine, the French people do everything with a lot of love and passion. If you want to experience the magic of France, you must visit some of its hidden jewels.

France is home to some of the most charming cities. The history and culture of these cities will make you fall in love with the country.

Here is a list of 8 French cities you should visit in 2020. Make sure to include all of them in your next french travel itinerary.

1) Paris-

Undoubtedly one of the most alluring cities in the world, your trip to France is not complete without a visit here. Paris is filled with iconic historical monuments. Visiting them is almost a dream come true to anyone. The iconic Eiffel tower is a lover’s paradise. Other architectural marvels include Arc de Triomphe and the famed Louvre museum. You can spend some quiet time with your loved ones in any of the quaint bistros that line up the banks of the Seine to enjoy a perfect french meal with the choicest wines. For the shopping fanatics, you will find Haute couture that will satisfy the fashionista in you. A variety of flea markets and vintage shops will make sure that you take back cute little souvenirs for your people back home.

2) Marseille-

Marseille is slowing emerging as another major tourist destination in France. The old-world charm of Marseille attracts anyone who would like to soak in the Frech vibe without the hustle and bustle of modernity. This port city is a bustling trade hub. There are many things you can do here. A visit to the old port is a must for a pleasurable yacht ride. You can visit the Musée d Histoire de Marseille to have to peek into the Marseille history. Going uphill, the oldest neighborhood in the city is Le Panier. Here, you can find some quaint boutiques and shops in the markets for the freshest catch of the day.

3) Lyon-

The charming city of Lyon is another place to visit when you are vacationing in France. The town is situated in an area where the amalgamation of the Rhone and Saone rivers. There is another different type of fusion that takes place here- that of the old and the new world charm. Ancient architectural marvels and museums melodiously reside along with modernity. Lyon is gastronomically much more advanced than any other french city. A foodie’s delight, the city has quite a range for unique cuisines to offer for you. The hip and happening social scene of the place is also an attraction for the younger generation. In summers, the city hosts several music festivals. Just a walk on the old streets and enjoy the scenic view will give you lots of memories to

4) Nantes-

Nantes is another city that is situated on the banks of the river Loire. The town was once a bustling port and a center of commercial activities. Nantes has continuously re-invented itself to become a thriving and energetic hub of modernity. The city is brimming with universities and has an unmissable student culture. Among the tourist attractions, the Machines de L’ile is a must-visit. It is a unique museum cum theme park that houses several modern machines. A giant mechanical elephant is its major attraction. For a brush with the past, you can visit the Nantes Art gallery and the Jules Verne museum. Passage Pommeraye is a famous shopping arcade that is decorated with 19th-century statues. You can find the number of quaint and upmarket shops here to satisfy your shopping itch.

5) Bordeaux-

The city of Bordeaux is referred to as the “Sleeping beauty of France”. Bordeaux is also a UNESCO world heritage site. The regions of the city are famous for its vineyards that churn out crafty wines that people around the world love. Most of the tourists visiting the city prefer to stay in Wise estates and indulge in wine tastings. Opulent palaces rub shoulders with modern architecture, which makes the city a treat for your eyes. You can take a walk through the boulevards or walk along the bridges and soak in the lovely atmosphere. If you are up for some road adventure, a drive from Bordeaux to Biarritz coast is a lovely drive. Don’t forget to get the Universal roof rack on your vehicle to carry all your luggage.

6) Nice-

Nice is an extremely popular destination among tourists. Being a port city, you will find a host of things to do here. Soak in the warm french sun on the beach or enjoy a stroll on the streets of the city. For a bird’s eye view of the city, you must visit the Colline Du Chateau. What makes the city even more charming is the confluence of Italian and French culture. Be it in the architecture or the food, you will find refreshing Italian vibes here. A visit to the Nice cathedral will take you back in time and let you marvel in its amazing architecture. If ever grow tired of the sun and the sand (As if!!), you can head to the Parc Du Mont Boron. This is a hiking trail at ends at the stunning Mont Boron, where you will find ruins of an old military fort. After this calorie-burning activity, just visit some of the bistros in town to gorge on the yummy Provencal beef stew or the Tourte De Palettes.

7) La Rochelle-

This city is a seaport that is also referred to as ” The white city”. Most of the old architecture in the city was made of limestones, hence the name. This is a perfect city to visit if you want to enjoy the beaches of France in serenity. The old port is home to several medieval towers that will transport you to ancient life and times of mariners. La Rochelle has one of the largest aquariums in France. The food scene here is a delight for every foodie. The warm tropical waters of La Rochelle gives it a variety of seafood. You can savor some lip-smacking food in the restaurants that dot the city for an unforgettable culinary experience.

8) Toulouse-

The fourth-largest city in France, Toulouse has a thriving student community. This quaint town is bustling with loads of activities. Also referred to as ” La villa Rose” for its number of pink buildings, it is a perfect spot to enjoy a cozy vacation with your loved one. A walk through the old part of the town will charm you. You can enjoy river cruises along the Canal Du Midi. Do not forget to visit the Japanese garden near the canal. For art lovers, the Les abattoirs museum will satiate you.

Conclusion-

These French cities are perfect for visiting for your next vacation. While most of these cities are modern, some cities still have managed to retain their old-world charm. Including these cities in your French travel itinerary will make for a memorable vacation.

Find MORE cities you should be visiting around the world in our travel section.

Building Bonds Within a Blended Family

Blended families are becoming more common, and they play a valuable role in society. However, it can take time for step-parents and children to get used to each other and learn how to get along smoothly. Here are a few tips that might help.

Be Patient

Family adjustments take time. At first, it may seem like things aren’t falling into place as they should. But it helps to keep in mind that everyone in the family is learning to adjust their expectations and roles within the new household structure. Mistakes will be made, and new rules can be applied. But success may not come overnight. Give everyone time to work into new relationships.

Show Respect

Some blended family members are fearful of losing their identity or relationships with biological relatives. It is important to realize that everyone brings different concerns, strengths, and weaknesses to the family dynamics. Each member of the family should be willing to show respect for one another, even when they don’t always agree or when things are handled differently than expected. Be a good listener and a calm family member as differences are worked through to find common ground.

Utilize Resources

Learning new routines and establishing new traditions may require some help for family members coming from different backgrounds. Check out blended family resources like books, videos. You can also find online material, like stepdad quotes from experienced fathers who have wisdom to share.

If things get heated, it may be helpful to meet with a family therapist to address complex issues. Getting help at the beginning of the situation helps to get family life organized more quickly.

Accept Differences

Sometimes we have dreams and goals for our families that never quite materialize. That’s okay. Everyone is different in various ways, and it is important to learn which differences to accept as opposed to trying to change someone. Determining family values and guidelines from the start will keep everyone more or less on the same page while allowing for some individual preferences and styles.

Have Fun

Recreation and humor are two types of glue that bind families together. Whether original families or blended, everyone should make time for fun activities that can be enjoyed together. Having a good laugh now and then reduces tension and provides a shared, lighthearted experience.

Building bonds within a blended family is not difficult. Everyone should be flexible, thoughtful, and kind in learning to adjust to each other and the new family structure. Before long, home will be everyone’s favorite place to be.

Easy 5 min Daily Self Care for Mothers Everywhere

Want to take your day from blah to fabulous in five easy steps? Follow the below and you will certainly make your days brighter. It took me a while to go over what exactly it is that keeps me going on a positive note. “It’s not how good you are, it’s how good you want to be.” these words are a great motivator to becoming a better version of yourself.

Every single day, we strive to get through all our tasks. Wouldn’t it be better to enjoy those very tasks with a healthier, better version of ourselves?

So, today I share the easiest life hacks that made a world of difference to my life and I’m sure they will help you too.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Find a way that works for you to better yourself. Listen to a podcast, read a book, drive around with an audio book playing. 10 minutes in the car on a way to a meeting or in the shower. Take time to better yourself. Use tips by others to better your mind and body.

HEALTH HACK 101

I take my vitamins: This one is so important and it’s so easy. It literally takes 10 seconds, and it prevents so much. You being healthy is one of the best ways you can take care of your kids. Remember that time last winter when you were sick, and you still had to take care of the house and the kids? Yeah, it sucked big time. So let us try to prevent that this winter!

WORK OUT

Stretch & Meditate and/or workout. This is the easiest way to have a positive start or end to your day. Who doesn’t need to lower their blood pressure and increase patience? Plus I’m old, my body does not move like it used to! Stretching & meditating for a few minutes in the morning makes a huge difference. Even if it’s only for 5 minutes, it still helps a lot.

WATER – THE LIFE GIVER

The majority of your body is made of water so staying hydrated just makes sense. I’m not going to lie; it’s a challenge even for me. I get busy, and pretty soon it’s 7:00 pm and I haven’t had a drop. So here’s what I do for both my son and I. We have our water bottles and the go EVERYWHERE with us. I don’t care where we go or for how long, the water bottles come with us.

GRATITUDE

Reassess your day. Every night my son and I say what we are thankful for. Some nights it’s our time spent with Grandma and other nights it’s macaroni and cheese. The point is, I want my son to know that there is always something to be grateful for. Some days are easy and some days are tough, but at the end of the day, there is always a reason to be thankful.

What do you ladies do to help improve your day? I would love to know so I can add them to my daily routine.

Find out MORE ways you can Empower YOUR Motherhood —