How to Make the Most of the Space in Your Home

by on January 19, 2022, 0 comments

How to Make the Most of the Space in Your HomePhoto by Tina Witherspoon on Unsplash

If your current property is starting to feel a little too small for your needs, but you don’t have the budget to extend it or even move, that doesn’t mean that you have to just carry on as you are. Taking a look around your current space and working out if there is anything that can be adapted to increase the area that you’re working with could uncover a wealth of potential. With this in mind I thought I would share with you five places that don’t always occur to people to be used as a functional living space, but actually can offer a number of different options.

Flat roof

If you have a property which was built in the later part of the 20th century there’s a good chance that you will have a part of your house which has a flat roof on it. Garages, extensions and other secondary buildings are often built with a flat or ever so slightly sloping roof and with just a small amount of reinforcement to ensure that it is weight bearing, flat roofs can be turned into outdoor spaces, balconies and roof terraces or even be built on top of to increase the space inside your home. If you want to use the area as a balcony or roof terrace it’s advisable to have it looked at by a professional who will probably recommend Rooflock Roof Waterproofing and ensure that you have the adequate safety rails to make it viable.

Space Under Staircases

The vast majority of houses will only utilise the part of the staircase which has full standing height to place a cupboard or even occasionally a downstairs toilet. However, there is actually a huge amount of space beneath the full width of a staircase, and while we aren’t suggesting you pull an Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia and create a Harry Potter-style bedroom beneath the stairs, many people utilise the space with pull-out drawers and cupboards or even small office spaces to place a desk for a computer. At the very least, utilising all of the space beneath the staircase will massively increase your storage options and therefore cut down on clutter around the rest of the home, which in itself can make a space seem bigger.

Windows

If you’re lucky enough to have some windows in your house which are the gorgeous Victorian style bay windows then you should seriously think about utilising this space rather than just leaving it as an open bay. One of the best ways to adapt a bay window to become a more useful living space is to create a window seat with cupboard space beneath it. You will benefit from having another place to sit, which is especially delightful if you happen to have a nice view out of the window, and having another built in storage solution is always handy, especially in a family home where the clutter can really build up.

Furniture with Storage Space

Incorporating storage into the furniture you buy is another great way to increase yourliving space Coffee tables with storage compartments can hide back issues of magazines, and kids’ rooms gain the equivalent of an additional dresser when a captain’s bed with drawers underneath is substituted for the usual box spring and mattress. A front hallway bench can hold gloves, scarves, and hats. The possibilities are actually quite numerous and it can be fun to get as inventive as possible with your multifunctional pieces.

Garden Rooms

While you may not have the budget to add extra rooms onto your house, you may find that you CAN afford to add a room in the garden. Summerhouses are often significantly cheaper than building onto your property and can give you some much needed extra space. Home offices work particularly well in garden rooms as it gives you a place to work which is quiet, but that you can also walk away from at the end of your work day so you don’t feel like you’re constantly on shift.

The Most Interesting Entertainment Venues in Camden

by on December 29, 2021, 0 comments

Camden is a popular London district where many people like going to as there are a lot of options. Either you want to enjoy your cup of tea at a peaceful coffee shop or you want to do something fun, Camden is the place to go.

In a big city like London, discovering places that match your tastes and you can visit again and again may be difficult. This is why you will find some of the most interesting and fascinating venues in Camden in this article in the hope that you will find your next favourite spot.

Music

Camden has got a rich music history. During the 70s, 80s and 90s, a lot of famous singers and bands, like Amy Whinehouse, the Cure and the Sex Pistols, started their careers by performing at music venues in Camden. Visit iconic venues that host live music of the genre you like and you might get to enjoy an artist at his early steps before they blow up. Some of the most popular venues are KOKO, Jazz Cafe, the Dublin Castle, Dingwalls and many more.

Theatre

Roundhouse is one of the most famous venues of the area as it was built in around 1850. It started as a railway turntable, but then it became a warehouse for a few years. Then, it was left misused until it was renovated and turned into a theatre. Nowadays, it has a more general title of being a performing arts venue since a great variety of shows take place there, like plays, concerts, award ceremonies and so on.

Mini Golf

Besides the arts, you can find fun options for you and your friends while you are in Camden. One of these fun options is playing mini golf. The crazy golf in Camden has been rebuilt recently and it awaits you to test your golfing abilities at a challenging but extremely fun course. A combination of classic and new obstacles will offer you an exciting game that will keep you at the edge of your seat.

Camden Market

If you find yourself in Camden, you must visit its market. Camden Market is famous all around London and all over the world because there are many stalls where you can find anything your heart desires; from luxury items to street food. Some shops and stalls are there permanently, but most people visit the market at the weekends.

London Zoo

At the border between Camden and the city of Westminster you will find the ZSL London Zoo, which was built for scientific purposes but ended up as an ordinary zoo with a great variety of animals living there. If you visit the zoo today, you will see reptiles, insects, fish and larger animals, like lions and elephants.

Working from Home: How Important is Your Desk?

by on December 23, 2021, 0 comments

The pandemic brought forth a relatively new concept in the workplace-working from home (WFH). Even as the COVID-19 numbers continue to gradually subside, one thing remains clear-the concept of working from home is here to stay.

However, to prevent a lot of people working from home from becoming homebodies and wrecking their bodies, there is need for people to set up makeshift home offices for ergonomic working environments. This means most people are looking to design their office tables to suit their home working culture.

This begs the question, how important is your desk? Continue reading to learn more.

What is the right office desk design for WFH?

When you get the right sit stand desk frame for your home office, you essentially reduce the magnitude of related health issues. Here are some tips to help you get the right office desk.

1. Consider the right design

The most important aspect to consider is the layout and design of your home. This will aid you in choosing the right design that will suit your home’s layout. It shouldn’t be too small or too big, but just the right size.

2. The height and width should be just right

These are vital considerations when it comes to choosing the right office desk. If these measurements are not precise, the office desk will be very uncomfortable to use and could lead to some chronic back issues.

3. A modular and modern desk design is better

Modern office desks are way better that the traditional desks because they offer much more. Furthermore, they are more durable because they are made of long-lasting materials, which have been engineered by improved manufacturing processes. They are mostly modular and smoother in nature.

Also, they are modernized with certain quirks that make them specialized for certain types of work. For instance, there are those that are specially designed to house your computer or laptop for effective wiring and handling to steer clear of all the mess, keeping your working space organized.

4. Aesthetics always come in handy

Inasmuch as you want to be work-focused from your home office as you choose the best office desk, remember that this is your personal office at home. Therefore, whatever it looks like will be up to you. This means that you should not neglect the element of aesthetics. It is just how well your desk blends with the layout of your home.

When you go for one with unique décor items, multifunctional designs, unique paint of modular design, you can add some sense of style to your home. The result is a more sophisticated feel than just a plain-old office desk.

Wrap up

While some people might think that a work from home office desk is such a mundane detail, you cannot assume the importance of a good office desk. When selected and used correctly, office desks will not only offer extended service but also provide functionality like ease and organisational efficiency of working environments.

Therefore, always ensure that you go for the best office desk design to enjoy all the benefits.

 

9 Common Mistakes When it Comes to Debts

by on December 22, 2021, 0 comments
9 Common Mistakes When it Comes to Debts
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels

In this day and age, debts are inevitable for most people. Taking out a loan can be of tremendous help, especially when you are in a financial emergency, be it for business or personal reasons. However, there are many mistakes that people make, leading to a stressful life of debt. To help you avoid becoming a victim, here are some common debt mistakes to keep in mind:

  1. Same Old Spending Habits

We are creatures of habit and spending money is no exception to that rule. That’s because driving the same car, eating in the same restaurants, and buying at the same store proves to be comfortable. However, it could be costing you more than you can handle financial wise. It’s pretty simple- if you do not change your spending habits, then you will never get out of debt. Consider beginning with your morning habits and take breakfast at home. Next, carry lunch from home, rather than eating at a restaurant. In the evening, watch movies or games at your house while enjoying a homemade meal. These simple changes will have an immediate significant effect on how much you spend on a daily basis. You do not have to do what you like or prefer, you just have to make better choices when it comes to it.

  1. Attempting to Get Out of Debt Alone

Almost everyone doesn’t like to ask their friends and relatives for support when it comes to handling debt. A wise remedy is to contact a non-profit credit counseling agency and seek help from the experts. These counselors are well-trained and certified by national organizations such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and will recommend debt-relief solutions including credit consolidation, debt management programs, debt settlement, and even bankruptcy if things are really bad. They will show you how to create an ideal budget and suggest a solution that will match your needs. The best thing about this is that the advice is free. Ask, am I eligible for a debt management plan?

  1. Failure to Create a Practical Budget

It is virtually impossible to gain control of your money if you do not have a practical budget. Many individuals think it is too much work until they reach into $10K or $20K credit card debt and wonder how they got there.

A great solution is to create a realistic budget that addresses common financial needs such as health care, food, housing, education, and insurance, while also creating room for paying your loans. Do away with the credit cards and only work with cash. Yes, this will mean cutting back on things like dining out, hitting the movies, buying new electronics or clothes, but if you really want to get out of debt, having a practical budget and using cash is a solid start.

  1. Getting into a Debt-Relief Program but Not Understanding What it Entails

There is rarely a quick-fix solution for debt issues. If you come across this claim, then immediately look elsewhere. One of the most important things to bear in mind is that debt-relief programs tend to take three to five years and so, you’ll need to be patient. Next, you need to assess the firm providing these solutions. A great place to start the check is the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the local state attorney’s office. Military bases, universities, and credit unions should also be reliable sources for suggestions. Just ensure the organization you pick is licensed and does not have a record of client complaints.

  1. Trying to Clear Multiple Debts at Once

Many people in debt usually have multiple sources including student loans, credit cards, car loans, mortgages, etc. Unfortunately, they try to handle them all at once. This is a move that will only see you give up and be unable to make progress in clearing debt. Instead, go back to your budget, trim everything to the essentials and create a surplus that goes to the credit card with the highest interest rate. Once that is cleared, go to the next credit card, and so on, until you clear all the debt.

  1. Failure to Put Aside Savings for Emergencies

According to reports, over 55% of American consumers do not have adequate finances to cover emergency expenses of at least $500. You cannot predict car accidents, plumbing failure, unemployment, etc. That’s why every household requires an emergency fund account. Experts suggest putting three to six months of expenses aside to cover any emergency you might experience. It may take time to get there, but if you are determined to pay off your debt, it needs to be part of your monthly budget. So, consider putting aside at least 5% of your monthly income towards an emergency fund. This way, you won’t have to depend on loans to cover an unexpected expense.

  1. Failure to Contribute to a Retirement Account

Yes, it seems good to devote your money to clear your loans today, but it is a costly mistake in the long haul. There will come a time where you need to retire and so, ensure you devote at least 5% of your monthly income towards a retirement savings account. The earlier you begin contributing to that 401(K), the better off you will be when you retire.

  1. Failure to Prioritize Your Debt

We all have bills and many people want to get out of debt. However, many people fail to be focused, and doing so isn’t a priority. One of the best solutions is to consolidate your debts and only make a single payment per month. Another way to stay focused is by writing down the top 5 debts you want to clear. Put this note in a place you will see every day to remind you of your mission. Whenever you see that note, you will remember that you are getting rid of and not adding to the debt.

  1. Closing Accounts When They’re Paid Off

The remedy for this is straightforward, pay off your account but do not close it. Keep in mind that credit score systems not only depend on how much you owe but how much credit you have available.

Christmas Fun with Casio

by on December 21, 2021, 0 comments

As you’ll know, if you saw any of my posts on here or on social media, we’ve recently partnered with Casio to review their LK-S250 Home Learning Kit, which comes with an electric keyboard and everything else that BB needs to start learning to play. The kit also gives you access to online lessons which are designed to get even the most basic of beginners playing their instrument, which is a fantastic resource to have access to.

Casio LK-S250 Home Learning Kit

LK-250 Home Learning Kit

  • Touch sensitive, lighted keys
  • Power adapter
  • Adjustable height keyboard stand
  • Headphones for silent practice
  • FREE online lessons worth £49.99

While I’m not exactly fluent on any instrument myself, I do know quite a few of the basics, having grown up in quite a musical family, so I’ve been assisting BB with her learning as much as I can. She’s an incredibly capable little girl, but she lacks a bit of confidence in her own abilities at times, so sometimes she just wants someone with her while she navigates the lessons, which is totally understandable.

Unfiortunately, about three weeks ago I slammed my finger in the car door (as in, the door FULLY closed and I had to open it again to release my poor mangled finger 😱) and broke it. It was my left hand (I’m right handed) which was slightly better but as it was my index finger, it’s really limited how much I’ve been able to do. Fortunately, the splint is mostly off now and I can get back to helping BB with her lessons a bit more, but it was a painful couple of weeks.

My poor broken finger (ignore the tatty nail polish, please!)

Now that the girls are homeschooled, we try to keep as much creative stuff flowing as we can so that their lessons aren’t all strictly academic, so music and art lessons have become a regular thing. Sausage has her own keyboard already, so between the Gigajam lessons and some YouTube tutorials, the girls have been jamming together.

Last week, we decided that all of their homeschool lessons would be fun stuff, just like they’d be doing if they were in a mainstream school, and one of the things we decided to do was get them to learn some Christmas songs so that they could perform a mini concert for us, to get us all in the festive spirit. They learned to play Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, The Christmas Song and Jingle Bells, all in the space of two days and they’ve been practising them regularly, ever since.

Learning with the LK-S250 Home Learning Kit

We’re planning to have the carol concert on Christmas Eve and I’ve also got a surprise lined up for them – I’ve bought a chocolate fountain and we’re going to have a little buffet of things to dip in the melted chocolate to enjoy together after the concert. I’m really excited as I love nothing more than surprising them. When we collected Maureen from my breeder friend, we told them we were collecting a parcel and they had no idea we were getting a puppy until they were standing in a living room full of 10 week old dogs!

Anyway, I digress…

I’ll be recording the concert, for posterity, and also for the ‘gram so make sure to keep an eye on our social media if you want to see the girls performing their songs. In the meantime, I hope you all have a very merry, stress-free, COVID-free festive period and thanks again to Casio for working with us on this collaboration.

There’s still time to get your hands on a Casio LK-S250 Home Learning Kit, if you order within the next 24 hours! It’s got everything you need to start learning the keyboard and it’s only £249, which is truly an absolute bargain.

Buying a House? Here Are Four Experts You Should Consult

by on December 17, 2021, 0 comments

Buying a House? Here Are Four Experts You Should ConsultImage credit

 Buying a house is one of the most significant financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. With a lot at stake, such a decision should not be made lightly or in haste. The best way to ensure that you get the house of your dreams is to bring aboard experts who will guide you and take you through the process. This blog post outlines the four experts whose services you will need the most when purchasing a house.

Financial Analyst (Credit Expert)

A good credit score has numerous advantages for home buyers; the most important being that It will significantly help you get a better interest rate and a lower down payment on your property loan.

Although you may be able to generate and keep track of your credit score on your own, seeking the services of a financial analyst is a smart move, especially when purchasing a house.  A financial analyst will generate your credit and advise on how you may improve your credit rating in the right way based on the current score. For example, they may suggest paying some of your debts or reestablishing credit to bump up your credit score as you prepare to purchase a house.

Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent who knows the local market well will help you navigate the complex process of finding the perfect house.  They will be instrumental in helping you browse through the listings available for purchase, arrange for house viewings, help you negotiate the best deal for the house of choice, and guide you through the process of closing in on the mortgage. Hiring your agent as a buyer ensures your interests are taken care of throughout the entire process. 

 Mortgage Broker

Unless you are purchasing your house with cash, you will need to take a mortgage for your home. A mortgage adviser will help you determine if you are prequalified for a mortgage. The mortgage broker will inquire about your earnings, savings, and other personal finance-related questions before they decide whether or not you qualify for a loan and advise you on the nature of loans available for you. Additionally, the mortgage advisor will advise you on where you will get the best interest rates, guide you on all the documents you need to get the mortgage approved, and answer any of your house purchasing queries.

Home Inspector

When buying a house, the services of a home inspector will help you make a decision whether to buy the house or not. An inspector will carry out an unbiased, detailed check of the house on your behalf and come up with a list of anything that will need to be repaired or replaced. They will assess the house’s structural components and check the walls, floors, roofing, and windows. They will also determine if the plumbing, AC, and electrical systems are in perfect working condition or if they need repairs

The home inspector works directly with you, so do not be afraid to request that you be present when they inspect the house.

The inspector’s  report will help you determine if you will ask the seller to carry out repairs or if you will decrease your offer amount as you proceed with the purchase.

Conclusion

The process of home ownership can be a long and complicated one. Many parties will come aboard during different times in the purchase process, and knowing what each one does will help you make the purchase easier. Although this is not a definitive list, the above four experts play the most significant roles in a house purchase, and knowing what they do and having them aboard will streamline the purchase process.

Moving With Kids: 5 Tips To Make It Easier And Less Stressful

by on December 17, 2021, 1 comment

Moving With Kids: 5 Tips To Make It Easier And Less StressfulMoving can be quite challenging and having your kids with you during this time can make the transition all the more difficult. Children feel safe at a home where they grew up in. They also feel comfortable with the neighborhood, school, and friends they already know. While moving can bring about a lot of excitement to kids, it can also bring out anxiety.

While it’s impossible to eliminate all the challenges you’ll have to face when moving with your children, there are tips that can assist you in making it easier and less stressful.

 

1. Inform Your Kids About The Move Early On

It’s essential that you inform them about the move in advance. You can have a family meeting to announce it. Whether moving is already kind of a regular occurrence or not for your family, it is still a big deal for everyone—especially your kids. It’s guaranteed that you’ll get some reactions from everyone, but you can offer them pizza or any other food to help them stay calm during the announcement.

Having the meeting sooner than later is a good thing to do. Why? Because it can assist you in explaining to your children why are you moving and other details about the move. Taking the time to inform and talk to your kids about the move can help address the anxieties, frustrations, and concerns they have about the move. It can also help you reassure your children that everything is going to be alright.

2. Hire A Moving Company

If you want the move to be smooth and easy, you should consider hiring a moving company. Things can get very messy on moving day and it’s going to be more challenging for you if you have kids. But if you hire a moving company that can help you out, you’ll find it very convenient.

If you need to dispose of waste and old furniture before moving out, you can hire waste removal companies that can collect all kinds of rubbish for you. This even includes large appliances, toxic wastes, and yard wastes that must be removed before moving. You can visit https://www.dirtcheaprubbishremoval.com.au/ to see what a waste removal service can do for you.

3. Get Your Kids Involved

Involving all your children in the moving process is very beneficial. It can empower them and help prevent making them feel like they’re helpless. As you create a moving-to-do-list, make sure that you have tasks for your kids that they can easily handle. Even a small moving task such as packing their toys can make a big difference from their perspective.

Kids love to help out. Rather than telling them that they are too young to help on moving day, your children will love to hear that you have prepared some tasks for them! If your kids are old enough, you can have them help you pack, arrange toys, or pickup boxes.

You might want to give each of your child separate tasks such as packing up and cleaning the rooms, packing boxes, or takingcare of their younger siblings. These things will help keep them engaged and involved with the whole process.

4. Visit The New Place You’re Moving To

If you can, you should visit the new place you’re moving to along with your kids before the big day. A visit like this can give them an idea of the new place and make it familiar instead of being a mystery for them.

Before you make a visit, be sure to grab a copy of the local newspaper to find out about any kid-friendly activities that may be happening during your scheduled visit. Taking a look at the local kid’s playground or recreational center can help reassure your kids about the new place. They will start thinking that the new neighborhood is not so bad after all.

5. Have A Positive Mindset

On moving day, your mood could also affect your kids. So, if you’re cheerful and excited, they’ll also feel the same way. But if you’re too stressed and frustrated because things are not going according to plan, expect your kids to feel the same way too.

Final Thoughts

If you’re relocating with kids, the tips above can help you make the whole process easier and less stressful not just for them, but yours as well. Taking the time to prepare your children and hiring a moving company to help you out can make a lot of difference when you’re moving with kids.

Our Top Five Personalised Photo Gifts

by on December 8, 2021, 1 comment
Our Top 5 Photo GiftsPhoto by Yiqun Tang on Unsplash

If you’ve read Mum’s the Word before, you’ll know that one thing my family and I are really keen on is personalised gifts. In the past we’ve reviewed everything from jewellery to chocolate with personalisation in place but something we also love is personalised gifts where we are able to use our own photos to create something. With this in mind I thought I’d take you through our top five favourite ways to use your own personal photos to make a sentimental gift that your family will love.

Photobooks

These days, it seems as though people take more photos than ever, but rarely print them off or put them into photo albums. That’s why we love photobooks. They take the hassle out of sticking your photos into flimsy plastic pockets because it’s all printed straight into the books for you, and you can also choose your own colours and designs to accompany each page. We also love the fact that they can be made into chronological order so you’re literally watching time go by.

T-Shirts

This one probably depends on taste, but something we enjoy giving and receiving is t-shirts made with our favourite photos. After our beloved Chuck passed away, one of Husband’s favourite gifts was a t-shirt that the girls made him for Father’s Day. It’s a lovely reminder of our boy and gives Husband the chance to proudly show off one of his favourite photos. Plus, we get to take our biy with us wherever we go, which is always a bonus.

Cushions

Last year, on my birthday, the girls had a photo cushion made for me with a picture of Burrito Baby’s face on it, and as well as giving me a good laugh when I opened up the wrapping, it’s something that brings me joy every day! I even snuggled up with it on the sofa a few weeks back when I was feeling poorly and it helped me to feel much better. What’s not to love about that?

Calendars

My in-laws live in the US, which means that we don’t get to see them as often as we’d like, and keeping them up to date with photos of the girls is really important. This year, we’re planning to take a photo of Sausage and BB every month and then make a photo calendar with an image of them on each page. It will make a lovely gift and you’ll be able to see how they change from month to month.

Personalised Cards

My Grandad lives in a care home, which means that the last two years have made it really tricky to see him. We try to make personalised cards for him for every occasion and it brightens his day so much to get pictures of Sausage and BB. In fact, because the cards are so lovely, my Mum usually buys a frame for each one when the occasion has passed and leaves them on his bedside table so that he can see their smiling faces every day!

Lily Blanche Locket Review

by on November 26, 2021, 0 comments

We’re huge fans of personalised gifts in our family – we’ve got everything from mugs to cushions to canvases with photos of our favourite memories on them. We take a lot of photos and using them to make gifts is a thoughtful way of sharing them. Just recently, a company called Lily Blanche got in touch and asked if I’d like to review their range of personalised jewellery, and with my Mum’s birthday coming up, I thought it would be an amazing gift for her.

The range of necklaces to choose from is stunning, with most available in gold, silver or rose gold, and a choice of chain length so that you can have it made to your exact specifications. I chose the Blue Topaz Vintage Heart Locket in silver and chose two recent photos of Sausage and BB for the inside.

I’ve had lockets in the past where you have to place the photos yourself, which is a HUGE pain – getting the images small enough and cutting them up can be so fiddly. However, the beauty of Lily Blanche is that you upload the photos digitally during the ordering process and they place the images directly into your locket.

As you can see, the outside of the locket is intricate and ornate and the quality is stunning. The images printed inside are great quality, too, especially considering they’re so small! Here’s a little bit of info from the website:

“This Blue Topaz Vintage Heart Locket necklace features a heart-shaped, faceted-cut, high grade blue topaz gemstone at its centre. This heart locket necklace opens to take two photographs or a little keepsake.

The Blue Topaz Vintage Heart Locket is inspired by a necklace from the jewellery box of my grandmother, the original Lily Blanche. The heart locket necklace features as its focal point a faceted-cut, blue topaz gemstone surrounded by a collar of marcasite. Blue topaz symbolises sweetness and affection. Blue Topaz is known as the stone for happiness. The heart locket necklace opens to take two photographs or a little keepsake and is one of our bestselling locket.”

Something that I was also really impressed with was the packaging that the necklace came in – the tissue paper which is used to surround the box inside the ribboned gift bag was infused with essential oils which smelled just like Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle! There#s also a velvet bag included for keeping your locket safe.

Lily Blanche gift box and bag

My Mum was absolutely thrilled with her gift and I loved seeing her face when she opened it and saw the girls looking back at her. I would highly recommend Lily Blanche’s personalised jewellery if you want to create a gift with real meaning, and with Christmas coming up, now is the perfect time to check them out.

Thanks so much to Lily Blanche for making my Mum’s birthday so special. We’ll definitely be back again!

Simple Ways To Help Your Children With Their Education

by on November 22, 2021, 0 comments

Starting school is never an easy experience for a child, as it’s a totally new environment with different people and rules that they have never had to follow previously. This can make it awfully tricky to settle in, which in turn can impact upon the quality of their general education, so it’s vital that you can take some responsibility as a parent by stepping in to offer a helping hand. Thankfully, assisting your children with their education doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might initially imagine, as there are just a few simple steps that you can make the most of that will have an almost immediate impact on their learning! So, if you’re interested in finding out more, then read on.

Simple Ways To Help Your Children With Their Education

Image Source – Pexels

Find The Most Suitable School

First and foremost, one of the most important steps that you need to follow if you want your children to have a positive learning experience is to find the most suitable school for their unique needs. There’s likely to be several different school options both in your local area and further afield, whether they’re public schools that don’t require payment or private schools that come with a term-by-term fee. Taking the time to visit and assess each of your options is essential, as you need to get a true feel for the place by looking at classrooms and speaking with teachers before you decide to send your child there. Bear in mind that your little one will spend a huge portion of their life at school, so it needs to be a positive environment that promotes great education and care. Lots of parents will also choose to leave reviews too, so you can take the opportunity to read through these to get a more honest look into the quality of the service and surroundings. Your child can’t choose their own school, but even if they could they would not know what to look for – it has to be you as a parent, so spend a little time looking around to make sure you can locate their ideal match.

Always Show An Interest

Picking your children up from school only to transport them home and sit them down in front of the television without doing so much as ask a single question is one of the worst decisions that you can make when attempting to support their education, as you need to make an effort to show an interest in their daily education if you want to be of benefit. Simply asking your children how their day at school has been is enough to encourage them to recap the events and lessons learnt, so this can be a brilliant way to ensure they remember what they’ve been taught by recalling it again to explain it to you. Additionally, showing an interest also proves to your children that learning is important, otherwise you would have no need to ask such questions – they need to be able to recognise that being able to access education is a real blessing that should never be taken for granted. A great way to show an interest in a productive way is by sitting down with them to go through any homework they might have been given to complete, as this way you can check up on their skills, offer help or guidance and make sure that they’re on the right track toward success.

Provide Them With The Best Equipment

Sending your child to school with nothing but a pencil to their name is another terrible decision to make, as your little ones need access to all of the best equipment if you want them to take their education seriously. It’s your responsibility to purchase the relevant materials that your children need to take to school, otherwise they will have to try and borrow from another student or teacher who may not have what they need. Being left out and unable to partake fully in a lesson can have a knock-on effect on your child’s education, leaving them feeling lost and without confidence while other children don’t have the same struggles. Invest in a pencil case that’s filled with both writing and coloured pencils, erasers, ball point pens and an array of mathematical equipment like rulers and a mini calculator – these are the basics that your little one will likely need at least once during an average school day. Teachers may also advise of extra equipment needs when specific activities or events are taking place, so be sure to source whatever you’re advised to buy if you want your children to have the best shot of reaching their full potential.

Recognise Their Struggle

If you notice that your child doesn’t seem to enjoy or understand their school work, then you need to recognise their struggle and step in so that you can offer some kind of resolution. Any problems to do with isolation or bullying need to be discussed with your child’s teacher, but learning related issues can be tackled at home! For example, learning that your little one doesn’t have the best confidence in their STEM subjects should trigger you to source some kind of maths and physics online tutoring, as this way they’ll be able to use s new approach to learn the lessons they previously struggled with. You can even take the opportunity to print off extra worksheets and encourage them to complete these at home, as practice makes perfect and they’ll be highly motivated to show you that they finally understand. If you’re finding it hard to see where they might need a little extra support then just think back to your own schooling experience – did you feel left behind in class? Did the teacher have enough time to give you the education you needed?

Utilising just a few of these easy ideas can help your children massively with their education, allowing them to make the most of each and every day in no time at all – school should never be taken for granted, so implement the steps described above to support your kids now.