Raising grateful kids: Tips for teaching your child to receive gifts with gratitude

kid delighted with a Christmas gift

It’s the holidays, and that means one thing: your child is going to be getting a lot of gifts.

From friends and family to teachers and coaches, your child is probably going to be feeling pretty spoiled by the time Christmas morning arrives.

Introducing your child to the idea of gratitude can be a challenge, but it’s worth the time. Below are a few tips for teaching your kid to receive gifts with gratitude.

Talk about and discuss gratitude

Talking about gratitude is a great way to start teaching how to be grateful.

Invite them to share things they’re grateful for, big or small. You can also ask them how they think showing gratitude can make someone’s day better. This will help get your child thinking about gratitude in a positive light.

Another way to help your little one express gratitude is to encourage them to say thank you. Teach them to say it not just when they receive a gift, but also when someone does something nice for them. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in someone’s day.

Get creative with thank-you cards

Another way to get your child into the habit of thanking people for gifts is to get creative with thank-you cards.

Why not have your kid create a card or letter that is handwritten and uniquely designed for the person who gave them the gift? This will show them that it’s always nice to put thought and effort into expressing their gratitude.

Not only will this help your child learn how to be more appreciative, but it will also teach them to hone their writing skills and help them develop their literary style. Plus, it’s a fun way to get creative and express themselves through words!

Establishing gifting traditions to encourage appreciation of gifts
child decorating cookies

Image Credits: unsplash.com

One tradition you might want to try is the gift of giving.

Have your child pick out a toy or game they’re no longer interested in and give it to a younger child who will be excited to receive it. This teaches them two things: first, that it feels good to give to others, and second, that not everything they own needs to be kept.

Another tradition you can try is the gift of service.

Have your child do something nice for someone else in your family or community. Maybe they could bake cookies for their grandparents, write a thank-you card to their teacher, or strike up a conversation with the elderly neighbor next door. This teaches kids that there are ways to serve others that don’t involve lots of money or things.

Setting a good example: modeling gracious gift-receiving behavior

When you receive a gift, whether it’s from your friend, spouse, or family member, take a moment to express your appreciation.

You can say something like:

  • “Thank you so much for this lovely sweater. I can’t wait to wear it.”
  • “I’ve been wanting this book for a while. Thank you for thinking of me.”

Your child will be watching your reaction and taking cues from you on how to respond when they receive gifts. So make sure you set a good example!

When it comes to raising grateful kids, start early and be consistent. Explain the concept of gratitude, and model it yourself. You can also suggest writing thank you cards, letting your child experience giving gifts, or encouraging them to volunteer. When you look back, it’s going to be one of the best investments you’ve made in your parenting journey.

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When your spouse prefers spending the money dining out: What do you do?

Korean food and side dishes

You’ve just come home from a long day of work, and you’re starving.

You head into the kitchen to prepare dinner, but your spouse has other plans. They would rather go out to eat and spend the money. What do you do?

You have a few options. You can either compromise and go out to eat together, or you can cook dinner yourself and let them fend for themselves. Or, read on.

Consider cooking together to make it fun

Cooking together can be an entertaining way to spend time with your spouse.

Not only do you get to cook a meal, but you also get to chat and spend time together.

Set aside time each week to do that. It doesn’t have to be a lot of time, but it should be enough so that you can focus on cooking and not feel rushed.

Analyzing the financial impact of dining out

Dining out can be expensive, especially if you’re eating at restaurants full-time.

By understanding the financial influence of this decision and sharing it with your spouse, you will be better prepared to make an informed choice that makes sense for everyone.

Take advantage of food delivery promotions
food delivery riders in Singapore

Image Credits: straitstimes.com.sg

If your spouse prefers to spend the money on convenience, take advantage of food delivery promotions instead.

This way, you can still enjoy a prepped meal without having to spend more. You might even be able to save some money.

Most food delivery services offer discounts for orders that are placed online. And if you order during off-peak hours, you can save even more. Plus, many food delivery services have loyalty programs that give you rewards for ordering from them often. So be sure to sign up for those.

Finding a compromise to keep both sides happy

Open up to the idea of compromise and try to come up with a plan that both of you are comfortable with. Perhaps you can allocate a certain amount of money each month that can be spent on dining out.

Or, maybe you can work out a plan where you cook at home more often and only go out to eat on special occasions. It’s good to understand each other’s values and spending habits so that you can find a midpoint that works for both of you.

Tips to have an enjoyable time eating out on a budget

Here are some tips:

  • If you want to save money, consider going to lunch or happy hour instead of dinner. Many restaurants offer great deals during these times.
  • When you do go out to eat, try splitting dishes with your spouse. This way, you can try more variety and save money at the same time.
  • Enjoy your time! Don’t be overly obsessed with how much money you are spending, but rather on quality time with your partner.

It can be challenging when your spouse prefers spending the money dining out over cooking at home. On the one hand, you may feel like you’re not getting your fair share of the budget when the other party spends more money on dining out than you would like. On the other hand, you may also feel like you’re not getting the healthy home-cooked meals you crave. No matter which side of the issue you’re on, have a conversation with your partner about how you feel. You may also want to consider compromises, such as cooking together or taking advantage of promotions. Ultimately, the most noteworthy thing is that both of you can come to a consensus about handling money when dining out.

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Reasons Why Couples Argue About Money

Money issues are some of the main reasons why people end up in divorce court. Money is a touching subject that plays a vital role in any household. If you have enough money, you will be able to meet your basic needs and have some measure of happiness.

There are many reasons why couples have trouble communicating about money. Here are some of them:

#1: DIVERSE MONEY EXPERIENCES

Some Singaporeans have opportunities to learn money management skills growing up; many did not. Money is tight for some, so as adults, people may take steps to avoid the consequences of not having enough money.

How money matters were discussed and handled in previous relationships will affect how people handle their money in their current relationship. Learning how to make wise choices is important.

#2: DISSIMILAR COMMUNICATION STYLES

There are different communication styles that people typically use. While some are passive, others are aggressive. Passive communicators avoid expressing their thoughts and feelings about money. They often feel resentful, anxious, or even hopeless. Aggressive communicators overly express themselves in a powerful manner. These people dominate money conversations.

Lastly, assertive communicators share their thoughts and feelings respectfully. These people know how to listen and reflect on what they are hearing from the other person. Aim for this type of communication style.

#3: DIFFERING MONEY VALUES

When it comes to finances, we tend to spend money on things we value. For instance, a person who values security spends his money on insurance. If someone values freedom, he may throw caution to the wind with their money and spend impulsively.

We decide what our values are through experience, which means they could change throughout our lives. Some factors that influence our values include our educational background, culture, age, gender, socio-economic conditions, marital status, and other expectations.

#4: NEED FOR CONTROL

If you are in a relationship where both people want to be the head of finances, problems can ensue. Different ideas of how control looks like affects how we see our financial futures. Some of us have more controlling personalities than others. However, what if both of you are controlling?

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#5: INCOMPATIBLE SPENDING HABITS

If she likes to eat out and you like to cook at home, the two of you do not see eye to eye about how to spend money on food. Discuss household responsibilities and learn how each other feels. Find a middle ground where you both compromise.

#6: COMPETING SAVING HABITS

A saver and a spender can have different dynamics at home. The saver needs to understand that the spender wants to live a comfortable life, while the spender needs to be more careful and realistic with money.

#7: DISPARITIES IN INCOME

It can be challenging to get along if one person earns substantially more than the other. One of the best solutions for this situation is to let each person pay for bills based on the percentage of total income they earn (per month).

Do not let these seven elements become obstacles that get in the way of your relationship. Create a schedule for regular money discussions.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Starting again: How to ease back into exercising post-pregnancy

woman holding a yoga pose with baby sleeping on her thighs

You’ve finally done it!

You’ve given birth to the most beautiful baby in the world. But now the hard part begins: getting your body back into shape.

Below are a few tips on easing back into exercising post-pregnancy. Just take it one step at a time, and before you know it, you will be back to your old self slowly but surely.

Start slowly and stay safe

You’ve probably been told this a million times, but it’s worth repeating: take it slow when you start exercising again.

Muscles and joints that have been inactive for nine months don’t just snap back into shape overnight. In fact, you could do more harm than good if you try to do too much, too soon.

Incorporate core exercises

Incorporating some core exercises will help you regain your strength and stability, both of which are essential when it comes to working out.

You can do a variety of core exercises, including pilates and crunches. Just make sure you take things slowly at first and listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, stop immediately and talk to your doctor.

Don’t push yourself too hard, or too fast
female walking while pushing a pram

Image Credits: parents.com

Yes, you’re probably eager to get back into your pre-pregnancy exercise routine, but don’t forget that your body has just gone through a lot. You need time to heal and adjust.

That’s why professionals recommend starting with low-impact exercises and gradually adding more strenuous activities as your body gets stronger. Swimming, walking, and biking are good for a start. As you get stronger, you can add in other activities.

And remember, this is a process. You’re not going to be able to do everything right away. Give yourself time to ease back in and don’t be too hard on yourself.

Follow an appropriate diet and exercise plan

Now, if you want to get your body back in shape, you need to make sure that you’re following an appropriate diet and exercise plan.

Balanced diets are key to getting all the vitamins that your body needs for recovery. Eating healthy, nutrient-packed meals will help fuel your workouts and build muscle mass.

When it comes to long-term exercise, set reasonable goals for yourself and focus on progress instead of perfection. It’s also important that you give your body time to rest and recover after each workout session.

Take advantage of this time by stretching, doing gentle yoga, or meditating—all great ways to lower cortisol levels in the body while promoting self-care and relaxation too!

Focus on strengthening your pelvic floor muscles

Strengthening your pelvic floor is essential for any postpartum exercise routine.

Because your pelvic floor is the support system for vital organs, make sure it has the strength and stability needed to support you in everyday life.

Pelvic floor exercises are relatively easy and can be done anytime, anywhere—no equipment necessary! They typically involve lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground, gently engaging your pelvic muscles as if you were trying to stop the flow of urine.

Strengthening those muscles through targeted exercises and general workouts can help restore a sense of control over your body after pregnancy and childbirth.

Facilitating yourself back into a workout routine post-pregnancy can be daunting, but it’s doable with the right approach. Remember to listen to your body, take things slow, and focus on rebuilding your strength and energy. And most particularly, don’t be too hard on yourself—consistency wins.

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10 Challenges of Modern Dating Faced By Singles in Singapore Today

If you don’t know the risks and unspoken rules, the Singapore dating scene can be incredibly frustrating. One minute, you think you may have found a partner you can be in a long-term relationship with, and the next, you discover that your date doesn’t really live up to your expectations.

Below are just some of the most common challenges singles in Singapore face when they dip their toes into the dating pool.

1.) Love Scams

Love scams are nothing new. Unfortunately, modern technology has given scammers an easy way to increase their chances of snagging unsuspecting victims. As awful as it sounds, Singaporean singles are often easy prey, thanks to a cultural backdrop that makes many of them less suspicious of other people.

In one of the more common crimes to actually happen in Singapore, local singles are groomed over social media and dodgy dating apps, setting them up for a classic investment scam once they have fallen into the perpetrator’s emotional thrall. Keeping a healthy level of scepticism and choosing vetted dates through trusted dating apps and matchmaking services will make singles far less vulnerable to these criminals. If you yourself are ready to play the field but don’t want to expose yourself to unnecessary risks, make sure you use a reliable dating service and dating app Singapore singles trust.

2.) Interacting in Clubs

Not everyone likes clubs, but a lot of singles who don’t like them still feel pressured to go because they’re where everyone else goes on a date. Thankfully, Singaporeans do have a lot of alternative options for dates that go beyond clubs and the classic dinner and a movie.

If you hate clubs, be sure to talk things over with your potential date. Choosing a trustworthy app that’s also a complete dating service will also help you avoid the kinds of date venues and situations that you dread.

3.) Ghosting

There are many competing theories as to why ghosting has become extremely common in the Singapore dating scene. As inevitable as it is, this kind of avoidant behaviour is especially annoying when you’ve been strung along and need a serious emotional connection. Again, using a trusted dating app or matchmaker can reduce the odds that you’ll waste time on someone who’ll just take you for a ride.

4.) Busy Lifestyles

A lot of locals simply do not have the time to go dating. Singaporeans are quite often stuck at work leaving them little time for themselves, let alone other people. This makes it difficult for many to commit to dates and other personal activities.

There are no easy answers that will solve this issue for everyone. However, refining your strategy for a work-life balance may help you gain the few hours a week you’ll need to start playing the field. You could also choose a dating app that’s especially designed for busy local lifestyles.

5.) Cat and Mouse Games

Some people on the dating scene enjoy the rush of having someone hang on to their every word. These folks are not necessarily narcissists. With little time to spend outside of work, stringing people along can be appealing for some overworked or emotionally troubled individuals as a way to feel good about themselves.

In any case, using a better dating app that caters to more serious singles can help you avoid having to play these games. In particular, make sure to choose one that offers a professional matchmaking service to take away the hassle of finding a serious match.

6.) Untrustworthy Dating App Profiles

With some kind of a barrier to verifying identities, it’s impossible to ensure that you won’t get catfished or played for a fool on most dating apps. If you’re going to use less exclusive apps, you’ll have to develop a realistic appreciation of the kinds of risks you face.

7.) Materialistic Attitudes

Generally speaking, many Singaporeans have a materialistic streak. This is not always a bad thing, as material culture has been instrumental in much of the country’s success.

However, it’s often a problem when singles are looking for financial stability rather than emotional connections. If you’re not rich, you will be far more disadvantaged in the local dating scene than you would otherwise be in other cultures, particularly if you are male. This is generally true of most cultures, but is often at a different level in Singapore.

8.) Too Many Bad Matches to Sort Through

Dating app fatigue is a real phenomenon. Women, especially, tend to have more potential matches on dating apps than they can give time to. This can make the dating experience more frustrating and anxiety-inducing than it would be, otherwise.

You can minimise the odds of dating app fatigue by choosing a more exclusive dating or matchmaking app. While you’ll probably get fewer hits, you will generally have better-quality interactions, making the dating experience as fun as it is convenient.

9.) Cultural Issues

As modern as Singapore is, many of the shared values locals hold are quite ancient. Overt emotional assertiveness is not something local singles can or should expect from the usual dating experience. Also, many Singaporeans avoid dating people from different cultural backgrounds despite generally being OK to work with or do business with anyone. These cultural issues add another layer of complexity to the usual SG dating experience.

Again, using a better app or going with a trusted matchmaker will help you avoid these thorny issues. Going this route will essentially let you “presort” your dates, avoiding awkwardness and saving everyone loads of time.

10.) Commitment Issues

This is not a problem unique to Singapore. Rather, this is a common feature of dating in many modern cultures. In the old days, most people had little choice in who they married, let alone dated. These days, we’re all presented with a multitude of choices, and most singles would probably be equally happy with many of them.

To avoid being in the wrong, make sure that you communicate your intentions with your dates as openly as possible. Be honest with yourself about what you need so you don’t let things go on for longer than they should.

Dating can be a fun experience at any age, even in Singapore. So long as you understand the risks, dating in Singapore can be one of the most fun and interesting experiences you’ll ever have. To bring down these risks even further, make sure you use a properly localised dating app that’s designed for the Singaporean dating scene.

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