Celeste Elle, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

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

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

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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.

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

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

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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.

How to build trust with your suppliers: A step-by-step guide

When you’re starting a business, one of the most important relationships you will build is with your suppliers.

After all, they’re the ones who will help you get your products to market. But how do you go about building trust with them?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Establishing a relationship

Suppliers are more likely to trust you if they feel like you’re a company they can do business with long-term. If you can establish a good relationship with them, it will be easier to get the supplies you need in the long run.

Learning your supplier’s T&Cs

Before you even start negotiations, take the time to learn your supplier’s T&Cs.

This document will outline everything from delivery timelines to payment terms, and returns. You must be both on the same page before things get too far along.

By understanding your supplier’s business model, you will be able to better manage your expectations and negotiate. For example, if a supplier is used to dealing with larger businesses, they may not be willing to offer the same terms and conditions to a smaller business. Or, if a supplier is used to longer delivery timelines, you will need to be patient.

Communicating clearly with your supplier(s)

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Communication is key. After all, you can’t establish a trusting relationship if you’re not clear about what you need and expect from them.

Here are a few tips for communicating effectively with your suppliers:

Set expectations early on, and make sure both parties are clear about what’s required. This will help to reduce any guesswork on either side.
Establish a communication plan, and make sure to speak regularly. This will help keep the lines of communication open and will help ensure that both parties are always up-to-date on the latest developments.
Articulate openly and honestly, and be prepared to listen to your supplier’s feedback. This will help foster a trusting relationship in which both parties feel comfortable sharing information and working together for the benefit of everyone.

Effective use of data to optimize your supply chain

If you want to optimize your supply chain, you need to make sure that your data is in good shape. This means having a system in place to track your supplier relationships, so you can see what’s working and what’s not.

There are a few different ways you can use data to optimize your supply chain:

Find new suppliers who might be a better fit for your needs.
Negotiate better terms with your suppliers, based on their performance.
Track the performance of your current suppliers, so you can see which ones are meeting your expectations and which ones are falling short.

When it comes to building trust with your suppliers, there are a few key things to keep in mind. By following the abovementioned simple steps, you can develop a strong relationship with your suppliers and ensure that you’re getting the best possible products and services to keep your business up and running.

A smooth trip ahead: How to keep the peace when traveling with a new friend

Traveling with a new friend can be a great experience, but it can also be daunting.

How do you avoid conflicts from arising? How do you make sure that you both have a good time?

Below are some tips to help make your next trip with a new friend a success.

Practicing compromise

You’re both there to enjoy yourselves, what’s the point if you’re constantly butting heads?

Resolving conflicts is all about remaining calm on the issue at hand. Take a step back, and try to figure out why the conflict is happening in the first place. Is one person trying to take over? Are you not agreeing on what to do or where to go?

Once you’ve identified the source of the conflict, it’s time to compromise. Maybe it means one person gets to decide on dinner and the other picks the movie. Or maybe you take turns choosing activities each day. The possibilities are endless, but the goal is always the same: to consider the needs of both.

Respecting personal space

Everyone travels differently and has different comfort levels.

While you may be excited to explore every inch of the city, your new friend might prefer to take things a little slower.

Respect their comfort levels and don’t try to push them outside of their comfort zone. If they’re not interested in going out to a club, don’t get mad—just find something else to do.

Pay attention to their expressions and body language. If they’re not keen on talking, give them some space. If they’re looking uncomfortable, back off. Be considerate of each other’s feelings. If someone is tired or doesn’t feel well, be understanding and allow them to rest.

Keeping the conversation going

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Before your trip, agree on boundaries. What are your expectations? How much downtime do you want? What are your triggers?

This way, there are no surprises once you’re on the road. And, if a conflict does arise, you would have already talked about it and be able to think before you speak.

Remember: long-haul travel is already tiresome enough—you don’t need added tension from a fight with your travel buddy.

Dividing planning tasks for the trip

Divvy up the tasks so that everyone has a chance to contribute and feel like they’re a part of the planning process.

If you’re the one who’s been tasked with finding accommodation, for example, you can look for hotels or Airbnbs that are centrally located and close to public transportation.

If your travel buddy is in charge of finding activities, they can look for things that would be of interest to both of you and make sure there’s the right mix of activities planned for each day.

And if you’re both struggling to agree on what to do, there are always compromise options like using a travel app that allows you to plan out your days together step-by-step.

By doing this, you can each add in the activities that are most important to you and make sure everyone is happy with the final itinerary.

Communicating priorities and expectations

Lastly, reduce the chances of conflict by communicating your expectations and priorities before you even start packing your bags.

If you like to be on the go from sunrise to sunset, but your travel buddy prefers a more relaxed pace, it’s better to know that upfront.

The same goes for other essential details like how much you’re comfortable spending on activities or where you like to stay (budget hotel or five-star resort?).

It’s also important to respect each other’s communication styles. Some people are perfectly happy planning every minute of the trip, while others prefer to go with the flow.

If you’re a planner and your friend is more laid-back, try to find a middle ground that works for both of you. Maybe you can plot the big-picture stuff and leave room for spontaneity when it comes to the day-to-day details.

When traveling with a new friend, the best way to avoid any potential conflict is to communicate openly and honestly. Let your new friend know what your travel plans and expectations are, and be willing to compromise when necessary. By establishing some ground rules and communicating effectively, you can avoid any potential problems and have a smooth and enjoyable trip to come.

Get hired now: Writing an outstanding cover letter to grab a hiring manager’s attention

You’ve polished your resume and you’re ready to apply for your dream job. But there’s one more critical piece of the puzzle: the cover letter.

An outstanding cover letter can make all the difference in helping you stand out from the competition and land an interview. It’s your opportunity to show off your skills, share your passion for the job, and explain why you’re the perfect person for the position.

So how do you write a cover letter that will get hiring managers’ attention? Check out our tips below.

Research the company and tailor your message

Your cover letter should start with a strong opening statement that explains why you want the job and what you bring to the table.

Be sure to mention the job title and where you found the position. And most importantly, personalize the letter. This shows that you’ve taken the time to learn about the company and that you’re truly interested in the opportunity.

Include some of your personality

When it comes to writing your cover letter, think about including some of your personality.

After all, this is your opportunity to introduce yourself and show the hiring manager that you will be a great addition to the team. How do you do that? Do it through a story or two from your career that demonstrates your skills.

For example, if you’re applying for a customer service position, talk about a time when you went above and beyond to help a customer. Or, if you’re hoping to work in marketing, share the lessons you’ve learned from a successful campaign you spearheaded.

By allowing your personality to shine through stories like these, you will help the hiring manager see that you don’t just have the skills and experience they’re looking for, you’re more than that. And that’s always a good way to start a conversation.

Understand who you’re writing to

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Bear in mind who you’re writing to. After all, you want to make sure that your letter is tailored to the person who will be reading it.

Ideally, you should address your cover letter to the hiring manager by name. If you can’t find the name of the hiring manager, search through LinkedIn. If all else fails, use “Dear Hiring Manager” as a last resort.

Keep it concise and relevant

Focus on the qualifications and experiences that relate to the job you’re applying for.

The hiring manager will appreciate it if you can communicate concisely, in four paragraphs or fewer, why your skills make you a great candidate for the role.

You don’t need to go into all of your experience, just a few relevant points, and remember: focus on the job description requirements. Any non-relevant information should be left out as it will only add clutter and confusion to your letter.

How to end your cover letter

Now that you have the main body of your cover letter sorted out, it’s time to start thinking about how to artfully conclude it.

To make a lasting impression, you should always express a bit of your passion and confidence. Everyone wants a motivated employee, so why not let them know that’s exactly who they’re getting?

When wrapping up your cover letter, show appreciation for the reader’s consideration (and time) while also taking a gentle interest in the next steps. For instance, you can close by saying something like:

“Thank you for your valuable time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you regarding the next steps in this process.”

By crafting a confident yet courteous conclusion to your cover letter, you can make an even bigger impact on hiring managers and increase your chances of landing a job interview.

In summary, a well-written cover letter can make a big difference in whether or not you get hired. Follow these tips to write an outstanding cover letter that will grab a hiring manager’s attention and help you land the job you want.