Celeste Elle, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Why being strict with your teenager may make them more rebellious

As your child reaches their teenage years, one of the most crucial things you can do is find the right balance between being strict and being too lenient.

It’s a common conception that being stricter will make them more obedient, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, it’s possible that being too strict can make them more rebellious. So, what’s the right way to handle teenage rebellion?

Stay on this page for some tips.

The teenage brain is wired for rebellion

So you’re thinking about being stricter with your teenager? Well, you’re not alone. A lot of parents feel like they need to be more stringent to keep their kids in line.

But here’s the thing: the teenage brain is wired for rebellion. It’s during these years that kids are trying to figure out who they are, and they’re naturally going to push against the boundaries that you set for them.

So what can you do? Well, first of all, be consistent. You can’t be stern one day and then let your kid do whatever they want the next day. And you also need to be willing to listen and have a conversation with them. Strictness may get you short-term results, but in the long run, it’s going to be a lot harder to rebuild that trust once it’s been broken.

Teens who feel they have no say are more likely to rebel

parents arguing with their teen daughter

Image Credits: blog.heartmanity.com

If you feel like you’re constantly at war with your teenager, it may be because you’re being too rigid. Believe it or not, this can make them more rebellious.

Teens who feel like they have no say in what goes on in their lives are the ones who are most likely to rebel. So if you want to avoid all the drama, try negotiating with them instead of issuing orders.

It’s not easy, but it’s worth a try. The key is to find a compromise that everyone can live with. You may not always get what you want, but at least your teenager will feel like they’re being heard. And that’s a good start.

Avoid rebellion by building an open and honest relationship with your teenager

This means taking an interest in their lives, talking to them about the things that are important to them, and listening to what they have to say. It also means setting boundaries and rules that they need to follow and making sure that they are held accountable.

When they know that you’re there for them and that you’re not going to put up with any nonsense, they’re less likely to rebel against your rules. So try not to stress too much about it—just be patient and keep on communicating with them, and you will eventually find common ground.

You might be wondering if it’s true that being stricter with your teenager will make them more rebellious. The answer, unfortunately, is yes. Teenagers naturally push the boundaries and test their parents’ limits. When you respond to their behavior with anger and punishment, it only makes them want to rebel more. Try to stay calm and consistent when interacting with your teenager, and find ways to compromise that work for both of you. This will help avoid unnecessary conflict and help them feel more secure in their relationship with you.

The dos and don’ts of making remote freelancing work for you

You’re considering dabbling in remote freelancing to make a few extra bucks on the side. That’s great! But before you get started, there are a few things you need to know.

In this post, we will share the dos and don’ts of making remote freelancing work for you. So whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned pro, read on for tips and advice that will help you succeed.

Do your research

Figure out what companies are hiring remote freelancers and what types of work they’re looking for. Then tailor your resume and portfolio to match their needs.

Next, take the time to create a good work routine. Make sure you have a dedicated workspace where you can concentrate without distractions, and schedule your work hours so that you’re not working all day and night.

And, be patient. It may take a while to find the right fit, but if you keep at it and put in the effort, eventually you will find a company that’s a good match for your skills and personality.

Do give yourself breaks

When you’re working remotely, it’s easy to let yourself get absorbed in your work and spend hours at a time without taking a break. But this isn’t good for your mental health or your productivity.

Make sure you set some time aside each day to take a break and do something other than work. This can be anything from taking a walk around the block to catching up on some lifestyle updates from your favorite content creators. The key is to give yourself a chance to step away from your work and recharge.

Don’t try to do too much at once

man stressed while working on his laptop

Image Credits: smallbusinessbonfire.com

When you’re starting, take things slow and steady. You need to focus on building a solid foundation and creating a workflow that works for you. Trying to do too much at once will only lead to chaos and frustration. So take it one step at a time and don’t overextend yourself. Build your remote business slowly and strategically, and you will be more likely to succeed in the long run.

Make sure you have a fast and stable internet connection

You need to ensure that you have a fast and stable internet connection so that your work doesn’t get interrupted and you don’t lose any time.

If your internet connection is constantly going down or slowing down, it’s going to be hard to make a success of remote freelancing. So take the time to test out your internet connection and make sure that it’s up to the task. If it’s not, then maybe it’s time to invest in a new router or broadband package.

Don’t be afraid to name a high price if you have the skills to back it up

Remember, you’re providing a service that has real value, and you should be compensated accordingly. Sure, there will be people who are trying to undercut you but don’t let them get to you.

Stand firm in your rates, and be prepared to explain why you’re worth what you’re asking for. Quote past projects as examples, or list the qualifications that make you the best person for the job.

In the end, it’s up to the client to decide if they’re willing to pay your price. But if you can back up your skills and value with a strong argument, they’re more likely to be willing to cough up the cash.

Remote freelancing can be a great way to make some extra money, but it’s wise to set up some ground rules for yourself before you get started. As mentioned earlier, do create a schedule and stick to it. Set aside time each day for working and time for other activities. Never overwork yourself or take on more work than you can handle. You deserve a break when it’s due so don’t fall into the trap of working all the time.

How to train yourself to become a more people person

You might not be the life of the party, but that doesn’t mean you can’t become more people-oriented. It’s all about acquainting yourself to become more social.

We know it’s not easy if you’re not used to it, but with a little effort, you can become more extroverted and learn to enjoy socializing. Here are a few tips to help get you started.

Be okay with feeling awkward

When you’re first starting, know that it’s okay to feel awkward. It’s typical to feel a little uncomfortable when you’re trying something new.

Just think about it this way: the more you practice, the more comfortable you will become. And the more comfortable you become, the easier it will be to connect with people. So don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Step out of your comfort zone and go for it.

Learn how to make small talk

Small talk is the bread and butter of socializing. It’s a way to initiate conversations without getting too deep. And it can be manageable if you know the right techniques.

First, find a common ground. You can talk about the weather, current events, or something as simple as the food you’re eating. Just find something to connect on. Second, ask open-ended questions. This will keep the exchange going and help you learn more about the other person.

Third, use body language to show that you’re interested in what the other person is saying. Nod your head, smile, and make eye contact.

Work on your body language

woman paying attention to her colleague speaking

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When it comes to body language, there are a few things you can do to make yourself more people-oriented. For starters, try leaning in when you’re talking to someone. This shows that you’re interested in what they’re saying.

Also, make sure to keep your arms uncrossed. This will make you look inviting and friendly. And lastly, try to smile as often as possible. A warm smile is the best way to show someone that you’re happy to be talking to them.

Be a good listener

When it comes to socializing, one of the most important things you can do is listen. So many people are so focused on what they’re going to say next that they don’t hear what the other person is saying. As a result, they miss out on all sorts of valuable information.

But being a good listener is hard—it takes practice and patience. It’s not something that comes naturally to everyone. And that’s okay. Just remember that it’s a skill that can be learned, and the more you rehearse, the better you will get.

So how do you go about becoming a better listener? First, try to be present in the conversation. Focus on the other person, and make eye contact. Listen to what they’re saying, and pay attention to their body language. Paraphrase what they’ve said to make sure you understand them correctly. And, don’t interrupt! Let them finish their thought before you speak.

Be more assertive

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You might find that you’re not very good at socializing, and that’s okay. Introverts often struggle with this. But it’s necessary to recognize that this aspect of your personality is just a trait, and it can be changed with proper conditioning.

So how can you familiarize yourself to become more people-oriented? First, start by being more assertive. When you’re proactive, you’re sending the signal that you’re a confident person who’s not afraid to take charge. This is something that will make people respect you and want to listen to what you have to say.

One way to become more assertive is to become more vocal. Speak up in meetings, and don’t be afraid to share your opinion. You can also practice roleplaying with a friend or family member. Pretend that you’re giving a presentation or leading a meeting, and then ask for their feedback.

If you want to be a more people person, start by accepting that you are an introvert and that it’s okay. Begin by attending events that interest you and don’t be afraid to articulate your thoughts. When you feel more comfortable, branch out and attend events with new people. Be yourself and let go of the idea that you need to be someone you’re not. Eventually, you will find that being around people is easy and natural for you.

How to mentally prep for impromptu 1-on-1 meetings with your manager

Did your boss just text you to schedule a last-minute 1-on-1 meeting?

Don’t panic! This can be a great opportunity to discuss things candidly and build a stronger working relationship with your manager. But, it’s important to mentally prep for such meetings so you make the most of the time you have.

In this post, we will share some tips on how to organize yourself for an impromptu 1-on-1 meeting with your manager.

It’s normal to feel nervous before a 1-on-1 meeting

It’s normal to feel anxious but there’s no need to fear. The best way to approach it is to go in with an open mind and be prepared to listen. Your manager is probably going to have some feedback for you, so be sure to pay close attention and take notes.

Understand the purpose of the meeting

Is your manager just checking in with you? Is he or she giving you feedback? Is this a more formal meeting to discuss your goals and progress? Once you know the purpose of the meeting, you can start mentally prepping for it.

If it’s a check-in, for example, then you might want to review your recent work and prepare some talking points. If it’s a feedback meeting, then you will want to make sure that you have specific examples of times when you went above and beyond or made a mistake.

No matter what the purpose of the meeting is, always be ready to talk about your work and what you’ve been up to. And most importantly, stay calm.

Be aware of your body language

a man crossing arms during a meeting with his female colleague

Image Credits: betterup.com

Remember, your boss is going to be reading your nonverbal cues to get a sense of how you’re feeling. So if you walk in with your shoulders slumped and your head down, they’re going to think that you’re not confident in what they have to say.

On the other hand, if you walk in with a smile on your face and your head held high, they will know that you’re ready to have a productive conversation. So make sure to put your best foot forward and show them that you’re open to whatever they are about to throw at you.

Come prepared with questions

Coming prepared with questions is one of the most satisfactory ways to make the most out of any meeting, whether it’s planned or impromptu.

When you have questions ready, it shows your manager that you’re taking the meeting seriously and that you’re interested in having a dialogue. It also allows you to learn more about any new company developments and your role within them.

Plus, if there are any issues or concerns you would like to discuss, having questions ready will help make sure that those are covered during the meeting. So, make sure to come ready with queries for your next 1-on-1 meeting with your manager!

You’ve been called into a meeting with your manager, and you have no idea what it’s about. Don’t worry. Relax and take some deep breaths—you want to appear confident, even if you’re feeling anything but that. And most notably, don’t forget to listen. One of the smartest ways to make the most of a 1-on-1 meeting is by actively listening. You can always follow up with your manager after the meeting to clarify any unclear points if necessary.

How to make the most of your preschool tour

You’ve probably already started touring preschools, but if you haven’t, you should be getting started soon! It’s a process that can seem daunting, but it’s crucial to do your research and find the right school for your child.

In this post, we will talk about some things you should look out for when touring a preschool. Keep in mind that every school is different, so these points may not apply to every scenario. But they will give you a general idea of what to expect and what to ask.

Questions to ask the staff

Here are some quick questions to ask the staff:

Is there a meal plan?
What are the term fees?
Is there a sibling discount?
Is transportation provided?
What are the school’s hours?
How many children are in each class?
What is the school’s policy on discipline?
What is the teacher’s educational background?

How to prepare for your tour

When you go on a preschool tour, you want to be prepared. Here are a few tips:

Do your research in advance. Make a list of the schools you’re interested in, and read up on their programs.
Be prepared to ask questions. The staff should be happy to answer them, and this is your chance to get a feel of the school.
Pay attention to your gut feeling. If something about the school doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and move on.

What to look for while you’re there

Image Credits: kiddiwinkie.edu.sg

First of all, take a look at the condition of the facility. Is it clean and well-maintained? Are the children engaged in activities or are their eyes just glued to the projector?

Next, talk to the teachers. Ask them what their teaching philosophy is and how they approach to discipline. Are they nurturing and supportive, or are they serious about teaching values?

Finally, take some time to observe the children. Are they happy and engaged, or are they fidgety and bored? Do they seem to be interacting with their peers and teachers, or are they sitting by themselves?

It’s necessary to find answers to these questions so you can make an informed decision about which preschool is right for your child.

Request to visit during curriculum time

When you go on a preschool tour, be sure to request to visit during curriculum time. This is when you will get to see the teachers in action and get a sense of how the school works.

You will also want to check on the teacher-student ratio. The lower the better, as this will mean that your child will get more individual attention. And don’t forget to ask about the school’s philosophy—you want to make sure that it matches up with your values.

Schedule a follow-up visit to speak to your child’s teachers

After you’ve seen the classrooms and the playground, be sure to schedule a follow-up visit to speak to your child’s future teachers.

This is your chance to ask them more about their pedagogy ideology and get a sense of what it would be like to have your child in their class. Most schools will be happy to oblige and set up a time for you to come back. Be sure to ask about this when you’re making your appointment.

You’re about to take one of the most significant steps in your child’s life: finding the right preschool. First, make a list of what’s vital to you and your family. Maybe you need a preschool that offers a specific curriculum, or perhaps you’re looking for a particular religious affiliation. Once you know what’s noteworthy, it’s time to start touring schools. Be sure to ask plenty of questions and get a sense of the school’s vibe. Finally, trust your gut. If something about a school doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t the right place for your child. Lean on your instincts and you will find the ideal place for your little one.