Parent-child communication: Why it matters and how to do it right

by  in Marriage & Family
0 Comments

father and children communicating over breakfast

When it comes to family communication, there’s no relationship more substantial than the one between parents and their children.

Good communication helps kids feel loved and supported, while poor communication can damage the relationship and have long-term consequences.

But how do you talk to your child so they will listen? Let’s explore some essential aspects of parent-child communication and provide tips to make it work.

The importance of effective communication with your child

When it comes to parenting, communication is key. You need to be able to talk to your child in a way that they will understand, and you also need to be able to listen to them.

It’s not always easy to do this, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. But it’s wise to make the effort because a strong communication bond is a foundation for a healthy relationship with your child.

Avoid lectures

Lectures make kids feel like they’re being scolded, which will not help you connect with them. What you want to do is engage them in a conversation. Ask them questions about what they’re thinking and feeling. Let them know that you’re interested in their thoughts and feelings and that you want to understand the specific actions behind their behaviors.

Listen to your child
a mum lecturing her child

Image Credits: cnbc.com

Don’t just wait for your turn to talk, or try to jump in with solutions to their problems. Let them share their thoughts and feelings, and give them your undivided attention.

When kids feel like they’re being listened to, they’re more likely to listen to you in return. So take the time to talk to your child, and don’t just preach the moment your eyes meet. It will make a world of difference in your relationship.

This is a skill that takes time and practice to master, but it’s worth the effort. When you show your child that you’re interested in what they have to say, they will be more likely to open up to you and trust you with their innermost thoughts and feelings.

Find common ground

So how do you find that common ground? It can be something as simple as sharing a hobby or interest you have in common. Or it can be something you talk about regularly, like school or sports.

No matter what, it’s necessary to find something you can agree on and discuss. That way, you can build a strong foundation for your relationship and trust will start to develop. Plus, it just makes conversations a lot more enjoyable when you have something to discuss that you’re both immersed in.

Use questions to encourage talking

Ask open-ended questions that can’t be answered with a simple yes or no. For example, “What do you think about that?” or “How do you feel about that?” By getting your child to talk, you’re showing them that you’re keen on their opinions. And that’s the first step in creating a two-way connection.

Talking to your child is one of the most fundamental things you can help them learn to express themselves and build relationships. We have discussed why communication is so crucial, and have given you some tips on how to talk to your child so they will listen. Make sure to have regular chatters with your child, and don’t be afraid to ask them questions about their day. Listen attentively when they talk to you and give them your undivided attention. Showing that you care about what they have to say is one of the most pleasing things you can do as a parent.

Read More...

How to take a mental break from work without feeling guilty

by  in Career and Enterprising
0 Comments

a man taking a break from work drinking coffee

You’re feeling burnt out from work and you need a break. But you feel guilty because you think you should be working harder.

Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. And it’s perfectly okay to take a mental break from work, as long as you do it the right way.

In this post, we will show you how to take a mental break from work without feeling guilty. We will also provide some tips for making sure you’re productive when you return.

Define what a mental break is

Before you can take a mental break, you need to first define what that means for you.

Is it stepping away from your computer to take a walk around the office building? Is it spending time with your loved ones? Is it catching up on some sleep?

Figuring out what relaxes and rejuvenates you is key to creating a successful mental break. Once you know what that is, carve out some time each day—or week—to do just that. And, don’t feel guilty about it!

Create a plan for your mental break
a person writing on white paper

Image Credits: unsplash.com

It can be tough to take a mental break from work when you’re feeling swamped with work. After all, you might feel like you’re just slacking off if you’re not working. But the truth is, your brain needs time to rest and recharge to be productive.

So how can you take a mental break from work without feeling guilty? First, create a plan. Decide when and how long you’re going to take your break. Then, let your boss know your plans. They may be more understanding than you think, especially if they can see that you’re struggling.

Finally, make sure to unplug while you’re on your break. Turn off your phone and laptop, and find something that relaxes you—whether it’s gaming, taking a walk, or spending time learning something new.

Determine how long your mental break should be

How long should your mental break be? That’s totally up to you. Some people might need just 10 minutes to clear their heads, while others might want to take a full day or even a weekend to reboot.

Ideally, you should use your break as an opportunity to recharge. Catch up on some sleep, read a book, take a walk outside, or just relax and watch some Netflix. Anything that will help you rejuvenate and re-energize.

Be honest with yourself. If you’re not feeling mentally or emotionally refreshed after your break, you’re not taking enough time off. And that’s alright—just be sure to adjust your break time accordingly the next time around.

The last thing you want to do is feel guilty for taking a break. You need it, so don’t let anyone mislead you into thinking otherwise. And if your boss gives you a hard time about it, share with them that you’re more productive when you’re well-rested. It’s only human to feel overwhelmed and overworked. So go ahead and recharge yourself and come back feeling better. Happy mental break-taking!

Read More...

Franchising 101: The basics you need to know before you buy

by  in Business Solutions, Career and Enterprising
0 Comments

KOI bubble tea shop

So you’re thinking about purchasing a franchise? That’s a big decision, and it’s crucial to do your research before you commit.

In this post, we will go over the basics of franchising and answer some common questions about franchising. If you’re considering buying a franchise, this post will give you a good starting point.

What is a franchise?

In short, it’s a business model where you license the use of an established brand and system to sell products or services.

The key benefit of franchising is that you’re not starting from scratch. You’re leveraging the strength of a pre-existing brand and system, which can give you a huge head start in terms of getting your business up and running.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to franchising. For one, it can be pretty expensive to buy into a franchise. You also need to be comfortable with following someone else’s system, which might not be a good fit for everyone.

How do you buy a franchise?

You’re probably wondering how to buy a franchise. It’s not a tricky process, but there are a few things you need to know before you get started.

The first step is to do your research. Make sure you understand what’s involved in owning a franchise, and be sure to read the fine print. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to start negotiating.

This can be tricky, especially if you’re dealing with a large company. But don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Finally, once you’ve reached an agreement, it’s time to sign on the dotted line and get started!

How much does a franchise cost?
7-Eleven

Image Credits: todayonline.com

When you buy a franchise, you’re buying into a proven business model. You’re getting support from the parent company, and you’re tapping into that company’s expertise.

But before you make any decisions, it’s wise to know how much a franchise costs. The average cost starts from $30,000, and some franchises cost much more than that. And remember, this is just the initial investment—you will also need to factor in ongoing costs like marketing and royalties.

Do your research and talk to other franchisees to get a sense of what you can expect. Buying a franchise is a major commitment, but it can be a very rewarding experience.

What are the different types of franchises?

There are three main types of franchises: product, business format, and area development.

With a product franchise, you’re selling a product that’s already been created and tested. With a business format franchise, you’re licensing the use of an existing business model. And with an area development franchise, you’re granted exclusive rights to develop a certain area.

It’s good to understand which type of franchise is right for you because each type comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. So do your homework and make sure you choose the franchise that’s best suited for your goals and lifestyle.

What are the benefits of owning a franchise?

As we’ve mentioned earlier, when you buy a franchise, you’re buying into a proven system. You’re getting a business model that’s been tested and is known to work.

What’s more, you’re getting the support of the franchisor. That means you’re not starting from scratch; you’re tapping into the knowledge and experience of the people who have been where you are and have done what you want to do.

And finally, there are the benefits that come with being part of a larger organization. You get access to purchasing power, marketing resources, and training and development opportunities that would be out of reach if you were on your own.

Franchising has become one of the most popular ways to own a business, and for good reasons. But before you take the plunge, it’s necessary to know what you’re getting into. This article has given you the basics you need to know about franchising and we hope the information presented will help you make an informed decision about whether or not franchising is right for you.

Read More...

The consequences of trashing your boss during lunchtime

by  in Career and Enterprising
0 Comments

lunchtime office crowd in Singapore

It’s lunchtime, and you’re out with your coworkers.

You’re telling them about the latest project your boss dumped on you, and how much you hate him/her for it. You think you’re venting, but are you, really?

When you badmouth your boss, you’re putting yourself in a dangerous position. You may think you’re just sharing, but the reality is that your colleagues may not see it that way. They may start to view you as a complainer, or someone who can’t be trusted. And if things go south at work, they may very well blame it on you.

So the next time you feel the urge to trash your boss during lunchtime, remember the consequences. It’s not worth it.

The news could get to your boss

Even if you think your conversation is private, it’s possible that someone could be spreading rumors or gossiping about you behind your back. And before you know it, the news could get back to your boss. If you’re constantly trashing your boss to your colleagues, people are going to start to see you as a negative person. And that’s not the image you want to portray at work.

It creates a bad work environment
colleagues at work

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Trashing your boss creates a negative work environment. It sets the tone for the rest of the day, and it makes everyone feel uncomfortable. What’s more, it can damage your relationship with your boss.

If you’re constantly badmouthing them to your colleagues, they’re going to start distrusting you. And that’s not going to help you get ahead at work. So save your rant for outside of the office with a friend, and try to stay positive during lunch hour. It will make everyone’s day a lot better.

You never know who’s friends with whom

Let’s face it—we’ve all been there. You’re sitting in the pantry, chatting with your colleagues about your boss, and you just can’t help but rant. But what you may not realize is that you’re not just criticizing your boss—you’re sabotaging yourself.

Here’s why: when you badmouth your boss, you’re putting yourself in a bad light. You’re showing everyone that you don’t respect authority. And what’s more, you never know who’s friends with whom. So before you start complaining about your boss to anyone within earshot, stop and think about the consequences. You may not like your boss, but that doesn’t mean it’s okay to trash him to anyone who will listen.

When you badmouth your boss during lunch, you’re not only damaging your career but also your reputation among the people you’re talking to. Not to mention, it makes everyone involved look bitter and unprofessional. Think about it: if you’re having a bad day and need to vent, save it for a different audience. You will be less likely to say something you will regret, and your colleagues will appreciate you not narrating the same old story repeatedly from Monday to Friday.

Read More...

6 Extraordinary Life Lessons from Attorney Woo

by  in Lifestyle & Hobbies
0 Comments

The smashing courtroom Korean Drama “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” broke its own ratings record with its final episode, which aired in South Korea on August 18. The 16-part series’ finale had an average nationwide rating of 17.5% – the highest in ENA’s program history.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo is a heartwarming series that gives us a glimpse of what it is like for a person to go through the shifts of life while being on the Autism Spectrum. Structured around the realistic cases she handles, Attorney Woo showed how she was able to navigate through her struggles at work, including a budding romance.

Apart from Attorney Woo, the series’ characters have shown their professional and personal growth with each episode. Here are six life and financial lessons you can get from watching this series on ENA or Netflix.

#1: INVEST IN GOOD EDUCATION

Despite not being born with a silver spoon, Attorney Woo’s father gave up everything because he believed in her brilliance. He worked hard to invest in his daughter’s education. He knew that a good education would help improve her quality of life. It was revealed that she graduated summa cum laude from Seoul National University’s law school.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Can you imagine how different Attorney Woo’s life would be if she never went to school or never completed her university education?

#2: STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

As a person living with Asperger’s Syndrome, Attorney Woo experiences challenges in comprehending societal norms and circumstances. Even so, her job as an attorney requires her to interact and communicate with diverse types of people.

She chose to overcome her fears and step out of her comfort zone (such as a revolving door) to achieve greater heights and eventually win cases. What is an aspect in your life that you can overcome to achieve your goals?

#3: FIND TRUE FRIENDS

Faithful friends like Dong Geu Rami will stick with you through thick and thin. In this series, we see how Attorney Young Woo and Dong Geu Rami’s friendship grew in time. Gue Rami stood by her side through good and tough times. As a friend, she is honest, understanding, fun-loving, and kind. More importantly, she always wants what is best for Attorney Woo and she pushes her to reveal her most authentic self.

People like Geu Rami are rare. Cherish those people!

#4: ACCEPT THAT NOT EVERYONE WILL BE HAPPY FOR YOU

While Attorney Woo’s colleagues celebrate her success that led to them to win difficult civil and criminal cases, Attorney Kwon Min Woo sees her as a rival. In reality, not everyone will be happy to see you achieve success and accomplish remarkable things. This is okay!

Remember, you cannot please everyone no matter how hard you try. It is not your job to get their approval either. So, focus on your own journey and do your best.

#5: LOVE THE RIGHT PEOPLE

Attorney Woo grew up having only a few people in her life, but these people remained constantly present. They may not have much money, but they helped each other overcome challenges such as family property feuds and life-threatening conditions. They loved each other like family.

In life, people will come and go. If you are fortunate enough, you will be able to love the right people, and this is more than enough. You do not need to have an abundance of material things or thousands of social media followings to make you feel loved. The loyalty and love of just a few people is enough.

#6: SACRIFICE A LOT AS A PARENT

Jeon Bae-Soo plays Attorney Woo’s father Woo Gwang-Ho. Woo Gwang-Ho is her biggest fan and loyal supporter. He always thinks about her well-being and does his best to keep her safe from all the cruelties of the world. Throughout the series, his father gradually opens to the idea that her brilliant mind will let her achieve growth and independence. He lets her pursue her dreams of becoming a lawyer and hopes for the best.

If parents could have their way, they would shield their children from the harsh truths of life if possible. As a parent, you will sacrifice and give up a lot to help your children achieve happiness and success. It helps to be prepared. Be prepared by establishing a childcare plan or an educational fund for the years ahead.

Image Credits: facebook.com/channel.ena

The Extraordinary Attorney Woo K-Drama shows how Attorney Young Woo can be bright, bold, and just as worthy of love as everyone else. Its beautifully written script and inspiring characters led to its popularity in Singapore and other parts of the world. Let us just wait for what Season 2 has to offer!

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...