Marriage & Family Archives | Page 19 of 79

Financial Challenges of Wedding Preparation and How to Overcome Them

Weddings are notoriously known for being expensive and stressful.

Be prepared to plan for a year for an event that will happen instantly in a day. The possible options are overwhelming! Not to mention, countless wedding vendors are vying for your attention. You might want to brace yourself, because the average cost of a wedding in Singapore ranges between S$22,200 and S$52,800.

During the process of wedding planning, engaged couples often make financial mistakes that affect their future. Here’s how you can avoid these common financial challenges.

#1: NOT SETTING BOUNDARIES FROM THE GET-GO

Failure to discuss your financial boundaries can affect your other wedding decisions. The decision to unite as a family isn’t merely about spending the rest of your lives with your true love. It is also about the practical areas of building a future. You need to either rent a flat or buy a flat. Do you plan to have a baby in the next five years? Do you want to travel to Europe for your honeymoon?

It is important for couples to discuss the specifics and mutually agree on a financial plan. Know which funds are “ours”, “yours”, and “mine”. Decide which expenses should be paid for by the “ours” bucket (e.g., venue rental) and which part should come out from your “mine” bucket (e.g., wedding gift to your partner).

#2: BEING TRAPPED BY THE CONTRACTS

Let’s face it – weddings are a lucrative business! The contracts you have with the suppliers are binding. So, don’t simply sign on the dotted line without asking questions. Studying the contract will enable you to bargain strategically. For instance, you can remove unnecessary inclusions such as upgraded linens for VIP guests.

Some contracts leave you financially responsible for empty rooms and chairs that you reserved for the event. This added expense can create a hole in your pocket. Be sure to read the contracts thoroughly.

#3: INVITING PEOPLE OUT OF OBLIGATION

It’s easy to get into the mindset of having to invite everyone from your secondary school friends to your second cousin whom you have not seen in a decade, but having a huge guest list may turn out to be a big financial mistake. As uncomfortable a conversation may be, you must decide together to only extend an invite to those people who you really want to be at your wedding.

Set clear rules about your guest list such as “no kids” or “no plus ones”. With fewer people, you will be able to maximize your wedding budget and assign your funds to more key areas including catering and venue rental. Best of all? You will only be celebrating this special occasion with the ones closest to you.

#4: FAILURE TO FACTOR IN THE UNEXPECTED EXPENSES

You have booked and paid for the flowers, venue, photographer, and catering. Everything on your list is accomplished and small details have been polished. However, unexpected expenses can come on the day itself. While paying for an extra person might not break the bank, before you know it, you receive a bill that you did not foresee. Thus, it is important to create some wiggle room and be ready for unexpected expenses.

#5: SPENDING MORE THAN WHAT YOU HAVE

Common wedding expenses that you must prepare for include

a. ROM and solemnisation fees,
b. Venue rental and banquet,
c. Photographer and videographer, as well as
d. Wedding party entertainment.

Many engaged couples splurge on their wedding because of this mindset – you only get married once. Coming from someone who has recently had her civil marriage ceremony, I am now planning to have our Church wedding ceremony. Sometimes, you do not get married once. Moreover, going into debt to wed is never the right foot to start your marriage on.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Having a realistic wedding budget can help you stay within your limits. Have a firm idea of how much money is available for your wedding. Then, create a wish list of the things that you would like to have. Prioritize your list while taking your current financial situation into consideration. There are no wrong or right priorities, just preferences to complete your special day!

Sources: 1 & 2

A debate on whether children “owe” their parents for raising them

When it comes to raising children, every parent is different, so it should come as no surprise that perspectives on parenting vary widely.

One topic that often sparks controversy is whether or not children are obligated to “pay back” their parents for raising them. The debate between those who believe that children owe their parents something for raising them and those who think such an obligation doesn’t exist has gone on for decades, and it’s unlikely to be resolved anytime soon.

But we will attempt to look at both sides of this heated argument so you can decide where you stand on the issue. If your opinion isn’t yet set in stone, keep reading to learn more.

Cultural and social expectations

The concept that children owe their parents something for raising them is deeply entrenched in several cultures, and it’s an expectation that can remain well into adulthood. Depending on the context, it’s usually expected in the form of financial support.

Many parents also rely on their children to care for them in old age as a way of showing gratitude for raising them. In some places, there may even be social pressure to do so, although certainly not every parent expects this from their children.

Ultimately, it’s important to recognize that every family is different and what works for one family might not work for another. Decisions about how to move forward should be made with mutual understanding and respect—not because of any pre-existing cultural or social expectations.

Financial obligations incurred by parents

Image Credits: theasianparent.com

Raising a child is no small feat and oftentimes, it means taking on larger financial responsibilities that one may not have had pre-parenthood.

Thus, if your parents were able to afford to raise you and pay for your education and other expenses, chances are they had to incur some debt in the process. This debt isn’t yours—it belongs solely to your parents—so they should pay it off. You can support them by helping out financially if you want, but it’s not your responsibility to pay off these debts.

At the end of the day, children should never be held liable for their parent’s debts. Paying back your parents for raising you shouldn’t translate into taking on this responsibility. But if you do, it should come from a position of appreciation and love instead.

Future implications if children do not “owe” their parents

When it comes to the future, a lack of “payment” from adult children could lead to a need for more expansive social support programs.

Governments may have to step in to help those who are aging and may not have adequate savings available to them. This could be a huge financial undertaking and one that could lead to significant tax increases to keep such programs running.

Whatever stance you take on this debate, it is impossible to deny that it can have major implications for the future of how societies handle aging parents and how they are taken care of once they reach retirement age.

Possible alternative ways of expressing gratitude

Image Credits: pennmedicine.org

When it comes to paying back the love and effort your parents put into raising you, it can be difficult to quantify what that debt looks like.

While some may argue that financial compensation is the best way to show appreciation, it’s not the only option. Some alternative ways for children to express their gratitude for their parents include:

Small gifts or acts of reciprocity

If you’re looking for tangible ways of expressing gratitude, small gifts like flowers or chocolates, or acts of reciprocity such as helping with home repairs or taking them out on a special day can all be meaningful demonstrations of appreciation.

Expressing gratitude through words & writing

Sometimes, simple and heartfelt words of thankfulness can go a long way. Whether you choose to express it in person or through a letter or card, verbalizing your appreciation for your parents can be a good and often cost-free way of showing your gratitude.

Different children have different ways of expressing gratitude

Every child uniquely expresses their appreciation. Some children may prefer to help in practical ways while others might value verbal compliments more. Every child is different, so it’s best not to put too much pressure on them, but rather accept whatever form they use naturally.

At the end of the day, the love and care that goes into raising children are immeasurable, and there is no doubt that parents do an incredibly difficult job. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that children “owe” their parents anything in return. Parents love their children unconditionally and do their best to give them the resources and support they need to grow and thrive. Whether or not this comes with a debt that the child must repay is not something that can be answered definitively. What do you think?

How to share the death of a loved one with a child

It’s never easy telling a child that a loved one has passed away.

But it’s a necessary conversation to have, and with some preparation and thought, you can make it a little easier.

Understanding a child’s perception of death

For very young children, death may only be understood as a temporary absence.

This can be confusing and frightening for children, but it’s good to be as honest and straightforward as possible.

Remain calm and let your child see how you’re feeling. They will be looking to you for clues about how to react and will take their cues from your emotional state.

In addition, infants and toddlers are perceptive and can sense their caregiver’s emotions even if they can’t understand the words being spoken. Be sure to provide plenty of physical comfort in the form of hugs and kisses, and try to maintain a sense of normalcy as much as possible.

Preparing and planning for the conversation

When someone dies, it’s natural for children to feel a range of emotions, including confusion and sadness.

It’s your job as a parent to help them through this difficult time by providing answers to their questions and helping them understand what has happened.

The best way to do this is to prepare yourself and plan for the conversation. Make sure you have all the facts straight so that you can provide information to your child.

And be prepared for their questions—you may not have all the answers, but do your best to answer them. Let them know that it’s okay to feel sad or scared—and that you’re there for them, no matter what.

Talking about death in plain and honest terms

Image Credits: healthline.com

Death is a difficult topic for any adult, let alone a child.

But it’s best to avoid euphemisms and use simple words to explain what has happened.

Children must understand that death is a natural part of life and that they’re not responsible for it. Be prepared for questions, and answer them factually. If you don’t know the answer, say so.

Encouraging a child to express feelings

Allow your children to express their feelings, whether they are sad, scared, or confused.

It can be helpful to model appropriate behavior by talking about your feelings. This will let them know it’s okay to talk about emotions.

Allow them to talk about the person who passed away and answer any questions they have as honestly as possible. But be aware of age-appropriate language and information. For example, if your child is very young, use words like “left this world” rather than “died.”

It can also be helpful to encourage them to write a letter or draw a picture of the person who passed away or keep something that belonged to them, like a favorite item or piece of clothing. This can be an effective way to provide some comfort during this trying time.

Maintaining routines and schedules

Maintaining a sense of normalcy and sticking to routines can be helpful for both you and your child.

While grief can cause disruption, making sure that bedtimes, meal times, and school activities remain consistent can help create a sense of security.

When introducing new activities or changes to the schedule, do so thoughtfully. As much as possible, explanations should include details about why the change is taking place and what to expect. This will help reduce any potential anxieties that may arise with unfamiliar events.

You may also want to create clearly defined parameters; providing structure in this way will help your child understand what is expected of them and foster feelings of safety and security. During difficult times like these, having these types of routines can provide some comfort for both you and your child as you navigate through a difficult loss together.

If you’re not good with words, it can be helpful to find books or stories about death that you can share with your child, as it can provide some comfort and explanation. Above all, be sure to provide plenty of support and reassurance to your child, and let them know that it’s okay to be teary. Let them know that it’s okay to talk about the death of a loved one and that you will be there to listen whenever they want to share.

From electrical outlets to crawling spaces: How to babyproof your home

You’re probably gearing up to babyproof your home in preparation for your little one’s arrival.

And you should because it’s never too early to start! In this post, we will give you a comprehensive guide to babyproofing your home. So read on.

Babyproofing essentials: electrical outlets, furniture & play areas

You will want to start by babyproofing the areas of your home that are most dangerous: electrical outlets, furniture, and play areas.

Electrical outlets should be covered with outlet covers, corner guards should be installed on sharp corners, and baby gates are also essential for keeping your child safe in play areas.

How to childproof doors and windows

Securing doors is one of the most important things you can do to babyproof your home. Make sure you use high-chain latches and be sure to install them correctly.

Safety latches are also a must for refrigerators, ovens, and cupboard doors. Again, be sure to install them correctly and check regularly to make sure they’re still working well.

Safety tips for stairs

Image Credits: forbes.com

If your house comes with stairs, install a baby gate at the top and bottom of the stairs to prevent your child from climbing up or down. Make sure the gate is sturdy and can’t be easily pushed open by a child.

If you have pets, keep them away from the stairs. Animals can be curious about babies and may try to investigate them, which could lead to a dangerous situation.

Childproofing cabinets and drawers

You will want to remove any dangerous objects from reachable cabinets and drawers and add childproof latches and locks to them. These will help to keep your little ones safe while they’re exploring.

Get ready for crawling: floor coverings, rugs & carpets

Another thing you need to think about when babyproofing your home is the flooring.

If you have hardwood floors, they can be dangerous for a crawling baby—you don’t want your little one to take a tumble and hurt themselves.

One solution is to use baby mats or rugs, which will not only protect your floors but also add a bit of cushioning in case of a fall. You can also buy non-slip mats and rug pads to put under the rugs, which will help them stay in place and prevent slipping.

As a recap, start by babyproofing your electrical outlets and cords. Move on to securing your furniture and other big items in your home. Last, but not least, make sure to babyproof your crawl spaces and other tight spots. It’s important to remember that babyproofing your home is an ongoing process. As your child grows and starts to explore, new dangers will emerge. Be sure to revisit your babyproofing checklist regularly and make any necessary changes. Babyproofing your home is an essential task and should not be taken lightly. By following the tips in this article, you can rest assured that your home is safe for your little one to tread around.

Put the oomph back into bedroom time! Tips on lasting longer during sex

So you want to put the oomph back into bedroom time, huh?

There’s nothing wrong with that! In fact, wanting to last longer during sex is a common desire.

There are steps you can take to help extend your sexual stamina. In this article, we will cover some of the best tips and dispel some of the myths about lasting longer in bed.

Understanding premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common problem that affects almost every man at some point in his life.

It’s more than just an inconvenience—it can leave both partners feeling frustrated and dissatisfied. But millions of men have gone through the same thing, and there are solutions available to help you through it.

There are also a few things you can do to help prevent PE in the first place. Masturbation is one of them—it can help you learn what your body likes and doesn’t like, and it can help you get a better understanding of how ejaculation works.

Using a condom can also be helpful since it decreases sensation and gives you more control over how long you last.

Exercises to help last longer

There are exercises you can do to help you last longer in bed. One is the stop-start method, which involves stimulation until near ejaculation, then stopping until the urge decreases. This takes a lot of control, but it’s a great way to train yourself to last longer.

Kegel exercises are also a great way to strengthen the PC muscles, and they’re easy to do. All you have to do is contract the muscle for three seconds at a time, and repeat 10-20 times. You can do these exercises anywhere.

Breathing techniques to slow things down

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Breathing slowly and deeply can help to reduce tension and prevent premature ejaculation.

Inhale for five seconds, hold your breath for three seconds, then exhale for five seconds. Taking deep diaphragm breaths can also help to reduce arousal.

If you find that your mind is wandering and you’re getting too excited, take a few minutes to focus on your breath. This will help to calm you down and get you back at the moment. With a bit of practice, you will be able to use these breathing techniques to last longer when things heat up.

The benefits of using a desensitizing product

Desensitizing sprays helps to reduce the hypersensitivity of the penis, which is one of the main causes of premature ejaculation.

Sprays that are specifically designed for this purpose contain ingredients that help to desensitize the penis and reduce arousal. This means that you will be less likely to reach orgasm quickly.

Pursue and explore other forms of sexual expression

There are many other ways to enjoy each other’s company and express your sexuality.

You don’t always have to focus on penetration. Instead, you can explore other forms of sexual expressions, such as:

Toys
Oral sex
Massage
Anal play
Fantasizing

All of these activities can help you last longer in bed by taking the pressure off of penetration. And who knows? You might just find that you enjoy these activities more than classic intercourse.

Contrary to popular belief, lasting longer during sex is not about sheer willpower but instead about understanding your body and knowing the right techniques to delay ejaculation. Fortunately, with a bit of practice, you can last longer during sex and make the experience more enjoyable for both you and your partner. So, why not give it a try?