Should you read to your toddler if they’re not paying attention?

by  in Marriage & Family
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reading a book to a toddler

You’re not sure if you should keep reading to your toddler because it seems they’re not paying attention when you do.

Well, the answer to that question is a little tricky as it depends on why your child isn’t concentrating while you’re reading to them.

If they’re just fidgeting or looking around the room, then it’s probably okay to continue reading but maybe at a slower pace or using a different animated tone. But if your child is displaying other signs of not being interested, like dozing off, then it might be time to find new ways to engage them in reading.

Don’t force your toddler to pay attention to the story

Think about it this way: reading to your toddler is more than just teaching them about letters and words. It’s also about acquainting them with knowledge about communication and relationships. It’s about showing them that you love them and want to spend time with them. So it’s alright if your toddler isn’t paying 100% attention.

It’s normal for toddlers to have a short attention span

It can be frustrating when you read to your toddler and they don’t seem to be paying attention. But don’t worry, it’s not unusual for them to have a short attention span at this age. They’re just starting to develop their cognitive skills, and their brains are working overtime as they learn new things.

So keep reading to them, even if they don’t seem to be listening. The more stories you read to them, the more words they will grasp. And eventually, they will start to pay more attention and enjoy the plots, even more, when words they know start recurring and making sense.

Try different types of books to see what are their interests
a pile of children's story books

Image Credits: unsplash.com

One thing you can do is try different types of books to see what interests your toddler. Maybe they’re more interested in specific-themed books than others. The critical thing is to keep trying new genres and never give up on reading together. It’s a bonding experience you and your child will treasure for years to come.

Reading consistently can help advance their language skills

Even if your toddler doesn’t seem to be concentrating on the stories, they’re still absorbing the language. Studies have found that reading aloud to children helps them develop language skills. And the more stories they hear, the better they do.

So don’t give up on reading to your toddler just because it seems like they’re not listening. The benefits are there, even if they don’t demonstrate it immediately. Keep reading and you will be helping them develop strong foundations that will last a lifetime.

Toddlers learn best through repetition, so reading the same story multiple times can help them remember words and the storyline. Reading also helps stimulate your child’s brain and develops skills such as vocabulary and comprehension. If your child is not interested in sitting down and listening to a story, try reading while they’re moving around. Eventually, they may start to pay attention – and even get excited – when a particular story is being read aloud.

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Adopt these morning habits to guarantee a productive day ahead

by  in Lifestyle
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eggs and avocado on toast

You’ve probably heard the saying “the early bird gets the worm.” Well, it’s true. The sooner you start your day, the more productive you’re likely to be.

But it’s not just about waking up early. What you do in the morning is just as important. If you want to guarantee a productive day ahead, read on.

Make time for breakfast

Start your day off right by eating a healthy breakfast. You need something to give you sustained energy throughout the day, and skipping breakfast is not the way to go. Think oatmeal with nuts and seeds, eggs with avocado and whole grain toast, or yogurt with fruits. If you’re short on time in the morning, try preparing your breakfast or the ingredients needed the night before.

Give yourself some “me” time

This could mean soaking in a relaxing bath, reading your favorite book, or taking a quick walk around the neighborhood. The idea is to take some time for yourself to clear your mind and recharge your body’s batteries. When you’re feeling refreshed and relaxed, you will be more likely to take on the day’s challenges with a positive attitude.

Pen down your intentions for the day
a man organizing post-its

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What do you want to achieve? Write them down and refer to them throughout your day to keep yourself on track. When you have a clear idea of what you’re working towards, it’s easier to make decisions that will help you get there. So make sure to take some time each morning to define your goals and how you plan on achieving them.

Set your schedule and a cut-off time for work

In addition to setting intentions for the day, it’s good to roughly plan out your schedule. For instance, you should complete task one by noon and task two within an hour after lunch. It’s also essential to set a cut-off time for work, especially if your company is embracing the hybrid work model and you’re working remotely on certain days. Call it a day when it’s time and move on to get your “life” back.

You can set yourself up for a productive day ahead by adopting some simple morning habits. As mentioned earlier, eating a healthy breakfast will give you the energy you need to take on the day. You can also consider spending a few minutes in meditation or mindfulness to calm the mind and rid yourself of any stress or anxiety. And finally, leave work on time if possible. If you can make these habits a part of your morning routine, you should be well on your way to having productive days ahead.

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Can You DIY Your Wedding to Save Money?

by  in Marriage & Family
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When it comes to wedding planning, it is all about knowing your priorities and allocating your money wisely. Making a list of your priorities and setting a budget should be the number one step of wedding planning. Apart from this, here are other ways you can save money.

#1: LEAD YOUR GUESTS TO A WEDDING WEBSITE

When it comes to your wedding invitation, you can save money by directing your guests to your wedding website instead of printing out multiple invitations. You can create free websites through platforms such as Wix and WordPress.

Do not forget essential information such as the welcome party or rehearsal dinner details as well as the transportation and map to your ceremony.

#2: SELECT THE “OFF-PEAK” MONTH

The wedding off-peak season typically runs from November to March. If you want to get the most bang for your buck, you can host your wedding during this period. Considering having a celebration in November or March can help you save money in your venue rental fee. Just ensure that you have a Plan B for inclement weather!

#3: CUT DOWN YOUR GUEST LIST

It goes without saying that a smaller guest list is easier on your budget and sanity. Reducing your guest list from 300 to 150 can be overwhelming, but manageable.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Intimate ceremonies require less money and less effort. Moreover, you will be able to have quality interactions with the people who mean most to you.

#4: CONDUCT THE ENTIRE WEDDING IN ONE PLACE

Avoid worrying about the coordination/logistics and the extra expense of transportation by having your entire wedding at one venue. Everyone will be on time for your ceremony and reception.

#5: EMBRACE THE ALL-IN-ONE PACKAGE

If you are maximizing your wedding budget, you must keep an eye for the words: “all inclusive”. There are venues that provide all-in-one packages that cover amenities, catering, staff, cake, guest accommodation, host, and more. Bundling all these services in one roof can help you save money and reduce your stress!

#6: ORDER YOUR WEDDING GOWN IN ADVANCE

Ordering your wedding gown at least eight or nine months before the ceremony can help avoid the rushed delivery fees. Last-minute alterations that are costly can also be prevented.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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Should you still wear a mask on the plane if it’s not required by law?

by  in Travel & Entertainment
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majority of people wearing masks on a flight

Singapore Airlines said that unless they are flying to or from a place that requires masks, travelers would not be obliged to wear them on flights. This policy on the use of masks while flying adheres to the most recent regulations.

But should you still wear a mask if certain flights don’t need it? Many people who are flying soon are debating whether to wear a mask. Allow us to discuss the safety concerns and more if you are also sitting on the fence. Hopefully, this will give you a slight peace of mind.

Safer than you think

Experts in infectious diseases observed that aircraft ventilation requirements are stringent and that no significant COVID-19 clusters have been linked to flights thus far. In essence, flying commercially is significantly safer than most people realize.

This is because a three-minute air exchange occurs repeatedly in an aircraft. More than 50% of the air entering the cabin is entirely outside air, while the rest is passed through hospital-grade HEPA air filters, which remove more than 99% of airborne particles. Therefore, it is nearly impossible for virus particles to be wandering through an aircraft, strictly speaking.

Levels of risk vary among people
travelers at Changi Airport

Image Credits: straitstimes.com.sg

Nonetheless, the risk that different people face from contracting COVID-19 may affect their choice to wear a mask on a flight. People who are younger or who have just recovered from COVID-19, for instance, are at lower risk.

It would probably be a good idea for those who are immunocompromised or who have never been infected before to wear a mask the whole journey. This may apply to transplant recipients or cancer survivors who are on diverse immunosuppressive medications.

How to take safety precautions pre- & in-flight

There will always be two teams—mask-up and mask-off. For those who want to better protect themselves by wearing a mask, go ahead. Or if you’re feeling uncomfortable sitting beside passengers who are not putting on masks, there are safety precautions you can take.

A mask that comfortably covers your nose and the sides of your face is what you want to wear. An N95, a KN95, or a layered cloth mask can be suitable choices. Bring additional masks, sufficient sanitizers, and disinfectant wipes in case you need to change your mask or sterilize your hands or surrounding surfaces.

Try to arrange shorter flights and have your meals settled before you get to the airport to prevent having to take off your mask unnecessarily. Before boarding, steer away from congested places to get a short snack or drink some water if feasible.

Have a lovely holiday but don’t forget to still keep up with your hygiene habits. Stay safe, everyone!

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How to vent about work without making enemies

by  in Career and Enterprising
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colleagues gathered together

It’s natural to need to vent about work sometimes. You’re under a lot of pressure, and sometimes it feels like you just can’t take it anymore.

But venting to your coworkers is risky business. One wrong move and you can find yourself with no friends at the office. So how can you do it without making enemies?

The key is to be respectful and to keep your complaints focused on the work itself, not on the people you work with. Complaining about the boss or your co-workers is only going to make them defensive and less likely to want to help you out.

Also, if feasible, try talking to a friend outside of work or writing in a journal. That way, you can get your frustrations out without putting your work relationships at risk. Continue reading for more deets.

Choose the right audience before venting

We’ve all been there—you’ve had a bad day at work, and the first thing you want to do is a vent to your coworkers. But do you know that venting to the wrong people can make things worse?

When you vent to someone who’s not in a position to do anything about your situation, you’re just wasting your breath. So before you go running off at the mouth, stop and think about who might be the best person to talk to.

Is there someone on your team who has been through something similar? Or is there a manager you can go to for suggestions? Venting is natural, but it’s wise to do it in a way that doesn’t hurt your career.

Pick your words carefully and be aware of your tone
two coworkers in a serious discussion

Image Credits: themuse.com

When it comes to venting about work, choose your words carefully. You don’t want to say something that you will regret later. And be aware of your tone—you want to avoid coming across as hostile.

Instead, try to focus on the positives, and find a way to communicate constructively. Let your colleagues know that you’re frustrated but still committed to finding a solution.

It can be helpful to have an outlet for your frustrations—something outside of work that you can do to vent. Maybe you can go for a quick run or talk to a close friend over weekend brunch. Just make sure that you’re not taking out your frustrations 100% on your coworkers.

Have a plan to deal with the situation that you’re venting about

You’ve had it with your boss. You’ve had it with the commute. You’ve had it with the clients. But before you let loose at work, think about how that’s going to make you look in front of your coworkers.

It might feel good at the moment to rant and rave about your job, but chances are you’re just going to make yourself look bad. Not to mention, you’re going to make it difficult for people who have to consistently cross paths with you.

Before you start venting, have a plan for how you’re going to deal with the situation that’s driving you crazy. Maybe that means talking to your superior about your concerns or looking for a new job. But whatever it is, have a plan so you’re not just shooting from the hip.

Sure, everyone needs to vent about work sometimes. But if you’re not careful, you could end up alienating your coworkers—or worse, getting yourself in deep trouble with the management. As we’ve mentioned in this post, there are a few key things to keep in mind when venting about work. Make sure you’re talking about work. Avoid openly criticizing your boss or coworkers. Remember that your coworkers are people too, and they don’t deserve to be the target of your venting sessions. If you can keep all of these things in mind, you should be in good shape to vent about work without making enemies.

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