Tips for parents: How to handle school refusal

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a father and daughter on the way to school

As a parent, you want what’s best for your kids.

You hope they will get the education they need to succeed in life. But what do you do when they start refusing to go to school?

It can be a challenging problem to solve, but we’re here to help. In this article, we will discuss some of the causes of school refusal and offer tips on how to get your child back on track.

Defining school refusal

Well, first it’s important to define what “school refusal” actually means. It’s not just kids who are trying to skip class. School refusal can refer to a wide range of issues, from kids who are struggling with anxiety to those who are dealing with bullying or academic pressure.

If your child is refusing to go to school, it’s necessary to talk to them and find out why. Sometimes the problem is something that can be addressed and solved relatively easily. But other times, it may be a sign that your child needs more help than you can give them on your own.

What are the consequences of school refusal?

There can be a lot of them, depending on the situation. For one, your child might fall behind in school and eventually start to struggle. This can lead to a lot of stress and frustration for both you and your child.

In some cases, school refusal can even lead to social isolation. Your child might start to feel like they’re the only one who doesn’t want to go to school, and this can be damaging to their peer-to-peer relationships. We suggest talking to your child about why they’re refusing to go and see if there’s anything you can do together to help them get back on track.

Tips for parents: How to deal with school refusal
a child eating breakfast

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Below are some suggestions for parents to help them deal with school refusal:

  • Talk to your child about why he or she is refusing to go to school. It’s essential to understand the root of the problem.
  • Establish a routine and make sure your child gets enough sleep. A lack of rest can make it harder for kids to get up in the morning and go to school.
  • Make sure your kids have a healthy breakfast before leaving for school. A nutritious meal in the morning will give them the energy they need to get through the day.
When to seek professional help

Sometimes, there’s a deeper reason why your child is refusing to go to school, and it’s something that a professional can help you with.

It might be that your child is struggling with a particular subject, or there might be something going on at school that’s causing them uneasiness. It could also be that there’s a problem at home that’s impacting their ability to learn.

Whatever the reason, it’s good to get help so that your child can return to school as soon as possible. A qualified professional will be able to identify the root of the problem and work together with you to find a solution.

We know it can be tough when your child is refusing to go to school. We want to help you through this tough time, and that is why we’ve put together this article. We hope that you have found this post helpful and that it has given you some tips on how to handle your child’s school refusal. Stay positive and keep communicating with your child. If you ever need external help, reach out to your child’s teacher or a professional counselor. They can surely assist you in getting your child back on track.

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What it really takes to thrive in startups

by  in Career and Enterprising
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group of people using laptops

So you want to work in a startup?

It’s easy to be enamored by the idea of a more flexible workplace, the chance to be more creative, and the allure of joining a company on the rise. But startups are not for everyone.

In this post, we will take a look at the different working characteristics you need if you want to thrive in startups. We will also dispel some of the myths that often keep people from venturing into the startup scene. Let’s get started!

You’re flexible

If you want to work for a startup, you need to be flexible. Things change quickly in startups, and you need to be able to roll with the punches.

That means being willing to take on new tasks and assignments, even if they’re not in your job description. It also means being open to change, and not being afraid of new ideas or ways of doing things.

You like wearing many hats

Do you have a wide range of skills and a willingness to try new things? Then you will fit in perfectly at a startup. In startups, the team is small and everyone wears many hats. That’s just the reality of the situation. So being adaptable is a vital skill to have.

But it’s not just about being able to wear many hats. It’s also about being able to work long hours and be okay with ambiguity. Because in a startup, things are always changing and evolving. There’s no room for ego or complacency. You have to be willing to go with the flow when necessary.

You need to be a self-starter
a lady drinking tea while using her laptop

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If you want to work for a startup, you need to be a self-starter. That means you can’t be someone who needs constant hand-holding or someone afraid to take risks.

You need to be comfortable working in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment, and you need to be able to hit the ground running. In other words, it’s best if you’re not someone who needs a lot of training or someone who can’t work without clear-cut directions.

Startups are all about innovation and creativity, so if that’s not your thing, then it’s probably not the right place for you. But if you’re up for the challenge, then startups can be an incredibly rewarding place to work for.

You need to be okay with change

In a startup, the rules are always changing. The company is growing and evolving at such a rapid pace. Things are always moving and shifting, and you need to be okay with that.

You also need to be okay with chaos. Because in a startup, there’s always disarray. It’s part of the process. You have to not get too attached to any one idea or way of doing things.

If you can’t handle change and disruption, then a startup likely isn’t a suitable place for you. But if you’re okay with those things and you’re ready for a challenge, then a startup could work out to be a great place for steep growth.

You need to be able to respond to swift feedback

When you work for a startup, you need to be comfortable with giving and receiving feedback. This means being able to respond quickly and decisively to any change that comes your way.

In a fast-paced startup environment, there’s no time to waste. Things are always moving quickly, and you need to be able to keep up. If you’re not able to respond to swift feedback, then you’re going to find it challenging to succeed in a startup.

To thrive in startups, you need to be comfortable with ambiguity, enjoy wearing multiple hats, and be okay with a constantly changing environment. You also need to be proactive and take the initiative to make things happen, rather than waiting for someone else to tell you what to do. If you can embrace these working traits, you are likely in good shape to work for a startup and help it grow.

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Costly Investing Mistakes to Avoid in 2022

by  in Investments
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All of us will likely end up making an investment decision that we will regret in the future. Despite how calculated your moves are, no investor is perfect. However, there are some errors that people have made in the past that you can learn from and avoid.

On that note, here are five critical investing mistakes to avoid at all costs.

#1: INVESTING WITHOUT ESTABLISHING AN EMERGENCY FUND

Having a sense of financial security in case your investment and other life choices go awry is important. Before you begin investing, ensure that you have established an emergency fund. To get an idea of how much you should set aside, you should first calculate your monthly expenses.

If you are single and primarily responsible for your own well-being, you can have at least three months of expenses saved up. If you have a family, you must aim to have at least six months’ worth saved up to be on the safer side.

#2: PUTTING ALL YOUR SAVINGS INTO CRYPTO

The buzz about cryptocurrency can attract both aggressive and conservative investors. Reports of incredible gains in the crypto sector dominate the financial news, with uniquely named tokens such as Shiba Inu posting returns of forty-three million percent in 2021 alone. Hearing these types of returns can tempt the investors who are looking for a quick buck and are drawn to cryptocurrency.

While there is nothing wrong with investing a portion of your wealth in cryptocurrency, putting your savings into a single investment comes with elevated levels of risk. What will happen to you if cryptocurrency plunges down?

#3: TRYING TO TIME THE MARKET

Timing the market consistently over the long run is close to impossible. Investors may think that they can always time the market, but you must be realistic. As the saying goes: “Time in the market is more important than timing the market.” Instead of timing the market, you can take a dollar-cost averaging approach.

The dollar-cost averaging approach will enable you to invest at set, regular intervals regardless of the prices of your stocks at the time. You can take emotions out of the situation and stick to your schedule with this investment approach.

#4: FOLLOWING THE FAD

Keeping up with the investment trends can be a dangerous investment “strategy”, but it can be even riskier as we head towards the end of 2022. For instance, many investors were drawn to cryptocurrency as they were the most prominent highflyers in 2021. You must assume that others will continue to buy and push the prices up even higher, but it is difficult to decide when to sell.

Be cautious when it comes to investment trends. If you feel the need to follow the fad, just invest a small percentage of your overall portfolio.

#5: INVESTING WITHOUT A WRITTEN PLAN

Step towards 2023 with a plan on hand! As an investor, it is easy to think that investing resembles a casino. In reality, the long-term returns of the stock market are relatively reliable. To attain reliable returns, however, you will need to develop and follow an investment strategy.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Investors are wired to be in the market when it is making new highs, but no one wants to buy if it is dropping to new lows. Having a written investment plan can help you prevent investing based on your emotions. Sticking to the written investment strategy will help you guide your decisions and follow the path of long-term financial success.

Sources: 1,2, & 3

 

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COVID-19 updates for those planning a trip to Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea

by  in Travel & Entertainment
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back view of women wearing hanboks

From mask-off in most indoor spaces to allowing non-vaccinated travelers to do away with the seven-day SHN (Stay Home Notice) quarantine period on arrival in Singapore, countries around the globe have also begun lifting measures slowly.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re heading to Japan, Taiwan, or South Korea soon.

Japan
street of Japan

Image Credits: timeout.com

Japan has maintained stringent border controls for a longer period than many other major markets, and only in June did it start to let visitors enter on the premise that they did so in tour groups and with guides.

Beginning 7 September, travelers from all nations will be permitted to enter the nation as part of package expeditions without the need for tour guides. Japan will also increase the daily limit of visitors to the nation from 20,000 to 50,000. Additionally, visitors who have received the necessary vaccinations will not require pre-departure COVID-19 testing.

Taiwan
Tea houses on the Juifen mountain in Taiwan

Image Credits: traveltalk.dk

Taiwan is expected to loosen its border restrictions by the end of September, or at the latest, early October, according to the chief of the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), who remarked last month.

The CECC also eliminated the pre-flight COVID-19 PCR test requirement as of 14 August. On-arrival PCR testing, a three-day quarantine, and a four-day self-initiated epidemic prevention period would still be required, though. Additionally, those who acquire COVID-19 overseas will not be permitted to travel by air to Taiwan within seven days of their positive test results.

South Korea
Busan in South Korea

Image Credits: traveldailymedia.com

The majority of South Korea’s pandemic-related restrictions were lifted in the first half of 2022, similar to Japan, but the country has continued to impose some of the strictest border controls, necessitating the proof of a negative coronavirus test result obtained before departure from all incoming travelers.

However, beginning from 3 September, visitors entering the nation will no longer be required to take the pre-departure COVID-19 test. However, as a minimum precaution put in place to stop the entrance and spread of any variety from abroad, travelers are still required to undergo a PCR test within the first 24 hours of their arrival in South Korea.

At Incheon Airport, Gimhae Airport, Jeju International Airport, or a medical facility close to your lodging, you may undergo your PCR test. Travelers are urged to stay in their accommodations until they obtain a negative PCR test result, according to the embassy. After that, record the results of your on-arrival PCR test on the Q-code website.

A seven-day quarantine is necessary if the results of the on-arrival test are positive. Short-term visitors will complete their quarantine at a designated quarantine center. You can call the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) at +82-2-2633-1339 if you have any inquiries about quarantine.

Bon voyage!

Editor’s note: All information published at the time of writing is accurate.

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What to do when your colleague won’t admit they’re wrong

by  in Career and Enterprising
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colleagues frustrated with each other

You’ve had it. You’ve tried being patient. You’ve tried reasoning with your colleague, but they just won’t admit they’re wrong. What do you do now?

While it can be challenging, stay professional. Don’t let your emotions get the better of you, and don’t stoop to their level. Here are a few tips on how to handle the situation.

Understanding the situation

It can be frustrating when someone you work with won’t admit they’re wrong. Maybe they’re defensive and always have to be right, or maybe they just don’t want to take responsibility for their actions.

But whatever the reason, it can be tough to get anywhere when they’re not willing to listen. You might feel like you’re constantly banging your head against a wall, but don’t give up! There are a few things you can do to try and get your colleague to open up and admit their mistakes.

First, try to understand why they’re finding it so hard to admit they’re wrong. Maybe they’re afraid of looking bad in front of their peers, or maybe they just don’t want to be seen as incompetent. Once you understand where they’re coming from, you can start to build a case for why admitting their mistake is the right course of action.

Then, ask them how they would like to fix the situation. This shows that you’re willing to work with them, and it also takes the pressure off of them. Finally, stay calm and persistent. It might take a while, but eventually, your colleague will see that admitting their mistake is apt for everyone involved.

How to have a conversation
colleagues conversing

Image Credits: thomasnet.com

So you’ve tried to talk to them, but they just won’t listen. Or worse, they act like they don’t know what you’re talking about. It’s infuriating, right?

Well, there’s a way to have a conversation with this colleague, and it starts with assuming that they’re not trying to be difficult. The next time they do something that bothers you, wait until they’ve finished what they’re doing and then approach them.

Calmly say “I need to talk to you about something.” They may be taken aback at first, but give them a moment to collect themselves. Then, start by describing the situation and how it made you feel. Use “I” statements as much as possible.

Next, ask them for their point of view. Be prepared for them to give you a runaround at first, but ultimately, they will give you an answer. Once you have their answer, express your opinion and see if they’re willing to listen. If not, well, at least you tried.

When to involve your HR manager

If you’ve tried to talk to your colleague about the issue but they just won’t listen, it’s time to involve your HR manager. Remember to stay as calm and factual as possible in your report. After all, you don’t want your manager to think that you’re the one with the problem.

Here are a few points you can make:

  • Explain the situation and how it’s been affecting your work
  • Point out that your colleague is refusing to admit they’re wrong
  • Say that you’ve tried talking to them a few times but it’s not working
  • Suggest a formal meeting with your HR manager so they can help resolve the situation

Your manager will likely want to talk to your colleague privately, to get their side of the story. They may also try to mediate between the two of you. If your colleague still won’t admit they’re wrong, leave it to your manager to take any disciplinary action.

Next steps after speaking with your HR manager
jotting down on a notebook

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So you’ve talked to your manager about the situation, and they’ve agreed to speak with your colleague first before setting up a meeting. Great! But is there anything you can do in the meantime?

Well, here are a few suggestions:

  • Stay professional. Even though it’s frustrating, it’s crucial that you maintain a respectful relationship with your colleague. This means no yelling, no sabotage, and no name-calling.
  • Continue to document everything. Keep a record of all the times your colleague has made a major mistake, as well as the times they’ve refused to admit they were wrong. This will help your manager build a case against them.
  • Speak up if they continue to make mistakes. If your colleague continues to make the same blunders after your manager has talked to them, voice out. Let them know that you’re keeping track of everything and that their behavior is inappropriate.

It can be incredibly frustrating when one of your colleagues won’t admit they’re wrong. Not only are they refusing to own up to their actions, but they’re also preventing the team from moving forward. In this post, we’ve looked at the steps you can take to resolve the issue. Give it a try and see if it works for you.

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