Is homework an ongoing battle at your house? Well, you’re definitely not alone. Though we all want our kids to succeed in the classroom, it’s exhausting to nag them to get their homework done every single evening. With these helpful strategies from NieCat Life Coaching, you may be able to make homework a little less painful in your household.

Provide internet access

Even if you limit screen time in your family, your kids likely need access to the internet for their homework. According to Speak Up, 79% of high school students and 69% of middle schoolers use the internet to do their homework at least a few days a week. When it comes to internet service, your best option is typically an unlimited plan, especially if your kids occasionally have to do their homework outside of their home.

With unlimited service, even if the base price is higher, you won’t have to worry about overage charges, which can add up very quickly. It’s also important to teach your kids about safe internet practices and establish some online rules for your family to protect them while they are using the internet.

Set up a homework station

No matter how big or small your home is, consider designating a specific area where your kids can get their homework done. Many children like to lounge in their bedrooms while doing their homework, but that isn’t always the best solution. It can be more productive if they are sitting in an appropriate chair, at a desk or table, and in a well-lit area of the house that is free of distractions. This area should be free of clutter and messes to keep them focused, and you can add some indoor plants to relieve stress.

Parents should be relatively close by and available to provide feedback whenever possible; however, if you’re working from home, know that you may need to establish some boundaries to prevent work interruptions. Work with your child to create a schedule that meets everyone’s needs.

Another thing to consider: believe it or not, the temperature can have a profound impact on your child’s work habits. If the study space is drafty, take steps to fix it. There are DIY steps you can take, but damaged windows should be repaired. Luckily, Angi has plenty of listings for residential window repair, with the national average repair cost around $290, depending on your area.

Break up the routine

Some kids just can’t pound through all their homework without a break. If your kids work better in spurts, set a timer and provide breaks often, but make them short. Also, gauge your child’s interest and energy level to figure out a routine that works best. Some children prefer to start on homework as soon as they walk through the door. Others need a snack and time to decompress before they can get started. Other children, may work more quickly and productively after dinner.

Get some help

If your child is truly struggling with the work, a tutor might be your best solution. As a parent, you can help them but many children respond better to an outsider when it comes to teaching – and sometimes the subject is out of mom’s and dad’s comfort zone. Additionally, it never hurts to get an outside perspective, so if you’re having a hard time getting through to your child, you can also benefit from the expertise of a teen coach.

How much is too much?

According to Edutopia, The National Education Association and the National PTA agree with the standard of 10 minutes of homework per grade level each night. However, in many schools across the county, the amount of homework that is being assigned these days is excessive. Too much homework can lead to family conflicts, as well as lack of focus, a decrease in comprehension, an increase in stress, and even physical illness. If you feel like your kid has too much homework, it may be time to meet with the teacher or administrators to discuss your options.

Homework can be challenging at every age, and frustrating for both children and their parents. However, by working with your kids to establish a consistent routine, as well as utilizing technology and assistance, you can make things a little easier on your children and yourself.

NieCat Life Coaching specializes in personal growth, parental skills, and teen coaching.

Call 305 761 5135.

You Are Your Child’s First and Best Role Model

Children learn from their parents how to make good life choices. Children may not always have the capacity for self-reflection and the ability to think about long-term consequences, which often makes it difficult for them to make wise decisions on their own. Parents should be available during this process and provide them with a platform where they can ask questions and get answers when they need them most. Read on for some tips and suggestions from NieCat Life Coaching.

Diet and Exercise  

Nemours KidsHealth notes that the dinner table is where children learn the dietary habits that can last a lifetime. Making healthy food choices for yourself and for them while they are young instills not only a sense of what a proper diet is, but they’ll learn to enjoy those foods if they’re introduced to them at an early age. Make certain both you and they have access to fruits and vegetables for snacking and avoid keeping sodas and chips in the house. You can reserve those for special occasions like parties but keep the healthy stuff on the table then too, to provide a good balance. 

Exercising with your children can be fun for you both. Family bicycling is something everyone can look forward to. Wearing helmets is a must for everyone as well as reflective clothing if you’ll be cycling past sundown. Walking and hiking are other fun activities everyone can do together, especially if it’s punctuated with a picnic. 

At Home

Keeping your home clean and clutter-free works for you and them. The Pragmatic Parent points out that teaching your children to put things away when they’re done with them means your home, including their rooms, can stay neat and tidy. A home filled with clutter causes stress and bad energy in the home, which means a lot of whining and complaining. Giving kids chores teaches them responsibility and accountability and if they get paid for some of those duties, it’s an opportunity for them to learn about savings, spending wisely, and delayed gratification. 

Scheduling homework time, playtime, and chores is a chance for them to learn time management, too. Kids can get stressed and overwhelmed if they’re not guided throughout their day since it takes time and maturity to learn how to best manage their activities. A printed schedule that is color-coded in a place they visit often, like the refrigerator, can be helpful as well as a clock or an alarm clock that they can read. 

Education, Including Getting an Online Degree

It’s never too early to talk with your children about what they want to achieve in the future. Having a goal, even if it’s one they’ll change often, instills in them the idea of putting the work in now~education~means having the dream job they long for later on. 

Family trips to the library help them learn to appreciate books and all the other services a library offers. Encourage them to check out books about famous people who have done or are doing the job they hope to one day make their career. 

If you’ve been putting off getting a degree, pursuing an online degree gives you the flexibility to pursue your dream while fulfilling other responsibilities. For example, a BSED opens the door for opportunities to work with preschoolers and elementary-aged children. With the ability to learn at your own pace, online coursework allows you to work toward your goals while still taking care of your work and life responsibilities. Best of all, by seeking higher education, your children will benefit from the example you set. 

We hope you’ll adopt a few if not all of the above tips to be the best role model for your kids including living a healthy lifestyle, having a productive and stress-free home, and furthering your education, whether that’s through traditional channels or the online route. Children need guidance, but they also need to be left with a lot of freedom to find out what works best for them. This can only happen when we let them make their own choices while guiding them at the same time. If you need additional guidance and one-on-one support, reach out to parent coach Coach Arthur of NieCat Life Coaching today!

Amanda Henderson ⎸amanda@safechildren.info

Safe Children

If you are interested in Parenting Life Coaching, please email niecatlifecouch@flacacee

If your child is a teenager or young adult, they will be out on their own in no time, having to make everyday decisions that will potentially impact the rest of their life.

Whether we like it or not, finances play a significant role in our lives success and overall quality. If your child doesn’t learn how to manage their finances, they could end up struggling with unnecessary obstacles through adulthood and beyond.

As a parent, you can help them lay a solid foundation for a flourishing life — and here are some tips from NieCat Life Coaching to show you how.

Organizing a Budget   

No matter the age, every person should know how to create and stick to a budget. Morgan Stanley notes that it just so happens that young consumers are less likely to keep up with their spending than any other age category. And nothing is more critical than possessing basic budgeting skills when finances are tight, not to mention that having such skills can help a person maintain flexibility and freedom with their money — which is a lesson they’ll be glad they learned if they ever decide to run their own business. Not only can you teach your teen about budgeting in business, but lessons can be learned about starting a venture one can believe in, and never promising something you can’t deliver.

Teach your child to use all of the online tools at their disposal for budgeting. There are plenty of spreadsheets and personal accounting tools available that will allow them to create a monthly budget that factors in all of their income and expenses. And they can even learn how to leave room for saving and unexpected costs!

The Deal on Allowance

If you have a young teenager, consider giving them an allowance each week or month. This practice can teach them the value of saving money and expose them to tried-and-true saving strategies that will serve them well into adulthood. While you will want to monitor how they spend their money, give them a little bit of freedom and see how well they can learn to manage their spending themselves.

Introducing Investments    

Investing can do wonders for improving one’s financial standing. But there are many different types of investments to choose from, and you must learn to weigh risks and rewards and make intelligent decisions if you are going to make investing work in your favor. Now could be the perfect time to teach your child the value of investing money wisely. Introduce them to the various forms of financing, including retirement accounts, health savings accounts, exchange-traded funds, mutual funds, real estate, and more.

Real Estate and Understanding Mortgages

When it comes to real estate, take the time to teach your child about the various terminology related to mortgages, like what foreclosure means, and make sure they know how to distinguish between the different loan types (i.e., conventional, FHA, VA, etc.).. It’s also a good time to teach them what are current mortgage rates. Go online and show them the various loan periods and how that affects rates; for example, a conventional 30-year fixed rate mortgage stands at 5.124 percent, whereas a VA loan for the same period is 4.750 percent.

Interrogating Each Purchase   

It’s easy for any of us to think twice before making a big purchase. For example, you will probably not spend $1,500 on a flat-screen TV without first considering other options and comparing prices between retailers. LendKey points out that it’s the little purchases that sneak up and do damage to your budget!

Teach your child to evaluate each purchase, even if it’s a four-dollar coffee or nine-dollar take-out order. Over time, they will get into a rhythm and develop the habit of mindful spending. Then, those little purchases will not accumulate without their knowledge, and they will know exactly where their dollars are going.

Every parent wants their children to have stability when they enter adulthood. Teaching your teen or young adult the basics of financial management can go a long way in helping them lay a solid foundation for succeeding and flourishing long-term. Consider the information and advice above – including how to budget, and having a grasp of investments and mortgages – and keep researching other ways that you can help your child develop healthy budgeting, spending, and investing habits!

NieCat Life Coaching is a faith-based parent and teen coaching resource that is focused on creating a more fulfilling and meaningful life for you and your children. Reach out today for more info! 305-761-5135

You are your child First and BEST Roll Model

Children learn from their parents how to make good life choices. Children may not always have the capacity for self-reflection and the ability to think about long-term consequences, which often makes it difficult for them to make wise decisions on their own. Parents should be available during this process and provide them with a platform where they can ask questions and get answers when they need them most. Read on for some tips and suggestions from NieCat Life Coaching.

Diet and Exercise  

Nemours KidsHealth notes that the dinner table is where children learn the dietary habits that can last a lifetime. Making healthy food choices for yourself and for them while they are young instills not only a sense of what a proper diet is, but they’ll learn to enjoy those foods if they’re introduced to them at an early age. Make certain both you and they have access to fruits and vegetables for snacking and avoid keeping sodas and chips in the house. You can reserve those for special occasions like parties but keep the healthy stuff on the table then too, to provide a good balance. 

Exercising with your children can be fun for you both. Family bicycling is something everyone can look forward to. Wearing helmets is a must for everyone as well as reflective clothing if you’ll be cycling past sundown. Walking and hiking are other fun activities everyone can do together, especially if it’s punctuated with a picnic. 

At Home

Keeping your home clean and clutter-free works for you and them. The Pragmatic Parent points out that teaching your children to put things away when they’re done with them means your home, including their rooms, can stay neat and tidy. A home filled with clutter causes stress and bad energy in the home, which means a lot of whining and complaining. Giving kids chores teaches them responsibility and accountability and if they get paid for some of those duties, it’s an opportunity for them to learn about savings, spending wisely, and delayed gratification. 

Scheduling homework time, playtime, and chores is a chance for them to learn time management, too. Kids can get stressed and overwhelmed if they’re not guided throughout their day since it takes time and maturity to learn how to best manage their activities. A printed schedule that is color coded in a place they visit often, like the refrigerator, can be helpful as well as a clock or an alarm clock that they can read. 

Education, Including Getting an Online Degree

It’s never too early to talk with your children about what they want to achieve in the future. Having a goal, even if it’s one they’ll change often, instills in them the idea of putting the work in now~education~means having the dream job they long for later on. 

Family trips to the library help them learn to appreciate books and all the other services a library offers. Encourage them to check out books about famous people who have done or are doing the job they hope to one day make their career. 

If you’ve been putting off getting a degree, pursuing an online degree gives you the flexibility to pursue your dream while fulfilling other responsibilities. For example, a BSED opens the door for opportunities to work with preschoolers and elementary-aged children. With the ability to learn at your own pace, online coursework allows you to work toward your goals while still taking care of your work and life responsibilities. Best of all, by seeking higher education, your children will benefit from the example you set. 

We hope you’ll adopt a few if not all of the above tips to be the best role model for your kids including living a healthy lifestyle, having a productive and stress-free home, and furthering your education, whether that’s through traditional channels or the online route. Children need guidance, but they also need to be left with a lot of freedom to find out what works best for them. This can only happen when we let them make their own choices while guiding them at the same time. If you need additional guidance and one-on-one support, reach out to parent coach Coach Arthur of NieCat Life Coaching today!

Written by:

Amanda Henderson ⎸amanda@safechildren.info

Safe Children

Your physical health is the foundation for all other aspects of your life. Taking steps to improve your physical health can help you feel more energized and motivated in other areas of your life. Consider joining a gym or taking up a new sport, eating healthier meals, getting enough sleep, and incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine.

Travel

Sometimes all it takes is getting away from everyday life to gain clarity on what we truly want out of our lives. Traveling can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save money while still having an amazing experience. Consider looking into budget airlines or staying at hostels instead of hotels if cost is an issue for you.

Reconnect With Old Friends

Mid-life crises can often leave us feeling lonely and isolated from our peers. Thankfully, there are helpful platforms that make it easier for people who have lost touch over the years to reconnect with one another. It’s always nice being able to catch up with old friends, after all.

Pursue a Better Career

If you’re feeling unfulfilled in your current job, it might be time to look for something new. Use free online tools to create an eye-catching resume that will make you stand out when applying for jobs. These tools are often easy-to-use and provide plenty of customization options so that you can create the perfect resume in no time.

Start Gardening

Gardening is a great way to connect with nature and find peace during times of stress or uncertainty. If you’ve never gardened before, there are plenty of reviews and tips available online to help get you started. From selecting the right plants for your climate to creating the perfect garden layout — these resources will help make sure your garden is off to a great start.

Volunteer

Volunteering is an amazing way to give back, develop new skills, and make a lasting impact on the lives of others. It can also be a great way to gain experience and jumpstart your career. There are many organizations out there that need volunteers, so take some time to research different opportunities near you. Whether it’s online or in person, you can find the perfect fit for you that allows you to do something meaningful with your time.

Explore Entrepreneurship

Starting a business is no easy task. Careful consideration should be taken in regard to creating detailed business plans and marketing strategies and researching potential customer bases. Legalities should also be considered, and registering your business through an online formation service could prove beneficial. With the correct groundwork, entrepreneurship can offer many pathways to success.

There are plenty of ways to approach and live through a mid-life crisis. Update your resume for the chance to explore better job opportunities, use helpful platforms to rekindle old friendships, and even consider entrepreneurship — all these activities offer unique and inspiring paths during this transitional period.

As a parent, it’s your job to not only feed and clothe your child but also to teach them other crucial life skills that will help them in the future. For example, your child relies entirely on you to teach them good leadership skills. This is a huge responsibility, but with the right knowledge you can raise a healthy, happy kid with great leadership skills that will put them on the right path. NieCat Life Coaching shares some resources that will help you.

Set a Good Example

One of the best ways you can teach your child is through example. Be a good leader, and your children will learn how to lead.

• Before anything else, you should know how to be a good leader.
• One of the most important aspects of leadership is communication. Have real conversations with your child.
• Be a source of motivation for your child.
• Being honest and admitting when you make mistakes will teach your child that leaders are human, too.
• Model ambition by going back to school for an advanced degree. Show them the importance of following your dreams by earning a master’s in information technology.
• Work with NieCat Life Coaching to build life skills. They offer parent and teen coaching, along with communication skills, personal growth, and more!

Build Your Child’s Self-Confidence

In order to be a leader, your child needs to be confident. This will help them feel like their ideas are valid.

• Being confident will make your child more motivated, make it easier for them to accept feedback, allow them to think for themselves, etc.
• Make sure you provide a safe, positive environment for them to learn and grow in. Be mindful of criticism.
• Encouraging your child’s hobbies and passions will help them build self-esteem and possibly even a future career.
• When your child works hard at something, praise their effort instead of the product.
• Responsibility is an important part of leadership. Giving your child tasks to accomplish will help them learn how to be more responsible and confident in their skills.

Give Them Leadership Opportunities

It’s important for children to have positive leadership experiences, like showing leadership through volunteering or participating in sports.

• Get involved with programs, like those available through the YMCA.
• Let them make decisions, such as what clothes they want to wear or what they’d like to eat for breakfast.
• Once they are old enough, they can participate in volunteer activities at the local senior center or animal shelter.
• If your child is interested, getting involved in sports could help them stretch their leadership muscles.
• If sports aren’t their thing, make sure they’re getting lots of exercise with regular walks.

Help Your Child Become a Great Leader

Teaching your child leadership skills will put them on the right track for future success. It will also give them more self-esteem and communication skills. Leadership is an important skill for even if your child doesn’t plan on being a manager or city council member. Be a good leader yourself, encourage your child’s passions, and help them have positive leadership experiences, and you’ll help them put their best foot forward in the future.

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey as a teenager can be an exhilarating experience. It provides a platform for young minds to explore, innovate, and shape their destiny. This article aims to provide insightful tips for teen entrepreneurs ready to dive into the business world.

Kickstart Success

The first step towards a successful business venture begins with comprehensive research. Understanding your potential market, identifying customer needs, and analyzing how your product or service can fulfill these needs is essential. Studying competitors can provide valuable insights into their strategies, helping you create a unique proposition. Keeping abreast of industry trends will also assist in adapting your business to the ever-changing market dynamics.

Create a Comprehensive Business Plan

A meticulously crafted business plan acts as a guiding beacon on your entrepreneurial journey. It outlines your business objectives, the strategies to achieve them, and the required resources. A good business plan prepares you for potential challenges and equips you with solutions. Remember, your business plan should be flexible and evolve with your growing business needs.

Digitize Your Business Documents

In today’s digital age, digitizing essential business documents is not just a trend but a necessity. Look for a tool to help you create a PDF online so​ your documents are easily accessible, secure, and shareable. Storing documents as PDFs has numerous benefits. Firstly, it ensures the preservation of original formatting regardless of the device or software used to view them. Secondly, it adds a layer of security by allowing password protection and encryption. Lastly, PDFs save physical storage space, reduce paper clutter, and simplify document management, making your business operations more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Create a Unique and Memorable Business Name

The name of your business plays a significant role in its success. A catchy, memorable name can make your business stand out, pique interest, and stimulate conversation about your brand. When choosing a name, consider its relevance to your business, ease of pronunciation, and potential for trademark protection.

Embark on a journey of enhancing your living space, promoting family unity, and acquiring new skills with home makeover projects tailored for families. Whether it’s a splash of new paint or constructing a new play space, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. This article will also offer tips on managing the financial aspects of these undertakings and even turn your DIY enthusiasm into a profitable side venture. In this article, we’ll explore eight project ideas that cater to various interests and age groups.

Unlock your full potential as a parent or empower your teenager to navigate their teenage years successfully with NieCat Life Coaching.

Revamp a Bedroom

Transforming a bland sleep space into an energetic haven can be exciting for the whole family. Allow everyone to choose their favorite hue and come together to repaint the room. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s also a lesson in collaboration and the joy of shared accomplishment.

Start a Family Garden

Immersing yourselves in a gardening project can be therapeutic and educational. Adding flora to your garden area not only elevates the beauty of your home but also instills in younger family members a sense of responsibility and the concept of caring for living things.

Add Curb Appeal With a Mailbox Makeover

Sometimes, it’s the small things that make a difference. Enhancing your home’s exterior by collectively painting the mailbox can be a quick yet fulfilling project. Decide on a pattern or color scheme that speaks to your family’s personality and make it a weekend activity.

Construct a Treehouse

Building a treehouse is a project that offers numerous rewards, both in the construction phase and after. This venture encourages imaginative thinking, problem-solving skills, and group collaboration. Once completed, it becomes a unique retreat for the children, elevating their outdoor playtime experiences.

Create a Sandbox for the Young Ones

If your family includes small children, a sandbox can be an excellent addition to your yard. It’s a simple project that doesn’t require advanced carpentry skills, yet it provides an endless source of entertainment and sensory exploration for youngsters.

Declutter and Organize Your Garage

Often overlooked, a garage can be a multifunctional space when organized correctly. Decluttering and arranging this area fosters a sense of accomplishment among family members and highlights the necessity of maintaining orderly spaces for more efficient living.

Stay Organized With a Mobile Scanner App

Juggling the finances for various home improvement projects can get overwhelming. If you need to scan a document or are drowning in paper receipts, there’s a simpler way to keep things organized. Rather than hold onto every receipt, use a mobile scanning app to quickly and easily capture any documents or images from your device’s camera and convert it into a PDF. This digital approach minimizes clutter and allows for more efficient tracking of your expenses.

Start a Family-Run Home Improvement Business

If the renovations you undertake as a family garner praise and you find the process deeply satisfying, think about launching a family-run home improvement venture. Keep in mind that when starting a business, you’ll need to develop a business model, create a detailed business plan, and develop marketing and pricing strategies. It’s a fantastic way to bond while turning a hobby into an income-generating activity.

Through these endeavors, your residence transforms into more than just a physical space; it becomes a symbol of unity and shared family values. Each project not only enhances your home’s aesthetics but also fosters stronger familial bonds and imparts practical abilities. These experiences contribute to personal growth while elevating the comfort and appeal of your living environment. Your house thus evolves into a nurturing space that truly reflects your family’s unique character and aspirations.