Tag: summer

Beating the Back-to-School Blues

Posted on by Jordank

#Back-to-school time can be fraught with worry for #kids and #parents alike. Kids might worry about new and more difficult classes, making friends, and catching the bus on time. Parents likely worry about getting kids to school, managing homework and money.

Most jarringly for kids, the season represents a shift from the carefree days of #summer. There won’t be as many opportunities for freestyle play or spontaneous family fun when school is in session; it’s like starting a new job at the end of every #summer. Naturally, the shift can produce anxiety.

Academic struggles, relationships, bullying, fitting in and the unknown can take their toll on the young psyche, says Parents. Common signs of anxiety in children can include physical complaints, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Listen to #children and validate their feelings to deal with any possible qualms about going back to #school. Encourage kids to express their concerns. Remind them that they aren’t alone. Work through worries together, calmly and with understanding.

It can help to do a “walk-through” of the school day — waking up on time, eating breakfast, packing their backpacks, and traveling to and from school. Get children comfortable with the transition before it takes place.

You can also plan a #summertime “last hurrah” — an outing designed to give your kids a great memory of the summer that was. It could be a trip to the beach, a day at an amusement park or a celebratory meal — anything that gives your child something to look forward to.

And parents — if you’re worried about the expense of having growing children in school — start your back-to-school #shopping at the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by #donations to ClothingDonations.org. You can #save #money on any number of school needs, from clothing to art supplies.

As you take stock of the summer and prepare your kids to return to school, ask them if there’s anything they no longer need. Set those things aside and schedule a free #donation #pickup with ClothingDonations.org. Those goods will be resold to help the nation’s #veterans.

Transitions are never easy — especially the one from summer fun to schoolwork. Help your kids cope; it will help them succeed at school!

Save on Utilities by Having a Cookout

Posted on by Jordank

Everyone knows that #grilling for a #cookout can help keep one’s home comfortable in the summertime by eliminating the heat coming from the oven or cooktop. But it’s also an energy-efficient and cost-effective choice! A single air-conditioning unit can use up to 5.14 kWh per hour, according to Beltrami Energy Cooperative, a Minnesota-based utility. “If you are looking to maintain a cool vibe and lower your AC’s energy consumption, head outside to the grill,” it says. “Rather than generating heat indoors, the heat is dispersed outside, reducing strain on the AC, which ultimately lowers utility bills.” #NoSweatSummerCookout

Summer Grilling Can Build Healthy Habits

Posted on by Jordank

Grilling can be a healthy way to cook in the #summertime and throughout the year, says Mountain Pacific Healthcare. It requires less oil than frying and allows excess fats to drip off of meats; it also encourages the use of fresh ingredients. “Build a menu that includes lean proteins such as chicken breast, turkey burgers, fish, shrimp or tofu [and] colorful vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, asparagus and onions.” Watch portion sizes and experiment with citrus marinades and spice rubs to avoid the added sugars of store-bought barbecue sauces. Grilling offers “an opportunity to build healthier habits.” #NoSweatSummerCookout

Uncomplicate Your Cookout Plans

Posted on by Jordank

A backyard #cookout is one of the simplest ways to host friends and family, and it doesn’t require hours of preparation, says Piggly Wiggly Birmingham. Keep the menu straightforward: Focus on a main dish or two and a few sides. Hamburgers and hot dogs are the easiest to cook, but as you gain confidence at the #grill, you can expand your repertoire to include grilled chicken, fish and vegetable dishes — and pick up a ready-made potato salad, chips, corn and a watermelon to round out the meal plan. Summer is made for relaxing, so don’t feel you have to make a cookout complicated! #NoSweatSummerCookout

How to Have a Stress-Free Summer Cookout

Posted on by Jordank

Hosting a #cookout? Don’t stress, says Chiavetta’s. Keep your schedule flexible — instead of setting a specific time for dinner, arrange service around a two-hour “grazing window.” Serve everything buffet-style and let your guests load up their paper plates whenever they get hungry. Keep food out of direct sunlight, of course — especially those mayonnaise-based potato salads and sour cream dips. If side dishes need to be chilled, fill a plastic bin with “two inches of crushed ice and nestle the serving bowls directly inside it” to keep foods fresh for hours. #NoSweatSummerGrilling