Sylvania Town Money Saver | August FOM 2021

How To Encourage Your Child To Be More Independent

In order for children to develop their problem­solving skills, improve their self­esteem and ultimately be academically successful, they need to learn to be independent. Here are some ways to encourage your children to do more on their own.

• Assign your children an increasing number of responsibilities according to their age, abilities and maturity level. Avoid giving them too many new duties at once or choosing tasks for which they don’t have all the necessary skills yet.

• When you assign your children a new responsibility, take the time to clearly explain how to complete the task. Supervise them the first few times, but avoid stepping in to do the job yourself.

• If a task is particularly challenging, break it down into several steps. This will help prevent your children from getting discouraged. If they encounter a problem, guide them to a solution by asking questions

Streamline Your Morning Routine

With the start of a new school year on the horizon, you may be wondering how to ensure your mornings aren’t spent frantically rushing around. Here are some tips to help you create a stress-free morning routine.

START THE NIGHT BEFORE

rather than immediately providing an answer.

• Create a chart or calendar outlining your children’s responsibilities (setting the table, helping do the groceries, brushing their teeth, etc.).

Finally, remember to highlight your child’s successes, and praise them for trying even if things don’t go as planned.

One way to save time in the morning is to complete any tasks you can the night before. Be sure to get your kids involved. They can set the table for breakfast, put their gym bag by the front door and lay out the clothes they want to wear.

BE CONSISTENT

As much as possible, do things in the same order every day. This will help make your mornings more efficient and ensure no one forgets to brush their teeth. For young children, an established routine can also help them become more independent.

MAKE ADJUSTMENTS

It’s likely that you’ll need to implement a few changes before you find a morning routine that works for everyone. Give yourself time to adjust to the new school year, and don’t hesitate to divide up tasks between family members.

INCLUDE SOME FREE TIME

Schedule 10 minutes of free time for your children in the morning. Not only will they be tempted to get ready faster so they can play, but you’ll also have some time for yourself. Additionally, this serves as a good buffer if something unexpected comes up.

HAPPY BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON!

A Guide To Insulated Containers

Insulated food containers are an easy option for keeping school lunches warm.

WHAT TO BUY

Since an insulated food container won’t retain heat as long if it’s only half full, choose a model based on the typical portion size you serve your child. Opt for a container with a large opening, as it’ll be easier to fill and clean. Terms such as “double wall” and “vacuum insulation” will ensure meals stay hot for more than a few hours.

HOW TO USE IT

Never put an insulated food container in the microwave. Instead, fill it with boiling water and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Additionally, heat the food to a high temperature (too hot to eat right away) before placing it in the container. This will prevent bacteria growth. Note that food won’t stay hot for long in an insulated food container unless there’s some liquid in it.

HOW TO CLEAN IT

It’s best to clean it by hand. This will ensure it stays in good condition and won’t lose its thermal capabilities. If there’s a lingering scent in the container, fill it with hot water and baking soda, and let it sit for a few hours.