Valentine’s Day holds a special place in every heart, especially in the ones who have just started dating, leaving many people to wonder how important the Day of love actually is. No matter what our relationship status is, Valentine’s Day belongs to everyone. Wouldn’t you say that your loved one deserves the present of a unique token of appreciation? Don’t just gift them a dead rose that they’ve seen a million times, and don’t get them just a random gift either, such as chocolate or flowers, as it’s easy to get.

Oh, and no, cupcakes are not romantic. Not in the slightest! To help you out with some really impressive gift ideas, we’ve compiled a list.

1. Heart Earrings:

We’ve tried the ring on for size and are so pleased that they are a perfect size. Actually, keepsake jewellery is a really good idea, as it can be kept forever. It’s the simple things that matter! Heart earring symbolizes the love that is shared between two people, and this tiny gift is the embodiment of elegance. When worn, you’re sure to be blinded by the sparkles and to get slowed down by the pleasant conversations. However, if you find yourself under financial strains but still don’t want to miss this big Day, consider investing some time to find a payday loan that will enable you to afford all of this and more.

2. Flower & Succulent Arrangement:

If your loved one is an avid gardener, then why not surprise them with a gorgeous flower and succulent arrangement? A decorative pot will be the perfect addition to their collection if they already happen to own one. The secret to the effectiveness of this gift is the freshness of the flowers. Oh, and by the way, red roses are always the best!

3. Beauty Box Subscription:

A monthly beauty box subscription is an awesome way to say “I love you” to your loved one. If you go for the right subscription, then you can be sure that a great gift awaits your loved one each month. Also, if we were, to be honest, who hasn’t been contemplating a monthly beauty box subscription, which would include a new box and a great bunch of beauty products each month? This is a perfect opportunity! Naturally, this gift wouldn’t have to be limited to just women!

4. Promise Rings:

Girls, we have a promise ring for you! Promise rings are popular jewellery that can be used as a promise ring, wedding ring, or just a simple gift. If you want to make sure that you’re picking the right promise rings for your special someone, you should always go for the diamond ones, as they are the symbols of eternal love.

Conclusion:

These small gifts may seem insignificant at first, but you can’t deny the fact that they hold great meaning. If you’re willing to make your loved one feel special, then you should definitely consider buying them something that will help them with their everyday living.

If you have been considering commissioning some bespoke jewellery and sourcing the materials yourself, you may have heard the term gemstone tender on your search and might not be sure what it is. There are gemstone tenders throughout the world, and any country with a high production of precious gemstones will most likely have a tender. Below is an explanation of a gemstone tender and everything that you need to know about it.

What Is A Gemstone Tender?

A gemstone tender is when a mining company has an auction to sell off some of the precious gems they have mined and is an excellent way for the company to liquidate some of its assets. The famous Argyle mine in Western Australia would hold its annual Argyle Pink Diamond Tender. A selection of the highest quality gems was auctioned off every year, and it was an invitation-only event before the mine closed in 2020. However, other tenders worldwide can be open to the public, but only if you have enough cash available.

What Can You Buy At A Gemstone Tender?

Gemstone tenders are meant for bulk purchases, as the mining companies would prefer to sell off as much of their stock as possible in one go, rather than lots of smaller transactions. Each mining company will have different mines that produce other gemstones, so depending on which mining company is having a tender will dictate what will be for sale. At a tender, you may be able to find different coloured diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, loose diamonds, and many other precious gemstones that would often end up in designer engagement rings Sydney ladies and other ladies around the world would be wearing. These gems are often sold in bundles.

Can You Attend A Gemstone Tender?

Some tenders are invitation-only, but some tenders you may have to apply to join if you are interested in making a purchase. These happen all over the world, but you do not have to visit in person if you cannot travel, and the tender is often conducted online. You will need to register for the event, and if you are accepted, you will be able to log in for the live tender where you will be able to bid on any of the gems for sale. It is vital that before attending the tender, you must read and understand the rules, as breaking these may mean you are illegible to make a purchase.

Can You Save Money At A Gemstone Tender?

You can save a lot of money when you attend and purchase from a gemstone tender, but you must keep in mind that you must buy in bulk, which may mean spending more than you want. The gemstone tender idea is to sell off the inventory to the industries that purchase them in bulk, such as the jewellery industry. As such, you will often find buyers from large corporations and jewellery houses attending these events and bulk buying stock for them to turn into jewellery.

If you can attend one of these events and have the money to buy in bulk, you can use the gems you like best for your jewellery, sell the remaining ones, and you may get a reasonable discount on your gemstones.

 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, stay-at-home orders have forced everyone to limit their time outside and to do everything at home. Apart from school and work, people are forced to do other errands online, which include buying groceries and shopping for clothes and shoes. The latter part can be tricky, particularly shopping for shoes.

Many concerns surround shoe shopping online:

• How it looks online vs. real life
• How to fit the shoes when all you have is a sizing chart
• Are you seeing all of their Lacrosse boots selection or Gucci shoes? Are you missing out on anything?

Granted, buying shoes online can be challenging but it can also be convenient as long as you familiarize yourself with the economics of online shoe shopping.

Here’s how you can comfortably shop for shoes within the comforts of your home (minus the worries of getting the wrong shoe size).

Know Your Foot Measurements

Shoe sizes vary between manufacturers. Also, you can’t try on shoes when you’re shopping online. Still, knowing the dimensions of your feet can help in finding the perfect pair of shoes. Measure the exact width and length of each foot from the longest points and keep these details handy. Apart from the size, find out if your foot arches are low, medium or high since shoes are designed with different arches.

Check your chosen online store’s sizing chart to find out which size will fit. Reading the review section can also help since reviewers will tell you if you need to size down or up. Never take a gamble with your shoe size. If you need more help, reach out to a customer service representative. It’s better to be sure with the shoe you’ll buy than worry about returning a shoe that’s too small or too big for you.

Know the Type of Shoes You Want

You need to have a clear agenda when shoe shopping. Browsing online with just an “I need some shoes” mindset may lead you down a rabbit hole of endless options. While endless options may seem ideal, it complicates your selection. You may end up buying more than you should or not buying at all.

Simplify your search by knowing the type of shoes you need. What style of shoes do you want? What are you going to use the shoes for? Are you more interested in function, form or comfort? Answering these questions in advance will narrow down your search and reduce the likelihood of you shopping for more shoes than you need.

Check Out The Shop’s Return and Exchange Policy

Returns and exchanges are common in the world of online shopping, but they are not always easy. Even if you do the shoe shopping research, you can still receive a pair that doesn’t feel, look or fit right. Plus, there’s always the “bad luck” of receiving a defective shoe (which also happens when you shop in-person).

In both cases, a bad exchange and return policy will leave you with sore feet and a headache. In general, shoe shops give customers at least few weeks to return the shoes in exchange for another pair or for a refund – as long as the shoes are still in good condition. If you’ve found a pair you like, check out the store’s return and exchange policy first. Read reviews about them, too. If you’ve proven that a shop goes above and beyond its policy, you’re in good hands.

A good return policy ensures a good shopping experience.

Learn More About Shipping Costs and Other Fees

The allure of online shopping is all about convenient shopping and good deals. Most online shops offer promos and sales that cause shoppers to add more to their carts. But not all deals are as good as they seem.

Some shops may have low up-front costs but have expensive shipping fees. You may think that you’re saving more when you might be better off shopping at a physical store. Others offer free shipping but your orders take longer to arrive, which is a con for people who need the shoes ASAP.

Before you buy the shoes, consider the cost, the estimated shipping fee and shipping time so you can manage your expectations.

Only Shop at Reputable Stores

Not all stores that offer good deals can be trusted. Instead of settling for a cute pair of shoes from a questionable shop, look for reputable online stores. Trust is important for any shopper, especially online shoppers since you pay first before you get your products. So consider a store’s reputation; read up on customer reviews and see if the store has a good rating with accredited online shopping organizations.

Shoe shopping online need not be a nightmare. If you know how to shop wisely and read up on recommendations, you’ll be an expert online shoe shopper in no time. Complete your classic wardrobe by finding great shoes online.

 

Going on a family hike is one of the best ways to encourage kids to connect with Mother Nature and be active at the same time. But not all children are for hikes. Their reasons are aplenty: “It’s too hot,” “I’d rather stay at home and be with my phone,” or even “Is it even Instagram-worthy?”

In reality, hiking is not IG-worthy or an overall comfortable experience. As a result, parents have to endure the whining, complaining and endless “Are we there yet?” questions from impatient kids. Some children even go as far as “Well, OK. I’ll come, but I’ll need a new pair of Xtratuf shoes, though.”

Instead of succumbing to the cajoling and bribery, try to make the whole hiking experience fun for the kids. Create more memories with the family by considering the following ideas.

Plan Your Hike Together

Kids are most likely to join when they have a say in the planning. Even if they are too young to even pick the location, give them choices. Should you climb some rocks? Is it better to walk by a river? How about the family searches for the biggest tree?

Build up the anticipation for the trip while giving them a sense of ownership over it. Think of it this way: no one likes getting dragged to trips they didn’t even plan. Give your kids options. Together, you browse online for guidebooks so you can plan your hike as a family.

When planning the hike with the kids, be flexible and have fun. If these are your goals, everyone will be happy. Remember: you’re trying to introduce your family to hiking. They won’t enjoy it if things go according to your plan, but they don’t have a say in it. Change plans if things are not working out.

Choose a Hike with Different Terrains and Features

Exploring makes everyone better, which is why you should be flexible with your trails.

Consider your trail options. To make hikes more interesting and active, go for trails with plenty of bridges, logs, rocks, boardwalks or creeks. Find trails with things kids can do like climbing or playing. These features can also spark their imagination as they pretend to be walking through monster-infested waters.

Also, brainstorm ways you can entertain your kids along the hike. Throw rocks into a pond, hike with benches or play in a shelter. Finally, hiking trips with plenty of flowers and animals can be entertaining and interesting for your children.

For the older kids, choose quick-changing surroundings to hold up their interests. Tell them to watch out for a specific species of tree exclusive to that area or the upcoming river crossing.

Everyone Should Have a “Job”

Kids appreciate trips more if they are in charge of something. On the trail, assign roles to your children. Let them take turns leading the group. The leaders get compasses and maps. They also get to choose the trail you’re hiking. Let the leaders hold the map and lead the way of the trail (with your guidance, of course).

The other children can serve as the medic who is in charge of carrying the first-aid kit. Photography-savvy and IG-aesthetic expert kids are in charge of the photos.

Pack Plenty of Snacks

Kids burn off calories faster than adults. Along the way, they’ll need more fuel for their energy tanks. Pack a variety of snacks for your trip. Ask your children what they want to eat and have them help you pack the snacks or carry the food in their packs. Hiking is also a good time to break their favorite treats that you reserve for special occasions.

Go at Their Pace

Let your children set the pace for the hike, even if it’s slower than your normal pace. For most kids, the journey is more important than the destination. Allow plenty of time for the hike and refrain from rushing the kids so you won’t miss the opportunity of checking things out. A slower pace also enables you to see everything at your children’s level. Most kids, especially the younger ones, want to touch everything. They’re inevitably going to find things that you miss.

Be the Rewarding Parent

The mere fact your kids joined a hike with you deserves a reward. Give them rewards like small treats when you reach certain landmarks. An end-of-hike reward may also motivate them to finish the hike despite being tired. Once they reach the end, let them pick where to go to eat – whether it’s at their favorite lunch spot or frozen yogurt place. If their spirits are low during the hike, dangle this reward to encourage them.

Hikes are one of the best ways to build memories with your children. Connect with your kids and encourage physical activity by taking them on a hike they’ll love.

Do you want to enjoy a nice grilled food with your family in the comfort of your home but you don’t have the place to grill outside? If yes, then you should be happy about indoor electric grills.

This article will discuss the five benefits of having an indoor electric grill to help you decide whether you need to purchase on or not!

What Is An Indoor Electric Grill?

Technology has changed so much throughout the years. After putting into the equation the recurring needs of people and their preferences, finally there is now an indoor electric grill!

Indoor electric grills come in two different types: (1) open grills and (2) contact grills. Open grills are like a smaller version of the regular grills used outdoors. They have an open grilling surface so if you want to archive an even cooking, you must flip your food half way through.

On the other hand, contact grills have two cooking surfaces found at the top and at the bottom. By using this, your food will be cooked from both sides, making it cook easier and faster!

What Are The Benefits of Having an Indoor Electric Grill?

Are you still deciding if you need to buy an indoor electric grill? Then maybe you need to look at these benefits so you can finally make up your mind about buying one! Here is a list of the benefits of having an indoor electric grill:

• It can also be used for outdoors

Just because its name says “indoor” doesn’t mean that you can no longer take it outside and grill with your family there. The top electric grills today are very versatile because they can be used both indoors and outdoors as long as there is a power source. With this, you can now enjoy grilling with your family either in your backyard or in your kitchen!

• You can easily control the temperatures and heat of an indoor grill

Unlike the old greasy grills that still use propane tanks or coals, indoor electric grills feature a thermostat that allows you to easily regulate the temperature and the amount of heat that you want or need while grilling. By using an indoor electric grill, you can now bid your goodbye to overcooked and undercooked food!

• Indoor grills are relatively easier to clean

Another good thing about having an indoor electric grill is never having a problem about cleaning it ever again! Indoor electric grills have no some or left over char, which makes them relatively easier to clean! Just wipe them down with a clean cloth and a cleaning solution and they will surely look good as new!

• Indoor electric grills are much safer to use

Another advantage of using an indoor electric grill is that they are much safer to use. Unlike using the old gas grills, you never have to worry about gas leakages and encountering an unexpected fire at your home. Aside from that, indoor electric grills don produce fumes or smoke when you are using it for cooking, so we can say that they are safer for the health of the people who are grilling the food.

• Indoor electric grills require little maintenance

Lastly, indoor electric grills don’t require that much maintenance. They can just be wiped off with a clean towel! Besides that, the grill plates can also be removed easily. After removing, you can just stack it in a dishwasher!

What to Look for In An Indoor Electric Grill?

Now that you know the benefits of having an indoor electric grill, you might want to know what to look for in one! There are different factors that you should consider when picking your first indoor electric grill. These factors include: size, power, heat, grill plates, and filter.

Size

The size of the grilling surfaces of an indoor electric grill ranges from 60 to 200 square inches. You must decide depending on how much food you cook on a regular basis and how many people you usually feed in your house. An indoor electric grill with the size of 80 square inch is good for a household with one to two members. If its size is more than that, then it will suit a household with three to five members.

Power

If you are fond of cooking thicker types of meats, then you should get an indoor electric grill that has a power ranging from 1300 to 1800 watts. But, if it is less thicker, then an indoor electric grill with at least 800 watts of power can surely do the job.

Heat

You should always opt for an indoor electric grill with an adjustable heat range. This way, you can control the heat depending on what type of cooking is needed to be done on your food.

Grill Plates

Contact grills are used to quickly cook both sides of the meat at the same time. But if you are expecting a party, you can cook separately on both sides of the grill by keeping it open. This way, you can double your cooking surface without affecting your grilling experience!

Filter

An indoor electric grill with a good filter won’t produce smoke and sound the detectors all over your house! They are less messy and easier to use!

Final Thoughts

Indoor electric grills are safer and cleaner to use! So if you want to get one for yourself, check out Carnivore Style and order your first ever indoor electric grill!

 

 

The location you live in should never have to decide whether or not your child gets to enjoy the rewards of piano-based education that functions best for people with special needs. By using modern technology, anyone can now get FaceTime classes, Zoom Live Class, online learning lessons, or a mix of the three.

You can get a tailored piano-based musical curriculum for keeping in mind their unique needs all around the globe, no matter how old or where they reside! And that’s why online piano lessons are a good idea. Let’s find out more.

Some Basic Questions to Start With

• Will the online classes be close to the physical class lessons?
• Is it possible that online music lessons will be equivalent to in-person lessons?
• Does online schooling help the instructor and students equally?
• How do I better plan for my first few online classes?

How Online Lessons Differ?

In the field of studying new music and practice, commonalities would rule. However, how teachers can do it will look completely different. The student can begin to hone previous skills and increase his/her appreciation of music.

And so the instructor can tailor his/her way of presenting and incorporating them. Teachers’ imagination and resourcefulness can better equip their online lessons, much as it encourages them in person.

Can Online Piano Lessons Replace In-Person Lessons?

In the wake of COVID-19, instructors and platforms announcing music lessons online started to emerge in massive numbers. There are several drawbacks of in-person classes, but not any. Though the schooling can be less efficient, the online curriculum may also be as effective as a traditional classroom. In reality, online piano lessons can be beneficial in many respects. A few of them are below.

1. Monitoring

The online lesson helps the instructor to look at how students interact with their musical instruments at home. The instructor looks at the student’s place in their everyday life, and it can be quite insightful.

2. Interactive Session

The online music lesson allows the instructor and the student to take different approaches to learning. As they cannot show them the page, they also pose more questions, and doing less preaching is often a plus because it encourages the student all the more.

3. Improves the Level of Responsibility

Internet lessons will boost a student’s level of willingness and therefore enhance their success because the instructor can’t write in their book, nor have they written down their assignments themselves (though they might email them). Requiring them to write their work into their notebooks and turn in their tasks in class would help them remember the homework better and practice more consistently throughout the course.

Do the Instructor’s Benefit from Teaching Online?

Continuing to take online piano lessons can help the instructor manage to receive a paycheck. They rely on this income, and their continuing studies are essential to them. However, you can see from the answers above that this is in no way all about the instructor making a living.

Your instructors are making a move to keep you protected from future illness (due to COVID-19 threat), keep themselves protected, and make sure that you are progressing to learn how to play music perfectly.

How to Give It a Good Start?

• Be Flexible

Be able to adjust. Stuff won’t go well in the first few online classes, but both the student and the instructor adapt to the modern format.

• Check Your Device

Be willing to position the monitor or computer in precisely the instructor’s right position to view the student’s hands and the face. It’s more effective if you’re going to stay in the room with your child for at least the first ten minutes of the online class to better set your child up properly for the camera.

• Quiet

Do your hardest to silence the place. It’s crazy what the mic on the phone can pick up because if you use the phone in another area of the house or other deliberations in another room, it will be a diversion for the student.

• Keep The Essentials

Ensure that a notebook and pencil are at your disposal. The student may need to write down their notepads’ tasks, so they will already have what is required to do this. And because the child has some special needs, it would be better to stay out with him as long as the class continues. And in this way, your child will be able to give his/her online piano classes the start it needs.

The Final Thought

Just because you are geographically located in a specific area doesn’t imply that your child can’t get the right to receive the rewards of online music lessons that work with people with special needs.

 

It’s the middle of winter. It’s dark, gloomy, and cold. Depending on where you live and what the climate is like, you’d be lucky to get outside to enjoy a mere hour or two of natural light every day during this cold season. But, luckily, spring is just around the corner. It doesn’t feel like it right now, but soon the days will be longer and warmer, and you’ll have more incentive to open up your windows and doors to let the beautiful fresh air back into your home. It’s been missed.

Why don’t you give your house a few updates to let in more natural light before the spring arrives? In just a month or two, your home could radiate with sunlight by making a few changes to its décor. Did you know that natural light is essential to your wellbeing? It’s loaded with vitamin D and can boost the immune system. Its warm rays also can uplift a sour mood within seconds.

If you’d like to experience natural light’s benefits, we’ve created a list of illuminating renovation ideas for your home. Read on to check it out.

Add a Sunroom to Your Home

Have you ever wanted to be outside without having to endure all of its inconveniences? You know the kind — the bugs, dirt, unpredictable weather, and even wild animals. With a sunroom addition, you could benefit from the outdoors from the comfort of home. A sunroom has glass walls that allow you to look outside, all year round, without physically having to leave your house. You can enjoy the sunshine whenever you want.

Sunrooms are great home additions because you can transform them into the room you’ve always wanted. For example, a sunroom would make a great playroom for the kids or personal office space. The main thing is that it will become a room full of gorgeous natural light, any time of year.

Give Your Back Room a Facelift With Glass Patio Doors

Picture this: it’s late spring, and you’re coming in from the backyard after a pleasant day of tending the garden. You come inside to pour yourself a glass of something cold and delicious and come back out to the patio to fire up the barbeque. What makes this scene so perfect is the ease of moving inside and outside of your home. It’s all thanks to your new sliding patio doors in the backroom!

Sliding patio doors made with high-quality glass provide convenience and allow natural sunlight to pour into any room in the house. Ideal for a back kitchen or den, sliding patio doors will open up your home to the beauty of your surroundings.

If your house feels darker than it should, it’s time to update it. Now is the ideal time to renovate your home because it’s a few weeks away from warmer weather and longer days. You could fill your home with light with these two renovation ideas. With a sunroom and a set of sliding patio doors, you could enjoy the benefits of natural light all year long.

Why you Need Gaming Headsets If you love playing computer games then you definitely need a gaming headset. These devices allow you to have a clear and refined audio experience in any sort of gaming environment. They give a very crisp, clear sound and also give comfort for long hours of play. They allow you to move your hands freely while you are playing video games. Some headsets even let you move your head and this is certainly a big plus point.

Gaming Headsets Are Great For Immersive Gaming One reason why many people consider getting gaming headsets is because they help make the game much more immersive and real. When you first start playing a game then it is hard to tell whether you are being blown away by the graphics or if it’s just a flat out game. By using external noises and sounds, such as a gaming headset, you will be able to tell that it’s an actual game. This makes the game much more realistic and interesting. There are so many gaming headsets available today that you are sure to find the perfect one for your gaming needs.

Gaming Devices Are a Must Have If you are someone who enjoys playing video games then you should be prepared to invest a bit of money to get yourself a good pair of gaming headsets and other accessories. Many people often underestimate the importance of good accessories and underestimate the effect that they have on the quality of their gaming experience. However, you need to ensure that you get yourself a good set of external accessories in order to maximize your enjoyment of the game and reduce any frustration.

Good Gaming Headsets Are Also Great For Watching Media Gaming headsets have now become a must have item in homes all over the world because of the high demand for home theater systems. With good gaming headsets you can easily watch live television channels and listen to music or other live broadcasts through your headphones. This makes it very easy to enjoy your media without disrupting others in your home. One of the best accessories that you can get your hands on is a surround sound system. With a surround sound system, you will be able to hear all the sounds in your gaming environment.

Gaming Accessories That Provide Great Audio Although the main goal of gaming headsets is to provide good audio quality, there are some products on the market today that offer a mid-range sound solution. These products typically feature a built-in subwoofer with a good bass impact. Other times, consumers will want a wireless headphone with good battery life and a good sound system. A few good gaming headsets that fit this bill include the Bose xVR gaming headset and the headsets from Logitech.

The Right Mic When using gaming headsets it is essential that you have the right microphone. Consumer grade microphones will be the ones that you should look for as they are designed to work well with these types of devices. You should be able to find a mic that has a good range and eliminates any disturbances when you talk over the phone line. It is also important that you use a reliable device that comes with a long cord so that you do not have to constantly re-insert the battery. Most devices today come with a USB cable but if yours does not then an adapter can be bought to use a standard USB cord. Keeping these basic factors in mind when searching for a gaming headset will ensure maximum enjoyment.

Dogs are often referred to as being a ‘man’s best friend’ and there are so many reasons as to why this is the case. When you experience having a dog as a pet, it can often become difficult to live without having one – they provide a constant source of company and really become a part of your family. For many people, having a dog can actually improve their quality of life quite drastically, which is one of the reasons why people can get so attached to their dog.

They’ll Keep You Fit

Dogs are an amazing way of keeping you fit and active and can provide that extra push of motivation to get you out of the house. When you own a dog, you have an obligation to keep it fit and healthy by walking it on a daily basis, so this will make you do regular exercise and have fresh air. Without a dog, it can be really hard on some days to get yourself up and out of bed, despite the knowledge that this is good for you both mentally and physically. When you have a responsibility, however, this will come naturally.

Throughout the entirety of your dog’s life, they will need to be walked, but this may vary in intensity from when they are a bouncy puppy to when they are slower and older. If you notice your dog slowing down and becoming a little stiffer, you should try joint tablets for dogs to help ease their pain as their joints deteriorate. YuMOVE offers a range of supplements and joint tablets for dogs. YuMOVE products are approved by vets in the UK and you can save money by subscribing.

Dogs Are Great Companions

Dogs are one of the best cures for loneliness, especially if you live alone or if you spend a lot of time by yourself. Having a dog around is really comforting and is also great if you feel as though you want some company but don’t particularly want to speak to anyone.

Having a sense of responsibility for something can have a great impact on your mental health and give you a sense of self-worth. It can also help you feel a sense of achievement when you know that you have brought up an animal successfully.

Your Social Life Can Be Boosted

Dogs can be a great way to socialise, whether that is because you go on walks with friends who also have dogs, or when you meet other dog walkers at the park. This will help you to get friendly with other people in your local area, who you may not otherwise speak to if you don’t have a dog. As well as the benefits a dog will have on your social life, by meeting other dogs in the park your own dog will be able to develop relationships, which is healthy for its own development.

Dogs Are Great For Family Bonds

One of the best ways that your family can bond is by getting a dog. Often, when kids are growing up, there is a stage in late childhood to the early teenage years when you can feel a little bit disassociated with them. This is completely natural, but one amazing way to combat this is by doing regular bonding activities, such as going on dog walks. This is great for a young person’s mental health and gives you an excuse to spend some quality time together.

Having a dog will also provide you with incredible and irreplaceable memories with your family. Some families celebrate dogs’ lives as though they are human, such as by getting them presents for birthdays and Christmas. Not only is this great for children, but being appreciative of your pet will help it massively in that it will be happier and less anxious, and this will be reflected in its behaviour.

Dogs Can Provide A Sense Of Protection And Safety

People who own dogs often feel much safer in their houses, even if the breed of dog that you own is not a stereotypically intimidating dog. Houses with dogs often experience fewer burglaries since the dog is a deterrent when making a lot of noise. If you have younger children in your household, this can be really reassuring to know, as an extra layer of safety will be provided.

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes and depending on the breed that you get, can be quite high maintenance or quite low maintenance. Before you make the commitment of getting a dog you should be ready for the responsibility, but you can be reassured that it will make a great addition to your life. Adopting a dog is a great option if you aren’t too fussy about which particular breed – this way, as well as adding benefits to your own life, you will be doing an amazing deed.

Underage drinking laws exist for a reason. Teens are capricious most of the time, and alcohol could potentially cause no end of trouble in their systems. Aside from the physical effects of alcohol, drinking from an early age can cause systemic psychological and physiological problems such as dependency.

Despite numerous laws and warnings, teenagers may still go out drinking. Almost 25 percent of teens between 14 and 15 years old said they had at least one drink in 2019. Whether its because of peer pressure, curiosity or something else, teens may end up drinking.

Rather than ignore this potential issue, you should head off the problem and have an open dialogue with your teenagers about it. Although plenty of reliable rehabilitation clinics are around the country, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when talking to teenagers about underage drinking.

• Open Communication

The first step is to be open with them. Teenagers are naturally secretive and seek privacy in most aspects of their lives, especially with things like underage drinking and partying. Being more open can make them more receptive to conversation. When you’ve established open communication, you can broach sensitive topics and make it clear that they can talk to you about such things.

• Use Your Own Experiences

Every adult used to be a teenager once. You probably still remember studying for the SATs, your first driving lessons and going to your first high school party. Dig into your own experiences regarding underage drinking. How did you say no to peer pressure? How did your own parents talk to your about it? How would you improve the way they handled it? These can all help you have a better conversation with your own teenagers.

• Never Exaggerate

You may be tempted to exaggerate the consequences and physical effects of alcohol. Such tactics aren’t suited for a mature conversation with teenagers. Not only are exaggerated consequences easy to disprove, your teenagers may feel like your patronizing them and make it less likely that they’ll open up to you or take your warnings seriously. Do not exaggerate anything when it comes to such issues and rely on truth and sincerity.

• Make the Consequences Clear

Although you shouldn’t exaggerate the effects of alcoholism, you don’t need to. There are plenty of real and documented negative impacts associated with underage drinking. Car crashes, physical injuries and other unsavory events can all be caused by underage drinking. You should also make the consequences of underage drinking in your home perfectly clear. Maybe its grounding or two weeks of yard work, but make sure your teenagers know you disapprove, and they can expect punishment if they cross that line.

• Discuss How to Handle Peer Pressure

One of the greatest reasons teenagers may drink is because of peer pressure. Whether they want to fit in with the cool crowd or simply want to prove they’re more mature than they really are. Social factors like peer pressure are incredibly powerful, especially on teens. When talking to them about underage drinking, discuss ways on how they can say no or avoid situations entirely. Such tactics could include asking for a different beverage, telling your teen they don’t have to drink and understanding what could happen if they do drink.

• Talk Family History

Another facet of alcoholism you should bring up with your kids is if you have a family history of substance abuse. Research has established that alcoholism can be a genetic condition. If your family has a history of alcohol abuse, you should talk about it with your teens. Make them understand that they may be more susceptible to substance abuse. This could enlighten them on the consequences they could experience with underage drinking.

• Offer Support and Acceptance

Once you’re done explaining to them the possible consequences, both outside and inside your home, that teens may face for underage drinking, make it clear that you are still there for them. As a parent or parental figure, tell them you will accept and care for them even if they do slip up. Tell them that if they land into trouble that they can call for you.

For example, if they did drink, you should instruct them to call you for transportation rather than taking a cab or worse, driving themselves. Offering your support and acceptance can mean they will inform you when they need help the most.

Teenage drinking is difficult subject to broach, especially with teenagers. But openness and a willingness to communicate can help bridge the gap and establish a firm foundation on which you can guide them.