Archive for the ‘Guest Posts’ Category

Five Ways You May Be Pushing Your Teenager Away by Ella Woodward offers sound advice for any parent. Parenting a teen can be tricky and no one is perfect, but this will help you focus on the things that can get in the way.

Introduction

• Finding the right parenting technique that works for you and your child will encourage them to be respectful and maintain a healthy relationship with yourself and others. This is all well and good, but when puberty hits, things can become very difficult for everyone in your household. Once you are a parent of a teenager, you will need to adapt your methods and find a way to keep that relationship strong. As your teenager starts to become more independent, you need to make sure you keep them safe, without pushing them away.

Treating Them Like a Child

• All a teenager wants is to feel grown-up, and they will tend to prioritize areas and people who make them feel like that the most. The more you respect your teen and make them feel mature, the happier they will feel at home. They will still have their childish moments and mood swings as their hormones settle, but it is your job as a parent to encourage their inner adult to come out.

Smothering Them

• Smothering your teen or making them feel that way will push them away, but you need to make sure you know what they are up to. Finding a way to ask questions and lay down rules without making them feel smothered is a skill that you will improve over time. You just need to keep in mind that if you are making your teenager feel smothered with affection, then they will want to flee.

Giving Them Too Much Freedom

• You may think that giving your teenager freedom will keep the peace and make them respect you, but this is not a good way to maintain a healthy relationship with your teen. Too much freedom too soon can lead to them ending up in social scenes that they are not prepared for and peer pressure that they don’t know how to handle. This could lead to a rebellious teenager and can even put their life at risk.

Not Listening

• Being a teenager is a confusing and difficult process for some. They will have a lot of thoughts, questions, concerns, and opinions circling their minds, so you should do your best to make time for them and listen to their thoughts and interests. If you don’t, they will end up looking for someone who will or they will keep it to themselves, which can lead to a lot of problems for them in the future.

Making Their Home Environment Unpleasant

• Home should be a safe, secure, and happy place for the entire household. When you are stressed all the time and emit negative energy, it will affect your teenager, as they have no other choice but to live with it. If you feel like you are creating an unpleasant home environment because of your teen’s behavior, then you should use these tips for managing teens. Following these tips can help you deal with this challenging situation and improve the home environment for the entire household. There is no such thing as the perfect parent and looking after a teenager isn’t always easy. Every child is different, so the advice that exists may not work for everyone, but there will be things out there that will work for you.

Ella Woodward

• As a woman making her way to the top of the corporate ladder, Ella Woodward has the expertise and business knowledge to guide readers through the latest developments in the fast-paced business, financial, and investment spaces. She has the contacts, instincts, and insight to discover the latest deals, trades, and organizations that are worth your time. Being in constant demand, she’s made her blog a resource where you to see a small selection of the work she’s done over the years. If you are interested in having her do some work for you email her at ella@businessella.com.

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Four Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your College Education by Craig Middleton offers advice that all high school students should consider. It’s also good for people wishing to change to a career that requires some college. I would add that you should also realize that learning doesn’t end with graduation. In a sense, learning just starts then so do your best to see yourself as a life-long learner.

Introduction

• Some people think that you have to go to one of the best universities to get a good education or that your success depends on starting college right out of high school. Neither of these perceptions is accurate. No matter where you go or when you start, you get out of your college education what you put into it. (Doug: That’s true for life in general.) Your college years are yours to do with what you will, but here are some ideas of how you can make the most of the time, energy, and money that you invest in your education.

1. Set Your Own Timetable

• College degrees are often categorized by the estimated time that it takes to complete them, e.g., two-year degrees or four-year degrees. Do not let this intimidate you or pressure you to finish within a particular time frame. It’s actually a rarity for most students to finish a bachelor’s degree in four years, and there are people who take the better part of a decade to finish. This occurs for a number of reasons. Some are nontraditional students who already work a full-time job and have to fit classes around their current work schedule. Others have trouble obtaining financial aid so they can only take a few classes per semester, or else they change majors and have to take all new prerequisites. What works for most students does not necessarily work for everyone. You should set a timetable that works for you. For example, work at your own pace online college courses may fit better work at your own pace online college courses may fit better into your existing lifestyle.

2. Make Connections With Professors and Other Students

• The professors that teach your classes schedule time specifically to make themselves available to help students who are struggling with the course material. If you are having difficulty, you should take advantage of this opportunity for some one-on-one instruction. However, it is not only students who are struggling who should make an effort to connect with professors. Finding a mentor, that is, someone who can help guide you along your chosen path is important not only as a student but once you embark on a career. A professor can be an excellent mentor, so you should make some effort to get to know them and decide who would most benefit you with professional knowledge, wisdom, and guidance.
• The friends you make in college may be the closest and most faithful you will ever make in your entire life. Although it can be difficult, especially if you are an introvert, put in the effort to get to know some of your classmates. Not only will this benefit you socially, but the friends you make now may later be part of your network that helps you find the job of your dreams. (Doug: While Greek life may not be right for some, it can be a big benefit in terms of forming a network of friends who can add value to your life. It worked for me. Just avoid the houses that feature a regular binge drinking and treating women as objects.)

3. Do Not Overthink Your Choice of Major

• Most people choose a major that they think will provide them with the necessary skills for their chosen career path. However, this may be less important than you think. Most career opportunities, including those that involve post-graduate studies, only require a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite. The specific field of study is often a secondary consideration.
• Therefore, when you’re choosing your major, think less about your future career prospects and more about playing to your strengths. In other words, choose a field of study that excites and energizes you. This will provide the intrinsic motivation you require to complete your degree. Above all else, choose the major that you want to study. Do not give in to pressure from parents to pursue a major you’re not interested in because they think it will lead to a higher paying job.

4. Take Advantage of Unique Opportunities

• There are opportunities that are generally only available to college students, such as research assistantships, internships, and study abroad. Take advantage of these while you can. Not only can they help you on your career path, but they also broaden your horizons in immeasurable ways. (Doug: Keep in mind that internships and the like are more abundant and diverse in large urban areas. My daughter went to college in New York City and had two high-quality internships.) Most of all, remember that the more you put into your college education, the more you get out of it. Therefore, try to arrange your program so that you can put in as much as you can without burning out.

Craig Middleton

• Craig is a New York City-based retired business consultant, who is an expert in education and cultural trends. He has a Masters of Business Administration and a Masters in Education from St. Johns and loves sharing his knowledge on the side through his writing. If you have any questions or comments you can direct them to Craig at craigmiddleton18@gmail.com.

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College Majors You Can Complete Online by Craig Middleton offers suggestions regarding degrees you can get entirely or mostly online. With colleges closed this approach may be the best option for high school graduates and people looking to change careers.

Introduction

• Deciding to get a college degree can be a major decision. It’s an especially tough choice if you are considering changing careers later in life, or are going back to school after some time off. If you currently have a job, a family, or other obligations that would make attending a physical college difficult, consider taking classes online. Many quality degrees that will lead to a lucrative career can be completed from the comfort of your own home.

Backup Power

• Since the Internet will feature heavily in your ability to complete your classes on time and do the necessary work, you must make sure that you have access to a stable Internet connection. There can occasionally be power outages or glitches that would lead to disconnection, so you will want to have a backup power source. This will give you a few moments to save your work if your signal is lost suddenly. Electrical circuits have a disconnect switch that can sometimes be tripped by accident. They are a safety measure to eliminate the danger of electrocution during maintenance. Having a backup will prevent any loss of work from sudden outages and save you a lot of frustration while completing your coursework.

Business

• A business degree is always a good choice and has many variations that you can choose from. You can get into business in almost any major industry, so this is a flexible and lucrative choice. There are many different aspects of business that you can look into. Accounting involves keeping the books for a business. Administration oversees all aspects of how to run a business. Marketing will teach you how to draw customers in and promote products and services. Or, you could focus on human resources where you manage the personnel that are needed to keep the business functioning.

Computer Science

• Another popular area of online study is computer science. You may choose to do IT work, software development, programming, or even repair. These are all good options and can lead to steady careers since computers are such an important part of daily life and used in almost all businesses. This is a stable career option that is sure to continue growing and provide many opportunities.

Health Industry

• The health industry is a highly sought after career. Within this industry, you can seek an online degree in administration and learn how to run anything from a doctor’s office to a large hospital. You can also work to become a home health aide or even a nurse. The base classes can all be taken online but most programs will require a hands-on training period with a knowledgeable professional in a medical setting to complete your degree.

Education

• Education is another solid option to do at home. Education degrees allow you to specialize in almost any subject area of interest, or you can work to become a principal or even to get your master’s degree. Many education degrees will require a final semester of student teaching where you work in a school setting, but the majority of the work can be done online.

Art

• If you are a more creative person, you can consider a career in art. Popular options that involve a lot of computer work, and would be ideal to take online, are animation or graphic design. /li>
• There are many high-quality online degree programs that offer personalized instruction and can help you reach your career goals. If you are considering going back to school or changing your career, you may want to look into taking some online classes. They provide a flexible option for working towards a degree that will allow you to keep your current job and look after your family while you do it. You can choose to take a full-time course load or start with just a few classes in your available free time. Online schooling is a great opportunity to advance your career or pursue a new path in life.

Craig Middleton

• Craig is a New York City-based retired business consultant, who is an expert in education and cultural trends. He has a Masters of Business Administration and a Masters in Education from St. Johns and loves sharing his knowledge on the side through his writing. If you have any questions or comments you can direct them to Craig at craigmiddleton18@gmail.com.

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Tips for Homeschooling Your Children in 2020 by Lindsay Patterson offers good advice for people considering homeschooling. With most schools closed, many parents find themselves involved in homeschooling. Some are also wondering if continuing homeschooling after schools reopen might be a good idea. Either way, this will give you something to think about.

Introduction

• Over the years, homeschooling has increased in popularity for a number of reasons. Not only can homeschooling provide an opportunity for you to gain a closer connection with your children, but it can also allow you to have more control over their education as well. Homeschooling, however, may seem like a daunting task for some. While it may seem like a lot to deal with, the reality is that homeschooling can be simple and straightforward to do. If you’re looking for some guidance when it comes to homeschooling, here are a few things to consider.

Make Things Fun With Games

• Just because you choose to homeschool, doesn’t mean that you have to do everything by the book. Switching up the activities your children do can be a fun way to help them learn and maintain their attention at the same time. When it comes to the kinds of educational games you choose, there are a variety of options, from Ken Ken to educational bingo to maybe even a game that you invent yourself. There are no limits to the kinds of educational games and activities you can use. (Doug: I’m a big Ken Ken fan. It’s a math/logic game.)

Have a Routine

• One thing that can contribute greatly to creating an environment that supports education and growth is stability. Children often thrive on routine and have an easier time focusing when they are familiar with the schedule. Having a regular process can also be beneficial for you, and help you to stay organized as you plan lessons for your children. Being properly organized can not only help your days to go more smoothly, but it can also help you to be better prepared for unexpected situations so you can get yourself back on track.

Learn To Go With the Flow

• While learning to go with the flow may seem to contradict the notion of having a routine, learning to adjust to changing situations can save you a lot of stress in the long run. As many who have children may know, things with kids may not always go as planned. In fact, there may be times when things rarely go as planned. Although having a sense of routine and stability is important, it may not always be possible to stick to your plans completely. Because of this, learning to take things as they come and adjusting to changing situations can help to take some stress off and accept that it’s okay if things don’t always go exactly as planned.

Let Your Kids Have Some Say

• One of the benefits of homeschooling is that you can have more control over your children’s education. Another benefit is that it can allow your child to have more control over their education as well. While it may not be feasible to let your child plan the whole day, giving them some say when you can may be a good way to help tailor their education to their interests. By letting your child help decide what subjects they want to focus on, and what order they like to do them in, you can help to get a better understanding of your child’s interests and learning style. It will also let you find ways to teach them that will be the most beneficial for them and their unique learning style.

Don’t Sweat It

• While some homeschoolers may stress over details like curriculum and lesson planning, others may worry that they simply aren’t achieving what they should when it comes to teaching their children. Homeschooling can feel challenging enough without having to manage your doubts about how homeschooling is going, so it’s okay to go easy on yourself and learn that it’s fine to take things one step at a time.

The Final Word

• Whether you’ve always wanted to homeschool your children, or unexpected events made it necessary to begin homeschooling, it can be a great way to connect with your children and take charge of their education. While homeschooling may seem like a daunting task to some at first, the reality is that it can be easier than you think to provide your children with a quality education.

Lindsey Patterson

• Lindsey is a freelance writer for articles on parenting. She currently lives in Riverton, Utah with her husband and son.

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Introduction

• There are many misconceptions about bilingualism. Around the world, people have very different expectations. And most of those expectations are largely inaccurate. As you learn a second language and begin to travel with your newly acquired language, you’ll probably encounter people who have a completely different understanding of your linguistic skills.

Being Bilingual Is Actually Pretty Common

• The idea that bilinguals are rare is prevalent in many places in the world. Around the world, there are many people who speak at least two languages. The current estimate is that more than half of all humans know at least two languages. With globalization, it is very likely that there will be a much greater percentage of the population in the next decade or two who speak at least two languages.
• There is no way to try to classify bilinguals either. They span all of the countries in the world, in all different classes and races, and regardless of age. Bilinguals tend to need both languages over the normal course of their day, so they are likely to continue to be bilingual.

You Can Be Bilingual and Still Have an Accent

• Being bilingual means that you can communicate in two languages – it doesn’t mean that it isn’t easy to tell which one was your first language. Most bilingual people have an accent (often a very thick one) that lets speakers know what their first language was. It is natural for someone who knows multiple languages to have a dominant language. It does not detract from the fact that they are knowledgeable enough to be able to claim bilingualism.
• Nor does it mean that the person has two cultures. The children of immigrants almost always know two languages, but they only adapt to one culture. People who learn their second language much later certainly only have one culture.

Bilingual Kids Have a Distinct Advantage

• For a long time, people believed that it took kids who learned two languages longer to learn either of the two languages. Not only does this theory lack evidence, but kids who learn two languages also have a number of advantages over their monolingual counterparts.
• They are better able to adapt to different situations. They are able to better understand others and can act to help others understand each other. Cognitive development is also better for children who learn two or more languages at the same time.

Location Specific Ideas of Bilingual Speakers

• While the word bilingual itself may mean a person who has the ability to speak more than one language, different parts of the world interpret this differently. Europe is probably the strictest when it comes to the expectations of someone who is bilingual. 
  They believe that a truly bilingual person does not have an accent. And their knowledge of the second language should be equal to that of a native speaker. This is why Europeans do not think there are many bilinguals in the world. Their standards are nearly unachievable for someone who did not learn two languages as a child.

The Paradox of the United States and Bilingualism

• Of all the countries in the world, it seems like the US should be the one with the most bilinguals. With a population that is almost entirely based on ancestry that came from multiple outside countries, the country is surprisingly lacking in bilingual speakers. It is estimated that over 75% of Americans are monolingual.
• Surprisingly, immigrant families are much quicker to drop their second language a generation or two after the first immigrant. Unlike areas where people fiercely cling to their native tongue, Americans have a tendency to assimilate so that English is the primary (and often only) language the family speaks.

Missed Opportunities with Language Learning

• This is, at least in part, because immigrants are encouraged to assimilate. This is compared to the adversity that many of them fled. The previous adversity caused them to cling to their language. The relative freedoms they find in the US makes them feel comfortable giving up their language and adopting English.
• The number of languages that have been spoken in the US over the course of the nation’s more than 200-year history is unrivaled. Having seen immigrants from everywhere in the world, there was the potential for the country to be incredibly diverse and rich in different languages. Instead, people have lost their original languages.
• It is truly a missed opportunity. Employers are more likely to hire people who know more than a single language. It gives you not only a better sense of communication, but it offers you a greater perspective of the world. You can help those who do not understand each other as you are more likely to understand where both sides are coming from, and you can express these views better.

Jonty Yamisha

• Entrepreneur and Linguist, Jonty Yamisha created OptiLingo after his efforts to protect his native language, Circassian, from extinction. Using scientifically proven strategies such as Spaced Repetition and Guided Immersion, OptilLingo has helped thousands finally achieve fluency. It is based in Chicago but serves language learners on a global scale.

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