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How to Ensure the Elderly Are Taken Care of During Social Isolation

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How to Ensure the Elderly Are Taken Care of During Social Isolation

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way of living for nearly everyone in the country (and around the world). Currently, 95% of Americans are under some kind of stay-at-home order. The goal of these lockdowns is to flatten the curve and stop the spread of the virus while giving healthcare workers a chance to catch or keep up with those already infected.  Unfortunately, seniors have been identified as being more susceptible to Coronavirus. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 80% of the deaths caused by COVID-19 so far have been people over the age of 65.  It’s incredibly important that the elderly stay home and away from others who might carry the disease. But if someone you know and care about is older, they … [Read more...]

My Baker’s Dozen of Top 2023 Reads

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My Baker’s Dozen of Top 2023 Reads

Another year is very nearly in the books, so to say, which means it's time to reflect on the assortment of tomes I've read over the past 52 weeks. I was pleased to ever-so-slightly surpass my Goodreads goal of reading 45 books in 2023. Looking back over the list, I couldn't settle on an individual favorite or rank the top 3 or 4. Instead, honors for 13 different books I most enjoyed are spelled out below (arranged in the order I read them): Here's to happy reading in 2024! … [Read more...]

Boost Your Teen’s Self-Esteem: Encourage When It’s Needed Most

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Boost Your Teen’s Self-Esteem: Encourage When It’s Needed Most

Whether it comes through observing a teen hanging their head at a social gathering, hearing them disparage their ability to do their homework, or noticing them excessively bragging to cover up insecurities, every parent has that moment when they realize their teenager is struggling with low self-esteem. If you’re familiar with the feeling, here are a few tips and suggestions for different ways to approach boosting your fledgling adult’s self-confidence. Encourage the Journey, Not the Destination One of the biggest ways that a parent can suppress and discourage their child is simply by putting unreasonable expectations on them. Start by stepping back and analyzing your own posture towards your child. Are you always pushing them to … [Read more...]

AI-Enhanced Cyberbullying: The Dark Side of Teen Innovation

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AI-Enhanced Cyberbullying: The Dark Side of Teen Innovation

AI technologies are reshaping every aspect of society, including the darker side of online behavior. More than ever, it is crucial to recognize how AI tools are being abused in ways that go beyond traditional cyberbullying. From deepfakes that have the ability to distort reality, to pure AI-generated content that spreads misinformation, teenagers are now wielding Thor-like power to harm their peers. This isn't just an evolution of bullying; some say it’s a psychological game that parents may not yet fully comprehend. Understanding Cyberbullying in 2024: How Technology Has Evolved Cyberbullying has always been a constant threat to teenagers, but in 2024, the game has changed. What started as online harassment or even cruel messages has … [Read more...]

How To Organize and Freshen Up Your Home

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How To Organize and Freshen Up Your Home

Whether you’re working remotely, homeschooling your kids, taking some personal time to maintain work-life balance, or in between jobs, there are plenty of reasons to find yourself suddenly spending more time at home. The quarantines created by the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 served as a stark reminder of how difficult it can be to remain cooped up at home for weeks and months on end, especially if your home is a mess. If you’re dealing with a cluttered, unorganized, or otherwise disorderly homefront, here are a few suggestions for ways that you can strategically freshen up your spaces — particularly if you have a chunk of time on your hands with which to do so. Start By Stepping Back Slowing down is one of the best ways to … [Read more...]

The Dangers Of Enabling Your Children

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The Dangers Of Enabling Your Children

Few would argue with the fact that a parent, more than anyone else, should have their child’s best interests in mind. The fascinating thing is, this concern for offspring can manifest in a shocking variety of ways. Everything from old-fashioned “tough love” to excessive leniency can be interpreted as a parent trying to give their child the best life possible. In the 21st century, this overt desire to focus on the wellbeing of the younger generation has led to a common phenomenon: the “enabling parent.” Defining an “Enabling” Parent With so much variation in parenting styles, it’s important to begin with a quick rundown of just what an enabling parent looks like.  While the term is flexible in nature — as are just about all … [Read more...]

Decluttering Summer and Getting Ready for Fall

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Decluttering Summer and Getting Ready for Fall

For many of us, autumn is a beloved season. There’s just something about the crisp air, sweet smell of decaying leaves, and overabundance of corn mazes that warms our hearts. And the transition into autumn is the perfect time to clean and organize our homes. After all, who wants to settle into sweater weather in a cluttered home? There’s a world of difference between cozy and crowded. It may sound strange (since there’s quite a bit of work involved in the process), but decluttering is actually a form of self-care — and it’s a great one to engage in during times of transition. Cleaning and organizing the house almost seems purifying in a weird sort of way, and it puts your brain in the right place to handle the hustle and bustle of the … [Read more...]

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How To Keep Your Children Engaged While Learning from Home

Learning from home can be a challenging task. It's hard to keep kids focused and interested in the midst of so many potential distractions. Whether you've had to take on the role of teacher due to the COVID-19 pandemic or for some other reason, making sure your kids get a quality education is a top priority. These useful homeschooling tips can help your child's experience be less stressful and more productive. Setting the Stage for Success To avoid potential frustration, it's important to reflect on your child's learning style as you plan. Some kids can absorb information easily through reading and written exercises, where others require a more hands-on approach. Knowing how your son or daughter learns will allow you to tailor your … [Read more...]

Resources for Veterans and their Families Amid the COVID-19 Outbreak

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Resources for Veterans and their Families Amid the COVID-19 Outbreak

No doubt about it: service members and their families are a breed apart. They are braver than most. But in the face of a global pandemic, even our nation’s best and bravest could use a little extra support. Because not only are we staring down one of the most significant public health threats we’ve seen in more than a century, but we’re also struggling with an economy ravaged by nationwide lockdowns. In the face of massive job losses, increasing economic hardship, and the threat of a second surge of the virus, veterans and their families are increasingly in need.  But there are abundant resources available to protect the heroes who have devoted their lives to protecting us.  Help With Housing Homelessness among … [Read more...]

Has The #MeToo Movement Helped Prevent Sexual Assaults on College Campuses?

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Has The #MeToo Movement Helped Prevent Sexual Assaults on College Campuses?

Even in the midst of the #MeToo movement, college campuses across the country continue to see an increase in the number of sexual assaults, with a surge happening from the start of the fall semester until Thanksgiving break — otherwise known as the “red zone.” It’s not exactly clear if the increase in reports is because there are more assaults happening or more assaults are actually being reported, nor does the rise in reports confirm an epidemic, even in the face of high-profile cases. However, the behavior of men is being scrutinized more as a result of the #MeToo movement, and the stigma of speaking up about cases of sexual assault is easing up. There are positive impacts taking place for both current and past generations. Is this … [Read more...]