Mastering the Art of Positive Discipline: Gentle Techniques for a Happy Family

As parents, we all strive for a happy and harmonious family life. One of the critical components to achieving this goal is mastering the art of positive discipline. Positive discipline is a parenting approach that focuses on teaching and guiding children through respectful communication and gentle techniques instead of relying on punishment and coercion. By applying the principles of positive discipline in your household, you can create a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages cooperation, self-esteem, and emotional intelligence in your children.

What is positive discipline?

One of the first steps in mastering positive discipline is understanding the concept. Positive discipline involves setting clear and consistent expectations for your children while maintaining an attitude of respect and empathy towards them. This includes communicating with your children in a way that respects their feelings and perspectives and using positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. By reinforcing positive actions, you promote a sense of self-worth and self-control in your children.

Behavioral redirection

Another important aspect of positive discipline is gently redirecting negative behavior. Positive discipline encourages parents to deal with misbehavior with calmness and compassion rather than resorting to harsh discipline tactics, such as yelling or physical punishment. You can effectively correct their behavior without damaging their sense of self-worth by helping children understand the consequences of their actions and guiding them toward more appropriate behavior.

Learning by example

Self-regulation is also a key component of positive discipline. As parents, it’s important to model the behavior you want to see in your children. By exercising self-control, patience, and empathy in your interactions with your children, you are demonstrating the values ​​of respect and kindness that you hope to instill in them. Children learn by example, and by modeling appropriate behavior, you teach them valuable life skills that will serve them well.

Consequences and responsibility

Finally, administering fair and constructive consequences is essential to positive discipline. Consequences should be designed to teach valuable lessons and encourage reflection on the part of the child. Rather than using punishment to control behavior, positive discipline focuses on helping children understand the consequences of their actions and learn from their mistakes. By approaching discipline in this way, you can help your children develop a strong sense of responsibility and accountability.

Mastering the art of positive discipline is key to creating a happy and successful family. By understanding the principles of positive discipline, setting clear expectations, communicating with respect and empathy, using positive reinforcement, redirecting negative behavior, practicing self-regulation, and applying fair consequences, you can foster a loving and supportive environment that nurtures your children’s growth and development. development. Remember, positive discipline isn’t just about correcting behavior, it’s about building a strong and healthy relationship with your children based on mutual respect and understanding.

Pirates on the Porch Movie Review | Common Sense Media

This comedy is not very funny, but since it is a family film, the tone is light and lighthearted. But the tone Porch Pirates they can’t save it from being bland and poorly executed. There are many structural problems, such as how unimaginative and unconvincing the characters are (the main characters are two cops, not thieves), how the primary gimmick is poorly conceived (it also doesn’t help that the gang of thieves look like teenage girls), or how many elements of the script are not premeditated (for example, the police do not decide on sentences). Furthermore, it’s hard not to mention the poor acting, which makes many scenes feel stiff, clunky and, at worst, cringeworthy. There is absolutely no chemistry between any of the main characters.

The “villains”, or thieving gang of young adults, are also uninspiring. None of their characters are developed at all, and, surprisingly, the most memorable member is the one who “messes everything up”. Again, more and more logical questions keep popping up, which will make most viewers ask questions like, “Why wouldn’t thieves mask their IP addresses from the beginning?” or “How come no one ever sees the same thieves steal packages, in the hundreds, over the course of several weeks?” Overall, though, most of this movie is frankly boring, especially for a family comedy. Even the climax, which should be exciting, just happens. Too many scenes clearly do nothing for the plot, characters, flow, or momentum, and could easily have been cut, which would have also helped trim the running time to a more enjoyable 90 minutes.

How to remove alcohol stains from carpets and upholstery

Whether it’s a mixed drink spill, a shot or a can of beer, knowing how to remove alcohol stains can save your carpet and upholstery. Beer stains are relatively easy to remove, but mixed alcoholic beverages often contain juices or coloring ingredients that make these stains more difficult to remove. And of course, red wine always presents a greater challenge for removing stains than white wine.

You can use a variety of items you probably already have in your pantry for easy cleaning solutions. Here’s a guide to removing drink and alcohol stains from your carpet or upholstered furniture.

A type of stain Tannin-based, may contain color
Type of detergent Dishwashing liquid, carpet stain remover, oxygen bleach
Water temperature Cool to warm

How to remove alcohol stains from a couch

This method also applies to other upholstery.

Remove moisture from the stained area

Blot up as much liquid as possible using a white paper towel. Press the towels into the stain. As the liquid is transferred, use fresh towels. Continue blotting until no more moisture is transferred.

Make a cleaning solution

Spruce / Ana Cadena

Mix one tablespoon of dishwashing detergent, 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar, and two cups of warm water in a small bowl.

Treat the stain

Spruce / Ana Cadena

Dip a clean white cloth in the solution and wring it out well. Work from the outer edges towards the center to prevent the stain from spreading. As the dye transfers from the stain to the fabric, move to a clean area to continue blotting.

An additional concern

  • Always use a white cloth to prevent accidental dye transfer to the upholstery fabric – not all towels are permanent.
  • Always wring out the cleaning cloth to prevent too much solution from getting into the base of the upholstered furniture. Too much moisture can cause extended drying time and allow mold growth.

Rinse the freshly cleaned area

Spruce / Ana Cadena

Fill another bowl or small bucket with water. Wet a clean white cloth and wring it out until the cloth drips. Carefully wipe the upholstery fabric to rinse the area. It is necessary to remove all soap residue because it can attract soil.

Air and vacuum drying

Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Air dry away from direct heat. To speed up drying, add a circulation fan to the room.

For particularly tough stains

If an alcoholic beverage is mixed with a product that contains food coloring, it will likely require additional treatment.

  1. Mix a solution of oxygen-based bleaching powder and warm water following the instructions on the product label.
  2. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently work the oxygen solution into the fabric. Do not overmoisten.
  3. Let it sit for at least one hour before removing the moisture with a dry cloth.
  4. Allow the fabric to air dry, then repeat the treatment with a fresh solution of oxygen bleach and water if necessary until all stains are gone.

How to remove alcohol stains from carpet

Quick action to remove carpet stains will give the best results.

Blot Away the Spill

Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Use paper towels to wipe up as much liquid as possible from the carpet. Work from the outside of the stain to prevent it from spreading.

Treat with vinegar solution

Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Mix 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar with one cup of water in a spray bottle. Soak the stained area with the solution. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes before moving on to the next step.

Warning

If the carpet stain is over hardwood floors, place the stained area on plastic wrap or a tarp before treating it with the vinegar solution. Leaving a wet rug or its backing on a wooden floor can lead to water stains.

Remove the vinegar solution

Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Use paper towels to remove the vinegar solution. Continue with fresh towels as moisture transfers.

Use a soapy solution

Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid and warm water in a small bowl. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the soap solution and scrub the stained area. Start at the outer edges to prevent spreading and leave the soap on for at least 10 minutes.

Wash the carpet

Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Use a white cloth soaked in clean warm water to wipe off the soap residue.

Absorb, air dry and vacuum

Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Once all soap residue is gone, blot the area with paper towels and allow to air dry away from direct heat. Once the carpet is dry, give it a good vacuum to lift any stuck fibers.

Check for remaining stains

Spruce / Sarah Crowley

If traces of the stain remain after the carpet has dried, mix the same oxygen-based bleach and warm water solution recommended for upholstery. Apply the solution to the carpet and let it dry. Vacuum the carpet and repeat this treatment if necessary.

Warning

Although oxygen bleach is safe to use on all carpet colors, it should not be used to remove stains from wool carpets. The product can damage wool fibers and leave them brittle.

Additional tips for removing alcohol stains

Here are some tips to help ensure good results:

  • If there is an alcohol stain on an upholstery fabric that is vintage or silk, call a professional upholstery cleaner for help.
  • Always treat the stain as soon as possible.
  • You can use a commercial carpet or upholstery stain remover to remove alcohol stains.
  • If there are multiple stains, consider cleaning the entire carpet or piece of furniture to make sure the color stays even.
  • Do not rub the stain. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the fibers of the carpet or upholstery. Wipe with a clean cloth instead.
  • Do not spread the stain. Start from the outer edges and work towards the center when cleaning.

Is it safe to drink alcohol during pregnancy?

Key Takeaways

  • There is no known amount of alcohol that is safe during pregnancy.
  • However, don’t stress about whether you had a drink or two before you found out you’re pregnant – just stop drinking as soon as you find out.
  • If you have trouble getting rid of alcohol, talk to your doctor.

When you get a positive pregnancy test, there’s usually so much going through your head when it comes to changes – what skin products will you have to give up? Are you taking the right prenatal vitamins? Is deli meat safe? And then, of course, the realization that you’re going to have to cut out alcohol.

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In recent years, there has been some controversy surrounding drinking and pregnancy, whether just a glass of wine with dinner is safe, and you may be wondering what to believe. Not to mention, more and more women are drinking during pregnancy.

Between 2018 and 2020, 13.5% of pregnant women reported drinking during pregnancy (having one alcoholic drink in the past 30 days), and over 5% reported heavy drinking (occasionally drinking four or more drinks on one occasion ) in the last 30 days, according to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which is a 2% increase for both measures compared to 2014. 2017

But the fact is that there is no known amount of alcohol that is safe during pregnancy. “We know that babies who were exposed to alcohol in the womb can have a variety of neurodevelopmental problems that may not appear until many years later,” says maternal-fetal medicine specialist Layan Alrahmani, MD, who is also a BabyCenter medical advisor.

We know about the many harmful effects that drinking during pregnancy can have on a developing baby, some of which can be caused by even a small amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Fetal alcohol exposure is one of the leading causes of preventable birth defects and developmental problems in this country.

Conclusion: Be safe and do not drink alcohol during pregnancy in any quantity. Experts from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Pediatrics and public health organizations recommend that pregnant women – and women trying to conceive – avoid alcohol altogether.

Risks of drinking during pregnancy

When you drink while pregnant, the alcohol travels quickly through your bloodstream, across the placenta and into your baby. Your baby’s body breaks down alcohol more slowly than yours, so your child may end up with a higher blood alcohol level and be exposed to alcohol for longer than you.

Drinking during pregnancy creates a number of potential risks for your baby. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is a term used by experts to describe a range of problems associated with alcohol exposure before birth. The most severe result of alcohol use is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), a lifelong condition that can lead to:

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  • Developmental and intellectual disabilities, which can cause difficulties with learning, speech, behaviour, reasoning and judgement, and attention span
  • Heart defects, spinal defects and other physical problems
  • Abnormal facial features
  • Abnormally small head and brain
  • Poor growth (in utero, after birth, or both)
  • Sleeping and sucking problems as a baby
  • There are other risks of drinking during pregnancy, such as:
  • Miscarriage or stillbirth
  • Premature birth, which means that the baby was born early, before the 37th week of gestation
  • Low birth weight

In general, heavy drinking (eight or more alcoholic drinks per week, or three or more drinks on any one occasion) greatly increases the risk that a baby will have FAS and some or all of the complications that may come with it. But even babies exposed to small amounts of alcohol in the womb can develop FASD or a number of mental, physical or behavioral problems. In fact, just one drink a day can increase the chances of miscarriage or having a low birth weight baby. It can also increase your child’s risk of problems with learning, speech, attention span, language and hyperactivity. Some studies have shown that mothers-to-be who drink just one drink a week are more likely to have children who later show aggressive behavior than those who do not drink.

Tips for stopping drinking during pregnancy

It may be easy for you to stop drinking once you find out you’re expecting, especially if you don’t normally drink much, or if you’re suddenly averse to alcohol due to food aversions or morning sickness. But for some moms-to-be, it can be much more difficult.

Here are some ways to make it easier to stop drinking during pregnancy:

  • Find a way to relax and unwind at the end of the day that doesn’t involve alcohol. You can take a bath, read a book, take a walk, keep a journal or watch your favorite show. Try creating your own special pregnancy relaxation routine.
  • Choose a soft drink that you enjoy as a pregnancy drink. Make it at home and ask for it when you go out to dinner with friends or any other time you would have an alcoholic drink beforehand. Your favorite flavor of soda water on ice, garnished with lemon and mint, makes a great mojito cocktail!
  • Explain to close family and friends why you don’t drink so they can support you.
  • Remember that skipping alcohol should only be temporary. You will be able to safely have the occasional drink after giving birth. (Though you’ll need to be careful about when and how much if you breastfeed.)
  • If you are struggling to give up alcohol during pregnancy, seek help as soon as possible. Here are some options:
  • Talk to your healthcare provider about counseling and treatment.
  • Contact your local branch Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
  • Call a local crisis line, for example National Alliance for Mental Health‘s or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s.
  • Find a drug addiction treatment facility near you. Check it out website US Department of Health and Human Services.

    We know that babies who were exposed to alcohol in the womb can have a variety of neurodevelopmental problems that may not appear until many years later.

    – Layan Alrahmani, MD, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist and BabyCenter Medical Advisor

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What about drinking non-alcoholic beer and wine?

Over the past few years, so many companies have developed “non-alcoholic” drinks that claim to satisfy your craving for an ice-cold beer or a fun cocktail, but that term is a bit of a misnomer when it comes to beer and wine. Drinks labeled “non-alcoholic” may contain trace amounts of alcohol (while those labeled “alcohol-free” should contain none). All non-alcoholic beers and many non-alcoholic wines in fact do they contain some alcohol, although usually less than half a percent. (By comparison, regular beer is usually around 5% alcohol.)

However, researchers have found that some drinks contain higher amounts of alcohol than stated on their labels – even some labeled as “alcohol-free”.

While it seems unlikely that the trace amount of alcohol in the occasional glass of non-alcoholic or non-alcoholic beer is harmful to your baby, there is a possibility to be aware of – especially if you drink these drinks often or in large quantities. “It’s best to avoid anything that might have some alcohol, because it is the only way to eliminate fetal risks, says dr. Alrahmans.

Drink before you know you’re pregnant

Many women do not know they are pregnant until they are pregnant (two to three weeks at the earliest, but usually around five or six weeks). If you drank alcohol before you realized you were pregnant, definitely don’t panic.

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Researchers are constantly learning more about alcohol and pregnancy. Although we know that any drinking during pregnancy can be risky, we do not have a complete picture of the effects of alcohol in early pregnancy.

Alcohol is known to travel to the fetus through the placenta, but it is less clear what effect alcohol has on the embryo early in pregnancy, before the placenta is formed. One study found no association between alcohol consumption before 15 weeks of pregnancy and low birth weight or preterm birth.

However, another study showed that the later in pregnancy alcohol is consumed, the greater the risk of miscarriage. Because of this, and because it’s always possible for alcohol consumption to cause problems, it’s important to stop drinking as soon as you find out you’re pregnant (or even suspect you might be), but don’t panic if you’ve had a fun girls’ weekend or night out before you know you’re pregnant. “To be safe, if you’re actively trying to get pregnant, it’s best to avoid or at least limit alcohol,” says Dr. Alrahmani. “And remember, the dose makes the poison, so one drink is probably less risky than three.”

However, talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have, as they will guide you through some strategies that are best for you.

Exploring Springtime Adventures with Kids: Strengthening Family Bonds Through Outdoor Fun

Finding ways to connect with our children in this fast-paced, technology-driven world can be challenging. However, outdoor adventures are one of the best ways to strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. Spring is the perfect time to explore the outdoors with your kids, whether you’re hiking, biking, camping, or simply enjoying a picnic in the park.

The benefits of outdoor adventures for kids

Getting involved in outdoor activities offers many benefits to children. It nurtures physical health, strengthens cognitive skills and improves emotional well-being. Exploring nature can stimulate children’s creativity, curiosity and sense of wonder. In addition, outdoor adventures promote problem-solving skills, teamwork and resilience – essential life skills that will serve them well in the future. By immersing your children in nature, you strengthen family bonds and provide them with invaluable experiences that contribute to their overall growth and development.

Planning spring activities for the family

Spring is the perfect time of year to embark on exciting outdoor adventures with your kids. Planning spring activities can be a great way to bond as a family and create lasting memories. Consider activities such as hiking in a nearby park, picnicking in a botanical garden, or visiting a nature reserve. Be sure to include your children in the planning to accommodate their interests and ensure a fun experience for all.

Safety tips for trips with children

Safety is paramount when you’re out and about with your kids. Here are some tips:

  • Always dress appropriately for the weather and ensure everyone has appropriate footwear for the terrain – pack essentials such as water, snacks, first aid kit and sunscreen.
  • Set clear boundaries and rules before you embark on your adventure.
  • Take care of your children and teach them to respect nature and wild animals.
  • It is also wise to keep a charged cell phone handy in case of an emergency.

By prioritizing safety during outdoor excursions, you can create a fun and carefree experience for your family.

Choosing suitable destinations for spring adventures

Choosing the right destinations for spring adventures is essential for an unforgettable experience with your children. Look for places with family activities such as hiking trails, nature parks or botanical gardens. Consider your children’s interests and ages when choosing a destination to ensure everyone has a good time. Research the area beforehand, check for amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Researching local events or festivals happening in the area during spring is also helpful. By carefully choosing destinations that match your family’s preferences, you can create lasting memories and strengthen bonds through enjoyable outdoor experiences.

Inclusion of educational elements in outdoor activities

Incorporating educational elements into outdoor activities can enhance your springtime adventures with kids. Look for destinations that offer learning opportunities along with fun activities, such as guided nature walks, wildlife spotting, or interactive exhibits. Encourage curiosity by pointing out different plants, animals and insects. Consider bringing educational books or materials related to the environment to further enrich the experience. By adding an educational component to your outdoor adventures, you create lasting memories and foster a love of learning in your children.

Building stronger family bonds through shared experiences

Building stronger family bonds through shared experiences is a key benefit of embarking on outdoor adventures with your kids. These moments of exploration and discovery create lasting memories that strengthen the family bond. Bonding through nature walks, encounters with wild animals and educational activities encourages communication, teamwork and mutual respect within the family unit. By spending quality time together outdoors, you create precious memories and instill a sense of community and unity.

As you embark on spring adventures with your children, cherish the moments of connection and togetherness that outdoor fun brings. Every nature walk, wildlife encounter and educational activity contributes to a tapestry of memories that will last a lifetime. These shared experiences strengthen family bonds and foster skills such as communication, teamwork and mutual respect within the family. Stay committed to creating these precious moments and watch your family blossom in love and togetherness.

The Adventures of Food Boy Movie Review

Common Sense Media Review

By Nancy Davis Edit

,
based on child development research. How do we rate?


age 10+







A light hearted adventure between twins with some gross moments.


age 13+







Based on 7 parent reviews

What is the story?

With a cast drawn en masse from various Disney Channel properties, THE ADVENTURES OF FOOD BOY plays to its built-in following. Ezra (Lucas Grabeel) is a nerd who sees running for junior class president as both a path to popularity and an achievement that will get him into an Ivy League college. His plans are thwarted when he learns that he has inherited a family superpower: the ability to make food appear in his hands. His newfound gift threatens to derail his life plan, and Ezra must make a decision whether to embrace his unique ability or lose it forever.

Is it good?

The premise of the film is superb. So many students feel alienated from their peers at some point during their high school experience that hands spewing food doesn’t seem like a far-fetched embodiment of that emotion. Many high school students can relate to an older relative telling them to embrace their uniqueness without acknowledging that what makes them unique can also make them unpopular. Ezra’s struggles to control and value her gift, to negotiate the social aspects of high school, and to cope with the pressure of college admissions are all significant.

Where the film falls short is in its ambition. If one has the ability to create food at will in a starving world (as shown when Ezra is forced to work in a soup kitchen), should one’s highest goal be to entertain friends and classmates with wacky food tricks and food fights? Disappointingly, the film steers clear of any discussion of the actual promise of his gift, other than a brief history lesson about his ancestors. Perhaps the blame should fall on his similarly talented grandmother, whose only goal is to write a cookbook.

Talk to your kids about…

  • Families can talk about the pressure Ezra feels to do things to add to his college resume, not because he wants to. How important do you think it is to enroll in the “right” university? Ezra’s “super” skills are decidedly practical compared to flying or disappearing – what other useful superheroes can you imagine?

Did we miss something about diversity?

Research shows a connection between children’s healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in the media. That’s why we’ve added a new “Different Representations” section to our reviews, which will be published continuously. You can help us help children

7 reasons why your dracaena has brown leaves and how to fix it

With nearly 200 tropical species of dracaena, there is a wide variety of colors, leaf patterns and growth habits to choose from. But most dracaena plants have one thing in common: Improper care or less-than-ideal conditions can cause those beautiful leaves to turn brown and unattractive.

Here’s what to do about brown dracaena leaves—plus why they appear, how to cut them off, and how to keep them from coming back.

Meet the expert

Alexandra Jones has been an avid gardener for 13 years. She earned her Penn State Master Gardener certification in 2019.

7 reasons why your dracaena leaves are brown + how to fix them

Low humidity

If only the tips of your dracaena’s leaves are brown, there’s a good chance your plant is suffering from a lack of moisture. Dracaena prefer humidity levels between 50% and 60%, which is significantly less dry than most indoor air.

You can solve the problem by grouping your dracaena plant with other moisture-loving houseplants to create a more humid microclimate, or by placing a small humidifier near your plant.

Too much sunlight

Dracaena grow best in bright, indirect light. If the light source is too strong or direct sunlight hits the leaves of your plant, the leaves can get sunburned. This looks like dry, brown spots on the leaves, especially if there has been a sudden transition to harsh, sunny conditions.

You can’t undo burnt leaves, but you can move your plant out of direct sunlight and remove the damaged areas. Consider using a sheer curtain to filter sunlight in very bright, sunny rooms.

Cold temperatures

A sudden cold draft or exposure to temperatures below 50°F can damage the leaves of your dracaena plant. Keep plants away from cold windows and doors or air conditioning vents. Leaves that are damaged by cold cannot be saved, so it is best to remove brown leaves and protect your plant from sudden environmental changes.

Underwatering

Drought conditions can cause dracaena leaves to turn brown, wilted and crispy. Dracaena plants require consistently moist soil, so a long period of neglect can lead to leaf damage or even leaf loss.

To save an underwater dracaena plant, water it deeply to restore soil moisture and cut off any brown leaves. In the future, check the soil moisture every week and water when the surface of the soil has just started to dry out.

Salt build-up

Dracaena plants can be sensitive to tap water additives such as fluoride. Salts can also build up in the soil over time as you fertilize your plant. These problems can cause brown tips, edges, or spots on dracaena plant leaves.

You can use a reverse osmosis water filter to remove fluoride from your water supply or water your houseplants with rainwater. Flush the plants with water every month with three times the volume of the plant’s container to help remove salt build-up in the soil.

Leaf spot disease

Too wet conditions, especially in the center of dracaena leaves, can cause a plant disease called Fusarium wilt. Symptoms include dry, brown or brown patches surrounded by yellow areas. In severe cases, the problem can progress to stem rot. To prevent this, water the soil directly instead of wetting the leaves of your dracaena. Treat infections with an organic fungicide.

Natural aging of leaves

Keep in mind that all of your dracaena’s leaves will naturally turn brown as they age before they fall off the plant. One or two brown leaves on an otherwise healthy plant is nothing to worry about. If you want, you can cut them off with sterilized scissors to keep your plant looking its best.

Should I cut the leaves of the brown dracaena?

Regardless of the cause, it’s a good idea to cut off dracaena leaves that have turned brown. This allows your plant to devote its energy to healthy leaves and helps promote regrowth. Your plant will also look healthier and more attractive once you remove the damaged, brown leaves.

However, if only the tips of your dracaena’s leaves are brown, there is no need to remove the entire leaf. Instead, you can simply cut off the brown part, positioning your cuts so that the end of the leaf has a natural V shape. However, if you don’t address the cause of the brown ends, they will keep coming back.

Plants you might also like

Dracaena care tips

  • In cold and dry climates, your dracaena plant will benefit from a humidifier running nearby, especially in the winter.
  • Save heavy pruning for spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing and will be able to grow faster.
  • If your plant has become very leggy or spindly, you can cut off the top of the stem, dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder, and plant it in a small container to propagate a new, healthy plant.

Teenage Turbulence: Navigating Emotions and Mental Health in Adolescence

The teenage years are often described as a whirlwind of emotions, and mood swings, intense feelings and challenging behaviors are hallmarks of adolescence. Navigating this turbulent time can be overwhelming for both teenagers and their parents as they try to make sense of the changing landscape of emotions and mental health.

Understanding the meaning and context of adolescent emotions is critical to supporting and guiding teens. Recognizing that the emotional turmoil experienced by teenagers is a normal part of their development as they transition from childhood to adulthood is essential. Adolescents face a myriad of changes, both physical and emotional, that can lead to feelings of confusion, anger, sadness, and anxiety.

Common mental health problems that adolescents may face include depression, anxiety and mood disorders. Parents need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of these mental health problems so that they can provide the necessary support and intervention.

How to help at home

  • Encouraging open communication and creating a safe and supportive environment at home can help teens feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
  • Providing understanding and support to teenagers during times of emotional stress is essential.
  • Listening non-judgmentally, offering empathy and validating their feelings can go a long way in helping teenagers feel heard and supported.
  • Encouraging healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercise, mindfulness, and creative expression, can help teens manage their emotions positively.

Helping teenagers develop coping skills is key to supporting their mental health. Teaching teenagers how to recognize and regulate their emotions, solve problems and communicate effectively can empower them to cope more effectively with challenges. Encouraging self-care practices, such as getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in hobbies they enjoy, can also contribute to their overall emotional well-being.

When is it time for professional help?

Knowing when to seek professional help is key to ensuring that teenagers receive appropriate support and intervention. If a teen’s emotional struggles are significantly affecting their daily life, relationships, or academic performance, they may need to seek help from a mental health professional. Therapists, counselors, and psychologists can provide individualized support and guidance to help teens manage their emotions and develop healthy coping strategies.

Coping with emotions and mental health in adolescence can be a challenging journey for both teenagers and their parents. By understanding the meaning and context of adolescent emotions, recognizing common mental health issues, providing understanding and support, helping teens develop coping skills, and knowing when to seek professional help, parents can empower their teens to navigate the ups and downs of adolescence with resilience. and strength. Through open communication, empathy and support, teenagers can learn to manage their emotions and prioritize their mental health for a brighter future.

Awakenings Movie Review | Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media Review

By Nell Minow

,
based on child development research. How do we rate?


age 10+







Robin Williams plays seriously in a touching true story.


age 12+







Based on 3 parent reviews

What is the story?

Shy neurologist Malcolm Sayer (Robin Williams) is assigned to work with a group of catatonia patients who, ever since the encephalitis (“sleeping sickness”) epidemic decades earlier, have not spoken or seemed to understand anything going on around them. Everyone else has given up hope, but Sayer notices that they have reflexes and believes that new drugs for Parkinson’s may help. His superiors object, but he gets permission to try it on one patient, Leonard Lowe (Robert De Niro). At first there is no reaction, but soon Leonard “wakes up”. His transformation is so exciting that Malcolm can easily get permission and funds to treat other patients, and the results are incredible. But eventually, Leonard becomes hyperactive, angry and tic-ridden. The side effects of the drug are starting to get to him. Malcolm sees that he is losing Leonard, and the other patients know that this must happen to them soon.

Is it good?

Directed by Penny Marshall, Awakenings is a powerful and moving story, brilliantly acted and directed. The film is based on the book of the same name by neurologist Oliver Sacks, which was the basis for Malcolm Sayer’s character. Like Malcolm, we can all use a reminder to appreciate life’s pleasures, including the pleasures that require us to take risks.

Teenagers will enjoy reading Sacks’ book, and especially some of his others The man who traded his wife for a hat and Anthropologist on Marswith captivating and sympathetic descriptions of some of his neurological patients.

Talk to your kids about…

  • Families can talk about what they think the neurologist means when he says, “because the implications of that would be unimaginable?” Why would you rather believe that patients are unaware of what is going on? Were you surprised by the way any of the patients reacted to “waking up”? Which reaction was most similar to how you think you might feel? Why does Malcolm find it difficult to communicate with other people? How does Leonard change the way Malcolm acts? Why do staff treat patients differently after waking up, even when they go back to normal?

Did we miss something about diversity?

Research shows a connection between children’s healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in the media. That’s why we’ve added a new “Different Representations” section to our reviews, which will be published continuously. You can help us help children

How to clean the kitchen in just 30 minutes, say the organizers

If you only have 30 minutes before guests drop by or just need to clean up the kitchen so you can focus better for the rest of your work day, there are many ways you can improve this area of ​​the home in just a short amount of time.

We spoke to professional cleaning and organizing experts who share a series of small tasks you should take to improve your kitchen in half an hour and set yourself up for a more organized space in the long run.

Define your vision

First, you’ll want to spend a few minutes defining your vision and goals for the kitchen, explains Kristin Ziegler, founder of Minim.

She encourages people to grab a piece of paper or open a note-taking app on their phone to get their thoughts moving.

“Start by defining your vision (why cleaning is important to you) and zones (serving, preparing, cooking, baking, food storage and cleaning),” says Ziegler.

Establishing a clear sense of what you want to achieve will help you gain momentum and clarity as you begin your space.

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Create a list of items to remove

Next, you’ll want to make a list of all the items you see in the kitchen that shouldn’t be there. Ziegler explains how this list can include items to sell, donate, relocate, recycle or throw away.

You can start putting these items in a pile or bin to take them elsewhere in the house. Anything you see right away that you know you’d like to donate can go in a bag, and expired items you come across can go in the trash, Ziegler adds.

Victoria Bell Design

Go one drawer at a time

The kitchen can seem like a huge space to tackle quickly, but moving drawer by drawer makes the process more manageable.

Jessica Litman, founder of The Organized Mama, recommends going through one drawer at a time and removing anything that doesn’t belong there. She suggests putting these items in a pile on the counter (you can sort by what you want to keep or donate, then put these items in specific bins or bags) before moving to the next drawer and repeating the process.

“This will help you declutter quickly because you’re not taking everything out at once, which takes a long time to put back together,” she says.

Create perhaps a bucket

When you only have 30 minutes to tackle the kitchen, you can’t be expected to make the final decision about whether or not to keep every item in sight. That’s where the “maybe” bucket comes into play, Litman notes.

“Set a reminder date on your phone to check that bucket in about a month,” she says. “If you need that item during that month, you know where to find it and then you can be sure to store it in your kitchen.”

The items you never reach for are the ones you can feel comfortable selling, donating, or throwing away.

Put away stray items

Your kitchen will look and feel cleaner in no time if you make an effort to deal with stray items that belong in the kitchen but have no place sitting outside. Katie Lambert, founder of Clean Queen Cleaning Services, shares some tips on where to start.

First place the dishes in the dishwasher or drying rack as needed. Next, you’ll want to keep your counters clean and put away anything that takes up space but can be put away instead. Then you’ll want to give your space a quick wipe down and make it a regular habit every day.

“Wiping down your counters, stove, hood, and hood will help grease build-up, which can be very difficult to clean once it builds up,” explains Lambert.

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