Category: Parents

Parents

5 Reasons Why Institut Montana Zugerberg Will Take Your Child Far

Institut Montana Zugerberg is a Swiss international day school and boarding school situated above the Zugerberg Mountain. It is one of the oldest boarding schools in Switzerland and has a longstanding history of offering academic excellence and shaping outstanding students. For instance, the CEO of Swatch, Nick Hayek, graduated from there as did John Kerry, former Senator and Secretary of State to the United States of America. But just why does Institut Montana Zugerberg bring up successful individuals? I have five reasons why:

Language Learning

From the first moment your child steps foot on campus, they will be immersed in a multi-lingual environment. Most students will learn to be fluent in German and English by the time they graduate and they might even pick up French or further develop their native language if it’s not one of the former three. Numerous studies have shown that learning a second language or more can boost brain power as your brain has to cope with complexity and problem-solving. Your memory improves. It enhances your ability to multi-task, make decisions and it improves your first language. As a result, people who know a second language or more are known to have higher cognitive skills and in the end, are provided with better career choices.

Personal Care

With a 4:1 student staff ratio, your child will get to know their teacher on a very personal level. The average class size holds 10 students meaning that every student is noticed so they cannot hide or get left behind. This also encourages them to take part in discussion and further express their opinions. Various reasearch show that smaller classes also correlate with higher grades and better performance on university entrance exams. In the end, the classes form a close-knit community where teachers can offer better mentoring and one-on-one sessions with their students to improve their weaknesses and enhance their strengths.

International Community

Institut Montana Zugerberg is home to 300 students who represent over 40 nationalities. This allows for students to gain new perspectives and ideas and witness cultures and traditions that they may not have experienced otherwise. It’s common practice that during holiday or summer breaks, these students go visit their roommates or friends which tends to be in a country other than their own and they get to experience the country as a local. This international experience helps shape them to be global-minded citizens who are open-minded, tolerant and respectful.

Academic Programs

There are four schools that offer a tailor-made program for each student. Students can study there from the age of 6-19; going from elementary school all the way until the end of high school. Younger students study a bilingual elementary school that includes plenty of physical fitness afternoon programs so that you learn a new language and hobby at an early age. In high school, students can choose to either study at a Swiss-styled high school which ensures direct entry into a top Swiss university or go to the International School which offers both the US High School Diploma or the IB Diploma, both of which will help take your child where they want to go in the future for both their university destination and ideal career.

Switzerland

The land of cheese and mountains is also one of the safest countries in the world! What more could you as for? And don’t get me started on the abundance of chocolate, it’s basically paradise.

If your child is between 10-15 years old and looking to get a taste of this school and experience an unforgettable summer, then be sure to sign them up here and mention Momma Braga for a discount.

*This article is in collaboration and is a sponsored post. 

Tips

The Basics of Responsible Borrowing

The temptation to borrow money haunts everyone at some point. Sometimes it’s a good idea — necessary, even — but many times it isn’t. Before you take out that loan, you should ask yourself three questions.

Why are you borrowing?

Only borrow out of necessity. This is especially true when it comes to your decision to apply for an easy installment loan or take up credit card debt. These options should only be used for unexpected expenses, like car repairs and home repairs, or buying essential groceries between pay periods.

If you just want something, try to find other ways to finance the purchase. You could put it on layaway, sell some unwanted belongings, or simply save up. The temptation is there to get it now and pay for it later, but you need to understand that if you borrow, you will end up paying substantially more than what you would have originally because of interest.

Money lending is a business, and charging interest is the way that lenders make a profit. No one is going to give you a loan out of the goodness of their heart.

If you want a new house or car, then taking out a loan is usually the only way to do it. You should just make the decision carefully and make sure you can afford the payments.

What are the terms of the loan?

Do not decide to take out a loan based purely on verbal communication with a banker or lender. You must read the terms and conditions carefully.

Interest rates. These can be fixed or variable. That is, they can stay at a certain percentage until the loan is paid back, or they can be subject to adjustment.

Payment schedules. A loan may have a fixed period of time to pay it back. Longer terms usually mean higher interest rates. Credit cards usually have monthly payments.

Secured vs. unsecured. If a loan is secured, that means you have put something that you own — referred to as collateral — up against it. If you don’t pay back the loan, the lender can seize your property. Unsecured loans do not have collateral and make up for this by having higher interest rates.

How will you pay it back?

It’s important that you never get a loan you can’t make the payments on. You should also think about what your financial situation will be in the future. Are you worried that you might lose your job? Are there medical expenses coming up? If so, it might be better to put off borrowing until you are in a more stable position.

You should give yourself some wiggle room. Interest rates can, and do, rise. This means you could end up paying more each period than you initially agreed to.

Remember that late payments will hurt your credit score. A very bad credit score will make it hard to take out loans in the future. It can make it almost impossible to buy a house, a car, or get on a lease for an apartment.

How to Avoid Burdensome Debt

The real killer with debt is the interest. Hence, the best way to avoid being swallowed by debt (behind not borrowing at all) is to avoid interest by paying everything off as soon as possible.

For example, you can still use your credit card as long as you completely pay the balance off every month. In fact, this is a great way to build credit in the beginning.

For other types of loans, putting more money down, paying above the minimum payments, and choosing the best available loans will save you in the long run.

 

* Thanks to site supporters for this post.

Parenting, Tips

Self-Care: How to Combat Parental Burnout

Written by: Claire Adams

Do you ever get tired of parenting? Do you ever feel like you simply can’t take it anymore? Most parents reach that point from time to time, that moment when all you want to do scream and run away somewhere where somebody will pamper you for a change. This doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent. If anything, the fact that you’re trying so hard makes you a good one. However, you should consider your own mental health and how parental burnout can affect you and your family if you don’t do something about it. If your mind is in overload and you don’t know how to get through another day of being an exemplary parent, here is some advice for you.

It takes a village to raise a child

It takes a lot of effort, devotion and patience to raise a child, but nobody can have it all under control all of the time. So, try not to be offended or threatened when another parent steps up and offers their wisdom and experience to help you in some situation you could be handling better. Instead of jumping to the conclusion that they only want to undermine you and show they’re a better parent than you, consider the fact that they might have been in your shoes and in a situation identical to this one in the past. Maybe at that point somebody helped them, or maybe they just wished somebody did. In any case, try becoming friends with other parents. They might offer some good advice on things like helping your kid with school stuff or dealing with them when they act out. Talk to moms and dads at school or at the playground, organize playdates and dinners to create your own village and maybe make parenting a bit easier.

It’s OK to ask for help

When taking care of your children seems too much to handle and you need some time off, remember that you can always ask for help and that it’s not something you should be ashamed of or hide from. There are many people you can turn to. It could be your spouse, your parents, siblings, friends or neighbors or anybody else you trust. When you try doing everything on your own, of course you’ll feel like you’re on the brink of madness. And if you have nobody close to you to jump in, there’s always the option of paying for help. For example, there are some amazing catering companies out there which will impress even the most demanding guests, meaning that you don’t have to make all the food for your kid’s birthday party yourself. Also, if cleaning your home takes too much of your time and energy, find somebody who’ll come once or twice a week and get things sorted out for you. Just don’t shy away from reaching out when the going gets tough.

Lower your expectations

When the bar is raised too high up, you won’t be able to reach it no matter how hard you try, which can leave you feeling inadequate, frustrated and desperate. When you notice that this is happening, remember that you’re the one who decides where the bar is and lower it a bit. Don’t expect perfection from yourself, because there is no perfection when it comes to parenthood. A lot of times it comes down to trial and error, whether we like to admit it or not. What does this mean? Basically, it means it’s not the end of the world if let things go when they get too difficult. Nobody will judge you if your house is messy from time to time, if you let your kids watch Trolls on TV or if they skip their piano lesson or football practice once in a while. Adjust your expectations to something more realistic and you’ll relieve yourself of some stress momentarily.

Be more than just a parent

Once you become a parent, it can become hard to remember that you were ever anything other than that. Well, you were and you are. You’re a person with needs, desires and ambitions that have nothing to do with your children. Send your kids to kindergarten and find a part-time job if you don’t already have one. You can even start working online from home, or at least find a hobby you’ll enjoy. If nothing else, don’t forget to give yourself some time away from your family occasionally, to do things that make you feel happy and help you unwind. Under no circumstances should you think that this is selfish. It’s a way to preserve your mental and physical health, so that you can be a calmer and more supportive parent to your children in the long term.

Parental burnout is a real problem and one you should deal with as soon as you feel the need to. Consider this an important part of your self-care and a way to stay on top of your parental role.

 

Great Companies, Holidays

Fleur de Reine Provides Timeless Beauty | Exclusive Interview

Bringing unique products, brands and people to our worldwide audience is what we love doing best. We love to meet new and inspiring people who do so much more than just sell a product.

This is why we are delighted to introduce you all to Fleur de Reine who we were honored to have met at Square One’s Merry and Bright Holiday Market.

We had an opportunity to interview the owners of Fleur de Reine to get to know them and their product better. We like to go beyond the company website. 😉

Tell us a little bit about yourselves

Sonia – “I grew up in Australia and Canada, and now call Mississauga home. I love to spend my days surrounded by my large family (proud aunt alert!) and explore all Toronto has to offer. Love to travel and have always had a passion for art and flowers. I am a coffee addict by day and by night.” :p

Roopie – “I was born in Toronto and raised in Mississauga. Currently reside in beautiful Milton. I love to travel and have an appreciation for beautiful artisan created things. Fun fact: Chocolate is my kryptonite.” 🙂

Tell us a little bit about the company and how it inspired to be.

“We’ve always had a keen eye for style and beauty, and knew we wanted to start a company that encompasses both. It wasn’t until one late evening we were reminiscing Sonia’s wedding and reliving all the beautiful moments and décor. The flowers were extravagant and the colors were so bold, we thought to ourselves “wouldn’t it be nice if flowers could last longer than a week?” and so it was that late evening while sipping on some wine that the idea was born.”

What makes you unique?

“Roses are timeless that adorn the space they ‘re placed in, but Fleur de Reine added a modern element by our unique preservation process. Whether it’s a rose purchased for love, passion, new beginnings, celebrations, appreciation or friendship – thanks to the EternalBloom™, it lasts through the seasons. Imagine purchasing real roses that last a year. Fleur de Reine is revolutionizing the way we gift flowers.”

What do you hope your business will accomplish with each rose sold?

We hope the beauty and longevity of our roses will uplift your spirits and brighten your days. We also offer a variety of beautiful packaging options and personalization services. Our vision is to create the ultimate quintessential experiences and give our clients a piece of beauty to cherish in their homes for always. We have turned the timeless flower into just that – timeless.”

Lastly, anything new and exciting that you would like to announce to our readers?

“We are adding a new piece to our Glass House Collection for Valentine’s Day 2019! We are now offering shipping within North America.

We were also featured in Dolce Magazine & West of the City Magazine this year! Last but not least, we’re always popping up at different locations, so please stay tuned to our IG for upcoming details.”

#MelAndNikkiReview

There you have it, our exclusive interview with the owners of Fleur de Reine. We need to mention that these two ladies are classy, kind, professional and friendly. It was so great to meet them in person as we could see that this is not just a business but a passion of theirs and we love that!

Every rose and packaging was perfect in every way. I was so captivated by the roses that I purchased a glass ornament with a black rose for my sister-in-law for Christmas. It was absolutely breathtaking and I know my sister-in-law is going to love it.

Interesting fact is that the black roses are their best seller – would have never believed it!

We were truly impressed with the products, uniqueness, quality and above all the passion that goes into each rose. This is why we give Fleur de Reine 5+++ roses out of 5! We are also listing them on our “recommended list.”

This would make a perfect gift for any occasion. If you would like to order, click here. Or if you are in the Square One area, you can drop by the Merry and Bright Holiday Market before December 24, 2018 to purchase in person.

Make sure to follow Fleur de Reine on Instagram to see which locations they are in next.

A special thank you to Sonia and Roopie for the opportunity to interview them for this special feature.

Until next time… Happy Parenting!

– Momma Braga

Parents

The Best Ways for Parents to Earn Some Extra Money Online

As a parent, you’re probably always worrying about your money and whether or not you have enough of it. Raising a family is expensive and no one can deny that. However, there are ways to earn extra money on the side if you want to achieve a better financial balance and feel more financially comfortable each month. Here are the very best ways to earn money on the side online today.

Get Paid to Take Surveys

Taking surveys online is a good way to make money these days. Of course, you’re not going to get rich quick doing this but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your time. It’s easy, painless and you’ll get some extra cash to spend on nice things at the end of the month. For most families, that’s all they need. Give it a try and see how much you can earn; you might just be surprised.

Do Tasks to Gather Reward Points

Another similar idea involves completing simple tasks and earning reward points for doing so. There are numerous sites that offer you the chance to do this. This MyPoints review will give you a basic idea of what it involves and why you might want to give it a try. It allows you to earn money for doing very little, and that can never be a bad thing, right? It’s worth trying and seeing if there are any tasks you want to earn money doing.

Sell Your Photos

If you’re a keen photographer and this is something you enjoy doing on the side, you should do what you can to monetise it. It’s a smart move because it gives you the chance to make money from something you enjoy. You can sell your photos to stock photo companies or you could sell them directly to customers if they’re good enough for that.

Do Remote Admin Work

Admin work is needed like never before and more and more of it is now being done remotely from home by people like you. You can decide when and how you work, so you can fit it around your life. It’s a great way of earning a little extra money. If you’ve worked in admin before, you should find it pretty easy to slot into this type of work.

Sell Your Unwanted Possessions

If you have a load of old possessions that you don’t particularly want anymore, why not do something with them? This is something that’s never been easier to do and it makes sense if all that stuff is just sitting in storage. Use eBay to find people who really want to buy the stuff that you consider to be unwanted junk.

These days, there are so many ways to make some extra money on the side as a parent. The digital economy is booming and there’s no reason why you can’t make some money on the side to make your family’s life more comfortable and flexible. So why not look into some of the ideas outlined above?

 

Parents

Family Fun On A Budget – Is It Possible?

Budgets are a necessary evil because there is never enough money to go around. A shortage of moolah is enough to set the family back half a year. Then, all the hard work you did will wash away down the toilet. Goodbye scrimping and saving; it was nice to know you!

There is one problem: it’s boring. Staying in on a Saturday night isn’t enjoyable even when you’ve got the big picture in mind. The Holy Grail is to put money aside while having the time of your life.

For those who don’t think it’s possible, take a look at the following.

Look Local

You’re not the only mom who wants to keep the purse strings tight. Every mother in a five-mile radius will have the same idea, which is where the local community comes into play. Your neighborhood, or another one which is close by, should have events such as carnivals and street parties. Some even have drive-in movie nights where you sit in the car and watch from behind the wheel. The point is there are generally lots to do in the local community and the costs are low. If there is an admission charge, it will be low, and the kids should get in for free.

Go Out With Friends

Instead of cooking dinner for the millionth time this year, why don’t you treat everybody and go to a restaurant? Oh right, it’s because it’s expensive. Well, it doesn’t have to be if you go out as a group. As soon as there are ten to fifteen people in your squad, the cost of the meal reduces by a significant amount. Even with a tip, it shouldn’t be more than $15 per person, per meal. Tapas is a great cuisine to split with others because it’s made for sharing and you don’t need many dishes to enjoy it.

Or Invite Them Round To Eat

There’s no reason to eat as a family for every single meal. Although you love the kids, it gets boring when all they want to do is eat, play with their phones, and watch TV. Adults need stimulating conversation and lots of jokes to have fun, which your friends have in spades. That’s why this blog post recommends throwing a dinner party and inviting your nearest and dearest. Everybody can bring a dish, which cuts down on the costs, and you can supply the alcohol. Now that sounds cheap and like a lot of fun!

Bag A Bargain

Another tip from the same blog is to sign up for discount codes and vouchers. It might feel embarrassing at first, but there’s nothing wrong with adding a voucher code to your shopping list. Nowadays, you can do it online so there’s no reason to say it out loud in front of a restaurant full of customers. Being thrifty is about doing the little things to save the big bucks. Whether it’s 5% off or 50%, every little does help.

Plus, you get to go on an impromptu shopping session which is always fun.

 

Motherhood, Parenting, Parents

Supportive Parenting: Your Child Wants to Take a Year Off College And Go Abroad

Written By: Claire Adams

Before we begin, we need to answer the age-old question – what constitutes a supportive parent?

First of all, a supportive parent is one that encourages their child in their academic pursuits as well as their hobbies. Their other task is to be there, listen without judgement and try to put themselves in their child’s shoes, particularly during those turbulent teenage years. This one is difficult, but vital, as kids tend to drift apart from their parents at this age and you need to show them that you are there unconditionally. Don’t judge their mistakes or write off their goals and dreams as unreachable – acknowledge that you may not have all the answers and don’t underestimate your child’s wisdom. Finally, if you want them to act like adults, you need to treat them as adults.

Why is this all important? Because children who feel support and encouragement tend to make better choices and grow up to be independent, responsible and successful. Now, every parent wants to see their child successful, finishing college, finding a lucrative career – that’s a given. This is exactly why many parents struggle to understand when their kid comes to tell them they want to take a year off from college, whether in the middle of their studies or before going to grad school. That, let’s call it ‘a gap’, isn’t something you’ll be thrilled with, but let’s consider some of the reasons this might actually be great for their personal and professional development.

Photo credit Pexels

Immersion in other cultures

When you go abroad and you mix with locals with a completely different language and a set of religious and every other beliefs, it simply makes you a better person.

You may have taught your child to be tolerant, understanding and free of any form of prejudice and stereotypes, but there is absolutely no better way to raise a great person, a worldly one if you want, unless you let them spread their wings and explore everything the world has to offer. Each culture can teach you a different thing, instil a different great quality in you, and give you life lessons that will last forever. By letting your kid fly, you are giving them the chance to be better in every sense of the word.

Photo credit Pexels

It teaches them independence

Let’s admit it. While in college, your kid isn’t truly independent. They can always count on you to send a care package, a little extra money, and they live comfortably, whether in a dorm or private housing. Yes, being a little far away from you gives them a taste of independence, but going abroad will teach them so much more. They will have to work for a living, find their own apartment, pay their bills – simply put, pay their dues. That makes a person resilient and more capable.

As a result, when they come back, they will be this whole new amazing and improved person you will be even more proud of. And worry not, there are tons of ways for them to make a living and perhaps even develop new skills. For instance, if they decide to go to China, they can always make a living by putting their native English skills to use and become a teacher at such amazing schools as Monkey Tree ESL. The one thing a native English speaker can always rely on is a teaching job abroad, so don’t you worry about them making it on their own.

Photo credit Pexels

They will learn the value of money

They say you don’t know the value of money until you begin to make your own. Having to pay bills, take care of food, or buy clothes will be an amazing lesson on how to save, to be economical and frugal. They will even become more grateful for all the years and money you’ve invested in their education, and perhaps even continue to work part-time when they come back home, as a way of taking a part of the burden off of you, and to also retain that newfound sense of independence.

 

You may not believe that a year off is a great idea, and that’s your natural, parenting instinct speaking. You want your child to be safe, not to go without, and most importantly, to go back and finish college or get their Master’s degree. However, you have to believe that you have raised a great and responsible person, and that this year off will only fortify these qualities and make them an even better, more competent and more qualified person. A person with a new sense of direction. A real goal-getter. There will always be concerns, but if you’ve done your job right, you will have very little to worry about.

 

About the Author

Claire Adams is a personal and professional development expert who believes that a positive attitude is one of the keys to success. She enjoys life to the fullest in the healthiest way possible and loves to share her insights into parenting, education, and entrepreneurship. Feel free to reach her on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Great Companies, Motherhood, Parents, Reviews

The Tutu Experience | Petit Tutu Boutique

Tutus is the fashion must with our daughter as she adores them. This is why for her birthday this year we had to find the perfect one for her Wonder Woman theme and for her four year old photo. Every year we take pictures of Nikki to celebrate her big day and we give a photo to our close family and friends. We love doing this as it allows us to see how much she has grown over a year.

So the search was on for the best Wonder Woman costume that we could find. After tirelessly searching through Google, we came across the ONE that we have been waiting for!

We came across Petit Tutu Boutique on Etsy and they had the perfect outfit for our Wonder Woman themed photoshoot and birthday party.


The reviews looked good and the photos of the quality of work that was completed looked amazing. There were so many other designs and themes that were adorable too but we had to focus on Wonder Woman.

We first sent an email to the owner, Nancy, as we were on a tight deadline and we wanted to make sure they delivered to Canada. Nancy got back to us promptly and informed us that Canadian shipments are done but that the deadline might not be met due to the distance. We understood this completely and we didn’t mind at all as we had some time until Nikki’s birthday but we wouldn’t be able to take the photos the day that we scheduled. No big deal since we do the photos ourselves. 🙂

We promptly ordered the complete outfit which includes the tutu, the top, wristbands and headband. We also received the Wonder Woman Shoe Embellishment which was super cool! Within a week we received our order and to me it looked even better than the photos that I saw online. Both Nikki and I feel in love with it instantly. Now when we order from small shops and the items are handmade we take a deeper interest in them.

We wanted to find our a little bit more about Petit Tutu Boutique so we got the inside scope from the owner, Nancy on her business.

Exclusive Mini Interview

When did you start your business, Petit Tutu Boutique?

I opened up shop in 2007 on eBay and then made the switch over to Etsy in 2011. It’s been wonderful!

What inspired you to start your business?

I am a stay-at-home mom and I would make costumes for my children. From there it took a life of its own and people started making costume requests for their children. It was a really nice way to start off and bring in some extra money to our household.

What type of products do you offer?

I make Birthday outfits and costumes, mostly for little girls but I have done some for boys as well. You can check out the collection that is available on my Etsy page.

How can people order your beautiful designs?

My shop is only available on Etsy right now and if there are any questions, anyone can email me directly on the site.

#MelAndNikkiReview on Petit Tutu Boutique

We received exceptional service and quality. It made my Super Nikki’s day as she adored the outfit and insisted on wearing it almost everyday before her big day. It made her fourth birthday extra special and she matched Wonder Woman who made an appearance on her special day. Nikki’s birthday has now passed and she still wears her costume proudly. It gets tons of compliments which makes Nikki feel extra special. We give Petit Tutu Boutique 5+++ stars out of 5! Important tip for residents in the USA, if you have a rush order request, you can select the option for “Rush My Order” at an additional cost to your order.

The quality and professionalism was great from start to finish. We are already thinking of what tutu we want next. 😉 Make sure to follow them on Facebook too!

Special thank you to Nancy of Petit Tutu Boutique for making a little girl’s wish to be Wonder Woman come true and in style!

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

 

Parenting, Parents, Tips

7 Great Ways to Raise and Empower Your Daughter

Having a daughter is a great gift, but also a great responsibility. We live in a world that is changing, hopefully for the best, especially when it comes to the position of women in the society, their empowerment and their voice. So it is, now more important than ever that we raise generation upon generation of young women who will know there is no limit what they can do in life and who will feel empowered from day one. But it all depends on the parents and what we install in their minds from the very beginning. So here are some great tips on raising a little powerhouse of a lady.

Let her be heard

It is important that you always ask her about her opinion on the matter at hand. Just telling someone what to do over and over again creates a pattern that is hard to break later on. So, by letting her know you are interested in what she has to say you are teaching her that her opinion and ideas matter and thus encouraging her to put them forward. This will have a great impact on the way she interacts with others as she will be able to form her own opinions and won’t be afraid to share them with the world.

Photo by Michael Morse from Pexels.

Encourage her to learn

Education is a huge part of female empowerment. Being able to attend the schools she wants or to choose her own profession it is something truly amazing. And to think it was not an option just a few years ago, and is still not in some countries in the world. Luckily there are a lot of organizations working on changing this, and there are more and more girl’s scholarships available to help set this change in motion. So help your daughter understand, however cliché it might sound, knowledge is power, and education is an integral part of that.

Expose her to the right role models

Having someone to look up to is important as we grow up. And for a young girl having strong female role models can be life changing. It is important that they exist both in the family and outside of it. Of course, you are the biggest one she has, so it is important to not only teach your daughter certain principles but for you as a parent to live them as well. Next come the role models from the world of literature, politics and, yes, pop culture. There are some great women throughout history that can serve as fantastic role models, from Jane Goodall to Lisa Randall and Aung San Suu Kyi, all of whom show how strong and powerful women can be and how they can influence the changes in the world we live in.

Photo by Albert Rafael from Pexels.

Help her withstand the pressures of our society

Even the best upbringing cannot help your daughter and save her from the cruel reality that comes from entering the society. From kindergarten to university she will have to hold her own. We all know how cruel kids can be and how at times it is difficult to stand up to peer pressure. It is up to us, as parents, to help our child cope, and not let them suffer in silence. Because not everyone will accept an empowered female, and there will be times that she will have to stand for what she believes in, even when it seems impossible. That is the lesson we are supposed to be teaching them.

Take the time to discuss different notions

Be there to answer her questions, from the very start. Whether they are about life, the world we live in or people who surround us. It is important that she gets that information from you as much as possible. That way you know what she hears is the truth. Letting her google it or hear it from the wrong people could have a negative effect on her point of view, and even her self- esteem. You can take a few minutes out of each day and simply tell her to ask you whatever she wants. It can be a great learning and bonding experience at the same time.

Photo by Lgh_9 from Pexels.

Teach her to be critical about the media

What media places out there can have a strong effect on young girls, and they can be quite taken with it. Thinking that they need to look, act or think in a certain way. This can have a negative effect on the way they perceive the world and what is expected of them to be. So it is important to start having this conversation as early as possible and to keep having it until they grow up. Teach them about the distorted images that the media can sometimes show, pointed towards the right media outlets, and help them see themselves as individuals and not part of the collective thought that is being pushed at them.

Don’t limit their imagination

This might be the most important piece of advice. Your daughter needs to have a vivid imagination because that is where all great ideas come from. So if she wants to be a truck driver at three years of age support it as much as you would support her wanting to be a doctor at eighteen. Don’t limit her choices and ideas; let her express herself that way she can show you and the world who she really is without the fear of not being accepted.

So now you have your guidelines, and don’t forget you might be raising the future president or astronaut.

About the Author

Claire Adams is a personal and professional development expert who believes that a positive attitude is one of the keys to success. She enjoys life to the fullest in the healthiest way possible and loves to share her insights into parenting, education, and entrepreneurship. Feel free to reach her on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Parenting, Parents, Swimming, Tips

Building Swimming Confidence And So Much More | Aqua-Tots Fast Track Program

We adore swimming in our household and it is something that our daughter, Nikki, has enjoyed even more since taking classes at Aqua-Tots Swim School. We always felt that swimming was an important life skill to learn and we found it necessary for our daughter to learn them in a comfortable and safe setting.

We recently participated in Aqua-Tots Fast Track Program and we were astonished to see the leaps she took in her swimming skills. The Fast Track Program is a program that consists of four consecutive lessons over the course of four days with the same instructor. With the flexibility of my work schedule we were able to participate in the early morning class at 8:45 AM.

Now at first, I wasn’t sure how we were going to do early morning classes as Nikki isn’t a morning person but the simple thought of swimming had her up and ready to take on the world. With each class, I saw that she was getting better and much faster. Her confidence tripled as the days went by and it was simply amazing to see. I have to mention that Nikki’s biggest struggle with swimming has been going on her back. Nikki was so afraid to do back floats and by Wednesday she was doing them on her own which had me in tears. I was extremely proud that she conquered her fears and did it with such confidence. This all on its own was the breakthrough that we have been waiting for and it has finally arrived. That day I started telling anyone who wanted to hear that my daughter did the backstroke and back float. The best part was how proud Nikki was and every day that week, she would ask me, “Did I do good today?” Every day I told her that she did amazing and that I was so proud of her. Seeing her smile and how proud she was of herself, was all that I ever wanted and needed. That one week in the Fast Track Program did all that for us and we are truly thankful for it!

The Fast Track Program is designed to build on each child’s skills on what they are already learning and helps them propel their skills forward. It is also designed to build children’s confidence and aids with quicker retention of skills.

We saw these benefits right away from Day one and by Day four the transformation was remarkable. They do say practice makes perfect and that is exactly what the Fast Track Program does. By going to class every day for four days straight really gave my daughter the opportunity to hone in on the skills that she has already learned and advance in new skills too. Her muscles were grasping the concepts and motions making each day a little easier to learn. Building those muscle memories takes a lot of repetition and practice before it can become second nature and the Fast Track Program is a great example of this. It allows a child’s body to memorize what they need to do and then allows them to focus on adding new techniques and speed to their swimming. I know that Nikki was swimming a lot quicker than she was the week before!

The benefits are endless in our opinion as it really does wonders for a child’s learning on such an important life skill. But it is so much more than just swimming as it builds confidence and I need to mention that Nikki was at her happiest during the Fast Track Program. Her smile was permanent that week as she was so proud of what she accomplished in just four days. Now that in itself made it all worth it to us.

We captured Nikki on the last day of class to see what she thought of the Fast Track Program and even though she was quick with her message it was sweet nonetheless.

To learn more about the Fast Track Program, please contact Aqua-Tots Swim Schools. They do have the best swimming curriculum that truly benefits each child as it is based around your child’s learning.

Special thank you to Aqua-Tots Swim School for giving us a confident little swimmer.

Like Dory says, “Just Keep Swimming.”

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

 

 

 

 

 

This article is brought to you in partnership with Aqua-Tots Swim School.