We read fairy tales to kids, put them to sleep narrating stories that emphasize the world is a good place and life is easy while knowing in the back of our head that it’s not.
Life is extremely difficult, and children should not come to terms with this fact only when they’re older. One of the most important things that’ll help them survive in the world is finances. As parents, you might provide them everything, be there as financial and emotional support, but things won’t stay the same ever.
One day your kids would grow and have to survive financially by managing their own money. It won’t be easy if they’re not money-smart.
Ergo, your lesson here is that you have to raise them to be money smart, and not depend on time to do it for you. Here are some of the tips that can help you do that.
7 ways to raise money-smart kids
1. Talk about money
If you think talking about money with children is pointless because they’re too young, or “They won’t get it,” “It’s not their age”, you need to think everything through.
Talking about money is essential; don’t wait for them to turn 16 to do that. The sooner they learn about money, the smarter they’ll become as time goes by.
Additionally, by talking about money, I don’t mean lengthy lectures, but practical knowledge about it. Let them know when it’s the best time to buy something, how to save during the holiday season, how banks and ATMs work, things like that.
2. Do money-learning activities
Theoretical knowledge works, but when it comes to activities, nothing can beat them. Why? Because when you put theories to use, you remember your lessons well and for a long time.
Thus, indulge them in activities. Take them to banks, let them buy groceries on a budget, If your kid is too young for that, accompany them to shops, give them the money, and ask them to do the payments and collect change.
3. Be a role model
You can teach them all the good values, but what they will pick up is the things YOU do. Why? Because children imitate. So, you cannot expect your children to be money-smart if you are not money-smart in front of them.
Additionally, while you are at it, focus on positive parenting. Don’t taunt them all the time about money, or the heavy expenses you have to incur on them – Be positive, your goal is to make them money smart not making them resent you.
4. Let them manage their own money
You cannot wait for them to turn 18 and learn to manage their money on their own at ease. In fact, it’s better if they start early – even when they are 10 years old.
Having said that, giving them allowances, pocket money would work if you have teen kids. Let them manage everything in the same amount. You might think it’s cruel, but it’s not if they learn a lot from it.
As for younger kids, you can give them piggy banks to save and manage their own money.
5. Make sure there’s a line between being a money saver and a penny-pincher
It’s ideal if your kids learn to save. However, it’s not if they become a penny-pincher in the name of frugality. There’s a fine line between the two concepts. Being frugal means you do your best to save money by acknowledging your responsibility towards others, while penny-pincher or parsimonious means you don’t spend money at all and depend on people for it.
So, your goal is to not let them become the latter. You wouldn’t want your kids to be financially dependent on someone, would you?
6. Make it fun
Lessons are remembered when they are fun. So if you are teaching your kids money-saving, make it fun. Make them watch movies that might help them understand the value of money, or play Monopoly.
Yes, you heard that right. Surprisingly a game of Monopoly can make them learn a lot about finances. For starters:
It can make them learn about loans.
It enlightens them about property and ownership.
It teaches them money-related concepts such as interest and mortgage, income and property tax, etc.
7. Lastly, inculcate good money habits in them
At the end of the day, it’s all about adopting good money habits. Encourage your kids to do the same. By money habits, I mean the following.
Monitoring expenses in a spreadsheet – every single penny.
Preparing budgets.
Calculating compound interests.
Money-saving.
Making investments, creating a portfolio.
Maintaining a good credit score.
Avoiding the use of credit cards.
You can help them develop these habits by involving them while you do the same, having healthy conversations about these topics, and lastly letting them have their takeaways by watching you follow these habits.
Well, this will do the job. Now that you have these tips, I hope you’d know what to do. All the best! Additionally, if you have a few more tips that can help other readers to raise money-smart children, feel free to share them in the comment section.
As a parent, we always want the best for our children. We want them to study well, go to college and be successful. But more than that we want them to be better and more responsible human beings. For we know it very well that life will be tough, and good things won’t be served to them on a silver platter. They have to be mature, responsible, and accountable and at the same time a kind human being who remains uncorrupted by the evils of the world.
We can of course give them a pep talk. But it won’t be much of a help if they don’t know what to do. Family rituals can be an ideal way to not only teach them values and responsibility but bond as a family. So, if you want nothing else but for your child to be responsible, kind, and compassionate, here are all the rituals you can follow.
40 Family Rituals that Teach Responsibility, Kindness and Compassion to Kids
Here are 40 family rituals that teach responsibility, kindness, and compassion to kids:
To teach responsibility
Dividing chores between family members to promote accountability and responsibility in kids. You can reserve the easiest for children. For instance, something as simple as hanging out clothes to dry, clearing tables, placing napkins. For adults, chores like setting up the table, making a dish, doing laundry, etc.
Being responsible for their own chores. Encourage every member to do their own chores – whether it is washing their dishes, doing their laundry, etc.
Doing chores together. Not only would it improve coordination and develop team spirit, but it will also promote accountability and responsibility. These activities can include baking a cake together or cooking a yummy delicacy for dinner. One can also take responsibility such as chopping veggies; another person can take charge of frying the vegetables.
Money-saving together – One person responsible for grocery shopping another for monitoring the bills and so on. Also encourage them to save money in every category of expense.
Preparing for Christmas together. One person can be in charge of the décor, another can be in charge of baking, and so on.
Arrange camping trips together. This will encourage problem-solving skills that would help build responsibility.
If your children are old enough, you can include them in your trips to banks, to also make them learn about banking and money management.
Arrange picnics, and divide the responsibilities in between. One can work on music, another can work on food and games, and so on.
To teach Kindness
Volunteering at charity centers or orphanages together.
Take some food items such as cookies and bread to give out to the homeless on your drive out. Every member of the family can be responsible for carrying these food items every time you all go out.
Do not throw away things after a session of decluttering. Donate the things to charity and orphanages.
Packing lunches in extra quantities for your kids to encourage sharing.
Sending out sweet messages to loved ones.
Always sharing food with family members.
Donating a small part of pocket money/salary to those in need.
Have a session of story-telling. You can also pick the ones that spread the message of kindness. Let each family member do that.
Encourage everyone to share one good deed they did this month.
Doing something nice for each other. For instance, saving them an extra slice of pizza.
Picking movies that uphold kindness as a value.
Watching a random movie or series. And also picking out instances of kindness together.
Practicing affirmations together such as “My goal for the day is to be kind to the people around me.”
Share childhood stories. Recall instances when someone had been extremely kind to you.
Writing out thoughtful wishes for Christmas cards together.
To teach compassion
To encourage forgiveness every time a family member makes mistakes. (However, it might not always be a clean slate.) Encourage forgiving unintentional mistakes.
Arranging surprise birthday parties for closed ones.
Make handmade birthday gifts together for loved ones.
Feeding animals together as a family every time you go out.
Encourage hugging when you find someone crying.
Being a good listener to each other’s problems as a family.
Practice gratitude together every night.
Pray together.
Pray for somebody whom you might not know but still are empathetic towards.
Donate to local festivals and events.
Volunteer in local events like carnivals and concerts.
Do exercises that promote positivity.
Have a talking session every day to bond as a family.
Spare five minutes every day to talk about your day or how you feel. Focus on letting out the negative feelings.
Encourage your family to send out thank you notes for gifts you received and dinners you went to.
You can review your year on New Year’s Eve – talk about how your year went, and what you loved and hated about it.
Send out Christmas cards together. Encourage everybody to write some kind words.
We’ve all heard it said that it takes a village to raise a child. And, as parents, we know that raising our kids is one of the most important jobs we will ever have. But what does it mean to raise responsible, kind and compassionate children? It means doing things together as a family – rituals that help teach these values in an everyday way. So here are 40 family rituals that can help you achieve this goal. Do any of these resonate with you and your family? If so, start implementing them today!
As the most populated island in Hawaii and the most visited one of them all, Oahu is usually the first island most first-timers in the state visit. Boasting a vast shoreline, volcanoes, and idyllic forests, there’s plenty to do in Oahu to keep you entertained no matter how long you’re visiting.
With so many visitors flocking to the island, it’s easy to imagine that escaping the crowds in Oahu is not an easy feat. But don’t despair if you’re the type of traveler who prefers to avoid tourist hotspots. With a little effort, you can visit some really sweet hidden gems here!
Hidden Gems in Hawaii You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Kaena Point State Park
Lying placidly at the northwestern most tip of the island, Kaena Point State Park is a beach park not many people know exists.
Although Kaena’s is not a great place for swimming because of the strength of the waves here, hiking here is absolutely splendid. A 2.7 mile-long trail runs along the shore and up some steep rocks, which pretty much guarantees stunning views every step of the way. Some of the highlights you’ll get to appreciate are the volcanic coast, tide pools, caves, and even some natural rock arches. If you’re lucky, you might even see dolphins. But you have to get there early in the morning!
Kawela Bay
If you don’t exactly love crowds, Kawela Beach is just right for you because very few people visit this off-the-beaten-path gem in Oahu! This beautiful beach has trees lining the entire shoreline, which makes for a very unique scenario. Kawela may just be one of the biggest hidden gems in all of Hawaii. Especially when it comes to gorgeous beaches.
Moreover, Kawela’s waves are very calm most of the time. Making it a great Oahu beach to visit if you’re traveling with kids.
Goat Island
Located a mere 720 feet from Malaekahana State Recreation Area, Mokuʻauia Island, or Goat Island as it’s more commonly called by the locals, is a flat islet in Laie Bay.
What makes it very special is the fact that it’s made of lithified dunes, a truly unique sight. There are no goats on Goat Island, though. But there are lots of seabirds, as they’ve made it their nesting point!
Pro tip: This is a protected seabird sanctuary. So it’s important to stay away from the center of the island, where the seabirds lay their eggs. But you can still see them at a distance.
Goat Island is close enough to the beach that you can swim over. Wading your way over is not recommended at all. Because you can cut yourself with the coral reef underneath, damaging it in the process too. If you’re not too fond of the idea of swimming over, you can paddle on a bodyboard or surfboard!
Mokuauia Island boasts three different beaches. But your best bet is the one located on the left side of the islet because this beach is protected from strong waves by cliffs, which make it perfect for floating in very calm waters with gorgeous views of Oahu’s mountains in the background.
Kahuku Farms
If you love organic dining and want to live a truly unique experience in Oahu, go to Kahuku Farms, where you can tour the estate and sample fresh fruits directly from the vine!
What began as a small roadside shop a long time ago has turned into a great place to visit. After strolling through the farm and eating farm-to-table-goodies, you can also shop for some natural beauty and self-care products!
Byodo-In Temple
Oahu has its very own small replica of the Byodo-In Temple in Japan. This version was built in Kahaluu as a homage to the Japanese people who inhabited Hawaii for over 100 years. As a non-practicing Buddhist temple, it is open to the public and visitors are welcome. So you can feel free to walk around and take pictures.
Mermaid Cove
Mermaid Cove is probably one of the biggest hidden gems in Oahu, to the point that there are no tours for visitors available to this off-the-beaten-track location. You’ll have no problem getting there. Though, if you’re willing to walk a bit and find your way through some tunnels. Just head to Nanakuli Beach Park and you’ll be sure to find it.
The magical thing about Mermaid Cove is that its caverns are partly underwater. Creating a stunning effect when sunlight is reflected on its walls. Seeing this unique light spectacle is a reward well worth the effort of getting there.
Electric Beach
Electric Beach is certainly an unusual name. But there is a logical explanation for it. A power plant was built across the street from this location so that just about explains it.
What makes this beach so delightful, though, is the fact that the warm water that is thrown from the plant into the ocean attracts marine life like a magnet! Needless to say, snorkeling here is an almost otherworldly experience. Make sure to go close to the water pipe because that’s where tons of animals like to hang out.
China Walls
China Walls is a very particular formation of rocks jutting into the ocean. Which produces an alluring view as the ocean waves crash against the rocky walls. Here, you can also enjoy splendid views of Oahu’s volcanic side, making it a real gem worth visiting if you love amazing vistas.
Have you ever visited any of these hidden gems on Oahu or know of others? If you’ve got any other exciting places to visit on the island that didn’t make it to this post, let me know all about them in the comment section below!
We all dream of a clean and tidy home as if it’s something supernatural or impossible to achieve. Supernatural – definitely not. Impossible – well, it can feel that way if you are a working mom who spends all day working and running, only to come back home dead tired, and on the edge after finding their home nothing but a mess.
The same goes for the work from home mom who spends all of their time in front of their desk only to come out for lunch and sometimes a water refill. Many would assume we would have all the time in the world working from home to keep the house clean during our working hours.
Does that sound familiar? If yes, then I can understand how bad you wish to have a clean home. It might feel impossible, but it is not. Given, there are working moms out there who manage to keep a clean house.
You must be wondering, “How the hell do they do that?”
Well, they have their secrets, which I am going to spill out in this very article. So, keep reading.
10 secrets to keeping a clean house as a working mom
1. Prepare the night before
Tell me if you don’t throw away your sweaters, jackets, and scarves on the bed or floor every time you leave for work, all because you don’t have enough time to keep things in their proper place. Guilty, right? Well, the morning rush does that to everybody. So, the trick here is to prepare the night before so you save time and don’t leave a mess behind. Here’s how
Select your clothes, iron them, and hang them by the hanger on a door, or at the front of your cabinet.
Keep your essentials in the bag the night before.
Chop vegetables for breakfast. While you are at it, look for quick breakfast options that won’t create a huge mess.
Keep the cosmetics you would need to get ready nearby.
2. Don’t procrastinate
Have a jacket to put in the closet? Well, don’t just leave it there, even if you think you’ll pick it up later. Just know the word, Later is a scam.
So, make it a rule to do things then and there. Don’t procrastinate, pick up the things, wash the dishes, and keep things properly right at the moment. You wouldn’t want to come back home to a messed-up home, would you?
The same goes for your kids, if they have something laying around, it’s good practice to teach them to pick it up and put it where it goes the second they (most likely you) see it.
3. Encourage your family to do their own chores
Yes, you are the mother, but it doesn’t mean you have to do everything by yourself – even the chores that are not yours to do in the first place. Gender roles are history, so it’s time you encourage your family to do their chores – whether it is washing their dishes, doing their laundry, cooking their food, or cleaning their rooms.
In our home, my husband does his own laundry because he likes to wear the same things multiple times a week, even with a closet full of capable clothing. Our girls do the dishes and are responsible for keeping their rooms cleaned as well as the dog messes in the yard once a week.
Leila’s teacher let them play a game in school in her 5th grade class and one of the questions was if they had to do chores at home. Out of 20 students, only 3 of them had chores. 3! It’s no wonder us moms and dads are overwhelmed by housework! Now is the time to teach your children how to do chores and at the very least clean their own rooms!
4. Encourage your family to help you out
Another variation to the former point, but the logic is the same – you are not a superhuman who can do everything. Your family should help out. Ergo, if everybody is in favor, consider dividing chores between your family members – You can reserve the easiest for your children – like collecting dirty clothes in the laundry basket and picking up things.
Sometimes when we have a lot of laundry from returning from travel, or just a hectic week I will start a load of laundry and let them collect in the laundry baskets. Steve is very adamant about the 4 of us getting all the laundry and dumping it on the couch and folding and putting it away together. While we do have a cleaning crew that comes once a week, sometimes the laundry is out of control and needs help. This is a nice relief when we can all do it together.
5. Use technology to make your work easy
It’s simple – if you can afford cleaning technologies, why wouldn’t you? Cleaning machines like vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, and washing machines exist to make our lives effortless. You cannot remain an old school for the rules of it. Be open-minded if you aren’t already.
Pro Tip — We have the iRobot vacuum (this is the exact one we have) and also a mopping robot that clean and mop the floors because our dogs are major shedders! They go off on a specific schedule each day and it’s one less thing I have to worry about because they clean the whole floor and when they are done, they go back to their home for the rest of the day.
6. Don’t over clean
Do you wash your clothes after every wear? If you do, you’re making yourself work for no reason at all. This needs to be said a lot – some clothes don’t require washing after every wear. Considerthis guide for details.
7. Keep everything organized
Does cleaning seem like a mountain to climb? Well, it can certainly feel that way if one doesn’t have everything organized. If you want your cleaning to be quick, organize right by allocating a place for every type of item.
Tip – If you find your drawers extremely cluttered, you can invest in storage items like small boxes, and trays to make everything more organized.
8. Own fewer things
Do you know the root of the problem? Our homes are full of clutter, which is why cleaning seems a hassle. The solution is easy (but requires you to have a strong heart to let go) – Declutter and own a few things. The fewer things you own, the less will be the mess.
9. Get professional help
Don’t hesitate to dial cleaning services when you are in desperate need. These services can be a little investment but are totally worth it if they can save the day.
10. Take it easy
You are a working mom who runs like a robot – cut yourself some slack and take it easy. The world won’t collide if you don’t clean for a day or don’t make cleaning your priority if you have other things to worry about. It’s okay. Try your best, and it will still be enough.
Hey there, do you have some cleaning tips we all can use? Feel free to share them in the comment section.
The word “Sacred” and “Sacred space” might not always have religious connotations as it is often believed. In fact, a sacred space can be an area where you feel closer to yourself or something you believe in. In other words, you can call it your sanctuary where you can find peace, happiness, and solace.
For some people, sacred can have religious connotations because they find peace in God, and everything divine. They set their sacred space to feel closer to their God. As for others, a sacred space can be a zone where they feel themselves. For instance, if you’re a book-lover, your sacred space can be a library.
Ergo, the point is, the word ‘sacred’ has different and subjective meanings. Which meaning you choose is precisely what you believe in. Nonetheless, it is any place you feel safe in – be it with yourself or in a space that connects you to your God, or your spiritual self.
So, if you know where and what makes you feel safe, it would be a good idea to create a sacred space for you to stay calm, relax and rewind.
Here’s how you can create it.
How to create your own high-vibe sacred space
1. Choose your space
To build your dream home, you need to first select a land. Likewise, to create your own sacred space you have to choose a space that you think would be the most appropriate for the purpose.
If your meaning of a sacred space is something divine, related to God, then you might have to create a space that is suitable from the point of astrology. In other words, you might have to pick a direction most suitable for your endeavor.
If your meaning of sacred space is a library, then think which would be the best place to have shelves and store hundreds of your favorite books.
These are two examples, and the answers differ as to what you consider your sacred space to be. That being said, if it helps here are some space suggestions:
Table, desk, corner table
Shelf, cabinet, and wardrobes
Bedside table, dresser
Room corners
Window sill
Entranceway
Outdoor area
A separate room
2. Picture it
Time to use a little bit of imagination. The whole process would be effortless if you would already have in mind what your sacred space should look like.
If not, think through. You can also head to Pinterest for some ideas and inspiration to create your own high vibe sacred space.
3. Prepare your space
If you live in a cluttered place, then you would certainly have to make room for your sacred space. Clearing things would definitely help. However, if you are running storage issues – try decluttering.
For some added inspiration: What matters is you, and your sacred space. So, try to get rid of things that would not meet the purpose you have set your mind to.
Lastly, this doesn’t need much emphasis, but your space needs to be clean. So, get your dusting cloth and get started. To add an aesthetic touch, you might want to paint to add uniqueness to your space. Choose a color that calms you down – white and off-white are highly suggested. Don’t go for dark and dull colors – they won’t provide you peace and calm as light shades would.
4. Add things you want to
Once you picture the space, you would also be picturing the inclusions. So, this as well is a question only you can answer. Think through, make a list, set a budget, and then get started with acquiring the things.
If your idea of a sacred space is a spiritual one, then you must consider adding healing stones such as Rose Quartz in your collection.
Once you have acquired all of them, set the place. (At this point, you’d be pretty excited, wouldn’t you?
5. Make it comfortable
It’s a rule – your sacred space has to be comfortable – otherwise, it will defeat the purpose. So, add all the things that will get your body to relax. It can be a reading chair if you are setting up a library or a mat if you are creating space for yoga.
Lastly, just keep adoring it
Now that you are done with it, there’s nothing left but sitting back and adoring the sacred space you created. It’s your sanctuary. Don’t be afraid to come in as often as you like or need and enjoy it. Soak in the energy you created and let all your worries disappear!
Hey there, what does sacred mean to you? How do you create your sacred space? Feel free to talk your heart out with us in the comment section.
“It’s not their age”, you need to think everything through.
children imitate. So, you cannot expect your children to be money-smart if you are not money-smart in front of them.
There’s a fine line between the two concepts. Being frugal means you do your best to save money by acknowledging your responsibility towards others, while penny-pincher or parsimonious means you don’t spend money at all and depend on people for it.
money habits, I mean the following.
is washing their dishes, doing their laundry, etc.
people know exists.
unique scenario. Kawela may just be one of the biggest hidden gems in all of Hawaii. Especially when it comes to gorgeous beaches.
goats on Goat Island, though. But there are lots of seabirds, as they’ve made it their nesting point! 
homage to the Japanese people who inhabited Hawaii for over 100 years. As a non-practicing Buddhist temple, it is open to the public and visitors are welcome. So you can feel free to walk around and take pictures.
the ocean waves crash against the rocky walls. Here, you can also enjoy splendid views of Oahu’s volcanic side, making it a real gem worth visiting if you love amazing vistas.
for work, all because you don’t have enough time to keep things in their proper place. Guilty, right? Well, the morning rush does that to everybody. So, the trick here is to prepare the night before so you save time and don’t leave a mess behind. Here’s how
are not yours to do in the first place. Gender roles are history, so it’s time you 
everything. Your family should help out. Ergo, if everybody is in favor, consider dividing chores between your family members – You can reserve the easiest for your children – like collecting dirty clothes in the laundry basket and picking up things.
needs to be said a lot – some clothes don’t require washing after every wear. Consider
have to choose a space that you think would be the most appropriate for the purpose.
vibe sacred space.
you can answer. Think through, make a list, set a budget, and then get started with acquiring the things.
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