I was listening to a parenting series about behavior and started thinking about positive reinforcement with children. There are so many valuable lessons I learned as a classroom teacher that have transferred into our home, which I am beyond thankful for. I do my best to be aware of my expectations and discipline with our son because there is so much power in what we say and how we say it. I thought I would share some things I learned as a teacher and working with children in general when it comes to behavior, as well as being a parent.

I would love to know what works well with your children or family!

1.Ask For Desired Behavior

Saying “no” or “stop” to everything can not only be draining, but also puts the focus on negative behavior. Children are lacking the understanding of how it should be corrected or replaced when we don’t give them clear direction. For example if your child is standing up in the chair at dinner instead of saying “stop standing in your chair” you can ask for what you are wanting by saying “please sit on your bottom in your chair”. It can be used for any behavior and allows the child to repeatedly hear the expectation and desired behavior.

2. Prompt To Correct Or Try Again

Children don’t automatically know how to do things including demonstrating appropriate behaviors. It is our responsibility to model it, correct it, and give multipole opportunities to practice it. Asking your child to try something again gives them the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the expectation. For example, if my son says “fill my water up” I will ask him to try again so he can demonstrate how to ask a question nicely. Sometimes your child may have to try again multiple times in a row and that is okay!

3. Communicate On Their Level

Every child is different and needs different things from us. Learn what works best for your children and what they respond to. Communicate to fit their needs so you are speaking with them instead of to them.

BONUS: Have Clear Expectations

Children can experience anxiety and stress when they do not know what is expected of them or what consequences may be. Creating clear and defined expectations will eliminate stress in the home, along with consistency in discipline or techniques.

Blessings,

Jac

We recently went camping with my in-laws for the second year to celebrate some family birthdays. It was the perfect socially distanced get away and a nice change of scenery for all of us. Since we went to the same place last year, we knew more of what to expect and what we would be doing. My husband and I previously learned a hard lesson with chiggers so we were fully prepared this year, along with other essentials.

I thought I would share some of my must haves when going on an outdoorsy vacation. Of course if you are doing actual tent camping, the essentials would be much different! I would love to know any of yours!

1.Bug Spray/Creams

Like I mentioned, we learned the hard way last year with bites. We were fully prepared this year with different sprays and creams to use if needed. We constantly coated ourselves in spray and lucked out with no bites! I also brought stuff for poison ivy/oak just in case.

2.Waterproof/Smaller Bag

Both years we have rented a boat and enjoyed the lake for a day. I learned last year to have some type of water bag I could bring on the boat with all of our things. I also had a smaller waterproof bag for phones, wallets, keys, etc. I could keep inside and also take canoeing! (Small Bag & Large Bag)

3.Kid Life Jacket

I went ahead and brought a life jacket for our 2 year old son since the options weren’t that great last year for him. I am so glad I did because he could also use it when we did canoes. I didn’t have to worry about something being the wrong size or uncomfortable for him which was great! (Life Jacket)

4.Games

We love playing games and it is always such a fun thing to do on vacation! Some of our favorites are Sequence, Phase 10, and Sorry (son’s favorite).

5.Favorite Foods/Snacks

We always bring our favorite snacks anytime we travel but we also brought things we weren’t sure if the cabin would have just in case for cooking, storing, and washing! It is so nice having everything you need and not having to worry about running into town for something.

We are excited for next year and can’t wait to go back!

Blessings,

Jac

I recently shared a post suggesting budgeting categories and how to quickly get an idea of monthly income and spending. You can check that out here: https://thebridwells.com/2020/08/24/budgeting-categories/

Today I wanted to touch on emergency savings and give some things to think about when creating a specific fund or amount. I have mentioned emergency accounts in my savings post and financial lessons (linked at the bottom). I think this pandemic has taught us many things, including how important it is to set yourself up financially in case of emergencies or special circumstances.

I would love to know any tips or suggestions you have!

1.Emergency Fund Is Separate From General Savings

When you are creating an emergency fund, mentally or physically separate it from your general savings. This amount is not intended for trips, wanted purchases, kid activities, etc. It is solely designed to be there as your safety net in case of emergencies or special circumstances. Think of it has money you have in case a job was lost and bills need to be paid or something out of your control happens with your home, car, etc.

2.Decide On Desired Amount

Decide as a family what amount you want to keep as your emergency stash. Generally you want to have 3 months of total income plus additional for owning a home. If you own a home you know any maintenance needed is not cheap. Our mindset was if we ever needed to replace something we had the amount needed for it. We padded ours to also account for anything additional. This is specific to each family and lifestyle, but definitely have a desired number or goal.

3.Do Not Touch/Use

Once you have reached your goal, that amount is off limits. Other savings is fair game, however don’t consider that as “savings”. When we are assessing our finances I never take into account our emergency fund as money we have saved because we know we are not touching it until it is truly needed. If you need to actually move it away from your general savings, think of transferring it to a different savings bank.

Do you have an emergency account?

5 Tips To Saving Money: https://thebridwells.com/2020/06/03/5-tips-to-saving-money/

Blessings,

Jac