It can be an extremely rewarding experience to build your home from the ground up. It provides you the chance to customize your home to fit your current and future tastes and needs. But anyone who has watched any home construction show can tell you, it can also be a method that is enormously exhausting and time-consuming. However, building a home doesn’t have to be a horrible process. Here are our top 10 tips to build a pain-free home:

The big plan:

Get yourself planned first. Planning is the most significant component of building process. Make sure you plan your house information carefully. Which direction is it going to face on the lot? What will be the room design and structure? What type of shading are you going to use and how many power points are you going to install? You will also want to begin to keep track of design concepts that influence you and you would like to replicate them. . So for this, you must have the details of the house map or there should be a design of the house which you want to replicate.

Budget:

Budget is the most essential part when you have deiced to build a house. Always make a budget more than you’ve expected because house designs and finishing usually take a lot more budget than you’ve expected. Regardless of how much you believe the construction method will probably cost, it will probably cost more. There might be a number of things not included in your builder’s approximation.

Contractor:

The choice of your building contractor should not be based solely on expenses, quality and reputation should be considered first, it will save you in the long run. Ensure the proper licensing and insurance of your contractor.

Pesticides:

Dry wood termites are building their houses in dry wood, as their name indicates, while soil termites are living in the ground. Look around any holes or cracks around your home for sawdust-like stuff. A termiticide therapy will not only destroy termites in the floor but also safeguard your home from any termites that attempt to burrow into it Termite bait is a toxin in which termites are slowly killed. To eradicate the infestation, it also spreads the poison around the colony. You can also contact to Pointe Pest Control.

Wood Work:

Make sure that your closets have enough room to accommodate lengthy dresses for both double hung rods and single rods. Include in the pantry or laundry room a full-size broom cupboard to hide all cleaning products from sight. Kitchen cabinets must be made in order to place all the crockery in it. Different drawers must be made. Make a chest of clothes to put all the off season clothes. Extra wood work is never a bad option.

Electric Wiring and Sanitary:

Make sure to prewire circuit of safety & cameras. Run wire and arrange the roof for solar in the future. Remember to re-wire to vital fields for generator. Place unit of carbon monoxide close bedrooms on the wall. Measure anything under the slab place, and different utilities out in the yard. Provide a drain in the garage after rain and snow to get rid of surplus water from cars. Light move to the doorway attic (and generally remember lights in the attic). Solar tubes in regions where natural sunlight does not occur. All sanitary walls must be placed properly to prevent further leakage.

There are a lot more important points you need to keep in your mind while constructing your house.

Though summer is in full swing, it won’t be long before the crisp, cool, season of fall begins. There’s something about fall that puts a smile on your face. A break from the scorching high temperatures, the upcoming family holidays, the beautiful landscape of fall foliage, and the smell of pumpkin spice and everything nice is just so comforting. That includes the delicious recipes for fall. It’s the perfect season for comfort foods like stews, soups, and good old home cooking.

If you plan on making some of fall’s most popular delights, you’re going to need to stock up on a few ingredients. Fortunately, with this being harvest season, you’ll find a lot of items to try. Below, is a list of things you want to have in your cupboard this fall. 

Squash

If there’s one veggie you want to have a lot of this fall it’s going to be a squash.  It’s great to add to soups, dips, broths, salads, or serve as a side dish next to a delicious protein. For those who are looking for healthy alternatives, squash can easily be diced and fried to replace french fries or put through a pasta maker for a delicious spaghetti. Though butternut remains the most popular, there are other types of squash you can purchase this time of year. 

Granola

You may not have been aware but granola is packed with beneficial vitamins and nutrients. Great for iron, protein, and fiber, granola is a heart-healthy ingredient to add to your list for fall recipes. Believe it or not, you can add granola to your cold or warm cereal, yogurt, or breakfast grains like muffins. It’s also a great salad topper and tastes absolutely delicious sprinkled on a warm slice of pie.

Apples

What is fall without apples? You’ll want to stock up on fresh green and red apples. They’re not only good for you but taste great and work well with a lot of fall recipes. You can add some sugar and cinnamon and make warm apples, make your own warm applesauce, add them to salads, bake them in a pie, and make apple crisps. They even pair well with pork so making an apple sauce over some pork chops or other meat adds a bit of sweetness that will make your tastebuds dance. 

Pumpkin

Another ingredient that’s impossible to overlook when you talk about fall recipes is pumpkin. Often regarded as the most popular fruit of the season, pumpkin works great in everything. You can make soup, add it to salads, roast the seeds, make a puree, bake bread or muffins, add it to butter, and so much more. Getting fresh pumpkin, as well as pumpkin spice, are recommended for fall. 

Root Veggies

Harvest time in the fall makes for a plethora of vegetable options. You get to expand your palate and try vegetables ranging in color, texture, and taste. Root veggies, tend to be the most popular during the fall. This includes things like beets, turnips, and carrots. They’re great to have fresh but can be included in so many recipes. You can saute them and serve them as a side dish. You can add them to your soups or stews as well. 

Cranberries

Ripe for picking in early fall cranberries are the perfect addition to your cupboard. These gorgeous red fruits are idealistic for more than just sauce you find on the Thanksgiving dinner table. You can enjoy them fresh as a snack, add them to desserts, or cook them down and make a deliciously sweet but bitter sauce perfect for pouring over poultry. You can buy them in large batches and freeze them so you always have them on hand for your fall recipes. 

Fall is a season for cooking. The temperatures make it idealistic for making foods that warm the body and comfort the soul. If you plan on getting your hands dirty in the kitchen this season, you’re going to want to make sure you have a cupboard or pantry stocked with ingredients you’ll need to create amazing fall recipes. From soups and salads to baked goods and hearty meals, the above-listed ingredients are sure to add a special kick to any meal you create. 

We’ve heard and seen on television and through all sorts of media that Botox will make you look younger. You may have even seen ads of celebrities endorsing it, but what exactly will Botox do for you?

The answer may seem like another question, but it really does depend on what it is you’re looking for. Botox has many uses, including medical ones. It is used to treat migraine, facial defects, and many other issues that people have. If you’re asking about its more cosmetic uses, then there are different uses for it as well!

First, realize that Botox can’t be used to treat the aging appearance of skin due to the damage from exposure to sunlight. Botox is a series of injections that are used to reduce to appearance of wrinkles on the skin to the point of being reduced greatly, and in some cases, they may even disappear altogether!

If you’re experiencing wrinkles across your forehead, then this is an ideal product for you. Botox is especially good at stopping future creases from appearing on your forehead and can reduce the existing creases to the point that they’re no longer noticeable. The reason why Botox is so effective with these type of creases and wrinkles is that they’re especially useful against moderate to severe cases of this type!

Botox injections are also used to treat the development of crow’s feet. Those are the appropriately named lines that can develop around the corners of your eyes. Botox can be used to smooth away those lines and return that younger look to the eye area.

It’s never particularly flattering, but many of us also develop frown lines around our mouths. These are those undesirable lines that can make you look much older than you really are. Botox can also be injected around those areas to prevent those creases from forming and to ensure that the current wrinkles are reduced, considerably.

There are also other cosmetic, but lesser known, uses for Botox. If you’re looking to correct a “gummy” smile, that is a smile that is more gums then teeth, then Botox injections can be used to treat it. If you suffer from the deep creases across the neck that some people can get, Botox can also be used to fade away those lines, as well.

For people who experience any deep dimples on their chin or other undesirable areas on the face, this can also be used to deaden the muscles so that it doesn’t contract to the same degree, eliminating the dimple! It can even give a lift to your smile!

This treatment can also be used to lift your eyebrows and give you that “wide-eyed” youth look, or you can even use it to make a square jawline look less severe.

Whatever the treatment you’re looking for, always consult with your doctor first to ensure that Botox is right for you. They are also the first person you want to go to, if you have any concerns.

Has your swimsuit inventory gone downhill over the past few years? Have you gained or lost weight and now your suit doesn’t fit? Haven’t had the time or money to shop for a new one lately? Or maybe you’re going on vacation or planning on taking a swim? Whatever reason you’ve found yourself shopping for a new bathing suit, you’re in luck. 

This season, there are so many different styles and trends to match all body types and styles. You’re bound to find something you love and feel confident in. To give you an idea, here’s a look at the fashionable swimsuits out there today:

One-Piece Bathing Suits

Believe it or not, one-piece swimsuits are making a huge comeback! They’ve gone beyond the basic leotard look and have taken on a whole new form. You can find the one-pieces in different colors, patterns, and prints. More trendy styles are halter-tops, deep v-neck, and one-shoulder pieces. For women who’d appreciate a little extra support, lots of the one-pieces have features like control-top for stomach support and extra cushion for the bustline. 

Triangle Bikinis

Triangle bathing suits are also trending this season. You can find triangle bikini tops and bottoms in just about any pattern or color scheme. Whether you’re a fan of solid bathing suits or patterned bathing suits, you’ll find that there are plenty of options to choose from.

High-Cut is In

If you’ve been gifted with legs of a goddess then why not show them off? High-cut one and two-piece bathings suits are definitely trending this season. This once retro trend has made its way back to the forefront and looks great. You can find a high-cut bathing suit in an array of styles and textures from bright and bold to leopard print and crinkle options you may have a hard time deciding which one looks the best. 

Animal Prints

There’s something bold, confident, and exotic about an animal print bathing suit. From one-piece zebra prints to two-piece snakeskin sets, if you like to stand out in the crowd, these bathing suit styles will certainly do the trick. 

Underwire Top

Ladies need all the support they can get from a bathing suit – particularly in the chest area. For bustier women, having additional support keeps them feeling attractive and prevents them from having a backache later on. That’s why it would appear that designers are getting into underwire top options for swimwear this year. You’ll find that many styles of bathing suits and bikinis now have underwire protection for added support and comfort.

Belts

Swimsuits are more than just something you throw on to hop in the water, it’s a summer fashion statement. Even the tiniest details can make you stand out and feel more confident. Lately, you’ll notice that both the one and two-piece swimsuit styles have belts. While some are sewn as an attachment to the suit others easily wrap around your waist and tie. 

Smocked Swimsuits

Smocked swimsuits have become a trend for both girls and women. The rigid pattern gives it such texture and volume. You’ll find that swimsuit designers are incorporating it into many styles. In fact, you can find the smocked trend used in every bathing suit style listed above. They also come in solids and other cute prints to add more flare. 

Sustainable Swimsuits

In an effort to support the environment you’ll see that more fashion lines have opted to use more sustainable materials in their products. Not only will you find more styles made from durable high-quality recycled materials, but you’ll also find that more brands are trying to reduce their carbon footprint in the process by using cleaner production processes. If you’re worried about what a sustainable swimsuit would look like, don’t be alarmed. You’re not going to get something that looks like plastic or newspaper print, but elegant designs and fashions in various styles to match all body types. 

Every woman needs at least one or two trendy bathing suits in their arsenal at all times. You just never know when the occasion might arise for you to throw one on and strut your stuff. A pool party, dream vacation, day at the beach, or even a few laps around the gym pool is a whole lot more fun when you look good and feel confident. 

Staying healthy requires work, especially in modern times. This work can pay off in various ways, such as the possibility of not developing certain ailments. The following are 10 easy tips to help you stay as healthy as you can.

1. Read Ingredients

Food in stores and restaurants can contain ingredients that won’t help you stay healthy, like high fructose corn syrup. Learn about harmful ingredients you should not consume, and stay away from them.

2. Exercise

Add an exercise routine or class to your life. Staying healthy means you have to stay fit to ward off issues like obesity and heart disease. Think of your own physical abilities as you choose what exercise to tackle. Those who want to push the limit can do something intense, while those who do not can do something less strenuous.

3. Avoid Alcohol

Excessive drinking can have all sorts of negative effects on your life, such as a weaker immune system, major depression, and liver failure. Those who choose to drink heavily should at least look into ways to reduce the chances of drunk driving, which can lead to serious injuries or even death. For example, the Oregon DMV interlock device mandated to be installed after a DUI can be preemptively installed to prevent you from operating a moving vehicle while intoxicated.

4. Doctor Visits

It is easy to ignore doctor visits, especially if you feel well. Some people do it simply because it costs too much money. Do not make this mistake because regular checkups are as much about addressing an issue as they are about preventing them, and that is worth your time and money.

5. Eat Healthy Food

You are probably actively avoiding certain things like processed foods, but you now have to replace those foods with things you need, such as local vegetables and fruit. Learn to cook with better ingredients like organic produce, and try to cook from scratch as often as you can.

6. Wellness

Being healthy also means taking time to invest in your health, and you can do that by taking wellness retreats. These are purposeful breaks from your day-to-day life to give your body and mind time to readjust and shed some of that stress you are carrying.

7. Sleep

Sleep is vital for health. The ability to remember things and even control your mood depends on you having a good night’s rest. Turn off your smartphone or television, and get to bed so you are well rested every day. Talk to your doctor if you have trouble sleeping as there may be an issue you haven’t discovered causing this problem.

8. Water

A lot of people are dehydrated, sometimes because they think drinking a sugary drink is a good replacement for water. Dehydration can lead to all sorts of issues, including drowsiness. Drink water as much as you can, and do this every day.

9. Great Hygiene

Harmful bacteria are everywhere, and they are all hunting for you. Do not give these microscopic things an opportunity to get you sick by practicing poor hygiene. Wash your hands as often as you can, especially when you are getting ready to eat or prepare food.

10. Safe Adulting

Sex is a healthy act, but you need to make sure you practice safe sex at all times. Always get tested if you are going to be active with a new partner. Be sure you wear protection when you do engage in this act and remember to be honest with your partners if you are going through something.

Hopefully, these tips are easy enough to follow. Your health is worth the effort and the time you put into these tips.

For people who have twins, the world can be a very hectic place. The tasks of caring for a single infant or toddler are significant when you double the tasks with a set of twins. That is why it’s essential to have as many of the best parent tools on hand to make life a bit easier.

Parents expecting twins should have the necessary caretaking tools in place before the babies arrive. While there used to be few products specifically designed for twin babies, much of that has changed in the last few decades.

The good news is that today there are quite a few great products out there for parents with young twins that can make life much easier for them and their parents. Investing in these types of parental tools can be essential in reducing the stresses of your workload. Learning all the best products for twin infants can help reduce stress for parents and make life much better for your infants when they arrive.

The top parental products for parents of twins to ease the stresses include:

Twin Stroller- This is an essential tool for parents of twins. When going out for walks or runs, trying to manage two strollers is impossible. However, with the use of a twin stroller, parents can easily care for their twins as they enjoy a relaxing walk time outside. Most of these strollers will work for twins from infancy into toddlerhood.

Twin Diaper Bag- When having twins, you may feel like you need two of everything, however, that might not always be the case. A diaper bag for twins has enough room for all the essential twin caretaking items. You just may need to purchase double the diapers, wipes, and pacifiers to fit into the bag! 

Twin Baby Carrier- Twin baby carriers are perfect for watching over both twins while taking a walk. While strollers are an essential tool, sometimes they can be burdensome. This is especially true with shopping, running a quick errand, or socializing at picnics or other outdoor areas where strollers may be difficult to handle and maneuver. A dual pair of baby carriers for mom and dad is the ideal solution for these circumstances.

Twin Baby Feeding Loungers- For infants, this tool helps parents feed both babies at the same time without needing to lean into a bassinet. Twin feeding loungers hold infants’ upright side by side, which is perfect for bottle feeding and starting them out on cereal and baby foods. This is the best product to help babies during feeding time before they are ready to go into a high chair.

Twin Baby Bassinet and Playpen- For parents of infant and pre-toddler twins, this is a perfect place for babies to sleep and play. Because infants are not yet very active, they can comfortably (and safely) be in this combination bassinet that also converts into a playpen. They are great for nap time and playtime in the home and on the go since it quickly turns back and forth and can be packed for on the go too.

Finding out you’re having twins is a mixed bag of emotions. You’re stoked to find out you’re going to be the proud parent of two children born at the same time but overwhelmed with the prospect of parenting duties being doubled. The best way to merge these feelings together is by making sure you’ve got the right array of products designed for twins.

An alternative to traditional dentures may help eliminate some of the pitfalls with maintaining them. An implant denture helps support the mouth and jaw without the temporary feeling that traditional dentures generally provide. An implant denture helps prospective patients the stability that they may desire when using a denture on a regular basis. Whether they are eating, drinking, or talking, the utilization of an implant denture changes the way that a prospective patient may live their life. They may no longer have to worry about their dentures coming loose or potentially losing their mouthpiece if something unexpected occurs. Before considering if an implant denture may work, prospective patients should research what implant denture can do for them.

What is an implant denture?

The implant denture is an increasingly common solution to regular denture since the procedure is more widely available in recent times. An implant-supported denture is designed for use when a prospective patient does not have any teeth in their jaw. It is usually installed when the patient does have enough bone within the jaw to support implants. When installed into the jaw of the patient, the implant denture has a special type of attachment that is secured onto the implant.

Today, the implant denture is installed within the lower and the upper jaw. The semi-permanent implant is commonly made and installed into the lower jaw since traditional dentures have less stability in that area. Prospective patients have the choice to choose an implant denture for the lower jaw, the upper jaw, or even request installation for both.

Because implant and denture treatments can represent a financial investment, it’s also worth noting that in some regions, government-supported dental programs may help reduce associated costs. For example, individuals based in Canada can explore resources such as the CDCP denture coverage guide to better understand eligibility requirements, covered services, and potential financial support options.

What to expect from implant dentures

The implant denture provides several benefits over traditional dentures. For example, they are considered much more stable than regular dentures. Users of implant dentures have an easier time speaking and eating. They also do not have to worry about their dentures loosening and possibly falling out of their mouth.

Implant dentures also have the benefit of not covering a significant portion of the mouth. For example, they typically do not cover the roof of the mouth like traditional full dentures do, since the implant denture is installed within the jaw. This helps people with implant dentures have an easier time talking, eating, or just moving their mouth on a day to day basis. An implant denture simply has the potential to significantly improve life for people who typically need dentures.

Types of implant dentures

There are two types of implant dentures that prospective patients can choose. They are known as ball retained dentures and bar retained dentures.

Bar-retained implant dentures are a type of denture made from a thin metal bar that is molded along the natural curve of the jaw of the patient. At least two to five implants are attached to this type of implant denture, typically fitted with clips or another type of attachment that help the implant strongly adhere in place. The implant is secured in place using the clips or installed attachments by fitting it over the bar and securing it there.

Ball-retained implant dentures have a slightly more intricate design than bar retained implant dentures. The implant in each jawbone gets a metal attachment installed that is designed to hold another attachment where the denture sits. The implants typically attach to the bar with ball-shaped sockets; the male attachment of each implant denture fits into the female attachment on the bar. Some implant dentures have female attachments that get installed into the male attachments for this type of semi-permanent denture installment.

Both types of implant denture have a similar structure, generally made from an acrylic base that is designed to look like the gums with acrylic or porcelain teeth attached to the base. In addition, both types of dentures need to have at least two implants installed for stable support within the jaw.

The implant denture process

The process to install various types of implant denture is relatively simple. To start, the implants generally get placed within the jawbone, usually at the front of the mouth. This is because more bone usually resides within the front of the jawbone than at the back, even when the front of the jaw may have several or all teeth missing. The front part of the jaw also does not have as many nerves as the other structures within the jaw or the entire mouth area, which may obstruct the installation and placement of the implant denture.

In most cases, prospective patients will need two surgeries to complete the implant denture procedure.

During the first step of the procedure, the implants are installed into the jawbone that resides beneath the gums. After the installation of each implant along the jawbone, the patient has to wait a few months for the bone and implant to fuse together. The second step in the implant denture procedure can take place anywhere from three to six months following the first procedure.

The second part of the procedure involves exposing the top part of each implant after the implant fuses to the jawbone. This process of the implant denture installation process involves

the dentist making incisions along with the gum where the implant resides underneath and expose the tops of each implant. After each top is exposed, they are covered with a sealing collar or cap to help the area successfully heal. The healing collar usually sits along each implant top for up to two weeks. The dentist will replace the healing collar with dental abutments and eventually begin working on the final, semi-permanent denture implants.

The amount of time it takes to complete the implant denture procedure varies based on several factors. The type of surgery performed is one factor. Sometimes, the dentist will perform the entire procedure in one surgery, but this depends on the professional offering the procedure. In other cases, the entire process may take up to a year if the patient chooses two or multiple surgeries to complete the implant denture procedure. Both two step and one step implant denture procedures have high success rates, according to those who received them.

You work really hard for your money.  Today the internet offers an array of options to help you make money at home.  You can be a blogger, do freelance work, take surveys; you can even make money through online gaming like slots available on some of the new casino sites that are appearing all around the world these days.   Naturally you want to find the best prices on everything that you buy. While you watch the sales at the grocery stores and check a few sites before buying a major purchase like a new TV, you feel like there is more that you can do to find the best deals, coupons, promo codes like this Hydro flask discount code and other ways to save money.

By using a combination of some specific websites like Raise, online tools and good old-fashioned internet sleuthing, you can save even more money when shopping, whether online or in person.

Honey Chrome Extension

If you have ever purchased anything online and wondered if there is a way to save more money through a promo code you didn’t know about, the Honey Chrome extension will be one of your new best friends. Honey will automatically find and apply coupon codes when you are shopping online, which will prevent you from having to spend time poking around looking for a possibly useful code. All that you need to do is click on the Honey button during checkout and the coupon codes will be added in—it doesn’t get much easier than that.

Google the Company to Look for Savings

Another effective way to find promo codes to use when shopping online or in person is to Google the name of the company with “promo code.” This tactic can help you find additional savings for programs and services that extend beyond a typical online store, and that Honey might not pick up.

If you don’t have a specific company in mind, you could even just search using a general term for what you want to buy with the phrase “promo code.” For instance, if you are in the market for an identity theft prevention plan for your family, try searching “identity theft protection promo code” on Google—and you’ll often find a promo code for that service right up on your screen.

Get to Know

Retail Me Not Retail Me Not is another great source for people who want to find information on sales, deals and cash back offers. The only caveat is that there is a lot going on at this site, so it may seem overwhelming at first. Start by using the search bar at the top of the page to enter the name of a store that you shop at frequently; this will give you an idea of what types of offers you might find there. For instance, typing in “Target” brings up a number of promo codes. Retail Me Not also has an entire section devoted to Cash Back offers; spend some time browsing through this part of the site and learn how you can currently earn eight percent cash back when shopping online at Macy’s and three percent back at Kohl’s.

Bookmark the Procter & Gamble Site

Another great resource for saving money is the P&G Everyday site. This is a Procter & Gamble site; if you sign up, you can access an entire section of the website that is devoted strictly to coupons. You can print out coupons for products you routinely purchase, like shampoo, laundry detergent, soap and the wide selection of other items Procter & Gamble sells.

Enjoy Your Newfound Savings

It is good to know that you don’t have to devote a ton of time to saving money when you shop. By letting Honey do a lot of the work for you, using simple internet searches and bookmarking websites that are devoted to deals and coupons, you should find that your average monthly expenses will start to go down.

The summer break is almost upon us, the kids can’t wait to finish school and you can’t wait to fill your weekends with lots of sunshine, family time and of course a well deserved holiday. Although it’s not always easy to keep everyone entertained during the summer months – and if you’ve had good weather in the build up to the summer then you might have cashed in your summer activity ideas prematurely! So, I’ve come up with 5 simple and budget friendly activities that everyone can enjoy!

Gardening

You don’t need green fingers in order to do a bit of gardening! It’s the perfect excuse to get out in the garden and enjoy the sunshine. Remember, if you’re spending long periods of time in the sun, then you need to make sure you’re protected from UV rays. Make sure you have a good sun cream, sun hat and a pair of high quality sunglasses, like these Aviator Eye glasses. Sunglasses will help protect your eyes from damage and you can find out more about high quality eye wear, here.

It doesn’t just have to be gardening, the kids could decorate their own flower pots, plant their very own sunflowers or even a selection of summer veggies!

Head to the library

It’s pretty common for children’s reading skills to slip a little over the summer break; they’re just too busy having fun in the sun! But, did you know that during the summer months, the library is the place to be? Not only can everyone take out books to enjoy in the sunshine or during a rainy afternoon, but the library will be full of activities throughout the summer. Including reading challenges, pop up movie theatres, travelling shows, guest authors, various creativity workshops and so much more!

Go on a nature walk

Most kids groan when you mention going for a walk. But once they’re out there in the fresh air and running free, they soon forget all about their tablets, smart devices and the TV. Get back to nature and see what creatures and creepy crawlies you can find; you could even create a checklist to tick things off as you go. Take a picnic and you can enjoy a whole day in the fresh air.

Camp out

You don’t have to travel to a camping site to experience the great outdoors. Why not make a night of it in your own back yard? The kids will love playing in the tent during the day – it’ll also provide some much needed respite from the sun – and then you can all snuggle up on an evening and try a little star gazing. Bliss.

Try a little vlogging

Remember those old home movies we had when we were kids? Well, why not make your own? You don’t have to have the latest camera or vlogging skills like Zoella – just document a few “days in the life”, let the kids get behind the camera too and capture some family time. You can edit it with free online software and then sit down together and watch it as a family.

You are your child’s first teacher and will impart impactful and lasting messages that influence his or her growth. Set a good example for your children so they may grow into successful, fulfilled, and conscientious adults. Here is a list of important traits that you can model for your children:

Generosity and Community Involvement

The idea of giving back is one that often goes unexplored when your own life is hectic and has many moving parts. Slow down and take the time to think about how you can give back to your community and be generous with your time and available resources. Community engagement and philanthropic work will look different for every family, depending on where you live, your income, your talents, and your passions.  For example, you can volunteer and support non-profit fundraising events, like serving as a water-station monitor for a run that donates its proceeds to a worthy cause. You could also donate money to individuals who serve the community and try to make society a better place. Show your kids that it’s worthwhile to reflect on how you can help those around you and assist with the running of school fundraisers thus becoming a contributing member of your community.

Work Ethic

Work ethic begins with the right mindset. Show your child that hard work is rewarding and requires you to think with a growth mindset. For example, you and your child should try to learn something together, like mechanics, ceramic-making, or another artisan skill. When the learning becomes tricky or if a mistake is made, explain to your child that messing up is part of the process and helps grow your understanding of the task. Show them that working hard to achieve the end result takes dedication and persistence.

Fulfilling Career

Your kid will be greatly influenced by your attitude and relationship with your career. Make sure your job offers you a balanced lifestyle and doesn’t cause you too much frustration. A career that allows you to be flexible in your hours and engage in entrepreneurial work will be a positive thing for your kid to see. Through companies like Amway, you can set your schedule to accommodate your busy life and have time to engage with your family. Making money with Amway will show your children how they can take initiative to start their own business and take their career into their own hands.

Respect

Respect can look different in many cultures and depends on the situation that you’re in. Talk to your child about what respect looks at home, in the classroom, in restaurants, with adults, and with his or her peers. Practice code-switching and acting with respect through role play at home. Additionally, model respect toward others by listening when others are speaking, acting kind, giving people grace when they make mistakes, accepting others’ differences, and never speaking poorly about people when they aren’t around. Your child will quickly pick up on your family’s cultural norms around respect and will display the same dispositions. Child Ventures offers additional ideas about why it’s important to teach your kid about the virtue of respect and how to do it.

Morals

You want your child to know the difference between right and wrong. Show them how they can be loving, kind, conscientious, honest, trustworthy and giving. If you notice that your child isn’t acting with integrity or displaying the aforementioned virtues, know that he or she is developing his or her capacity to regulate and reflect on behaviors. Psychology Today offers parents insight on child development of morals: “Around the age of five or six, children have developed a conscience—which is actually an internalized set of rules that you have taught them. Your regulations become her inner stop sign and will direct her. (Though it may be hard for you to believe, someday she’ll actually throw those dirty socks in the hamper.) Initially, she adopts your rules to please you. Later on, following these directives becomes a part of who she is.”

Social Emotional Literacy

Social-emotional learning is gaining a larger presence in schools; however, awareness and mindfulness should be modeled at home as well. When you become emotional—angry, sad, happy, energized, frustrated—engage in a dialogue with your child about why your feeling these emotions and your strategies for processing them. Explain to your kid that some emotions and ways of being are important for different activities. For example, high energy and aggression can fuel football players to perform well, and sadness can be important to identify what moves you and what is important to you. The ability to recognize emotions and regulate behaviors will help your child succeed in many realms of his or her life, from personal relationships to academic environments.

Think about the virtues that are most important to you and consider how you can model those for your children. Your lead will help them shape their own set of values and establish habitual behaviors. When you are your best self, your child will strive to do so as well.