Family 2016

2016

A Special Supplement to

Family Managing Money How to build your household budget

Mastering the Balancing Act

Tips for juggling work and family

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Family

January 2016 • Owatonna People’s Press

Tips for juggling work and family Balancing work and family is a juggling act faced by many working parents. Responsibilities to work and family often overlap, and that can make solving the riddle of balancing work and family that much more difficult.

Single-income households have decreased dramatically over the last several decades, as escalating costs of living have made it difficult for many families to get by on just one income. But working parents can employ several strategies, both at the office and at home, as they attempt to make the job of juggling commitments to work and family a little less difficult.

Around the office

A major concern many parents have as they attempt to balance work and family is that they are not spending enough time at home with their children or not paying enough attention to their kids or even their spouses when they are home. One way to find more time at home is to inquire about the possibility of working remotely. Advancements in technology that have made it easier to remotely communicate with clients and coworkers has led to an influx of work-from-home employees. While working from home does not mean workloads will diminish, it does save men and women the time they would spend commuting to and from work, and that translates to more time at home with the family. If working remotely full-time is not a possibility, men and women can ask if it’s possible to do so one or two days a week, as such a schedule will still provide more time at home.

Another avenue men and women can explore as they attempt to achieve a better balance between work and family concerns how efficiently they do their jobs. Chatting with coworkers about issues that do not pertain to work can be a great way to reduce work-related stress, but professionals who feel as if they never have enough time to get their jobs done

in a typical work day should determine if they are working as efficiently as possible. Avoid too much water cooler chitchat and resist the temptation to check personal emails or text messages while at work. Such distractions can eat up a considerable amount of time over the course of a workday, making it harder for men and women to get their jobs done in a typical workday and forcing them to stay late or bring work home.

Men and women working to achieve a greater balance between work and family also can examine how willing they are to take on additional work.

While coworkers love a team player willing to pitch in, routinely accepting extra work can drastically cut into the time men and women have to do their own jobs as well as the time they have to spend with their families. Helping coworkers out in a pinch is fine, but men and women should resist any urges to take on more than they can reasonably handle.

At home

Men and women also can take steps at home to create a better balance between work and family.

Working parents who want the time they have with their children each night to be more substantive can turn off their devices upon arriving home from work. Devices such as smartphones and tablets keep working professionals attached to their offices, and many men and women are tempted to check work emails or answer phone calls and voicemails even when they have left the office for the day. Parents should resist that temptation so their families know their focus is on them and not back at the office.

Another way to create a greater balance between work and family life is to make more efficient use of time at home. For example, rather than spending an hour each night making dinner, working parents can use a slow cooker so family meals are ready the

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moment everyone arrives home at night. That frees up time the family can spend together and gives working parents one less thing to do when they arrive home.

Working parents looking get more quality time with their families also can cut back on the time families spend watching television each night. Limit television time to an hour or two each night, using the extra time to connect with one another.

Many working parents strive to create a greater balance between work and family. While doing so is not always easy, men and women can employ strategies at work and at home to make the challenge a little less complicated.

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January 2016 • Owatonna People’s Press

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Family January 2016 • Owatonna People’s Press

Safety guidelines for new parents

Welcoming a new child into a family dynamic requires certain adjustments on the part of family members. New parents have come to expect shortened sleep schedules as they handle early-morning feedings and babies who haven’t quite adjusted to their parents’ sleep/ wake schedules.

Parents soon learn another aspect of childcare that fills their days is safety. Keeping little ones safe, whether at home or on the go, becomes the utmost priority. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Childhood Injury Report” indicates more than 12,000 children die each year in the United States from an unintentional injury. Injuries involving transportation, drowning and suffocation account for the largest number of accidental deaths among young children.

One of the first safety steps parents can take is to become informed about common childhood injuries and statistics. Educating oneself about the potential for injury is the key to preventing accidents from occurring.

The next step is to take measures to childproof areas in and around the home. Various organizations, including Kids Health, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Safety Council, recommend caregivers take the following safety measures.

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• Use safety latches and locks for cabinets and drawers to keep children away from potentially harmful poisons and household items.

• Employ safety gates to prevent falls down stairs and to keep children from entering rooms that are not supervised or contain possible dangers.

• Keep track of baby’s milestones, including when infants learn to pull themselves up in the crib.

The crib mattress should be set to the lowest position and items removed so curious kids cannot climb out of the crib.

• Bathtubs are a common location for injury. Never leave a child unattended in a bath — even for a minute. Bathrooms can be made safer by installing a soft cover on the bath faucet head, using a secure and non-skid bath seat for the child and relying on a thermometer to check the temperature of the bath water.

• Use knob covers to prevent access to the stove. Always supervise children in and around the kitchen, where there are many hazards and hot surfaces.

• Use bolts or anchors to secure items like televisions, bookcases or dressers to the wall to prevent them from tipping over.

• Getting a shock is easy when babies with saliva-drenched fingers touch electrical outlets.

Use safety plugs or special covers to prevent access.

• Make sure area rugs are secured with a nonskid backing and repair any tripping hazards so children do not fall while learning to walk.

• Drapery and blinds cords should be kept out of youngsters’ reach.

Window coverings that are cord-free are safer options.

• Parents can benefit by learning CPR and other first aid techniques. You never know when they might come in handy.

• Window guards and safety netting can prevent falls from windows, balconies, landings, and decks.

Check these safety devices frequently to make sure they are still secure.

• Be sure to check that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are functioning as they should and have fresh batteries.

• Create layers of protection around a swimming pool, which includes installing self-latching fences, alarms and safety covers.

• Make a first aid kit and store emergency instructions inside.

Post important phone numbers close to a landline phone or program them into a mobile phone.

• Use corner guards to protect young heads from falls against furniture or fireplace hearths.

These are just some of the safety measures parents can take to safeguard their young children from injury at home. Kids’ pediatricians also may have other information that can help prevent accidents and save lives.

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January 2016 • Owatonna People’s Press

Family

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How to keep connected kids safe Set up parental controls

Parental and security controls are built into most devices that connect to the Internet.

Parents can customize the settings, limiting what kids can and can’t do on each particular device. Websites with questionable or adult content can be blocked, and location services or chatting may be turned off. Security settings also enable parents to set up passwords so that purchases can be prevented or that certain applications require entry of a password before they can be accessed.

Keep personal information to a minimum The popularity of mobile devices and smartphones has produced more tech-savvy kids. Based on a 2013 survey by Scratch Wireless, nearly one in five kids uses a mobile device every day. Other children regularly go online through tablets, laptops and home PCs. Connectivity is ever more in reach — and often outside of the watchful eyes of parents and other caregivers.

Although statistics vary, Symantec, maker of Norton Internet Security software, estimates that at least 20 percent of kids will receive harassing, hateful or insulting messages via the Internet. That’s not the only hazard of browsing the Internet.

According to the Journal of Adolescent Health, 65 percent of online sex offenders use social networking sites to gain home and school information about their victims and 82 percent of online sex crimes against minors originate from online social information. The Internet also can put children in touch with age-inappropriate media content and pornographic or racy imagery.

Mobile devices can provide a distraction for teenagers, which can be dangerous when used while they are driving.

While parents worry about their kids going online, smartphones enable families to stay readily in touch, and many students turn to the Internet for school assignments. Parents who want to protect their youngsters from less reputable online elements can take certain measures to reduce the risk that their kids will come across questionable people and/or content when surfing the Internet.

Whenever children and even adults create new online accounts or profiles, they should limit the amount of personal information they provide. Try not to set up usernames that include full first and last names. Avoid any mention of birthdays, addresses, phone numbers, and names of schools. Vague profiles protect user information and make it more difficult for online predators to target people.

Turn off geolocation services

Many mobile apps use something called geolocation to automatically share a person’s location with others. Other apps may require location information for maps or to provide directions or recommendations for businesses in the area. In addition, some photos taken with geolocation services activated may be geo-tagged, meaning the digital image is imprinted with a code that can tell others where it was taken. Location services can identify where a child is and put this information in the hands of people trolling for personal information online.

Use hotspots cautiously

Wi-Fi hotspots provide free Internet connectivity when customers are at restaurants, parks or other areas with Wi-Fi service available. Hotspots can be particularly attractive to kids with limited data plans. However, hotspots are less secure than home Internet connections, and Wi-Fi hotspot users are vulnerable to cyber criminals. Kids should never share personal information, account numbers or other intimate details when using a hotspot.

Avoid compromising photos

The “selfie” craze invites people from all over to post pictures of themselves on social media sites. While it can be fun to share images over the Internet, availability of photos can lead to trouble. Photos could give others clues to where kids go to school, work or live. Images posted while on vacation may alert others that someone is not home.

Compromising or suggestive photos can harm a child’s reputation or even lead to exploitation. Stress to children that they should only take photos they would be willing to share with their parents and that they should keep posted photos to a minimum. Exercise caution whenever posting images, and rely on security measures to limit who can view those images.

Don’t interact with online strangers

The Web puts many people who live all around the world in instant contact with one another. Children should never send information or interact on a personal level with someone they do not know. Parents should stress the importance of avoiding strangers online just like they do when teaching kids to avoid strangers in public.

The Internet has changed the way parents must safeguard their children from dangers in the world. Practicing common sense and employing safety measures and software can limit kids’ vulnerability to the dangers that lurk online.

Be on alert for malware

A program or app may contain malware that steals information behind the scenes.

Only download content that can be verified as valid. Free offers and email messages that advertise software for download or Web links should be avoided.

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Family January 2016 • Owatonna People’s Press

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Newspaper advertising | Magazine advertising | Circular and flyer insertions | Program and bulletin advertising Phone directory advertising (yellow or white pages) is not eligible for reimbursement.

If you wish to use any of these ads, West Bend will provide them to you on a CD. InDesign CC is the format in which the ads will be provided. We can customize the ads with your agency information (name, address, phone number, etc.), as can your publication.

for approval to Mary Ellen O’Connor at 262-338-5171 or moconnor@wbmi.com.

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PRIN T ADS

While we ask that the materials be used as provided, space constraints may require that the ads be altered. If you plan to alter these materials in any way, you must receive prior rint ads include Home and Highway®, business, and NSI ads. These advertisements provide space for your agency information to be added. West Bend’s creative team is also happy to work with you to create approval from West Bend’s Marketing Department before ligible uses for these materials include: an ad. Please talk to your regional sales manager. the ads are published. Please fax or email altered print ads

Newspaper advertising | Magazine advertising | Circular and flyer insertions | Program and bulletin advertising Phone directory advertising (yellow or white pages) is not eligible for reimbursement.

f you wish to use any of these ads, West Bend will provide them to ou on a CD. InDesign CC is the format in which the ads will be provided. We can customize the ads with your agency information name, address, phone number, etc.), as can your publication.

While we ask that the materials be used as provided, space onstraints may require that the ads be altered. If you plan o alter these materials in any way, you must receive prior pproval from West Bend’s Marketing Department before he ads are published. Please fax or email altered print ads

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If the ads provided in the program don’t meet your needs, your local publication may work with you in creating an ad for your agency. Please forward all such ads to Mary Ellen O’Connor at moconnor@wbmi.com for approval before the ad(s) is published.

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January 2016 • Owatonna People’s Press

Did you know?

Parents have long relied on coupons to help them reduce the cost of raising their families. While it might once have been necessary to scan grocery store circulars and break out the scissors to take advantage of store discounts, more and more consumers are now turning to digital coupons offered via their mobile devices to save money. According to eMarketer, a firm that covers digital marketing, media and commerce, the number of adults who redeem coupons via their mobile devices is expected to rise to roughly 104 million people by 2016. That’s a significant uptick from the number of digital couponers in 2014, when a little more than 78.5 million adults took advantage of digital coupons offered via their mobile devices. The growing popularity of mobile coupons has sparked increased interest among marketers, as eMarketer projects that 44.5 percent of marketers will offer mobile coupons in 2016, compared to just 36.5 percent in 2014. Families looking to save money on their next shopping trip would be wise to take their mobile devices along with them.

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January 2016 • Owatonna People’s Press

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Tips for juggling work and family

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Kids activity page Safety guidelines for new parents How to keep connected kids safe Kids activity page Did you know? Online coupons ©2016 Family & Parenting is published by the Owatonna People’s Press 135 W. Pearl, Owatonna, MN 55060 and printed by Cannon Valley Printing, Northfield, MN. No portion of the advertising or editorial content of FAMILY may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

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January 2016 • Owatonna People’s Press

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Good Vision is more than 20/20!

If you or your child struggles to read, has difficulty staying on task, seems clumsy, or has behavior issues at school, an undetected vision problem could be the cause.

Adults and children may see clearly enough to pass a driver’s license or school vision screening, bust vision is more than just 20/20. Many people who are suspected of learning disabilities, dyslexia, or ADD/ ADHD may actually have trouble seeing comfortably and efficiently. And those who do well may be having to work extra hard to compensate for vision problems.

Since 80% of learning comes through vision and we use our eyes and vision every day in almost everything we do, correcting vision problems early can prevent frustration, lost learning opportunities, and increase success in life.

So where do you go for help if you’re concerned about your or your child’s vision?

Your first choice should be your local optometrist. Doctors of optometry (ODs) are primary health care professionals educated to examine, diagnose, treat and manage disorders that affect the eyes or vision.

They can determine if vision is affecting behavior, school or job performance. They also can identify and help monitor systemic conditions that may affect the eyes and vision such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, lupus and other diseases and disorders.

Optometrists are the nation’s largest eye care profession. They earn doctoral degrees like dentists, podiatrists and medical doctors and are part of a health care team.

In Minnesota ODs are licensed to diagnose and treat eye infections and allergies as well as glaucoma and other eye conditions. They diagnose and provide counsel-

ing regarding macular degeneration and cataracts. They can help you decide if laser vision correction or vision therapy is right for you. Optometrists also prescribe contact lenses and glasses to enhance your vision for school or work and all the other activities you do. They may also provide vision therapy to improve eye teamwork, focusing and efficiency.

Your eyes work hard every day. Your optometrist can help you see better and help you protect your eye health. Your eyes and vision are vitally important to everything you do. Don’t neglect your eyes or take your vision for granted. Regular preventative eye exams are important for everyone, and optometrists are primary care eye professionals who provide eye health and vision care to people of all ages. If you have questions about what is best for your eyes and vision or about glasses, contact lenses, laser vision correction, vision therapy, vision and learning, eye diseases and disorders, see your optometrist.

Dr. Beth Gilthvedt, optometrist, owns and practices at Horizon EyeCare Professionals, Vision Source Owatonna. Now in our new location at 2560 Harvest Lane NW. Founded in 1991, Vision Source is the number one network of premier, private practice optometrists and includes more than 2500 offices in all 50 states and in Canada.

January 2016 • Owatonna People’s Press

Family

Enjoy dining out with kids Parents know taking kids out to eat requires patience. The sights and sounds of a restaurant can be overwhelming and distracting to children used to eating at home. Toddlers have not learned to control their impulses yet, and even school-aged children may experience intermittent breakdowns when they are uncomfortable or not feeling well. But parents who want to take their tots out on the town can employ some easy steps to make eating out a fun excursion for everyone.

Practice

Daniel Post Senning, the great-grandson of etiquette expert Emily Post and coauthor of “Emily Post’s Etiquette, 18th edition,” says parents can practice dining out by replicating the experience at home.

Ask the children to use inside voices and exhibit proper behavior at the dinner table.

Remove children from the table if they misbehave and try again another time.

Parents also can acclimate their youngsters to dining out by gradually working their way up to more formal restaurants. Start by dining out at a place where table behavior or noise may be more tolerable, such as a fast-food restaurant, before moving on to a casual restaurant and then a nicer restaurant when kids can handle it.

Provide distractions

Many young children cannot sit still for long and may need a series of distractions to keep them entertained throughout meals. Pack a bag of tricks that includes toys, games, books, and even a digital device tuned to kids’ favorite programs. Pick restaurants that do not have a long wait to get a seat so that kids’ patience has not worn thin before you even make it to the table. A sightseeing walk around the restaurant also may be able to provide a welcome distraction until the food is ready.

Pack snacks

Although the goal may be to eat out, kids may not be as patient as adults when waiting for their meals to be delivered. Ask servers to bring out the kids’ meals when appetizers are served or think ahead and have some light snacks, such as crackers or dry cereal, available to tame kids’ hunger pangs.

5

Choose restaurants wisely

Make concessions as to where and when you eat. Coordinate around nap times so children will be happy and well-rested.

Select restaurants that accommodate children. Ask to be seated out of the way just in case your son or daughter acts up. This way you will not disturb other patrons. Restaurants tend to be less busy right before dinner service and directly after. If you can time your meals to these off-peak hours, it may make for a more enjoyable dining experience.

Offer plenty of praise

Always let children know when they are doing a great job and behaving well in a restaurant. Engage kids in conversation and keep them entertained. Boredom or attention-seeking behavior can make dining out with youngsters more difficult to manage.

A treat or a special reward (sticker or coloring book) can be offered to a child who behaves when dining out.

Be courteous and respectful

Many children will eventually act up in restaurants, and parents should respond to such instances as courteously as possible. Apologize to those around you whom your child has disturbed. Remove your son or daughter from the area and take a few moments to help him or her calm down. If kids can’t be calmed down, ask that your meal be wrapped.

Remember to clean up after yourselves and thank the waitstaff for any extra service, such as lugging a heavy high chair or providing extra silverware if kids drop any forks or spoons. Don’t leave a large mess for the server, and tip accordingly.

Children grow accustomed to dining out over time. It may take some practice, but with the right planning, families can enjoy meals away from home.

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Celebrating Life and Learning

Parents are their children’s first and most important teachers.

Community Education is a program of Owatonna Public Schools, and has exciting early learning experiences for children between the areas of birth to kindergarten entrance and their families.

• Early Childhood Family Education Parent/Child Classes • Bright Beginnings (a school readiness) Preschool • ‘Lil Learners Preschool • Early Childhood Screening

Community Partnerships

Roosevelt Community School 122 E McKinley Street, Owatonna

507-444-7900

• Birth, Babies and Beyond Prepared Childbirth Classes • Amazing Newborn Clinic • Early Learning Network • Steele Co. Children’s Mental Health Collaborative

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Family

January 2016 • Owatonna People’s Press

Household budget building how-to • Determine what’s coming in and what’s going out.

When building a budget, you must determine how much income your household is generating and how much of that income is already earmarked for necessities like mortgage payments, car payments, etc. Make a list that includes an incoming and outgoing category for expenses, and make a separate category for outgoing expenses that are not necessities, such as the amount of money you spend each month on dining out. Peruse past bank statements to determine those discretionary expenses.

• Determine which discretionary expenses can be trimmed. Certain expenses, such as mortgage and car payments, are likely fixed. Unless you can refinance your mortgage to earn a lower monthly payment or pay off your car loan so you no longer have to make monthly payments, you probably need to examine your discretionary spending to find opportunities to save money.

The majority of families must live on budgets. Heads of households where money is no object may be able to spend at will, but many men and women must develop budgets so their families’ everyday needs are fulfilled and so there is a safety net should an unforeseen situation arise and threaten family stability.

Building a budget can be a significant undertaking, but there is a method men and women can employ when developing a family budget to make that process go as smoothly as possible.

• Gather pertinent documents. The first step toward building a household budget is to gather pertinent documents, such as earnings statements, utility bills, mortgage documents, and any other documents that can help you figure out your earnings and expenses.

• Prioritize paying down debt. One of the best ways to clear up money long-term is to eradicate debt, and consumer debt in particular. It is unrealistic to eradicate certain debts, like a mortgage, in the short-term. But consumer debt, which includes credit cards, tends to come with high interest rates, and carrying substantial consumer debt can negatively affect your credit rating.

When attempting to pay off consumer debt, resolve to avoid using credit cards unless it’s a genuine emergency and you don’t have the cash to cover the associated expenses.

• Periodically revisit your budget. Men and women should periodically revisit their household budgets to determine if their budgets are effective and how those budgets are impacting life at home. Expect to make some minor tweaks whenever revisiting your budget, and don’t be averse to making more significant changes if the budget is proving especially difficult on certain members of your household. Building a household budget is no small task. Men and women willing to work together and revisit their budgets every so often may find that such an approach eventually creates a more financially stable and enjoyable situation at home.

Building a budget can be a significant undertaking, but there is a method men and women can employ It’s best that men and women working together to build a household budget come to a consensus on where to make cutbacks, as you don’t want any resentment to build because one person was forced to sacrifice something important while the other was not. Be respectful of each other’s concerns and plan on each of you making a sacrifice so resentment does not develop Agree to make initial cutbacks a trial run that you will revisit in the near future to determine how the sacrifices are affecting your quality of life.

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OPublic watonna Library Serving Steele C o unty Since 19 0 0 Visit your Library Mon. - Thurs. 9 am to 9 pm • Fri. and Sat. 9 am to 5 pm Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 pm October through April www.owatonna.info Owatonna Public Library 507-444-2460 105 N Elm Ave, Owatonna

Treat yourself to some much needed pampering The daily grind sometimes is exhausting. In fact, a poll from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health found that 49 percent of Americans reported having a major stressful event or experience in the past year, and 26 percent of people said they had a “great deal” of stress.

In small amounts, stress can push a person to act and grow. But constant stress can become debilitating and has been linked to a compromised immune system and other unhealthy side effects. This is why a number of moms resolve to reduce stress.

In addition to taking on fewer responsibilities, engaging in some activities to promote a relaxed mind and body can help alleviate stress and tension.

Though the term “pampering” may not appeal to everyone, a day of

January 2016 • Owatonna People’s Press

pampering might be just what you need to relieve stress and unwind. · Get a full-body massage. Licensed massage therapists have the training and knowledge to work the kinks out of your muscles and ease aches and pains.

Massage therapy works tension out of the body and can help release feel-good endorphins. A massage can improve circulation and help reduce blood pressure. · Schedule a manicure and pedicure appointment. If you do not have time for a full massage, having your hands and feet pampered can be a good substitute.

Manicures and pedicures are not just for ladies, either. Men can indulge and opt for no nail polish. Many salons offer different types of manicures and pedicures, depending on personal preference. Spa treatments may include warm paraffin wax or hot stones to further ease pain and enhance the pleasure of the experience. · Take a retreat. Schedule a trip to a resort

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Family

7

or even a small hotel that is away from the hustle and bustle of where you live. Such a respite can provide a welcome change.

New scenery and a chance to escape the daily grind can effectively relieve stress.

Consider low-tech accommodations and turn your phone or tablet off for a few days. · Try relaxing aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils to elicit mental and physical responses. Lavender is a relaxing scent that can be used during a massage or in baths to induce a sense of calm.

Experiment with other scents and oils to achieve the desired result. · Laugh with friends. Plan a friends’ night where you can go out for drinks and conversation or huddle around the television and watch your favorite comedy. Laughter is often a great medicine for stress, as is the company of other people who can provide some comic relief.

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Family

January 2016 • Owatonna People’s Press

How families can prepare for downsizing to smaller homes their transitions to smaller living spaces.

Kids who understand the reasons behind downsizing are more likely to embrace the move, while those who have not been involved in the process may find it more difficult to adjust. When the time comes to begin choosing items to discard, allow children to choose which of their items they will not be keeping. Respect their decisions, exercising patience if kids are initially reluctant or don’t seem to understand downsizing.

During the housing market crash of the first decade of the 21st century, many families learned to get by with less. For some of those families, less lavish living fit like a glove, prompting them to change their lifestyles for the long haul.

Downsizing to smaller homes was a move made by many families over the last several years. Some did so out of economic need, while others preferred the simpler lifestyle that often comes with living in a smaller home. Families about to downsize to smaller homes may find the task ahead of them daunting, but there are some ways to make the transition to less spacious residences go more smoothly.

Discuss downsizing with kids. In many ways, youngsters adapt to change better than adults. But it’s still a good idea for parents to explain downsizing to their children before they begin to prepare for

Design a downsizing system. It is not uncommon for families to be lukewarm when the initial process of downsizing begins, as people are understandably hesitant to discard items they worked hard to accumulate or cherish for various reasons.

A downsizing system can make that initial period less uncomfortable, especially if family members are together on the first day of downsizing. Let each family member take a turn choosing an item to sell, donate or discard, and continue so family members know everyone is in it together.

Once kids have seen that everyone is making sacrifices, they are more likely to embrace downsizing.

Begin in the attic, basement and garage.

Downsizing to a smaller home often means less storage space, and attics, basements and garages tend to serve as in-house storage units where seldom-used items accumulate over time. When trying to choose which items won’t be coming along to their smaller homes, families can

start in their current homes’ attics, basements and garages, looking for items that take up too much space or those that will serve no practical purpose at their new homes. For example, that snow blower in the garage may be a godsend when the time comes to clear your expansive current driveway of another storm’s worth of snow, but it might not be worth the space it takes up if your next home has a short driveway or just on-street parking. Once rooms used primarily for storage have been cleaned out,

Downsizing to smaller homes was a move made by many families over the last several years. you can then move on to other rooms in the house to find items that won’t be going with you. Look to sell, donate or discard items that will not serve much purpose at your next home.

Don’t just discard, donate or sell. One of the hidden benefits of downsizing to a smaller home is the chance to make some money by selling those items you won’t be needing after you move into your new digs. Schedule a yard sale and give ample notice to neighbors or fel-

low community members so you can get as much as possible for the items you no longer need. If money is no object, donating your unwanted items to a local goodwill store or another charity is a great way to ensure your possessions find their way into the homes of people who truly need them. When getting rid of personal items, only discard those items that are no longer functional. If they can still serve a purpose, then someone can benefit from using them.

Promise to revisit the decision down the road after moving. Families who are downsizing for a lifestyle change as opposed to out of economic need can promise to revisit the decision together in the future. Families may be quick to adjust and be grateful for the change, while others might realize their decision did not produce the desired results. Promising to revisit the decision once the dust has settled can give everyone some peace of mind and make the transition that much easier.

Families downsize to smaller homes for a number of reasons, and there are many ways to make that transition go more smoothly regardless of the reasons behind the move.

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January 2016 • Owatonna People’s Press

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Conquering the clutter Cleanliness with kids is not impossible Famed comedienne Phyllis Diller once said, “Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing.” Many parents realize that having children means their homes will be filled with a vast assortment of toys, clothing and other items that seemingly spend more time scattered across the family room floor than in children’s bedrooms.

Homes where young children lay their heads at night may not be as tidy as the photos lining home decorating magazine spreads. But while lived-in family homes may never be spotless, they do not have to be overrun with clutter, either. It’s possible to find a happy balance with the right strategy and by investing in a few organizational products.

• Work one room at a time. Cleaning up cluttered homes can seem like a monumental effort when looking at clutter as a whole. But parents can do themselves a favor by choosing a starting point and tackling the project one room at a time. Find the room that needs the most work or a space where clutter causes the biggest headaches. Once you clean such rooms, you may discover extra motivation to move on to the others.

the mess behind in the living room. When organizing a home, stay in a particular room until that room is clean. Have designated bins or bags for items that need to be carried into another room, but only transfer such containers after a room has been cleaned.

• Cull twice a year. Children accumulate the greatest number of new toys on birthdays and holidays. Set a schedule to go through existing toys prior to these events and sort out the broken, old or seldom-used items. Donate these toys to preschools, afterschool programs, family support centers, or babysitting centers at your office or gym. Whatever can’t be salvaged should be put into the trash or recycling bins.

• Invest in storage cubes and bins. Toys that are easily accessible and seen are easier to find and put away.

• Resist the urge to wander. One of the obstacles many people face when attempting to declutter a home is the tendency to remove an item from one room only to add it to the existing clutter in another room. For example, if a child’s toy is in the living room, you may walk that toy up to the bedroom and get involved in tidying up the bedroom, leaving

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Develop a storage system that works for your family.

Labeling bins with words (or pictures for children who can’t yet read) helps children identify where things belong. Find a system that will have long-term functionality and grow with the family. Many stores sell storage bookcases that blend with home décor.

• Tame the toys. Making too many items available at any given time can become overwhelming to children.

Rotate toys rather than always buying new ones so that items will be fresh and interesting. Toys out of the rotation can be stored in a basement or attic. Belongings that are not requested or missed can be given away.

Another idea is to create wishlists for birthdays and holidays. This way friends and relatives only buy what kids want, rather than an array of toys that may just end up taking up space.

• Get items off of the floor. Any organizational system that can move items vertically is beneficial. Children will become accustomed to hanging things up rather than leaving belongings on the floor. Hooks, hangers and shelving mounted on walls, will free up precious floor space.

• Choose furniture that serves double duty. Beds with drawers underneath or a toy chest that doubles as a bench can work well in spaces that need some clutter control.

• Establish a school memory box. Parents can give each of their children a plastic bin where they can store memorable items from school. Not every assignment or drawing sent home needs to be kept. Reserve the memory box for those special things that have the most meaning.

Kids and clutter often go hand in hand. However, there are ways to keep the mess under control.

Associated Preschool 800 Havana Road, Owatonna

Open House and Registration for the 2016-2017 school year Tuesday, January 26th For more information & ongoing registration 10:30-Noon Call 451-0041 6:00-7:30 p.m.

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preschool@associatedchurch.org • www.associatedpreschool.org