| How to Make White Hot Chocolate Posted: 11 Jan 2022 12:00 AM PST White hot chocolate is a delicious variant of the usual hot chocolate. While some people may argue that white chocolate isn't "real chocolate", for a lot of people, it's about the taste—and it's a taste that they really enjoy! This wonderful taste transfers well to a hot drink. Try it on a cold and wintry day to build some cheer. [Edit]Ingredients - 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
- 2 ounces (60 grams) white chocolate, chopped into small pieces
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Mini marshmallows (optional)
[Edit]Making White Hot Chocolate on the Stove - Pour 1 cup (240 milliliters) of milk into a small saucepan. You can use any type of milk you'd like. If you want something richer, you could even try heavy cream or half-and-half.[1]
- Add 2 ounces (60 grams) of white chocolate. You can use solid white chocolate chopped into pieces, or white chocolate chips. For best results, use good-quality white chocolate.
- Cook the mixture over medium-low heat until it starts to simmer. Stir the mixture often to prevent scorching and do not let it come to a boil, or the chocolate will burn.[2]
- Take the saucepan off the stove, then stir in the vanilla extract. This will help give the white hot chocolate a more complex flavor.
- Pour the white hot chocolate into a large mug and serve it immediately. If you'd like, you can make it extra special by garnishing it with some whipped cream or mini marshmallows.
[Edit]Making White Hot Chocolate in the Microwave - Heat the milk in the microwave, then set it aside. Pour the milk into a microwave-safe mug, and heat it for 1 to 2 minutes. Pause the microwave every 30 seconds, and give the milk a stir.
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave. Put the chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl. Take the mug out of the microwave, and put the bowl in. Heat the chocolate for 1 minute, then give it a stir. After that, heat it at 15 to 20-second increments, stirring in between, until it melts.[3]
- You can use solid chocolate or chocolate chips for this. If you choose to use solid chocolate, be sure to cut it into chunks first.
- For best results, use high-quality white chocolate.
- Pour the melted chocolate into the milk, and stir. Keep stirring until everything is mixed together. If the milk has cooled down too much for you, you can pop it into the microwave for another 30 seconds.
- Garnish the hot chocolate, if desired, and serve it. You can serve it as-is, or you can add some mini marshmallows or whipped cream for an extra-special treat.
[Edit]Trying Variations - Add some peppermint for a minty treat. Cook 1 cup (240 milliliters) of milk and 2 ounces (60 grams) of white chocolate chips in a saucepan over medium-low heat. When the mixture starts to simmer and the chocolate has melted, take the saucepan off the stove, and stir in ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Pour the hot chocolate into a large mug, and garnish it with some whipped cream, crushed peppermint candy, or mini marshmallows, if desired.[4]
- Try making an extra-rich white hot chocolate. Heat ¼ cup (45 grams) of white chocolate chips with ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. After the chocolate melts, stir in 1 cup (240 milliliters) of half-and-half, and cook until hot. Pour into one large mug, or two smaller mugs. Garnish with a swirl of whipped cream, if desired, and serve.[5]
- Give it a boozy twist, if you're of legal drinking age. Heat ¾ cup (180 milliliters) of milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to steam. Add 2 tablespoons (20 grams) of white chocolate chips, and stir until they melt. Pour 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of vanilla-flavored vodka into a mug, then pour the hot chocolate over it and stir. Garnish with some mini marshmallows and cocoa powder, if desired, and serve.[6]
- Try some spiced white hot chocolate for a crowd. Tie up a 6-inch (15.24-millimeter) cinnamon stick and 8 cardamom pods in a piece of cheesecloth, and put it into a slow cooker. Add 3 cups (700 milliliters) of half-and-half, 3 cups (700 millimeters) of milk, and 1½ cups (265 grams) of white chocolate baking pieces. Cook the mixture, covered, on a low-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours; stir it after 2 to 2½ hours. Just before serving, take out the spice bag, and stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.[7]
- If you are in a hurry, cook the hot chocolate over high heat for 2 to 2½ hours. Stir it after 1 hour.[8]
- If you can't find any white chocolate baking pieces, try white chocolate chips instead.
- It's a good idea to serve with the stirring teaspoon in case there is any delicious chocolate to retrieve from the bottom at the end of the drink.
- If you can, use high-quality chocolate. High-quality white chocolate uses cocoa butter as its main ingredient, not hydrogenated vegetable oils.
- Sprinkle garnishes over the top if desired. Things such as colored sugar, dark chocolate flakes, ground cinnamon, or ground nutmeg are all great choices.
- Try making the hot chocolate with other types of milk, such as almond milk.
- If you can't find any mini marshmallows, you can use one or two jumbo marshmallows instead.
- You can also color the chocolate with oil-based coloring agent.
- Add a drizzle of caramel or strawberry syrup over the hot chocolate for extra flavor.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Making White Hot Chocolate on the Stove [Edit]Making White Hot Chocolate in the Microwave - Microwave-safe mug
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spoon
[Edit]Related wikiHows
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make Oats with Milk Posted: 10 Jan 2022 04:00 PM PST Oats are quick, easy, and delicious breakfast or snack. Cook the oats using your favourite type of milk—even nut milk or soy milk works. Using milk in your oats makes the dish extra creamy and is a great way to add calcium and protein to your diet. Try cooking the oats on the stovetop, in the microwave, or overnight in the fridge. Experiment with different toppings to vary the dish. Try berries, Greek yoghurt, honey, peaches, or tinned fruit—the options are endless! [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Stovetop - 1 cup (250 mL) of milk
- ½ cup (45 grams) of rolled oats
- Salt (optional)
Serves 1 [Edit]Microwave - 1 cup (250 mL) of milk
- ½ cup (45 grams) of rolled oats
- Salt (optional)
Serves 1 [Edit]Overnight Oats - 1/2 cup (125 mL) of milk
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- Salt (optional)
Serves 1 [Edit]Stovetop - Boil 1 cup (250 mL) of milk on the stovetop. Measure 1 cup (250 mL) of your favourite type of milk into a small saucepan. Place the saucepan on the stovetop at a high heat and wait for it to boil.[1]
- If you are lactose intolerant, almond, coconut, soy, and oat milk will work for this recipe.
- If you want creamy tasting oats, use full-fat milk.
- Multiply the ingredients by the number of people you are serving. For example, if you are serving 5 people, add 5 portions of each ingredient.
- Mix ½ cup (45 grams) of rolled oats into the milk. Measure the oats and carefully pour them into the hot milk. Use a wooden spoon to the mix the oats and milk until they are thoroughly combined.[2]
- Rolled oats are sometimes labelled as old-fashioned oats.
- Add a pinch of salt, if desired.
- Cook the oats over medium heat. Turn the heat down to medium to stop the oats from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan. Stir the oats approximately every minute to ensure that they cook evenly.[3]
- Cook quick or instant oats for 1 minute, rolled or old-fashioned oats for 5 minutes, and steel-cut oats for 20 minutes.[4]
- Use a spoon to taste the oats and check that they are cooked to your desired consistency. If they're still a little firm, leave them to cook for 1 more minute.
- Leave the oats to cool for 3 minutes. Remove the saucepan of oats from the heat and place it on a wooden chopping board or heat-proof pad. This allows the oats to continue to soften and makes them a more palatable temperature to eat.[5]
- If the oats still feel too hot to eat after 3 minutes, leave them to cool for another 2 minutes.
[Edit]Microwave - Mix 1 cup (250 mL) of milk and ½ cup (45 grams) of rolled oats into a bowl. Measure the rolled oats and milk into a microwave-safe bowl that can hold at least 2 cups (500 mL) of liquid. Stir the rolled oats and milk with a spoon until they are thoroughly combined.[6]
- Use your favourite type of milk. Full-fat milk will give the oats the creamiest taste, whereas low-fat milk will give a lighter taste. Nut milk and soy milk also work with this recipe.
- Multiply the ingredients by the number of people you are serving. For example, if you are serving 4 people, add 4 portions of each ingredient.
- Add a pinch of salt, if desired.
- Microwave the oats on high for 1-5 minutes. Place the bowl of oats into the microwave and set the microwave to cook on the hottest setting. Heat quick or instant oats for 1 1/2 minutes and rolled or old-fashioned oats for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.[7] Cook steel-cut oats for 5 minutes.[8]
- Stir the cooked oats. Remove the cooked oats from the microwave and use a spoon to stir the mixture until the liquid is evenly distributed through the oats.[9]
- Use an oven mitt when touching the hot bowl to avoid burns.
- Leave the oats to cool until they are your desired temperature.
[Edit]Overnight Oats - Measure the oats and milk into a container with a lid. Add 1/2 cup (125 mL) of milk and 1/2 cup old fashioned oats into a container. Mason jars and plastic bowls work well for this method.[10]
- Use full-fat milk for a creamy taste or use low-fat milk for a lighter texture.
- Multiply the ingredients by the number of people you are serving. For example, if you are serving 3 people, add 3 portions of each ingredient.
- Mix the oats and milk with a spoon. Stir the ingredients until the oats are completely dispersed through the milk. Make sure to stir the oats that are at the bottom of the container.[11]
- If you're having trouble mixing the oats, put the lid on tightly and shake the container.
- Place the container in the fridge overnight. Put the lid on the container of oats and transfer it to the fridge. Leave the oats in the fridge overnight or for 8 hours. Enjoy the oats cold in the morning.[12]
- Serve the oats with your favourite toppings.
[Edit]Topping Ideas - Top your oats with your favourite fruit if you want a fresh taste. Chop your favourite seasonal fruit into slices and place it on top of the oats. Alternatively, use tinned fruit to add a fresh flavour to your breakfast.[13]
- Blackberry and apple is a delicious flavour combination.
- Chopped bananas add natural sweetness to the oats.
- Freshly-sliced plums and apples are a sweet and refreshing choice.
- Drizzle honey or syrup on top of the oats for added sweetness. Choose a runny honey or a syrup, such as maple syrup or golden syrup. Pour a small amount of the sweetener evenly over the oats to add a delicious, sweet flavour.[14]
- Maple syrup works well with sliced plums and pears.
- Honey tastes delicious with apples and berries.
- Pour milk, yoghurt, or cream over the oats for a rich, creamy texture. Adding extra liquid also helps to cool the oats down. If you want an extra creamy flavour, opt for cream. If you prefer a lighter flavour, use milk instead. Experiment with different flavoured yoghurts, such as Greek, fruit, or honey-flavoured yoghurt.[15]
- Greek yoghurt, honey, and berries are a delicious combination on top of oats.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Stovetop - Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Small saucepan
- Wooden chopping board
[Edit]Microwave - Microwavable bowl with a 2- cup volume
- Oven mitt
- Spoon
- Measuring cups
[Edit]Overnight Oats - Spoon
- Measuring cups
- Container
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Calm Hyperactive Children Posted: 10 Jan 2022 08:00 AM PST Hyperactive children may fidget, have difficulty concentrating, be unable to sit still, or generally be overexcited. This can result due to overexcitement or unmet needs, or it can be a sign of a condition like ADHD. Start by following a healthy lifestyle, developing routines, and giving your child "kid time" to get their energy out. If this doesn't help, talk to your child's doctor about their hyperactivity. [Edit]Following a Healthy Lifestyle - Develop routines. Kids thrive on routine, and knowing what activities will be happening in the day can help give them a sense of stability. Schedule wake-up time, mealtimes, activities, free time, and bedtime. Routines for each activity—for instance, bedtime routines—will help your child feel more secure and can help them wind down.[1]
- You don't need to plan out every moment of your child's day, but having a schedule can help them feel more secure.
- Be careful not to overschedule. Having too many activities in a day can be exhausting to your child. Give them downtime, too.[2]
- Feed your child a balanced diet. There's no special diet to decrease hyperactivity in children.[3] However, all children benefit from eating healthy foods, drinking enough water, and cutting back on the amount of junk food they eat. Make sure that your child is eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as grains, proteins, and omega-3 acids.[4]
- Foods high in omega-3 include fish, chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, and soybeans.[5]
- Some people recommend cutting out food additives and dyes. While studies are inconclusive on whether this is effective, it may help children with food allergies or sensitivities, so it doesn't hurt to try.[6]
- Ensure your child is getting enough sleep. While it sounds contradictory, if your child isn't getting enough sleep, that can actually cause them to become restless and hyperactive.[7] Getting enough sleep can reduce their hyperactivity, and is important for their health in general. Try to make sure that your child goes to bed at a reasonable hour and sleeps through the night.
- Toddlers between 12 months and two years old should be getting around 11 to 14 hours of sleep, including their naps. Children between 3 and 5 years old need between 10 and 13 hours of sleep per night.[8]
- Kids between 6 and 12 years old need between 9 and 12 hours, and teens need between 8 and 10 hours.[9]
- If your child frequently has difficulty falling asleep, often wakes in the middle of the night, or shows signs of a sleep disorder, make an appointment with their doctor.
- Make sure your child gets exercise. All kids need an outlet for their energy, and exercising can help reduce hyperactivity.[10] The World Health Organization recommends that all children ages 5 and older get at least one hour of exercise per day, and there's many ways to work this into your child's schedule.[11] You can:
- Walk with your child to school, if you live close enough.
- Take them to the park to play on the playground or ride their bike.
- Go to an indoor play area with your child.
- Practice yoga or tai chi with your child.
- Try sports that they enjoy. (Keep in mind that some kids may dislike organized sports and prefer playing on their own or with friends.)
- Look for extracurriculars that get them active, like martial arts or dance classes.
- If you're stuck inside, try hopscotch in the hallway, playing volleyball with a balloon, or dancing to music.[12]
- Consider downloading or buying exercise games or apps.
- Reduce screen time. While computers, phones, and TV can be beneficial to kids, too much use of these can cause inattention and potentially increase hyperactivity.[13][14] Overuse of electronics and social media can also keep your child away from exercise, socialization, and other necessary lifestyle components. Reducing your child's time on electronic devices can help them settle down.
- Allow your child a set amount of screen time for necessities, like schoolwork, and limit the amount of time they spend online, texting, or watching TV. (The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under 18 months, one hour per day for children ages 2 to 5, and to set "reasonable limits" after that age.)[15]
- For younger children, use "tech time" for educational programs or apps and seeing family or friends on video chat. Encourage their play to be in real life, not on the screen.[16]
- Don't let anyone watch TV or use phones or computers while eating. Use this time for talking instead. (You may also want to ban electronic devices from certain rooms, such as bedrooms.)[17]
- Have your child get off their devices at least an hour before they go to bed. (You may also want to use a blue light filter on their devices.)[18]
- Minimize stress. If your child is under stress, or detects that you're under stress, they might become rambunctious. Make sure that your child is getting any needed support at home and school, give them downtime, and work on reducing any stressors in the household that might be affecting them.[19]
- Life stressors—like moving house, parents separating, a birth or death in the family, financial issues, or starting a new school—can cause hyperactivity in children. Check in with your child regularly and help them cope.[20]
- Avoid exposing your child to things that might frighten them, such as scary or violent movies or news stories involving violence.
- Spend time with your child. If your child feels ignored or neglected, they may become hyperactive or noisy to get your attention.[21] You can reduce this by giving your child your full attention for set amounts of time per day, and letting them spend time with you.
- Eat meals together.
- Play together. Learn about what your child likes, and let them talk about it and explain it to you.
- Read books together, and read them bedtime stories.
- Let your child come to you when they need to talk, and give them your full attention. (Don't force them to talk if they don't want to, however.)
[Edit]Planning Activities - Consider what your child is capable of. Young children are energetic by nature; a first-grader isn't ready to sit at a desk for an entire day. Some children are also just more energetic than others. If your child is young, you may need to readjust your expectations of what they can do.[22]
- Younger children generally need to move more; three-year-olds can usually only sit still for around five to ten minutes, while five-year-olds can only sit for around 15. By the time they're seven, they should be able to sit still for around 25 minutes.[23]
- Communicate your expectations clearly. Without clear understanding of what's okay and what's not, your child might act in a way that appears hyperactive, when they simply don't know better. Clearly explain what's expected of them, so they know what they should be doing.[24][25]
- "We walk when we're in the doctor's office."
- "Indoor voice, please."
- "Be gentle with your friend."
- "Feet on the floor."
- Allow non-disruptive fidgeting. For some kids, making them sit still and hold in their energy can actually increase their hyperactivity, and can also reduce their focus. If a child's fidgeting isn't bothering anyone, let them fidget. (This is especially important for kids with conditions like ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or autism.)[26]
- Some kids stay calmer with stress balls or quiet fidget toys, while others end up distracted by them. Let your child try them and see if it helps.[27]
- If the fidgeting becomes disruptive, gently remind your child to rein it in, or offer an alternative.
- Choose calm activities. Kids can end up overexcited by energetic or fast-paced activities, so you might want to pick activities that aren't likely to get them riled up. Examples of quiet and calming activities can include:
- Reading books
- Coloring or drawing
- Making crafts
- Singing calm songs
- Playing with toys like play-dough, slime, or bubbles
- Offer positive feedback, and ignore minor disruptions. Praising your child for what you want them to do will have a better effect than constantly scolding or punishing them for doing the wrong thing. Focus on giving praise, and ignoring behavior that isn't positive.[28]
- Praise specific behaviors. Instead of "Nice work!", say, "I'm proud of you for working so hard on your homework, and taking a break when you got frustrated." Instead of "Thank you," say, "Thank you for raising your hand and waiting until I called on you."
- Only intervene with negative behaviors if it's actually causing a problem (for instance, if your child starts roughhousing with others or distracting other children).
- Make time for breaks. Anyone benefits from taking periodic breaks from whatever they're doing, and this is even more important for hyperactive kids so that they don't get restless. Plan breaks into your child's schedule so they get some downtime to relax, run around, or do whatever will help them burn off their energy.[29]
- Breaks may not need to involve physical activity. Your child might prefer downtime where they can just do something relaxing, like drawing or listening to music.
- In a classroom environment, your child might benefit from being a classroom helper—for instance, helping to pass out papers or wipe off the whiteboard.[30]
- Learn to curtail overexcitement. Some kids are high-energy and excitable, which can result in hyperactivity that upsets others or boils over into frustration. If you notice your child getting overexcited, there are ways to calm them down.[31]
- Give warnings before changing activities. Make these warnings tangible (like "One more round and then we're moving on").
- Redirect your child's attention if you notice them getting excited or frustrated, and guide them to another activity.[32][33]
- Separate them from the situation for a moment so they have a chance to wind down.[34]
[Edit]Encouraging Calming Activities - Encourage mindfulness. Mindfulness is a strategy that helps keeps anyone—kids and adults alike—in the moment. It's particularly useful for hyperactive kids, who might be struggling with strong emotions or self-control.[35][36] You can find many mindfulness techniques for children online, depending on their age.
- Have your child focus on their breathing. Encourage them to focus on how their breath feels going through their nose, down into their chest, and then how it feels when they release their breath.
- Take them to a calm place outdoors, if possible. While walking with them, encourage them to pay attention to the sounds, physical feelings, and smells they might be experiencing.
- When your child is feeling a strong emotion, encourage them to pay attention to how they feel.
- Create a calming space. Dedicate a corner of a room, a nook, or other small space to making a space that the child can sit in by themselves. Put pillows, stuffed animals, books, fidget toys, and other cozy items in this space. This is not a time-out space where they go when they are in trouble. Instead, this is a space where they feel safe and can get a chance to relax.[37]
- This space can also be used to help children learn how to take a break when they're angry, sad, or otherwise emotional.
- Use guided imagery and meditation. Meditating is, for any age, a good way to calm the mind and body. When children are unable to handle thinking about stressful situations, you can help them visualize how they can respond to those situations. This can help calm them down. Search online for examples of these, or find a book at your local library on meditation and guided imagery for children.
- For example, have the child sit and close their eyes. Ask them to imagine a calm space, like a beach or a forest. Have them pay attention to the sounds that they hear, the wind they feel on their face, and the details they see around them. Using a regular imagined calming space can be helpful.
- Practice breathing techniques. Teach your child how to take deep breaths to relax. Take a deep breath in through the nose and slowly breathe out through the mouth. This simple strategy can be used by your child to calm down in almost any situation, and can even be used before bed to help your child wind down.[38]
- Have your child think about their legs while breathing deeply and rhythmically. Have them tighten up their leg muscles when they inhale, and relax those muscles with every exhale. Go through different parts of the body until the entire body is relaxed.
- Have your child curl their hands into fists. Have them inhale slowly, and then as they slowly exhale, have them uncurl a finger. Repeat until all of their fingers are uncurled.[39]
- Have your child imagine a warm color or light that surrounds them as they breathe. Imagine this color or light wraps them up to calm them down.
- Give your child a journal to write in. If your child is old enough to write, go to the store with them and have them pick out a notebook or journal for themselves. Journaling allows for your child to express their feelings and reflect on situations they might have had trouble with. This is particularly helpful if you suspect your child is under stress or is having a difficult time, but it can be useful for any child (especially preteens and teenagers!).[40][41]
- Do not read your child's journal. They should feel that they can be totally honest in their journal, and respecting their privacy will help them feel safe enough to write what is really on their mind.[42]
[Edit]When to Seek Medical Care - See a doctor if your child also has trouble focusing. Lots of activity can be normal for kids, but if your child also seems daydreamy or is so hyperactive that they can't focus, it's possible there could be something else going on. See a pediatrician if your child is showing signs like:[43][44]
- Forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, not seeming to listen, or disorganization and messiness
- Blurting things out, talking excessively, often switching activities without finishing them, or physically impulsive behavior
- Losing things frequently, or not turning in homework assignments
- Avoiding certain activities or school subjects, or misbehaving when it's time for these
- Difficulty with school, academic subjects, or poor grades
- Look for a doctor if you notice unusual sensory responses. If a child is undersensitive to certain stimulus, they might be hyperactive as an attempt to fulfill that need. Some kids may also become restless when exposed to sensory stimuli that's painful or stressful to them, which can look like hyperactivity.[45] Sensory processing issues might look like:[46]
- Not noticing sounds, smells, tastes, visuals, or physical sensations (like injury)
- Being overly sensitive to sounds, smells, tastes, visuals, or physical sensations
- Seeking out a lot of activity, and/or being too rough while playing
- Loving swings or car rides—or, conversely, getting dizzy with these
- Repetitive behaviors (also called stims) like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning
- Talk to your pediatrician if you notice signs of stress. Some kids might struggle with hyperactivity if they have an untreated mental health issue, like anxiety, or are struggling with abuse or a traumatic event.[47] Your pediatrician will be able to advise you on how to help reduce your child's stress, and can determine if your child might be struggling with their mental health.
- Your child might benefit from therapy if there's a stressful life event going on.
- Mental health conditions like anxiety disorders are typically treated with therapy, and a doctor may suggest medication for adolescents.
- Get your child tested for other health problems. Some physical health problems can increase hyperactivity in kids, whether as a symptom of the condition or as a side effect. If your child's hyperactivity seems sudden, unusual, or excessive, or your child doesn't seem to be feeling their best, it's best to get a doctor involved. Conditions that can cause hyperactivity in kids include:[48]
- Deficiencies in certain nutrients
- Sleep disorders
- Overactive thyroid
- Take your child to a doctor if their hyperactivity is dangerous. Some children are so hyperactive that they injure themselves frequently, and may even break bones, sustain head injuries, or need stitches. If your child's hyperactivity is to the point where they're frequently in the ER or doctor's office, talk to their doctor to determine the cause and how to treat it.
- You might have luck with making a hand signal between you and your child that reminds them to calm down.[49]
- Some kids benefit from listening to music while they work on homework, but others find it distracting. You might want to give it a try.
- A few studies on children with ADHD found that regular massages helped decrease hyperactive behavior. While massages haven't been suggested as an official treatment for hyperactivity, it might help.
- A child who's excitable or energetic doesn't necessarily have ADHD. Young kids are naturally on-the-go. However, you should consider the possibility of ADHD if their hyperactivity is making it difficult for them to function at home or school.[50]
[Edit]Warnings - Some resources may recommend nutritional supplements to treat hyperactivity. However, if your child doesn't actually have any deficiencies, giving them supplements can be harmful to their health.[51] Get them tested for deficiencies before giving them supplements.
- There's little evidence to suggest that essential oils will help hyperactivity, and they can potentially cause problems for kids with breathing issues such as asthma. Talk to a doctor before using them.[52]
[Edit]Related wikiHows = [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Blow Dry Men's Hair Posted: 10 Jan 2022 12:00 AM PST When done correctly, blow-drying your hair allows you to control your hairstyle more easily. If you already use product to style your hair, using a blow dryer can help you cut down on the amount of time and product it takes to achieve your desired look. Learning the correct way to blow-dry your hair will allow you to achieve the perfect hairstyle quickly and efficiently. [Edit]Preparing Your Hair - Wash your hair as usual. Blow-drying requires applying direct heat, which can damage your hair. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to help your hair retain its natural oils. This will minimize breakage, dryness, and/or frizziness.[1]
- Moisturizing products that contain natural oils, such as coconut oil or avocado oil, are great choices to help your hair retain and restore its natural oils.[2]
- Blot your hair with a towel. Blow-drying your hair while it is soaking wet requires more heat and can damage your hair.[3] Gently blot your hair with a towel to remove the excess moisture. Avoid rubbing, squeezing, or twisting your hair, as this can damage it.
- Use a microfiber towel or a soft T-shirt to dry your hair if possible. Microfiber towels cause less friction and put less stress on your hair than cotton towels. This leads to less frizz and less damage to your hair over time.
- You can tell if your hair is dry enough by grabbing a strand of hair near the root and running your fingers along its length to the tips. If water drips from your hair, you should continue towel- or air-drying it before blow-drying.[4]
- Comb out any tangles. Combing a part into your hair will make it easier to style. Your hair should naturally fall around the part already.[5] Run a comb through your hair to remove any knots. This will allow you to dry your hair more evenly.
- When combing your hair, always start at the ends and work your way toward the crown of your head.
- It's better to comb instead of brush your hair when it's wet because your strands are weaker when wet. Be gentle as you comb your wet hair, as you can cause significant breakage.[6]
- If your hair is curly, use a wide-tooth comb to gently untangle any knots. Brushing curly hair can make it frizzy and unmanageable.[7]
- Apply a heat protectant product. Blow-drying can cause intense damage to your hair if it isn't properly protected.[8] Apply a thermal protectant product, such as a heat-activated spray or mousse, to keep it from being fried by the blow dryer. Use enough product to cover every strand of hair.
[Edit]Using the Blow Dryer - Set the blow dryer to medium heat. When your hair follicles get warm, they open up, which allows them to become more flexible and easier to control. But if you apply too much heat, it can damage your hair and make it frizzy and unmanageable. Medium is usually a good heat setting to dry your hair without frying it.
- If your hair dryer has 3 settings, the middle setting is usually the best.
- If your hair is healthier, you can use a higher temperature. For fine, weak, or brittle hair, use the lowest heat setting possible.[9]
- Position the blow dryer from your hair.[10] If you hold it too close, the hot air can burn your hair and/or scalp. Use a brush, comb, or your fingers to pull your hair closer to the blow dryer if necessary.
- Avoid targeting any single area of hair for too long, as this can damage your hair and cause it to be flat and limp. Keep moving the blow dryer around, aiming the airflow parallel to the section of hair you're drying.[11]
- Dry your hair from roots to ends, keeping the dryer behind your brush, comb or fingers, whichever you're using to style your hair. You can also wave the hair dryer back and forth to avoid directing the heat onto a single spot for too long.
- Use the pressure of the air to push your hair in the direction you want it to lay. Use a comb or brush to grab the hair and help you control it while drying it. If you don't have a brush, use your fingers and tug the hair gently in the direction you are drying it. Move from roots to tips for more control and less frizz.[12]
- To give your hair more volume, angle the airflow upward from underneath the section of hair you want to give volume to. This will push the hair upward and help it set with more volume. It's best to use an air flow attachment nozzle to do this, as it makes it easier to direct the air flow onto your hair.[13]
- To give your hair less volume, angle the airflow downward from above the section of hair you want to lay flat. This will push the hair downward and help it set closer to your crown.
- Most blow dryers are sold with an attachable air concentrator nozzle, which can be clipped onto the end of your blow dryer for more control of the airflow.
- Use your fingers to lift your hair in the front. Angle the blow dryer up from beneath your hairline so the air is pushing your hair upward. Use your fingers to gently lift and tug the hair at the front of your crown upward while you dry it. This will create a natural lift and add volume to the front of your hair. For even more volume, use a round brush to pull the hair up and away from you while drying.[14]
- Flip your hair forward and blow-dry it from underneath. If you're in a hurry or don't want to spend a lot of time fixing your hair, this is an easy way to give your hair more volume with less hassle. Focus the blow dryer on the crown of your head first, using your fingers to gently tug your hair up at the root while drying. This will add volume to fine or limp hair and create a more natural, textured look.[15]
[Edit]Finishing Your Look - Set your style with a blast of cold air. Just as hair follicles are easier to control when they're hot, they close and become more rigid when cold. When your hair is completely dry, use the cold setting on your blow dryer to blast your hair with cold air. This will add shine and lock the hair follicles in place.[16]
- Use hair product to hold your style in place. Different products achieve different results, so it's important to know what look you want to achieve before you choose a finishing product. Products with a lighter hold strength will provide more flexibility, while products with a stronger hold will create stiffer hair. Use the right product for the type of style you wish to achieve.[17]
- You may have to experiment with different products until you find the right fit for your hair length, texture, and style.
- Use a gel for shine and control of short hairstyles. Gels typically provide high hold and high shine. These are great options for finishing side-swept or slicked-back styles, but should not be used for styles that require flexibility.[18]
- For a wet, sleek look, comb gel into hair while wet. Then, allow your hair to air dry or dry it using a diffuser attachment.
- If you want a strong hold that looks smooth, apply your gel to wet hair, then use a brush while blow-drying it.
- For thicker hair, use a gel with a stronger hold. For fine or thin hair, use a lighter hold gel.
- Try a pomade or hair wax for styles that require sharp definition. Pomades and waxes work best on medium to medium-long hair. They can also be used in wavy or curly hair for shine and separation.[19]
- To get a "messy" look, squeeze a dime-sized amount of pomade or wax onto your fingers and rub it around. Run your fingers through your hair, starting at the roots and brushing your fingers outward toward the tips. Make sure the product is evenly layered throughout your hair. Continue to gently tousle your hair with your fingers until you achieve the desired look.[20]
- If your hair is naturally oily, use wax instead of pomade. Pomades contain oil that will make your hair appear even oilier.[21]
- If your hair is thin, try a pomade. If it's thicker, try a wax.[22]
- Don't use too much product, as this can make your hair appear heavy and greasy.
- Use a cream to achieve a polished look with little hassle. These are great for men with basic haircuts who want something simple. Use a cream when you want a flexible hold, want to tame fly-aways and control frizz.[23]
- Creams work well for men who don't want anyone to know they have product in their hair.[24]
- If you need more control over your style, try a wax or pomade instead.
- Apply mousse to add volume to your hair while keeping it light and flexible. Mousse is especially great for adding definition and volume to long, wavy, or curly hair. It can be used for almost any hairstyle, except those that require a very strong hold.[25]
- You should always apply mousse to wet hair. Then, you can blow-dry it.[26]
- Finish your look with a layer of hairspray. Hold the can about arm's length from your head. Move the can in circular motions as you spray, making sure not to concentrate on one area of your hair for too long.[27] This will ensure your style stays put all day long. It can also help tame any last fly-aways. Use more hairspray and less gel if the product seems to be weighing your hair down too much.
- Hairsprays are sold in varying hold strengths as well. Avoid using a heavy hairspray that can weigh your hair down. Choose a lighter hold for less weight and more volume.
- Always keep your hand moving while applying hairspray. This prevents your hair from becoming over-saturated and heavy.[28]
- Wait until the hairspray dries completely before touching your hair.
- Blow-drying the hair also helps style a loose comb over.
- Be gentle, work with your hair, and take your time. The best styles are achieved with time. Practice makes perfect!
- Clip a diffuser to the end of your blow dryer if you want to speed up the drying process and don't care as much about the style.
- Blow-drying in the direction of the cuticle can increase your hair's shininess.[29]
- If you use too much, you can weigh down your hair and make it look oily and unnatural. If you use too little, you risk your style falling too soon. Always read the recommendations on the label before you apply product.
[Edit]Warnings - Don't blow-dry your hair if it's thinning, or if it's already damaged, dry, or prone to excessive breakage. Blow-drying it will only damage it more.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Be a Successful Tutor Posted: 09 Jan 2022 04:00 PM PST Starting a tutoring job may seem intimidating, especially since you're working with people that you've never met before. There's no need to worry, as it's easy to lead a productive and successful tutoring session with the right preparation. Just remember that tutoring isn't a race—it's a journey that you take with your tutee step by step that helps them develop a greater understanding of a certain topic. [Edit]Leading a Productive Session - Prepare for your session in advance if you can. If your student has scheduled a session with you ahead of time, ask the tutee what they'd like to focus on. Look over their assignment sheet before you start so you have a better idea of how to provide assistance.[1]
- If you know the assignment ahead of time, you can start helping the tutee right away during the session.
- Arrive at your sessions on time with all of your things. Keep all of your tutoring supplies in 1 spot, like a backpack or tote. Set an alarm or make a note of when your tutoring sessions are so you can arrive a few minutes early.
- Arriving late to a session tells the student that their time isn't as important as yours.
- Learn about the background of the student's assignment. Ask your tutee if they have an assignment sheet or rubric for whatever they're working on. Go over this sheet with the student so you have a good understanding of what the student needs help with.[2]
- Some students might have a worksheet instead of an official assignment. It'll likely depend on the specific subject that you're tutoring.
- Establish an overall goal for each tutoring session. Ask the tutee to explain what they've been struggling with the most, and try to center the session around that. If you meet with a student regularly, you may be able to make a small lesson plan for future sessions. Decide if you want to focus on a specific assignment, or if your student would prefer to study a specific skill set.[3]
- For example, if a student is struggling with an essay, focus on the introductory paragraph instead of the entire paper.
- If a student is really struggling with algebra, you can walk them through specific skills instead of focusing on a homework assignment.
- Listen to the student's questions and concerns. Give the tutee plenty of opportunities to speak their mind, especially if they have a question. Keep the session focused on the student so you can be as helpful as possible. Don't dominate the conversation with your own knowledge—instead, offer assistance and advice on an as-needed basis.[4]
- Eye contact is a great way to show that you're listening to a student.
- Ask tutees open-ended questions instead of yes/no questions. Phrase your questions in a way that forces your students to answer and engage with the material. Don't let your student answer with "yes" or "no," as these aren't good indicators of a student's understanding. Instead, invite the tutee to explain the topic and information to you, which gives them valuable practice.[5]
- Instead of saying "Do you understand this topic?" you can ask something like, "Can you explain how you solve this problem?"
- Engage the tutee with questions throughout the session. Don't assume that the student completely understands a topic. Instead, ask plenty of questions to check in and see how they're doing. Remind the student that you can always backtrack if a topic seems confusing.
- Get in the habit of checking in with your student every few minutes in the session.
- You can say something encouraging, like: "Is everything making sense so far? It's totally okay if you want to go over some of these topics again. This subject can be really confusing!"
- Think of multiple ways to explain a single concept.[6] Don't expect all students to learn and understand in the same way. Note that some tutees may be visual learners, while others may prefer to have things explained. Brainstorm different ways to teach a single topic, which helps ensure that your students really understand what's going on.[7]
- For instance, some students may learn better with a Venn Diagram while others may prefer a bulleted, written list.
- An auditory learner may benefit from a question and answer session, while a visual learner may prefer you to write or draw out different examples.[8]
- A kinesthetic, or hands-on learner, may learn better if you let them pace or walk around throughout the session.
[Edit]Creating a Friendly and Professional Environment - Greet your tutees before the session starts. Introduce yourself before the beginning of the session and invite the tutee to share their name as well. Offer a friendly greeting and some basic small talk to help the tutee feel a bit more comfortable.
- For instance, you can say something like: "Hi, I'm Jane, and I'll be your chemistry tutor! What's your name?" or "Thanks so much for stopping by! How's your day going?"
- Praise your tutees so they feel encouraged. Let your tutee know whenever they do a good job with something. A simple "good job" or "nice work" can go a long way, especially if a student isn't confident in their own abilities. Try to praise your tutee a lot during each session, even if it's something small.
- For instance, if your tutee solves a single math problem correctly, tell them that they did a good job.
- Consistent praise helps tutees become more confident in their abilities.
- Let your tutee know if you aren't sure of an answer. Don't be hard on yourself if you aren't sure of an exact answer. Instead, be honest and transparent with your student about your own limitations. Use a reference book or quick web search to get the answer to your tutee's question instead.
- It's perfectly normal and okay to not have the answers to everything!
- For example, you can say something like: "I don't know the answer to that off the top of my head, but I can look it up really quickly!"
- Relate to the tutee so they don't feel overwhelmed. Remind the student that they're not the only person who's struggled with this topic before. Share a story from when you struggled with a specific topic or lesson. Honesty will only raise your credibility with your tutee, and will help them feel more relaxed and at ease with their assignment.[9]
- For instance, you can say something like: "I completely understand where you're coming from here. I took a class where I was really confused, and I had to meet with a tutor for extra help."
- Exercise patience if a student doesn't understand something. Take your tutoring sessions step by step, even if it's going slower than you may like.[10] Work at the student's pace if they're stuck on a single problem, and offer continuous encouragement if they don't understand something right away.[11]
- If you get frustrated, the student may get discouraged.
- Remember that tutoring is for the student's gain, and not for your own.
- Offer a more flexible schedule that caters to your tutee. Try to make your schedule as open and accommodating as possible. Let your tutees know that you're happy to work around their schedule, and that your main goal is to help them succeed. Your students may feel more invested in their tutoring sessions if they know that their tutor is willing to help.[12]
- Instead of listing your own hours, ask the student what time slots work well for them. Try to work your tutoring schedule around the student.
[Edit]Fostering a Tutee's Independence - Give tutees moments of silence to figure out a problem. Don't be afraid of awkward silence in your session. Instead, encourage your students to take some time to themselves to figure out a problem. Offer your support on the side, then praise the student for their efforts![13]
- For instance, you can say something like: "I'll give you a couple minutes to finish up this problem. Let me know if you need any help!"
- Work with the student instead of commandeering the assignment. View your tutoring session as a set of training wheels on the bike—you're helping a student get the hang of an assignment while helping them develop confidence and independence. Don't solve their problems and do their assignments for them, as this won't teach your tutees anything. Accept that your sessions are a team effort where you offer support while the student leads the way.[14]
- Some students may expect you to solve a problem for them. In this case, say something like: "Let's go through an example together so you can solve this problem on your own."
- Center your lessons around your tutee's interests and learning style.[15] Try to gauge your student's interests as you begin the session. If your tutee is an athlete, try adding sports metaphors into your session. If the student is a musician, try making some musical connections.
- Students may be more engaged in a session if you use references that they can understand.
- For instance, you can say something like: "The opening sentence of your essay is like the first play in a game of golf. Your sentence kicks off the reader and gets them engaged, while the first play gets viewers invested in the game."
[Edit]Establishing a Tutoring Business or Career - Work with a tutoring center if you enjoy working with other people. Look for work with an established tutoring center or university so you can provide consistent help to students. Use this kind of job opportunity to exchange tips and tricks with your fellow tutors so you can improve at your job even more![16]
- Working a tutoring center can be a great job, though you don't get to choose your own rates.
- Start a career as a private tutor if you want better hourly rates. Think about your own experience and flexibility before joining a tutoring center. Private tutoring offers a lot more freedom, and you can set your pricing based on your experience and comfort level. Start with $15 an hour or so if you don't have a lot of experience. If you're an advanced tutor with a lot of knowledge to share, you can set your rates anywhere up to $100.[17]
- Look at what other tutors are charging and try to match those rates.
- Create a profile on a tutoring website to market yourself. Find a general tutoring website that hosts different profiles. Add your resume to your profile, along with your rates and the subjects you specialize in. Wait for people to view your profile and book you for a tutoring session![18]
- You can also make your own website to advertise yourself as a tutor.
- Some great sites to use are Wyzant, Preply, and Classgap. Some universities also let student tutors upload profiles online.
- Communicate with teachers to give students a specialized learning plan. Talk with your tutee's teacher to find out what they've been struggling with. Work with the teacher to solidify a lesson plan that'll work well for the student. Try to keep in touch with the student's teacher frequently, so you can lead a focused session that will really help your tutee.[19]
- For instance, if a student is struggling with subject/verb agreement, you can center your next tutoring session around that.
- Get certified as a tutor to set yourself apart from them competition. Visit the National Tutoring Association or The Association for the Tutoring Profession to what certification options are available for you. Keep in mind that these certifications come with a fee of up to $55 that must be paid each year.[20]
- Some organizations require you to submit a professional recommendation before becoming certified.
- These certifications help potential clients know that you're qualified for the job.
- Always set professional boundaries with your tutees. Even if you're the same age as your tutee, remember that your relationship is professional and not social.
[Edit]Warnings - Keep the session focused on academics, and not on you or your student's personal life.
- Don't jeer or criticize the instructor for the tutee's class.
- Always keep a student's personal information confidential.[21]
[Edit]Related wikiHows
[Edit]References |
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