| How to Talk to Children Posted: 22 Jul 2021 05:00 PM PDT At times, talking to kids can feel like learning a foreign language. Unfortunately, there's no handy phrasebook or translation app that can make you sound friendly, encouraging, and firm all at the same time. Don't worry. We've put together plenty of conversational tips, tricks, and ideas, so you can have an open and honest chat with any kids in your life. [Edit]Sit or kneel at their level. - Lowering yourself makes you a lot more approachable. Even if you're keeping things light and friendly, a child might feel intimidated if you're towering over them. Instead, grab a seat or take a knee near the child, so they don't have to look up at you. This can help take the edge off your conversation.[1]
[Edit]Chat about relatable topics. - Kids love talking about their interests and preferences. As far as conversations go, asking about favorites is a pretty safe go-to topic. You might ask about their favorite singer, or what TV shows they like to watch. You could even ask about their favorite animal, or compare favorite colors.[2]
- Pets are another safe, easy topic. You could ask if they have a dog or cat at home, and what its name is.
[Edit]Ask for help or advice. - Children love to solve "adult" problems. Share a light-hearted, not-too-serious problem you've run into during your daily routine. Maybe you have trouble heading to bed at a good time, or you can never find your car keys before heading to work. The child will love a chance to figure out a solution to your problem, whether it's big or small.[3]
- You might say, "I don't know what to get my friend for his birthday. Can you help me pick out a gift?" or "I was going to watch a movie this weekend, but I'm so indecisive. What do you think I should watch?"
[Edit]Offer genuine, encouraging compliments. - Focus on a child's effort and character, not something superficial. Superficial compliments, like "Your hair looks so cute" or "I love your shirt" are nice, but they aren't very long-lasting. Instead, focus on something the child is actively doing. Specific compliments make a much bigger impact and will help you connect more easily with kids.[4]
- For instance, compliments like "I love the way you draw horses" "You're looking really strong on those roller skates" and "That was so kind of you to share your snack with your brother" are a lot more genuine than "Your eyes are such a pretty color!" or "Your family is so huge."
[Edit]Ask open-ended questions. - Yes or no questions won't get you super far in a conversation. Instead, invite the child to go into lots of detail about what they're thinking and feeling. Before asking a question, play it over in your head first—if the child could answer it in 1 or 2 words, try restructuring the question instead.[5]
- "What was your favorite part of school today?" is a much better question than "Did you have a good day at school?"
[Edit]Express lots of interest. - Small, encouraging comments let a child know that you're listening. As the kid shares their story, look engaged and interested throughout the conversation. Phrases like "That's so interesting" or "Please go on" let the child know that their time is valued and that you care about what they have to say.[6]
- "Tell me more about that" or "No way. I don't believe it!" are great ways to express interest.
[Edit]Pay attention to body language. - A kid might claim to be "fine," while their body language tells a different story. Instead of being cheerful and relaxed, they might mask emotions with their body language, like crossing their arms or hunching their shoulders. Factor in both their words and movements, so you have a more well-rounded view of what the child is trying to say.[7]
- For example, if a child says they had a good day at school but refuses to make eye contact, you might assume that something went wrong.
[Edit]Let the child speak without interrupting. - Interrupting will only shut down your conversation. Think of it this way—if you were sharing a really exciting story with a friend, would you want them to interrupt and talk over you? The same principle applies to kids, too. Give children plenty of time to share what's on their mind, even if they're having some trouble coming up with the right words. Once they've finished sharing, feel free to reply and comment on whatever they shared.[8]
[Edit]Listen instead of offering solutions. - Sometimes, kids just want a listening ear. If a child is venting about their day, let them finish their story instead of rushing to solve their problem. While your intentions are good, it's important that the child feels heard and understood, and not like an item on a to-do list.[9]
[Edit]Call your child by their name. - This is a great way to get your child's attention. Little kids can't focus on too many things at once. Saying your child's name helps them focus on you and your voice, instead of what's going on around them. Instead of saying "hey" or "hey you," try calling their name instead—you might notice a difference![10]
- You might say, "Luke, please pick up your toys before lunch" or "Jamie, grab your sweater before we head outside."
- If the child is distracted, say their name until they're focused on you. Then, say what's on your mind.
[Edit]Speak in a serious tone. - A wishy-washy tone leads to a wishy-washy conversation. Kids hear more than just your words—they also hear how you say things. If you don't sound serious, you probably won't be taken seriously. Instead, strike a balance between gentleness and firmness, so the child understands that you aren't angry, but also aren't a pushover.[11]
- "Could you please put away your clothes before dinner?" is a lot firmer and direct than "Would you mind putting your clothes away sometime today?"
[Edit]Talk at a normal volume when you discipline your child. - Yelling doesn't achieve very much, even if the child is yelling as well. The more you shout, the more the child will learn to tune out your voice. Instead, speak calmly and respectfully in front of the child, so they understand that you're serious.[12]
- For instance, instead of yelling "Get dressed for school!" from the kitchen, you might knock on your child's bedroom door and say, "The bus will be here in less than an hour. Could you start getting dressed for school?"
[Edit]Choose positive words when speaking to your child. - Negative language won't resonate well with your child. Instead of saying what not to do, focus on what your child should be doing instead. Positive, encouraging language helps foster self-confidence, and will inspire kids to build better habits in the future.[13]
- Instead of saying "No playing in the kitchen," you might say, "Go play in the living room where all your toys are."
- "I'm proud of you for sharing your toys" is much more positive and encouraging than "You shouldn't be selfish."
[Edit]Simplify the lectures you give your children. - Long lectures don't accomplish much in the long run. Instead of nagging and complaining about a certain task or chore, try simplifying your request to a single word. Your child will get the message without feeling belittled or patronized in the process.[14]
- You might say, "Clara, the cat!" instead of saying "You were supposed to clean the litter box yesterday, and it's still not done."
- You could say, "Kids, backpacks!" instead of saying, "I told you to pack your bags 5 minutes ago."
[Edit]Offer lots of options to appease your child. - Some kids don't respond well to orders. Instead, break a task or command into a fun "this or that" scenario. Your child will be happier to play along when they feel in control of their decisions and routine.[15]
- Instead of telling your child to pack their lunch, ask if they'd like a PB&J or a ham cheese.
- Instead of asking your child to get dressed, give them different outfit options for the day.
- Sometimes, there might not be any viable options to offer. That's okay! Just offer alternatives when you can.
- Try setting aside some time for conversation each day, especially if you have a child at home. This is a great way to bond and connect with your young one, and gives them a healthy place to share their thoughts and feelings.[16]
[Edit]References __LIST__ |
| How to Naturally Soften Laundry Posted: 22 Jul 2021 09:00 AM PDT Looking for a way to soften up your laundry without using any harsh or commercial chemicals? Well, look no further! There are actually plenty of ways you can naturally soften your laundry, and chances are you already have everything you need at home. Check out this handy-dandy list of options you can use to find the softening solution that works best for you. [Edit]Baking Soda - It can both soften your clothes and reduce odors. Turn on your washing machine and wait until the washbasin is filling with water. Add ½ cup of baking soda (90 g) into the water and let it dissolve before you add your laundry. If you have a front-loading washing machine, just add the baking soda into the compartment where you put laundry detergent.[1]
- Baking soda also helps regulate the pH level of the water in your washing machine, which can help reduce wear and tear and keep your laundry softer for longer.
[Edit]White Vinegar - Just plain old vinegar can make your clothes softer. Wait until your laundry is in the rinse cycle and then add in of vinegar. If your machine has a fabric softener dispenser, pour the vinegar in there instead.[2]
- The vinegar helps remove residue and excess soap from your laundry, which can leave your clothes feeling clean and soft.
- Make sure you only use the vinegar in the rinse cycle so there isn't any odor on your laundry.
[Edit]Baking Soda + Vinegar - Combine the two ingredients for a stronger fabric softener. Add about 1 cup (200 g) of baking soda into a bowl and pour in about 7 cups (1.7 liters) of white vinegar. Stir the mixture well until it's fully combined. Add about ⅓ cup (80 mL) of the mixture into your machine's fabric softener dispenser or add it during the rinse cycle to soften up your laundry.[3]
- While baking soda and white vinegar can naturally soften your laundry on their own, they can also be combined to form a super effective and super simple fabric softener!
[Edit]Epsom Salt + Essential Oils - Naturally soften your laundry and add a nice scent. You can actually simply add about 1 tablespoon (25 g) of Epsom salt directly to your wash to help soften your laundry. But if you want to spruce it up a bit, add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil to make your laundry smell even better.[4]
- For instance, you could use lavender or pine essential oils to add a fresh scent.
- Warning: There's a chance that using essential oils in your dryer could increase the fire risk.[5]
[Edit]Hair Conditioner + Vinegar - Use this as a simple two-ingredient liquid fabric softener. Take a large bowl or container and combine of water, of white vinegar, and of hair conditioner. Stir it really well, but don't shake it or it could foam up. Add the mixture during the rinse cycle and use the same amount as you would for a commercial fabric softener.[6]
- Choose a conditioner with a scent that you like so your laundry smells nice.
- You could also spray the mixture onto a clean washcloth and toss it into the dryer with your laundry as a dryer sheet if you like.
[Edit]Homemade Dryer Sheet - All you need is a piece of cotton cloth and some essential oils. Take some scrap cotton fabric such as a cut-up T-shirt or a washcloth, soak it in water, and wring it out so it's damp but not sopping wet. Add about 5 drops of an essential oil of your choice all over the cloth and then toss it into the dryer with your laundry in the last 10 minutes of drying. That's it![7]
- The moisture on the cloth will keep your laundry soft and prevent overdrying.
- Orange, lavender, vanilla, and tea tree are all great options, but you can use any essential oil that you want!
- You can even re-use the cloth. Just wet the cloth again and keep using it until the scent runs out.
- Warning:Using essential oils in your dryer could pose a fire risk.[8]
[Edit]Wool Dryer Balls - They'll reduce static in the dryer and soften your clothes. Dryer balls work to remove the static electricity that can make your laundry stiff and uncomfortable. Wool dryer balls are a great natural choice and all you have to do is toss 2-3 of them into your dryer with your laundry and you're all set![9]
- You can find wool dryer balls at your local department store or home goods store. You can also order them online.
[Edit]Aluminum Foil - Toss 2-3 balls of aluminum foil in your dryer to prevent static. If you don't have any dryer balls, you can make your own! Take about 3-4 square feet (0.279-0.377 square meters) of foil and crumple it up as tight as you can into a ball. Make 2-3 of the aluminum foil balls and add them into your dryer with your laundry.[10]
- The aluminum foil discharges static and prevents your clothes from sticking together.
[Edit]Hang Dry - Air-drying your laundry can reduce wear and tear. But it's important that you hang your laundry the right way. Match the inner leg seams of pants and hang them by the legs with the waist hanging down. For shirts and tops, pin them to the clothesline from the bottom hem and at the side seams. Hang socks in pairs and pin them to the line by the toes so the opening hangs down. Fold sheets, blankets, and towels in half and pin each end to the line.[11]
- Try to leave room between the items if you can they'll dry faster.
- Don't hang colored clothing items in direct sun or it could bleach them.
- If you're hanging your laundry indoors, use a drying rack and lay the items flat in an area with good circulation.
- Don't worry about salt or vinegar affecting the color of your clothing items. They won't damage or discolor them.
[Edit]Warnings - Always check the tag for specific washing instructions before you add an item to your washing machine or dryer. If it's marked as dry-clean only, don't try to wash it in your machine or it could damage the material.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References __LIST__ [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Use "for Example" in a Sentence Posted: 22 Jul 2021 01:00 AM PDT Examples can be used to add color and clarity to your writing, and the phrase "for example" is an elegant way to set them off. Generally, the phrase is a transition that helps you smoothly explain how the material that follows it relates to what comes before.[1] Below, we've gathered some tips that will help you place "for example" in a sentence and use it effectively. [Edit]Start with "for example" if your example is a whole sentence. - Do this if your example has a subject and verb and can stand alone. When used at the beginning of the sentence, the phrase "for example" introduces the example you're going to use. Here are some sentences with "for example" at the beginning:[2]
- "Nurture creativity at home. For example, chalkboard paint allows kids to draw on walls."
- "Getting in your daily exercise doesn't have to be difficult. For example, Jaime walks every evening after dinner."
[Edit]Use "for example" mid-sentence with a list or phrase. - Your example can't stand alone if it doesn't have a subject and a verb. In this situation, add your example to the sentence the example describes. Here are some sentences with "for example" in the middle:[3]
- "You don't have to splurge on expensive cleaning products. Vinegar, for example, will clean most things."
- "Playing a musical instrument requires skill and practice. Professional guitarists, for example, practice up to 8 hours a day."
[Edit]Move "for example" to the end to improve readability. - Sometimes, the phrase "for example" sounds better at the end. This is best used sparingly with shorter, less involved examples. When reading your writing aloud, if you find that the phrase sounds clunky in the middle of the sentence, you might try it at the end. Here are some sentences with "for example" at the end:[4]
- "The diet does require you to eliminate a few things from your diet—sugar, for example."
- "Learn a new language through immersion by changing the default language on your phone, for example."
[Edit]Set "for example" off with commas. - Commas separate explanatory information from the rest of the sentence. The phrase "for example" explains to your readers how the information that follows it relates to the information that came before it. The commas enhance readability and reduce the obscurity in your sentence. Whether you put commas before, after, or both before and after depends on where you have the phrase in your sentence.[5]
- At the beginning of the sentence: "Many animals are monogamous. For example, otters mate for life."
- In the middle of the sentence: "Many animals are monogamous. Otters, for example, mate for life."
- At the end of the sentence: "Many animals are monogamous and mate for life—otters, for example."
[Edit]Omit the comma within parentheses. - The parentheses already do the job of setting off the phrase. Commas are normally used in a sentence to separate explanatory words from the sentence itself. In a parenthetical phrase, there's typically no need to do that.[6]
- Here's an example: "Becky measured out her ingredients (for example flour and sugar) before she started baking."
[Edit]Add a comma before "for example" mid-sentence. - Set the phrase off with commas before and after. When it comes in the middle of a sentence, "for example" tells your readers that the words that follow shift the focus of the sentence slightly. The same principle applies if you have "for example" at the end of your sentence, except that the comma following the phrase isn't needed.[7]
- Here it is in the middle of a sentence: "Kelly expected us to bring our own supplies, for example, our notebooks and pens."
- If you had "for example" at the end of a sentence, it might look like this: "Kelly expected us to bring our own supplies: our notebooks and pens, for example."
[Edit]Use a semi-colon to enhance readability. - For some longer phrases, a semi-colon works better than a comma. A semi-colon indicates a longer pause than a comma and provides a resting place between 2 related ideas. It also makes your sentence easier to read when there are already a lot of commas. Typically the semi-colon comes immediately before "for example." Here are some examples:[8]
- "Find ways to fit activity into your day; for example, you could take the stairs instead of the elevator."
- "You don't need artistic training or talent to be creative; for example, paint-by-numbers kits allow novices to create beautiful works of art."
[Edit]Introduce a non-exhaustive list. - Use "for example" when the list of possibilities is too long. It might be that the list is just too long and would be cumbersome to write or read. In other situations, there's no need to include all the possibilities—just a couple will give your readers the basic idea. Here are some examples:[9]
- "Many animals are monogamous. For example, otters, geese, and beavers mate for life."
- "Campers are expected to bring their own supplies and gear. Tents and sleeping bags, for example, will not be provided."
[Edit]Set off a hypothetical scenario. - Add "for example" before a fictional set of circumstances. Examples allow you to take a theoretical concept and show how it operates in the real world. With "for example, you're taking the concept and applying it to a set of fictional circumstances. This shows your readers one possible way the concept could work. Here are some examples:[10]
- "For example, if Judy bakes 4 cakes each day for 5 days, she would bake 20 cakes each week"
- "Children risk injury when playing with dangerous toys. For example, if you buy your child a BB gun, they could shoot their eye out."
[Edit]Provide an illustration of a previous point. - Use an example to show how an idea works in practice. Your illustration can be real or imagined—either way, it adds some life and color to your writing. Just as a drawing provides a visual image of text, a verbal illustration helps your readers picture the idea in their minds. Here are some examples:[11]
- "Make language learning easier through immersion. For example, you could listen to music in the language you want to learn while doing chores."
- "You don't have to take art classes to be creative. For example, you can use a paint-by-numbers kit to create a piece of art suitable for framing."
[Edit]Describe a single case when there are other possible cases. - "For example" tells your readers your scenario is one of many. The phrase "for instance" works better when you're talking about 1 particular case specifically. But if your example isn't meant to be specific, "for example" is a better choice. Here are some examples:[12]
- "Many careers require you to perform in high-pressure situations. EMTs, for example, save the lives of people in trauma."
- "Common cooking ingredients often have other uses. For example, you can use baking soda to clean and deodorize your refrigerator."
[Edit]Emphasize that something is true. - Add a specific, real-world example as evidence in support of something. This is particularly effective if you're talking about something subjective. While you may not be able to demonstrate conclusively that the statement is true, you can list an example that backs it up so your readers are more inclined to believe you.[13]
- Here it is in a sentence: "Everyone loves Mary's cupcakes. For example, Julian begs for them and he doesn't even like sweets."
- Here's another one: "The service at Tom's Diner is too slow. Last night, for example, we had to wait for 2 hours to get our food!"
- In academic writing, the abbreviation "e.g." (short for the Latin phrase "exempli gratia") frequently takes the place of "for example," particularly in parenthetical phrases or footnotes.[14]
[Edit]References __LIST__ |
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