Before you can teach your child about money, they must know some basic math. And even the most advanced mathematician can be intimidated when it comes to teaching kids math.

We’ve all seen a parent ask a child how old they are, and some random number of fingers show up. Or heard a child count and skip half the numbers. It’s so cute.

As a homeschool and foster/adoptive parent to older kids, I have had to teach math from a variety of stages and in a variety of methods. No one method works for every child.

Starting Young

Math for my two biological children started very young and in two places: the kitchen and the grocery store!

Baking cupcakes is where they learned fractions. Circa March, 2008

In the Kitchen

Every parent knows that your child wants to be where you are. Instead of banging on pots and pans or pulling everything out of the cabinets, I invited my children to do what I did.

They measured and stirred, chopped (with a butter knife at this age) and poured. It was messy. There were lots of “oops” moments. But my kids understood the concept of fractions before they could count to one hundred.

And they loved decorating and delivering their baked goods to neighbors and family.

In the Grocery Store

We were blessed with a FANTASTIC Kroger near us when my children were small. The staff quickly became accustomed to our weekly “math” lessons/grocery shopping trips.

Because I worked from home and had flexible hours, we went during their least busy times. And the kids quickly became confident and independent in their tasks. (Safety was always considered, but the staff were great and quickly understood what we were doing and supported that.)

We started with shapes and colors. They couldn’t read at this age (think 2 and 3) but on any given aisle I would assign them each to find a certain shape or color. This exercise not only gave me a chance to grab what I needed unencumbered by “can I have” or whines, but kept them active and engaged.

As we got started, I would show them an example and discuss characteristics…

• A square has 4 equal sides while a rectangle has two sides that are equal and then another two sides are equal, but not all four.
• Or a circle is flat while a cylinder has a circle on the top and a circle on the base, like this Pringles container.

Elementary Age Math

Because I knew I would homeschool, I never considered school standards or the order I taught things. We really followed a Montessori method and most learning was child led.

If they expressed an interest we went with it. There were no experiences that I couldn’t and didn’t make a lesson out of.

As they got more advanced, those grocery descriptions became more advanced and their tasks got more complex. By the time they were in early elementary, they would each have a small measuring tape and have to find items with a certain perimeter or tell me the area or volume of a box. Geometry at it’s finest.

Introducing Math Curriculum

Even in elementary children are more apt to learn by play and movement, but I understand the need ingrained in us from our own education to use worksheets and curriculum.

One math curriculum that understands and does a good job of meeting both needs is Math-U-See. They offer a mastery based, student paced curriculum that encourages, even demand the use of manipulatives even through their upper level classes.

Math-U-See Integer Block Kit – Manipulatives

And don’t worry if the thought of teaching your child math intimidates you, they offer a full video curriculum as well!

Teaching your young child math can be so much fun! More play than teaching really. And it can take you anywhere and does not require any special skills, tools or forethought most of the time.

Ask your child what the volume is of the drink they are drinking, show them how to read the label. Then turn that into a science lesson by talking about the path it will follow…at elementary age that’s super simple. You can even add a health lesson by talking about the affects of whatever they are drinking on their teeth or general health.

In the end, your child will learn more from you through these short engagements then in any classroom. So put down your phone, turn off the TV and lets do a scavenger hunt for “blue” things! Have fun!

Everyone wants their home to be a healthy one. So we visit the doctor, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. There are other things we should do in order to maintain health that is quite common and yet we don’t think of them when we talk about healthy living. Read on if you’d like to dive into healthy living in all manner of ways.

Removing Vermin

A pest control service, such as Moxie Pest Control, is a vital tool in maintaining health. Roaches, mice, rats, and raccoons are annoyances but they also carry disease. If they are ignored when you see them, they could decide to take up residence. This puts you at a high risk of being bitten. Feces from roaches and vermin can also carry toxic bacteria that can make you very sick. It is in your best interest to call an exterminator at the very first sign of any pest. You may only see one but hundreds can already be in the walls, basement, or stalking your property.

Cleanliness Is Important

Many people make an assumption that the sight of roaches means you have an unclean home. This simply isn’t true! Cleanliness is an entirely different situation and it also does not indicate that you could eat off the floor. There will always be a speck of dust somewhere. What we are talking about is taking care of the home and cleaning up after yourself so you don’t have a health issue.

Mold is one of the biggest concerns and can cause you to be sick simply from breathing it in, making mold removal an important job. Mold is often caused by high humidity and water leaks. Mold in shower stalls is a great example of how high humidity can create the situation. Regular cleanings and using the exhaust fan while taking a hot shower will combat any mold trying to grow. Water leaks account for mold in unusual spots like a closet or inside the wall. Routine pipe maintenance can keep this from occurring.

In general, routine cleaning will allow you to spot signs of mold very quickly. And if you are constantly battling mold in routine cleanings, then you know to call a specialist to investigate.

Dirty Air Is A No-No

If you have an air conditioner or central air system, you will need to pay attention to the air filter. Air filters should be replaced every 90 days, 60 days if you have a pet, to keep your air clean. However, it is one item on routine maintenance that gets ignored a lot. When your air filter gets clogged, it releases pathogens into your home. The same pathogens it’s supposed to remove from the air so that you can breathe easy. These pathogens can make you very sick over time as you are essentially polluting your own air. It only takes a few dollars to replace an air filter and it is in your best health interest to put it on the calendar of things you should be doing.

If you have a newborn baby, you are going to want to create a healthy home. If you have grandma moving in with you, or it’s just you, you are going to want a healthy home. Stay on top of cleaning up, repair anything that needs to be repaired, and keep your maintenance up to date and it shouldn’t be too hard.

Image from pixabay.com

A living trust has many benefits, especially for parents of young children who cannot manage finances yet. Wills are a great way of securing a future plan for your family. From a single parent point of view this is even more important.

No matter how much or little money or property a single parent has, they still need to manage their estate now and in the future.  Your estate is made up of all money and personal property you own at the time of your death. Which means estate planning is for everyone. For a single parent it is not ony important to ensure their estate is managed but also that a trust is set up to ensure that their children are cared for in the event of their death.

What is a trust and how to set one up?

Establishing a trust for your children means you can appoint a guardian to provide financial assistance for them. It is a provision put in place to take care of your children until the time they are able to manage their own finances, usually when they come of age. Trusts are not complex to set up however you do need a trusted, legal representative or firm to make sure everything is completed correctly before and in the event of your death. For example, Russells.co.uk offer services including setting up a trust in case the worst should happen.

How do you go about preparing a will?

Preparing a will might seem quite daunting. But once you have something put in place you will feel so much happier knowing you have planned for the future. There are few steps you can take to get yourself ready to make your will.

• Make a note of all accounts and property that you own.
• Identify a trustee and a back up to take care of your children’s finances. Make sure they are aware and happy to do so in the event of your death.
• Decide if there are any assets that will be left to persons other than your children.

What should you do next?

Appoint a solicitor to make sure your will is legal. Include in your will what will happen to all of your property and funds, who will benefit and who the guardians and trustees are. Importantly for it to be legal you must make it in writing, sign it in the presence of two witnesses who are both over eighteen and have them sign it in your presence. Remember our witnesses cannot be beneficiaries. Once this is completed you need to keep your will in a safe place. Advice includes keep a copy with your solicitor, your bank or with the London Probate service.

Do you have a plan in place?

Making a will might not be at the top of your lists, especially as a busy single parent. But what happens if you suffer an injury or illness which means you can no longer manage your finances or worse in the event of your death. Having a will ensures your children are protected and it also make sure you don’t pay more Inheritance Tax than is necessary. Being prepared for the future means you can enjoy the good times now worry free.

Let’s face it, while we all understand the importance of emergency funds, many of us simply find it financially hard to maintain one. So what can you do when an unexpected expense arises and payday is nowhere in sight?

Consider these three options to pull you through a financial crisis.

Trim your budget

If you can trim some expenses from your monthly budget, then it may be possible for you to fill the gap created by a financial emergency. Think about cutting out unessential expenses like your cable bill or some other subscription you might have.

You can also hold off on eating out and prepare meals at home, instead. If you had budgeted money to get your hair done or to get a manicure or pedicure, consider forgoing them this month or at least until you have cleared this current expense.

If you regularly use a home cleaning service, then rolling up your sleeves and taking on some of the chores yourself could also save you a few bucks. After you have taken care of this immediate expense, you can add the eliminated items back onto your budget.

Borrow from family or friends

The urgency of an expense often makes borrowing the only viable solution. In that case, turning to family and friends can be the cheapest option since they’ll usually charge very low or no interest. Ensure you repay promptly, however, to avoid strained relationships.

Keep in mind, too, that it’s quite likely your loved ones are dealing with the same financial hardships as you and are unable to help. Alternatively, even if they are in a position to help you, you may feel very embarrassed at having to ask.

Plus, family and friends, usually, have no qualms about impressing upon you the importance of maintaining an emergency fund. It’s a safe bet that’s not what you want to hear when you have a burning expense, you’re strapped for cash and your rainy day savings are non-existent.

Take out a short-term personal loan

A short-term personal loan from a large financial institution will typically take days or weeks to process. The amount you need to borrow may also be below the minimum they lend.

If you need a relatively small amount of cash quickly, then a payday loan could be the answer. Your repayment options will be either by a post-dated personal check or by giving the lender authorization to electronically withdraw the funds from your account.

Another short term loan to look at is asking your boss for a salary advance. Don’t forget, however, that your next salary check will be short by at least the amount you borrow (interest might be applied). If the arrangement is for you to repay over time, be prepared to work with a tight budget for the next few months.

Aside from the three we’ve looked at, there are other options available to you (such as selling a few items of value you own or working a part-time gig). Once this expense is cleared, give that emergency fund some serious consideration for the next time an unexpected expense pops up.

Although aware that accidents happen, most people don’t become truly aware of how impactful it can be until it actually happens to them or someone they know. In the blink of an eye, a person’s life could be turned upside down. They experience pain and discomfort from their injuries, emotional distress from the trauma, and the difficulties of dealing with insurance companies, but that’s not all that happens. Depending on the extent of your injuries, this unforeseen circumstance could impact your entire family and way of being.

You Need Help After an Accident

A car crash, slip and fall, or workplace injury often brings with it a ton of challenges. There are emotional, financial, and physical hurdles you’ll have to overcome and as you’re going through the motion, your family is right there in the trenches with you. That’s why many people decide to turn to legal experts like those found at https://www.fightingforyou.com/locations/garden-city-ny/.

Personal injury attorneys have more than just a clear understanding of the law, they also have a clear understanding of how negatively something this tragic could impact your life. They are trained to help clients understand their rights and get justice from those who caused their injuries (directly or indirectly). Your hired attorney can help you file an insurance claim as well as file a lawsuit if necessary. They’ll work with you every step of the way until you get some kind of relief.

The Aftermath of an Accident

Relief from what you ask? Here’s a look at how much an injury or accident can change your life:

Career – Whether you work for someone or run your own business, while you’re recovering from your injuries you won’t be able to perform your duties. For employees, this can mean needing to use sick and vacation time or applying for medical leave. Entrepreneurs, on the other hand, this could mean putting your business on hold or needing to hire staff to fill in. If your injuries are serious enough, this could also mean you can’t return to work or your business -ever. This also means you aren’t able to provide for your family.

Finances – If you’re unemployed due to your injuries, you probably don’t have much cash to pay the bills. Service providers and bill collectors may be understanding of this for a while, however, eventually, you’ll need to pay your bills. This can lead to serious debt and other financial trouble. This could mean needing to downsize, cut out extracurricular activities you once enjoyed, or even pulling your kids out of a school they’re familiar with (if they’re in private school).

Mental Health – Your wounds aren’t the only thing that needs to be healed after an accident, your emotions will too. An accident is a traumatic experience and your injuries, inability to work and financial difficulties will only add to the emotional pressure you’re under. You may begin to feel depressed or even chronically stressed over your circumstances. Your family will pick up on this and it can have an emotional impact on them too. Not being able to live the life they are familiar with or seeing someone they love in so much pain can be difficult.

Time – From the moment of impact until you’ve recovered or found your new normal, an accident robs you of your time. It takes time away from work, your family, and your life, all of which can never be replaced.

Quality of life – Though some injuries can heal with time others are permanent. This essentially means that whatever limitations your injuries have put on you are permanent. You can no longer participate in activities you like or even work for a living. Your family isn’t able to experience you the same, and it may even change dynamics and routines.

An accident that results in injuries is never something easy to get through. It takes a toll on you physically, but it can be impactful to your family emotionally and financially. If your injuries were serious or permanent, this pain can be ongoing. Though difficult, it isn’t impossible to get through it all. Creating a budget, looking for financial assistance, hiring a personal attorney, and speaking with a therapist are all great places to start reclaiming your life – and your family’s.