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Joanna Greenberg

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Five Bright, Fresh Cocktails for Springtime

When springtime is upon us, the attention of adults oftentimes turns to bright, refreshing cocktails. As the world starts coming alive through the warmth of the spring, people from all walks of life look to tasty eats and drinks to celebrate the season. There are five perfect springtime cocktails that you should try this season. Keep in mind that these suggested libations for the springtime are perfect the year around.

Strawberry Basil Margaritas

This recipe for a lively take on beloved Margaritas fills a pitcher. It is a perfect choice for gatherings with friends and families. The recipe is easy.

Here’s what you need for Strawberry Basil Margaritas:

One 12-ounce can of frozen limeade concentrate

10 to 12 strawberries (before too long you will be able to get these from your own backyard of the local farmer’s market)

Eight fresh basil leaves

2 to 2 1/2 cups tequila (you can use gold or silver, depending on your preference)

And here’s how you make a delicious pitcher of these springtime Margaritas:

Empty limeade concentrate into the pitcher. Add 2 1/2 cans of water. Add 1 1/2 (18 ounces) of tequila (you can cut back the tequila if you want your drinks to be not quite as strong.

Hull the strawberries and then cut lengthwise slices. Add the fresh berries to the pitcher.

Crumple the basil moderately in your hands. The process of crumpling the leaves helps to release the basil flavor into the drink. Drop the leaves into the pitcher.

Cover the pitcher and place it into the refrigerator. It is best to place it in the fridge overnight, however four hours will suffice in a pinch.

When you take the pitcher out of the fridge, your Margaritas will have an attractive pale pink hue. The libation is ready to serve.

Pimm’s Cup

This recipe for Pimm’s Cup makes one cocktail. If you’ve spent any time in England, you know Pimm’s Cup is a favorite.

The ingredients you need for this tasty beverage are:

1 1/2 ounces Pimm’s No. 1 Cup

lemonade (in the alternative, depending on your preference, you can also use ginger ale, or lemon-lime soda)

lemon slices

cucumber slices

You can vary the theme of your Pimm’s Cup and consider: orange slice, fresh borage, mint leaves, apple slices, or a strawberry.

As any British pub owner or inn keeper will tell you, the Pimm’s Cup is easy to make:

Fill a Collins glass halfway with ice and two or three slices of cucumber. Add borage leaves or other garnishes as you desire.

Add one measure of Pimm’s.

Top glass with lemonade, ginger ale, or lemon-lime soda.

Stir gently. If necessary, you can add additional ice.

Finally, garnish with slices of lemon and cucumber.

A note: No, Pimm’s Cup is not a “lady’s drink.” The gender barriers associated with adult libations truly are a thing of the past.

Lady Mary

Lady Mary is a homage to Downton Abbey, this recipe making one cocktail. The drink is inspired by the character on the hit British television show that viewers love to hate.

The ingredients for this springtime drink are:

1.5 oz of Lillet Blanc

.75 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice

4 to 5 basil leaves

Champagne, chilled (if your not interested in complete authenticity, sparkling California wine works just as well)

Add lemon juice and basil leaves to a shaker and muddle.

Add Lillet Blanc and ice.

Shake, and then strain into a flute.

Top with Champagne or sparkling wine.

Watermelon & Cucumber Refresher

Watermelon and cucumber really are the combination coming to the forefront for the springtime. Tis recipe makes a single cocktail. The ingredients for this delectable libation are:

3 parts vodka 1 1/2 ounces and tequila is a great recipe variation, if that is your preference]

1 part (1/2 ounce) triple sec

1 part (1/2 ounce) watermelon-cucumber-mint juice

1 part (1/2 ounce) fresh lime juice

This refreshing selection is easy to blend:

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and then strain into a cocktail glass.

Garnish with a watermelon or cucumber slice, or a sprig of mint.

The Original Hurricane

The Original Hurricane is not just for Bourbon Street, not just for Mardi Gras. You can make this iconic libation with the following ingredients to make one cocktail:

2 ounces dark rum

1 ounce passion fruit syrup

1 ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice

With these ingredients, prepare your cocktail:

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.

Shake and strain into an ice-filled glass. The traditional recipe does recommend crushed ice.

Bring it home with an orange slice and cherry garnish.

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Jessica Kane writes for TIPS Alcohol Training, offering TIPS responsible alcohol service training online for both on and off premise needs.

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Home

Make Your Front Yard More Livable with a Perimeter Fence

If you are like a considerable number of homeowners across the United States, you spend a decent amount of time working on the appearance of the front of your home. This includes tending to the lawn as well as gardens that you may also have fronting your home.

With all the time you spend tending to your front yard, you may wonder what can you do to get more out of that space. You may ponder what steps you can take to make your front yard more livable. one addition you can take to make the most out of your front yard is the addition of a privacy fence around your front yard.

Privacy and a Front Yard Fence

A primary way in which a perimeter fence around the front of your home makes your residence more livable is because it adds a level of privacy you would not otherwise enjoy. In this day and age, a majority of people really are able to make little use of their front yards precisely because they have so little privacy.

When it comes to a homeowner making use of the front yard, this oftentimes is limited to planting some trees, some bushes, and maybe a flowerbed or two. Because the typical front yard is exposed to the world, many homeowners spend no time in that space, save for tending to the lawn and foliage.

By adding a fence, the front yard becomes far more private. A homeowner can engage in an array of enjoyable activities on the front lawn without feeling completely exposed to the neighborhood.

Security and a Front Perimeter Fence

Not only does a front perimeter fence make you yard more livable, it makes your home more habitable as well. One of the primary reasons why installing a front perimeter fence makes your home more habitable stems from the fact that it renders your home safer and more secure.

This is a day and age when crime occurs in all types of neighborhoods. In many ways, no one is immune from the dangerous conduct of criminals. For example, one out of every five Americans will be victims of a home invasion during the course of their lifetimes.

One of the most important steps that you can take to make your home more livable by making it more secure is the installation of a fence. Not only does a fence provide a deterrent to a criminal actually accessing your property, its very existence will likely dissuade a criminal from even trying.

One additional note. As a part of your overall home security efforts, consider adding lights on or around your perimeter fence. Lighting renders your fence an even greater deterrent to a criminal with at least some thought about entering your property and your home. In addition, because of the wide selection of different types of lights, the illumination provided by them can enhance the overall look and appearance of your home.

Curb Appeal and a Front Yard Fence

A nicely designed fence can work to enhance the curb appeal of your home. With that said, you don’t have to abandon planting a lovely flower bed in front of your home, or other types of foliage, in a manner that can be seen by others. You have the ability to setback a fence a bit. By taking this step, you are left with a zone in front of the fence in which you can display your gardening prowess.

Enhancing the curb appeal of your home will make you an even prouder homeowner as long as you live in your residence. In addition, should the day come that you want to sell your residence, enhance curb appeal will make your home far more appealing to house hunters.

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Jessica Kane is a writer for Viking Fence, the number on fence rental company in Houston.

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Education

What is it Like on the Rocketship?

A great deal is said these days about “charter schools” and whether they are a blessing or a bane. One major entity in the field is Rocketship Public Schools (started as “Rocketship Education” in 2006), which has expanded from an initial school in San Jose to a network of 20 schools in three states and the District of Columbia.

A detailed account of RSED’s rise is education writer Richard Whitmire’s On the Rocketship: A Tech Entrepreneur’s Journey to Re-Think Education Through Charter Schools. (Jossey-Bass 2014).
Rocketship says its approach has “three pillars”;

• ““Personalized Learning: Tailoring instruction, content, learning experience, and pace to unleash the potential of every student.”
• “Talent Development: Investing in the growth and development of every team member to unleash their full potential in the classroom and beyond.”
• “Parent Power: Unleashing the power of parents to champion their children’s education, hold leaders accountable, and enable high-quality public schools to thrive.”

Rocketship has been known as a major proponent of what is known as “blended learning”, which seeks to use the best advantages of computerized digital learning techniques and more traditional classroom settings. Its particular approach is the “Lab Rotation” system, which divides a school day into subject blocks in classrooms (in turn split between humanities and mathematical subjects , and the “Learning Lab”, where Rocketship’s tutors assist students in making use of computerized learning systems.. Teachers also make use of devices such as iPads and Chromebooks in the classroom setting.

Reports on newer adjustments in this have led people to claim RSED is “turning away from” the blended learning paradigm. But former CEO John Danner responds: “Only in public education would continuous evolution be seen as a negative. Rocketship is never satisfied with its program, technology, approach, because they can see clearly how much better they can do. “

The latest Year in Review report gives statistical data on success in “closing the achievement gap” with pupils previously in underperforming schools.
A teacher working at one of the Nashville schools writes: “A progressive place to work! This company values the opinions of their employees. Th e company provided continual training and appreciation days for their teachers. It was a diverse environment with mission-driven goals!

Another teacher success story is recounted by Jeremy Ault about his experience at Rocketship’s Southside Community Prep in Milwaukee. He gives a heartfelt account of his experiences drawing out an initially nonverbal student.

More information is available at RSED’s own site.

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Family Adventures

3 Reasons to Make Cairo Your Next Stop for a Vacation

Egypt’s history has always been the major attraction to people visiting the capital – Cairo. The pyramids, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, are a sight to reckon and the multiple tombs are another attraction every student and expat wants to see at least once in their lifetime. Put together, these sites give us a brief history of early man and shed some light on the origins of civilization.

So, if you’re traveling to Egypt, these destinations would most likely be at the top of your list, which is by all mean a great idea.

However, did you know that there are dozens of other great spots and exhilarating sceneries to consider in the capital? Below, we look at three reasons to visit Cairo aside from the historical spots.

  1. Wildlife

Like most of the African countries, Egypt is home to a wide range of wildlife. One study says that the capital Cairo has approximately 100 mammal species. Some of the mammals you can expect to see include camels, Nubian ibex, giraffes, gazelles, ostriches, sand cats, and hedgehogs. Depending on the season, you might even be lucky to see a Fennec, the world’s smallest fox.

Besides these mammals, the capital is also home to dozens of marine animals including whales, dolphins, dugongs, seals, and manatees. Then, there is a range of reptiles also including cobras, horned vipers, and the Nile crocodiles.

Owing to the extreme weather conditions, some of these animals’ lives are in constant danger. Therefore, most of them can only be found in zoos and parks.

  1. Dip into the Arab culture

A visit to Cairo would put you in the heart of the Arab culture. It means you can explore everything about the culture from cuisines to arts and hospitality to lifestyles. What’s better, many tourists who’ve been there only have good things to say about the capital. Just about everyone in Cairo is excited to see tourists.

If you’re a music lover, you can also use the trip to learn about the local styles. Cairo is home to many different types of music, some of which aren’t globally heard. For instance, their traditional harps and flutes are rarely heard beyond the borders but are some of the most soothing musical instruments.

To complement the music, the locals are known to dance in bright colored, sequined designed bras and long flowing skirts. It’s majestic!

  1. The Nile River in all its glory

Being the longest river in the world at over 4,000 meters, the Nile is a must-see if you’re visiting Cairo. This north-flowing river runs right through the city and offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline during the early mornings and late evenings.

You can also get the chance to tour the river if you’re staying at one of the nearby luxurious hotels like Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel. It takes approximately three days to cruise from Aswan to Luxor, and you’ll be more than amazed by the ever-changing scenery; from lush green bushes to forests and then camel-filled deserts. From the deck of the ship, you’ll also be able to see Egyptian women washing along the river and men plowing their fields.

By the end of your visit, rest assured that you’ll have seen enough to convince you to come back.

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Business

What Happens to All the Reviews and Stars You Give a Service Provider?

Getting together with friends, going out with family or your Friday date nights success depend on how well you’ll get serviced. These occasions may warrant you to getting a bite at Chef Kanida Chey restaurant and letting other people take care of you for awhile. Most establishments invest a lot on making sure their staff and ambiance make you want more. Ever wondered how they take the reviews and comments you leave at the end of your stay? This is what is usually supposed to happen.

Reviews

Taking an example of the food industry, which is bound to deal with people everyday and get a whole lot of reviews. There is no way around this. It is assured that there will be lots of feedback from the customers. About various things including ; the food, the ambiance or even the staff serving them. In the food industry, every aspect deals with hospitality. How the customers are treated, how you get served and how clean the sitting area is.It is inevitable that there will be criticism and complaints. If the restaurant keeps the customers coming, then the compliments are an assurance. They are entitled to whatever opinion they want to have. So at the end of the day, the manager or whoever is in charge sits down and looks through all these reviews.

Accept or ignore the reviews

The managers are trained to know the fluff from the quality reviews. Some people just like to rave and rant and will complain about every little thing. Separating these reviews from those of well meaning gives the owners insight on what they really need to improve on. Sometimes whatever the review might be complaining about may be  complimented in another review. In this case the manager leaves it be for awhile to see what other clients might think then decide on what change to make. They also might consult the people who were working the floor, like waitresses or salespersons, to see why a certain review was given.

Improve or Excuse the Situation

Some improvements or changes to a situation might take awhile to be cleared by the necessary protocols involved. This is where you find the managers or staff excusing whatever situation that might potentially make you uncomfortable. They’ll take a second or two to explain why the situation is still present and how they’re working to improve It in the next week or so. If most people don’t mind, then the excuse will be made a part of the establishments pitch just incase someone does mind. If the reviews were praising the good quality of the service then the establishment will aim to maintain the standards.

Wrap up

So as you go out and get serviced, keep in mind to give an honest review that will be a positive critic. People tend to ignore these reviews thinking that it won’t make a difference when in truth establishment owners take them very serious. If you wish to see something changed or improved don’t be afraid to say so. But also remember to give compliments where they’re due. You might just be the cause of someone getting a raise.

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Home

How To Get A Bang For Your Buck When It Comes To Family Money

The topic of family money management is one that comes with raised eyebrows. Apparently, everyone seems to have their own idea of money management, and in some cases, it makes it hard to progress. It is estimated that around 30% of couples clash over monies. This is because of priorities, tough choices and personal preferences for money management. Luckily, there are few things that can restore calm and ensure a good return for every dime spent.

Good Budgeting

There is no perfect budgeting criteria that can end all family clashes over finances. However, there are a number of things that can help a family with good budgeting.

First, you need to embrace the habit of creating one. Many people know about budgeting but rarely do it. All kinds of expenses emerge every day and you need a realistic and systematic way of ensuring efficient fund use.

Secondly, you need to set your priorities straight, which is the sole purpose of a budget. Good budgeting will focus on family priorities creating a win-win deal for everyone. Start good budgeting today and you will lessen family clashes.

Consulting and Support

Many hands make work light and two heads are better than one. It is not wrong to seek out advice and support from other people who have been in your situation before. This will really help you more than you can imagine.

You will not only gain great insight into successful family money management but also avoid certain mistakes that generally cut across most families. So, take an initiative to seek counsel and advice. You will be one step ahead.

Account Consolidation

Some people have multiple accounts. This may mean having multiple credit card balances over time if you are in need of money. Managing all these credit accounts can be very expensive. Consider taking out a loan to consolidate existing debts, thereby reducing the managing costs by settling everything all at once.

Time-savers for Money

Family comes with tons of responsibilities and you will never have enough time in your hands to do everything. So why not try out some options to save time.

A good example is checking with your bank to see what kind of services they offer to their customers. Do they have mobile banking? Can you automate bill payments? Is it possible to schedule savings? And can you have a system for email and text alerts concerning your finances? These are all awesome ways of saving time and creating room for other things.

Successful family money management can be achieved with discipline and effort. These tips are just a few reminders of what you need to do.

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Automobiles

Could Subscription Based Cars Replace Car Ownership?

Subscriptions are a big deal in our lives – subscription TV, beauty boxes, even digital magazines.  But would you subscribe to a car rather than owning your own vehicle?  Motor giant Ford is betting that people will along with several other big-name automotive producers and are looking into offer subscription-based cars.

How the idea works

People still want to have a car but what they don’t want is the commitment – the cost of running, the cost of parts if there’s a breakdown, (at wWw.BestPartStore.co.uk, for example,) all the other expenses of being a car owner.  The idea behind a car subscription is that everything is bundled into one monthly price – the warranty, maintenance and roadside assistance as well as the vehicle itself.

There are already examples out there – Book by Cadillac offers a monthly price of $1800 so customers can swap and change their vehicle as they want.  And for those with a bigger budget, you can choose any of the 22 models of Porsche on their Passport scheme for $3000 a month.

Ford are targeting a different audience – millennials and customers who work with a budget.  Their packages start from $400 a month depending on the vehicle and other options that you choose.  You can select the mileage plan like you would select a contract for your smartphone and unused miles can roll over from one month to another.  There’s no contract and you can just give seven days’ notice to stop altogether – obviously and return the vehicle.

Ford Canvas

The scheme is called Ford Canvas and is currently based on the idea of Fair, a vehicle subscription company out of Santa Monica, California.  Run by Scott Painter and backed by BMW another others, the company recently set up a deal with Uber’s Xchange to become the exclusive supplier for US drivers who need to access a car for more than 30 days.

Canvas is still in its infancy with just 600 customers around the San Francisco and Los Angeles area so far.  But that’s the way Ford planned it, having bought a start-up called Breeze in 2016 and focusing on supplying vehicles to Uber and Lyft drivers.

Building on success

Ford intends to take this early success and offer it to a wider audience in 2018 with more customer needs to be catered for.  Month to month subscriptions is the start with greater customization coming along with the ability to cater for customers who want to use the product for the longer term at better deal prices.

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Family Adventures

Where To Go If You’re Planning a Trip To Minnesota

There are plenty of reasons to go to Minnesota, and if you’re planning a trip to the Midwestern state, it may be hard to narrow them all down.

It’s a diverse state with attractions ranging from world-class shopping to outdoor adventures.

You may be planning to rent an RV in St. Paul just as an example, and travel around the state, and if so below are some of the top things you should try to incorporate into your itinerary.

Mall of America

Located in Bloomington, there’s no way to mention a trip to Minnesota without talking about the Massive Mall of America.

This enormous mall in the suburbs of the Twin Cities is the largest mall in the U.S and the 12th largest in the world. It’s one of the most visited shopping destinations in the world, and in addition to the stores, there’s no lack of entertainment for the entire family here.

Kids will love Nickelodeon Universe, the Crayola Experience + Store, Rock Ages Blacklight Minigolf, and the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, just to name a few of the attractions outside of shopping.

Brainerd Lakes

The entire state of Minnesota is known for its lakes, and Brainerd Lakes is one of the favorite areas. This area is perfect if you love the outdoors because it’s known for fishing, adventure sports, golf, hunting, and biking.

In the summer there are plenty of opportunities for water sports, and in the winter it’s all about the snow sports.

Brainerd is only about 125 miles north of the Twin Cities, and there’s also shopping and dining in the area.

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

There is an area near Duluth that’s known as the North Shore of Lake Superior, and along this shore are amazing parks.

One of the favorites is Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

There are hiking trails along the lake, you can fish for trout and salmon, and the rocky shoreline is picturesque.

There are also plenty of RV parks in the area.

Lanesboro

Lanesboro is a small town in Southeastern Minnesota, and many people opt to visit it because of the Root River State Bike Trail. This is widely considered one of the best biking trails in Minnesota.

Also in this riverside town are opportunities for fishing, shopping and eating at the small town local restaurants the area is known for.

Winter Sports

There are so many areas throughout Minnesota where your family can enjoy a variety of winter sports.

Buck Hill is known for being where Lindsey Vonn first started her career, and they feature a freestyle airbag jump, as well as three chairlifts, night skiing, and private lessons.

Hyland Hill is in the Highland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington, so you don’t even have to leave the urban area to enjoy it. It features a progressive terrain park and a newly constructed chalet.

Finally, there’s also Lutsen Mountain on the North Shore with high peaks and great views along with rental equipment for both children and adults.

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Work

Traveling Wisely with Wifi: A Guide to Staying Connected on the Move

Modern life is becoming increasingly fast-paced; in a globalized world, obligations drag individuals across countries and continents, often far from the people they love. Whether traveling for work or leisure, modern WiFi-fitted transportation means checking in with the office, checking out your cousin’s wedding snaps, or simply video chatting with far-off family is just a matter of choosing the most appropriate vehicle. Bearing in mind the various methods of transportation available, here’s a handy guide to remaining connected while the world passes by out of your window, cabin, carriage, or even cockpit!

In the Sky

Long-haul flights can range from dreams to living nightmares, and the ability to escape the wailing babies and snoring neighbors is only partially achieved through in-flight entertainment systems. While most airliners offer WiFi for a fairly large sum of money, it’s worth shopping around before booking your flight as the likes of Emirates and Norwegian offer complimentary WiFi on longer flights! Perhaps most important for businessmen with emails flying in and out at all times, choosing who you spend your time in the sky with will ensure you’re connected from take-off to touch-down.

On the Seas

Cruises are a fabulous way to travel the world in comfort and style, hopping off in a new and unique destination each day. It’s proven to do wonders for your well-being! However, land time wasted hunting down phone signal, arm flailing wildly in the air, isn’t exactly how the brochure depicted your dream holiday! There’s now a healthy choice of luxury vessels that offer free onboard WiFi – operators such as Viking Ocean Cruises and Silversea, for instance. This means you’ll show your trip off on social media from the comfort of your plush cabin instead of from a WiFi zone on land!

On the Road

Burning data on road trips – using online maps, or hands-freeing online calls – can entail plenty of costs and the often laborious process of topping-up on the move. If you’ve got a full car with passengers racing through their data allowance, you’re looking at a real headache when the monthly bills come through! When there’s premium options like a sophisticated Audi A3 for sale that boasts built-in WiFi, these extra travel stresses are becoming a thing of the past, allowing for blissfully stress-free internet use on the go!

On the Rails

Often traveling by train can feel like a cramped and uncomfortable journey from A to B, but this needn’t be the case. Getting from city to city via the rails is now supplemented by WiFi either as an additional option on first-class, or occasionally for free on certain train operators. Again, comparing companies is key here! This isn’t to mention those luxury train journeys that feel like you’ve entered into a wonderful bygone era of dining carts – except on most there’s WiFi as standard!

WiFi connection is now so integral to modern life – whether in the context of business or pleasure – that traveling can feel a real inconvenience without it. Follow this guide by shopping around and considering cost-saving long-term options to ensure you’re never disconnected again!

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Home

Things To Consider Before Getting A Pet

The idea of getting a pet can be ever so tempting, especially when the kids keep asking, asking, asking. However, pet ownership is not to be taken lightly, and it’s not something that everyone can do well. So before committing to a pet in your home, there are a few things that you should definitely consider first.

Research The Idea

Don’t even begin searching for a pet until you have done all the research necessary. That means firstly researching which kind of pet will work best for your family, and then discovering everything you can about caring for them. Sit everyone down and have a serious meeting about all the things that will need to be done, and ensure that everyone understands they will all have to pitch in. From walking a dog to feeding your pet the right foods, to treating them for fleas and ticks with treatments from VetIQ, there is a lot to do. Some pets require less care than others. A dog, for example, needs a lot more looking after than a goldfish. However, that doesn’t mean that that care should fall to one person, or that just because you don’t want to take your dog for a walk or clean out your hamster’s cage you can leave it for another day. This talk will determine whether you’re actually ready for a pet at all; gauge your family’s reactions, and you’ll know what the answer should be, even if it’s not the one you, or they, were hoping for!

Be Honest

If you want to get a pet, you must be honest with yourself about your lifestyle. Are you at home enough to take care of it? Do you have the room? Could you afford the vet’s bills? The bedding? The food? If you can’t, or even if you’re not sure, it’s best not to get a pet. It should be easy to work out a budget and see if you have the spare money to care well for an animal. It should also be easy to determine how much space you have, and how much time you’re at home. Animals will need company, and they will need room not only to move around in but for all their equipment too. These observations could also help to determine which type of pet you get, and how big it could be, so it’s an important step to take. If your children are the ones pushing for a pet, it’s essential that they take part in this preparation stage too. If the answer is no, they will be able to understand why.

Choosing The Right Pet

There are pros and cons to every type of pet, so it’s important to think of them before deciding which one to choose. Dogs and cats may be popular choices, but they need a lot more attention and are harder work than many smaller animals. Guinea pigs can be an ideal first pet because they are social creatures, and are easy to handle. Gerbils and hamsters are lovely, but due to their small size they can be hard for children to hold properly, and that means they soon lose interest. Whatever you get, make sure that all of your family are happy with the choice, and that they will all want to get close and take care of the pet. There is no point in having a lizard, spider, or snake in the house, for example, if someone won’t go near. What would happen if it managed to get out of its cage or vivarium? What would happen if everyone was sick and just left the one person who couldn’t stand to be near the creature to feed and care for it? It wouldn’t be fair. If it is to be a family pet, it has to be one that everyone will love. Pets that aren’t going to be suitable for a family include rabbits. Rabbits bite and scratch, and although some will eventually get used to being held, many won’t. This can mean a lot of nasty nips for the kids, and the rabbit could potentially suffer from a broken back or limbs from being dropped. Chinchillas are cute and soft, but they are also high maintenance and need a lot of specialist equipment. They also like to take dust baths, so they make a lot of mess. Some dogs are just not happy being around children, so you’ll need to do your homework if you have your heart set on a pooch.

Find A Way For Everyone To Contribute

If the only thing standing in the way of you saying yes to a pet is that you don’t think your younger family members can deal with the work involved, try coming up with ways to make it possible and to make it fun. If it’s fun, they’ll want to be more involved anyway, and making things into a game, or, better still, a competition, is a good way to ensure that no one’s chores are pushed to one side. A small child may not be able to clean out the fish tank successfully, and they may not be able to walk the dog. They certainly shouldn’t be cleaning out a cat’s litter box. But they can take part in some way. This ensures that they are having good values instilled in them, and by the time they are ready to carry out the work, they can do.

Be Prepared

Once the novelty of having the new pet wears off, some children may start to lose interest in helping out. Be prepared to get stuck in yourself. Someone has to do it, after all. Despite what your children may have promised (and some will promise the world to get their longed-for new pet), things change, and if no one is there to take responsibility then it is the pet that will suffer. How you handle your child’s change of heart is down to you and your own method of parenting, but the pet needs to be considered.

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