Lifeskills for survival

Encouraging children to sleep

2015-04-20T17:07:00.002+10:00

Encouraging children to sleep can be subtle or fraught with tension.
Why not just change the environmental stimuli in your home as a routine procedure.

By turning down the lights or, using low voltage lamps instead of overhead lights the energy n the room changes.

The colours are more subtle which helps to reduce eye strain and brain stimulation.

Sit the children further back away from the television and encourage relaxation with the use of cushions on the floor. Preferably with quiet stuffing rather that rattly beads.

Remember the room the TV is in may once have been called a lounge; a place for rest and relaxation so why not try to recreate this. Relaxation leads to sleep!!

Listen to Your Body

2015-04-20T16:40:00.001+10:00

Listen to Your Body

When dealing with sensitivities to some foods as well as to proven allergies, always listen to how your body reacts.

For example; some people are sensitive to the lactose in milk others the albumin in white foods such as wheat, fish, eggs. Chilli and spices affect some people while others enjoy them.

There are many scientific reasons for sensitivities and allergies but one factor that is known but not always included is heredity. Genes do funny things and cross over from past generations and become what people call a throwback The more people inter breed the greater variety of gene patterns that can occur in one family and the greater variety of possible dietary differences may be encountered.

Teaching your child to listen to their body will help them to chose the most suitable diet for their future health.

Happiness is Home-brewed

2015-04-20T16:19:00.001+10:00

Happiness is Home-brewed.

Recently there have been many media programs advocating the benefits of natural foods. Natural meaning fresh veges and fruit, lean meats, and milk; reducing grains, sugar and especially over processing.

Foods that are home/hand made are less likely to contain chemicals used to enhance flavour and preservation.

Takeaways are gradually moving to include fresh vegetable in the wraps and meals as well. There may always be chips and snacks but, by increasing the content of natural fresh foods, the body has a better chance of cleansing waste, chemicals and maintaining the necessary enzymes and vitamins for healthy digestion.

How to fix a jammed door

2015-04-19T20:13:00.000+10:00

How to fix a jammed door
Why can't I open my kitchen door? Something is blocking it!
I have tried to budge the object that has fallen down and there is no other way in at present as i can not get round the house to the back door.

I will have to wait for help when a male family member comes home.
How did I use the waiting time effectively? I went to town giving myself an excuse to enjoy coffee and an eclair.. After all chocolate is supposed to stimulate dopamine and cream soothes the nerves

Emergency Survival Kit

2014-10-18T15:27:00.000+11:00

Emergency Survival Kit

Now that summer is around the corner and we are being advised to prepare against fires. Preparing for emergencies before the summer fire season saves panic and pain.

Below is an outline of essential things to include in your kit as well as reminders to check before you leave.

Have a bag ready containing:-

· A waterproof torch and spare batteries

· Portable battery operated radio

· A mobile phone and charger

· Candles with waterproof matches/or lighter

· First aid kit with manual

· A combination pocket knife

· A waterproof bag for valuable

· A list of contact numbers and a list of ID numbers

Add to this a bag with the following

· A change of clothes for each member

· Woollen blankets

· Cash, ATM cards, credit cards

· Medications, toiletries and sanitary supplies

· Important documents, valuables, photos in a waterproof bag

· Special requirements for elderly, injured or disabled.

· Drinking water (at least 3 litres per person per day)

This list was originally compiled by NSW Bush Fire Information line. A more comprehensive list and information is available online from Attorney- General’s Office

www.ag.gov.au: phone 02 6256 4600: E-mail : ema@ema.gov.au

Making Nappies

2014-05-10T17:04:00.002+10:00

Before disposable nappies became an everyday thing, I made my own panty for liners from soft material or a nappy. To make a pattern cut a paper nap up, make sure to snip the elastic so that it can be laid flat on paper. I used 3 domes on each side as velcro was not readily on the market. I sewed a strip of plastic down the centre of nappy, the width of the centre bit for waterproofing. Soft elastic at the leg holes and stronger at the wast. Next step was to cut up and fold nappies to fit like a disposable pad inside. These are easy to launder.with any solid matter being disposed of down toilet. As I no longer have one to photograph I wish you all the best in following my description and trust that you will use it for yourself not as a commercial product.

Too Sleep or not?

2013-06-06T16:44:00.001+10:00

Ever had trouble with the lights in the room making sleep near impossible

I have often wondered about just burying my head under a pillow but I enjoy breathing. The result is that when I tried to black out the light I became more aware of it. A friend told me of her Total black out system. I think I will get one too.

Have you tried this one or another. What was the better one to go with?

Back to the garden

2013-04-10T17:49:00.001+10:00

10/4/13 - Where has the time gone? The latest method of creating a garden out of recyclable garbage has grown in my own yard. From the remains of storage timber, pallets and buckets I have started an above ground garden The main reasons being that, I did not have to dig an area that would be disturbed when the painter came to perform their magic on an old house and there was plenty of material around to try this. The pallets provided a sound base on top of which I lay polystyrene boxes, filled them to top with potting mix and put in the seedling that I had either grown in trays or purchased from stores. Big plants such as tomatoes and cucumbers went into old buckets.

Things I discovered. a) potting mix alone does not have enough nourishment and needs to be fortified with blood and bone, fertiliser and frequent doses of seaweed mix or crystals. b)The hot sun shriveled much of the plant growth and I decided a big change was needed to the layout and the protection I could provide from the vagaries of Victorian weather. A green house is my next project. Meanwhile there are more hopeful seedling prepared

1 nutritional experience for all who visit

2013-01-06T14:38:00.001+11:00

Last line on welcome board reads
"Gardening is an act of faith in the future."

We two 'out of towners" went wandering around Melbourne on a Saturday after Christmas. Ending up in Dockland was like the aftermath of an evacuation. Only one coffee shop to sustain our flagging spirits! So that was the upgraded Docklands! Back to Flinders Station and by tram to St. Kilda Beach joining the shoppers and diners accompanied by the shrieks from the Luna Park Ferris-wheel riders. After buying a weird, wide sun hat we headed towards the smell of the sea.

A thing of beauty is a joy forever -anon

Just around the corner we entered the Veg Out gardens. What a treat to rest among plants, creative ideas for plot plans and decorations.made from recycled junk. If every picture tells a story there was plenty to think about while wandering about.

The bench shown became I thing of beauty transformed from a few slabs of wood.The colors contrast with the peaceful business within the garden beds and their surrounds. There are a few seats of different design within these community gardens.

Plots were small and gardened by local residents from the adjacent Government flats. The opportunity to 'earth the soul' for city dwellers is an important part of balancing the mind away from the demands of business. In my personal and professional life I have seen the difference a High Functioning Austic child or adult manifests when a garden can redirect that " residual energy' that needs somewhere to earth. Often educational areas from all learning areas now have established gardens and vegetative learning v\centers. Terrific things to let people incorporate jobs and responsibilities into their days.

Garden with lunch already growing.

The idea behind the St Kilda Community Garden was to give people in condensed housing precinct an area to grow their foods while meeting their neighbors in a non threading supervised location.

Next time in Melbourne try to visit here. We promote the idea of using small spaces to grow foods that can be freshly harvested free of questionable commercial chemicals.

Tell Me the Truth - factors that influence

2012-02-18T12:39:00.000+11:00

Things people say or declare as being the scientific truth tend to set me searching the annals of research again. I am sure I read Bundoora some time during my own degree studies but needed to broaden my horizons on the topic of 'Children don't Lie" Now where was I when my children were growing up? During the early years when the child parent contact is closer it is possible to analyse their stories along with them so that they see for themselves

the facts don't line up.
your not buying it.

But socialization soon catches up with them and t hey learnt practice how to lie effectively. Our welfare and legal processes suffer from the best of the liars. Now to the internet. Look up the question 'do children lie?' and there is information from noted psychologists and educators that not only explain how the process is learned but disproves the assumption that children do not lie. Fear is one of the strongest motivator whether it is to prevent being found out or whether it is through intimidation from someone or a situation which is dominating that child.

Children (that includes those older people who still behave like frightened children) TELL THE TRUTH AS THEY SEE IT. Perception is influenced by subconscious memory of stored fears and threats. Hence the power of the classroom or workplace bully as well as the sexual predator.

Manners maketh man

2012-02-13T16:53:00.000+11:00

I just had a very disturbing ride on the local bus service. Yes racism is still here. Especially so

in social areas where some of the local inhabitants still jeer at overseas visitors. My

experience this morning while waiting for the bus, saw two new Asian girls lugging heavy

cases and waiting quietly for the same bus to their university, being heckled and invited to go

home. They haven't even had time to be here yet let alone go back home. How disgusting.

Where was the common courtesy, social manners and respect from a gentleman towards a

lady traveler who could have needed some help to get those cases on the bus. No! Mr. Rude

and Ignorant went first.

Nutritional junk

2012-02-13T16:49:00.000+11:00

Why haven't we environmentally aware people found a solution to disposing of all the old

modems and hard drives. Just imagine some time in the future when the earth get

indigestion and coughs up a large area of electronic junk. It wont even be able to break down

into nutrition for future plants. The poor worms will be wired up the same as fish and turtles

that swallow plastic bags.

Sexual Assault Prevention

2012-02-08T21:53:00.003+11:00

Be alert. Don't assume that you are always safe. Think about your safety everywhere. Your best protection is avoiding dangerous situations.
Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in any situation, leave.
Always walk, drive, and park your car in well-lit areas.
Walk confidently at a steady pace on the side of the street facing traffic.
Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys.
Wear clothes and shoes that allow freedom of movement.
Walk to your car with keys in your hand.
If you have car trouble, raise the hood and stay inside your car. If a stranger wants to help, have him or her call for help. Don't leave your car.
Keep your car doors locked and never pick up hitch-hikers.
Make sure all windows and doors in your home are locked, especially if you are home alone.
Never give the impression that you are home alone if strangers telephone or come to the door.
If a stranger asks to use your phone, have him wait outside while you make the call.
If you come home and find a door or window open or signs of forced entry, don't go in. Go to the nearest phone and call police or security.

Security Do and Don't s for Children

2012-02-08T21:50:00.003+11:00

Security Do and Don't s for Children

Teach children never to admit strangers into the home.
Teach children local emergency phone numbers, and how to use the home phone as well as a mobile.
Make sure younger children know their name, address, and phone number.
Teach young children how to answer the telephone so that they do not give out personal information, such as home address, absence of adults, etc.
Teach children how to say no to strangers.
Caution teenagers about blind dates or meeting anyone they do not know.
Teach younger members of your family not to open mail or packages.
each children how to exit the house in case of emergency.

Emergency Plan Pack.

2012-02-08T21:47:00.001+11:00

Emergency Plan Pack.

Each State in Australia has published online their own emergency procedures and resources for help. The Australian Government, Attorney General's Department has published a comprehensive Emergency Management System. Internet www.ema.gov.au email ema@ema.gov.au

This publication covers all forms of disaster and will provide a more in depth list of strategies to use. A copy would inform family members in whichever eventuality, from fires and bombs to epidemics. It includes a general list for an emergency kit as well as first aid tips.

Home Made Survival Kits

2012-02-08T21:43:00.000+11:00

Home Made Survival Kits

Creating a home made survival kit is inexpensive, allows you to choose personal items to add.

Containers. A backpack with many pockets allows you to find things quickly and ,as it is carried on the back, will leave your hands free for other tasks.

Your kit should plan for 3 days away.

It should include torch and extra batteries, food, water, warm clothing, first aid kit, mobile phone and extra battery. A radio helps you keep in touch with news, and advice. Personal medicines, anti histamines and inhalers included in fire areas. Include important papers such as insurance papers, property ownership, Personal identity for all members. Licences and any others you may need.

Drinking water! 3 litres per day per person is recommended. Also include water purifying tables, toilet roll and sanitary needs for women. If you are taking your pet don't forget food and water for it.

Smoke detectors save lives

2012-02-08T21:41:00.000+11:00

Install smoke detectors in your home.(Change batteries at both daylight saving times)
Create and practice with your family, a fire escape plan.
Take fire preventive measures such as those listed below.
Cigarettes cause house fires from smoking in bed, careless disposal of butts and matches, don't place barbecues near the house. Be careful of sparks in the garage/ workshop from tools or welders.
Frequently check for faulty wiring on appliances; overloaded circuits or frayed extension cords; leaky gas cylinders;dirty chimneys and air vents;

Check list of fire prevention tips for survival

2012-02-08T21:38:00.000+11:00

Install smoke detectors in your home.(Change batteries at both daylight saving times)
Create and practice with your family, a fire escape plan.
Take fire preventive measures such as those listed below.
Cigarettes cause house fires from smoking in bed, careless disposal of butts and matches, don't place barbecues near the house. Be careful of sparks in the garage/ workshop from tools or welders.
Frequently check for faulty wiring on appliances; overloaded circuits or frayed extension cords; leaky gas cylinders;dirty chimneys and air vents;

Three vital fire facts

2012-02-08T21:36:00.000+11:00

Surviving Fire

You and your family should create a fire exit plan together. Learn how to escape the house from every room. Locate two exits from each bedroom. Designate a meeting place outside the house. Most importantly--especially if you have children--PRACTICE YOUR PLAN WITH THEM!

Three vital facts you should know about fire:

It isn't usually fire that kills; it is the products of combustion--smoke, toxic gases, or superheated air.
Fire travels at lightning speed--up to 19 feet per second, and faster uphill than down.
The critical hours for a house fire are 11 PM to 6 AM when most people are asleep.

This means you need to detect fire early, and you must move quickly when you do. You and your family can avoid becoming a statistic if you:

Personal safety to survive carjacking

2012-02-08T21:30:00.001+11:00

Carjacking

When in your car, always keep the doors locked. Any time you drive through areas containing stoplights, stop signs, or anything that significantly reduces vehicular speed, keep your windows up.
Leave ample manoeuvring space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. If you are approached by suspicious persons while you are stopped, do not roll down windows; drive away quickly.
If you are being followed or harassed by another driver, try to find the nearest police station, hotel, or other public facility. Once you find a place of safety, don't worry about using a legal parking space. Park as close as you can, and get inside fast.
If another driver tries to force you to pull over or to cut you off, keep driving and try to get away. Try to note the license plate number of the car and a description of the car and driver. If this effort places you in danger, don't do it. The information is not as important as your safety.
If you are being followed, never lead the person back to your home or stop and get out. Drive to the nearest police station, public facility.. (You could verify surveillance by going completely around an arbitrarily chosen block.) Always report these incidents to the police.
If you are travelling alone and a car bumps into you, don't stop to exchange accident information. Go to the nearest service station or other public place to call the police.
Never, ever pick up hitch-hikers!
When you park, look for a spot that offers good lighting and is close to a location where there are a lot of people. Lock valuables in the trunk, and lock all doors.
Extra precautions are necessary when shopping. If you take packages out to lock them in your trunk, then plan to return to the stores to do more shopping, it may be a good idea to move your car to another section of the parking lot or street. The criminal knows that you will be coming back and can wait to ambush you. By moving your car, you give the impression you're leaving. If you think you are being followed, do not go back to your car. Return to the safety of the occupied shopping area or office building and contact the authorities.

Relaxation and sport

2012-02-08T21:19:00.000+11:00

How does muscle relaxation improve your performance in sport, study and relaxationships.?

A muscle works by contracting and relaxing, thereby creating tone. If a muscle is perpectually in a tense state and seldom fully relaxed then there is greater risk of damage to muscles, tendons and ligaments because the range for full function is reduced.

What are stressors

2012-02-08T21:17:00.002+11:00

It is important to confront your personal stressors, using them as focal points for letting go the tension they create. Everyone has different experiences of stress and therefore individual stress reactions to objectes or situations.

So! what are stressors?

Stressors can be fears or everyday contacts and objects often reminding you of past trauma. Internalised reactions to unresolved conflict in relationships, benefit from the help of counselling, self awareness therapy and relaxed visualisation.

Relaxation as a learned technique

2012-02-08T21:16:00.000+11:00

Relaxation is a learned technique which you can work at by yourself in your chosen space without needing people to physically relax you (unless you are participating in a group with an instructor). The art of relaxation becomes a lifeskill which will develop self awareness, become part of your being., and help you survive today's busy lifestyle.

What is relaxation

2012-02-08T21:11:00.002+11:00

Relaxation! - What is it?

Maybe you enjoy listening to music or sitting in the sun with a book over your eyes.

How about having a massage or a sauna. Drinks, or the odd pill or two.

Retail shopping works if you have the money but can be stressful if your purse is empty.

These methods are all dependent on someone or something to induce a relaxed state while some of the after effects can be daunting to the ego and well-being

If you stay on board and follow this blog we will discuss the basics of what physical relaxation does and can achieve. Basically by relaxing your muscles you relax your mind releasing the shared tensions Do something while doing nothing doing something while doing nothing

learning maths

2012-02-06T17:16:00.002+11:00

Learning Maths.
The method of teaching maths has rapidly changed over the last 50 years, but nothing works without being able to recall the tables quickly. Chanting was taken out in favour of a constructive method and now the web sites and books are full of games to enhance understanding. As a relieving teacher I have found that many student between yrs5 and 10 do not know their tables. Whether this is lack of teaching, student learning gaps or plain confusion, it all boils down to the same thing. A traffic jam in maths skills. The best method I have found is to build on construction as well as repetition.
Start with the block of numbers chart often found on the back of exercise books.Explain the process of building this chart to the student, show a few examples and then set them to build the rest for his/her self. That way they are constructing concepts in their thinking. Once that is done make longitudinal lists for individual tables using the block chart. Two perceptions develop. Later lessons include the old fashioned chant method. Believe me the numbers will never leave the child's mind. That way you are combining numbers with rhythm which assists in the learning, retention and recall process. If there are students in your class who are lacking behind in their tables, the rapid maths exercises will only leave them behind further and add to their frustration, low self esteem and failure. There is no harm in setting this activity for the whole class as it makes for active revision.