Your mission
In order to provide an outdoor space that offers children a fun play area while not taking on the semblance of a playground, one must engage in some intensive creative planning. In an article on how to create a kid-friendly back yard without parents having to sacrifice on their space’s aesthetic appeal, the author gives some landscaping tips. For example, making a “secret garden” for your children will inspire their imaginations, and the space can be used for parents while the little ones are in bed. The author states that whether it is behind a grove of trees or tucked behind hedges, an area spaced away from the main yard can be used as a fort or a fairy hideaway to inspire your kid’s imaginations. After the little ones are in bed parents can set out some lanterns and cushions and use the space for a relaxing evening with a glass of wine. 

The author also suggests planning a children’s garden. The addition of a garden won’t infantilize your outdoor space in the slightest, but it will provide your kids with a space of their own where they can learn about the science of growing their own produce and flowers. Having their own garden will teach them time management skills and responsibility, while adding color and vibrancy to the space.

Safety
Having a safe environment for your kids while keeping a luxurious look for parents is an easy enough goal to reach. For example, use some non-skid pavers to prevent your children from slipping. Of course kids will be kids, and there is no way to prevent them from injury unless you expect them it live in a bubble, but buying classy looking pavers with a skid-proof finish and some non toxic plants and flowers for the garden will keep children safer while providing parents with an elegant look.

Furnishings
Finding the right furniture to help define the space can be a challenge if one hopes to meet the needs of both parents and children. While the furniture must be fun for kids, it must flow with the rest of the adult furnishings. A great solution to this challenge is to purchase a set of neutral colored patio furniture from All Backyard Fun, and buy a separate sectional middle chair for each child. Kids will love this option because it will make them feel like the chair is their own. You can even get fun pillows with designs your child loves to put on the chair and further defining it for your little one. Parents love this option even more because when they are entertaining larger groups, the kid’s pillows can be taken inside and the sectionals will simply flow as a continuation of the rest of the mature living space’s furnishings.

No compromise is necessary
By following these points of advise, parents don’t have to compromise and be stuck with a yard full of Mickey Mouse statues and Spiderman playthings. A little creativity can offer a multi-functional space that will delight parents and kids alike.

Material

Wood – Hardwoods, such as teak, eucalyptus, and oak, make beautiful outdoor furniture and, if cared for properly, last for decades. Wooden furniture can often be stacked and stored in the winter. However, they can be quite heavy and teak requires annual oiling to prevent it turning grey.

Aluminium – Light enough to be easily moved, yet solid enough to withstand wind, aluminium outdoor furniture is an affordable and popular option and is available in a wide range of coloured powder coated finishes. The lack of ability to stack and store means they often have to be kept outside all year round.

Synthetic rattan or wicker – Stylish and modern, this weather-resistant material, often crafted over an aluminium frame, is used to create comfortable outdoor armchairs and sofas for true outdoor living. However, as with aluminium furniture, they don’t stack and store easily.

Textilene – Textilene is often utilised, in conjunction with wood or aluminium, to create lightweight outdoor furniture for use on the move, such as folding chairs.

Table and chair sets

Firstly, consider the area in which your table and chairs will reside. Measure it, making sure to include enough room for each chair to be moved backwards for people to sit down and get up. Once you know the size you need, also consider which shape would best suit the space – square, round, oval, or rectangular. If you only have a small space, a bistro set is ideal, whereas large families, or those who love to entertain, and who have the space should opt for a bigger table and multiple chairs.

Sofa sets

For those who just love to be outdoors, a comfortable outdoor sofa set is heaven. A sofa and armchairs crafted from a synthetic or real rattan base, topped with soft cushions, with matching side tables and coffee table, both looks and plays the part.

Loungers

What’s more relaxing than chilling out in your back yard in the sunshine on a reclining lounger (preferably with ice-cold drink in hand)? A wide range of loungers are available, from classy wooden ones, to smart brushed aluminium ones, to cheap and cheerful plastic ones. Choose one in the same material as your garden set, ideally with wheels for portability, or select a lightweight one for popping in the car.

Beach chairs

When it comes to a beach chair, the lighter the better, and collapsibility is essential. You might also want to consider drink holders, a head rest, and heat-resistant material.

Copywriter and journalist Emily Buckley lives for the summer and adores spending lazy Sunday afternoons entertaining in the garden. She also contributes articles for BIG W, a leading Australian retailer.

For a new parent, car seats can be a tricky endeavor. Between choosing the right car seat, figuring out how to install it in the car, and then figuring out how to secure your child in it, there is lots of room for potential mistakes. But making mistakes in any of those three steps could mean the car seat doesn’t work as it should, and the risk for your child’s safety is greater. Fortunately, if you know the common car seat mistakes then you’re a lot less likely to make them when putting that car seat in your car. Check out these common car seat mistakes that happen way too often, so you can be sure you’re practicing proper procedure when putting the car seat in the car.

Buying the Wrong Car Seat

One mistake a lot of new parents make when it comes to car seats happens before the car seat even enters the car! Purchasing the wrong car seat for your child means that the car seat may not protect your child in the case of an accident. This can usually be avoided simply by buying a new car seat and not a used one. If you do buy a used car seat, you need to make sure that it’s not a model that’s ever been recalled. It should also be only a few years old, because anything older than six years is likely outdated and won’t keep your child safe. When in doubt, buy new; it’s one of the safest decisions you can make for your child. Even better, you can try and win one, with the baby on board contest going on right now.

Using the Car Seat as a Crib

It can be tempting to use your car seat as a crib when inside your home, but this should always be avoided. It may seem harmless to put your child in the car seat when not in the car, but it can have dangerous side effects on your child’s health. Sitting upright in a car seat may compress a child’s chest, which could lead to lower levels of oxygen. Spending too long in a car seat means your child could be subject to gastroesophageal reflux disease, a chronic digestive disease that isn’t fun for anyone. Additionally, the car seat isn’t strapped in when not in the car, meaning your child could easily rock his or her way out of it and on to the ground. Just always remember that the car seat is for the car only, and you should be fine.

Switching Car Seats too Soon

If you have a very young child, you’re likely using a rear facing car seat. One of the most common mistakes a parent can make when it comes to car seats is switching out that rear facing seat for a front facing seat before your child is ready. Your child should be around two years old before you switch to a front facing car seat, and he or she should be past the weight requirement for the rear facing seat. Always check the manufactures guidelines when considering switching car seats, and don’t do it if it isn’t safe.

Image credit:safercar.gov

1. If it’s something that hasn’t been used in years… Despite the fact that you may think you’re going to use that item that has been steadily collecting dust for the past five years, the reality is you probably aren’t and you probably won’t miss it when it’s gone. Go ahead and get rid of that and stop hanging onto the “maybe one day…” mindset. This goes for children’s toys too – unless there’s some sort of sentimental value attached to a particular toy, it’s best to box up toys that kids have outgrown and donate them so that other kids can get some use out of them.

2. If it doesn’t fit… Women especially have a tendency to hang onto clothes that don’t fit anymore and usually without any real good reason. Whether it’s too big, too small or if it never really fit the way you wanted, the fact is it doesn’t fit and it needs to go. Hanging onto clothes that don’t fit correctly means you’re hanging onto clothes that are just taking up space. As kids begin to outgrow different outfits it’s a good idea to donate them to friends or family with children that can utilize them. That way if you have another child you can get them back, and if you don’t then the person you donated them to can do with them as they please.

3. If it’s broken… You may have the best of intentions of gluing back on the piece of that figurine that broke six years ago, but it’s probably best to just trash that too. If you haven’t fixed it up to this point in your life, you probably have no real intention of doing so and should just let it go. With broken kids ‘toys it’s best to remember that kids tend to get so many different toys throughout their childhood that, unless the broken toy is their absolute favorite, you should just get rid of toys that aren’t in perfect working condition.

4. If it’s a present that you’ve never used… A lot of people feel guilty for trashing, donating, or selling presents because it was something that was gifted to them, however if you aren’t using it then it’s better off in a home where it will get used. The same goes for children’s toys – since kids don’t hand pick a lot of the toys they get, they’re likely to have a lot of toys that they’ve never touched. Donate these toys to children who are less fortunate, or re-gift them to friends who will use them.

5. If it has sentimental value… Items with some sort of sentimental value are tricky. A lot of times people attach sentimental value to things that they would never use otherwise, and sometimes it’s best to just preserve the memory and let the item go. If it’s something that you or your child can’t part with, then box it up with other items of sentimental value that you aren’t ready to get rid of and put it in a closet or the attic.

As much as we may despise the thought of cleaning out clutter, once you get going with the cleaning out process you’ll warm up to the activity. The more cleaning out you do, the easier it will be to part with things that don’t have any real value, allowing you to get back to the point where your home is clear of clutter.

Ken Myers, the editor in chief, is a frequent contributor of http://www.gonannies.com/. Ken helps acquiring knowledge on the duties & responsibilities of nannies to society. You can reach him at kmyers.ceo@gmail.com.

With Christmas fast approaching, one might be starting to feel a bit nervous. For a lot of men across the world, Christmas is the time of year when we must brave the shops and go anxiously walking around town trying to find a gift she won’t just roll her eyes at and put in the corner. Well this year, don’t get caught up in the swarms of people in the shopping centres, try shopping online to find Christmas gifts that are personalised, to really show her your love.

If you’re feeling rather upper class and stylish this Christmas, why not treat her to these Swan Earrings. She will wow all the guests at the Christmas party this year with their elegant design and suave pearls, and even better, when she is inevitably asked where she got them, she will answer, ‘My boyfriend gave them to me’. At an affordable price, these earrings are made from stamped 925 sterling silver, fresh water pearls and finished off with a few cubic zirconia stones, she really will be delighted with her present.

If you’re after a less serious gift, such as a gift with a hint of playfulness, try these novelty mugs. These are a lovely little stocking filler that can be given with tongue in cheek to really make her laugh. If you think a mug is a little too casual, really pamper her with a Silky Smooth Bathing Retreat. When she relaxes down into the water you will really be winning brownie points as the aromas hit her nose and her skin becomes softer. This set comes with a smoothing body polish, bath tablet, intensive body butter, fragrant foam bath, reviving body wash, exfoliating gloves and body cream for a really rewarding bath experience.

So with Christmas fast approaching, treat your special lady to the pampering she deserves. For quality, affordable Christmas gift ideas for her, visit treather.com and let her know how much you really love her.

This post is has been contributed by Jackie Smith.

The Bedroom

Before your child could move independently, you likely did not need to child-proof his bedroom. When your child begins to crawl, you need to transform his bedroom into a safe place. Start by looking for any clear dangers, including exposed electrical outlets. If you can create a safe room for your child, you can leave him to play independently. Consider using a video monitor, such as one from Levana Child Safety Products, to keep an eye on your child when you’re not there. These monitors will give you peace of mind while you attend to your daily household chores.

The Bathroom

Many families store cleaning chemicals and other dangerous substances in their bathrooms. A curious child could potentially ingest these toxic chemicals. If you must store these substances under your bathroom sink, use a cabinet lock to keep your child away from the chemicals. You should also move any corded devices commonly found in the bathroom, including hair dryers. Your child could pull the devices down and potentially injure himself.

The Living Room

Start child-proofing your living room by covering each electrical outlet with a cover. You should also take a close look at your living room furniture. If you have a coffee table, consider putting it somewhere else if it has any sharp edges. When your child begins to improve her crawling abilities, she may frequently crash right into your coffee table. If you have any important family treasures, including vases, place them on shelves where your child can’t reach them.

The Kitchen

Your kitchen likely features a few elements that children may find fascinating. Many children, for example, enjoy playing with pots and pans. You can keep your children out of your cookware by installing child-proof cabinet locks. You can also use special child-proof locks for your major appliances, including your oven.

Child-proofing is the best way to protect your child from minor and major accidents in your home. If you take the time to go through your house carefully, you can make your home a safe place for your child.

This post is has been contributed by Becky W.

Living and dining

When redecorating it makes sense to spend the most time and money on the rooms in the home that are most heavily used. After all, this is where the family congregates at meal times, gather around the TV or simply hang out together – it is important that quality time spent with the family is as comfortable and relaxing as it can be.

Furnishings

To create stylish, comfortable living areas, it is best to start with the seating. Soft furnishings are the key to a room’s personality and the sofa and armchairs should dictate the style direction. Choose practical colors that do not show the dirt – natural shades such as oatmeal and stone are great ‘stain absorbers’ whilst still managing to promote a feeling of elegance. For large families, scatter cushions and beanbags work well, allowing children to stretch out in their own spaces.

Dining

Eating together as a family on a regular basis keeps everyone in touch, allowing them to share the events of their day with the rest of the family. Avoid that ‘ships that pass in the night’ syndrome by creating a relaxing and welcoming dining environment where the family will want to spend time together. Ensure that there is sufficient room around the dining table for everyone to sit comfortably.

Colors

Busy living areas should have an element of calm about them when it comes to a color scheme. Too much pattern in wallpapers and fabrics, and really bright colors can give a hectic feel that is not really conducive to harmonious family life. Choose from a pale color palette, optimizing reflected light and increasing the feel of spaciousness. Any hot and primary colors that are used (with discretion) can be accented with throws, rugs and wall art, adding splashes of color that invigorate but do not overpower.

Flooring

Another instant revamp for a living or dining area can be achieved with the replacement of the flooring. Tired looking carpet should be taken up and replaced with sleek, easy to maintain wood flooring or cool tiles. Give a home an instant facelift with wholesale flooring by ProSource wholesale floorcoverings, where trade prices and great choices make revitalizing home interiors a real pleasure. Think long and hard about flooring options. Will it be easy to clean? Will the color make the room appear more spacious or compact? How will it feel underfoot?

Storage

Clever storage solutions for audio-visual equipment can make living areas more flexible. A fireplace makes a good alternative focal point to the flat-panel TV, which is increasingly being hidden behind artwork on the wall. Create space with sleek storage walls that hide clutter, invest in space-saving systems to house DVDs, books and games. Create window seats with storage underneath, put up shelves, stow all clutter away and the house will suddenly seem bigger.

Remember, a happy home is a well designed home and time invested in planning the right décor will pay huge dividends.

This post is has been contributed by Alexandra Maxwell.

One of our friends is a teacher at the local Junior High and he provided some insights in the frustrations and limitations that teachers experience as they strive to do the best job possible. He enjoys his job, he told us, loves the kids and feels that the parents and administration are supportive. However he expressed the disappointment that the teaching staff lacks a team atmosphere which could boost teachers’ morale and confidence.

Last night the same group of friends got together again and Dan, the teacher, mentioned that his school was about to become a part of a new experimental program designed to address the kinds of issues that we had discussed. The program is called TAP — System for Teacher and Student Advancement and its goals are to increase educational productivity in schools throughout the United States.

TAP was conceived and is being implemented nationwide by the Lowell Milken Family Foundation. The Milken Foundation has initiated a number of different projects to advance education throughout American schools and the TAP program is one of its most ambitious endeavors.

TAP is operated and monitored by the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET). It recognizes that providing students with a quality educational experience opens up the world of future employment and higher education by giving them the tools that they need to reach their potential.

The TAP program involves peer mentoring among teachers along with a system for bonus pay and professional advances. These elements create an atmosphere of satisfaction among the teaching staff which translates to student achievement. Teachers are evaluated based on students’ performances. TAP creates the kinds of incentives that encourage a successful education system.

This post is has been contributed by Jerry Rand.