admin, Author at 3 Kids and Us

Important Phone Numbers To Have In Your Cell Phone?

December 8, 2017 by admin

In today’s fast-paced, technologically advanced world, most people will never leave home without their cell phone. Whether they love to check their social media accounts every few minutes, or they just keep it in their purse or pocket and don’t even look at it, the important thing is that it’s there, just in case it is needed. Apart from the phone numbers of friends and family, who else should be in your phone just in case they are needed?

ICE

Your ICE (which stands for ‘in case of emergency’) is an essential number to have in stored in your phone. If anyone needed to get in touch with someone on your behalf, they would immediately know who to call if there was an entry in your phone’s address book under ‘ICE’. If you don’t have that, emergency first responders, hospital staff, or the police won’t know which number to pick from your contacts. You can choose anyone to be your ICE number, such as a spouse, parent, or friend, but it should be someone who is likely to answer the phone, so think carefully.

Home

In the past, pretty much everyone knew their home number by heart, but today, thanks to cell phones and fewer and fewer landlines, it is less likely that you will know it. Having it on your phone means you can get in touch with someone in the household whenever you need to, but it is also useful to have in your contacts for when you are filling in forms or applications that require you to include your home number. You can just look it up, rather than having to remember it, or ask someone what it is.

Police

We’re not talking 911 here, we mean the local police for your area. If you witness something or need to report a crime, having the number in your phone already will make things much quicker than if you must search for it. Not everything is a 911 emergency situation, and by calling your local police instead of the emergency services, you can free up a line for someone who really needs them.

Attorney

Who knows what can happen in the course of a day? Having the phone number of an attorney such as Powers McCartan in your phone and not needing to use it is better than not having it saved but needing it. Attorneys can help with many kinds of situations, so it’s wise to keep the number of a good attorney in your phone at all times.

Motor Club

If you are the member of a motor club, having their number can be a real lifesaver if you break down on the highway or in the middle of nowhere, or if you lock your keys in the car, get a flat tire, or anything else that requires a little help. A quick phone call will mean you can get help and get home again, rather than being stranded or having to walk to the nearest town.

Auto Insurance the Right Way

December 7, 2017 by admin

It’s finally happened – all the paperwork is done and you hold in your hands your first set of car keys to call your very own. But what about insurance? With so many plans and companies and things you seemingly need to know and do to pick the right one, how exactly do you pick the right one for you? We’ve narrowed it down to a couple top things to keep in mind when you’re looking to pick the right car insurance provider.

Compare Online

Sounds simple, but is it? It is! You can save money by comparing online on price comparison websites which showcase costs and plans alongside one another for easy viewing, helping you make the best choice for you.

Maintain Good Credit

As with other types of insurance like life insurance, if your credit isn’t good, chances are your premiums will be higher making it difficult to get a truly good deal on your insurance. Check your credit score often and do your best to adjust it where you can.

Set The Right Deductible

Having a higher deductible reduces your premium, but it means you will pay more out of your own pocket upfront in the case of an accident. If you have a good accident-free history though, it could be worth the gamble to reduce your premiums. This can save you money on your insurance per month.

Beware Of Scammers

Crooks can rip you off by staging accidents or doing things like purposely slamming on their brakes to make you run into them and then claim that you are at fault. In every situation never claim responsibility upfront, always photograph the scene, and be sure to always phone the police to report the situation.

Reduced Mileage, Reduced Price!

If you aren’t using your car much if at all due to being ill, losing your job, working from home or other reasons, be sure to report it to your insurer. Less use of the vehicle means you can qualify for lower premiums. Just be sure to be truthful and not do this then use the car as much as you had been as anything that happens outside the world of your claimed use of the car may not be covered under this adjusted plan and will leave you having to pay out of pocket.

Pay Attention To Mechanics

If you have an accident and need something repaired, keep an eye on who the insurers send your vehicle to. Sometimes the shop they use will have an incentive to use cheaper or non certified parts that don’t suit your vehicle best.

Take Advantage Of Special Offers

Often times, insurance providers will give special discounts or deals to drivers that have no accidents, are mature drivers, married or have taken special driver training courses then you may qualify for a special discount on car insurance. Likewise if you have special devices in your car that deter thieves can help cut costs on insurance too, such as fingerprint identification and more.

So if you’re looking for a good deal on your car insurance, consider looking into some of the tips above. You might be surprised at how easy it is to get a deal if you’re willing to take an extra class or have a special anti theft device installed. It’s always a great day when you get a deal, so what kind of deal will you go hunting for with your insurance today?

Tips for Keeping Your Children Safe

December 6, 2017 by admin

In today’s chaotic world, it seems as if we have to work harder than ever to keep our children safe, no matter where they are. From playing sports to even sitting in a classroom, things can go wrong in an instant and life the way we know it can change drastically forever. There are some ways, however, that we can protect our children as much as we can from the dangers of the world. With that in mind, read on below for a few of the top tips for keeping your kids safe in different situations.

Safety at Home

One of the best ways to protect your children in their own home is to help protect your home to begin with. Installing a state-of-the-art security system and then having a reputable company monitor your home for you is an easy way to have peace of mind.

It’s also a good idea to make sure that you teach your children never to open the door to strangers and to never answer the phone when you aren’t home. These are just little things that can be taught to a child, but these little things could be the difference between safety and tragedy.

Safety in Sports

Sports, especially football, is something many kids are into today. While your children getting into sports is a great way for them to socialize and be physically active, sports can be dangerous. One of the top ways to keep them as safe as possible when playing sports is to always, always make them wear their gear. Whether it’s at practice, a game, or just practicing in the backyard, sports injuries can happen anywhere.

Make sure that they know how important it is to follow the rules of the sport as well. Those rules are in place for a reason, to keep kids from getting hurt. Stress the rules to your children before they set foot on a field or court and you should be fine.

Safety at School

While most of us never thought there would come a day when we had to worry about our kid’s safety at the school they attend, the day has indeed arrived. Whether it’s bullying or a shooting, school is not the safe haven it once was. Following a few basic tips will help ensure that your child is as safe as they can be in today’s schools.

The first thing you need to do when you enroll your child in a school is to review the school’s policies. Look for things such as what they do in case of a lockdown, what safety measures they take for preventing unauthorized people from entering the school, and their stance on bullying.

Talking to your kids is another way to protect them when they are in school. Let them know they can tell you anything, so that if they are being bullied or see something strange they will come to you first and let you know so you can take action.

These are just a few tips for trying to keep your children safe wherever they may be. From having a security system installed in your home to reviewing your school’s policies, these tips will give you a little peace of mind that you are doing everything you can to keep your children safe in today’s highly uncertain world.

Ideas For Keeping Your Children Entertained

December 6, 2017 by admin

Although some days it’d be nice for your kids to be grown and independent, it’s important to embrace the younger stages when they need you. The years go fast, and they aren’t always going to be so innocent.

It’s important to have activities in mind for them to participate it when they’re feeling bored. It probably happens more often than you’d like, so be prepared the next time they come to you with the look of concern. Be ready to show and encourage them with a variety of options and help narrow it down to possibilities they can agree to. See ideas for keeping your children entertained.

Play Outside

While it’ll be a little more difficult in the colder months, it’s still possible to play outside year-round. Have the proper clothing for them to wear no matter the temperature. If they’re sick of the backyard then walk with them to the local park and play there once in a while. The fresh air will feel good and help to boost everyone’s mood. Playing outside is also a great way for your children to get some exercise and let loose. If there’s snow, challenge them to build a snowman and if it’s warm and sunny put out the sprinkler for them.

Go Skating

Many kids love to go skating. Whether it’s indoor roller-skating or outdoor figure skating, there are options, depending on their individual interests. Go with them and put on your skates since you’re there anyway. Appreciate the exercise that you’re getting and that your kids are having a good time. You’ll probably find that you have fun with your kids and that they make you laugh. Don’t let the weather stop you from selecting this activity as a fun way to spend a weekend afternoon, since it can be done both indoors and outside.

Get A Dog

It may be time to get a family dog if your children are bored. Make a deal before you bring the puppy home that they’re going to help take care of your new animal by assisting with some of the chores. There’s also an informative online magazine you’ll want to read called Canine Weekly. It’s the web’s best source for large dog care tips. One bonus is that your home will be much more lively and cheerful once you bring a dog into the picture. Your children will always have the option to play with the dog when they’re feeling down.

Play Games or Color

Offer to play games or color with your kids. Both are great ways to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Make an afternoon of it by serving their favorite drinks and snacks. Bring out old games that you remember playing when you were young. Once you’re tired of playing board games, try coloring. Coloring is not just a kid’s toy anymore, it’s a therapeutic activity that helps relieve stress and will calm you down. If your kids are sick of the games they have, then go to the store together and offer to buy them one new game or coloring book and go home to enjoy it.

Go for A Walk

If you typically exercise on your own, ask your children to join you on your walk. Bring the new dog and go for a hike together. It’s a great opportunity to talk and catch up. You’ll also each be getting a lot of exercise. Enjoy breathing in the fresh air and observing nature. If you have a nice time together, make it a regular occurrence and use your walks as a chance to connect with your kids. Change up your route each time to keep it interesting for everyone. Walks are relaxing, help decrease stress and are a great opportunity to talk about all sorts of topics.

Have them Play Sports

Some children don’t know they love sports until they give them a try. Talk to your kids about getting involved in a few different sports and seeing what they like. Support them by bringing them to practices and attending games. Practice with your kids in the backyard and help them get better, if that’s their goal. Having them play sports is a great way for your children to meet friends and learn a new skill. If it doesn’t work out, find a different sport or activity for them to try. You never know what will stick for each child.

Ask them to help you Cook

You may not even realize that what’s a chore to you could be fun for your children. Invite them to cook with you once in a while. Show them how to make a recipe and prepare a family dinner. They’ll likely be very interested in the task and want to help you out. Have them set the table and use it as an excuse to gather the entire family for dinner whenever possible. They may find they enjoy cooking and want to start doing it more with you. Expand into areas of baking and making appetizers. You may be excited to find you have a few new helpers around the holidays.

Remove the Electronics

Although electronics have the power to keep your kids entertained, they also distract children from being silly and entertaining themselves. Put limits on how long they’re allowed to play on their electronics. This will force them to go explore outside, play with their siblings or to be creative and write or color. Let them be bored and wonder what to do next without their devices. It may take time, but eventually, they’ll find another activity to do and will forget all about staring at a screen.

Conclusion

Never underestimate your ability to help your kids be kids and participate in various, fun happenings inside and around the neighborhood. They’ll appreciate your efforts one day and thank you for challenging them to use their imagination and creativity. Don’t’ be afraid to join in on different activities with them and share special moments together. These are ideas for keeping your children entertained.

Must-Have Kitchen Appliances and Tools for Busy Parents

December 4, 2017 by admin

As a parent, your life is extremely busy and there is no such thing as a quiet and relaxing day since kids keep you on the go at all times. What this means is that parents are always happy to find ways to make their day smoother, easier, and just more convenient overall. Because so much of our time is spent in the kitchen preparing meals, wouldn’t it be great if there were some kitchen appliances and tools designed to make life easier for busy parents?

Not to worry as that’s exactly what we’ll be covering here as we take a look at the top must-have kitchen appliances and tools for busy parents out there.

Garbage Disposal Unit

Kids are notorious for leaving all kinds of food on their plate after each snack and meal, so to make your life easy, it could be wise to invest in a garbage disposal unit. Using one of these will help to cut down on the amount of waste your family produces, as it takes all those leftover food items and makes short work of them.

While the 1 2 HP garbage disposal unit is a popular size for most kitchens, it’s a good idea to do a little research on what size unit would be best for your needs.

Food Blender

No matter how young or old your children may be, the food blender is another one of those must-have kitchen appliances. While your children are still very young, you’ll be able to make homemade baby food in the blender, which is healthier and more economical than store-bought food. With toddlers, you can hide all kinds of healthy ingredients in smoothies; and then as busy teens, those same smoothies can be packed full of their veggies and fruit for the whole day.

Blenders come in all sizes, price points, and with various blending pre-sets. Make sure you give thought to what you want it to be able to do beforehand so you know what features are important to you.

Slow Cooker

This is one of those kitchen appliances that you may not realize how important it is until you actually get one. Slow cookers can completely transform the way you prepare and cook your meals, massively cutting down the amount of work and effort on your part. Create delicious pasta, stews, chilis, roasts, and so much more.

As their name suggests, slow cookers work by slowing cooking your food over the span of six to eight hours at a low temperature. They create dishes that are fall-off-the-bone tender, which also means you don’t have to do much in terms of chopping and preparing in advance. Allow the slow cooker to break things apart naturally as it cooks.

Make Your Life Easier

Each of these kitchen appliances is sure to make your life as a busy parent much smoother and easier in the kitchen. When you spend less time in the kitchen preparing, cooking, and cleaning up after meals, it means you’ve got more time available for all the other things in your life.