3 Kids and Us

Auto Insurance the Right Way

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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.

How To Guarantee A Fun Family Vacation

by

There are no guarantees in life, not even when you’re going on vacation. That means it’s up to you to make sure everyone’s set to have an amazing time and minimize the risk of any issues. It’s all about what you do or don’t do prior to leaving and your attitude while you’re onsite.

Make time to arrange, organize and prepare well before your travel dates. Remember that spending a bit more in travel, like chartering a private jet, can go a long way in turning your trip into a more comfortable and enjoyable one. Read more about these private jets and their average costs. Get all of your family members involved, so everyone knows what’s going on. Create a priority list to help you ensure you have the most important items covered first. See how to guarantee a fun family vacation.

Choose the Location Wisely

It’s a good idea to research your destination options and know what you’re getting into ahead of time. Reconsider automatically booking the vacation that’s the cheapest. Get input from the family to hear where each person would like to travel to and why. Weigh a variety of factors before committing to one location. The better fit your selection is for the entire group, the more fun and less friction you’ll encounter once you’re on your trip.

Get the Right Luggage

Secure the right luggage for the destination and each person. Determine if it’s doable to take carry-ons along or if you’ll be needing more space in your suitcase. Pick out designs and patterns that you can easily spot once you’re in the airport gathering your luggage. Having the proper bags will make your travels that much more enjoyable. It’s worth investing in a set that’s going to last you a while and get you to where you’re going in style.

Shop Ahead of Time

The fun part of going on a trip is the new clothes you get to buy for the vacation. Help yourself out by shopping online at a store like Vingino. The Dutch fashion company convinces with creative children’s fashion, which thrills parents and children alike. To give the kids a lot of freedom of movement, the store relies on simple cuts and casual silhouettes. Your children will love the clothing, and it will make them that much more excited to leave for your trip. Shop together and agree to items you both can get behind.

Have A Family Meeting before Departure

It’s important to all be on the same page before you take off. Have a family meeting to go over the trip details and rules for when you’re on vacation. Allow everyone to discuss concerns and ask questions. Share the details you have planned out, so the entire family feels included and knows not to expect any surprises. You can even go as far as to print out an itinerary and review each day as a group. You’re more likely to have fun and experience fewer issues when you take time to lay it all out on the table for everyone.

Plan Activities in Advance

Don’t be afraid to plan activities before your arrival. This way you know exactly what you’re doing on which days. It also promises you spots or tickets for specific excursions and activities, saving you from disappointment. Once again, ask for input from the family before you start booking reservations. While it’s nice to have plans some of the days, it’s probably best to leave some free time during your trip. Part of having a fun family vacation is getting time to unwind and being granted personal time to yourself outside of the house. It’s all about balancing out your time together and giving each individual a voice.

Unplug

As the parent, it’s a smart idea to be a good example for your kids and unplug the majority of your time on vacation. Work ahead at the office and only bring with you what you must attend to while at your destination. It’s also a good idea that everyone makes it a habit to check phones and computers once a day and not be constantly glued to them. You’ll all have a much more enjoyable and relaxed time when you’re not always staring at your devices. Observe the nature, sights, smells and sounds around you and soak up the beautiful scenery. It’s likely you’ll all regret spending too much time connected and not enough of your trip being in the moment.

Have Meals Together

Use vacation as a chance to have meals together, especially if you’re usually too busy to at home. Make it fun and allow each person to pick a restaurant or food group to try while you’re away. Mix it up and go casual one night and dress up another evening. Come ready with conversation and to discuss what each person believes to be the highlight of the trip so far. Everyone should look forward to a nice meal together after having some alone time during the day. This is also a good chance to discuss any other activities the group wants to participate in or adventures that you’ve become aware of since arriving.

Document your Favorite Memories

One way to have a little fun is to take pictures of your family members enjoying themselves on the trip. Get a mix of action shots and posed pictures and return with a lot of great images to share and keep. Make an album or create a video when you get home and be glad you have these memories that you can cherish forever. Pictures are an excellent way to remember all the fun you had and be able to look back on your trip after you get home and time passes.

Conclusion

Your family vacation won’t be same if you decide not to plan and prepare. Get organized and excited about all of the enjoyment that’s to come. Remind everyone that traveling is about bonding as a family, having new experiences together and allowing yourself to relax. Of course, there may be situations that arise and obstacles to overcome, but don’t let that stop you from having a nice time. This is how to guarantee a fun family vacation.