Guest Post - 5 Essential Tips for Keeping Your Kids Safe at Playgrounds

Things are opening up, and isn’t it grand? People are out and about, warm weather is here, and outdoor activities in public places are filling up. One of those most popular places is playgrounds – play places that offer fresh air and a place for energy-driven kids to go a bit “wild” in a good way.

But how safe are playgrounds? As a parent, you take all sorts of precautions to keep your child safe at home and in the neighborhood, and you expect schools to keep them safe in that environment. And you have a responsibility to keep them safe in all public places, too.

Here are five tips for child safety on a playground.

1. Check the Grounds and the Equipment

It’s been a long time since playgrounds have been openly available to kids. Hopefully, they have been inspected, refurbished as necessary, and are safe. But don’t count on it. It is up to you as a parent to inspect the equipment your child will use, as well as the grounds surrounding that equipment.

• Are ground surfaces soft enough to cushion a fall? If a surface is a concrete or rock, then a helmet is a must, if not knee and elbow pads.

• Are there dangerous and/or sharp objects on the grounds? Remove them.

• Are there tripping hazards (tree roots, large rocks, etc.)?

In terms of equipment, each piece should be checked. 

• Are there moving parts that could snag a jacket or pinch a finger?

• Are there metal surfaces, such as those of slides, that are too hot to the touch?

• Are ground surfaces under climbing pieces that are soft for falls

• Are swings in good repair with working safety bars for toddlers?

• Sandboxes are notoriously unsanitary.

2. Supervise, Supervise, Supervise

There is a huge temptation to sit back on a bench and read a book while our children play – after all, this should be a relaxing time for us too. No, it should not be. 

Your eye should be on your child at all times. Many young moms in school try to find a shady spot to get some coursework done while a child is at play – after all, they are behind, stressed, and have a movie review due. So, they break out the tablet to watch the film. No, No, No. If you are that pressed, order movie review writing and get your eye on your child.

The younger the child, the more supervision will be necessary. They can get themselves into dangerous situations, and you will need to intervene quickly.

3. Age-Appropriateness is Key

Most modern playgrounds are divided into sections for general age groups. But these are not separated by fencing. It’s easy for a little who is not under strict supervision to run over to an “older” area and get injured. Consider how devastating a blow it could be to get kicked in the head by an older child on a swing. Parents have to ensure that their children stay only in those areas that are built just for their age group.

4. Sanitation/Health

COVID is not fully eradicated, and you do not know the status of other adults or children on the playground. Obviously, you cannot wipe down every piece of equipment before your child uses it. But you can “wipe down” your child, and you should do it often. Always take a supply of wipes and hand cleanser, and use it often.

Sunburn danger should not even be a topic for discussion here. Children need an SPF between 35 and 50 to be adequately protected. And hats are always appropriate for those wee ones who still do not have much hair.

Hydration is important. Water is the best option, but other drinks like Pedialyte are good too. Snacks should be healthy and also provide hydration – apples, oranges, and grapes are great.

5. Indoor Playgrounds

For really hot and humid days, indoor playgrounds are a great choice. Parents should remember, though, that much greater supervision will be necessary. They must move about with small children and stand directly in their view. 

Adult travel is a great respite from the demands of parenting. But there are also times when family travel is planned. Indoor playgrounds can be commonly found at resorts geared toward families. Many combine pools and other playground activities (crawl tubes, slides, bounce houses, etc.) in one large space. And risk-taking toddlers may be a challenge. The safest bet is to insist that small ones wear floaties or a simple life jacket at all times. Again, supervision and frequent sanitation practices should be the norm.

Final Note: Playground Etiquette Never Goes Out of Style

Children must be taught many things from a very early age. They don’t put small foreign objects in their mouths; they don’t hit, bit or kick other children; they don’t throw things; they don’t harass the dog. Playground etiquette must be taught as well. Taking turns, no pushing or shoving, and no roughhousing are cardinal rules for the safety of self and others, and parents must quickly intervene when they observe this behavior.

Author’s bio. Jessica Fender is a professional writer and educational blogger. Jessica enjoys sharing her ideas to make writing and learning fun.

Simple Ways To Make Your Dressing Room More Organized

Having a dressing room is a fantastic asset when it comes to organizing your home. A separate space that is dedicated to your clothes and accessories will free room elsewhere in your home as well as helping to keep everything in one place, saving you time when you’re getting ready. 

However, it can be overwhelming to know the best ways to organize your dressing room, so here are a few simple tips that will work for dressing rooms of any size! 

1. Keep The Floors Clear

One of the simplest things you can do to keep your dressing room organized is to keep the floors clear. Having shoe boxes, storage boxes or general mess on the floor can make the space feel so much messier than it normally would be, so keeping them stored away elsewhere and decluttering is the best option. 

When you get into the habit of keeping things on the floor, it will be much more difficult to keep things tidy, so doing a bit of a reshuffle and finding space for things in cupboards or wardrobes, rather than the floor, is the best option. 

2. Close Things Off With Doors

Having open wardrobes can look great when you stay on top of your organizing, however for some people, having closed doors is a much better option. This is a great way to block off anything in the wardrobes to keep things looking really nice and clean. 

With open wardrobes, it can often be tempting to organize things in a way that look good, but it may not be very functional when it comes to finding what you need. So, having doors is the best of both worlds as you will have a beautiful space and you can also organize your things however works best for you without worrying how they look! 

3. Install A Wall Shelf

Installing a wall shelf works particularly well for a smaller dressing room, as you gain so much extra space that you might not otherwise have. If you have some space on the wall, look at installing 2-3 shelves with a decent amount of space between them. 

You can use this space to display some of your most prized possessions, such as your favorite shoes or handbags. Not only will this be a design feature but it will also free up space elsewhere. This is also a fantastic opportunity to accessorize, with wall art prints, artificial flowers, plants or candles. 

Final Thoughts

Life is so much easier when your dressing room is organized. You will save so much time as everything should be easier to access, so it is definitely worth spending some time to get organized and you will continue to reap the benefits. 

10 Easy Ways to Use Candles to Decorate a Living Room

Do you want to make your living space more appealing? Are you looking for a way to make your living area feel more welcoming and upbeat? But you're stumped as to how to style your living space. Using candles for decoration is the best way to maximize your space while creating a trendy living area. You're probably thinking about how candles can be used as a decorative feature, so let's get started!

Candles are frequently used as a source of light, particularly when there is no electricity at home or when there are special occasions, festivals, or festivities. Yes, they are sometimes overlooked when it comes to interior design. However, arranging the correct candles in the appropriate places gives your living space an amazing aesthetic while also generating a warm and welcome atmosphere. 

Following your decision to use candles as a decorative feature, you're probably wondering what the best decorative candle lights for homes are. Multi-color candles, scented candles, flameless candles, and candles of various shapes and sizes can all be used. All you have to do now is mix and match to create a gorgeous appearance.

Let's have a look at some unique and inventive candle decorating ideas for your living area.

Candle Stands
Using candle stands to decorate has proven to be a fantastic idea. For a contemporary effect, choose basic and modern candle stands in a similar color and shape. Candle stands are often higher, which helps to add height to your home's decor. Although a candle stand is not a new decorating idea, it adds a tidy finishing touch to the home design.
Lanterns
A set of gorgeous lanterns in delicate colors gives your living room a supple glow. It will bring light into the room. You can group several lanterns together on a side table or hang them in the corner of your living room. When candles are lighted and placed in the lantern, they produce a soothing glow. Use designer and elegant lanterns for a more spectacular look. Do you want to throw a party at your house? Simply line up these lanterns in a row and watch as your guests be awestruck by the gleaming effect.

Hurricane Candle Holders
Decorative hurricane candle holders are ideal for giving your living space a contemporary appeal because they are typically larger in size and accommodate larger candles. Hurricanes will brighten up your living room by adding additional sheen and glitter. To make a striking piece of home decor, use a simple glass hurricane in a creative shape. Place a hurricane candle holder on your tabletop for a more personal touch if you're having a romantic supper at home.

Centerpieces
Candles make a stunning centerpiece when put in the center of the table. Make a tiny arrangement of white candles in a tray or a wooden frame, with green moss bedding in the background. To make the candles look more designer, use ribbons or imitation flowers. The combination of white and green is stunning, and it creates a more peaceful atmosphere. Make sure your center table's flat surface isn't empty. Fill the room with candles to make your table look beautiful. 

Adding Candles to the Fireplace
A fireplace in the living room may be used for more than just lighting a fire. Try placing large candles of various heights within the fireplace for a stunning effect. When a huge collection of candles is lit, it produces a glittering light. To make your living space more dramatic, use candles of the same color that are of different heights. In addition, candles in a fireplace lend dimension to space.

Mirrored Candles
Place candles on a mirrored tray or in place of a mirror to double the light. The mirror will brightly reflect the light from the candles, consequently enhancing the amount of light. By amplifying the light, it will provide a reflected aspect to your home décor. You can add some beads or flowers to the tray to make it look even more lovely.

Glass Jars
Candles in Large Mason Jars or Glasses- Another simple and stylish way to make candles a fantastic decorative feature is to arrange them in large mason jars or glasses. Make the candle arrangement stand out by including stones and flowers. A single tall candle in the center of the arrangement will give your living space a lovely touch. To create a more lighting effect, use more than one Mason jar or glass.

Grouping Candles
Grouping candles on a mantle or a table is an easy way to adorn your living space with candles. You won't need any additional home décor pieces to finish the look. A large display of candles alone will give your place an appealing look. To add more variety to the arrangement, use candles of various sizes, colors, styles, and forms.

Candle Sconces
Use stylish candle sconces on the wall to brighten up your living area. These scones are glass canisters with a candle that are both beautiful and designer. Incorporate candle scones into your living space to complement the décor and to draw attention to it. These scones will make a terrific design statement in the space, giving it a soothing glow.

Candle Trio
A trio of candles in a lovely glass trio holder adds sophistication to your living room's décor. To complete the appearance, place pillar candles in the holders. To add a more modern touch to the décor, arrange fresh flowers or twigs in the base of the glass. 

For good home décor, you don't need to put in a lot of effort. To make your living space more modern and stylish, consider using these basic design ideas. The easiest approach to decorate your living room is to use decorative candle lights for houses in the proper way, complementing your home décor.

How to Join a Real Estate Agency

You may know some people who are real estate agents, and if you like the idea of selling homes to others, you might want to do this yourself. If you think that this might be a career for you and you want to join a real estate agency, read on to learn how to make this possibility come true. 

Meet The Requirements

Different states have different rules and regulations when it comes to becoming a real estate agent, but in California, you must: 

• Be 18 years or older - Basically, you have to be considered an adult to be a real estate agent. 

• Take 135 hours of real estate classes - This varies in other states, but California requires you to take three classes that total 135 hours. You can do this in a variety of ways, including online. Your instructor, once satisfied that you know the material, can help set up the next part. 

• Take the Salesperson Exam and Apply for Your License - You will need to undergo a background check and be fingerprinted. Then you can take the exam, and if you pass, you will get your real estate license. 

While these are more inexpensive than many other things, they do cost some money. The classes and the exam combined can cost around $700+, but you can earn that back very quickly once you begin working. 

Activate Your License

This is another part where you need to pay up a bit - roughly $200. But once you do that, then you can quickly jump into the real estate field. Then the real fun can begin.

One thing to consider is to become a realtor. This will open up more avenues for you since you will join an association and have lot more tools at your disposal

Join A Real Estate Agency

You will have a broker supervise you to ensure that things are done properly. 

Typically, you won’t get a salary, but a commission from each sale that you do. The more lucrative the property that you sell, the more you get. 

There may be fees attached here. You may pay for things like marketing material (like flyers), desk space, business cards, and your website, among other things. That is just part of doing real estate business. 

That is pretty much it. One reason that people like doing real estate is that the barrier for entry is pretty low. Just do the above and embark on your own real estate adventure.