I always wanted to be a cool grandparent and imagined how I would bond with my grandchildren. Now that they have arrived, I can only say that they have been the joy of my life and I never ever get tired of being with them.

Tips on being a Cool Grandparent

Celebrate with them by having a party.  Act like a kid, blow up balloons, buy a cake, ice cream, pizza etc. I assure you it’s a rare time to spend time with your grandchildren as they grew up just as fast as your children.

Mums and Dads have a tough time deciding whether to spend more time at work or quality time with their children. Grandparents, however, have that freedom to enjoy their grandchildren.

I enjoy discussing different topics with my thirteen-year-old granddaughter. I surprise them by taking them to the morning movies, lunch at Mc Donalds and occasionally give them pocket money to spend as they please. I tried the singing bit but my voice was not appreciated.

Plan a vacation with your Grandchildren

Plan a vacation with your grandchildren, I promise you they will remember the time you spend with them for the rest of their lives. I took all my kids on a school holiday to Ireland every year, till they decided to travel on their own.

Discuss camping or if you are a bit more adventurous try river rafting. Make sure you have all the camping gear nescessary for comfortable camping.

Don’t forget a couple of air mattresses, blankets, coolers, and a grill. Pack in the goodies like crackers, marshmallows and chocolate bars etc.

•  Consider going camping or river rafting. If Mom and Dad are too busy to go camping, make your grandchildren’s first experience extra fun.
• If you are into the river scene, consider asking your grandchildren to come along for an adventure. Head to a favorite scenic wonder or take them to the ocean.
• Or, if camping is something you have in mind, be sure you have all the gear needed for comfortable camping.
• Consider an air mattress, blankets, coolers, and a grill. Don’t forget the graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate bars for s’mores.
• Take your grandchildren to a destination mom and dad haven’t been able to hit. Perhaps Mom and Dad have been avoiding a Walt Disney World trip mainly because Disney is a lot of work.
• Try a few field trips. If a full-blown getaway isn’t possible, go on field trips to the zoo or local art museum. Share experiences and culture with your grandchildren in order to expose them to new adventures that you can discuss and share for years to come.

 

With just a fortnight to go, the race is on to get the perfect Xmas presents at the right price.  Last year I spent Xmas in Milan with my wife. This year we in Phoenix Arizona. The Xmas presents are slowly piling up under the Xmas tree and the stocking fillers are bulging.  Amazon still has great last minute deals for everyone

 

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AMAZON DEALS

Decorations that require electricity are quite common during the holiday season. Strings of lights both indoors and out are often displayed in celebration of Christmas,  Thanksgiving, and other fall and winter holidays.

Unfortunately, these energy-thirsty decorations can pose the risk of electrical problems including overloads, blown fuses, and even fire. Keeping the guidelines below in mind will help you avoid electrical problems during the holiday season and keep your home safe and festive.

I was always super health and safety conscious when my kids were little. They loved helping setting up the Xmas Tree and baubles. My kids have flown the nest. We normally spend Xmas day with them and some times my grandkids will decorate the Xmas Tree.C

Choose non-electric holiday decor whenever possible. 

The most effective way to avoid electrical problems is to reduce energy consumption by choosing non-electric decor. For example, this may mean swapping out a plug-in Santa figurine that lights up and sings for a festive arrangement of candles.

The most effective way to avoid electrical problems is to reduce energy consumption by choosing non-electric decor. For example, this may mean swapping out a plug-in Santa figurine that lights up and sings for a festive arrangement of candles.H

Hang less holiday lights

In cases where you do want to use electric decorations (such as strings of lights), you can reduce the risk of electrical problems by minimizing their quantity. For example, you could hang a simple and elegant string of lights along your home’s eaves, rather than tracing the outlines of windows and doors as well.

Use low-wattage holiday lights. 

A third way to reduce energy consumption is to replace old incandescent strings of lights with much more efficient LED lights. LED lights draw much less energy and also generate less heat, reducing the risk of electrical overload and fire. LED lights also last much longer than incandescent lights.

Spread electric decorations across multiple circuits. 

It can often be tempting to string holiday lights together end-to-end from the same outlet. However, this puts enormous stress on a single circuit in your home. Instead, try to plug electric decorations in throughout your home, spreading the load across several circuits.A

Avoid using tattered or damaged holiday lights. 

Holiday lights that are used repeatedly each year, especially ones that are hung outdoors, are subjected to a large amount of wear. Strings of lights with frayed or torn insulation should be replaced promptly, as exposed conductors drastically increase the risk of short circuits and fireK

Keep electric holiday decorations away from heat sources. 

Heat sources, especially open flames, pose the risk of melting wire insulation and leading to electrical fires or other problems. Avoid stringing holiday lights across your fireplace mantle, for example. Also, keep electric decorations a safe distance away from candles, stoves, and heaters

Ensure that your Christmas tree is thoroughly watered. 

The heat generated from lights hung on a Christmas tree can pose a risk of fire. This risk is increased substantially if the tree is dehydrated, so make sure that your tree is positioned in a stable base filled with water. Regularly check the level of water in the base.

 

Look at people from other faiths as people, not as categories or religions. 

I grew up in a city with Mosques, Churches, Hindu Temples and Synagogues which were in close proximity. and we all respected each others beliefs. Being kind to people of other faiths is a must in a diverse world.

Just having that skill can help you develop a lot of great friendships and learn a lot about other traditions and cultures.

Don’t block someone out just because their religion does not match up with yours. I was taught by my parents to respect all religions and I have taught my children to be tolerant of other religious beliefs

Be informed about other faiths and customs.

• Read up on traditions that are not your own, including, if possible,
• Attend a service or ceremony from another faith. Ask for permission and assistance with etiquette if you need it.
• Read outsiders’ viewpoints on your own religion or belief system. Understand why others might not see it your way and notice what prejudice looks like, if you encounter any.
• Include philosophic and secular viewpoints in your study of other faiths.
• Keep an open mind. If something is unfamiliar or different, don’t shut it out. Explore it and understand it.

Remember that belief (including your own) is just that: Belief.

The beliefs of those following other faiths were most likely learned much the same way you learned your own, from family, community, and participation in religious instruction. Be sensitive when talking about religion. Many people hold it close to their hearts. Be prepared to change the subject or lighten up the conversation if it becomes to uncomfortable. Avoid forcing your opinion or belief upon others. Be willing to explain if someone asks, but do not try to convert others.

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