Amy Jarman asked:


There are a lot of clothing basics that you can cheat on for maternity clothes – steal a few of your husband’s sweaters or sweatshirts, wear a BellaBand to get a little more mileage out of pre-pregnancy tops that don’t fully cover your belly or to squeeze into those pre-pregnancy jeans that need to be worn unbuttoned. But one item you need for sure if you are going near a pool or beach is a maternity swimsuit. No matter how stretchy your regular pre-pregnancy swimsuit may have been, there is no way you can comfortably squeeze yourself into it once you are expecting! Nor, would we recommend this sort of body constriction for you and your baby’s health!

Fortunately there are a lot of great maternity swimwear styles to choose from today. Whether you are looking for a lot of room in the belly, more room in the bust or a little extra coverage over the hips or bottom, there is a style for you. Here are a few recommendations:

For the serious swimmer the Prego Maternity Empire Tank is a sleek black one piece with plenty of bust support and needed stretch in the belly. This suit is designed to comfortably hug your shape so you can glide through the water and swim as many laps as you like without having to fight your suit in the process!

If you are just looking to take a mommy and me swim class with a toddler while expecting or participate in a mom’s aqua- aerobics class or simply prefer the one piece look, the Prego Maternity Texture Heart is a great all purpose suit and a great buy too at $39! This suit is very stretchy and has a shelf bra. The straps criss-cross in the back to form the shape of a heart.

If you like a little extra coverage about the hips and bottom and need a little extra room in the bust, then the Prego Maternity Halter Baby Doll and the Prego Maternity Solid Plus Baby Doll will flatter your shape. Both of these suits cover the belly and hips and bottom with a Baby Doll dress style and have separate bottoms that fit to cover the belly. Both of these styles come with a padded bra that is extra supportive with wide adjustable halter or tank straps.

If you are looking for a cute halter top swimsuit that gives more bust support and not too much cleavage, then the Prego Maternity Swimwear Sweetheart is a good choice. This suit has a cinched bra with cups and adjustable tie halter straps. The bottoms fit under the belly. This style is available in solid Black, Brown and pattern.

If you need a little extra room in the hips then the Prego Maternity Tie Halter or Tie Tankini has adjustable side ties on the bikini bottom in both the halter and tank styles and fun patterns to choose from.

If you need a little extra room in the bust, the Prego Maternity Ring-Kini is a tank style 2 piece with slightly bigger cups with adjustable straps. This style suit comes in Aqua and Pink and chocolate brown under the belly bottoms.

The Prego Maternity Solid Strapless Mini is great for poolside lounging and light swimming. This suit comes with a removable around the neck strap for extra support if preferred. This mini style covers the hips and has a padded bra.

Finally for the bikini minded, the Prego Maternity bikini has a padded bra in an oval cinch design and adjustable halter straps. This maternity bikini is designed for the maternity shape and will fit you comfortably throughout your pregnancy with lots of stretch.

So don’t let pregnancy keep you out of the water, find the suit that best fits and flatters your shape and have fun!



Swimming Lessons

Jayesh Bagde asked:


Leslie Poolmart Inc., Pentair, Hayward, Aqua Superstore, Inc. and Tri-State Swimming Pools, Inc. are among USA’s paramount stores selling swimming pool supplies.

Here’s a brief description of the product variety these stores offer.

Leslie Poolmart Inc.

Leslie Poolmart Inc. is amongst America’s and the world’s largest retailers specializing in swimming pool supplies. It has more than 600 stores all over United States. The accessibility of copious on-site stores as well as online and mail order shopping grant each consumer the expediency and wealth of options. This also makes the company one of the most sought after pool supplies retailer in the country.

Leslie’s product assortment consists of above ground pools, saunas and spas, pumps and motors, lighting, filters and filter media, pool liners and cleaners, heaters and many more.

Many of Leslie’s products are offered exclusively; finding them in any other pool store is impossible. Its on-site stores also provide free services–labor on repairs, water analysis, and seminars.

Leslie Poolmart started out as a small backyard pool supply venture in North Hollywood, CA in 1963.

Pentair

Pentair Water Pool and Spa is recognized in the industry as a seller of world class spa and pool accessories as well as equipment. Its Pentair Pool Products, along with the Sta-Rite and Rainbow brands make up of the company’s line of pool necessities.

Residential and commercial swimming pool owners can choose from a quality collection that ranges from pool safety and maintenance supplies, aboveground systems, pool cleaners, heat pumps, water features, filtration systems, to fish feeders. Pentair is a major source of pool decking supplies, pool tile, aquarium, and pond, too.

Hayward

For almost nine decades, Hayward has been the partner of pool lovers by selling revolutionary swimming pool products. Hayward brings you products that consist of in-ground and above-ground equipment, generators, lighting, pumps, heaters, automatic pool cleaners, etc.

Aqua Superstore, Inc.

Headquartered in Port Charlotte, Florida, Aqua Superstore, Inc. is amongst the vital sources of discount yet premium swimming pools, pool supplies, and equipment.

With both online and onsite stores, the company has a knowledgeable, receptive team of customer service professionals.

They have one of the most comprehensive offering of pool-related products that include waterfalls and fountains, blowers & ozonators, pool furniture, diving boards, slides and alarms. Customer can also enjoy shopping for multiplicity of heaters, filtration systems, loungers and floats, and pool cleaning tackles.

Tri-State Swimming Pools, Inc.

Developed in 1970, the Tri-State Swimming Pools, Inc. began with building concrete and stainless steel in-ground pools as well as pool vinyl liner.

The following year, the company opened a shop that focused on retailing pool accessories and materials, above ground and in ground pools, pool tables, and pool construction.

Tri-State Pools proved itself to be versatile not only by selling equipment and supplies for your pools, but also by building swimming pools, aboveground and in ground. Prior to building a pool, Tri-State Pools offers its clients free assistance in creating layout and inspecting pool spot.

This will allow the pool owners to visualize the pool and be given the option to re-create the fit they want. Tri-State also offers an ample array of the best replacement motors, pumps, filters, automatic pool cleaners, cleaning instruments, pool paint, safety equipment, chemical and chemical feeders, maintenance apparatus, as well as pool toys.

Tri-State is based in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.



Swimming Classes

Mary Brooke asked:


Moving to Barcelona with Children

Moving to Spain with children can be a daunting prospect as parents Carrie Frais and Rebecca Laidlaw found when they relocated to Barcelona. In Barcelona not only is there a language barrier (the language here is Catalan and not Spanish) but you are without your support network of family and friends. It can be an isolating time and expat parents are often not really aware of the resources available to them. For this reason Carrie and Rebecca started the website mumabroad for families relocating to the Catalan towns of Barcelona, Sitges, Sant Cugat, Maresme, Girona and Tarragona. The website is a resource for children´s activities, shops, child-friendly restaurants, health, education and childcare. What makes the site unique is that it is based on recommendations from local mums and serves as a networking tool for Expat families. The below information is an extract from the site mumabroad.

English-speaking Mother and Baby Groups in Barcelona

Support groups for mums who have just had a baby or have very young children are few and far between in Barcelona. This is partly because Catalan women tend to rely on their own mothers for help in the early days and also because once the statutory four months maternity leave is up, the vast majority of women go back to work and it is not uncommon to see babies as young as four months in nursery (Guarderia). However, there are increasing numbers of support groups around, which have proved a lifesaver for many mums without families here. The groups are a great way to share information and to meet others in similar situations. There are a number of English-speaking and international mother and baby / tot groups in Barcelona and Sitges such as: New mum meets - in the chill-out area at the back of Barcelona shop Mujer, The Big Crawl - weekly group for mums and tots in Barcelona for the more active, older babies, Barcelona Women´s Network Mums & Toddler group and Sitges Play Group - the only place in Sitges where mums and dads can stay and play with their children. Given that many parents in Barcelona have no option but to put their babies & toddlers into nursery at a young age due to work commitments, some mums have told us that there is a lack of day-time activities available for little ones in Barcelona. However, if you look hard enough there are a huge range of activities available for children in Barcelona such as yoga for mums and babies, fun & interactive music groups for babies and toddlers with Barcelona Tots, Baby Rock English sessions designed to introduce English to small children through the medium of music and movement, baby swimming classes and children’s concerts.

Schools in Barcelona

Many feel that the single, largest problem facing most international families when relocating to Barcelona is where to educate our children. Whether to follow the Catalan system or whether to opt for one of the numerous international schools is hotly debated amongst Expats. The Catalan language proves to be the deciding point for most parents, many of whom are unaware before moving to Barcelona that this is the language in which their child will be educated. Many are also unaware that all correspondence between parent and school will be conducted purely in Catalan. State Education in Barcelona is co-educational, free and conducted in Catalan rather than Spanish. Places are allocated according to where you live and although education doesn’t begin until the age of six many babies start at nurseries (guarderias) at the age of four months and almost all are at school (preescolar) full-time from the age of three. All children have the right to free education, however in many schools the demand simply outweighs the number of places resulting in a point system at the initial stages and then often a lottery is drawn with many parents unable to secure a place at the first school of their choice. Unlike in many European countries, there is limited job mobility within Catalonia, meaning that children normally remain at one school for the duration of their education and therefore it is not as common for places to open at a later stage. Bridget Nelson, of Planet English, offers an interesting insight into the education system: “International Schools generally have better facilities, in theory but not always the case – smaller class numbers , and teachers who have been trained in child – centred education. Of course the language is an important factor especially for families who expect to return to their country. For non English speaking parents wanting their children to attain a high standard in English – it´s also probably the best option. Disadvantages are that they are generally not so well integrated into the local community – especially in Barcelona, and probably don´t follow local culture or traditions so much. State Schools on the other hand, live their local culture to the full, but the class sizes can be quite big and in general educational methods are still quite traditional and in my opinion, not very child centred. Children who go to the local state school probably pick up Castellano and Catalan much quicker than children who go to International Schools.”

Pregnancy in Barcelona

Barcelona´s maternity facilities range from large hospitals to smaller clinics and in medical terms, are regarded as being of a high standard. The bigger hospitals tend to operate under the social security system and the clinics under private insurance. Birthing options, however, are limited although this is beginning to change as more women are opting for a natural birth. Ante-natal or pre-pregnancy classes & groups are fairly difficult to come across in Barcelona but are on the increase. Many Catalan pregnant women often get advice from their own families so without family here, information can be scarce and conflicting.



Swimming Classes

KM61.com asked:


If you are anything like us here then I’m sure you will agree with me when I say, bring on the sun let the temperatures rise and let’s head to the beach! If this summer is anything like last summer then I am also pretty sure record numbers of you are planning to try new activities like wake boarding, scuba diving and surfing while you are on your vacations. For those of you that are thinking about taking a surfing class here is a list of ten things to consider before you sign up:

1. What is your personal comfort level with the ocean?

This is arguably the most important factor to consider before taking any surfing class. Keep in mind that until you progress out of the beginner stage you will spend a lot of time rolling around in the waves. During class you will be standing in water that is chest deep, waves will be crashing all around you and occasionally a wandering piece of seaweed will rub up against you. If you are not comfortable while in this environment you will never be able to focus on the task of surfing. This is not to say that those of you who are uncomfortable should go find something else to do. If you are uncomfortable then you should take a few days to become familiar with the environment you will be spending a lot of time in once your class starts.

2. How physically fit are you?

Make no mistake about it surfing is a sport. It is physically demanding and under certain conditions can be very strenuous. As a beginner you will not be subjected to extremely strenuous conditions but you can count on going home every day with “noodle arms” and by the end of the class you will be sore in places that you didn’t even know you had muscles.

3. How dedicated are you to learning the sport?

If you come to class expecting to go out in the water and immediately pop up to your feet on your first wave and hang ten then you are setting yourself up for a let down. Surfing is an activity that requires dedication. At some point during the class you will get frustrated. Those who succeed in class are the ones who battle through their frustrations.

4. How much time do you have to dedicate to the sport?

You will get out of the sport exactly what you put into it. For most people a 1 week surf class is just barely enough time for them to begin to get the hang of the sport. However, it does give you enough time to develop the tools you will need to master the sport on your own after your class is over. For the average person you can expect to be a solid beginner after 30 water days.

5. What is your swimming ability?

Simply put, if you can’t swim you shouldn’t be taking a surfing class. Swimming is an integral part of surfing and you put yourself in a high risk situation if you attempt to take a surfing class and do not know how to swim. If, however, you are an intermediate to strong swimmer you definitely can learn how to surf. If you have reservations about whether or not you are a good enough swimmer to attempt the sport make sure you discuss this with your instructor and he or she will be able to determine if the sport is right for you.

6. Where will your class be located?

Most surfing spots have waves that break in a predictable fashion. This can vary from gently rolling peelers to pitching surging freight trains. Make sure you research where your class will be taught and you are comfortable with the conditions that exist there.

7. What time of year are you taking your class?

Most surfing spots will vary in the type of waves they produce as the seasons change so it is important to research how the waves break at the beach where you will be surfing at during the time you plan on taking your class. As a general rule of thumb most areas experience smaller waves in the summer than they do in the winter, however, there are always exceptions. Check local weather conditions on the internet to determine the forecast for your beach.

8. What type of equipment will you be using?

In the past five years there have been a number of innovations that have taken place in the surf board manufacturing industry. Surfers now have many options available to them with regards to the materials their boards are made from and the shapes of boards available. As a general rule of thumb it is easier to learn on a bigger board. Make sure the school you go to has boards that are 7-9 feet in length. Any smaller and you will just frustrate yourself, any longer and you will have trouble managing the board in the water. Preferable you want the board to be made from soft foam rather than fiberglass or epoxy but this is not as critical as size.

9. Who is your instructor?

When researching schools take the time to talk to somebody that is involved with the instructing. Make sure all instructors are CPR and first aid certified. Also, make an attempt to interact with your instructor before you sign up to see if the two of you will get along. After all, the class is supposed to be fun and you won’t be having much fun if you do not like your instructor.

10. Did you pack your essentials?

Always wear sunscreen, pack a hat, an umbrella. Have your board shorts and talk to your instructor about the right wetsuit or rash guard for you. You might also want to think about a hood, gloves, and other accessories. Keep a good attitude and have a good time.



Swimming Lessons For Beginners

Alan Chai asked:




 

Whether you are overweight or not, chances are likely that you have had the experience of wanting a fast weight loss solution.  An example is that of trying to fit into your old prom dress in order to wear it to your ten year class reunion.  If you put off trying on the dress until the last minute, thinking you haven’t gained much since high school, you may be unpleasantly surprised to find that your measurements have changed significantly and the dress no longer looks like it was made for you. Here are some ways to make a quick few pounds reduction.  Hopefully you will use these concepts to ensure you won’t have the same necessity in the future.

 

Reduce the Distance to the Goal

 

One of the easiest ways to make certain you will be able to accomplish a fast weight loss is to stay as near to your ideal weight as possible at all times.  If you only need to drop five to ten pounds to be at your target weight, that can usually be accomplished fairly easily with minimum disruption of your regular and typical eating habits.  If you are maintaining your weight at all times, you are less likely to get into an emergency weight loss necessity.

 

Exercise

 

During those times when only a fast weight loss will do, you will want to pull out all the stops to assist you toward your goal.  Moderate exercise is one of the best ways to accomplish not only weight loss, but a better distribution of the pounds you do carry.  Walking, swimming, bicycling and other active, full-body exercises that increase the heart rate for a significant length of time will have immediate effects to improve the metabolic rate, but exercise benefits last beyond the immediate time during which the activity is taking place.

 

Water

 

Another fast weight loss helpful tip is to drink plenty of water.  Increased water intake is always good for the circulatory system, but is particularly beneficial when you want to flush out the toxins and dead or decaying matter that is a natural result of weight loss from your body. The standard of eight full eight ounce glasses of water is one which is good during normal times, but probably not enough during times when you are placing extra stress on your circulatory system.  Increase the water intake by carrying bottled water with you and using it throughout the day.  The standard sized containers help you to keep track of the amount you are drinking.

 

Fiber

 

Fast weight loss will also be assisted if you take in additional fiber that doesn’t add calories to your body, but does require the body to expend more calories during the digestive process. Adding a teaspoon of bran to your regular meals can result in added calories being burned off, just to process the bran fibers.  Other good sources of fiber such as oats and whole wheat bread are known to be good for the entire body, including the heart and colon.





Swimming Lessons For Beginners

Melissa Peterman asked:


Senior assisted living facilities don’t have to be quiet, lonely places where life happens in-between meals- in fact; many of them are just the opposite! New senior assisted living facilities have a variety of activities ranging from wine tours to concerts, hydrotherapy classes and aerobics.

While a huge majority of the population begins to age, they are not eager to sit immobile and let their golden years pass them by. With the desire to get more out of life, seniors today are looking for assisted living facilities that will help them get the care and therapy they need when they need it, but they also want to live the fullest life they possibly can and they want choices.

Assisted living facilities know that seniors will seek out and pay for private golf lessons, nutrition classes on their own, so instead, facilities are helping out seniors and bringing the activities to them.

Popular Activities and Classes Being Offered at Senior Centers Today

•    Line Dancing

•    Scrap Booking

•    Hydro-aerobics/ swim lessons

•    Nutrition, Medicine and Pharmaceuticals information

•    Outings: Movies, plays, wine tastings, parks and gardens

•    Beauty school visits

•    Golf, croquet, horseshoes and shuffleboard

Nintendo’s Wii Games All the Rage In Senior Centers

Besides experts and instructors coming in to provide stimulus to seniors, Nintendo’s Wii has changed the way seniors play games with each other. Several senior assisted living facilities have brought Nintendo’s Wii into the daily lives of their seniors.

Suddenly, options of whether to play cribbage, bridge or backgammon have come to include Nintendo’s library of interactive video games. Wii games are very popular in senior assisted living facilities and senior centers because the games provide low-impact exercise to an audience who has limited movement or is held back by an injury or illness. Bowling in slippers, playing tennis in a communal living room and swinging a plastic golf club in pajamas has never been easier or more fun.

If you are looking for a senior assisted living facility for yourself or for your parents, you will be happy to know that there are choices on how to spend your golden years. Love the beach and learning how to knit? Want golf lessons and transportation to varying golf courses? There are more choices that can be listed here as to varying degrees of activities, classes and outings that are apart of daily life in senior living facilities today. Management of senior assisted living facilities know that instead of passing the golden years by in front of a television, seniors have demanded more out of their senior assisted living choices.



Adult Swimming Lessons

Steve Morgan asked:


 

Having never been introduced to water other than for the purposes of washing Stephen had never learned to swim and while at the Duke of York’s he managed to avoid the lessons from day one.

The smell of corrosive chlorine permeated the whole indoor swimming complex. All the cadets were excited, so it seemed, except Stephen who was terrified someone would throw him in. Being a shorty he knew he couldn’t touch the bottom in any part of the pool; not even the shallow end. He envied those swimmers who had had fathers to nurse them through their first steps. That first terrifying stroke that would either let you glide on the surface or plunge you to the bottom to drown.

As the others were called upon to get changed ready for their swim, Stephen backed up across the tiles heart pounding. Hot flushes caused him to shiver with anxiety. People who could swim would never have experienced the terror of growing up in fear of taking that first stroke. The older you got, the worse it became. His hands touched a wall behind him and in their search found a doorknob. So as not to draw attention to himself and without looking around he twisted the knob and fell backwards into the gymnasium where Captain Morley was instructing another junior class in gymnastics.  He quickly stood to attention. 

“You’re late. Get lost did we?”

“Yes Captain!” came the reply as Stephen saluted.

“Well hurry up then, get changed. We’re ready to start!”

“Yes Captain!” followed by a further salute.

Being short in stature and slight in build was about to pay dividends for Stephen for the very first time in his life.

“Forward and backward rolls today lads. That’s what we’ll be doing, so hop to it! Look sharpish!” The boys were grouped into four teams and given a corner each set up with mats. “You’ve got five minutes practice in your groups and then I’ll test each group and give them marks. The lowest marked team will stay behind and put away all the equipment!”

Stephen’s group were not all that good but thanks to his expertise and guidance they came third so there was no punishment at the end of the lesson.

            Captain Morley caught Stephen’s eye and said, “You catch on quick soldier. Have you done this before?”

            “No Captain,” Stephen said standing as straight as he could.

            “Well I think you’ve got what it takes from what I’ve seen so far.”

Just then the ‘secret’ door between the swimming complex and gymnasium opened and a head preceded a wet body.

            “I’m missing a body! We’ve checked the pool but can’t find Morgan.” The swimming coach looked expectantly.

            “You must be Morgan then?” said Captain Morley raising his eyebrows at Stephen.

            “Yes Captain,” came a dejected reply and his shoulders slumped. The jig was up. Stephen knew that his fate was in the hands of these two men. Would they combine to administer the dreaded caning he had heard about? Would he be sent to the Head of House? Would he be sent home in disgrace? Captain Morley looked at a crestfallen Stephen, head down, white as a sheet. And then the unexpected.

            “Ah… he’s in with me for special gymnastics actually. Shows a lot of promise. Part of the team old boy.”

            “Someone should have told me. Caused quite a commotion young man I can tell you,” the swimming coach flustered as he closed the door on a spreading puddle.

            “Don’t like swimming Morgan?”

            “Can’t swim Captain.”

            “Well let’s see if we can make a gymnast out of you then. Off you go and get changed.” Stephen sprinted out of the gym in high spirits just in time to join up with his classmates before the afternoon session with the dragon lady.

And so it continued for the rest of that year. Stephen became a gymnast who could handspring over the vaulting horse at its highest level and do back flips with ease. He learned to do press-ups while doing a handstand and was always chosen to climb the backs of the senior team when they constructed pyramids for military displays and perch proudly on top. Life, except for spelling couldn’t have been better.

But another balance was about to be restored once again.

 

Dampness is an invidious enemy, a silent creeping cancer. It ate away at Lily’s very substance and, like rust, permeated her very core where it rested until called upon at the very worst moment. Lily was feeling low and put it down to the miserable winter and lack of sunlight. She found her malaise hard to shrug off and eventually succumbed to jaundice which was later complicated by pleurisy. She shrank to a whisper of her former self but refused any help. The rheumatic fever she had suffered as a child was coming back to haunt her. Time to pay the piper.

 

After a year of harsh military discipline at the duke of York’s Stephen had matured even further beyond his tender years and after the term holidays was shocked by his Mother’s condition. He decided, as a nine-year-old, to stay home and run the bagwash while his Mother recuperated upstairs. Whenever the bagwash supervisor came around Lily would struggle up out of bed, show her face and then return exhausted to continue the charade.

Lily’s condition deteriorated over the next six weeks to such an extent that her doctor recommended convalescence in the country. “What will I do about my son?” was her only concern. How would Stephen cope? As it turned out Rose came to the rescue and offered to look after Stephen while she was away. So it was back to Roegreen School.

Because of the progress he had made at the Duke of York’s Stephen was ahead of the London children in his class and he enjoyed the time he had there. However Lily’s convalescence in the country only enabled her to recover sufficiently enough to resume work at the bagwash.  This proved to be an unfortunate choice because the weakened Lily was only making herself vulnerable to sickness once again by returning to the same damp environment. Another upheaval to attend the local Charles Lamb School in Islington where Stephen easily topped the class.

“Stephen would you be a love and look after the shop until six. I need to put my feet up for a bit?”

“Of course Mum. I’ll manage. You go up to bed.” This arrangement carried on with Stephen mostly out of school for another six weeks until the doctor gave Lily an ultimatum.

 

“Mrs Morgan if you don’t give up that heavy lifting and lugging of bags in that damp environment you’ll drive yourself to any early grave I’m afraid,” said the doctor shaking his head. “Your heart is weak enough as it is without putting extra strain on it every day!”

“But I have to work doctor. I’m the only breadwinner! I can’t see any other solution.”

“Mrs Morgan, you’ve been a widow for nine years now; no man on the horizon?”

“Certainly not doctor! That’s the last thing I want!” she was about to go on about nobody being able to take Fred’s place but decided not to even bother. People could think what they liked.

“All I can suggest then Mrs Morgan is that you take a long sea voyage and take advantage of better weather somewhere other than England. The London smog isn’t helping any.” Lily thought long and hard about her predicament and after talking with her younger brother Ted, who was a chef on a cruise liner, decided that she would kill two birds with one stone and immigrate with Stephen to New Zealand.

The Gods had spoken. It was shoulder to the boulder once more.

More to come if you want? 



Swimming Classes

Michael Bridges asked:


Home schooling parents are often asked if they worry that their home schoolers aren’t getting adequate socialization? In order for a child to progress in this world he or she need to know how to be sociable. In public and private schools socialization is something that comes naturally even though it isn’t part of the curriculum. Through socialization friendships and relationships are formed. It’s essential that a child acquire socialization skills at an early age to not grow up to be a loner and a social outcast. This type of person finds it harder to maintain relationships, make it business and function in other forms of social situations.

So how does a child that’s home schooled get the socialization that’s needed if there’s no one around to socialize with? It comes down to the home schooling parent to be mindful of the numerous ways that home schooled children can get the socialization they need. There are numerous forms of external activities children can do after their home schooling is done that facilitates social situations.

A very good source for social situations are recreation centers. They provide a lot of activities that kids can do that require interacting with others. An old favorite and a great way for your kids to socialize are parties. You can give the party yourself or take them to parties it really doesn’t matter. One of the better ways for your children to socialize is by taking part in sports. Sports are a good way for your kids to make friends and learn good qualities that they’ll need in life.

Another chance for your home schoolers to socialize is church activities. Church picnics, Bible school and singing in the choir are great ways for your child to socialize. In addition you can enroll your kids in art classes, karate school, dance classes, swimming classes, and so on. Going outdoors and playing with neighborhood kids, in my judgment, is the best method for home-schooled kids to socialize. Just by doing that your home schoolers can make eternal friendships.

 

Lessons like reading, writing, mathematics and science are very important, but doesn’t constitute that your child will be a well-rounded individual. If you would like to bring up a child that’s an all around person, part of their home school program has to be socialization. You, as the home schooling parent must assure that your home schoolers get the socialization they need.



Adult Swimming Lessons

Christine Lowe Woolard asked:


How much is too much?

Many parents feel that it is important for children to participate in after school activities.  Certainly, sports, gymnastics, music and language classes do serve to create a well-rounded child, but overscheduling our children can become an issue.  We as parents may be hard-pressed to find a balance between home life, school life and after school activities.  We want our children to have fun and be creative outside of school, but we also must step back and give them room to grow and to breathe.  How do we decide how much is too much?

In Kindergarten, even if your child has attended preschool, he is just getting into the routine of “real school”.  In many districts, kindergarten is becoming more and more academic and structured, emphasizing  reading and writing over playing and socializing.  In additional, if the kindergarten is full day, then your little one is ready to cut loose at the end of the day.  Keep it simple.  Perhaps a swimming class on Saturday mornings or one day during the week, or an art or music class.  You may even choose not to enroll your child in after school activities at all, choosing instead to let him “hang loose” in the after school hours.

By the time your child reaches first grade, she has gotten into the “swing” of the school schedule and has matured.  The concentration level has improved slightly and she may be less antsy after school is over.  Who likes sitting at a desk for six hours anyway?  Either way, let your little one have a healthy outlet with a playground visit or a playdate with a classmate.  Give her this time to romp and have a good time as well as expend some energy.  Physical activity is the best as it allows for growing bones and stretching muscles to do their thing.  Personally, I would not recommend competitive sports - children need this time to grow and become comfortable with themselves and the physicality of their bodies.

Second grade is the grade to watch!  By this time, your child is astute enough to observe what’s going on with his peers and can make an informed decision on his favorite after school activities.  The best thing for parents to do is to ask what the child wants to do and follow along; allow for experimentation and exploration.  Although the child may begin musical lessons at this time, it is not recommended that you purchase an instrument unless absolutely necessary.  Above all, still allow your child some time to just relax and be himself.

Your third grader is much more social.  She is interested in friends and at this time may be able to handle team sports.  Sports help develop motor skills and the beginning of learning about teams and good sportsmanship.  In addition,  the artist in your little one may make itself known;  painting, drawing and other art classes may be in order.  Again, allow your child to explore the areas in which s/he is interested and don’t look for too much commitment.  Always remember to schedule in quiet time and family activities.

The fourth grader is an interesting little person.  He’s not quite primary, but not yet upper elementary.  This a transition period for a lot of children.  Involve your child in activities that will help boost the confidence.  By doing this, he will be able to combat some of the peer pressure that may come into play at this time.  At the same time, however, ensure that you are scheduling enough time for concentration on homework and if extra help is needed, take advantage of tutoring services that are available.

Your fifth grader is now growing up a bit - moving into the upper elementary aspect of her academic career.  Her social life is also beginning to move to the forefront.    Channel that desire to be with others into community service - teach your child that it’s nice to do for others!  Remember that homework and family time comes first;  be sure to schedule for both.

Middle school is a real turning point for many students. Keep television to a minimum and keep up the good habits that have been formed thus far.  Hopefully, the middle school and/or the community has activities such as the chess club, math club, Girl/Boy Scouts, 4-H and the like.  Keep up with the team sports, if the child is willing.

As the parent, you always have the last word.  Your child’s activities and how long s/he participates in these activities outside the home is up to you to decide.  Each child is different, so there are no set rules:  what is good for one child may or may not be good for another.  Take the time to communicate with your child to fully understand how he or she really feels about the amount of activities - watch for burnout and adjust accordingly.  Above all, encourage your child to have fun!



Singapore Singapore Swimming Classes

Ann Knapp asked:


Spa living - the new trend in real estate - allows those who want to incorporate a holistic approach to living with their actual physical surroundings. While spa living may have once denoted something as basic as a golf course community, today’s spa real estate come with much more. In fact, the best properties have made spa living the main focus. Spa real estate options come in many shapes and sizes, from single-family residences to condos to condo-hotels.

Canyon Ranch Living communities take the world-class health and wellness services of Canyon Ranch resorts and incorporate them into truly spa-inspired lifestyle. Miami Beach’s Canyon Ranch Living property is situated along the oceanfront and features a seven-acre complex with condo and condo-hotel options. For those fortunate enough to live at Canyon Ranch Living- Miami Beach, life is good with access to the property’s luxurious facilities, swimming pools, terraces overlooking the sea, concierge service, and an oceanfront restaurant featuring spa cuisine.

The development’s Spa and Wellness Center is 65,000 square feet and is serviced by a staff that numbers 150 and includes spa therapists and medical practitioners. A monthly membership fee opens the door to a host of spa services and lifestyle programs. Here, guests can learn better nutrition, take a Salsa class, indulge in the European thermal suite, or enjoy a mineral essential facial. Outdoors, residents may also take part in water sports, tai chi, yoga, and beach volleyball for no additional charge. From the property’s front door, residents also enjoy direct access to the beach, ocean and Miami Beach itself.

Imagine rolling out of a “cottage” at Sea Island Resort in Georgia on a Townie bike headed to one of the property’s 100 fitness classes at the Sea Island Club. What will it be today? Triathlete swimming class or a horse ride along the five-mile beach? Or perhaps a Pilates class is in order. Always pushing the spa envelope, the property has a wellness chef who not only teaches nutrition but is also available to audit residents’ kitchen cupboards and accompany them to the grocery store to show them what they should be eating. Other staff members include a professional running coach, sports psychologist and a world-champion squash player. Currently being developed are the Ocean Club residences, or condos and Sea Island also features a cottage-rental program for those who want to give the spa lifestyle a test drive.

Situated along the southernmost edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Cliffs of Keowee Springs is comprised of eight communities. The development’s forward-thinking commitment to wellness is more than just a marketing concept. Residents are challenged to achieve a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. This is attained through peaceful walks on groomed trails, a round of golf, or a relaxing afternoon at Keowee Springs Lodge and Spa. The facility is the country’s first Luxury Family Wellness Resort where residents have access to the Springs International Wellness Retreat. Here, physicians and specialists create one-of-a-kind lifestyle assessments, followed by education and support for residents to reach their personal health goals.

Overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, the spa features both outdoor and indoor treatments for its guests. Health-conscious cuisine, a beach club and championship golf are just a few of the other amenities created to optimize the well-being of every member of the family. Membership at one community affords residents access to the amenities at all seven of The Cliffs Communities.

Spa communities such as these are cropping everywhere, but before making an investment it’s important to examine the property’s commitment to the spa lifestyle. Following are several questions to ask, according to SpaFinder:

1. How did the community originate? Some spas have been added to residential communities, are real estate developments, or are hotels with spas that added a residential component.

2. What is the role of the spa? Does the spa represent the developer’s commitment to a more balanced lifestyle or just a place to receive a massage after a round of golf. The best spa communities infuse the spa into the center of social activity.

3. Is wellness a part of daily life? The best spa communities offer a medical component that includes doctors, specialists and therapists.

4. Does the spa reflect the development’s commitment to wellness? Has it been created to entice and pamper its guests to spend as much time at the spa as possible?

5. Does the treatment menu offer both standard and unique treatments? In addition to a deep tissue massage, does the spa feature treatments such as Watsu, acupuncture or holistic therapy to encourage exploration?

6. What are the staff credentials? Various states require various hours of training to achieve licensing. But more importantly, give the spa treatments a test drive to get a feel for service, ambiance and expertise levels.



Singapore Singapore Swimming Classes