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January 2022

Family

How parents can support learning outside of child care

by Mahir Garth on

Supporting your child in early learning is a challenge for many working parents.  As a working Mum, Emily wanted to find a centre in Mascot that would be a home away from home for her toddler, Ava.  Finding a Mascot childcare centre was easy with the Space directory which gave her not just a list of centres but information about each one.  Armed with this information, Emily found a centre that showed her the best ways she could support Ava at home, things all parents could do with their child outside of childcare. 

Make the most of communication tools

Ava’s childcare centre has a strong system in place to ensure seamless communication between home and centre which included an app, a journal and regular notices from the centre.  Many centres will send photos and other items electronically to keep parents in the loop.  Make sure you fill out the home section of the journal regularly to keep the communication channels open. 

Talk, talk, talk 

Talk through your child’s day at home, encouraging them to tell you about their favourite activities.  Teaching children to narrate helps them develop strong literacy skills.  

Read, read, read

Have plenty of books at home.  Libraries offer free books on loan, and books can be bought cheaply from second hand book shops or swapped at community book exchanges.  Read with your child regularly and allow them access to the books so they can read or look at picture books on their own as well 

Get involved 

Take opportunities to take part in centre celebration days and events, even if you are just sending special food.  Talk about the celebration with your child and discuss its origins and symbolism.  Attempt to cook with your child to prepare the meal or cakes for the day or take them shopping to make a purchase. 

Craft centre 

Have space in your house for your child to get creative, set out with paint, clay, crayons and glue.  Have a choice of collage materials available such as feathers or sequins that can be purchased at low cost outlets.  Have containers and jars for paint brushes and plenty of paper.

If your child is not worrying about making a mess, they will be more inclined to create.  Having the confidence to use the materials at home will give them confidence at day care as well. 

Number support

Your child’s room and toy selection should include plenty of number games and posters with basic equations such as times tables.  Play counting rhymes around the house and count out objects with the child whenever possible.  Take your child shopping and show them price labels to help them understand the concept of money at an early age. 

Don’t be afraid to discuss your child’s learning at any time with your childcare coordinator.  Mascot childcare educators are open and eager to share each child’s learning journey with their parents as the best way to provide a holistic education. 

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News

Benefits Of Joining Dance Classes Singapore

by Mahir Garth on

A dance class Singapore shows youngsters just how to express their emotions with actions. It is a fantastic possibility to create a gratitude of arts in a youngster. Music, beat, visual appearance– everything is essential in dancing and also it supports children’ aesthetic level of sensitivity.

Youngsters quickly learn that dancing is not everything about enjoyable and also enjoyment. Coping as well as adhering to guidelines with a regimen is an additional vital part of this activity and no results can be accomplished without it.

Attending dance courses is the perfect opportunity to meet children of the same age and also strike up a friendship. As well as, youngsters develop their teamwork abilities as well as discover exactly how to connect and work together in groups.

There is no better means to launch those pent-up fears by dancing your stress away! As soon as you go into the dance workshop and also begin relocating, possibilities are that you will certainly forget about your everyday stress and also focus on immersing yourself in the dancing motions as well as music.

Grown-up dancing classes are the dreamland to socialise and also satisfy new individuals! As adults, most of us often tend to get caught up in frantic timetables and dedications– such as family members, work or college– that we are incapable to discover time to try something new. Enrolling in a dancing class is an excellent way to connect with various other like-minded individuals and also make new good friends, which helps to decrease tension by connecting with people in a totally various social environment.

One of the key reasons dancing is a wonderful form of exercise is that it integrates motions from every part of your body. Not only does this aid to enhance your total strength, it boosts your hand-eye control and also balance too!

For any type of moms and dad, among the top-of-mind concerns is looking for the best method to funnel the energy of the “everlasting batteries”– the youngsters. While giving them the possibility to play video games or view toons may assist to resolve them down for time, physical activity is the best service to guide their power into the appropriate course.

And also it is the parents’ obligation to ensure that youngsters discover the selected task amusing as well as intriguing, otherwise, they will not want to do it. The first thing that comes into mind is team sporting activities. However, with all the advantages that sports bring, it is important to be smart in your choices. Some team sports call for a certain age variety so when you pick a sort of sporting activity for your toddler, focus on the age needs. Fortunately, there is a task that makes a hit for kids of every ages– dance!

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News

Wage and hour class actions can cost businesses millions of dollars

by Mahir Garth on

Employers who violate federal and state wage and hour regulations may face class-action lawsuits, which might result in costly settlements with employees.

He pointed out that even if the employer’s mistakes are minimal, the company could be held accountable for such fines and damages. Because lengthy litigation might result in increased fees, these cases usually settle fast.

According to the report’s author, Gerald Maatman Jr., an attorney at Seyfarth Shaw in Chicago and New York City, the spike in wage and hour settlements—which has risen to a combined value of $1.2 billion in the last two years—is the No. 1 exposure for corporations heading into 2018. HR experts and company executives, he said, should concentrate on this.

Here are seven typical wage and hour errors that HR professionals should aim to avoid in their organizations, according to attorneys.

Errors in Exemption Classification

According to Daniel Schlein, labour attorney in New York City, classification concerns are a challenge for businesses dealing with the complexity of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). One recurring issue, he added, is businesses incorrectly classifying workers as exempt and failing to pay overtime compensation.

The so-called white-collar exemptions for executive, administrative, and professional staff are the most popular exemptions from overtime pay under the FLSA. Workers must be paid on a salary basis, earn a minimum wage of $23,660, and perform specific responsibilities on a regular basis to qualify for one of these exemptions. An exempted executive, for example, is required to oversee two or more employees on a regular basis, among other things.

Employers should be aware of alternative exemption categories, such as those for certain computer-related jobs and commissioned sales positions.

Non Exempt personnel who do not qualify for an exemption must be paid 1.5 times their regular pay rate for all hours worked after the exemption period has expired.

Violations of State Law

Employers should be on the lookout for “hybrid” wage and hour actions, according to Schlein, in addition to exposure under the FLSA. Plaintiffs in a hybrid case bring claims under both the FLSA and the applicable state statute.

He pointed out that state wage and hour laws can provide more opportunity for overtime claims than the FLSA, as well as greater time to make a claim and broader coverage.

The California Labor Code, for example, has rigorous standards about what must be reported on pay stubs, and disobedience can result in severe fines for employers.

HR’s Function

Employers can reduce the likelihood of a collective action under the FLSA or state wage & hour lawyers regulations, according to Schlein, by:

  • Using up-to-date systems to maintain accurate time-keeping and record-keeping methods.
  • Managers should be educated on the differences between exempt and nonexempt personnel, and they should be encouraged to disclose wage concerns as soon as possible.
  • Conducting wage and hour audits on a regular basis to ensure that employees are designated accurately as exempt or nonexempt.
  • Identifying the types of work that independent contractors do and how they do it.
  • When issues or disagreements emerge, employers should keep open channels of contact with their employees.

Class actions in the workplace should never be unexpected. Businesses can limit their risk of lawsuit by implementing sound HR processes and ensuring that employees believe the HR office is open to them and that their issues will be addressed, investigated, and resolved if necessary.

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Health

5 Ways to Help Your Parents Prepare for Medicare

by Mahir Garth on

Is it almost time for your parents to get on Medicare? You may be feeling overwhelmed by the thought of your parents getting enrolled into Medicare. This article will help you prioritize a few ways to help you and your parents get ready. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” So, get ahead of the game with these five ways below!

Know How Medicare Works

Suppose your parents are navigating the tricky world of Medicare. In that case, it will help them significantly if they and you know how it works. Start with the basics of Medicare, such as:

  • What is Medicare?
  • What is Part A and Part B?
  • What is a Medicare Advantage Plan?
  • What is a Medigap supplement?
  • When is the Annual Enrollment Period?

Medicare companies like Boomer Benefits offer an array of Medicare resources and webinars that can help you learn Medicare quickly and easily. You can also visit Medicare.org to view their resources. Once you and your parents understand what Medicare is and how it works, it will be easier to decipher the types of coverage your parents would need. Also, be aware of all the requirements, terms, and deadlines. Make a note of important things that you might forget or want to keep handy when it comes time to enroll.

Know When You Can Make Changes in Coverage

If your parents don’t like their Medicare plan or coverage, there are specific periods where they could shop around. You need to know the timelines and rules when your parents can make changes.

If your parents would like to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan, change from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, or change Part D plans, they can do this during the Annual Election Period. The Annual Election Period is held from mid-October to early December every year.

There is also a particular season dedicated to dis-enrolling or switching back to Original Medicare from an Advantage plan. It begins January 1st and runs through mid-February. Even if you just signed up for a Medicare Advantage plan, you could drop it.

Many special enrollment periods give you additional opportunities to switch your coverage depending on life’s circumstances. Such as moving outside of a plan’s area, moving in or out of a nursing home, being new to Medicare, etc.

Determine Your Parents Needs

When it comes to healthcare, the healthcare needs each parent has will differ. Your parent’s needs will vary. For example, if your dad wants a Medicare Advantage plan and your mom needs a Medigap plan, you will need to shop for two different types of plans. Requirements will vary on the health conditions if they’re on prescription drugs. The choice of doctors, costs, and health will affect them in the long run. You’ll also need to make them think about the budget and what they can afford.

Look into Expert Help

There are Medicare companies that help when you are picking a plan, so you aren’t alone. You will want to be cautious when seeking expert help to receive unbiased service. Find a Medicare expert with multiple carriers, and that offers back-end support. Boomer Benefits has an array of carriers and offers to help you with your Medicare policies once purchased.

Don’t Overstep Your Boundaries

Once you’ve learned the basics of Medicare and helped your parents where they need to be helped, your job is done. If you’re overstepping your boundaries and convincing them they may need a specific plan that might not be good for them; you may need to reconsider.

Conclusion

Medicare can be very confusing at first. Once you dive into the basics of Medicare, the parts and plans, and the coverage change periods, you will have a better idea of it. Determine your parent’s needs and what type of coverage would benefit them. Looking into expert help when getting enrolled into plans can also be helpful. Don’t overstep your boundaries if your parents feel a bit stressed and things are getting to be too much. At the end of the day, you want to help them in a supportive manner.

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Health

The Importance Of Physical Activity For Health And Its Benefits For The Functioning Of The Body

by Mahir Garth on

It contributes to a healthy life and improves the body’s mechanisms. The importance of physical activity which is done in hot ground gym for example for health is directly related to improving quality of life, considerably reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, problems related to low immunity, in addition to emotional disorders.

From a young age, considering children of all age groups to elderly people, they can realize the importance of physical activity for health, since the evolution of bodily stimuli, memory quality, especially in this case, becomes evident of the elderly, and functioning of the organism.

For individuals who have already reached the third age, for example, physical activity is recommended to prevent or delay cases of Alzheimer’s, which affects a large part of the population aged 65 and over.

By contributing to the reduction or control of weight and helping to balance the levels of fat in the bloodstream, the importance of physical activity for health is also given by helping to reduce the intake of medications that serve for problems related to type 2 diabetes (one that is unrelated to insulin production), high blood pressure and triglyceride levels.

The Importance Of Physical Activity For Health

The importance of physical activity for health is reflected in many aspects of the practitioners’ routine. The change from a sedentary lifestyle to the practice of healthy habits is felt both emotionally and physically, and the benefits are significant.

The type of sport or activity done in recreational centers like hot ground gym instance can vary, and the benefits are the same. Whether through group exercises or more solitary activities, such as weight training, each person must choose the activity that is best adapted to their routine and body conditioning.

Benefits Of Physical Activity And Contributions To Health:

Reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke, and hypertension;

Controlling the level of LDL cholesterol (considered bad cholesterol) and increasing HDL cholesterol (a good quality fat);

Helps to control high blood pressure;

It reduces the risk of developing diabetes and controls the blood glucose level;

Less chances of developing different types of cancer, especially when physical activity is associated with good nutrition;

The importance of physical activity for health can also be a factor for weight control, also linked to a quality diet;

Improves depression, anxiety, among other problems related to psychosocial disorders;

The importance of physical activity for health is also related to children. In addition to contributing to social interaction, it avoids childhood obesity;

In the case of older adults, physical activity contributes to self-esteem. They feel stronger, more active, and more willing to perform simple routine tasks.

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Family

Winter Baby Essentials to Check Out Today

by Mahir Garth on

[ picture source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cheerful-young-diverse-family-with-toddler-strolling-on-street-and-smiling-6393319/]

Whether you’re about to welcome a baby into the world or you’ve recently had a baby, you likely realize how much gear they need. New parents often purchase a lot of gear designed to make their life or the baby’s life easier but can end up spending money on things that aren’t really needed. For a winter baby, there are some essentials to purchase. Check out the list below and buy what your baby will need to get through their first winter comfortable and happy.

The Perfect High Chair

A high chair is a must, as it allows for hands-free feeding. Opt for one that grows with the baby to get more use out of this type of product. A baby high chair designed to grow can hold infants still using a bottle, older infants who are starting solids, and toddlers who are ready for a big kid chair. By buying one that grows with the baby, you’ll be able to use it month after month until they’re around five years old.

Light Jackets

Babies can’t regulate their temperatures well, so it’s up to the parents to do it for them. Bulky clothes can get too warm too fast when indoors. Instead, opt for a variety of light jackets. A light jacket is perfect for the inside and can be covered with a warmer jacket or blanket when outside, keeping the baby warm without making them too hot. Keep a few on hand when out and about to be able to layer more effectively.

Adorable Socks and Booties

Baby toes are adorable, but they do get cold fast. Tiny baby socks and booties are perfect for keeping the toes warm no matter where you’re going. If socks tend to come off too easily, try opting for booties designed to be a little more difficult for babies to kick off. However, since they can come off, keep a few extra pairs in the diaper bag for on the go.

Baby Caps

Caps are the perfect way to cover a baby’s head and help keep them warm when you’re outside. Opt for caps that are as soft as possible to avoid any discomfort, and start using caps when the baby is tiny to encourage them to leave it on. Caps are easy to take off when you’re inside but will help keep the baby warmer. Use baby caps made from natural fibers to help keep their temperature regulated properly, but don’t skimp on all of the cute designs that are available.

A Fantastic Stroller

The right stroller can make all of the difference when you’re out and about with a baby. Take some time to find the perfect stroller. For newborns, it may make sense to purchase a travel system, so you have a car seat and stroller together. Once the baby outgrows the newborn car seat, you’ll still have a stroller to use. Make sure the stroller is easy to open and close with one hand, that it fits in the trunk of the car, and that it’ll be easy to clean.

Swaddle Blankets

Swaddle blankets provide numerous benefits beyond keeping the baby warm. Swaddling helps prevent movement, encouraging the baby to fall asleep faster and helping them to stay asleep longer. In the winter, swaddling can be the perfect way to add another layer during a nap or at bedtime to help keep the baby warm. Learn how to use a swaddle before practicing a few times to get the hang of it, but they aren’t hard to use. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to do it easily and quickly to help your baby fall asleep.

A Humidifier

During the winter months, you’ll likely have the heat on inside the home to help keep you and the baby warm. While this is important, it does make the air less humid. This is what can cause skin irritation, chapped lips, and other issues during the winter months. Babies can suffer from low humidity, too, so opt for a humidifier in their room to increase the humidity and keep them comfortable. As a bonus, they can help with congestion and relieve stuffy noses in case your baby gets a cold.

Congratulations on the new baby. If you’re ready to start shopping, these are the things you’ll need with a winter baby. Take the time to check out a variety of options and make sure you have plenty of essentials on-hand before the weather gets colder. You’ll end up with a warmer, more comfortable, and happier baby throughout winter.

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