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10 Ways To Free Up Your Time

Let’s talk about how to free up a bunch of your time.  Most people feel overwhelmed and busy most of the time and there are ways to put more minutes back into your day and they do not take too much effort.

There are a lot of reasons you should want to free up your time.  Even if you just want to have more fun and enjoy life more, freeing up time is a noble en-devour.  Another reason you might want to free up time is to do more side gigs and make some extra money to pay down bills.  Either way, well worth doing.  Here are 10 ways to grab back those minutes.

  1. Live close to work – Have as small of a commute as possible.  If you are living in Hudson and working in Fairlawn, why?  You can change your job or your home.  Cutting your drive can add an hour or more a day to your free time.
  2. Work from home – Better yet, make your commute a short walk to your home office.  You may be able to work from home all the time or only some days a week, but cutting down on drive time can free up your day.  Also, less office chit chat might make you more productive.
  3. Plan your meals – Do you go to the store every day or two?  Plan out your meals for the week and shop once.
  4. Get up early – Get up earlier and go to sleep earlier.  Chances are you are more productive in the morning and even if your sleep hours remain the same, the morning hours will probably be more productive and free up time later in the day.
  5. Time your errands – Do your errands, such as going to the post office, the bank and shopping during times when other people are working.  This cuts down on lines and waiting.
  6. Prep outfits – Know what you are going to wear for the week and prep them all at once.  The less you need to think about your clothes the better.  There is a reason that many great leaders have worn the same outfit most of the time.  They save their time and energy for more important things.
  7. Declutter your home – In our article on decluttering your home, we talk about how having less stuff saves time and money.
  8. Automate finances – One of the best things I ever did was automate most monthly financial transactions.  I know how much money I need to have in my account and everything happens automatically, saving me time and avoiding late fees.
  9. Hire help – If you are not an expert on something, don’t try to do it yourself (unless you truly enjoy figuring it out.)  You can find people to do thing much more affordably than before with sites for people doing gigs like tutoring, handyman, lawn care, etc.  Know what your time is worth and don’t waste it when you could hire out more cheaply.
  10. Limit Non-work Screen Time – Whether it is binge watching Netflix or reading fake (or real) news, limit your time in front of screens and get back hours a day.

All of these things individually are fairly minor habit changes or location changes that can vastly free up your time and improve your life.

Decluttering Your Ohio Home

A common expression is that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.  It is safe to say that the opposite is true as well.  Have you seen when someone leaves a home and leaves many of their belongings in it?  Or how about going to a tag sale and seeing all the knickknacks which are on sale for a buck?  We should turn that expression around and say “One man’s treasure is many people’s trash.”

Unless you are very disciplined, you most likely have a lot of stuff in your home that you do not use.  The longer you have been there the worse it has no doubt gotten.

Decluttering your home will make it more enjoyable.  When you go on vacation one of the nicest elements is the lack of clutter in a nice, spacious hotel.

Decluttering will save you money.  You can sell valuable things on ebay or amazon and you can just throw away a lot of stuff.  This will save you money because the more you throw away, the more thoughtful you are before you buy new things.

Decluttering will help you stay more organized.  By only keeping things you really need and keeping things picked up and put away, your life will be simpler and more organized.

Decluttering will make it easier to sell your home or move.  The less you have the more show-ready your home is if you decide to put it on the market.  Everyone knows the more cluttered a house is the less desirable it is to potential buyers.  By keeping it decluttered, you can be ready to move without months of cleaning.

Tips for Decluttering your Akron Home

  1. If you have not used something for more than a year, either put it up for sale or throw it away.
  2. Keep a minimal amount of holiday / seasonal items for decorating.  Only keep what you enjoy the most.  This stuff has a habit of building up.
  3. Take care of papers, mail and deliveries right away.  Do not let stacks grow.  Whenever possible, store documents electronically and dispose of papers quickly.
  4. Know where your local recycling center is and have older documents you no longer need shredded.  This is often free if you know where to go.
  5. Don’t assign emotions to items.  Unless something truly gives you joy see it for the item it is and get rid of it if you do not need it.
  6. Don’t keep clothes you do not wear.  Donating them can give you a tax break while helping someone out.

This is a big start to living a fresher, cleaner and more clutter-free life.  Enjoy the empty space.

 

 

Bullying In Schools

Every school has some level of bullying.  Akron area schools are no different.  The responsibility of dealing with bullying is not just a teacher or principal, but everyone’s responsibility because you do not know who will see the warning signs first.

Parents should look for signs not only that their child may be being bullied, but also that they are bullying others.  Consequences can be devastating for either party in the end.

One thing your school should do is use Outstanda to do surveys for students and detect bullying and issues before they get worse.

Even when these issues do not end in violence, the long term negative consequences can last a lifetime.  Someone who has been bullied can lack self confidence and someone who is a bully can have trouble working with others and might lack empathy and care when entering adult life.  In many cases, this will hurt their ability for advancement and leadership positions in working situations.  While some parents may think their kids are “strong,” the lack of compassion for others is not a good thing and can lead to many negative consequences.

How do you spot if your child is being bullied?

  • Making excuses not to go to school, such as faking illnesses
  • Unexplained loss or damage of money or items
  • Lack of appetite
  • Suspicious injuries
  • Decrease in self-esteem
  • More withdrawn, possibly self-destructive behavior

And how do you know if your child is bullying others?

  • Going to the principal’s office
  • Getting into physical and verbal fights
  • More aggressive
  • Speaks demeaning of others
  • Blames others for their problems
  • Worries about reputation and popularity

These are just some signs.  Teachers, parents, and other students should all be aware of the signs and report concerns.  Silence lets the problem escalate.  Schools have professionals to help with these issues and you should report any concern to the school as soon as possible.  For more information, read the government stop bullying site.  This has a more comprehensive list and more information if you have any concerns.

Middlebury Academy Charter School Akron

The Middlebury Movement – Molding Students Into Leaders

Middlebury Academy is under new management, and there are exciting initiatives on the horizon. The future is very bright for this kindergarten through eighth grade school located in East Akron, OH. The school recently partnered with the Educational Empowerment Group, and dynamic upgrades are underway. Middlebury Academy will have additional curricular resources to enhance classroom instruction, 21st Century technology, such as new, interactive SMART boards in each classroom, wrap-around services to support students and families, and energetic school programs to provide a fun, well-rounded experience for the students.

The students of Middlebury Academy will engage in an elevated experience through positive motivation, encouragement and high expectations. Since its partnership with the Educational Empowerment Group, the school has increased community partnerships to include Beech Brook Counseling Services, Families First Health Services and the Minority Behavioral Support Group. These additions are fostering a positive school culture which can promote an increase in overall student achievement. The school endeavors to continue to increase community programs and partnerships to support the social and emotional needs of the students.

The new principal, Michael Zografos, has a mission for the school which will raise the standard of excellence among the students and staff. Principal Zografos is actively working to cultivate leadership, scholarship and citizenship among students. Middlebury Academy is taking the shape of a distinctive school that will positively change the lives of its students and become a beacon in the Akron community. Middlebury Academy is molding leaders!

For more information, call 330-752-2766 or click here to submit a request for more information.  Middlebury Academy is currently accepting applications for enrollment. Reserve a place for your student today.

To learn more or to get registered, visit MiddleburyAcademyedu.org.

About Middlebury Academy: Middlebury Academy is a tuition-free charter school serving kindergarten through eighth-grade families in Akron, Ohio.

Fun Activities To Do This Fall With Your Children

Do you need activities this fall to enjoy some time with your children away from the everyday homework of the week? There are many activities that you can enjoy with your children this fall that will be free, or inexpensive,  but enjoyable, and most importantly a time for bonding and exercising.

The Akron Summit Metro Parks have activities that you can enjoy this fall with the whole family. Their website lists a calendar for the whole month full of activities that are sure to get you excited.  Visit them at https://www.summitmetroparks.org/ProgramsAndEvents.aspx to plan your activities this fall.

Feeling a bit studious? The University of Michigan Health System website outlines the many benefits reading does to the development of your child.  Reading is a major step in the education of a child, and it is a major skill they need to have for their success at school and later in life. Why not visit the Akron-Summit County Public Library this fall and enjoy one of the many programs they have available for the whole family? The many programs range from reading times for the children, to movies, workshops and more.  You can visit them at http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=ASCPL

Enjoying a  visit to the Akron Art Museum this fall should head the list of  activities that will enhance your child’s view of art locally and around the world.  The Akron Art Museum is a great place to enjoy an afternoon looking at art, that otherwise your children will never see at a school setting. Weekend’s sports play a big and important part in our children’s physical development. Why not their intellectual development as well? Visit their website to view hours, special events, and programs https://akronartmuseum.org/

When was the last time you visited the Akron Zoo? The changes they have done to the zoo  through out the years are pretty amazing.  It is a lovely place to be, and if you have small children, they are sure to enjoy it thoroughly. But most importantly, your visit to the Akron Zoo can be an afternoon only without fighting  the big crowds of a larger one.Visit their website to find out more about special events, rates, and hours of operation. https://www.akronzoo.org/

The Magical Theater company of Barberton Ohio is a professional theatre company for Young audiences and families, that your children will surely enjoy.  The tickets are not free, but children seem to find the experience a bit magical.  You can visit their webpage to find more information if you are interested at http://www.magicaltheatre.org/

One of the things we want to reiterate is that spending quality time with your children does not need to take place outside the home. Playing a game inside, or catching a ball on your backyard with your children can be remembered forever. If you still want to leave the home, grab a lunch, ride your bike to the park, and have a fun afternoon with them.

 

Back to School Cost Cutting in Akron, Ohio

The end of summer is fast approaching, school supply lists have been released, and you’re on the hunt for the best deals on back to school items for your kids. These days, just equipping your kids for the first day can be overwhelming, but with a few cost-cutting tips, you can save yourself money while providing great things for the upcoming school year.

1. Be prepared.

Go over your list of needs and be careful of what “wants” get added to the list by your child or teen. Better yet, give your older student a back to school budget, and have him or her work out how to use the allotted money to purchase the needed items. Do your research to find what items are on sale at which stores, and don’t shy away from shopping several different stores if needed.

2. Shop the sales.

It almost goes without saying, but August is the best time to by any school supplies. Stock up for the year on pens, paper, notebooks, crayons, etc. Staples, Office Depot, Wal-mart and Target are retailers that will have great prices now. In addition to great sales, you can also take advantage of other store loyalty programs such as Staples Rewards (5% off most purchases), Target RedCard (5% off) and Target Cartwheel offers. Target will also have store coupons that you can “stack” to get the most for your money. For example, purchase $30 in school supplies or backpacks and get a $5 gift card.

3. Go through all clothes and shoes before shopping for new ones.

With your child, go through all items in the closet and dresser. Donate any items that are too small or that your child no longer wears. Toss out any that are too old or beat up to be useful to anyone. Then make a list with your child of items that you’re searching for on your clothes shopping trip. It may help to do a little online window shopping in advance to see what stores have the best prices and styles for your budget.

4. Accept help if needed.

If finances are really tight, there are places in Akron, Ohio to get some free school supplies. St. Mary Catholic Church offers free school supplies to low-income students in the Hudson City School District, and Catholic Charities Community Services of Summit County provides supplies free of charge for students up to 8th grade and living in Summit County.

On Saturday, August 20, 2016, the John S. Knight Center hosts the Summit for Kids Family Expo with free admission, fun and educational activities, free back to school supplies and more.

Don’t let the stress of back-to-school shopping get to you. Team up with your student to have a plan of attack and enjoy the extra time together before another school year begins.

Should You Make Your Child a Professional Athlete?

If your child has an inclination for sports, you might be like many parents who fantasize about helping them pursue becoming a professional athlete.  This could include dance, football, tennis, horse showing, baseball, gymnastics, soccer or any number of other physical, competitive pursuits.

I am writing this article to give these parents general advice on things to consider.  I am doing this because we, as a family, are pursuing this kind of goal.  It is fun, but also expensive and a huge amount of time and sacrifice.  Here is what you need to know.

High School sports are fun.  But being top dog in a sport in your high school is not a sign your child can go pro in a sport.  In fact, many players who are serious about their sports do not play high school because the time spent with the high school team takes away from more serious training.  My oldest daughter, for example, was a very good high school tennis player but when she tried to compete in more serious tournaments, she quickly realized younger players were much better than her.  She did not want to go pro anyway, but as a parent, we thought she was hot stuff till we saw what real competition looks like.  Don’t get too excited to early.

Second, remember coaches are there to motivate you, earn a living and try to get the best out of the player they can.  This might result in stroking a parent’s ego a bit on how good a kid is.

Next, have a long term goal, not a short term goal.  Winning is not everything.  Proper training and physical fitness appropriate for the age along with good technique is more important than winning at a young age.  Being a serious tennis family with our youngest means we get to see parents freaking out all the time because their kid loses or has an off day.  Guess what.  Every weekend is another chance to get out there and get better.  But negativity will hurt that long term performance.

This we have seen lead to high stress in kids as well as parents getting divorced.  If you cannot deal with the stress that comes with this level of constant training and competition you may be better off not taking it so seriously.

Also, you should consider money.  Most sports are very cheap to play casually.  Take tennis for example.  Playing on a public court with 3 week old balls is a very cheap way to have fun and stay fit.  However, if you are serious about it, you are going to have 3 or more racquets that are $200ish and have them restrung each month at $35 a pop plus indoor memberships and multiple lessons per week plus a gym membership.  Then you are going to be travelling around your local area and if you are lucky, you will be travelling nationally competing in bigger tournaments and working with specialists.  In the Summer months you might spend $600 per month and Winter closer to $1,000 per month at least.  If you look at the serious Tennis academies in Florida, they are $60,000 per year in many cases.

So that $25 Walmart tennis racquet and old can of balls playing in the park can quickly become a very expensive proposition.  And in case you are wondering, no you cannot become great without some serious money and time.

Of course, there are exceptions when your child is a total freak of nature athlete.  But even then you cannot just pick up a sport in an afternoon.  Strategy and coordination must be learned.

These are just some of the issues you need to think about as a parent of a talented youth athlete.  I am not telling you not to pursue it.  I am saying you need to be realistic about chances and also about your ability to provide the resources to be successful.  Good luck.

6 Family Activities After Dusk

Summer is when the sun goes down later at night, and often kids are in bed around dusk.  But it is a great time to stay outside and enjoy the evening if your kids can stay up.  Here are 6 ideas of things you can do at dusk together as a family.

  1. Camp Fire – fire rings are common now and having a camp fire in your back yard is a great way to talk and have fun.  Each city has different fire codes and you should find out what yours are, but in many cases as long as it is contained you can have a great little fire.  Cook smores, learn fire building techniques, fire safety, and just catch up with each other.
  2. Minor League Baseball – Akron Rubberducks – check their schedule, sometimes they have fireworks.
  3. Night Hike – Take flashlights and explore a well marked, safe path at night to get a whole new perspective on nature.
  4. Drive In Theater – Yes, they are still around.  Not better quality picture, not better sounds, but a wholly different movie experience your kids need to try at least once.  Here is the one between Kent and Ravenna.
  5. Carnivals and Festivals – Do a quick search and you will find local fairgrounds and downtowns full of festivals and carnivals all Summer long.
  6. Free Park Concerts – Want to expose your family to some culture?  Me either – but we still have fun going to park concerts and you cannot lose when they are free.

How To Protect Your Children From The Summer Heat

Summer vacation is the perfect time for children to enjoy hours of outdoor sports and other activities. However, the summer heat also brings the risk of sunburn and heat exhaustion. These heat related problems can result in simply an irritating sunburn or serious health consequences. This is why it is important for children and parents to know some of the ways they can protect themselves from the sun. This includes knowing what clothing to wear, what places to avoid, and the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Wear The Right Clothing

One of the best ways to beat the summer heat is to dress your children in clothes that will stop them from getting hot. As a general rule, it is best to dress your children in loose clothing that is made out of as light of a material as possible. The clothing should be loose enough to allow the air to circulate, and something like a loose button up shirt will help to increase air circulation. Clothing that is of a light color is preferable, but it is important to avoid dressing your children in heavy clothing that is lightly colored. Brimmed hats will help to prevent sunburn, and will further help to keep them cool.

Avoid Cars And Hot Places

Heat stroke generally occurs when a child is exposed to a hot confined space. This is why parents should make sure that they do not leave their children in hot spaces. One of the most dangerous and common places are car interiors. It is important to never leave a child in a car unattended, and to know that simply opening a car window will not protect your child from heat stroke. Similarly, children should be provided with a shady place to rest. This is especially important during and after exercise when children are most susceptible to heat exhaustion.

Know The Signs Of Heat Exhaustion And Heat Stroke

Finally, parents should know the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The warning signs of heat exhaustion include redness of skin, excessive sweating, cramps, dizziness, confusion, and drowsiness. The warning signs of heat stroke include cessation of sweating, vomiting, cramps, and high body temperature. Parents should know these warning signs and be vigilant. Children suffering from heat exhaustion should be taken to a cool place, and those suffering from heat stroke need to be taken to the hospital immediately.

Akron Kayaking

Kayaking and canoeing along the Cuyahoga River is a pleasurable experience many people enjoy every spring, summer, and fall in northeast Ohio. The winding, calm river is ideal for families who want to take advantage of the summer months enjoying water activities with their small children.

There are several places around northeast Ohio that allow you to rent a canoe or kayak to enjoy the river and enjoy a fun weekend with your children. These are three of the many businesses for renting a kayak or canoe.

  1. Crooked River Adventures

100 Stow St,

Kent, OH 44240

(330) 541-7467

https://fareharbor.com/crookedriveradventures/

  1. Burning River Adventures

2025 Munroe Falls Avenue

Cuyahoga Falls, OH

(330) 969-2628

http://www.paddletheriver.com/

  1. Killinit Kayaks Inc.

3803 1/2 State Rd,

Akron, OH 44319

(330) 760-3533

https://killinitkayaks.com/

Before you decide to rent a kayak or canoe from one of these businesses, visit their website and check for availability, hours of operation and prices. Some of these businesses accept coupons and are very friendly and accommodating.

If on the other hand you own a kayak or canoe and decide to take it on the river, remember the safety precautions and rules and regulations you have to abide by before entering the waters on the Cuyahoga River.

  1. All kayak, canoes and inflatable boats must be registered in the state of Ohio. The boat registration must be carried onboard, and ID is required if you are visiting from other states where registration is not required
  2. Life jackets in wearable condition and right size are required for each person on the boat, kayak or inflatable boat. If you have children under the age of 10, they MUST wear properly sized life jacket at all times.
  3. No alcohol is permitted while on National parks or rivers
  4. No littering
  5. Children under the age of 12 MUST be supervised by an adult at all times if operating their own kayak, canoe or inflatable boat.

A fun weekend with the family will forge unforgettable memories for your children.  Safety should never be undermined, nor ignore.  A life jacket can save the life of your child. If they complain the life jacket is not comfortable, find another one that will fit them better, but do not relent about them wearing one.

Enjoy your summer.