Recent Posts
September 30th 2010 04:49
Working from home is growing in popularity as it allows the opportunity to earn an additional income, to be able to work the hours that suit your lifestyle and usually require minimal outlay to get started. Many budding entrepreneurs are showing their valuable kills and knowledge on the internet super highway and are making their fortune.
One of the growing trends that is beginning to emerge. . Introducing the Virtual Assistant.
WHAT IS A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT?
A Virtual Assistant (VA) is someone who offers administrative support and / or specialized business service. As a rule a VA works from a home office and with the assistance of technology is able to have a global client base.
Virtual Assistants provide a similar service to an employee in an actual on-site office, only their duties are performed offsite / remotely from a home office.
Services that A Virtual Assistant may offer:
Website and graphic design
Online / Offline marketing and promotion
Accounting / bookkeeping
Data entry
Writing, editing and researching services
General and Legal transcription services
Personal Assistant Services
September 20th 2008 04:01
DO WORKING MOTHERS DISADVANTAGE CHILDREN?
Recently the oldest debate has once again reared its ugly head Do working mothers disadvantage children? The aspects of this debate could be argued until you are blue in the face but the answer really is quite simply Every family must do what is right for their individual situation.
Igniting the argument, Mem Fox, whom was reported as stating that Sending a child to daycare is a form of child abuse. How dare she make such an outrageous statement without first walking in the footsteps of the average struggling family. There are others within the community that are willing to criticize working mother by saying How dare you work! You should be at home taking care of your child. More often than not the Grandparents are the worst offenders simply because childcare facilities were not available in their day.
With rising interest rates, a multitude of debt and the sky rocketing cost of everyday expenses more than 60% of Australian families are forced to have 2 working parents simply to put food on the table and keep the wolves from the door. Many working mothers believe that there is no other option except to work in order to be able to make ends meat and adequately provide for their family. Unfortunately this debate does not take into consideration the average family's hardship nor the mental and emotional strain on working mothers for placing their child in daycare.
A large majority of working mothers feel that they are short changing their child, that placing their child in daycare that they have somehow failed as a mother, guilty for putting their careers first and get upset at the departure of leaving a screaming irate child behind.
There is currently no research available to support claims that a child placed in daycare at an early age will result in psychological damage/harm to the child, in fact evidence suggests quite the opposite. Mounting evidence suggests that children placed in daycare are able to build a stronger immunity prior to commencing preschool, are more social than the counterparts, adapt more readily to change and are generally more well adjusted.
So what makes a good daycare center?
1) Staff must be respectful and flexible allowing the individuality of a child
2) Staff actively interact with children rather than in a clinical manner
3) Your child appears happy and content
4) The center is full of warmth and energy
5) Staff are pleased to see you child and vise versa
Everyone needs to establish a source of sanity amidst the mayhem of everyday life. Fathers go off fishing or meet their friends at the local hotel but unfortunately mothers, who are predominately the primary carer, do not have the same luxury. Daycare may provide a source of sanity to mothers where there is no other option available for example, relatives and friends, to care for the child. Mothers need to be reminded (as we all do) that they had a life before children, housework and thrown into the role of primary care provider for the family unit as a whole. Childcare facilities may provide this opportunity and a chance to take a breather and relax in which everyone needs, dare I say deserves, male or female.
As I am a young mother of little ones under the age of 5 years I empathize with your plight, and can only offer these kind words . . PLEASE stop kicking yourself and putting yourself down as there are enough people in the world that will do that for you.
As I have experienced similar criticism as a large majority of working mothers I therefore feel confident to recommend the following DVD series:
Toddler Taming the guide to your child from one to four (set of 4 DVDs)
Written and presented by Dr Christopher Green
Supplier: Marcom
DICS 3 topics discussed:1. Overview
2. Do working mothers disadvantage children
3. Good childcare
4. Help . . .They're sick!
5. Be organized or else
6. Quality Time the Goal
I found this DVD and the Toddler Taming series in general, to be extremely beneficial. I came to realize that I was not alone and that other working mothers had gone through similar experiences regarding placing their child in daycare.
I no longer view daycare as an evil prison camp for toddlers but more so that my child will have the opportunity to socialize and interact with their peers. This is not to suggest that I do not get an attack of guilt as I depart leaving my child kicking and screaming at the door. But I now feel more confident that I am doing the best I can for my family, child and sanity levels.
I also understand that selecting a daycare/carer for your precious little ones can be daunting with much uncertainty. Here are a few suggestions that may provide working mothers with piece of mind and confidence when selecting the daycare option:
1) Try to visit as many childcare facilities as possible and openly discuss with the staff you
concerns
2) Watch the children at the daycare center do they appear happy and content?
3) Ask friends and family if they can recommend a daycare center ( Remember what is right
for their child is not necessarily right for your child)4) Is the daycare center bright, warm and full of energy and excitement?
5) How long has the daycare center been operating? What is the staff turnover?
As more childcare facilities operate from 6am to 6pm, working mothers may find it useful to know that many centers now offer nutritional meals. In fact when my son was going to daycare he often ate better than I did having, Tuna Mornay, Spaghetti, Beef Strgonoff, etc. This may assist with fussy eater as they appear more inclined to eat alongside their peers, and remove some of the pressure on working mothers.
I am confident that if working mothers explore and investigate Daycare centers for themselves that they will find a center that is suitable for their child(ren) and families unique situation. Due to the fact that the raging debate of whether or not working mothers disadvantage children, it has resurfaced already open mental and emotional scars that would indicate that more compassion, empathy and understanding is needed within out community.
A word to working mothers:
PLEASE BE KIND TO YOURSELF after all you can only do what you feel is right for your child and family.
September 12th 2008 03:06
Have we as a society become so complacent, distracted and absorbed in our everyday lives that we no longer take the time to get to know our neighbors or our community as a whole? So often we hear the news report that someone has been found deceased in their homes for months on end without a single soul noticing the difference. Why did no-one question the power being disconnected or the mailbox overflowing?
As a child we knew everyone in our small town, we waved and greeted each other in the street and everyone knew the whereabouts of the local children. My mother would leave a six pack of beer out for the mailman as a kind gesture and was strongly involved in school activities.
We did not lock doors and could leave our belongings in the backyard without fear that it would be stolen. But with the crime rate rising 30% since 1980 society have become more weary. We no longer stop for hitch hikers or give change to the less fortunate in the street in fear of retaliation.
Australians have long been known for their generosity and mateship but it seems that we have slowly forgotten about our community spirit and giving to the fellow man. It would appear that this occurs only in time of hardship such as flooding or bush fires.
We no longer look each other in the eye as we stole down the street, say good morning/good afternoon to the passers by or even smile.
A large majority of the over 30 years age bracket were brought up based on good old fashioned morals and respect such as calling someone Mr or Mrs instead of by their fist name. Life appeared without complication and we did not look over our shoulders.
So how can we instill a sense of morals, dignity and respect in the next generation if we do not practice such ethics ourselves?
Here are a few suggestions that I was brought up with and I personally think that they are lessons to live by:
1)Do onto others as you would have them do onto you OR love thy neighbor ( Number 1 GOLDEN RULE)2)A please and a thank you do not cost anything but go a long way
3)Remind the children that the elderly should be respected as they were the founders of this great country and fought in wars so that they may have a better life
4)Take the time to get to know your neighbor. It takes 5 minutes to say Hi, my name is Bob, please to meet you or invite them over for a cup of tea or coffee (this will also be beneficial if any neighborhood disputes occur)
5)Be more aware of your surroundings if you do not see your elderly neighbor after say a few days knock on the door and ask politely Are you okay?
This is not to say that society should be living in the dark ages but more letting you fellow man know that they are not alone. Common decency does not cost anything except for 2 minutes of your time. Surely you can spare 2 minutes out of you hectic schedule to say hello, how are you?
September 11th 2008 09:45
I have always been a very opinionated person and never in my wildest dreams imagined that someone would be willing to pay me to voice my opinion. I was astounded to discover that everyday literally thousands of people get paid to express their opinion by completing surveys.
Surveys may be beneficial for businesses and the community as a whole. The information collected can then be used to implement and improve services, consumer consumption, rising health concerns and other aspects that impact the community.
[ Click here to read more ]
The dreaded 'd' WORD . . DIVORCE
Broken homes, shattered dreams, confusion and heartache brought about due to that dreaded 'D' word . . . you guessed it . . . DIVORCE! Divorce has a huge impact on the entire family, especially the little people that we sometimes forget during the ordeal. They are confused they never asked for the divorce and certainly do not understand why things have to be this way
[ Click here to read more ]
BI POLAR THE MONSTER THAT LINGERS IN THE DARKNESS
Your heart beats into the night like rumbling thunder. When you scream into the darkness the ones you love hear you heartache and pain. Fluctuating moods, racing thoughts, emptiness, low self esteem, depression and utter despair. Geez guess what? I suffer from Bi Polar Affective Disorder
[ Click here to read more ]
Many times I have traveled down the lonely long road between Gunnedah to Narrabri, country New South Wales, on the New England Highway. For miles around all that can be seen, thick scrub and bushland lining the roadside. The occasional homestead appears perched on the rolling hilltops and the pure silence of the outback.
[ Click here to read more ]
PAID TO CLICK programs, also referred to as PTR/PTC, is an innovative form of global advertising and gradually becoming essential for e-commerce. The concept of PTR/PTC is truly simplistic . . . open an email, lick the link, be redirected to the advertising site . Usually for a set time frame ( 10 40 seconds ) to receive the reward offered.
There are literally 1000's of PTR/PTC sites available on the Internet, all promising fast payout and bonuses for surfing the Internet, clicking links or banner and for referrals. Others may offer additional incentives for paid sign ups or other offers and traffic exchange.
[ Click here to read more ]
As society immerses with the fast pace of everyday life and technology advances, we have gradually stepped away from traditional forms of communication. The age old art of handwriting is slowly becoming a distant memory.
Have you ever wrote a letter or a thank you note? As a young child whenever I received a gift or letter, my mother would encourage me to write a thank you note. My mother would say that it showed appreciation and a great sign of respect
[ Click here to read more ]
Mystery shopping companies have been operating in Australia for over 20 years, allowing the opportunity to earn an additional income and the ability to work from home.
But what is mystery shopping?
[ Click here to read more ]
|
|
Recent Comments
I've not commented on anything yet :(
|
Add Comments
Read More
Comments (1)