The eLearners News Blog : For Busy Parents

Free online course in stress management

AndriaL — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:17:00 GMT

Could you use some stress management?

Holidays, finals approaching, the job market, the last of this stubborn winter, money woes, traffic...

There never seems to be a shortage of reasons to be stressed, but luckily, University of Florida is offering a free, seven-part series in stress management that you can access here. There's no registration needed, which is great, because who needs another login and password to remember?

In the seven lessons, you'll learn plenty, including:

What causes stress
How your body reacts to stress
How to relieve stress using physical techniques
How visualization can help

As removing stress from your life is completely impossible, learning to deal with what's stressing you—both mentally and physically—is important for a longer, happier, healthier life.

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Keep It in the Car

JenniferA — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 14:30:00 GMT

Whether you have big kids, little kids or both, you've probably noticed that there is a significant amount of "gear" they need wherever they go. The constant schlepping of diaper bags, backpacks, sports bags, etc. can create a hectic scene when you're trying to get out the door. So why not make it easier on yourself and start storing the essentials in your vehicle? Now is probably a good time to put together a "keep-it-in-the-car-bin."

The one I use is a medium-sized under-the-bed type of storage container. Here are some of the items it holds:

diapers, wipes, swim diapers
a change of clothes for each child
disposable cups and utensils
snacks and bottled water
a few books and toys
sunscreen and first-aid items

In the spring and fall I bring the bin in the house, restock it and change the outfits according to the season.

Knowing all of these items are in my van makes getting out the door a lot easier. I'm not running around trying to gather all of the essentials and I'm less likely to forget something important (like one of the kids!).

Jennifer Applin is a freelance writer, wife and mother of four. She spends her days cooking, cleaning and caring for little ones, and her nights writing about parenting, pregnancy, and the quest for peace (as in peace and quiet—there is such a thing, right?).

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The Benefits of Books on Tape

JenniferA — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Do you need to work on an assignment and don't want to plop your kids down in front of the TV yet again? Are you feeling guilty that you haven't had a lot of time to read to your children lately? Well audiobooks and books on tape may be perfect solutions. Here are some suggestions:

iTunes doesn't just have the latest songs; they also have popular audiobooks you can download. Check out the section for kids and young adults to find some of the classics as well as the latest best sellers.
If money is tight you can always visit the library, which usually has a decent selection of books on tape. The packets contain the story recorded on a cassette or CD and the book is included for children to follow along and look at the pictures.
If you can't seem to find a particular book available on tape you can always record your own. This can be audio or video. Your child will enjoy hearing your voice or watching you read aloud to them.

Whatever method you choose, knowing your children are occupied by listening to good books can give you the guilt-free, uninterrupted time you need.

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Five Steps to Take Now to Make Your Post-Holiday Clean-Up a Breeze

JenniferA — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:46:00 GMT

Quick and Easy Holiday Clean-up

List all new items entering your house.

You probably have a pretty good idea of the gifts your family members will be receiving. Make a list of all these items. Don't forget to include clothes, shoes, toys, books, electronics, household items, etc. Also consider any items you may be picking up at post-holiday clearance sales. Will you be adding to your collection of holiday decorations? Will you be stocking up on presents or clothes for later in the year? Anything new that will be "walking" thru your door will need to be on your list.

Pretend to put these items away…

Take a notepad and pen with you around the house as you pretend to put all of these new items away. What do you notice? Is the Barbie® bin already overflowing and your daughter will be getting four more? Are the hanging clothes squished together and you'll be receiving a new wardrobe (at least you hope)? What about the books on the shelves or the cds on the rack? Will you need to rearrange the furniture in your son's room to fit that new desk? Cross off anything on your list that can easily be put away. Everything else will need further attention.

Purge, purge, purge!

As you check out the closets, drawers and toy bins, take the time to purge. Organize, rearrange and get rid of anything you won't need after the holidays. Donate what is worthwhile and throw out what isn't. Try to avoid starting a pile of items to possibly sell at a garage sale. Unless you already have a designated spot for these items, they'll just create one more mess to contend with during a busy holiday schedule. Box up your donations now and put them in the car to drop off while you're running errands. This gets rid of the clutter and is a great way to get an additional tax deduction before the end of the year.

Purchase new storage containers.

Now that you've made a note of the items that can't be easily put away, make a list of any storage items you'll need to buy. Run out and purchase any necessary bins, boxes, organizers, racks, or hangers you'll need. Now would also be a good time to drop off that donation box.

Put your purchases to use.

There is one final step, but it is crucial—put your newly purchased storage containers to use now. Don't wait until the holidays. Transfer those Barbies® to the larger bin to await the arrival of their new friends. Rearrange your purged closet and make room for that new shoe rack. Replace your current ornament container with the new one to accommodate those clearance sale purchases.

After the new gifts have been unwrapped, played with, tried on, and are annoyingly scattered around the house, the last process is very simple. Just put everything away in its place; smiling all the while because everything has a place. Happy Holidays!

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Calling all teachers (current and hopeful)! Scholarships abound!

AndriaL — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:06:00 GMT

Hi All!

Andria from eLearners, here! I read a cool article today about a scholarship program Western Governors University is running. It'll be of special interest to those that have been bitten by the teaching bug and are looking to get certified to teach math or science or are already certified, but want to work toward a master's degree in education.

Western Governors University is offering several $3,000 scholarships to help working adults pay for and take online classes to become math and science teachers in urban areas.

Just in case you don't know much about WGU, here are some important points:

WGU has been a leader in online education and distance learning programs for over 10 years!
It's the only completely online, private, non-profit teacher-education institution to be accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Visit the Western Governors University page to learn more about the school itself or go to the scholarship page on WGU's own website to get the eligibility requirements and apply.

Math and science teachers are in short supply, people! And the world will always be in need of passionate teachers that will work to empower students to achieve their goals.

For more information regarding distance learning scholarships, there's more to be found here on eLearners as well as through this page on Oprah.com, which hooks up aspiring students with $4,500 scholarships for online study.

All good things,

Andria L.

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