Relationship
Valentine’s Day ideas to celebrate your spouse
- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
Warning: Trying to access array offset on false in /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
&description=Valentine’s Day ideas to celebrate your spouse', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
Warning: Trying to access array offset on false in /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
&description=Valentine’s Day ideas to celebrate your spouse', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
THE years pass so quickly that these festivities are blurred in my memories and blended with holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, and exceptional date nights. Yet the way we celebrate each other is often marked by consistent priorities. Sometimes, it can be hard to come up with Valentine’s Day gift ideas to make your spouse feel extra special when you are in the thick of day-to-day life.
Here are six Valentine’s Day ideas that can be used to keep the romance in marriage or relationships alive and celebrate each other as spouses.
- Plan a timeout
Dedicate these celebrations as timeouts from normal life. Discuss task lists, calendar planning. Also, break from traditional date-night activities to try something new to mark the occasion. - Prepare for time together
This includes planning the outing and coordinating but it goes beyond preparation. Preparation means decompressing on the drive home and not monopolise the date venting out frustrations. It also involves building small buffers of alone time to get ready or catch up on things before the date. - Aim for special (not always fancy)
Fancy is often fun. You do not always get the chance to dress up and go out somewhere that serves food. But sometimes we have coasted, hoping that a more expensive date would make it more memorable, and that’s not always the case. Instead, make it special by planning the date with each other in mind. A unique experience or intentional consideration can make a huge impact without a huge budget. - Communicate expectations before coming up with Valentine’s Day ideas
Communicating hopes and expectations makes everything easier in marriage and relationships. Letting your partner know your likes and dislikes helps him or her plan memorable moments. - Affirm the effort in coming up with Valentine’s Day ideas, not discredit it
When you first meet a new crush, dates can function like tests. Did you pass or fail? If it went well, you may do it again, if something went poorly it’s likely over forever. Unfortunately, it’s easy to carry this same rating system into marriage celebrations. But romantic holidays are not tests to validate or discredit our marriages. They are opportunities to pause and show love to each other in ways that are not always feasible in the day-to-day. - When maxed out, keep it simple and sweet
When you have space and resources for extravagant dates, go for it! Yet, sweet and simple dates can carry just as much punch. So, if you don’t plan a huge date out, plan a quiet night in. Not sure what to do or say to make something special? Think of some options and ask your spouse what they would like. Ready your heart to connect with them and come up with lists of things you love about their personality or fun questions you are curious for them to answer.
No matter what plans are already on your calendar, set this date aside as an opportunity to let your spouse know that you see them and appreciate who they are. Such simple exchanges can have a profound effect on your relationship.
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
1. Talk early and often
It is never too early to start talking with and listening to your children about the first day of school. Ask them what they think school will be like and see if they have any specific concerns so that you will have time to address it over the next couple of weeks. It is totally normal to have first day jitters.
2. Go to the orientation
If your child’s school is hosting an orientation or back-to-school night, take advantage of it. Often children are worried that they will not know how to get to the bathroom, where to eat lunch, or how to get to a locker. If your school does not offer one or you are unable to make it, ask the teacher if it would be possible to stop by for a visit. Teachers are usually in their classrooms prepping for the new school year in advance.
3. Meet the teacher
For kids, wondering if they will like their teacher is a big source of fear. If your child isn’t comfortable in the teacher’s classroom, he or she will be less likely to be ready to learn. Many teachers will make themselves available for a phone or video call or will return an email if a visit is not possible.
4. For younger children, read books or watch educational cartoons
In August, local libraries will often display books about starting school or going to a new school. These materials can help children read about and see what a typical day will consist of and what they will learn in school.
5. Take your kids shopping with you
Your kids will be more excited to use their back-to-school supplies if they picked them out. Doing so will help them feel prepared and will also provide an opportunity to talk about how the new supplies might be used in the coming year.
6. Set up school “zones” and establish clear expectations
At home, establish a location for school materials such as a place to put backpack and lunchbox, and set up a distraction-free homework zone (like the kitchen table with the TV turned off and phones/tablets put away). Set up homework and study times (for example, Monday–Thursday from 3:30–5 pm) to help manage expectations and build and maintain good routines.
7. Practice your new routine
Both children and adults can benefit from practicing the new school routine one to two weeks before school actually starts. Stage a morning dry run to see how long it takes you and your children to get out of the door in the morning. It will not only help you predict how early you and your kids need to get up, but your children will benefit from learning what to expect each weekday.
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Having a good relationship with your child’s teacher will make it easier for you to share concerns and work together to help your child thrive. Here are some tips for building a partnership. Here are some tips to help parents build a good relationship with their child’s teacher.
1. Meet with the teacher and staff early
Teachers are usually swamped at the start of the school year. But try to meet as soon as the teacher can. At your first meeting, find out how the teacher prefers to communicate it can be either by phone, email, or some other method.
2. Help the teacher get to know your child.
Sharing information is key to a good parent-teacher relationship. Tell the teacher about your child’s interests, strengths, and challenges. If your child has an special need, make the teacher a aware, and let the him or her know about situations outside of school that might impact your child’s learning or behaviour.
3. Be respectful of the teacher’s time.
Be on time for appointments, whether they are phone calls, video meetings, or parent-teacher conferences. Try to wrap things up within the allotted time. The teacher may have other parents scheduled after you or other meetings and commitments. You can always set up another call to finish up.
4. Recognise the teacher’s efforts.
If you are meeting in the classroom, look for displays of students’ work or teaching materials that you can compliment. If you are somewhere else, start things off with a positive statement, like something your child enjoys about the teacher’s class.
5. Never talk negatively about a teacher in front of your child.
Showing your respect for a teacher will set a good example for your child.
6. Participate in school events.
Take part in school events when possible. This shows that you’re part of the school community and want to be supportive. Offer to volunteer in a way that works for you, whether it’s at school or at home on your own time.
7. Say “thank you.”
Show your appreciation for the big or little things the teacher and other staff do for your child. Thank-you notes and emails can go a long way toward building positive relationships.
