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 Some helpful New Year’s resolutions for couples (final)

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Endeavour to achieve your resolutions copy

Endeavour to achieve your resolutions copy

[Continued from last week]

Look for solutions to arguments.

Do your arguments get heated? One of the ways that couples may exacerbate their disagreements is by bringing other topics into the conver­sation. Stay on point. Rather than allowing a small issue to blow up, look for a solution that works for both of you.

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I often see couples argue the same points, It’s worth seeing if you are missing im­portant issues. For instance, one friend’s partner is upset about coming to a messy home while the friend feels that he is being fussy. What she is missing is that they probably have different val­ues. When she dismisses this value, he feels disrespected. The solution may be to work out a way the housework is easier for both of them.

Share your triumphs with them.

Picture the scene: Your manager calls you into their office and offers you a promotion. It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for all year. You’re over the moon. Once you leave their office, who is the first person you text? It might be your parents or even your best friend. If you’re leaving your partner out of the loop, though, that could be a problem.

We can take our partners for granted or not share important information with them. If we don’t prioritise our partner, this will be de­structive to the connection. It can leave it open for them to meet someone who is more interested in them.

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Plan a vacation together.

When was the last time you and your partner got away from the hum-drum of everyday life? If you can’t recall your last break, call up the travel agents. Taking weekends away or breaks can help couples begin to love, laugh, and have sex again.

Of course, this needs to be done in a way that works for you. You could even take a break in your own home and plan walks, time in bed, a massage while turning off your phones. The message to your partner is clear: you are important to me. I know marriages that have become revitalised by weekends away.”

Find some mutual friends.

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Date nights are all well and good, but sometimes you might prefer hanging out in a group setting. That’s where mutual friends slide neatly into your social life. Believe it or not, having a bunch of people who know you as a couple could strengthen your connection.

Couples can suffer from shame especially if there are any difficulties with family acceptance or feelings about not being good enough. But mutual friends can promote the best in you both. You have a certain energy as a couple and it can be healing to have that love appreciated and recognised.

Show some gratitude to each other.

Taking your partner for granted? If you’ve been together for a long time, you may forget to show how much you appreciate your other half. The daily grind, worries, and your hectic social life can all get in the way of letting your partner know that you value them.

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You can start small. Even one specific appreciation expressed daily can change the atmosphere of your con­nection. Sure, you might not believe every word you’re saying at first, but give it time. “Try it out. Of course, this works better if you truly mean it but it’s always good to start the practice any­way.”

Let go of old grudges.

Out with the old, in with the new—that should be your mantra this year. If you’re holding on to grudges from previous years, do both yourself and your partner a favour. Figure out how you can let them go. Moving on isn’t always straightforward but it’s sure to enhance your bond.

Resentment pollutes the atmosphere between people. We often can’t simply forgive and may need to be heard by the other. Find a way of releasing past pain. You can start by getting in touch with your feelings and writing about them, seeing a coun­sellor, or expressing them to someone you trust.

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Relationship

…Tips to mentally prepare your child for the school year

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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…tips for building a good parent-teacher relationship

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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