By Catherine Workman

To offer your children nature immersion, new friends, and the opportunity to learn how to live in community, visit or contact Wildwood Ranch today!

It’s never too early to learn self-care techniques! And if you have teens, teaching them to prioritize their well-being will give them the tools they need to cope with stress and anxiety. So here are five ideas from Education by Shala Books to help your kids become more self-reliant and confident:

​Exercising regularly is important for grown-ups and teens. And there is no better way to encourage and role-model that self-care routine than by doing it as a family. So, if you’re looking for a sports activity that you and your kids can enjoy and reap great mental and physical benefits from, consider going to your local pool and taking a water aerobics class, signing up for the swim team, or just doing laps for fun.
 
You can also schedule nature walks or bicycle rides for the whole family. Use a Walk Score Map to plan out the best walking routes nearby. By sticking with an exercise routine, you’ll stay physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy.

​Sleep has a restorative effect on adults and children alike. Most kids don’t like to be told when to go to bed, but the Sleep Foundation notes that following a consistent sleep schedule is key to keeping their minds sharp and their bodies healthy. So end bedtime battles by establishing a soothing routine that your children will actually look forward to each night. For example, have them prepare their backpacks for the next day, tidy up their rooms, take a relaxing bath and brush their teeth before going to bed. 
 
Setting up a relaxing and stress-free environment begins in a home that’s clean, organized and decluttered. Therefore it’s important to address any issues now in order to create a more positive, healing and healthy atmosphere at home. First identify signs of negativity and roadblocks to relaxation, which include excessive complaining and family members playing the blame game. Then prioritize cleaning and tidying up the living areas. Enlist your kids’ help with cleaning and getting organized by using storage bins and color-coded organization. It’s a great way to teach valuable habits and finish faster.

No matter your age, forming and nurturing strong relationships is vital for your happiness and well-being. So encourage your kids to invite the special people in their lives for a fun get-together. Whether they’re planning a game night or a movie-themed party, being involved in the organizational stage of the event will make your little ones feel valued, and their self-confidence will soar. 

​Literate for Life suggests turning off your screens and going to visit your local library together. Most libraries offer a section dedicated to kids with age-appropriate books and activities that are meant to educate as well as entertain. Some places even have planned events you can sign up for, such as arts and crafts classes. Let your children explore the library and its resources. Allow them to borrow books to take home and learn more about a subject they’re passionate about or discover a new favorite author of fiction. You can never go wrong when you nurture a love of reading in your teens. 

Dwelling on past mistakes or being fearful of the future leads to stress and anxiety. So the American Institute of Stress advises teaching your children to live in the moment with mindfulness exercises like coloring, journaling, guided meditation and yoga. Being able to reset on their own is a skill that will serve them well as they get older. When you feel like your kids have a hard time balancing school work, friendships, after-school activities and house chores, encourage them to take a break and practice mindfulness. They’ll be refreshed and ready to face the day ahead.        
 
The best way to teach your teens self-care is to role model it yourself. Even during busy seasons, spend time with your kids and encourage them to nurture positive habits that will keep them physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy. You’ll be raising well-adjusted humans who enjoy life to the fullest!
 
Education by Shala Books fills areas lacking in educational resources with our innovative and engaging teaching resources. Contact us today to learn more!

By Catherine Workman
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According to the National Education Association, teachers make an average of $2,150 less than they did just a decade ago. They are also spending more of their own money in the classroom than ever before. If you’re a teacher, keep reading for a few side-gig ideas that can help you earn an income until your salary catches up with the times. Today, Education by Shala Books shares some tips specifically for teachers looking to generate some side income.

​If you love animals and enjoy exercise, you can work as a professional dog walker on weekends, breaks, and during the summer. The only real caveat here is that you have to go out in all types of weather conditions, whether you work for an agency or for yourself. Thimble explains that you’ll also need to keep a few supplies on hand, such as extra leashes and collars, waste bags, water dishes, and treats.

​As a teacher, you’re already used to instructing people on how to do things and if you also enjoy diving into creativity, teaching art is a great way to earn an income. Something important to remember here if you’re working with younger students is that you will help them refine their duplication skills; this is a valuable life lesson that will help them as they enter school.

​Telecommuting is no longer only reserved for select individuals. Instead, if you have a phone and a computer, you can pick up a job from anywhere in the world answering phones, taking orders, and handling general customer service duties for different businesses. Job hunting sites, including Snagajob, Indeed, and Monster, are a valuable tool that can help you find the perfect part-time position.

​Volunteering is a great way to spend your summers while creating a network that might help you find interesting work at home or even abroad. You might, for example, teach students in other countries via the Peace Corps or work with underprivileged students in your own hometown. Whatever you choose to do, remember that networking is also a great way to help you create contacts in multiple industries.

​Most importantly, look for work that helps you settle down and relax. We’ve already mentioned dog walkers, but other laid-back gigs include yoga instructor, fishing guide, tour guide, and librarian. You can do any of these on your own time or as a contract worker when school is not in session. Finding a job that you love is important because you’re already under enough stress during the school day. The last thing you want is to pull your hair out on your “off” hours.
 
We can all use more money, and especially teachers who are already underpaid. Today’s tips can help you find a part-time position that pays but that also lets you relax and enjoy what you’re doing outside of a hectic classroom structure. Whether you head out of the country as a volunteer to build your network, or settle into life as a yoga instructor, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to build a customer base and grow your side gig income from anywhere.
 
Education by Shala Books is here to provide the educational resources you’ve been looking for. Let us know if you have any questions!

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