ParentsKids
Holiday Season: Expert Says Don't Remind Kids to Say 'Please' & 'Thank You'
2024-12-07
The holiday season is a time when kids are showered with gifts and food. It's natural for parents to expect their children to show gratitude by saying "please" and "thank you." However, one child development expert has a different perspective. Beck Goodman, a play-based early literacy specialist and founder of Grow with Beck, believes that parents should not coach kids to say these things during the holiday season. Instead, she recommends praising children when they use their manners naturally.

Why Not Coach Kids to Say "Please" and "Thank You"?

Goodman explains that preschoolers saying "thank you" without being reminded is a rare and magical moment. By celebrating their effort with kindness, parents can plant the seeds for good manners to grow naturally. She advises parents to refrain from reminding their kids to say "please" and "thank you" during the holiday season, especially when they are with family who may have high expectations. Instead, praise them when they use their manners on their own. For example, you can say, "That was awesome! … Thank you so much for thanking me. That made me feel really appreciated."When children are not made a big deal of when they don't use their manners, they are more likely to start saying "please" and "thank you" on their own. Positive affirmations play a crucial role in this process. As Goodman wrote in the caption of her video, "Positive affirmations make that magic happen more often. Celebrating their effort with kindness plants the seeds for manners to grow naturally."Other experts also agree that parents should not force kids to learn manners. Registered psychotherapist Jess VanderWier wrote for Nurtured First, "We shouldn't force manners upon our children. If we force them to say these words, they will not understand what they actually mean, and when they do say them, it will be out of habit rather than gratitude." Instead, we should focus on raising respectful kids.Parents should model good manners for their children. Our children are constantly watching and listening to us. If we intentionally use the words "please" and "thank you" in our conversations, our children will begin to use these words too. This holiday season, praise your children when they demonstrate good manners and remember to set a good example by saying "please" and "thank you" yourself.Although parents often remind their children to say "please" and "thank you," many experts agree that pushing it on children is not the best approach. Instead, children should develop good manners because they genuinely feel compassion and gratitude. By living a well-mannered life ourselves and showing our children through our actions, we can help them become respectful individuals.Mary-Faith Martinez is a writer with a bachelor's degree in English and Journalism who covers news, psychology, lifestyle, and human interest topics. She provides valuable insights on this important topic. Let's all strive to create a more polite and respectful holiday season for our kids.
TV Tonight: A Peek at Switzerland's Christmassy Alpine Hotel
2024-12-08
The Alpine Hotel during the Christmas season holds a certain charm. With its snow-covered landscapes and the opulence of the Gstaad Palace hotel, it presents a sight that is both beautiful and somewhat detached. Suites priced at up to £18,000 a night demand a certain level of grandeur, yet one can't help but wonder if there's more to offer viewers. Is it truly a glorious escape or just an indulgence in excessive wealth? Let's explore.

Experience the Alpine Hotel's Christmas Magic

Section 1: The Beauty of the Alpine Hotel

The Alpine Hotel during Christmas is a sight to behold. The snow blankets the grounds, creating a winter wonderland. The Gstaad Palace hotel stands out with its grand architecture and luxurious interiors. The suites, with their high ceilings and elegant furnishings, offer a glimpse into a world of opulence. However, it's not just about the physical beauty; it's also about the atmosphere. The soft glow of the Christmas lights and the smell of pine fill the air, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance.

Section 2: The Cost of Luxury

The cost of staying at the Alpine Hotel is nothing short of astronomical. Suites can cost up to £18,000 a night, which is a price that only the very wealthy can afford. This raises the question of whether such extravagance is necessary or just a display of status. While the hotel may be beautiful, it's important to consider the impact such luxury has on the environment and society. Are we really willing to pay such a high price for a few nights of indulgence?

Section 3: The Experience for Viewers

For viewers, the Alpine Hotel at Christmas may seem like a glamorous and exciting place. However, it's important to remember that not everyone can afford to stay there. The whole thing feels somewhat frictionless, as if everything is just perfect. But is that really what viewers are looking for? Do they want to see a perfect world or a more realistic one? Perhaps a more relatable experience would be more engaging for viewers.

Section 4: The Impact of Luxury

The presence of such extreme luxury at the Alpine Hotel has a certain impact on society. It highlights the divide between the rich and the poor and raises questions about social equality. While some may argue that luxury is a reward for hard work, others may see it as a symbol of greed and excess. It's important to consider these issues and think about how we can create a more balanced and inclusive society.

Section 5: The Future of Luxury

As we look to the future, it's clear that luxury will continue to play a significant role in our lives. However, it's also important to ensure that luxury is sustainable and accessible to everyone. This means finding ways to reduce the environmental impact of luxury and making it more affordable for a wider range of people. Only then can we truly enjoy the benefits of luxury without sacrificing our values.

Section 6: Conclusion

The Alpine Hotel at Christmas is a place that evokes a range of emotions. It's beautiful, luxurious, and yet somewhat detached. While it may offer a glimpse into a world of opulence, it's also important to remember that there is more to life than material possessions. We should strive to create a more balanced and inclusive society where everyone can enjoy the beauty and joy of the holidays.
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Where to Stream 'Sugarplummed' for Free on Hallmark's Premiere
2024-12-07
“Sugarplummed” is all set to make its debut on the Hallmark Channel this coming Saturday, December 7 (12/7/2024), precisely at 8 p.m. ET. You can catch a live stream of this enchanting movie on platforms like Philo (with a free trial), FrndlyTV (also offering a free trial), and several other TV services as listed below.

Embracing Imperfections in the Holiday Spirit

In the movie “Sugarplummed”, Emily, a perfectionist with a longing for the perfect Christmas, yearns for a holiday as picture-perfect as those in TV movies. To her astonishment, Sugarplum, an overly cheerful character from one such film, magically enters real life to make her wish come true. As magical fixes start to fall apart and chaos takes over, Emily realizes that the true essence of holiday perfection lies in accepting imperfections.

Watching “Sugarplummed” for Free

The movie can be streamed for free on Philo (with a free trial), FrndlyTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial), and Sling (half of the first month). This provides an excellent opportunity for viewers to enjoy this magical Christmas story without any cost.

Philo: A Treasure Trove of Entertainment

Philo subscribers are treated to access of over 70 top-rated live channels. Along with that, they have an extensive on-demand library consisting of more than 70,000 movies and shows. What's more, AMC+ (with ads) is included in the subscription. The service also offers unlimited DVR, enabling users to save anything currently airing or scheduled to air for up to a year. They can fast-forward recordings and skip ads with ease. Additionally, subscribers can access premium add-ons like MGM+, STARZ, and The Movies and More package (which includes REELZ and other channels), along with over 80 free channels, making the total count of free and paid channels exceed 150. Right now, you can try Philo free for 7 days.

FrndlyTV: Affordable Family-Friendly Streaming

FrndlyTV stands out as the most affordable live TV streaming service in America. Starting at just $6.99 per month when billed annually, it offers 40+ top-rated live TV networks including A+E®, Hallmark Channel, The History Channel, INSP, Lifetime®, Hallmark Movie & Mysteries, MeTV+, Game Show Network, GAC Family, and many more. Customers can also access a wide range of on-demand content without any extra cost. Frndly TV brings you feel-good programming at a family-friendly price.

DirecTV Stream: Similar to FuboTV

DirecTV Stream is comparable to FuboTV in terms of providing similar channels and functionalities. Their basic package, priced at $79.99 per month with a free trial, includes just over 75 live TV channels. You can explore all of DirecTV Stream’s channel packages on their website.

Sling: A Great Bargain in the Streaming Market

Sling is one of the best bargains in the live TV streaming market, priced at $40 per month. It allows you to choose the channel lineup that best suits your needs, whether you are a sports enthusiast or prefer more news and entertainment. It is available to stream on Roku, iOS, Apple Play, XBox, Fire TV, Chromecast, and most app-friendly devices.
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