Ditch the big parties and barbeques and enjoy your day off with your family! Try these activities for a fun and family focused Labor Day weekend
1. Go hiking: Grab some backpacks and comfy shoes and take off for a Labor Day Hike at a nearby park or nature trail! Teach your kids how to read a map by downloading one online or grabbing one from the park’s office.
2. Volunteer: Check with your local food bank, animal shelter or other charity of your choice to see what events they may need help with this weekend! Many non-profit organizations schedule fundraisers around holiday weekends so it could be a great time to get your family involved in a cause that’s important to you!
3. Make and fly kites: It’s time to get crafty! Use a basic kite pattern and let the kids decorate the kites using glitter, makers, ribbon and whatever else you can find around the house. Then go out to a nearby park and get those kites up in the air!
4. Backyard camping: Pitch a tent in your backyard and bring out all the supplies necessary for the day/night. You and your family can roast marshmallows, tell ghost stories, and sleep under the stars!
5. Have a talent show: Suggest at the beginning of the day that you have a talent show. Give the performers the day to prepare while one member of the family makes up a program!
We wish you and your family a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend!
Car insurance can be get pretty pricey, which is why it’s important to pay attention to your policy! Here are a few tips to help you maximize your savings.
1. Change your terms when necessary: If you have an older car, consider cutting collision coverage. Sometimes paying for collision coverage could cost more per year than your car is worth. Also be sure that when you are reporting your annual mileage you are not over exaggerating! Reporting correct information can save you some cash.
2. Safety systems: A car with a security system is less likely get stolen or broken in to. Insurance companies love that because it minimizes risks. Also, be sure to mention safety equipment including features like adaptive headlights, night vision, blind spot monitoring, collision prevention alert and lane departure systems. Some of these safety features may have a positive impact on your insurance rates.
3. Shop around: You probably compared rates when you were shopping for your car, so be sure to do it with your insurance as well! Some insurance companies may even try to match or undercut each other to win your business.
4. Bundling: Many insurance companies offer coverage outside of automobile insurance, and will offer better rates to customers that bundle their insurance policies. This can really lower your rate so it’s worth looking in to.
5. Usage based insurance: If know you’re a safe driver consider usage based insurance. Some insurance companies will provide you with small data recorder to plug in to your car that monitors your mileage, acceleration and deceleration and shares that information with your insurance provider. If you are really a safe driver you can realize up to a 25 percent discount in some cases.
Getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage for every teenager. Once they have that new piece of identification a whole new world of responsibility and freedom opens up. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to make sure they’re ready! Here are some tips to help you help your teenager.
· Provide in-car passenger supervision: You teen may not always like it, but while they’re studying for their drivers test take them out on drives frequently. This way you can observe how they drive and make sure they are obeying the traffic laws
· Start off with small trips: When your teen first gets behind the wheel you are going to have to build up their confidence slowly. Start off with short trips (less than 5 miles) and gradually move to longer more complicated routes.
· Keep your temper in check: Give your new driver gentle, constructive critiques. Be sure to speak to them in a calm tone. Yelling will just stress them out and make it more difficult for them to concentrate on driving.
· Study the DMV drivers guide together: Go through the guide and point out to your teen what he or she is doing well, and make a list of things that still need to be worked on.
· Lead by example: If you run red and yellow lights, weave in and out of traffic, speed down the freeway at 75mph or scream at the drivers around you, you’re showing your teen it’s ok not to obey the rules! Pay attention to how you drive and show your teen it’s important to be a courteous driver.
Are you thinking about packing up and heading out on one last family road trip before summer comes to an end? Have no fear! Here are some tips to keep you and your kids sane during the drive!
· Pack Strategically: Pack everything you will need access to while on the road separately from your other luggage. This way you won’t have to dig around in your suitcase for something small like bug spray or sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to keep a change of clothes handy for you and your kids. You never know when an unexpected mess will pop up.
· Plan your travel time around your child’s sleep schedule: Ensure your departure is timed just right so your child can catch some zz’s on the road. If you leave before lunchtime you can allow them to have lunch in the car. They’ll nod off in no time, allowing you to have some quiet driving time. Just try not stop while your child is sleeping, it’s a sure-fire wake-up call. Some people also travel at their child’s bedtime. This is effective as long as you’re not too tired to drive!
· Stop at regular intervals: Your kids will start to get a little antsy after 2-3 hours of driving. It’s important to make regular stops every couple of hours so everyone can stretch their legs. A quick game of tag in a park or exploring a “hokey” roadside attraction is a good way to help them spend some energy and to make the time on the road fun!
· Prevent backseat meltdowns: Road trips are no fun when you spend the whole time trying to keep siblings from fighting with one another. Keep you kids equipped with toys, well-fed, and well rested. This should help reduce the sibling squabbles allowing you to drive in peace.
1. Flashlight: A compact LED flashlight is bright and will easily fit in to your glove box! You’ll be happy to have it when you need to change a tire on a dimly lit road. It’s always a good idea to keep some spare batteries close at hand as well.
2. Tire pressure gauge: Keep it in the center console as a little reminder to check your tire pressure each month. Low tire pressure can cause dangerous blowouts, so make sure to stay on top of it.
3. First-aid kit: Minor cuts and bruises happen while you’re on the road (especially if you’re traveling with kids). Keep a first aid kit with the essentials in your car so you can patch it up and keep on going!
4. Owner’s manual: If you purchase a used car and it’s not included, make sure to order a new one. The owner’s manual has all kinds of useful info for maintenance of your car!
5. Tire-changing tools- Always double check to make sure you have ALL of the necessary tools to change a flat. It’s also a good idea to check and make sure your spare tire is properly inflated.
6. Warning triangles: These are a replacement for flares. If you’re broken down on the side of the road place them 10, 100 and 200 feet behind your car to give oncoming traffic plenty of notice that your car is immobile.
7. Multi-tool: Carry a multi-tool that is equipped with a knife, pliers, screwdriver tips and scissors. This can help you make a quick fix in an emergency situation.
8. Jumper cables: There’s nothing worse than turning the ignition key and realizing your battery is dead. If you have a set of jumper cables handy and a friend to help you out you can get your car back on the road in no time.
9. A map or atlas: I know, it sounds old fashioned, but remember GPS’ can lose their signal, or even their battery power. It’s good to have a back-up just in case
10. Gloves: A pair of leather work gloves will make it easy for you to touch things that may be too hot. They will also keep your hands clean if you need to change a tire.
