ideas for keeping your family close

With the widespread success and use of the home computer, people are simply a mouse click away. The innovation of email and digital photographs has made it possible for families to stay in touch; however, is this really enough? While technology has enabled us to talk to people all over the world, in some ways it is hampering us from intimate contact, especially with our families. Keeping your family close must start when you children are very young. If you instill in them at an early age the importance of family, chances are your message will stick when they become adults. An important way to ensure family closeness is by creating special family traditions. While we all know every eats turkey on Thanksgiving, add something special to the day. Perhaps set aside this day for the entire family to play games. Try playing something as simple as Bingo, where everyone will get a prize – and here's the real treat – make the prizes "coupons". For instance, "This coupon good for one free movie with mom" or "This coupon good for one indoor picnic." Thanksgiving is traditionally a day for football, so organize a friendly family game of your own. You will be surprised how your children will come to treasure these special family times. Of course, as your children grow, marry and have children of their own, it is not as easy to spend each holiday together. Be flexible and either alternate holidays or pick a few specific holidays where the entire family will be together. Sometimes this sounds like an overwhelming feat, especially if you have a large family, but as I said, children, even when they become adults, need those special occasions and traditions and they will go out of their way to make sure they happen. Many families that have grown and multiplied considerably but are scattered through the country make it a point to hold a family reunion each year. This is a great opportunity for cousins to get to meet one another, sisters to catch up on gossip and mothers to sit back and enjoy their children and grandchildren. Another basic premise for keeping your family close is raising them in such a way that they like each other. By this I mean treat your children equally as they are growing; do not favor one over the other as this will lead to jealousy As your children reach adulthood, become more of a friend than a parent. By this I mean, don't make them feel guilty when they do not call or visit you on a daily basis. This will only lead to a relationship based on obligation rather than anticipation. When careers and circumstances dictate moving away, you can still remain close. As I stated at the beginning of this article, the Internet has enabled us to reach out to others to ways that were never before possible. For the "computer nerd" in the family, have them set up a family web-site where each of you can "meet". Set up an Internet chess game or game room where once a week or once a month you all get together to play a game. While modern technology will never replace the warmth of a mother's hug or the pat on the back from his father, keeping close is possible. When a family is built on love, respect and devotion, they will always find a way to be close – if not in body, then in spirit.

Needs of Team Building

It is not enough to get your group together off site and have a few icebreaker games. If you want team building to work, you have to show the members of the team that it benefits them personally. There is very little "team" in teamwork without a lot of motivation. We live in a society that seems fascinated with individual accomplishment and almost oblivious to teams. Even in team settings like sports, we single out the All-Stars and the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of each game. That is the environment you have to overcome in order to build your group at work into a team. Get Started Team Building Do you think of your group as a team? They won't think of themselves as a team if you don't. Do you reward team performance, or only individual achievements? You won't have much success in team building if you don't reward team performance. Let your group know that they are a team, that you expect them to perform as a team, and that you will reward their successes as a team. That's the first step toward team building. Remember that team building must be an everyday activity. It is not something you can just do quarterly at some off-site function. Motivate Team Building If you want team building to work, it's not enough to tell them that they are a team and must perform as one. You also have to show the members of the team that it benefits them personally. Most of us are selfish individualists. We watch out, first and foremost, for ourselves and do what benefits us most. We have to be motivated to include anyone else. Fortunately, it is pretty easy for us to see the benefits of including others, so most of us do that readily. Love is a strong motivator. Parents, for instance, watch out for their children. Money is another strong motivator. It is one you can use as an employer. However, the strongest motivator available to a manager (since it is unlikely your employees will fall in love with you) is self esteem. The more the individual sees a benefit to his or her self esteem from supporting the team, the more successful your team building efforts will be. First of all, your people have to acknowledge that they are part of a team. You can reinforce this by holding team meetings, posting team news on the bulletin board or your intranet page, and tracking team performance against team goals. Secondly, they have to believe that the team is capable of producing more than the sum of its members. Lance Armstrong is a great bicycle racer, but he could not have won the Tour de France without the support and assistance of his team members. You may have a great customer service rep on your team, but without the cooperation of the other members of the team he or she would not be able to handle as many calls. You have to make this readily apparent to them and clearly delineate the increased rewards they can achieve through teamwork.

matrimonial

Matrimonial

Some Photo Tips for Wedding Guests

Now that June is here, chances are that you will be attending a wedding or two sometime soon. And, chances are, you'll be bringing your camera to the wedding along with a gift or two for the happy couple. Here are some tips from the pros at the New York Institute of Photography, the world's largest photography school, to help you take great pictures of this memorable occasion. "While most couples hire a professional photographer to photograph the ceremony and reception, there's still plenty of room for you to also capture your perspective of this joyous occasion on film," says Chuck DeLaney, Dean of NYI, America's largest photo school. "There are lots of moments that happen among the guests that will never be captured by the professional wedding photographer," explained DeLaney. "Stay out of the pro's way. He or she has a big job to do. And, never shoot over the pro's shoulder. That won't be appreciated and could interfere with the job." Instead, DeLaney suggests concentrating on recording the fun that you and your family and friends have at the wedding. Not only will you have a record of the wedding for your own pleasure, but imagine the joy of the happy couple to receive prints of events that the professional photographer did not see or wasn't asked to cover. For instance, many wedding photographers no longer shoot those "table shots" of the guests because these photos don't usually get purchased by the bride and groom. This is the perfect opportunity for you. But shoot these like a pro: Have some of the people at your table stand up and move behind those still seated and take a group shot. Avoid showing the entire table complete with half-eaten food, instead concentrate on the faces of the guests. Another photo opportunity exists at your table. Many bridal receptions now include disposable "single use" cameras at every table. You may need to get the show rolling and coax your table mates to start taking pictures. Remember,the bride and groom can't be at every table to take part in the festivities so candid photos from these cameras can show the guests having fun in a way that professional photographers aren't likely to capture. A couple of hints on wedding photography etiquette. If you want to take photos at a church, synagogue, mosque or chapel, take your cues from the professional photographer hired by the bridal couple. If you see that he or she is not taking photos at the ceremony, chances are it is because the clergy told the photographer not to do so. Respect the tradition and don't take pictures. The same thing holds true for flash photography. Some places of worship will allow it at the ceremony, others will not. If you see that the pro is shooting, then take an aisle seat. It's the best place to get nice close shots of the couple that fill the frame as they leave the church. One other suggestion on wedding photography is to be respectful of the professional photographer. Don't get in that individual's way. You don't want to ruin the photos that the bride and groom are paying the pro to take, and the pro can do a better job of capturing many parts of the event than you can. As we've indicated, there are plenty of different kinds of shots for you too.

Good Manners for children

Every child is known by his behavior. People judge our children by observing manners of children. Manners are much more than just saying “please” and “thank you.” They are ways of showing kindness and consideration. At young age, it is easy to teach good manners. Good manners are lifetime asset. The rewards of this asset are several and the cost is negligible. Parents are responsible for their children’s behavior. Manners are taught as soon as your child understands what you are saying. In addition, children will need coaching and reminders on manners throughout their childhood. It is best to give positive support, that is, when your child does something right, let them know. When your child does something wrong, do not be negative about it, but gently tell them how it is best done and why. Teaching of good manners: The best way to educate children is being a good role model. Because children learn from observation. . Learning manners is like learning a new language or a musical instrument. It is very easy to learn something in childhood. So start planting the seeds as young as possible. The foundation of good manners can be strong in young age. Give examples of good behavior and poor behavior to your child. Take help of books and discuss about good manners. When we talk about good manners, we think mostly about table manners. We are in need to teach them in other areas also. First we talk about basic manners. In my suggestion these are: • Be nice to people. • When you ask for something not forget to say “Please” Say “Thank You” when you are given something. Say “You’re Welcome” when someone thanks you. Greet people when you see them. Look people in the eyes when you talk to people look in their eyes. Do not interrupt when other people are talking. Share with others. Help people. Let guests go first. Be on time, especially if you are meeting someone. In good manners, cleanliness is also important. Put the habit of hygiene from very early stage. Here are tips for inculcating the value of cleanliness in children. Start with the room Put a habit to keep the things in the right place. Set down certain parameters. For example, a child should never be allowed to use dirty hankies or towels. Never allow the child to bring the shoes on the bed, however tired he or she may be. The next step is the bathroom. We should teach our children to brush their teeth, clean their bottoms and have a nice bath. They must also learn to keep their surroundings clean. For example, you could put up a funny little poster that reminds your son to pull the flush. Or put up a little bell that rings every time he forgets to shut the door. Teach you children to conserve water by shutting the all taps in the house as well. Be it in the bathroom or kitchen, or anywhere under the sun. What about other places? . In order to maintain cleanliness, never allow your children to eat in any place of the house. Teach your children to lay the table neatly. Make sure that both your son and daughter pick up their own used plates and carry them to the kitchen sink. They should also offer to carry those of the aged members of the family. Washing their hands and gargling after meals is also a very good habit, as it will help them fight bad odour throughout life. Cleanliness at public places Encourage your children to apply the same cleanliness standards in the public and private too. You have to ensure that your children do not litter a park when on a picnic or that they do not throw garbage from a running bus/train. The road is not for spitting or throwing other waste materials. Children have to be strictly warned against spitting, as it is an international menace. Table manners It is the turn of table manners. Table manners include party manners also. Here are some suggestions . • Do not chew noisily or with your mouth open. • The idea is to eat with your fingers, not with your hand and definitely not with both hands. • Put the napkin on your lap so that food does not get onto your clothes. • Do not read or watch television while eating. Because mealtimes are a good chance for the family to sit together. • Excuse yourself before leaving the table. Do not announce loudly that you have to go to the bathroom. • Wait till everyone has finished eating before getting up from the table. • Burping is not considered polite. • Do not talk with your mouth full. • Do not gobble your food. Take small bites and chew properly. • Do not play with your food and finish everything that is on your plate. • Use the words "please" and "thank you" when passing dishes to each other. • Do not turn dinner into an unpleasant "lecture time." That will turn kids off not only to manners, but to dinner, and to you, too. • Check your own example. Don't show up for dinner in just your underwear unless you want your kids to do the same. Don't get into the habit of telling your child that he is a "pig" or a "slob" every time he doesn't do things the 'propah' way. If you're going to label him like that, he's not going to see any point in trying to improve because he will think it 's in his nature to be a "pig." • Do not encourage burping competitions that your child may start with his friends at the table. Make it clear that you find it rude and offensive and definitely not funny. Approach manners as a game. One night a week, try to have a somewhat more formal dinner. Try dressing up, serve a special meal, and expect more formal manners. That will help improve your kids' social graces.

Leadership Games for child

Interesting Leadership Games for Kids Tug of War Tug of war is an interesting leadership games for girls and boys. In order to play this game, the total number of participants should be divided into two groups. Each group would have a leader who will guide the rest of the team members. In this game, both teams are given a rope which is to be pulled using full energy. A line is marked which is not to be crossed by both the teams. The team which crosses the line loses the contest. This game requires planning, team spirit, teamwork, enthusiasm and good leadership qualities on part of the leader. Team building exercises and games will help you understand better. Treasure Hunt Treasure hunt is one of the best leadership games for children as it can teach them many things which will prove to be useful in their later lives. In this game, again, two teams of equal members are formed and one kid will lead each of them. The aim before both the teams is to find the hidden treasure (which can be some material thing) in the area specified to them. The team which finds the treasure first wins the competition. This game requires team leaders to chalk out effective strategies as to where they can find the hidden treasure from the clues given initially by the referee. Good observation and leadership skills can be developed from this game. Obstacle Races Obstacle races can be the ideal leadership games for boys who love adventures and have a very good fitness and stamina. For organizing this race, several obstacles are created in the running tracks on the ground. There are two teams and members of the team will be standing at the obstacles. When the race is started, the player of both teams have to reach the first obstacle as quickly as possible with a ball in their hand. After reaching there, they give the ball to their team mate who again starts running and overcomes the obstacles to reach the next team mate. The team which will complete the entire race first will be declared as the winner of the sports event. For success in this game, proper coordination, high energy levels and effective leadership and planning is a must. Refer to leadership qualities list for relevant information. Football Football is also one of the finest leadership activities for kids as it gives them an opportunity to think strategically and lead the team to victory. The captain in this game assigns tasks and duties to each player and also decides their position on the field. He guides them at every stage of the game and tries his best to bring out the best out of each player. These were some of the leadership activities for kids which you can organize. Leadership games for kids can provide them with the much required recreation and enjoyment and also give them a good break from long hours of study. So, plan these games

Top 10 Tips for Computer Troubleshooting

Your computer may hang; send error messages, or worse, no longer work at all. For computer users, troubleshooting problems can stop their work. If you know how to fix a computer, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repair jobs, professional fees, and even going so far as to buy a new one. The most common top 10 computer troubleshooting and their tips to fix that problem are as follows. 1) The computer is unable to start up If the computer does not turn on when you press the power button, the following suggestions may help you to determine why the computer will not start up: Check the computer is plugged into an AC outlet properly. Plug another electrical device into the outlet to be sure that the outlet is providing adequate power. 2) The computer screen is blank.If the screen is blank, the computer may not be set to display the image on the computer screen. First, check if the monitor plugged in to a power outlet and is connected to the computer securely and make sure the monitor power button is on. If the power light is not on, it means that the outlet is not delivering power to the monitor. 3) Trouble with video card. If the power light of the computer and monitor is on and nothing comes up on the screen when you start your computer then there must be something wrong with video card. You should take your computer to a repair shop or change its video card with the new one. 4) Software is functioning abnormally. If the software is unresponsive or responds abnormally, follow these tips. Restart your computer and run a virus scan. For this purpose you should have reliable antivirus software installed on the computer to fix this issue. 5) Windows do not boot properly. If windows do not boot properly then you should have reinstall windows with the windows recoverable CD. 6) The computer is on but not responding. If the computer is turned on but not responding to software or keyboard commands, then it must be freeze or halted. Press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds, it will be turn off. Now restart your computer. 7) An external device is not working If an external device does not function as expected, turn it on according to Manufacturers instruction; be sure that all device connections are secure and receiving electrical power and compatible with the operating system. The correct drivers are installed and updated. 8) Slow working computer. You can improve your computer working performance by cleaning hard disk of unwanted files, run the disk defragmented utility, get rid of unneeded icons on your desktop, install a firewall, install antivirus and Anti spyware tools, schedule regular registry scans. 9) Slow working internet. To increase your browser performance, you must frequently clear cookies and internet temporary files. 10) Internet network problem. If your computer can not get connected to internet then check IP address, check network cables are connected properly, make sure that servers or gateways firewall application is not blocking http requests from your PC.