Top Reasons Why You Should Start Drafting A Contract with Your Parents Today

streetsmartmasterclass

15 Sep, 2021

Do you ever feel like you’re falling behind your peers? or do you feel like they are all becoming cooler than you?

It is difficult not to compare. It’s never pleasant to feel that you are behind people who we consider similar. It is easy to question why they get to enjoy the things you like while you can’t.

While you believe it is just right to experience what everybody else has been enjoying, your parents might say otherwise. Most of the time, you may find them disagreeing with what you want.

Before, you didn’t have a say in anything that went on. Your parents decide on almost everything—your food, your clothes, your toys. However, as you are growing up, you develop this sense of building your own identity.

The feeling might be suffocating when they start imposing the things they want you to do. In most families, arguments are part of the adjustment process. However, with this, feelings get hurt, and arguments worsen.

To help yourself and your parents adjust to your roles, you should consider communicating with your parents as best as you can. One way to do that is to start drafting a contract that should encompass the things you are expected to do and not to do, the privileges you can get when you comply, and the consequences when you fail to do so.

Why should you start drafting a contract with your parents?

An effective contract should outline what you need to do to earn or retain your benefits. It should detail what you need to do to prove yourself responsible and accountable.

A contract can be an effective tool for many reasons. Here are some:

It can improve communication

Drafting a contract with your parents can help them elaborate on their expectations and what you could get as consequences and rewards. It can be used for general behavior issues on curfews, gadget use, chores, and more.

Having a contract should keep you and your parents on the same page. Daily or weekly progress reports should keep you in check with your parents.

It can clear out their expectations

The contract allows you to visualize the rules you need to comply with and see the rewards and consequences that come along with it.

It gives you a sense of self-control

While there are rewards and consequences, your action is entirely dependent on your evaluation of the situation. After all, the goal of the contract is to encourage you and not to dictate what you should do.

It allows you to be more accountable

It is a great way to reinforce your life skills. It allows you to take on responsibilities and prove yourself worthy of being entrusted with them. Through this, you can also learn that privileges should be hard-earned.

You and your parents should sign the contract. This should mean that both of you understand and agree to the enumerated terms—no ifs, ands, or buts.

Where do you begin?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an effective contract:

Contract-Template Download

Have a contract template you can use. You can check printable contract draft above.
Plan with your parent/s.
Agree on the rules (what they want or expect you to do).
Agree on the reward (what you will get for following the rules) and when you could get the prize.
Agree on the consequences (what you should do or can’t do if you could not follow the rules). It should include not getting the reward.
Be the one to write the terms and frame them in a positive language. For example, “I will do my homework before I watch tv shows” rather than “I will stop watching tv shows before I do my homework.”
You and your parent/s must sign the contract. Signing it emphasizes that you both understand and agree to the terms.

The point of engaging in a contract with your parents is to motivate yourself to engage in behavior independently without violating your parents’ rules.

Here are some tips that could help:

Make it a team effort

It allows both you and your parents to give input and have an active role in the outcome.

Ask them to be clear about the information to perform the terms

Learn about the negative behavior, what you could do, what would happen if you chose to do the negative behavior, and the things involved in doing the right and wrong. It should help you understand why you should do the right and not the wrong.

Write it clearly, in a way that is easy to understand for you and your parents.

You and your parents must arrive and understand the terms in the same way.

The rewards and consequences should be logical

If you kept your part of the deal, it’s okay to ask them to demand them to do the same. Don’t ask for the extra privilege if you fail to meet the terms. Don’t bend the rules.

Modify the contract

A contract can’t be changed anytime. However, the terms in the agreement can be modified as long as you and your parents agree. It also allows both of you to decide while still accounting for individual preferences.

If it is working well, you can negotiate with new rules and rewards. However, if not working, think of a reward system by identifying what best encourages you.

Be patient

You would need time to adjust to the rules. It may not succeed in the first attempts, but patience and understanding shall work with time.

Be patient with yourself and with your parents. Remember, it is not only you who’s undergoing this process but also them.

Remember that the driving force behind a contract is to provide you with the tools you would need to manage your own. It may be hard to be on the same page on a lot of things in this phase. Drafting a contract with your parents can help in effectively communicating your demands and their rules.

How can this help you in the real world?

Not all contracts are created equal. There are contracts for services, leases, rentals, confidentiality, employment, etc. Whether a simple or complex agreement, it is best to create a written contract since it could detail the parties’ obligations and rights when a disagreement arises.

Drafting a contract is almost like settling for rules and rights that apply to the parties signing it. When poorly drafted, a contract may result in unfair claims and disputes.

As early as now, engaging with your parents through a written contract can prepare you when you get involved in legally enforceable ones in the future.

The components of a legally enforceable contract are pretty similar to the ones you can use with your parents. Contracts, to be lawfully enforceable, should include the following information:

The time validity of the agreement (the time frame by which the contract should run) and schedule
The names of the parties involved
Key terms and definitions (The rules and support that both parties promise to each other)
Products, services, and payment amounts included (the rewards/obligations of both parties when they performed their end of the deal) and billing dates
How to handle in case of breach of contract and damages (the consequences)
Signature of both parties

While this might seem simple, the law is complicated in itself. When in doubt, ask the guidance of a lawyer. It is best to come to a person who’s more knowledgeable about it.

What are you waiting for? Convince your parents to draft a contract with you today and get started!

7 Basic Email Etiquette

streetsmartmasterclass

15 Sep, 2021

In the world of instant messaging courtesy of WhatsApp, Messenger, and so on, sending an email seems a bit daunting for most people. Email etiquette for students, proper email etiquette, business email etiquette, email etiquette rules, et cetera, would probably be on your top Google searches. “How do I start it? Do I have to introduce myself? Should my email be formal?” Well, today’s your lucky day. Read on to discover seven basic email etiquettes to help you out!

Startup: Register for an Email

Nothing to practice if you don’t have an email address yet. In creating your email account, choose a name that can be used professionally. Don’t register yourself as dorkybeaver@gmail.com or sillybilly@yahoo.com. It’s essential that you only use your name (e.g. juandelacruz@outlook.com or delacruzjuan@gmail.com). If it’s already taken, you may include a period, an underscore, or two numbers, at most.

3 Leading Webmail

At present, there are three major webmail service providers:

Choose the one that best suits you. Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo! Mail all have different pros and cons. You may find out more information about them on their respective websites. There, you may also be able to explore their interface and select the one you’re most comfortable with.

Parts of an Email

First and foremost, let’s familiarize you with the parts of an email. There are several components you should be able to identify and work with.

1. Subject Line

This part should describe what you are writing about.

2. Sender

If you’re using your laptop, this will not appear. However, this is available with the application on your phone.

3. Recipient

Here, you should input the email address of the person you are sending the message to. If you are sending the message to more than one person, just separate their email addresses with a comma and you’re good to go!

4. Greetings/Salutations

Every time you write an email, always start it off with greetings, such as “Good morning,” or “Greetings!”

5. Body

Your content should be comprised of an introduction of yourself, the intention of your email, and gratitude.

6. Closing Remarks

Conclude your email with some best wishes to your recipient.

7. Signature

Write your full name in this section. If you’re writing to your professor, include the subject he’s teaching and your section. If you’re writing to another organization, insert your position in your affiliation.

8. Attachments

This pertains to the files (e.g. images, PDFs, word documents) you attach to your emails. Before attaching these files, change their file names into the title or purpose of the document. Also, include your name.

For instance, if you’re attaching a form for enrollment, it should look like this: Enrollment Form – Surname or Enrollment Form (Surname).

Forgetting to attach your files is also quite common. Fortunately with Gmail, if you state in your email that you have attached something, it will remind you when you forget to attach a file.

If you’re new to all of these, no need to worry! The contents of your email will be tackled in the next segments.

Importance of Knowing Email Etiquette

In today’s world, online communication is inevitable. Especially when the entire populace faced a global pandemic and turned to online learning and work from home jobs, the one or two emails you nervously sent your professors before became a regular occurrence.

Get started with these 7 basic email etiquette!

In this section, the email etiquettes will only be enumerated. They will be further explained in the following segments.

Put a subject in your email
Begin with a greeting or salutations
Introduce yourself to the recipient
State the purpose of your email
Ask your clarifications
Send your gratitude
Finish off with your closing remarks and signature
Know when to deliver an email

Email Subjects

The subject of your email should be concise. At the same time, it should also contain the main topic or objective of your email. As much as possible, your subject should not exceed six words.

For example, you’re writing to your professor about an upcoming exam. Include the name of your subject, the section you’re in, and your exam. It should turn out like this: MATH G2 Midterms.

In case you’re writing an email about a scholarship, simply put the name of the scholarship you’re applying for (e.g. Presidential Scholarship, College Board Opportunity Scholarships, AANAPISI Scholarship, Global Siemens MBA Scholarship for Master).

Greetings and salutations

Start your email with positive energy with greetings or salutations. It’s necessary to offer them courteousness before beginning your letter. Moreover, see to it that the greeting you’re using is appropriate. Below are examples of proper and improper felicitations.

Inappropriate greetings and salutations

Exciting news
Exciting email ahead
Good news
Guys
Hi
Hey
Hello
Hi there
Hey there
Hello there
Howdy
It’s me (Name)
Morning all
Morning team
Updates
What’s up
Yo

Appropriate greetings and salutations

Dear (Name)
Dear (Position)
Good day
Good morning
Good noon
Good afternoon
Good evening
Greetings
To whom it may concern

Your introduction

Given that you’re a student, your instructor presumably handles hundreds of pupils. You can’t expect them to recognize you. Introduce yourself, say your full name; state that you’re this student from this section or course. Don’t forget to address the person you’re writing the email to.

“I am Juana Silang, your student from MGT 13, section B.”
“I am Clarissa Campos of Grade 12 Maharlika, your student in Trend, Networks, and Critical Thinking in the 21st Century Culture.”

Purpose of your email

Immediately express the reason why you’re writing an email. In the same way that professors handle hundreds of students, it is probable they also receive hundreds of emails daily. It will do both of you good if you succinctly write your intent.

It’s best to limit the length up to two sentences only. In the event that you’re writing about requesting a recommendation letter from your professor, you can write “I am writing to you to ask if I can request a recommendation letter from you. I am applying for the Presidential Undergraduate Scholarship Grant and would appreciate it if you could compose one for me.”

Asking clarifications

It’s completely understandable if you’re left with questions after reading your assigned course outline or syllabus. Below are some examples of how to properly ask for clarifications.

“I’m having a hard time understanding… I would like to inquire about…”
“If it’s not too much trouble, I would like some clarifications regarding…”
“May I ask if…”
“Yesterday, there was an announcement about… I would like to confirm…”

Expressing your gratitude

Once you’ve specified and indicated your concerns, it’s time to thank the receiver of your email for their time. It’s disrespectful not to give thanks and issue a reply after you’ve received an answer from them.

Thank you for your time
Thank you for taking the time to read this
Huge thanks
Many thanks

Closing remarks and your signatory

The final part of your email consists of closing remarks and your signatory. Wish your recipient the best and put your closing salutations and signatory.

Closing remarks

Have a great day ahead
Have a wonderful day
I am looking forward to hearing from you
With gratitude
With great pleasure

Signatory

All the best
Best
Best wishes
Regards
Respectfully
Sincerely

When Is the Right Time to Send an Email?

Picture this: You’re studying your syllabus at three in the morning and you encounter a topic you do not understand. Are you going to go straight to your email application and compose your inquiry? Is it okay to send a letter in the middle of the night?

Yes and No. You can go ahead and write your email regarding your question but you can’t press send. There’s an option to schedule your email. Depending on whether you’re using Google Mail, Outlook, or Yahoo, you can pick the appropriate time you want your email to be delivered.

When is it acceptable to send an email? You shouldn’t send it at the dead of the night or the early hours of the day. Only send an email from eight in the morning to five-thirty in the afternoon, at most.

It is also important to note that you should only deliver it during school days and workdays. You must set a boundary between your work time and your break time. Of course, you should also respect your groupmate’s, colleague’s, professor’s, and employer’s period for rest.

Conclusion

Once you start practicing these basic email etiquettes, be it email etiquette for students, proper email etiquette, business email etiquette, email etiquette rules, it’s easy to get the hang of it. Apply the above-mentioned email etiquette every time you write an email to form a habit. If you want to ensure that you sound professional and grammatically correct, download Grammarly!

Magic Behind Heating Food: Guilt-Free Hacks to Use a Microwave

streetsmartmasterclass

15 Sep, 2021

Imagine being hungry in the middle of the night, and you are all by yourself because your parents are out of town. Luckily, they prepared some food for you to eat in the refrigerator, in case you get hungry. Though you might think that your luck is always by your side, you also need to defrost your meal in order to be eaten. But, use a microwave is not your thing.

In the kitchen, the microwave oven is a must-have equipment. There’s no exposed flame or scorching coils to injure small fingers, so it is convenient and simple. Nevertheless, risks caused by microwave ovens, including scald burns, should be avoided.

To master the ways on how to use the microwave appliance, then this article suits you perfectly. After reading these effective steps, we assure you that heating your food will never be the same!

Microwave: The Magical Appliance in the Kitchen

Each house now has a microwave. It enables you to cook, and as well as heat dishes. If you have just gotten a new microwave and do not know how to operate it properly, better start to learn about the importance of this appliance in order to be familiar with how a microwave works.

Preparing with a microwave oven is different from every other method of cooking. You should adhere to a set of guidelines tailored for cooking with a microwave. Despite the fact that you can’t microwave everything, your microwave oven could be a valuable kitchen tool.

To maximize the potential of your cooking skills through a microwave, an individual must know the magic behind the microwave.

Microwave Magic: The Work of a Multifunctional Appliance

Do you ever wonder how a microwave heats your food in a matter of minutes? To begin, learn that microwaves, the waves emitted by these appliances, are an example of electromagnetic radiation. Water molecules within food move as a result of the vibrations. The heat which cooks food is produced by these vibrations.

A magnetron, a vacuum rod inside the oven, generates the waves. They are radiated by the steel inside of the oven. In addition, it can travel by glass, paper, plastic, and other related items before being absorbed by food.

Potential Hazard in a Microwave

As much as the microwave can cater extensive benefits to the consumers, there are underlying hazards that lie within it.

The majority of microwave-related injuries are caused by thermal injuries by hot cookware, overheated meals, or bursting liquids.
A large percentage of injuries are unrelated to radiation.
Extremely rare cases of radiation injury have occurred as a result of exceptional conditions or poor service.
Contact to high levels of microwave radiation escaping from gaps including cracks in microwave oven covers causes these radiation injuries in general.

The Anatomy of a Microwave

Just like any other technology, an individual must know what are the components of their microwave in order to make it function properly. Another fascinating aspect concerning microwaves is that you are only required to know how to use one.

In reality, you do not just have to learn how to operate a microwave. Rather, you have to know its different features so that you are aware of the capabilities of your appliance. Listed below are the various components of a microwave.

What is a Watts in a Microwave?

The wattage of the microwave determines the cooking degree of the food. As previously mentioned, a magnetron emits microwaves, which bounce across inside the microwave until they create an interaction with your food.

Generally speaking, the greater the amount of wattage, it is more effective because wattage determines how long your meal will require to cook. If you opt to find out more about the purpose of watts in your microwave, check this out!

See the Oven Capacity!

The dimension of the microwave container determines the oven capacity. The microwave’s capacity is expressed in cubic feet and can be determined by multiplying the microwave’s width, height, and length.

The size of the oven is essential since the larger the microwave, the more you can cook at once. In most situations, the more watts present in the microwave are proportional to the oven capacity.

Microwave Types

Microwaves can be classified as convection, solo, or grill.

Solo: Microwaves that operate as a solo function are the most basic among the three types. Cooking, defrosting, and reheating simple meals including pasta and rice are all possible with these microwaves and only bounded with these functions.
Convection: Due to the uniform cooking that a convection grill produces, it’s ideal for baking cookies, pies, and pastries. The flow of air in convection occurs primarily between two components of differing temperatures.
Grill: The food is immediately cooked in a grill with the aid of several heaters. Its coil, which warms the meal, is heated with gas or charcoal.

Are you curious about different aspects of these types of microwaves, do not hesitate to visit this page.

Microwave According to Location

This appliance is perfectly designed in three different setups: under cabinet microwave, built-in microwave, and countertop microwave. Price, weight, and functionality are all slight distinctions among the three.

In addition, an under cabinet microwave, also known as over-the-range is also considered to be mounted above the stove. For anchorage purposes, over-the-range microwaves necessitate a specific installation kit.

Guilt-Free Hacks to Use a Microwave

The microwave might be helpful equipment at the first glance for some but be known that it can also cause harm to your house if not used properly. It is better to be educated when operating a microwave. Here are some information on how to use a microwave efficiently.

Microwave User Manual Download

Beneficial vs. Dangerous Materials For a Microwave

Every material that can be found in our kitchen has a possibility that it may be designed for microwaving purposes. The downside of it might be the harmful effect of some materials which are not suitable for microwaves.

In order to be safe when using a microwave, we are meticulously typing some phrases in the search engine “can you microwave glass?” or “can glass be microwaved?” to assess if they are suitable for microwave usage. Fortunately, numerous cookware is capable of heating through a microwave. Listed below are examples of these:

Glass
Earthenware
China ware
Ceramic glass
Silicone bakeware
Wax paper
Pottery and clay
Browning dish
Plastic bags, covers, bags, and containers
Paper plates, paper towels, napkins

While there is microwave-safe cookware present in the household, enumerated below are the materials that you should avoid putting on your microwave.

Gold, silver
Staples
Metal cookware and bakeware
Straw or wicker
Twist ties
Non-approved meat thermometers
Materials with gold or silver trim/ metallic glaze
Foil liners

Things to Remember in Use a Microwave

As we tackled microwavable materials and microwave-dangerous cook wares, it is also important what to do in maintaining the appliance safe and functional every day. Keep in mind these hacks you should do to your microwave:

Each brand and model has its unique set of features. As a result, checking the guide is the first step. To learn further regarding your microwave, read the user’s instructions. It contains a list of power use, cleaning methods, pre-set programs, and other important information.
After that, you’ll need to connect your microwave to a power source. Do not plug in multiple devices simultaneously. You’d learn what length to choose for what reason if you’d examined the user handbook.

Set the timer by clicking the number controls or adjusting the knob according to your microwave’s instructions. Arrange the meal in the glass ring’s center. Keep in mind that the ring’s center warms up fast.

Just use the microwave to reheat foods that can be heated. Eliminate salads and continental appetizers. Heating food that is over four days old will spread bacteria inside the microwave, resulting in fresh food contamination.
Tidy your microwave on a frequent basis. In the microwave, do not use gel or water spray. Scrub the stains with a damp cloth and gently wipe any remaining food particles. Wipe away any residual dust with a dry cloth.

You are Ready to Begin Your First Microwave Experience!

Now that you have completely learned about the things that are needed for operating a microwave, it is not difficult for you to start heating food on your own! Thus, there is no need to search “can glass be microwaved’ or “can you microwave glass” online since you understand the guide in microwave usage.

Having difficulties as you do not own a microwave? There are affordable and decent-quality microwaves available here at Amazon. Also, if you are aiming for cheap offers, there are many quality deals of used microwave for sale online!

Used Microwave for Sale

For some households, having a microwave is considered a luxury because of its price. But the good thing is an individual can purchase used microwave for sale on some websites such as eBay, Craigslist, and Geebo.

7 Types of Workplace Signs to Remember for a Safe First Day at Work

streetsmartmasterclass

15 Sep, 2021

Entering the corporate world after years spent in school is a huge milestone to look forward to. You’ll meet a lot of new people. And you’ll experience a completely different environment!

However, days at work will not always be perfect. There would be emergency accidents and situations at times. And for sure, we want to prevent them from happening! In this article, we’ll present 7 types of workplace signs you might want to remember as early as now. This will help you ensure a safe first day at work in the future. So, read on!

Workplace Safety Signs and Symbols

Perhaps you have already been to a worksite that houses chemicals, metals, and live wires? I bet you do! Then, you have surely seen some of these workplace safety signs and symbols. They help prevent unexpected risks and dangers that can happen anytime, anywhere. And so, having them in any kind of workplace is extremely important.

Below are some of the most common types of safety signages that can be found in the workplace:

Prohibition Signs

I bet you have already seen signages somewhere with a red circle and a diagonal line (slash) through it. Those are called the prohibition signs! When you see prohibition signs, this means that you CANNOT do what is stated.

Here are some examples of prohibition signs:

Mandatory Signs

While prohibition signs show what you CANNOT do, mandatory signs show what you MUST do. Mandatory signs usually have white symbols or icons placed within a blue circle. You’ll usually find the instruction below the symbols or icons.

Here are some examples of mandatory signs:

Danger Signs

I’m sure you’re familiar with this! Danger signs are easy to recognize. These signs have the word DANGER placed inside a red oval. As the word suggests, danger signs are used to warn people about possible dangers and life-threatening hazards. So make sure to always observe and take them seriously.

Here is an example of a danger sign:

Warning Signs

Have you already seen a SLIPPERY WHEN WET signage while entering a fast food restaurant? That is an example of a warning sign! Similar to danger signs, warning signs are used to inform people about hazardous situations. But this time, it focuses on hazards that aren’t really life-threatening. Warning signs are also easy to identify with their yellow-colored background and a triangle around the hazard symbol.

Here is an example of a warning sign:

Emergency Signs

During your earthquake drills at school, your teacher always tells you to use the emergency exit. Have you noticed the green signage at the top of that doorway? Well, that’s an example of an emergency sign! Emergency signs tell you about the location of or directions leading to emergency equipment and facilities. They are usually green in color.

Here is an example of an emergency sign:

Fire Safety Signs

Fire safety signs basically tell you about the location of fire alarms and fire safety equipment such as fire hoses and extinguishers. They are usually in the color red. And so, they’re also easy to recognize!

Here is an example of a fire safety sign:

General Information Signs

As its name suggests, general information signs tell you general or public information such as directions and specific notices. Common examples of general information signs are related to parking.

Here are some examples of general information signs:

And that’s it! Those are the 7 types of workplace signs you might want to remember as early as now. Your knowledge about them will come in handy once you enter the workforce. For now, just try to look out for these signages whenever you visit your parents’ workplaces. Remember to always follow them for your safety!

Enjoyed learning about workplace signs? Share this article with your friends!

Sign	Meaning
`Source: Max Pixel` `Source:` `Wikimedia Commons`	NO ENTRY NO SMOKING

Sign	Meaning
`Source: Max Pixel` `Source:` `Pixabay`	HEARING AND EYE PROTECTION MUST BE WORN IN THIS AREA FOOT PROTECTION MUST BE WORN IN THIS AREA

Sign	Meaning
`Source:` `Wikimedia Commons`	HIGH VOLTAGE

Sign	Meaning
`Source:` `Pixabay`	SLIPPERY WHEN WET

Sign	Meaning
`Source:` `Max Pixel`	EMERGENCY EXIT

Sign	Meaning
`Source: Wikimedia Commons` `Source:` `Pixabay`	NO PARKING AREA UNDER CONSTRUCTION