Helpful Tips for Your First-Time Travel

streetsmartmasterclass

4 Oct, 2021

Your first-time travel can give you a wave of mixed emotions- it can be scary but mostly exciting. It is scary because you are going to a place that you are unfamiliar with. But, it is exciting since you will have an opportunity to explore, discover, and have fun

Travelling has a lot of benefits and you will surely love it after you go to your first one. It can disconnect you from your daily life and give you time to relax, reflect, and gather new perspectives. Moreover, it is also good if you want to discover and learn more as you can be immersed in different cultures. Last but not the least, it also allows you to try different cuisines that will surely satisfy your taste buds!

So, if you want your first travel to be flawless and be able to enjoy it to the very best, here are some helpful tips!

Tips for First-Time Travelers

Either you are traveling local or international, there are things that you might want to keep in mind before you go. We made a list for you so you won’t forget!

Secure your passport

One of the most important tips for first-time flyers is that you must secure your passport ahead of time or before you even purchase a flight ticket to make sure that everything goes smoothly. Your passport is crucial as it will be your key to be able to hop on a plane and travel to faraway places.

Get travel insurance

There can be risks when traveling and we can’t eliminate that. Uncertainties are everywhere and all we can do is to at least give you protection. Getting travel insurance can help protect you from lost luggage, canceled flights, or accidents and can save you big bucks.

Decide on your destination

If you have lots of destinations in mind, it will be better to narrow down your list since it is impossible to go to all of them at once. Ask yourself the question, Where do I really want to go? Consider your hobbies and passion then look at what country or place can help satisfy those. Are you fond of watching anime? Then you might want to consider Japan. Or, are you more of a Disney person? If you are, then maybe California is worth your first travel.

Check if the destination requires a Visa

Once you have chosen your destination, make sure to check if it requires visitors to have a visa or not. A visa is a document issued by the country that you will be visiting. It is an endorsement that is placed within a passport and is used to make sure that you will not be abusing your visit. The visa usually dictates the number of days that you are permitted to spend in the required country.

Pack only your essentials

Avoid packing unnecessary needs since they can only become a hindrance. Pack only your essentials, such as toiletries, money, change of clothes, shoes, and other necessities. It will be helpful if you can create a checklist and make sure every single one is ticked off so you won’t forget anything.

Also, don’t bring too much electronics. You won’t be needing your laptop unless you’re planning to work during your travel. Bringing flashy gadgets will only attract snatchers.

Check if you can access your money on your destination

Of course, money is of high importance during travels, especially for your first-time international travel. You don’t want to bring a hefty ton of cash- that’s why you need to check if there are accessible ATMs or other means to get cash on your destination. Luckily, there are also online payment applications that you can check.

Be cautious

We don’t know the norms abroad, specifically about what scams exist. There are educational vlogs online stating that international tourists are usually the ones targeted by scammers. So, you better be cautious all the time. Make sure that you look confident- not someone who looks innocent. Also, don’t let down your guard, because the moment that you do so will become a perfect opportunity for someone to grab your wallet or phone.

Know the Embassy information of your country

If it is your first-time travel then it is a must that you know the information of your country’s embassy or consulate. Doing so will be so helpful in unexpected situations, specifically if you get involved in something messy. There are counties where the government has a Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. It is a free service that can be really handy during emergency services.

Travel with A Peaceful Mind

Traveling is beautiful, especially if you are doing it with a peaceful mind. It is so much fun to explore, discover, and witness the picturesque views and rich culture of different countries. If you want that, keep these first flight tips in mind and your travel will surely go as planned!

A Parent’s Guide on Digital Literacy: 4 Ways to Teach Kids on How to Avoid Scamming Incidents

streetsmartmasterclass

1 Oct, 2021

The emergence of technology caters to make lives easier. However, online thieves take advantage of these advancements, targeting people who are easily gullible and unaware of how the internet works. Digital literacy is an essential thing to be taught to every individual in order for them to wisely maximize the possibilities of the internet. Hence, this blog serves as a guide for parents to teach their children how to avoid scamming incidents and for them to independently protect themselves from online harm.

1. Activate Parental Controls on Your Device

Children can be a little adventurous at times, especially when it comes to exploring new things. Setting up parental controls on all your devices helps prevent children from clicking malicious links and engaging with phishing sites as they browse through the web.

2. Practice Open Communication in the Family

It is essential to engage your kids in conversations that tackle the dangers of the internet. Warn them about what these dangers are and educate them on what to do once they have encountered fraudulent sites. Introduce to them the concept of trust — when and when not to give it.

Discuss with them the things that they cannot share with anyone, not even their friends, but only with their parents. Examples of these information are PINs, passwords, bank account numbers, and the like.

3. Introduce the 6 Protective Measures Against Online Scams

Through using acronyms such as the ABCs, children are most likely to remember what you teach!

Always Think Before you Speak and/or Click

Whenever you enter websites or engage in calls that require you to input your personal information, think twice before doing so. For instance, legitimate banks would never ask for your account information, especially your PIN, over the phone.

Browse the Internet Safely

One of the easiest ways on how to tell if someone is scamming you online is by using protective-browsing services that could be found on the internet.

Check the Website

Fraudulent websites commonly have questionable interfaces, designs, and link addresses. Once you notice that something does not sit right, leave the page right away

TIP: Download this ‘Safety Indicators’ checklist to guide you on how to determine whether website links are trustworthy or not.

Safety-Indicators-Checklist Download

Dump the Spam Calls

Setting up your phone’s privacy by blocking malicious spam calls is one way on how to stop scammers from calling

Enable a Protective Software on All of Your Devices

Installing anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your phones, tablets, and computers shield you from malware and cybercrime incidents. This anti-theft software can also detect the presence of harmful programs inside your devices.

Fast Action is Key

In case you become a victim of these online scams, immediately report it to both your local and national authorities. In the instance of bank-related scams, you may reach out and report the incident to the bank’s provided contact details.

Online Safety Should be Practiced Daily!

Learning starts at home. Teach your kids how to independently protect themselves from fraudulent motives online!

Cybercrime activities are very rampant nowadays. Given that online media and technology is an important part of people’s lives, it is important to make time for family discussions that tackle how to avoid online scams, as well as how to stop scammers from calling or bugging you.

Internet thieves act fast, but parents should act faster and smarter. Technology brings both benefits and dangers to mankind. Hence, it is important to guide children on how to avoid scams as they slowly venture into the world of online media.

This youth’s generation would be the ones to fully maximize and improve the technology we know today. Therefore, parents should teach them how to be technologically wise and responsible citizens!

Safety should be your family’s utmost priority, so never forget to use the internet wisely!

Find this article helpful? Share this link to promote online safety and digital literacy!

Start ‘em Young: Draft a Contract With Your Child Now

streetsmartmasterclass

1 Oct, 2021

Perhaps you hear your child say things like, “But everyone else gets to do it!” or “It won’t get me in trouble.”

While those words are convincing yet comforting, it is hard to recognize if your child is ready to take on the world. Of course, you don’t want to give them more than they can handle. However, it is also essential to allow them to be as independent as possible.

As parents, your goal is to raise responsible members of society. It is your guidance that navigates how their world would turn out someday. When you discipline them wisely, your children can thrive.

To discipline, however, doesn’t mean to control. When you discipline, you guide your children to develop the motivation to do the right thing. Commanding them to act a certain way and punishing them for not doing so may result in them rebelling against you when you are not looking.

Whatever they want, may it be a later curfew or a new gadget, it is best to have a contract so you could feel more at ease.

sign pen business document — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Why should you start drafting a contract with your child?

An effective contract should outline what your child needs to do to earn or retain her benefits. It should detail what they need to do to prove themselves responsible and accountable.

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

improve communication

Drafting a contract with your child can help you elaborate on your expectations, 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 child on the same page. Partnered with daily or weekly progress reports, having an arrangement allows consistent communication between you and your child.

clear out your expectations

While you specify the areas your child needs to work or focus on, it also allows them to see the rewards and consequences that come along with it.

motivates your child to be in control

Your ultimate goal is to encourage them to act in their best behavior out of their own will and thinking. With them aware of the consequences of their actions, they learn how to evaluate their behavior. It can also motivate them to achieve their goals.

allows your child to be more accountable for their action

It is a great way to reinforce their life skills. It allows them to take on the responsibility and prove themselves worthy of being entrusted with it. It also teaches that privileges are earned and not just handed to them.

You and your child both signed the contract. It means 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 drafts above.
Plan with your child.
Agree on the rules (what you want or expect your child to do).
Agree on the reward (what your child will get for following the rules) and when they could get the prize.
Evaluate the support your child needs with their input and how you could help.
Agree on the consequences (what they should do or can’t do if they do not follow the rules). It should include not getting the reward.
Let your child write the terms and allow them to 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 child must sign the contract. Signing it emphasizes that you both understand and agree to the terms.

The point of drafting a contract with your child is to motivate them to engage in behavior independently. Allowing them to voice their thoughts while creating the contract grants them the negotiation skills they need to develop.

Here are some tips that could help:

Make it a team effort

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

Be clear about the information your child needs to perform the terms

Let them know the negative behavior, what they could do, what would happen if they chose to do the negative behavior, and the things involved in doing the right and wrong. It should help them understand why they should do the right and not the wrong.

Draft it in a way that is easy to understand

The terms should be within the ability of your child. It is essential to let them visualize the system and the rules.

Use logical consequences

Instead of motivating them by punishment, frame it in terms of not achieving their target rewards.

Hold them in terms of the contract. If they fail to meet the terms, don’t give them the extra privilege. Don’t bend the rules for them.

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 child agree. It also allows both of you to decide while still accounting for individual preferences.

If it is working well, add new rules and rewards that could motivate them. However, if not working, revise the reward system by identifying what can encourage them.

Be patient

Your kid needs time to adjust to the rules. Avoid nagging your child to meet their end of the deal. It may not succeed in the first attempts, but patience and understanding shall work with time.

Remember that the driving force behind a contract is to provide your child with the tools they would need to manage their own. It may be hard to be on the same page on house chores, curfews, and gadget use. Drafting a contract with your kids can help discipline them while still allowing them to be in control.

How can this help your kids?

In the real world, not all contracts are created equal. There are contracts for services, leases, rentals, confidentiality, employment, etc.

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 kids through a written contract can prepare them when they get involved in legally enforceable ones.

The components of a legally enforceable contract are pretty similar to the ones you can use with your kids. 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? Start now and future-proof your kids!

The Comprehensive Handbook: Email Etiquette

streetsmartmasterclass

1 Oct, 2021

Before, email etiquettes could have been ignored until college. But times have changed. Now that the entire world has switched to online learning, your kids emailing their educators has become inevitable. Teaching your kids email etiquette will help them in the long run.

If you’re worried about email etiquette for students, proper email etiquette, business email etiquette, email etiquette rules, et cetera, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for we have collated everything you need to teach your kids about email etiquette! From registration to salutations, we have it all for you!

First Stop: Registration

There are several webmail service providers, but the leading three are Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail. In helping your kids choose their account provider, visit their respective sites to get a feel on navigating them. You can also decide based on which interface you’re most comfortable with.

You’ll also be pleased to know that the aforementioned email providers are all free, so no extra monthly subscription for you! In addition, they have organizational tools to help your kids systematize their inbox.

Signing up for an email account is a very easy process. You don’t even have to download anything, emailing from your browser is all right! Just tell your kids to click their preferred email service provider. It will direct them to their websites.

Afterward, find the “sign up” button usually on the upper corner of the screen or at the center. Simply fill up the needed information to proceed, and you’re ready to go!

Pro tip! Make sure to guide your children in picking their email address. It would be best to just use their name (i.e. harrypotter@gmail.com or potterharry@outlook.com). If their names are already taken, adding a period, an underscore, or two numbers at most is okay. Having silly email addresses such as crazybailey@yahoo.com or goofyscooby@gmail.com is inappropriate and definitely not in the email etiquette handbook.

My Kids Have Emails, What’s Next?

Now, let’s help them familiarize themselves with the basic parts of an email. There are several components they should be able to identify and work with.

1. Subject Line

This part should describe what your child is writing about.

2. Sender

If a laptop or desktop computer is available at your home for your kids to use, this will not be present there. However, if your children are using the application on their phone, this will be available.

3. Recipient

Here, your kids should input the email address of the person they are sending the message to. If they are sending the message to more than one person, just separate their email addresses with a comma and they’re all clear!

4. Greetings/Salutations

Every time your child writes an email, teach them to always start it off with greetings, such as “Good morning,” or “Greetings!”

5. Body

Your kid’s content should be comprised of an introduction of themselves, the intention of their email, and gratitude.

6. Closing Remarks

Inform them to conclude their email with some best wishes to their recipient.

7. Signature

Tell your children to write their full name in this section. If they’re writing to their professor, include the subject he’s teaching and your child’s section. If they’re writing to another organization, ask them to insert their position in their affiliation.

8. Attachments

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

For instance, if they’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! Relevant contents of an email as well as email etiquettes will be tackled in the next segments.

Why Do I Need to Teach Email Etiquette to My Kids?

Communication is an important part of making connections. Now that we have evolved into integrating the internet into our daily lives, emails have become a blessing and a burden. It’s important to teach your kids how to compose a professional email. It will come in handy not just in school, but also at work when the time comes.

Guide your kids as early as now, and they’ll become a natural in greetings, best wishes, and closing remarks in no time!

The Handbook of Email Etiquette

Of course, after signing up and learning the parts of an email, it’s time to dive deeper into the business of email etiquette.

Email Subjects

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

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

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

Greetings and Salutations

Tell your kids to start their email with positive energy. Greetings! Salutations! It’s necessary to offer courteousness before beginning an email. Moreover, see to it that the greeting they’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

Introduction

Given that your children are students, their instructor presumably handles hundreds of other pupils. They can’t be expected to recognize everyone. Inform your kids to introduce themselves: state their full name, section and course.

Purpose of the Email

Immediately express the purpose of the email. In the same way that professors handle hundreds of students, it is probable they also receive hundreds of emails daily. It will do everyone good if the intent is succinctly written.

It’s best to limit the length up to two sentences only. In the event that your kid is writing about requesting a recommendation letter from their professor, they 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.”

Clarifications

Online learning is difficult. It’s completely understandable if your children are left with questions after reading their 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 Gratitude

Once concerns have been expressed, inform your children that it’s time to convey gratitude to the recipient of their email for their time. It’s disrespectful not to give thanks and issue a reply after they’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 Signatory

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

Kids have a designated bed time; adults have an established rest time away from work. It’s essential to teach your kids about respecting other people’s time. This is also applicable in sending emails.

If your kid is studying their syllabus at three in the morning and they encounter a topic they do not understand. They shouldn’t email their instructor right away. They can go ahead and compose their inquiry regarding their question but they can’t press send. There’s an option to schedule an email.

Depending on whether your kid is using Google Mail, Outlook, or Yahoo, advise them that they can pick an appropriate time they want their email to be delivered.

When is it acceptable to send an email? An email shouldn’t be delivered 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’s disrespectful to send a letter in the middle of the night.

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

Conclusion

Whether it’s email etiquette for students, appropriate email etiquette, corporate email etiquette, or email etiquette guidelines, it’s simple to get the hang of these email etiquettes. Help your kids with their email etiquette and constantly remind them to follow email etiquettes.

Download Grammarly if you want to make sure your kids have extra help in sounding professional and grammatically accurate.