STAYING CONNECTED How to Keep Your Family Close in a Busy World
If you feel like you’ve hardly seen your kids since the school year started, you’re not alone. Americans are way too busy — from childhood onward, we’re always running hither and thither, packing in as many after-school activities, work-related meetings, and social engagements as possible. It’s a problem so pervasive that it has a name: time scarcity. Families feel time scarcity keenly after school starts in September, when children’s schedules explode with engagements. But all hope for close ties isn’t lost; there are ways to stay connected with your spouse and kids, even in an increasingly busy world. Here are some ideas from counselors, teachers, and psychologists who claim to have mastered the art. Remember Your Rituals Rituals make up the backbone of individual families and society at large. Most people wouldn’t dream of abandoning their holiday traditions, so why forgo the smaller rituals that bring families together? Whether it’s eating dinner at the same table each evening, watching a movie together every Thursday night, or going on a monthly getaway, make sure these traditions aren’t canceled. If your family doesn’t have many rituals, a great way to connect is to start some. Make Every Moment Count As cliche as it sounds, when you don’t have much time together, it’s crucial to be present for every minute of it. If you have a rare half hour at home with one of your kids, make a point to spend it in the same
room and try to start a conversation. If you squeeze in a romantic dinner with your spouse, turn off your phones before the food comes. Listening to each other without distractions will strengthen your relationship.
Hug It Out Physical contact is vital for closeness. When you get the chance, hug your kids, hold hands with your spouse, and do physical activities as a family, like hiking, biking, or even playing group sports. It’s been scientifically proven that physical closeness leads to emotional closeness, so if you’re low on time, take advantage of that shortcut!
FEELING THE HEAT? SCHEDULE YOUR FURNACE TUNEUP BEFORE IT GETS COLD AGAIN!
You may be planning one last summer vacation or still searching for the perfect beach, but it’s time to start thinking about protecting your home from the cold, snow, and frost. In between applying another layer of sunscreen and reaching for a popsicle, call Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley to schedule your annual heating system tuneup! The best time to prepare your HVAC system for the months of chilly weather is when you’re still sporting shorts and flip-flops. You don’t want to be sitting in your living room with winter jackets on because the heating system broke down.
unit. Without a proper inspection after a particularly stormy season, you’re taking a gamble each day you turn on your heat.
Regular inspections and tuneups ensure you solve issues quickly, before they can turn into costly and dangerous damage. In addition, technicians can inspect and clean your system, suggest enhancements to save you money and energy, and provide a prognosis for the remaining life of your unit. A heater’s airflow, fan controls, electrical connections, burners, safety controls, gas line, and drainage systems should all be inspected for signs of damage. When conducting an inspection or tuneup, our technicians rely on data from past inspections and observations to offer you advice on your heating system. If you establish a base of data with Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley by regularly scheduling heating system inspections, you can be better prepared to make decisions about repairs and, if necessary, a total replacement. It’s never too early or too late to start gathering that data! Schedule your heating system tuneup with Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley by calling 845-256-6158 and be prepared when the weather turns cooler.
Not using your heating system during summer means that you may encounter a slew of problems when you finally turn on your heat this fall. Natural disasters can cause flooding or water damage, prompting mold, mildew, and moisture to grow on or near your HVAC
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