S u mWm ehraGt aYr ao ug er Sale Can Teach Your Kids The Best Companion A summer garage sale is a tried and tested way to earn a little cash while eliminating things you no longer need. But it’s also the perfect opportunity for parents to teach their children a few life lessons. Making your garage sale a family project can teach kids about organization, money management, and the pride of a hard day’s work. The lessons start immediately as your family determines what they no longer need. Younger children, in particular, often struggle to part with their possessions. A garage sale is an opportunity to discuss what they use, what they don’t, and why we can’t keep every object we own forever. This process will teach kids organization as they create their “keep,” “sell,” and “toss” piles. On the big day, your children can also play a significant role in organizing and displaying your merchandise. Kids can help determine which items should share a table and what should be front and center to catch buyers’ eyes. Math and money management also play a pivotal role in any successful garage sale. First, you must determine what the items you’re selling are worth. While letting your kids set prices is probably unwise, you can help them understand market value and what people will pay for used merchandise. Your children can take a more active role in the sale itself. Depending on their ages, they can gain valuable experience making change for customers or negotiating a deal on the items for sale. The best part of using your garage sale as a learning opportunity is that your children can personally experience the value of hard work. They’ll watch their old possessions disappear and the cash trickle in. More than anything, they’ll probably love adding up the day’s takings. Whether or not you give your kids a cut of the earnings is up to you. But even if they don’t end up with fatter pockets, your children will walk away from the family garage sale with lessons that will last longer than any extra cash could.
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Many children are fascinated by the mystery and beauty of outer space, but most tend to lose their reverence as they get older. That doesn’t have to be the case! A night of stargazing is the perfect way to spend a romantic evening or have a fun time with your family. But creating the ideal experience isn’t always as simple as stepping outside and looking up. Here are some tips to make the most of an astrological adventure. Pick the right night. All nighttime skies are not created equal. Would-be stargazers must consider the weather and cloud cover. Further, the light from the moon tends to wash out the dimmer sparkle of distant stars, and it’s best to go during or immediately before or after a new moon phase. It can all be complicated, so make it easier with a stargazing forecasting site like GoodToStargaze.com. It will provide all the technical details and a simple “yes” or “no” verdict about the evening’s stargazing suitability. Find the ideal spot. Those who live in rural areas without much light pollution won’t have to go far to see the stars, but everyone else should do a little planning. Scope out a location away from city lights that has an unobstructed view of the sky, and make sure it’s legal for you to go there. You’ll also need a place to set up blankets or chairs for a comfortable and relaxed experience. Bring essential supplies. Don’t ruin the perfect evening by being unprepared! After so much planning, the last thing you want is to be run off by a chilly breeze or some pesky mosquitoes. The summer night in an open space may be cooler than expected, so bring a sweater or jacket. Ensure your clothing and seating are comfortable, and don’t forget bug spray. It’s also wise to pack some snacks and plenty of water. Further, you can step up your game by bringing binoculars or a star map. But remember to take all your goodies home with you. Leave nothing behind so the next amateur astrologists can enjoy their experience as much as you did. CSrt eaar tgea tzhi ne gPEe xr pf eecrti e n c e
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