Archives for September 2020

September 28, 2020 by Sofia

4 Things To Consider When Looking For an Airbnb

When traveling, Airbnb is one of the best ways to find a place to stay for a fraction of the price. Compared to hotels, Airbnb’s are a much better value for your money. However, if you don’t know the right things to look for, you could find yourself in for a lousy vacation.

It’s important that you’re comfortable during your trip and love where you’re staying. Therefore, to help you plan where you’ll stay, take a look at some of the most important things to consider when choosing the perfect Airbnb.

Reviews

Don’t make the mistake of being sucked into a commitment with an Airbnb based on price alone. The first thing that you should do is look at the reviews. You’ll be able to determine whether they have any pest problems, the location is irritating, or if the host is just plain disagreeable.

The reviews usually have an honest and clear representation of what you can expect if you stay somewhere. Make sure that you read every review carefully and look for any red flags, which may indicate it’s not the best place to choose.

Price

Once you’ve looked at the reviews and determined that a place is up to par, you can start looking at the price. It’s a good idea to compare the price to other properties in the same area. In some cases, it may be a great deal, while you may find that in other situations, it’s marked much too high.

A seasoned traveler knows the importance of trying to save money wherever possible. By getting a good deal on your Airbnb, you’ll be able to have more money set aside for things like meals and entertainment.

Host Communication

Unlike hotels, Airbnb’s don’t have a hotel receptionist at the desk. Your host is the closest thing that you’ll have to that. Therefore, it’s important that you have a host who communicates efficiently.

Anytime that you have a question or concern, it’s important that they answer thoroughly and promptly. Make sure that you read the terms and conditions of the listed property so that you know how involved the host is. In some cases, they may outsource to someone else to hand you the keys and after that, make little to no contact at all. Ideally, you want someone very hands-on.

Photos

Photos can tell a million words. When looking at properties, get a feel for the property by looking at all of the photos. Take a look at what kind of amenities are photographed and whether it looks like the description is as accurate as it seems in the image.

In some cases, hosts may over-exaggerate their property, and a photo will help you determine whether that’s the case or not.

September 25, 2020 by Sofia

Why Are Injury Lawyers Crucial To Society?

Injuries can happen due to many different reasons and to any individual in the world. These injuries can result in significant medical expenses, inability to work, and pain & suffering. Often times, these injuries are caused due to no fault of the injured person. What should an unjustly injured person do? Fortunately, the law allows for negligent at-fault people to be held accountable for the expenses caused by the injuries they cause. Injury lawyers are a key part of holding these people accountable. According to Kemp, Ruge & Green Law Group, injuries can happen on the road, in the home, or even on business premises. Injury lawyers are beneficial to society because they help injured people rebuild their life after a debilitating injury. Below we will discuss some of the common sources of injury.

Vehicle Accident

With the ever-increasing number of vehicles on the road, the risk of vehicle collisions will always exist. We hear the news of automobile accidents on a regular basis and this testifies that it can happen to anyone. Suppose one of your family members becomes a victim of an automobile accident. In that case, he/ she will need to have injury lawyers to make a compensation claim on the responsible party and to defend against insurance companies who will try to undermine the severity of the sustained injuries.

Medical Negligence

Injuries due to medical negligence are quite common. We know that patients are misdiagnosed and prescribed procedures that are not suitable for them, resulting in further injuries. These are complex legal situations and require professional injury lawyers’ assistance to make and win injury claims. If you choose to take on the health care provider yourself, you might not present a strong case that can get you the compensation you deserve. Make sure that you have an injury lawyer who can assist you with the necessary legal procedures. Healthcare providers know the tricks of avoiding the claims of the victims and your injury lawyers will be key to defending against these tricks.

Workplace Accidents

This is among the most common forms of personal injury. People working in hazardous jobs are prone to mishaps that can cause both serious and non-serious injuries. In such cases, a lot of complexity is involved, and the employer might try to find his/her way out of paying the compensation.

If the worker belongs to a union, he might not face many issues in getting the just compensation, but if he/she does not belong to a union, things will be very hard. These injuries can often cause the victim to lose the ability to work again, causing great financial distress, and this factor can significantly increase the compensation amount. Only an experienced injury lawyer can tackle the complexities involved and get your family member the appropriate compensation.

September 22, 2020 by Sofia

4 Ways To Save More Money Each Month

Taking care of a family is a considerably large financial responsibility. While some people might think that saving money is pretty straightforward, it’s not as easy as you might like to think when you have multiple members in your household.

Statistics show that as many as one out of five families doesn’t have any savings at all. Unfortunately, you put yourself at risk when you don’t save money for emergency situations.

Whether one of the members of your household falls ill, or perhaps your air conditioner breaks down, it’s important that you have an emergency savings account on hand to pay for what it is that you need. In order to effectively save money, you’ll need to make some sacrifices. In addition to sacrifices, it helps to know where you can find better deals. Take a look at some of the most practical tips for saving more money every month.

Start a Budget

One of the first things that you should do when you’re ready to change your money situation is to create a budget. A budget is the best way to assess how much you’re spending and where you’re spending it. Once you know where your money is going, you know where you can make improvements.

Your income should be budgeted so that it first goes to important bills like rent and groceries. After that, you can start spending your money on less necessary items.

Cut Out Unnecessary Subscriptions and Memberships

Most people can admit that they have a few memberships and subscriptions that they don’t use. Even though you might like to believe that one day you’re going to use your gym membership, the truth is that you may not.

It’s important that you are honest with yourself about how much you really use the things you’re paying for. You should make it a rule to get rid of any memberships that you haven’t used for over two months.

Auto-Save

A lot of people don’t save money because they don’t prioritize it. One of the best ways to save money each month is to create an auto savings deposit every paycheck. Your savings account will automatically draw from your checking account without you having to do anything. You won’t have to do anything, and you can let your bank account do the work for you.

Consider Taking Public Transport

One of the biggest expenses most people have every month after rent is gas. Driving to work every day can start to add up over time. One of the best ways to cut this expense down is to consider carpooling with other coworkers or taking public transportation. Not only will you pay less on gas, but in some cases, you’ll actually arrive at work sooner.

September 18, 2020 by Sofia

What’s the best way to cook a T-bone steak?

The T-bone steak is a high-quality cut of beef known for its meaty flavour and tenderness. Its premium price at steakhouses and upscale restaurants reflects its position on the animal, coming from the area along the spine with the least used muscles. The T-bone steak is closely associated with the popular porterhouse steak due to both having been cut from the short loin area, but the T-bone is generally slightly smaller in size than the prized porterhouse. It does still have the same desirable qualities, though, with a strip of the top loin on one side of the bone and an extra-lean and beautifully soft tenderloin fillet on the other side. The T-bone boasts moderate marbling and is a classic steak lovers’ steak, perfect for a special occasion.

The T-bone steak is great for grilling on the barbecue on a summer’s day, with most restaurants preferring to cook this cut of beef over open flames for a brown, crusty surface and a nice pink or red interior. However, it tastes just as delicious cooked in the kitchen using a griddle or in a frying pan, which is likely a more familiar method of cooking for first-timers. In this recipe, the connoisseurs of steak at The Dorset Meat Company explain how to do just that, with guidance on how to get the most flavour and tenderness out of your T-bone steak.

The T-bone has generous bits of fat to keep it moist while the tenderloin fillet adds tenderness and plenty of flavour. The intact bone provides a useful handle to easily grab hold of the steak and flip it without puncturing the meat, effectively locking in all the juices. For this reason, you don’t need to go overboard with adornments and need only add a drop of olive oil and a little seasoning. This popular steak is cooked hot and fast in a griddle or heavy based frying pan and is best served medium-rare, with a golden outer crust and pink and juicy centre.

Remove your T-Bone steaks from the packaging, make sure you pat them dry and leave them out until brought to room temperature.
Preheat your pan or griddle at a high heat for around 10 minutes.
Season the meat with salt and pepper.
Add a drop of olive oil to the pan. When it begins to smoke, add the steaks. For best results, position the fillet farthest from the heat, as this is the fastest cooking part of a T-bone steak.
To prevent the cooking base from becoming overcrowded, avoid cooking more than two steaks in one pan.
Start with a quick sear, turning each steak until they form a crisp golden outer crust. If the meat is burning rather than browning, take the pan away from the heat and allow to cool slightly before you resume cooking.
Cook on each side for 5-6 minutes for medium rare. The steaks will become firmer as they cook, so you can determine how well done they are by gently pressing on each one with your thumb. For a medium rare steak, it should feel tender, but with a little resistance.
Set aside to rest in a warm place for at least 5 minutes.
Cut each steak from the bone and carve the meat into strips across the grain.
Serve with your preferred sides. We love onion rings and salad for a classic American take on the dish, or creamy sautéed mushrooms for an extra special dinner.

Now if that’s not a mouth-watering prospect, we don’t know what is.

September 17, 2020 by Sofia

Home Maintenance Tips for First-Time Homeowners

It can be exciting for new homeowners to close on their first house, as the new property they bought is likely the biggest or one of the most significant purchases they’ve made in adulthood. Even after sealing the deal, the spending continues for most new homeowners the second they move into their new place because there are many maintenance and homeownership responsibilities to complete.

Listed below are tips first-time homeowners can follow for some of the most important maintenance jobs.

Keep Your AC System in Good Condition

When major appliances like the air conditioning and heating system malfunction, there can be catastrophic effects. These systems may malfunction when they don’t receive the thorough cleaning they deserve. The lack of cleaning could lead to homeowners and residents experiencing breathing problems and other health issues caused by fungi or bacteria growing among uncleared air conditioners and old filters. A central air conditioner may cause dust, mold, dander, and more to circulate in the air and cause contamination and sickness.

Homeowners must have their air conditioner and HVAC unit repaired and replaced regularly. Leave repair services and the installation of a new air conditioner to the professionals. High-quality AC replacements done by skilled technicians like those at Direct Air Conditioning, LLC, can improve a new home’s indoor air quality. The professionals and HVAC technicians at this Miami AC repair company have years of experience providing excellent AC repairs and AC installation.

Update Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

A working smoke detector and alarm can alert you and your family about a fire outbreak. Carbon monoxide detectors are necessary, too, to prevent danger and poisoning, as this toxic gas is odorless and colorless. Properly functioning detectors and alarms give residents the chance to deal with the situation as safely as possible. In addition to performing maintenance on sensors often, establish and practice emergency evacuation plans with your family.

Make Sure Your Plumbing Stays in Working Order

Internal pipes and fixtures also need attention. Watch for signs of exposed pipes and plumbing issues. Clogged drains and low water pressure may be indicative of a leak or debris buildup. Furthermore, water damage, mold, raised or broken floor tiles, water-stained rugs, backed up toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs that drain slowly or not are common signs of a cast iron pipe drainage system that isn’t functioning correctly.

Homeowners should get the pipes under the kitchen and bathroom sinks and fixtures inspected for water damage and corrosion. A professional plumbing company—such as Advanced Plumbing Technology—can provide high-quality sewage and cast iron pipe repairs homeowners need.

These specialists use robust equipment and technology to show homeowners the current condition of the pipes that run under their homes, safely and quickly evaluate the damage, and provide affordable solutions to enhance outdated plumbing into a modern, efficient plumbing system.

Freshen Up the Exterior Paint

Attractive paint on your house adds curb appeal to your property. Improved curb appeal can increase your home’s value. Maintaining the way your house looks outside by pressure washing away grime, dirt, and mold and adding fresh paint can make it look clean and new while allowing it to stand out in the neighborhood.

Give Your Driveway the Sealing It Needs

Depending on your climate, the ground may experience freezing during harsh winter months and thawing as spring arrives. These seasonal changes cause the ground—and your pavement—to expand and contract. The environmental conditions your pavement undergoes may cause cracks that can give weeds a place to grow and stubbornly ruin your driveway. Consider resealing the driveway every year to three years.

The maintenance needs to complete around the house can be overwhelming to new homeowners. It can be beneficial to create a list of essential maintenance jobs and how often you should do them. Keeping track of such duties can help your household look good and run at its best.

September 16, 2020 by Sofia

Paper Matters: Why Invest in Nice Stationery

Stationery is defined as a classic paper need with matching envelopes. But in this modern world, stationery has evolved as most shops now include notebooks, notepads, washi tapes, and other writing accoutrements like fountain pens and markers. Thankfully, you are spoiled for choice with so many designs, paper types, colours, and brands. Now, thanks to the internet, you can even buy stationery online so you can just pick your faves with a flick of your finger. If you are wondering why you should invest in nice stationery, you must consider the essential reasons:

A Thoughtful Note Can Brighten Up Someone’s Day

In this day and age of texting, pm-ing, chatting, social media, and emails, a lot of people keep saying that print is dead. However, most people forget that nothing can beat the thoughtfulness of a handwritten note. Texting a birthday greeting or pm-ing a get well note, though thoughtful, feel somewhat cold because the human touch is gone. When you write something on pretty notepads and cards, your chosen stationery can set the mood. A penned thank you note will show your sincerity. When people see your penmanship with vibrant markers, they will feel your effort. In this day and age, where everyone prefers instant, be the person who chooses to go the classic, long route. Going the extra mile will always make people smile.

Pretty Stationery Make for Great Gifts

If you have a friend that has everything, going for really nice stationery like a notebook to track expenses, doodles, or journaling will make him or her smile. There are so many designs and patterns to choose from to suit style preferences. Even if your friend is not into doing these things because of reliance on gadgets, your stationery gift can be a catalyst for change. Aesthetically pleasing notebooks motivate people to pen their thoughts to ink. Your gift is the perfect reminder that nothing beats an old school pen and paper. Everyone needs downtime from their gadgets. Prevent blue light eye damage and radiation with pretty stationery.

Provides a Place for Self-Expression

A notebook may seem ordinary, but it offers so much more than a place to jot your homework. It is a perfect avenue for you to express yourself. Keep inspired with a nice notebook and keep your creative juices flowing. Your notebook cover can fit your personality by picking between an image wrap, leather, or embossed cover. You can also select the most suitable size that fits your lifestyle when you buy stationery online. If you like bringing one around, a small pocket notebook will be convenient. For your planning needs, you can opt for big A4 journals. You can get paper that’s plain, ruled, check grid, or dot grid. All these personalised specifications will keep you motivated to write in your notebook.

Perfect Way to Announce Important Events and Changes

Yes, it is easy to announce something via email or social media. However, it can get lost in your email shuffle and get drowned out by a busy FB news feed. When you send handwritten notes that come in pretty stationery, they will stand out amid your pile of bills. Doing it the classic way means your announcement will not get overlooked. For your birth, moving, christening, graduation, or moving notices, it is best to send them via paper cards. They can put these note cards on their fridge and even keep it as a memento. Paper is most definitely not dead. This traditional communication method is very much alive, and it will continue to live on for many more years.

September 16, 2020 by Sofia

Guide To Buying Your First Makeup Set

Every woman went through the trouble of figuring out which products to buy as their very first set. With so many brands and products out in the market, finding the right product and which ones to stock up can be overwhelming. From eyebrow tweezers to kabuki brushes, beginners will indeed have difficulty choosing the right one. Hence, doing a little research can make the selection process easier. Although, there are brands, such as Jennifer Bradley makeup, that offer a complete set of makeup products, making it easy for women.

Skincare products

Moisturizer and primer are essential products to begin the makeup application process. Ensuring that your skin is prep with the appropriate moisturizer will have a significant effect on the final look. Usually, women prefer lightweight moisturizer for daily use. They would also pick products that are for normal to dry skin. Furthermore, a subtle face primer is another addition to achieve great skin. This product will brighten up and hydrate the skin to get a dewy look. The moisturizer and primer are essentials, so you will have an unblemished base and keep the makeup on for the entire day.

Finding The Right Foundation And Concealer

Women who are new to the makeup application process often have issues with avoiding flakey foundation. This problem can be prevented by applying an opaque concealer in their starter kit. There are products with unique formulas that give a creaseless effect and hide imperfections. Thus, there will be less application of the foundation. It’s pretty impressive when you see the after-effect of these two products.

Eyebrow essentials

One of the important parts of the face that requires enough attention is the eyebrows. For someone new to this, a reliable dual-sided eyebrow brush is necessary to shape the arches perfectly. Aside from that, you will need a pomade with smudge-proof and waterproof features, especially if you have an oily skin type.

Eye makeup necessities

Eye makeup is crucial because it can accentuate a simple look, and you won’t need too much product if you can create stunning eye makeup. Using false eyelashes is not that important for beginners in makeup. Try to go for a liner and mascara tandem. These two can already do wonders for your sleepy or droopy eyes. Applying a liner and mascara provides the illusion of heavier fringe. You can experiment with a volumizing mascara to obtain a dramatic effect on the length of your lashes.

Lipsticks

Of course, your Jennifer Bradley makeup set will not be complete if you don’t have the right lipstick. Two safe lipstick colors that will suit almost all types of look are red and nude. These two versatile hues can go for a day-to-night look. Whether it is for a gala or casual dinner date, nudes and reds will always save you from looking like a disaster. Most women will buy those that can last for long hours to avoid retouching during the day. They come in various types, either in liquid form or the regular ones.

Brushes and other paraphernalia

Applying makeup will only be successful if you use the appropriate brush and tools. With so many to choose from, ensure that you only buy the essentials. A sponge or brush is useful for blending concealers and foundations. Brush sets are also necessary for dusting powders and the precise application of liquids. These are the primary tools. You can add on later once you have already figured out how to use them properly.

September 16, 2020 by Sofia

6 Things to Remember When Purchasing a Baby Gift

Babies are so precious that they instantly bring joy and light up a room. But as adorable and cute as they may be, they are also fragile and quite vulnerable. That is why the appropriateness of toys and apparel for infants and young children is categorised according to age group.

Not everyone is familiar with the dos and don’ts of choosing baby presents. With so many options to choose from and the desire to impress both the little recipient and their parents, the pressure is on. Don’t sweat it, though. This blog aims to guide you in choosing the perfect gift for your family’s sweet new addition.

Size

In this case, you should not be looking for a perfect fit. Buying clothes for babies means choosing apparel in larger sizes. Babies tend to grow fast, which is why if you give them onesies, shirts, or pants that are fit exactly for their current age, the chances are they can only wear it for a short period.

Comfort

As with purchasing adult clothes, choosing comfort over style is also an unspoken rule in baby clothing. You might come across a bright yellow or pink blanket or find pillows in farm animals’ shape. Instantly, you pick up these items, thinking that it would be the perfect gift. Always check the material and structure of the blanket, pillow, or plushie. Fleece and gauze are two of the most appropriate types of fabric for baby blankets. Jersey and bamboo rayon fabric are comfortable and appropriate for baby skin, while firm pillows without cases are ideal for infants.

Function

Strollers, carriers, and baby accessories come in different shapes and colours. Ultimately, strollers with a stable structure, snap-on bassinets, built-in coverage, and comfortable seats, and cushions. Experts recommend high-seating carriers and those that provide more space for the baby’s bum and legs to rest while you carry them. Narrow-seated carriers tend to affect spine development and bone structure in infants.

Practicality

Sometimes, parents are not after fancy dresses and tuxedos for their babies. All they want are additional supplies of diapers, milk, and baby wipes. It might not be something that will last a long time, but it is useful and will help out the baby’s parents a great deal. Practical baby gifts are money-saving and thoughtful.

Educational

When choosing baby toys, find one that will stimulate the infant’s senses. Musical toys, rattles, and soft toys with different textures allow babies to explore their surroundings and make better sense of the environment around them. You can also buy storybooks that parents can read to them at night.

Sentimental

It might be old-fashioned, but you can buy a photo album or storage where parents can preserve pictures of their little one. As mentioned earlier, babies grow up so fast that it is only a matter of time before they spend more time running around than cuddling in their mother’s or father’s arms. By offering something that lets parents reminisce and take a piece of their baby’s most precious moments while growing up, you are sure to give them a gift that’s worth more than cash.

Baby presents should be prepared with the infant’s safety and development in mind. Skip the fancy glitters, the mini figurines, marbles, magnets, and balloons. Opt for something appropriate for their age. Better yet, consult their parents’ opinion and ask if the child has specific or special needs that need to be addressed when choosing clothes, blankets, and accessories for them.

September 14, 2020 by Sofia

Health Improvements Seen in Dog Owners: A 2020 Report

The health benefits of owning a dog have long been known, but not so clearly understood. People with pets, particularly active ones like dogs, naturally have a better lifestyle and are more active on daily than their non-pet owning counterparts.

New research has delved into the exact benefits, however, with two new studies done by a Canadian and a Swedish research team further quantifying the health improvements seen in dog owners.

Longer Lifespans

The main bulk of research from these respective two studies is the increase in lifespans. In fact, there is an estimated 24% reduction in risk of death amongst dog owners from any cause of death, and a 31% reduction of cardiovascular related deaths amongst dog owners.

The increase in life expectancy increases for those living alone. Single dog owners were 33% less likely to die of a heart attack, and 27% less likely to die from stroke.

Increased Fitness

The biggest reason for this reduction is the simple fact that dog owners are generally more active, as they need to walk their dog on a regular basis once or even twice a day. Dog owners are also more likely to go on hikes and spend more time outdoors, where they can enjoy the benefits of exercise and nature more fully.

Improved Social Connections

Dogs are incredibly emotional creatures. It isn’t a mistake that many people today would consider their dogs their children. Not only do they require a lot of care and attention, but they also give it back. These social connections can help fight loneliness and similar anxieties in those who live alone, and thus improve their mental health and life expectancy.

Improved Mental Health

Caring for another being can help give those suffering from a variety of mental illnesses structure and routine. Those with depression find it easier to get out of bed when they have a dog that needs to be walked. Those with anxiety find it calming to care for their dog and even enjoy a physical reaction when they pet their dogs.

It can be particularly beneficial if dogs share the same traits as their owners. A person with anxiety should look to rescue a dog. Together, both owner and dog can work through their anxiety. Additional treats like CBD for dogs or CBD for people can be useful and a great tool to use, but even that doesn’t replace the benefits of just being together. It is the companionship, routine, and exercise that will provide the biggest benefits to both parties.

Better Routines

Routine is where bodies are their healthiest, and dogs demand this. The benefit beyond the regular daily walks and hikes is simple: when you have a routine that you need to follow for your dog, you can combine your own routine in the process. This means that those with dogs can build better, healthier routines in all aspects of their lives, and improve their health outlook in the process.

Dogs have been bred to be our companions and the benefits they offer are wide reaching and directly impact our health and wellbeing. Doctors everywhere need to be more aware of the holistic benefits of owning a dog and be open to encouraging patients to take on the responsibility of a pet as part of their treatment.

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September 10, 2020 by Sofia

Reducing Kids’ Screen Time

With the COVID-19 pandemic having closed schools, stopped children playing in parks and isolated them away from friends and family, it is perhaps no surprise that the reliance on technology has accelerated. One month into the pandemic showed a 70% increase in US traffic on apps and online services that are targeted at kids.

For many teachers and carers, managing a child’s screen time was an already pressing concern prior to COVID-19, with negative effects of screen time disrupting early childhood development. Here are a few ways to manage children’s screen times effectively, with the constraints and limitations of the ongoing pandemic in mind.

Creating a Schedule

It is important to be realistic when setting targets and managing the amount of time that your child will use technology, given that some schools are delivering lessons online and a video call to friends or family could be the only way for your child to keep in touch with others beyond the household. When deciding a screen time schedule, keep in mind the ‘essential’ tasks that must be completed online, and ensure that there is still time for your child to have their own ‘personal’ time on the device. Your child should feel that they are still able to have some access to play a game, stream a video or talk to friends because they could instead do these activities during a time that has been designated for online school activities. With this in mind, make sure that the schedule includes plenty of breaks and pauses between each screen time session.

Organizing Activities Offline

During the pandemic, working from home has become normalized, and so many families have added childcare and teaching to their job description. Whilst it is necessary to create boundaries with your children during working hours so that you can still earn money, consider spending your breaks or lunch hours outside in the garden or on a walk. This will encourage your child to put down their device, engage in physical activity, and ensure that they are still interacting and engaging in conversations offline. Where possible, try to organize a different offline activity each day with your child, once you have finished work. This could actually help you use your own time more efficiently, with activities such as making dinner together, playing a sport or washing the dishes. By doing such activities together, your child will feel more engaged and less likely to pick up their device.

Using Online Time Effectively

Even if screen time usage is not a problem for your child, you may wish to ensure that this time spent online is being used efficiently, by encouraging them to use educational apps or games that will mentally stimulate them. This technique can also be applied to video streaming devices, by finding engaging programs that will help your child learn new skills or develop their existing skills, whether this is numeracy or language.

Above all, you should be realistic in implementing any measures or attempts to manage screen time. As a parent or carer, you know how best your child learns new habits. Like with most things, you may need to implement changes gradually, so that your child can adapt and integrate the new changes into their lifestyle on a permanent basis.