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Artist Crafts the Most Amazing Wood Burning Clock

May 20, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Wood burning, or pyrography, involves decorating wood using an electrically heated tool. You can burn designs onto many items, such as bowls, cutting boards, or other home decors. The one-of-a-kind art offers a unique way to decorate your home, giving it a rustic, vintage vibe.

This wood burning clock with an owl as the backdrop makes telling time a bit more interesting. You will love this little project if you have a knack for making crafts, especially using wood. An artist will take you step-by-step through the process so you can make your very own wood burning clock.

How to make a beautiful, handmade wood burning clock

Here are instructions for starting your new hobby.

Tools and items you’ll need for wood burning:

A round, smooth piece of wood
Indigo art paper
Your wood burning design sketched on paper
Masking tape
Pencil
Wood burning tool
Wood oil
Electric drill
Clock mechanism

Directions:

Get out your piece of wood and lay it flat on a table. Next, lay the indigo art paper in the middle.
Place the sketch of your choice (in this case, an owl) on top of the indigo paper. Tape the sides to the wood to keep the paper centered and steady.
Next, grab a pencil and start tracing the outline of the sketch. Press firmly on the paper to ensure the design transfers to the wood. Make sure to go over important details like the eyes, body, feet, and wings. (Or whatever design you choose).
Then, remove the tape and pieces of paper. If you did it right, you’d see an image of your sketch on the wood.
Now it’s time to burn the design onto the wood. Get out your wood-burning tool and start carefully tracing the design. Take your time on this step, as you can’t erase any mistakes.
You may want to keep your sketch nearby to refer to during the wood burning process. After tracing the outline, start working on the smaller details like the feathers, shading, etc.
Add a design of your choice on the clock to mark 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. In this case, the artist chose to burn a simple flower and leaf design onto the wood.
Next, pour a small amount of wood oil on top and use a brush to coat the clock evenly. Wood oil acts as a protective, water repellant, and decorative finish for wood. It enhances the natural look of wood and keeps it from drying out.
Let the wood oil dry for a couple of hours.
Once it’s dry, grab your electric drill and drill a small hole in the middle of the clock.
Place the clock mechanism on the back, and put the hands in the front. You can find a clock mechanism for about $10 on Amazon or other major retailers.

Enjoy your beautiful wood-burning creation! As a side note, you can also burn numbers onto the clock, but it may take away from its beauty. At least you have the designs to help you keep time if adding numbers isn’t your thing.

Wood burning basics for beginners

Wood burning takes time and effort to perfect, but anyone can enjoy it. If you decide to partake in this art project, you’ll want to keep these pointers in mind.

Feeling overwhelmed about buying all the supplies? No worries! You can always buy a wood-burning kit complete with everything you’ll need. This is perfect for beginners because the kits generally cost much less than serious wood burning tools. If you’re on the fence about exploring this hobby further, it’s best to start with basic supplies.
Wondering where to buy wood? You can find it at your local hardware store or online. You’ll have several unfinished wood options to choose from, such as oak, pine, birch, and bamboo. Beginners should opt for smooth woods like birch, basswood, or bamboo. Uneven grains like pine and oak are typically used by more experienced artists.
You can also draw your design onto the wood freehanded, but it’s easier to copy it. Make sure to remove any excess graphite from the wood before burning the design.
If you’ve never used a wood-burning tool before, it resembles a pen that plugs into an electrical outlet to create heat. It comes with temperature control and interchangeable tips varying in size and shape. Be careful while using the tool since it can get scorching. Make sure to read any instructions before you begin.
Allow the tool to heat up for 5 minutes before starting your project. Please don’t put too much pressure on the tip when using the tool, as this can damage it. Instead, hold the tip on the same spot until the burn creates the shade you want.
Want to add color to your artwork? Consider using watercolor pencils, wood gel stains, oil pencils, or gel paints. Or, you can opt for wood paint, but beginners should stick with the other suggestions.
If you have a rougher piece of wood, smooth it out once you’re finished using sandpaper. You can also use a cloth to remove any wood residue.

We hope you enjoyed learning about the fascinating world of wood burning! If you take it up as a hobby, there’s an endless list of items you can create. From kitchenware to clocks to wood furniture, wood burning turns ordinary objects into masterpieces.

Final thoughts on the most amazing wood burning clock

Woodburning, or pyrography, has existed essentially since humans have been on this planet. After we discovered fire and began crafting objects like spoons and bowls, wood burning was born. Blacksmiths discovered that the heated metal could burn designs into other surfaces, like wood, during medieval times. Today, artists all over the world use the technique to decorate everyday items.

Making art not only adds beauty to your environment, but it’s also therapeutic and relaxing to immerse yourself in creating something. If you’ve been feeling stressed lately, we hope this wood-burning project will provide a nice escape from reality. So, grab your tools and a comfy chair, and make something beautiful to ease your mind. And, don’t forget to share the finished product with us!

22-Year-Old Marine Veteran Is Raising Boys From Troubled Homes

May 20, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

At just 22 years old, a Marine veteran raises boys from troubled homes, helping them become healthy, strong adults.

He also runs a program called “The X For Boys,” which aims to provide a positive influence and important life skills for Black youth.

“Making men great again” is the organization’s mission, and it’s doing a phenomenal job so far.

The young man and military veteran from Georgia started the organization when he was nineteen. He noticed the rising crime in his community of Albany, Georgia, and wanted to help kids find a different path. Many of the young men he talked to said they wanted to better their lives but didn’t know where to start. So, King Randall stepped in to become a positive mentor for them.

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He’s even taken temporary custody of several children, raising boys when they had nowhere to turn. He said that, sadly, many of the boys had come from very difficult or traumatic backgrounds. Some boys were sexually abused, starved, or neglected in general. In that kind of environment, children don’t get the love and support they need, so they act out.

Many studies prove that children who experience neglect or abuse are more likely to be involved in crimes. Of course, not all children from complex backgrounds will turn to violence or other crimes, but it does increase the odds. Many of these children lack a positive influence in their lives who can provide a healthy outlet.

King Randall believes that every young child deserves a positive, healthy upbringing. If they don’t have that at home, they should at least have good examples at school. That’s why King Randall wants to open a charter school for the boys in his program. The school will teach automotive repair, home improvement, and reading literacy skills.

The X For Boys charter school gives troubled youth a second chance

In addition to raising boys, King Randall also teaches them. By being a leader for them, he hopes to turn them into leaders in their community. King Randall is trying to purchase a former school building and transform it into a charter school. He contacted the superintendent to tour the building, which was set to be demolished.

He said it needs some work and TLC, but it’s still in excellent condition to open another school. King Randall is trying to raise money to make his dream a reality.

A Go Fund Me Plea:

“The X for Boys is now interested in purchasing a building to start a boarding school for boys in Albany, Georgia. This is a much-needed man-making institution. If there is no one to CONSISTENTLY help our young men, the community and the society will remain the same if our men never are taught to stand up for their families. We need your help to get this building in hope that The X for Boys expands across the country but first starting in Albany, Georgia!”

There are no updates on the Go Fund Me page about the school’s opening. However, an article on Fox News reveals that there’s been a few issues with purchasing it. They’ve been working on closing the deal for the past seven months. King Randal claims that the local school district got cold feet while selling the empty building.

Hopefully, they can reach a deal soon, as many local youths await enrollment in the program. King Randall feels it’s vital for young men in the community to have this opportunity.

The marine veteran revealed an urgent need:

“Our superintendent knows we have children in the juvenile system waiting on this school to be open. We have children that are in foster homes and group homes waiting for this school to be open. We have many parents waiting for this school to be open… I find it absolutely absurd I have to keep telling these children to wait, to wait, to wait.”

According to the interview, the school district said they would donate to the school if King Randall can prove it would benefit the community. He believes the fruits of his labor throughout the two years of raising boys can attest to that.

With his reading literacy programs, he’s increased the reading comprehension rate among the boys to 86%. Many of the boys can’t read when they first meet their mentor. In addition to the improved reading skills, King Randall says that there’s 0% recidivism in his program. So far, no boy mentored by King Randall returned to juvenile detention afterward.

How King Randall Started “The X For Boys”

King Randall knew the importance of having a strong father or father figure in a boy’s life from the start. He believes the lack of guidance from absent fathers leads boys astray. Albany has high crime and low literacy rates, and King Randall realized it’s all interconnected. King Randall is a positive male influence for boys without fathers or with complex home lives.

He wanted to teach young boys how to become men. The idea of raising boys himself didn’t come along until later, when he realized they had nowhere else to turn.

As far as educating the young men, here’s what the Marine veteran has done so far:

Workshops on automotive repair (oil change, brake repair, alternator replacement, water pump replacement, etc.)
General contractor workshops (toilet replacement, light fixtures, sheetrock, interior/exterior painting)
A weekly book club that’s hosted every Monday for the boys to attend after school. It helps to boost reading comprehension and build vocabulary skills.
The boys also get to receive sex education and have a place to release any stress or issues in a non-judgmental environment.
The X for Boys has hosted two successful summer camps that King Randall did both years out of his home.

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King Randall says the workshops provide excellent tools for the boys to learn how to make money legally. Learning trades such as these can give them set goals for a positive, stable future.

Final thoughts on the 22-year-old Marine veteran who’s raising boys from troubled homes

King Randall, a young Marine veteran from Albany, Georgia, has stepped up to the plate for boys without fathers. He runs an organization called “The X For Boys,” which teaches boys how to become men. They get to learn essential skills like automotive repair, home improvement, and reading comprehension. Not only that, but they get to have a positive male example in their life. King Randall hopes to open the charter school soon to help even more young men realize their potential.

20 Open-Ended Questions That Reveal a Toxic Person

May 20, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

It is impossible to avoid toxic people all the time, so revealing them is essential. You must know who you are dealing with, and these open-ended questions can help you figure it out. These open-ended questions will require answers that reveal the personality of the person you’re talking to.

It can be hard to recognize a toxic person, but there are small things you can watch for. A toxic person will drag you down and make you feel bad about yourself. They aren’t good to keep around for extended periods, so make sure you’re watching out.

Asking these open-ended questions can begin discussions that help reveal toxicity. You can word them in a way that doesn’t seem critical, too, allowing the conversation to flow freely.

Twenty Open-Ended Questions That Reveal a Toxic Person

If you spot the behaviors of a toxic person, clear up your uncertainty by asking these questions.

1. What are some of the lessons you’ve learned from your failures?

If the lessons the person lists have to do with what other people did wrong, it’s a sign of toxicity. However, if they begin to list things that have made them a better person, they probably aren’t toxic.

Another type of answer to watch for is a superficial answer. If the person gives a vague answer that could apply to anyone in any situation, you can assume that they don’t learn from mistakes. Not learning from failures shows that they don’t self-reflect, and they don’t find fault in themselves.

2. What are the things that you notice first about a person?

A positive person will say that they notice someone’s smile or the way they greet someone. They might even say they notice if someone is kind, funny, or any other positive thing. A toxic person, however, will say that they notice superficial things about someone.

A toxic person might say that they notice the shoes someone is wearing, or whether they have on name brand clothes. They might say that they recognize someone’s imperfections or other negative aspects. Any sign of this type of thought process shows a judgmental, toxic person.

3. What other things like this have happened to you?

If someone made an honest mistake and you ask this question, they probably won’t have a good answer. However, if someone makes similar mistakes often, they will have stories for you about them.

This question can help you see patterns of behavior. If someone doesn’t learn from their mistakes and continues making similar ones, it is no longer a mistake. At that point, it has become toxic behavior.

4. Why shouldn’t you do it?

This question can work in a couple of ways. First, toxic people see no fault in their behavior, even though no one is perfect. If the person can’t give you a reason for why they shouldn’t do something, it means that they can’t self-reflect.

A non-toxic person will tell you at least one reason why they shouldn’t do something. It doesn’t mean that they are a negative person, but that they see their weaknesses.

5. Do you think you spend more time talking or listening, and why do you think that is?

A toxic person loves to talk, especially about themselves. If a person says that they prefer to talk rather than listen, it could indicate toxicity. On the other hand, if they spend more time listening, they are likely a positive person to be around.

6. Why do you think that situation didn’t work out?

When a toxic person is asked this question, they will struggle to take responsibility. They will blame other things or people for the reason that the situation didn’t go as planned. If they can’t see the real reason for the failure, they won’t do any better next time.

Someone that isn’t toxic will admit their fault in the situation. Even if something or someone else played a role, the non-toxic person would bring up their role first.

7. What do you think your best qualities are?

When a person talks about their best qualities, it says so much about who they are as a person. First, a superficial person is likely going to be toxic. A positive person, however, will list inner qualities as their best ones.

Additionally, if someone starts to list negative things about themselves instead, it’s a sign of toxicity. Negative qualities shouldn’t come to mind over positive ones. Positive people should know their strengths and weaknesses.

8. What do you like to do on social media?

The things people participate in on social media can tell you if they are toxic or not. Toxic people will seek attention on social media, tell their personal information and everyone else’s. They will likely also post vague or passive-aggressive updates.

On the other hand, someone that isn’t toxic will spend their time on social media differently. If they spend their time on social media sharing positive quotes or liking people’s photos, it shows that they are positive.

9. How do you handle drama in your life?

Knowing the way that someone handles drama can signal whether they are toxic or not. If someone loves drama and says that their life is full of it, it’s a sign of toxicity. People that aren’t toxic, though, will likely say that they avoid drama whenever they can.

10. When was the last time you held a grudge, and what was it about?

Toxic people tend to hold grudges more than others. If you find that someone holds many grudges against a few different people, it is a red flag. It shows that they can’t positively engage with someone that disagrees with their opinion.

When you ask a toxic person this question, they will enjoy going into detail about what the other person did wrong. They won’t acknowledge any role they played in the situation, and they likely won’t say a kind thing.

11. How do you feel when someone disagrees with you?

A toxic person will want to control everyone and everything in their life. Their need to control will result in anger or annoyance when someone disagrees with them. This type of person wants to be in charge of what is going on around them, even if it isn’t right for everyone.

If you ask this question and the person says that they try to convince the other person to change their opinion, it is a red flag. A positive person would accept the differing opinion without a problem.

12. What are some of your best moments in life?

This question opens up a chance for the person to talk about their favorite moments. They can talk about the things that shaped them into who they are or the ones with their favorite people. Someone that isn’t toxic will look for deeper answers.

However, if someone says superficial answers or can’t come up with anything, it is a sign of toxicity. Positive people will have no issue coming up with a few moments that stick out in their minds.

13. When was the last time you said thank you, and what was it about?

If someone can’t say thank you, it shows that they are a toxic person. When you ask someone this question, their answer should be pretty recent. They will likely have a good explanation for what it was about, too, whereas a toxic person might give a vague answer.

14. What did you think about the event?

After watching a show or performance or attending an event, this is a good question to ask. Toxic people will talk negatively about the event, pointing out the things that went wrong. A positive person, however, will talk about things that they loved at the event.

15. How did you handle that situation?

When you ask someone how they handled a situation, their answer can reveal if they are toxic or not. If the person continually blames others for what happened rather than explaining a solution, they are likely toxic.

16. Will you tell me about a time when you were in the wrong?

Positive people should always be able to admit when they are wrong. So, when you ask someone about when they were in the wrong, most people should have a good answer. A toxic person will downplay the situation or say that they can’t think of anything at all.

17. How do you feel about the new rules?

If a policy or regulation changes, asking this question can reveal a toxic person. A toxic person will have complaints, and they won’t say anything positive about the situation. On the other hand, a positive person will have some good things to say, even if they disagree with the rules.

18. What happened between you and them?

If you know someone who has a bad history with someone else, asking what happened can answer your questions. If the person jumps into a long-winded rant about the other person, immediately recalling the drama, it is a red flag.

19. What do you think you should do next?

This question can help you understand the person’s mindset. If their answer is positive and helpful, it’s a sign that they are thinking the situation through. On the other hand, a toxic person will say there is no other option and essentially give up.

20. What was the last thing you helped someone with?

A toxic person won’t want to help others because they are always trying to get the upper hand. They would rather watch someone struggle and miss out than lend a helping hand. Asking this question can help you see if they are that type of person.

Final Thoughts on Open-Ended Questions That Reveal a Toxic Person

Toxic people are everywhere, but if you can identify them, you can handle the situation better. Asking these open-ended questions will help you recognize toxicity every time.

Find the open-ended questions that fit into your situation and conversation. Listen closely to the person’s answer so you can see if they are a toxic person or not.

17 Soothing Quotes to Stop Negative Thoughts Immediately

May 19, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

When negative thoughts keep on running through your head, they can take a toll on your well-being. You’ll experience a lack of self-worth, hindering your progress when working toward your goals. Many soothing quotes can help you stop negative thoughts immediately and refocus on the good in your life.

These soothing quotes will encourage you to focus on the positive aspects of your life. Even when things don’t go as planned, you’ll be better able to push away limiting thoughts. It’ll help you live a more fulfilling and joyous life each day.

You can’t stop negative thoughts immediately all of the time, but you can work on calming the mind. It’ll become easier to ease the unwanted thoughts as you relax your mind. These soothing quotes will get you started and allow you to minimize negativity in your life.

When you can’t find the right words to ease your mind, these soothing quotes can help you. Sometimes the quotes of other people who have experienced the situation before are your best option. They’ll bring comfort and allow you to view your life positively.

Seventeen Soothing Quotes to Stop Negative Thoughts

1 – “You have to look at your own thought forms. Are you sitting around and thinking a lot of negative thoughts? These injure the subtle body. When you hate, when you are angry, you bring that energy through you.” – Frederick Lenz

Learning your thought patterns can help you identify the issues and move on from them. If you sit around letting the negativity run rampant, it’ll wreak havoc on your well-being. Giving into thoughts of hate and anger will cause you to radiate those energies. However, if you can stop fueling the negativity, you can embrace positive thinking and live a fulfilling life.

2 – “There are so many people who will tell you that you can’t do this, but you have to make sure that your voice isn’t going to be one of them.” – Pooja Agnihotri

No matter what other people say to you, don’t let their words bring you down. Please don’t allow yourself to believe things they say to you, and don’t put those thoughts into your mind, either.

3 – “A negative thinker sees a difficulty in every opportunity. A positive thinker sees an opportunity in every difficulty.” – Zig Ziglar

If you want to change your life, remember this soothing quote. When difficulty arises, focus on the good in your life. You can do this by looking for an opportunity or experience in each challenge that you encounter.

4 – “Train your mind to see the good in everything. Positivity is a choice. The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.” – Marcus Aurelius

When you make positivity a habit in your life, you’ll train your mind to see the good in every situation. You always have a choice, so choose the good no matter what. You’ll experience more happiness if your mindset focuses on the good in your life.

5 – “When you close the door of your mind to negative thoughts, the door of opportunity opens to you.” – Napoleon Hill

Eliminating negativity from your mindset opens you up to so many opportunities. You’ll experience things you wouldn’t have if you kept letting negative thoughts take over your mind. Remember this soothing quote anytime your self-talk threatens to disrupt your progress.

6 – “The way to overcome negative thoughts and destructive emotions is to develop opposing, positive emotions that are stronger and more powerful.” – Dalai Lama

Anytime you experience a negative thought, challenge it by thinking positively instead. Whatever you’re thinking about, switch it around and tell yourself the opposite. Shifting your thoughts this way can make a drastic difference in your well-being.

7 – “Overthinking leads to negative thoughts, which then leads to more negative thoughts about why you’re so negative all the time. Let it be. It will be okay. I promise.” – Unknown

Overthinking and negativity are vicious cycles that can cause many problems in your life. Follow the advice in this quote and let it all go. Let things be as they are, and it’ll all turn out okay.

8 – “It takes but one positive thought when given a chance to survive and thrive to overpower an entire army of negative thoughts.” – Robert H. Schuller

No matter how many negative thoughts take over your mind, you can decide to shift your mindset. One positive thought can help you stop negative thoughts and push through when things get complicated.

9 – “The only thing that can possibly keep you from going after your dreams is the person standing in your shoes, wearing your clothes, and thinking your negative thoughts.” – Les Brown

No one but you can prevent you from reaching your dreams. Take responsibility for your life, push away negativity, and embrace positive thinking moving forward.

10 – “Every negative thought is a down payment on your failure. Every positive thought is an investment on your future.” – Unknown

This quote puts your thought process into perspective, allowing you to see how it makes a difference. Let go of any self-limiting thoughts so that you don’t set yourself up for failure. Focus on positive thinking so you can foster a better future for yourself.

11 – “Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities — always see them, for they’re always there.” – Norman Vincent Peale

As Peale explains, no matter how bad things seem, you can look for the possibilities in the situation. There is always more to it when you remember to search for a new opportunity. Even if you don’t see it right away, keep looking, and you’ll soon find it.

12 – “Most of our stress and suffering come not from events, but from our thoughts. Reframe from negative thoughts, and stress subsides.” – Martha Beck

While certain situations trigger stress and suffering, the negativity doesn’t come from the experience. Instead, it comes from the way you view the situation. Learn to reframe your mindset to see the positive, and you’ll notice that your stress decreases.

13 – “Do not allow negative thoughts to enter your mind for they are the weeds that strangle confidence.” – Bruce Lee

Negativity is more than just a mindset burden, as Lee explains. It affects your entire life, strangling your confidence and hindering your progress. Remember this quote so that you stop feeding the negative mindset.

14 – “We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude.” – Thomas S. Monson

Deciding to walk away from negativity can change your life and those around you. Focus on the things you’re grateful for in your life, and fill your mind with thoughts of thankfulness. It’ll make all the difference in your life, and it benefits the world around you, too.

15 – “The moment you start thinking someone else’s gain is your loss, you limit yourself by thinking in terms of competition and shortages.” – Grant Cardone

If seeing other people succeed or start a new opportunity makes you think negatively, it means you’re limiting yourself. It doesn’t mean that there are fewer opportunities for you. Instead, it should serve as motivation to get yourself closer to your goals.

16 – “Sometimes it’s not the pain that makes you suffer, it’s your own negative thoughts that make things seem worse.” – Unknown

Life gets hard sometimes, and things don’t always work out the way you wanted them to. However, you cause yourself to suffer when you let negativity linger in your mind. Accept each situation for what it is, and move forward from there so that things don’t worsen.

17 – “I have vision boards, and people think that I put the vision board up and I look at it all the time, but what I do is, when I’m having an emotional time, and I’m stressed out or feeling bad, I go to the store and get all the stuff for a vision board. Instead of channeling the negative thoughts or being depressed, I change it around, and I start making boards.” – Ester Dean

Vision boards are a powerful way to refocus your thoughts. When you put your energy into a vision board, it forces you to focus on what you want. It stops your negative thinking as you stop fixating on what you don’t have in life. From there, you can reference your vision boards anytime you need a boost of positivity.

Final Thoughts on Soothing Quotes to Stop Negative Thoughts Immediately

These soothing quotes can help you stop negative thoughts immediately. While they’ll still creep into your mind occasionally, these words can bring comfort. The words will help you see the good in your life and maintain a positive mindset.

As you read through the soothing quotes, make a note of the ones that resonated within you the most. They will prevent toxic thinking and help you embrace each day of your life.

15 Ways to Respond When Someone Gives You the Silent Treatment

May 19, 2022 by Chris Butler

When an individual refuses to communicate with another person verbally, then they’re using the silent treatment. In some instances, an individual won’t even acknowledge your presence. Why are some folks apt to zip their lips rather than deal with the issues at hand?

The silent treatment is a common tactic used in relationships, both romantic and otherwise. Sadly, some use it as a form of control or even a type of abuse. Its origins can be manipulative, and unless you cave to their demands, they won’t speak to you.

It should also be said that this is childish behavior and something that is commonly observed from younger children who haven’t developed the appropriate communication skills. According to Narcissist Abuse Report, parents often use this tactic with their children when they are trying to gain control of a situation and cannot handle it.

Why People Use the Silent Treatment Tactic

Why do people stoop to such juvenile strategies to get their way? Here are some common beliefs of why someone uses this tactic:

•Evading conflict

Using silent treatment doesn’t always have to be abusive or manipulative. Some people don’t want the drama. If they fear that an argument will be started by voicing their opinion, then they might just shut down. Avoiding conflict is a common reason why someone might want to remain silent.

•Inability to express feelings

Some people don’t know how to express their feelings properly. This individual wants you to know that they’re upset, but they don’t know how to tell you. Other people tend to resort to name-calling or become verbally abusive when they’re mad, so they would rather say nothing at all than hurt you with their words.

•Discipline

Using the silent treatment may be a way of punishing you. When someone doesn’t like your actions or something you said, they can use it to gain control over you. This is emotional abuse.

Fifteen Ways to Respond to The Silent Treatment

Sadly, using silent treatment is not the most effective way to deal with an issue. While some might feel that one gender tends to use this control method more than others, studies have found that it’s used equally by men and women.

Effective communication in a relationship is essential, and silent treatment is ineffective for conflict resolution. There are more useful ways to respond to this type of manipulation, and finding the correct response method can help resolve the conflict.

Here are fifteen actions and responses to utilize when someone is giving you the cold shoulder.

1. Acknowledge the Other Person’s Feelings

Try putting yourself in your partner’s shoes for a minute. Use empathy and feel and see the situation through their eyes. It may change your perspective on the matter.

You must remember that you are two separate people who think, feel, and look at situations differently.

2. Apologize for Your Actions or Words

Did you do anything hurtful or mean to them? While they’re not justified in using manipulative behaviors, they certainly can be hurt by your actions. Apologizing for any wrongdoing on your part may resolve the situation.

3. Cool Off if You Are Upset About the Silent Treatment

Sometimes you need to cool off. If someone isn’t speaking to you, just allow them space and time to think about what happened. A cooling-off period can be hours or even days.

4. Don’t Escalate the Situation

The worst thing you can do is become combative. If you get in their face or try to challenge them in any way, you’re only going to make the situation much worse. Fight the urge to escalate the matter.

5. Seek Help for Abusive Relationships

Does your partner refuse to speak to you quite often? This can be a sign of manipulative and abusive treatment. If you feel you need help, you can get out of this relationship and move on to a better situation.

6. Seek Advice From Their Friends of Family

While it seems childish to call mommy whenever there’s a problem, sometimes having relatives on your side can be beneficial. Friends and family members can often help resolve their loved ones when their stubborn nature won’t listen to you.

Be careful, this might be a double-edged sword. While family members are probably aware of this shortcoming in your special person, they might also be quick to jump to their defense. Use sound judgment before you outreach to the family.

7. Let Them Know You Won’t Stand for This Behavior

You have a right to say how you will be treated. You don’t have to take this behavior, and you can tell them what you will and won’t accept.

8. Get Couples Counseling

When one person refuses to talk to the other, and it’s becoming a habit, then it’s time to get professional counseling. If it benefits the relationship, then it might be worth working on what’s not so good.

9. Keep Talking Anyway

One thing that you can do is don’t play into their hand. If they refuse to talk to you, it doesn’t mean that you can’t speak to them. Just keep talking whether they answer or not. It shows that you’re taking a stand and not playing their games.

10. Use A Mediator to Break the Silent Treatment Cycle

A mediator is a third party that can get to the heart of the matter. Is there anyone that can get through to them when nothing else is working? This person may be a counselor, relative, or friend. However, never bring your children into these situations.

11. Establish Boundaries for Healthy Communication

The person who is using silent tactics is not versed in healthy communication. It’s clear that they don’t know how to communicate their feelings with you, so this is something that you need to work on together.

12. Ignore Them – Two Can Play the Silent Treatment Game

Giving them a dose of their own medicine is a wise choice, especially when they frequently play this game. If they don’t speak to you, then don’t speak to them. When they come back around wanting to chat later, there are no rules that say that you must talk.

13. Become a Safe Haven

One thing that you must consider is that this individual is shutting down due to personal turmoil. While it comes across as childish behavior, it’s really the only way they know to handle their anger.

Under all, that anger is a deep hurt. Rather than yelling, playing along with this game, and calling their mother, why not try being a haven for them. Show your partner respect and love even though you want to scream and run away.

Your spouse may be dealing with issues like anxiety, depression, or another underlying mental health concern. Although the National Library of Medicine calls this manipulation tactic, it’s often that there is an underlying issue that’s driving this problem.

14. Realize the Personality Difference

Sometimes you need to stop and realize the personality differences between the two of you. Are you more introverted or extroverted? Introverts tend to go deep inside themselves when they face opposition. However, an extrovert wants to get things out into the open and talk about them.

According to the National Library of Medicine, introverts are more likely to fight depression as they turn inwardly for conflict resolution. It’s possible that what’s going on between the two of you is a characteristic of their personality and not a personal attack on you.

Introverts need to recharge their batteries and have time to think and deliberate a situation. So, give them the time and space they need.

15. Look at The Bigger Picture, Beyond the Silent Treatment

Most of the arguments you have with your spouse or a friend are over tiny, trivial matters. Rather than getting overly concerned about something so silly, it helps to look at the bigger picture. In the grand scheme of things, the issue probably doesn’t matter.

Take, for instance, an argument between you and your partner over buying the wrong bread. You may be upset because they should know that your family only eats wheat bread, yet they come home with a white variety. Sure, you’re mad because you must use it to pack the kids’ lunches, but is it worth an argument?

If you stop and think about how silly it is to fight over bread, then you can look at other situations and see how crazy they’re too.

Final Thoughts on Dealing With the Silent Treatment

No one likes to be belittled, whether in word or deed. The consensus is that when someone gives you the silent treatment, they’re doing more than just not speaking. This is known as a manipulative tactic used by a selfish or narcissistic person.

However, it’s essential to analyze the situation and make sure that you’re looking at the big picture. While you see a stubborn person, there are some deep hurts that you’re not seeing. If your friend or partner tends to use such tactics to micromanage your relationship, then it’s worth getting counseling to help.

Remember that you don’t have to act childish and play games when you’re a grown adult. There are more effective ways to communicate besides cutting someone off.

15 Offline Activities To Help Train Children’s Brains

May 19, 2022 by Chris Butler

If you’re like most parents in this country, you encourage your children to do more offline activities. Technology has dampened creative abilities as well as robbed this generation of spending time in the great outdoors.

However, as a parent, you want them to use their brain and enhance their playtime without being hooked to WIFI.

Fifteen Offline Activities That Enhance the Brain

Since you want your kids to put down the electronics do other things, you will need to show them. Making mud pies and playing in the rain isn’t as appealing to this generation as it was the ones previously. However, here are fifteen amazing ideas for offline activities that can help your child train their brain and have fun in the meantime.

1. Offline Puzzles

Puzzles come in all sizes, and they can be simple or extremely challenging. First, puzzles help with your memory and recall features as they work in both hemispheres of your brain. A study posted on the National Library of Medicine found that working puzzles can help keep the brain sharp and keep dementia at bay.

2. Blanket Forts

There’s nothing better than building a blanket fort inside on a rainy day. How many times did you create these structures growing up? You don’t need a bunch of tools, and you can throw one together in no time.

It’s fun seeing how creative you can be with a few blankets and a free afternoon. Your children will love you, helping them create a masterpiece worthy of pictures for social media. Plus, you’re creating memories that will last a lifetime.

3. Sidewalk Chalk Art

Allow your child’s creative side to blossom with the use of chalk. Those oversized pieces of colorful chalk can make all sorts of pictures on your sidewalks. The best part about this art is it washes away with a bit of rainwater or a garden hose.

4. Baking

Baking is a great activity that incorporates math into something yummy. They will never know that baking chocolate chip cookies involve math, science, and creativity all in one. The benefits of spending time together are priceless, but you’re teaching them life-long skills they can use.

5. Scavenger Hunts

Who doesn’t love a scavenger hunt? Get the neighborhood kids involved so that you can increase the fun of this activity. You can hide things for the children to find, or you can ask them to see things in nature, like a red leaf, a pinecone, and other various things in your yard. Give prizes for the most found items and make it a bit of a competition too.

6. Dancing

Dancing and listening to music help your children coordinate their moves. It takes brain work to go with the flow and allow your body to feel the beat. Dancing is so fun, and it’s a great workout too. They will strengthen their minds and muscles with this common activity.

7. Create a Play or Skit

Your kids can really let their imaginations run wild when they create a play or skit. Even if they bore you to tears, act like you’re interested. Remember all those times you did silly skits for your parents, and they watched with excitement?

When your children do offline activities such as this, they are using their creative abilities. Sadly, today’s generation has lost the capability to use their imagination because everything they could ever think of is provided through technology. Who knows, you may have an up-and-coming Broadway star on your hands.

8. Offline Reading (a Book not the Reading Device!)

Curling up with a good book is always recommended. Teach your children to love reading more so than sitting in front of a television. If your kid can’t read yet, then you can read to them.

You will open doors you never thought possible to them when you instill a love of reading. Use funny voices, act out a story, and really engage with the characters and what’s happening.

9. Gardening

There are so many plants and vegetation that you can grow to get your kids’ hands in the soil. Allowing them to see something grow from a seed to a fully blossomed plant is a fantastic experience. Use this as a teaching opportunity to learn where their food comes from and how much hard work goes into each fruit or vegetable they eat.

Homesteading is a big thing these days, and teaching your children to live off the land is wise. They can use this knowledge to help their families in the future. Additionally, this is one of the offline activities that pay dividends.

10. Arts and Crafts

Tons of crafts can help you spend time with your kids and get them to put down the electronics. They can paint, draw, use clay, make wood art, and the list goes on. Find something that interests them and let them get to work.

Their brain will be challenged by the detailed work that goes into each activity. They will improve their motor skills as well as use reasoning and rationale. The Crafty Classroom is a book that incorporates art into brain-enhancing activities. Teachers and homeschooling parents use it to make learning fun.

11. Legos or Lincoln Logs

Any child that can sit down and put a Lego set together is quite intelligent. Those small intricate pieces in these sets, as well as all the time it takes to build them, are indeed giving their brain a workout. There are so many things that they can create when they tap into their imaginative side.

Sure, it’s not fun for you to step on these little pieces that get left behind, but you need to make sure they have dedicated storage space. Legos and Lincoln Logs allow them to channel their inner designer and create something their little minds never thought possible.

12. Origami

Of all the offline activities, origami requires some real skill. This Japanese art will allow them to fold paper into unique creations. Turning a flat sheet of paper into 3D art is nothing short of amazing.

According to Brain Athlete, origami helps your child to learn sequencing skills, improves their eye-to-hand coordination, enhanced non-verbal thinking and comprehension, as well as increasing their ability to focus. Plus, the art is just fascinating to watch.

13. Geocaching

GeoCaching became popular a few years ago. It’s like a scavenger hunt for all ages. You will need to download the app, but you can use a compass to find the item’s location. People place items in safe, public places for you to discover.

You can even hide a few of these catches for those in your neighborhood. Once you find the item, you take one of the treasures located inside, and you leave something in the treasure box. A little bit of math and science is involved as your child will need to learn about GPS and coordinates.

Though some of these can be pretty tricky to find, it’s a great experience. If you’re bored and need to get in the great outdoors, take your kids Geocaching. There’s a whole tribe of people who participate in this activity worldwide, and you can even get cool shirts and hats that commemorate the game.

14. Build a Slip and Slide

Forget those store-bought slip and slides that don’t last long. You can build one yourself for hours of fun. In fact, you might want to slip and slide along with the kids.

All you need is a strong tarp, some dish soap, and a garden hose. Spread some soap around on the tarp and wet it down till it forms bubbles. The soap enhances the sliding abilities, and your children will have a rough time.

This is one of the offline activities that will burn calories too. As far as their brains, it can help with motor skills and teaching them to establish boundaries.

15. Offline Word Searches

Word searches and crossword puzzles have been around for centuries. You can pick up one of these books for under $1.00, but they provide hours of entertainment. Sure, you’re three-year-old isn’t going to like these offline activities, but it can really help the older kids.

Final Thoughts on Offline Activities

If you’re tired of your kids being hooked to a device all day long, then it’s time to show them some alternative activities to enjoy. Once you open the door to allow their creative imaginations to run wild, the sky is the limit.

Plus, most of these activities allow you to spend quality time with your kids. When you’re laughing, talking, and creating memories, it just enhances the bond and boosts mental well-being. Amidst the fast-paced nature of life, finding moments to connect is crucial. Whether you’re at home or exploring something new, like discovering an 안전 슬롯사이트 during a quiet evening, these shared experiences become cherished memories. Sure, you’re busy, and life goes 100 miles per hour, but you will blink, and your children will be grown.

Take the time now and invest in your relationship while doing good things for their little brains. Many of these skills they cultivate will follow them throughout life. One day they will teach their children about stuff they did in the “old days,” and you will remember each one with glee.

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