It’s Okay to Hate Working From Home

By Tracey Dowdy

Are you among the millions of Americans for whom the idea of working from home sounded like a dream, but in reality, it’s turned out to be a nightmare? The blurred lines of work and home life, frequent interruptions, lack of dedicated workspace, and the logistics of working as a team via Zoom meetings and email have left millions of workers frustrated and longing for the structure and routine of the office or job site. 

Take heart. You’re not alone. Recently, the CDC partnered with the Census Bureau on an experimental data system called the Household Pulse Survey. They discovered that one-third of all Americans are struggling with depression or anxiety in the wake of COVID-19, up from the 18% reported pre-COVID

The effects of that anxiety and depression can manifest in many ways, but one of the most common is a lack of motivation and productivity. Ashley McGirt, a licensed mental health therapist, says, “Several studies have shown the connection between low work productivity and even mild forms of depression. A normal brain thinks about 70,000 thoughts a day; an anxious brain processes two to three times that amount of thoughts and can lean to low productivity from spending time perseverating on numerous thoughts. The current state of the world has caused immense grief, depression, and anxiety. Many people’s normal coping forms have been closed, such as going to the gym, movies, or [going] out with friends. As we have had to adapt to a new normal many of us have had to find new coping skills.” 

Alongside our rising stress levels is the seemingly relentless barrage of bad news – racial tensions, hurricanes, problems with our health care system, and a divided political landscape – while we lack human connection to mitigate those feelings. 

The most important thing to remember is that it’s okay not to be okay. This is an unprecedented season that no one outside a Cormack McCarthy novel could have anticipated. Allow yourself the grace you desperately need and accept that you aren’t at your best and may not be for some time. Beating yourself up for not meeting your pre-COVID standards only fuels your stress level. “It is extremely important to give yourself grace during this time,” McGirt says. “If all you do is get out of bed and brush your teeth consider it okay. We put too much pressure on ourselves to be productive and constantly working. It is important to slow down and rest and reflect. While we are dealing with many unknowns during this unprecedented time, it is important not to add the stress of productivity to your plate.”

One way to manage your expectations is to go through your to-do list and be merciless in eliminating what can wait. If you’re struggling to keep up with the dishes, use paper plates. If meal planning is overwhelming, switch to simple meals like breakfast for dinner or sandwiches to limit prep and clean up. 

Take breaks whenever you can, even if it’s just stepping out your front door and taking a few deep breaths to clear your head. Self-care isn’t only bubble baths and spa days; it can be as simple as savoring a cup of tea, taking five minutes to meditate, or getting up to move your body.  

Years ago, Mad TV had a hilarious recurring sketch, “Lowered Expectations.” Though your life may not be the mess those characters were, there’s nothing wrong with lowering the expectations you set for yourself short-term. Life is far from normal, so allow yourself to lower the bar and celebrate your wins every chance you get. Accomplishing everything on a shorter-than-usual-to-do list gives you a mental boost, whereas an incomplete list inevitably feels like failure. 

So, stand up straight, look in the mirror, and give yourself a “You’re doing great sweetie,” because you are. 

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits, and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

Beware Scam Texts About Missing Packages

The uptick in online shopping hasn’t just been a boon for Amazon; criminals have seized the opportunity to turn a profit of their own. Over the past several weeks, people have received text messages asking them to reply with their credit card information as they have a package to claim.  

Nationwide, customers across cellphone carriers have received the same message: “[Name], we found a parcel from [a recent month] owed to you. Kindly assume ownership and confirm for delivery here.” The message contains a link that purportedly connects you with your missing package; however, it’s a phishing scam intended to capture your credit card information. 

Phishing is a fraudulent practice of reaching out to people online via email or messaging (usually pretending to be someone else) and luring them into downloading a file or clicking on an embedded link. 

Along with capturing personal information, scammers often drop malware on your device (software specifically designed to disrupt, damage, gain access to a computer system). There are dozens of kinds of malware, including adwareransomware, and spyware, that monitor and collect your online activity.   

Americans lose millions of dollars to scammers every year. They’ve figured out countless ways to cheat consumers via phone calls and text. Sometimes they pose as family members, employers, or even the IRS. Other times, they use fear or threats to push you into sharing personal information to commit identity theft in others.

Here are the red flags to look for when you receive a suspicious text or email that asks you to click on a link:   

  • Is the link in an unsolicited message?
  • Is the message urgent, misspelled, or asking for money or personal information?
  • Is the embedded URL different than the link shown?

If you click through to an embedded link that leads to a website that seems suspicious, don’t share personal information or download anything. Exit the website immediately and block the number on your phone. 

Remember, the IRS will never call to confirm personal information. You should never send cash or pay with a gift card as they are almost impossible to track, lowering your chance of recovering any losses. 

If you suspect you have been the victim of a scam, contact the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker. If you’ve lost money to a phone scam or have information about the company or scammer who called you, report it at ftc.gov/complaint.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits, and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

Thursday, September 10: Getting Your Kids Into Music

Getting Your Kids Into Music

When: Thursday, September 10, 2020
8:00 – 9:00 pm ET
5:00 – 6:00 pm PT
While we all love listening to music, learning to play a musical instrument has rewards and benefits that can last a lifetime.
Join host Rick Griffin (@RickGriffin) and the #ParentsChooseYamaha team at 8 pm ET (5 pm PT) on Thursday, September 10 as they offer tips on how parents can help their children develop a love for music and choose the right instrument to learn to play!
RSVP and attend the chat for a chance to win one of TWO $250 Amazon Gift Cards!
Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. (You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)
To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: ParentsChooseYamaha) indicating your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: https://bit.ly/3jMLCbA
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#ParentsChooseYamaha) on Thursday, September 10 between 8:00 – 9:00 pm ET.
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

Thursday, September 10: The Connected Life

The Connected Life

When: Thursday, September 10, 2020
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT
The wireless revolution is no longer just about smartphones and tablets. Faster networks and smarter apps have produced a whole new generation of connected devices for our lives.
Join host Melissa Chapman (@MelissaSChapman) and the #MobileAndHome team at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) on Thursday, September 10 as we explore these exciting innovations and discuss why a fast and reliable Internet connection is more important than ever!
RSVP and attend the chat for a chance to win one of TWO $250 Amazon Gift Cards!
Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. (You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)
To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: MobileAndHome) indicating your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: https://bit.ly/2GDlhhX
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#MobileAndHome) on Thursday, September 10 between 3:00 – 4:00 pm ET.
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

Filter Netflix Kids’ Shows by Title and Age Group

By Tracey Dowdy

With 167 million subscribers, Netflix is still king when it comes to online streaming, although 41% of Netflix users are watching without paying thanks to password and account sharing.

Nearly two-thirds (62%) of US households now have Netflix, giving them access to a library of over 5000 Hollywood and indie movies, TV shows, and documentaries as well as Netflix 1500 original titles. 

That library covers virtually every genre and interest, including a large catalog of content for kids, though there’s definitely content you may want to keep off your child’s radar. Netflix recently enabled a setting that allows parents to filter kids’ shows by title and audience age group, plus, as account owners, parents and guardians can see a complete viewing history in their child’s profile, and turn off autoplay of episodes. You can also secure your Netflix profile with a four-digit PIN to prevent your kids from accessing adult profiles – a workaround to your parental control settings. 

“Every family is different. It’s why we’re investing in a wide variety of kids and family films and TV shows from all over the world,” says Michelle Parsons, Kids Product Manager at Netflix. “It’s why we also give parents the controls they need to make the right decisions for their families.”

To review each profile’s setting, go to the Profile and Parental Controls hub within your account settings.

To change your child’s profile setting: 

  • Log in to your Netflix account as you normally would.

  • Click on your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen to reveal a drop-down menu and select Account.

  • Scroll down to the bottom of the screen to the Profile & Parental Controls section, where you’ll see a list of all the profiles in your Netflix account.

  • Select the down arrow to the right of the kid’s profile, scroll down to Viewing Restrictions on the list of options and select Change.

  • Enter your password when Netflix prompts you for it, and you’ll be taken to a sliding bar that you can extend or shorten to permit access based on titles’ ratings — from TV-Y to NC-17. You’ll also be able to enter specific titles in the field just below the rating restriction bar.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits, and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

Smartphone Photo-Editing Apps For iOS and Android

By Tracey Dowdy

With all of us spending more time at home, things that we’ve said we’d do as soon as we got the time are suddenly getting done. If going through the pictures on your phone is on that list, these photo-editing apps may be enough to salvage photos otherwise headed for the trash. 

Adobe Lightroom has long been the industry standard for professional photographers, and the mobile version is designed with the same high-quality tools. Images sync in the cloud so you can start on one device and seamlessly switch to another. 

Available on iOS and Android – some functions available for free, or $4.99 per month for full access. 

 

Photoshop Express offers many of the features you’d find in Lightroom but cuts out some of the pro tools and cloud syncing found in Lightroom’sLightroom’s paid version. You’ll still have access to editing tools, including exposure, contrast, and color editing options, plus a selection of filters and overlay textures. You can also create photo collages, so though it’s not as extensive as other options in this list, you can’t beat the price. 

Available on iOS and Android – Free. 

 

Prisma isn’t your basic photo editing app as it’s filters transform your photos into art. Many of its effects are inspired by artists such as Salvador Dali and Picasso to create bold, painting-like images. Not every filter will work with every photo, but you’ll enjoy tweaking and playing with the effects. 

Available on iOS and Android – $7.99 a month or $30 a year.

 

Google-owned Snapseed is robust enough for serious amateur photographers, but its easy-to-use controls make it accessible for beginners. The toolbox includes exposure and color tools and filter options from vintage to modern styles, as well as HDR looks. 

Available on iOS and Android – Free. 

 

PicsArt offers a wide range of editing tools, from exposure and contrast to cinematic color grading plus a collection of dramatic filters to transform your images into painting-like artwork. You can even morph the tone and shape of your face in those not-quite-right selfies.  PicsArt also offers an Instagram-style social sharing element so you can show off your creations.

Available on iOS and Android – limited functions for free or $48 a year for the complete suite of tools.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits, and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

Tuesday, September 22: Back to School Amid the Pandemic

Back to School Amid the Pandemic

When: Tuesday, September 22, 2020
8:00 – 9:00 pm ET
5:00 – 6:00 pm PT
The global pandemic has drastically changed our normal routines – the way we live, work, play and learn. Whether we’re returning to a classroom or learning from home, transitioning Back to School Amid a Pandemic is particularly challenging, and having reliable #AlwaysOn Internet is more important than ever.
Join host Marybeth Hamilton (@BabySavers) and the team at 8 pm ET (5 pm PT) on Tuesday, September 22 as we discuss the challenges of back to school, and offer tips and advice for making the transition as smooth as possible.
RSVP and attend the chat for a chance to win one of TWO $250 Amazon Gift Cards!
Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. (You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)
To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: AlwaysOn) indicating your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: https://bit.ly/3kdvfFd
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#AlwaysOn) on Tuesday, September 22 between 8:00 – 9:00 pm ET.
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

Apps that Double as Math Tutors

By Tracey Dowdy

Sooner or later, it happens to every parent. One day you’re helping your child learn their multiplication tables, the next, you’re elbow-deep in quadratic equations and sinking fast. Don’t get me started on the sorcery involved in Common Core math. Do I look like Professor McGonagall? 

When that day comes, don’t despair. If an in-person tutor isn’t an option, these websites and apps can act as an online tutor, so your child doesn’t fall behind or figure out just how much smarter they are than you – at least not yet. Keep in mind that some of these options will solve the equation for them, so watch for cheating to ensure your child is learning, not just having the site do their homework for them.

Khan Academy will always be at the top of my list. It’s a free website and educational app that includes thousands of educational videos aimed at self-paced instruction, so if your child doesn’t get it the first time around, there’s no pressure to push ahead. The site offers tutorials from early learning through college-level courses with an almost unlimited library of practice exercises, organized by topic, providing students with instant feedback through a personal dashboard that tracks their progress. Most videos are short, and content is both user friendly and engaging. 

MathPapa – Algebra Calculator walks students through algebra problems step-by-step. The free version functions as a calculator: Students simply enter their algebra equations, including variables, and watch as the solution is worked through. The paid version includes algebra lessons and additional resources. The site does all the work, so you may want to monitor homework assignments to prevent cheating. The paid version is $9.99 /monthly or $59.98 a year.

Course Hero allows students to ask a tutor questions by submitting a photo of a problem or describing via text. A subscription is required, but a selection of downloads and questions are given for free. The site is peer-supported (content submitted by other students), giving users access to notes and materials for a range of courses — primarily for upper-level high school and college. Course Hero offers a Basic Membership for free with online tutors access at an a la carte price. Premier members may unlock up to 30 documents and/or User Questions and access all Textbook Solutions and Explanations in Course Hero’s library and receive up to 40 Questions. Paid plans start at $9.95 a month. 

yHomework is designed for students and teachers. Enter the math problem and, in one click, get a complete step-by-step solution, including explanations and the answer, in all methods of solving. Content covers multiple levels and topics, including basic math and arithmetic through pre-algebra, algebra 1, trigonometry, and pre-calculus. Students who struggle with multistep equations and reverse numbers or make minor calculation errors will benefit from the detailed explanations. Again, keep in mind that yHomework will solve students’ equations, so keep an eye out for cheating on homework assignments. 

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits, and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

Thursday, September 17: Aging Gracefully

Aging Gracefully

When: Thursday, September 17, 2020
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT
September is Healthy Aging Month. And let’s face it, no matter where we are on life’s journey, we are all getting older! The exciting news is that advances in science, medicine and technology make aging something to be embraced rather than feared.
Join host Sandi McKenna (@SandiMcKenna) and the team at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) on Thursday, September 17 as we offer tips and share resources for Aging Gracefully!
RSVP and attend the chat for a chance to win one of TWO $250 Amazon Gift Cards!
Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. (You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)
To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: CareSmart) indicating your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: https://bit.ly/3iAe7ZQ
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#CareSmart) on Thursday, September 17 between 3:00 – 4:00 pm ET.
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!