Q: In the US, each state has different laws and regulations regarding home-school. Generally speaking, New England has the most stringent requirements. Before you jump in, research your state's laws and give them the required notice, in addition to making a checklist of future deadlines for yourself (if applicable). Since home educators have a personal investment in ensuring they understand the homeschooling laws correctly, local support groups are often the best resource to steer you to the most accurate legal information in your area. Be advised that the legal requirements for home educators vary by country, state, and even sometimes by school district, so a bit of research will be required. HSLDA and A to Z Home's Cool provide useful guides to what it means to home-educate legally (see external links below). You may be required to keep a portfolio of your children's work. It is very important to do this from day one if required by your state. Depending on your take of "homeschooling," the amount of money you'll be investing in your child can vary greatly. The job can be done with $300 or it can be done with $2,500. It all depends on what supplies you'll be using and activities you plan on doing. Activities, unfortunately, aren't always free. In order to get the best of the world (and learn more while they're at it), you could supplement their lessons with trips to planetariums, art exhibits, lectures, showcases, nature preserves and the like -- but these things can cost money. For the record, those two figures mentioned above represent the ends of the average home-schooling spectrum. Get them involved in some kind of sport or other activity that they like; your child will need social interaction and time spent away from home. Don't force them to do anything, but don't let them give up too easily, either. These activities get children to socialize and also teach important life skills such as making friends and keeping commitments. Homeschooling your child will not "ruin" them. As long as you make sure their emotional, social, mental, and physical needs are met, they'll be successful adults in the future. Ask them what activities they'd like to do that span their interests and get them started on the right path. Research says home-schoolers are just as involved as their publicly-schooled peers. They help the community and can make just as many social connections. Others in your family who care about you and your children can be helpful and give great support to your home education efforts -- or they can be heartbreaking critics. Plan how you will tell them what you are planning to do, listen to their responses, and answer questions and concerns they may have. Help them understand that you are prepared and determined, and don't let any negative attitudes get you down. They care, and over time as your children show success in their education at home, they very well may come around and be your greatest supporters. In fact, why can't they aid in helping your children learn? Surely they have areas of expertise that you don't. Let them know you want them to be a part of your child's life, too -- how could they possibly turn it down?
A: Establish your home education legally. Make sure it's financially doable. Enroll your child in community activities. Inform extended family.

Q: If you're overweight or obese, try to lose weight by eating fewer calories and doing light exercises. Excess weight can make the weak areas in your abdomen carry more weight than they should. This increased pressure on weak abdominal points can increase your likelihood of having a hernia. Make sure to choose exercises that don't increase the stress on your abdominal wall. Good moderate exercises to try include walking, jogging, swimming and bicycling. Fiber helps move your bowels and empty your intestine. High-fiber diets also loosen your stool which will reduce straining when you go to the bathroom. Eat lots of fiber-rich foods like wheat bread, fruits and vegetables. You should also drink lots of water throughout the day to keep your bowels moving. Fiber is especially important if you've had surgery for a hernia, because surgery and the use of pain medications can make your bowels slow down. This can lead to constipation which can aggravate your abdomen. Avoid or be careful when lifting heavy objects. You can start lifting objects over 10 pounds about 6 weeks after surgery. To properly lift, bend at the knees to lower yourself. Grasp the object you're lifting close to your body and lift up, using your knees, not your waist. This helps reduce the weight and stress on the abdomen from lifting and bending. You may also want to wear a supportive garment around your waist. This can help support your abdominal muscles, especially when lifting. Smoking is directly linked to chronic cough, which can cause and aggravate a hernia. If you've already had a hernia, it's extremely important that you avoid behaviors that can lead to another one, such as smoking.
A:
Lose weight. Eat more fiber. Learn to lift objects correctly. Stop smoking.