Parenting skills, like any other ability, can be learned. Taking parenting classes can help you learn what you'll need to know and do as you prepare for the arrival of a newborn. Most classes cover changing diapers, bathing, burping, and feeding your baby, among other skills. For a unique bonding experience, attend these classes with your partner. Books that offer advice to expectant parents (and, especially, books targeted specifically towards men) can offer valuable insights and information. Many of these books are available at your local library, though you could of course buy them, too. Focus on learning practical skills like how to calm a crying baby. When your partner goes to the doctor for checkups and ultrasounds, tag along. Listen to the doctor's advice. Write down information about what the birth process will entail and how you can prepare for the newborn's arrival. Talk to your partner about where they want you to be during labor. Some expectant mothers want their partners in the birthing room during labor. Others expect their partner to remain outside. There is no right way for a couple to plan this experience, but you should discuss the options together and come to an agreement. If you're invited into the birthing room, you'll probably just be there to squeeze your partner's hand and offer moral support.

Summary: Take parenting classes. Read parenting books. Attend prenatal care appointments. Plan for the actual birth process.

Never remove a furnace filter while the furnace is running. Make sure to switch the furnace off before you begin.There is usually a handle somewhere near the furnace that can be switched off. If you're unsure how to turn off your furnace, contact your landlord or the manufacturer. Inside the furnace, you should see a filter. Usually, the filter is either just inside the furnace or just inside the air vent. The filter should have an arrow on it indicating airflow direction. Before you remove the filter, take a sharpie. Draw an arrow pointing in the direction of airflow somewhere on or near the furnace. This way, you will reinsert the filter in the right direction. Once you've located the filter, you can remove it. You should not need any special tools. Simply grab the filter with your fingers and slide it out of place.

Summary: Turn off the furnace. Locate the filter. Mark the direction of air flow. Remove the filter.

Most of the time, you can search an online encyclopedia by entering search terms in a search box on the main page. Pick something that seems to embody your topic to get the most relevant results. For instance, to research the Civil War, you might enter "American Civil War." Refine your search as needed. For instance, you might have to change "American Civil War" to "U.S. Civil War." You can search within a specific site using Google's search box. This method can be helpful if the site doesn't have a search box, or it doesn't seem to be returning relevant results. Start with your search terms, followed by a space and "site:" followed by the name of the site. Google will only turn up results from that encyclopedia site. For instance, if you want to search for the Civil War on encyclopedia.com, you'd type "Civil War site:encyclopedia.com." You can also find information by simply browsing, if the encyclopedia is set up for that function. To browse, look for the list of broader subjects, and narrow down to a topic that is relevant to what you want to research. For instance, if you're interested in the Civil War, start with "History" in a general encyclopedia. From there, you might click "American History" and then "Civil War."

Summary: Use the site's search box. Try Google's search box. Browse by subject.

You can wear your fleece several times without washing it, as the fabric is durable and tough against stains. If you over-wash your fleece, the fabric may start to pill. In addition, clean your jacket whenever it is noticeably dirty. For example, if you've gone on a hiking trip and got very muddy, wash your jacket as soon as you get home. You can easily wash your fleece jacket in your washing machine. If you do this, be sure to wash your jacket with similar colors. If possible, wash it with other fleece clothing. Avoid washing your jacket with other items that may cause lint, such as towels and washcloths. Do this if your tag recommends it or if you want to avoid any pilling on your jacket. Some particular fleece jackets require hand-washing because of their fabric of any dyes used. While washing your fleece by hand takes a bit more work, it is still easy to do. While using a cold water setting with a washing machine often avoids pilling, the machine can cause the fabric to pill over time.
Summary: Wash your fleece jacket after 6-7 wears. Use the washing machine if you want a fast and easy method. Wash your fleece jacket by hand to avoid any fabric pilling.