Once you've completed all of your school visits and trial classes, it's time to go over everything you've learnt and decide which school is the best fit. Consider your goals, the teaching style and the logistics of the classes. At the end of the day, it's important to trust your gut and pick a school where you feel comfortable. If you're ready to sign up with a school, take some time to sit down with them and discuss payment options. Some schools require you have a membership to their school while others may ask you to sign a contract for a specified amount of time. Ensure you are comfortable with the financial burden of signing up. Many schools will offer a shorter contract or longer trial period. If you're not ready to commit to an annual membership or contract, enquire about signing up for a shorter amount of time to try out the school first. Ask about ending the contract or membership early. In case something happens that causes you to need to put your martial arts training on hold, such as an injury or loss of job, ask how that would work. Once you've made the decision to sign up, it's time to get ready for your first class. Ask the school if you need to come prepared with a uniform or any specific equipment or supplies. You should bring a bottle of water, towel and change of clothing. If your school doesn't require a uniform, it's a good idea to wear loose fitting workout clothing. Most martial arts are practised in barefoot but ask your school if you need to bring special footwear. After your first class or two, take some time to reflect and decide if the class is what you expected and if you're enjoying yourself. If the class turns out to not be what you're looking for, meet with your instructor to try and find a solution.

Summary: Trust your gut. Discuss finances. Prepare for your first class. Evaluate the experience after your first class.

If you have an older microwave, it's probably got yellow stains from years of use but these are easy to remove with a little nail polish. Dip a cotton ball in acetone nail polish remover and rub the yellow stains until they lift. To remove the harsh acetone smell, wipe the microwave down with a damp cloth.

Summary: Wipe away yellow stains with nail polish remover.

Slowly support your teen in developing their independence as they mature. For example, let your younger teen choose how to decorate their room and style their hair. Older teens may be able to use the car, attend activities without an adult, or hold a part-time job. A controlling parent may face increased conflict with a teen who seeks independence. Ask your teen what independence they'd like and come to some compromises. Teens are often concerned with social relationships, fitting in with peers, and making social decisions such as whether to use drugs or engage in sexual activity. They will likely want to spend more time with friends than with their family. While it's important for them to be a part of the family, make sure that you respect their need to engage in friendships, be with friends, and create their social identity. Allow your teen to join clubs or groups or do other social activities (such as go to the skate park, join sports teams, or hang out with friends). Ask your teenager about their friends, and try to learn their names. Before they hang out, meet their friends in person if you can. Teens want increasing independence and this includes needs for privacy, too. It might feel like your teen is tuning you out or ignoring you, but they are likely wanting some space to be alone (or with friends). Respect their desire for privacy and consider giving them increased privacy as they get older. If your teen isn't forthright in talking to you or wants to spend less time with you, don't take it personally and instead, see it is a developmental stage. You do, however, get the final say in their activities and should look out for their safety. It's natural for teens to fall asleep later (after 11 p.m.) and sleep in the next morning. Be mindful of these sleep patterns, but also encourage them to get adequate sleep. Not getting enough sleep can affect their moods, memory, and concentration. If your teen struggles to get restful sleep, remove electronic devices from their bedrooms (cell phones, televisions, tablets, etc) so that the light does not stimulate them instead of relaxing them. A consistent bedtime can also help with getting more restful sleep. No matter how many warnings you give, teens often prefer to learn experientially. Some teens may need to fail or make mistakes in order to learn from them and be responsible. As a parent, it's difficult to watch your child fail. Let them know that you support them, love them, and you will be there for them, no matter the outcome. Be there to comfort your teen when they are disappointed, even if you want to say, "I told you so."
Summary: Allow them levels of independence. Accept their social needs. Respect their privacy. Recognize their sleep habits. Let them make their own mistakes.