Atlanta Divorce Law Group - November 2020

Atlanta Divorce Law Group - November 2020

IS IT TIME TO TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT POLITICS? TIPS FOR DISCUSSING THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WITH YOUR CHILDREN

November 2020

Politics are everywhere right now — on TV, plastered across magazine covers at the grocery store, and even on signs staked in the neighbors’ lawns. With this tension saturating the atmosphere, it’s no wonder kids are starting to notice that something is up. If your little ones are asking you questions about the election, you might feel lost about how to explain things in an age-appropriate way. I get it! My 8-year-old and 5-year-old are constantly curious, so my husband and I have been figuring out ways to address this topic for years. Personally, I think it’s important to get kids involved in the political process early. As parents, it’s our civic duty to teach our kids about the election, how it’s decided, the importance of voting, and the other privileges and rights they have as citizens. The difficult part is doing this without bias — and knowing what to say when the topic comes up. In my experience, the most important thing you can do is be prepared. Even if your kids are too young to ask questions, start thinking about your answers now so you’re ready when they start. Kids don’t understand that it’s not always convenient to talk about politics. They’re just as likely to ask you about the president in the grocery store checkout line surrounded by 50 other people as they are to do it in the privacy of your home. If you’re stressed, rushed, or on the spot in front of others, answering them will be 10 times harder. But if you prepare ahead of time, you’ll be able to take a minute, slow down, and give them an explanation with all of the facts. It’s okay if you don’t always have an answer to give right away. We’re all human after all! But whatever you do, don’t dismiss your child’s concerns completely — that’s the second important thing to keep in mind. If you brush them off, they might turn to another adult for answers who won’t be as sensitive as you are. “When my husband and I are explaining things to our kids, we aim to keep our answers as close to civics class as possible.”

That person could push their opinions onto your child and keep them from really understanding the issues. Your kids will understand if you tell them you need a minute or two to think, as long as you make a habit of following up. The last important thing to remember when talking to your kids about politics is that the way you answer their question matters. When my husband and I are explaining things to our kids, we aim to keep our answers as close to civics class as possible. If our 8-year-old son asks about the presidential election, for example, we just go over the basics. We’ve found that by sticking to explaining things like what happens on Election Day, what it means to have two parties, and what the parties’ core values are, it’s easier to keep our own political opinions from creeping into the conversation. After each explanation, we encourage our son and 5-year-old daughter to share their thoughts or ask for more details. Our 8-year-old has very strong opinions about politics and loves history, but I’m proud to say he arrived at those opinions on his own. We’ve always taught him to ask questions and be a leader in whatever he has an interest in, which means doing his own research and forming opinions based on it. For us, the strategy of being prepared, never dismissing the kids’ concerns, and answering their questions in a straightforward way has worked wonders. I hope that if you try it with your kids, it does the same for you! Our kids are their own little people. We can’t shelter them forever or try to turn them into carbon copies of us. All we can do is try our best to encourage them to figure things out on their own and grow into themselves with grace.

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–Sara Khaki

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YOUR GEORGIA GUIDE TO VETERANS DAY

5 Local Monuments and Museums to Visit on Nov. 11

3. THE HERITAGE PARK VETERANS MUSEUM & VETERANS WALL OF HONOR (MCDONOUGH)

More than 709,000 men and women from Georgia have served in the U.S. military over the years, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. All of these veterans have their own unique stories from their time in the service, but we celebrate them together on Veterans Day. This year, a lot of the ways we usually honor veterans, like school assemblies and parades, are off the table. However, you can teach your kids about our military’s sacrifices and introduce them to state history in other ways. This Nov. 11, consider taking a trip to one (or more!) of these veterans’ monuments and museums. 1. THE ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER’S VETERANS PARK (ATLANTA) There’s more to this peaceful gathering spot than meets the eye! Along with viewing official seals from all five military branches, you can use your smartphone at spots around the park to watch videos of veterans sharing their stories. 2. THE WALK OF MEMORIES ALPHARETTAAMERICAN LEGION POST 201 (ALPHARETTA) This walkway includes 8,000 bricks inscribed with the names of Georgia veterans. It’s also dotted with war monuments and features a World War II M60 tank, a Vietnam-era UH-1 Huey helicopter, and a 40mm Mark 1 twin gun mount for visitors to examine.

This museum holds some of the most moving artifacts in the whole state, including many that date back to World War I. Not far away, the 80-foot granite Wall of Honor spotlights veterans along with chiseled quotes and battle scenes. It’s a quiet place for gratitude and reflection. 4. THE 6TH CAVALRYMUSEUM (OGLETHORPE) This museum is dedicated to the “Fighting Sixth” Cavalry, a regiment that dates back to the Civil War and still boasts aviation squadrons today. At the museum, you’ll learn all about the cavalry’s history and see period uniforms, weapons, maps, photos, an authentic M-47 Patton tank, a WWII Jeep, a WWII troop transport truck, and more. 5. GWINNETT’S FALLEN HEROES MEMORIAL (LAWRENCEVILLE) This memorial is a smaller version of the Wall of Honor, specifically paying homage to 700 Gwinnett County residents who “died in the line of duty in military or public safety service.” Native Americans are honored here alongside Korean War and War on Terrorism veterans and fallen law enforcement officers.

BLACK FRIDAY: COVID-19 EDITION

A string of retail stores, including JCPenney, Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, have declared they won’t be open for the traditional Thanksgiving and/or Black Friday shopping this year. But that doesn’t mean the annual shopping holiday is canceled! If you’re an avid Black Friday shopper, you can keep the tradition going and involve the whole family by using the day to shop online. Here are a few tips to get everyone involved in the fun and turn the holiday into an overnight party. DIVIDE AND CONQUER. Does your whole family love shopping? If they do, it’s time to break out the laptops, cellphones, and tablets. Take the list of items you’re hoping to snag and divide them up so that each person has things to browse for. Then choose a start time — midnight is always good — and let everyone loose to bargain hunt. While you’re shopping, remember to use store apps, websites like RetailMeNot and Groupon, money-saving browser extensions like Honey, and price- comparison apps like Flipp to score the best deals. REFUEL WITH CAFFEINE. No all-night shopping spree is complete without a coffee run. To keep your family fueled, make sure to stock up on your favorite coffee in advance and set a time for a coffee break. It’s not quite the same as taking a break at the mall’s Starbucks, but it will help you power through the night. For an extra bit of fun, you can even try to recreate your favorite Starbucks drinks at home. ChowHound.com is a great resource for DIY recipes and has hacks for the caramel frappuccino, pumpkin spice latte, and more. CELEBRATE WITH A BIG BREAKFAST. When you’ve finally dropped the last item into your virtual cart, it’s time to celebrate! Depending on how long your spree took, it might be 3 a.m., or you might be able to see the sunlight peeking through your blinds. Either way, you deserve to reward yourself with breakfast. Try cooking your favorite breakfast foods as a family or, if it’s late enough, order home-delivered pancakes and hashbrowns from your favorite local restaurant. Once you’re stuffed, you can crawl into bed knowing that you had a fantastic family night.

How to Turn the Shopping Holiday Into a Stay-at-Home Family Event

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IS ‘GLAMPING’ THE PERFECT WINTER GETAWAY? CABIN FEVER HAS NEVER BEEN SO STYLISH

STEP 1: DECIDE WHICH KIND OF LODGING YOU WANT. Glamping shelters come in all shapes and sizes depending on the level of comfort you desire on your trip. The most rugged glamping lodgings usually still include a wood-burning stove and a nice comfy bed, whether you opt for a log cabin or a specialized glamping tent (sometimes called a yurt). However, some of the more posh options include amenities like fresh linens, private bathrooms and showers, fully stocked kitchenettes, and even TVs.

When COVID-19 struck the U.S., travel restrictions had people canceling their vacation plans left and right. This meant that many would-be vacationers had to find some getaways a little closer to home — namely, camping trips and their fancier cousin, glamping trips.

If you haven’t heard of “glamping” before, it’s essentially glamorous camping. You have access to the beautiful, rugged outdoors as well as all the comforts of home. While traditional winter camping certainly wouldn’t be a relaxing getaway for most people, glamping during the winter months can give you access to the peace of the outdoors like you’ve never experienced before without so much as a shiver or sniffle. If you’ve decided to make glamping your go-to method of escape from the cabin fever that besets us all during the cold, dark winter days, you might be thinking: How can I make sure I have the best glamping experience possible? Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks you can apply to any glamping location to ensure that your time away from home is just as relaxing as that Caribbean cruise would have been.

STEP 2: DECIDE HOWYOU WANT TO SPEND YOUR TIME.

Obviously, the point of glamping is to spend time in the great outdoors with winter activities, such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and other fun snow activities. However, glamping really shines during the frigid evenings. You can retreat indoors,

throw some logs in the stove, prepare some hot cocoa or cider, and just watch the snowfall from your window. There’s no right or wrong way to glamp. All that matters is spending time in the wilderness with all the comforts of home — all while feeling refreshed and at peace.

Concierge Partner’s Corner

HERE’S WHAT OUR Clients Are Saying!

Does the prospect of finding and choosing health insurance make you break out in a cold sweat? You’re not alone! The health insurance field is incredibly complex and expensive to navigate. If you’re not insured by your employer, it can feel overwhelming to even find a doctor you can afford. Luckily, folks in that boat can turn to the experts at HIPnation Healthcare.

“I was not prepared to be handed divorce papers after 21 years. This has been a very tough experience. Fortunately, Ashley and Whitney took the reins and guided me in a very professional manner. We finished today, and I don’t think any divorce is pleasant, but it sure made it better with Ashley and Whitney on my team. I would highly recommend them if you or anyone you know is facing a divorce. They take the pain away. Very good job.” — Timothy S. “Sara and her firm are the best around. I have known her professionally and personally for over 10 years. I have referred her many clients and have had nothing but rave reviews back. Her staff is also incredibly professional and compassionate. They are simply the best.” — T. Buchanan

HIPnation is a revolutionary new health care system. Its staff can help you find insurance coverage with the exact benefits you need, including access to medical care without network restrictions, deductibles starting at $0, and 24-hour support from a primary care physician. “We shift the focus of health care back to where it belongs — on you,” the company’s Facebook page explains. “Traditional insurance creates significant costs, none of which make you healthier. We have taken insurance out of health care to make health care affordable again.”

As HIPnation Director of Business Development and Partner Management, Hal Schlenger, more bluntly puts it, “The health care system is broken, so we fixed it.”

To learn more about HIPnation Healthcare, reach out to Hal at 770-335-0077 or [email protected].

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ADLG OFFERS COMPLIMENTARY SUPPORT GROUP WITH A LICENSED THERAPIST

Our complimentary divorce support groups and seminars are going online! Register for these upcoming events to gain knowledge, resources, and emotional support that can help you feel empowered while you go through major life changes. HOLIDAYS DURING A DIVORCE (VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP) When: Saturday, Nov. 14, at 10 a.m. Register: AtlantaDivorceLawGroup.com/Happily-Ever-After-Divorce- Support‑Group/ Thanksgiving is a tricky holiday to navigate in the best of times, but it becomes even more complicated when you factor in a divorce, child custody battle, or other change in the family dynamic. That’s not even factoring in the pandemic! If you’re dreading the upcoming holiday season or feel stressed just thinking about it, you’re not alone! Many people struggle with these same feelings during or after the divorce process, and we can help you through it. This month, our friend and the founder and CEO of Family Solutions Counseling, LLC, Kathleen Shack, is leading an online support group to address these very concerns. Sign up today to connect with other people who’ve walked in your shoes and learn expert tips on how to not only cope with but also enjoy the holidays this year. CHILD CUSTODY BOOTCAMP (COMPLIMENTARYWEBINAR) When: Thursday, Nov. 19, at 6 p.m. Register: AtlantaDivorceLawGroup.com/Webinars/Child-Custody-Bootcamp/

so the best thing you can do for your family is prepare for the conflict and get ready to put your best foot forward. Our team knows just how tough this can be, and we’re ready to give you a hand. In our complimentary webinar, you’ll learn about different types of custody and how courts decide custody. We’ll also discuss the importance of protecting your children from parental conflict, different types of custody schedules, and the do’s and don’ts of navigating child custody during divorce. You’ll leave this webinar feeling confident, prepared, and ready to succeed in court.

Child custody is a sensitive issue, especially during the holiday season. Unfortunately, painful custody battles don’t pause just because it’s Turkey Day,

Here at ADLG, we’re not letting COVID-19 slow us down. Sign up for these virtual events to get the information and support you need without leaving home.

Stuck at Home for Thanksgiving? You Can Still Celebrate! 3 WAYS TO CONNECT VIRTUALLY ON TURKEY DAY

COVID-19 has put a damper on the holiday season, but you don’t have to let it ruin your Thanksgiving! If you won’t be traveling because you, your friends, or your family members are at high risk of catching the virus, try one of these three methods to keep in touch on Turkey Day. Whether you’re a board game buff, a holiday movie fan, or a whiz in the kitchen, there’s a tactic for you. 1. Challenge your family to a long-distance game. You don’t have to be in the same room to enjoy a game night together! Instead of breaking out Ticket to Ride and Risk this year, try mobile games like Trivia Crack,

Words With Friends, or Heads Up, which can be played from anywhere! You might also be surprised by how many of your favorite games you can find online. Clue and Monopoly, for example, are both available in app form for iPhones and Androids at just $3.99 each! 2. Stream your favorite movies at the same time. You no longer have to be in the same room to watch a holiday flick together, and no, we’re not talking about a phone call where you press play after a countdown. If your whole group has Netflix, Netflix Party will let you watch a movie or TV show in sync and comment on the film in a running group chat! Check it out at NetflixParty.com. If you’re not a Netflix user, other platforms like Kast and Kosmi offer similar experiences. 3. Take an online cooking class together. If what you’ll miss most about Thanksgiving is cooking with your relatives, why not make that happen long-distance? Try taking a cooking class through an online platform like Masterclass and comparing notes after each lesson, or agree to experiment with the same recipe from NYT Cooking in advance of the big day. If you really want to see each other face to face while you cook, set up Zoom on your laptop and keep it open in the kitchen. You’ll be able to chat while stirring, almost as if you were in the same room.

Good luck, and happy holidays!

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