black friday parents guide
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is known as one of the biggest shopping days of the year. It marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season and is often accompanied by huge discounts and deals from retailers. While it is a highly anticipated event for shoppers looking to score some great deals, it can also be a chaotic and overwhelming experience. As a parent, navigating through the madness of Black Friday can be even more challenging. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know as a parent to survive and make the most out of Black Friday.
History of Black Friday
The term “Black Friday” was first used in the 1960s to describe the chaos and traffic jams that occurred in Philadelphia the day after Thanksgiving. It wasn’t until the 1980s that retailers started to use the term to refer to the day when they would see a surge in sales, putting their finances “in the black” (profit). However, the concept of Black Friday as a major shopping day dates back to the late 19th century, when department stores in New York City would hold a Thanksgiving Day parade to kick off the holiday shopping season.
In recent years, Black Friday has evolved into a week-long event with retailers offering deals and discounts leading up to the actual day. This has been followed by another major shopping event known as Cyber Monday, where online retailers offer deals and discounts on the Monday after Thanksgiving. However, the hype and excitement around Black Friday remain, making it a highly anticipated event for shoppers.
Preparing for Black Friday
As a parent, preparing for Black Friday starts way before the actual day. It’s essential to have a game plan in place to make the most out of the deals and avoid the chaos. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for Black Friday:
1. Make a budget: Before you start planning your shopping list, it’s crucial to set a budget. Black Friday deals can be tempting, and it’s easy to overspend. As a parent, it’s essential to stick to a budget to avoid financial strain during the holiday season.
2. Research deals: Most retailers release their Black Friday ads a few weeks before the actual day. Take the time to research and compare deals from different stores to find the best bargains. You can also sign up for email alerts from your favorite retailers to stay updated on their deals.
3. Create a shopping list: Once you have researched the deals, create a shopping list of the items you want to purchase. Stick to your list to avoid impulse buys and overspending.
4. Plan your shopping route: If you plan to visit multiple stores, map out your route to save time and avoid getting stuck in traffic. Consider starting with the store that has the most significant item on your list to ensure you get it before it sells out.
5. Consider online shopping: With the rise of online shopping, many retailers offer their Black Friday deals online as well. This can be a convenient option for parents who want to avoid the chaos of in-store shopping.
Surviving Black Friday with Kids
Shopping on Black Friday with kids can be a challenging task. The crowds, long lines, and chaotic atmosphere can be overwhelming for children. Here are some tips to help you survive Black Friday with kids:
1. Plan for childcare: If possible, arrange for a babysitter to watch your kids while you shop. This will allow you to focus on finding the best deals without worrying about your children’s safety and comfort.
2. Bring snacks and entertainment: If you have to bring your kids along, make sure to pack snacks and entertainment to keep them occupied. This can include small toys, books, or electronic devices. You can also take breaks and let them run around in a nearby park or play area.
3. Dress comfortably: Black Friday shopping can be a long and tiring event, especially if you have kids with you. Dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes to make the experience more manageable.
4. Be prepared for accidents: With the crowds and chaos, there’s a high chance of accidents happening. Make sure to carry a first aid kit and extra clothes for your kids in case of spills or accidents.
5. Set expectations: Let your kids know what to expect before going shopping on Black Friday. Explain that it might be crowded and there might be long lines, so they are prepared for the experience.
Tips for Black Friday Shopping with Teens
As your kids grow older, they may want to join in on the Black Friday shopping experience. Here are some tips for shopping with teens:
1. Set ground rules: Before heading out, set ground rules for your teen to follow. This can include sticking to a budget, staying with you at all times, and not wandering off on their own.
2. Give them a budget: If your teen wants to make purchases, give them a budget and let them make their own decisions about what to buy. This can be a great learning experience for them to manage their money.
3. Teach them about bargain hunting: Black Friday is all about finding the best deals. Teach your teen how to compare prices and look for the best bargains. This will help them make smart purchases and avoid overspending.
4. Encourage them to help with shopping: Shopping with teens can be an opportunity for them to learn responsibility. Encourage them to help with carrying bags, looking for items on your list, and comparing prices.
5. Have a plan for emergencies: In case you get separated from your teen in the crowds, have a plan in place to meet up at a designated spot. Also, make sure your teen has your phone number and knows what to do in case of an emergency.
Online Shopping on Black Friday
With the rise of online shopping, many retailers offer their Black Friday deals online as well. This can be a convenient option for parents who want to avoid the chaos of in-store shopping. Here are some tips for online shopping on Black Friday:
1. Plan ahead: Just like in-store shopping, it’s essential to plan ahead for online shopping. Research deals and create a shopping list to avoid overspending.
2. Check for online-only deals: Some retailers offer online-only deals that are not available in-store. Make sure to check for these deals to get the best bargains.
3. Use coupon codes: Many retailers offer coupon codes that can give you additional discounts on top of the Black Friday deals. Look for these codes before making your purchase.
4. Be cautious of scams: With the increase in online shopping, there is also an increase in online scams. Make sure to only shop from reputable retailers and be cautious of suspicious emails or websites.
5. Be prepared for delays: With the surge in online shopping on Black Friday, there may be delays in shipping and receiving your items. Be prepared for this and plan your purchases accordingly.
Black Friday Shopping Etiquette
With the chaos and crowds on Black Friday, it’s essential to practice good shopping etiquette. Here are some tips to help you be a courteous shopper:
1. Be patient: Long lines and crowds are inevitable on Black Friday. Be patient and avoid getting angry or frustrated with other shoppers or store employees.
2. Be respectful of store policies: Make sure to read and follow store policies, such as limits on the number of items you can purchase, returns, and exchanges.
3. Clean up after yourself: With the crowds, stores can get messy quickly. Be respectful and clean up after yourself, especially if you have children with you.
4. Don’t block aisles: With the increase in foot traffic, it’s essential to be mindful of others. Don’t block aisles or walkways while shopping.
5. Be mindful of others: Remember that everyone is trying to find the best deals on Black Friday. Be mindful of others and avoid aggressive or rude behavior.
Final Thoughts
Black Friday is a highly anticipated shopping event that marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. As a parent, it’s essential to prepare and plan ahead to make the most out of the deals and avoid the chaos. Whether you choose to shop in-store or online, make sure to follow shopping etiquette and teach your kids about responsible shopping. With the right approach, Black Friday can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family. Happy shopping!
why can’t i link my phone number to tiktok
tiktok -parental-control-effectively-in-2023″>TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms in recent years, with over 800 million active users worldwide. It allows users to create short videos and share them with their followers, making it a perfect platform for creativity and self-expression. One of the features that TikTok offers is the ability to link your phone number to your account. However, many users have reported facing difficulties in linking their phone numbers to their TikTok accounts. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why users can’t link their phone numbers to TikTok and how to troubleshoot this issue.
Reasons Why You Can’t Link Your Phone Number to TikTok
1. Technical Glitches
One of the most common reasons why users can’t link their phone numbers to TikTok is due to technical glitches. Like any other app, TikTok can also experience technical issues that could affect its features, including the phone number linking feature. These glitches can be caused by bugs in the app, server errors, or network connectivity issues. In such cases, the best solution is to wait for a few hours and try again.
2. Invalid Phone Number
Another reason why you can’t link your phone number to TikTok could be that you have entered an invalid phone number. TikTok only accepts phone numbers with a country code, so make sure you have entered your number correctly. If you are still facing issues, try using a different phone number to see if the problem persists.
3. Phone Number Already Linked to Another Account
TikTok only allows one account per phone number. If you are trying to link a phone number that is already linked to another TikTok account, you will encounter an error. This could happen if you had previously created an account using the same phone number and then deleted it. In such cases, you can either use a different phone number or contact TikTok’s customer support for assistance.
4. Your Account is Suspended
TikTok has strict community guidelines, and if you violate any of them, your account could be suspended. In such cases, you won’t be able to link your phone number to your account. If you believe your account was suspended by mistake, you can appeal to TikTok’s customer support and explain your situation.
5. Phone Number Linked to Multiple Accounts
TikTok also doesn’t allow one phone number to be linked to multiple accounts. If you are trying to link your phone number to a new account and it’s already linked to an old account, you will face an error. This could happen if you had previously created an account using the same phone number and then forgot about it. In such cases, you can either use a different phone number or contact TikTok’s customer support for assistance.
6. Age Restrictions
TikTok has an age restriction policy, and users below the age of 13 are not allowed to create an account. If you have entered your age incorrectly while creating your account, TikTok will not allow you to link your phone number. To resolve this issue, you can update your age in your account settings and try linking your phone number again.
7. Phone Number from Unsupported Country
TikTok is available in over 150 countries, but not all countries are supported for phone number linking. If you are trying to link a phone number from a country that is not supported by TikTok, you will face an error. In such cases, you can either use a different phone number from a supported country or use a VPN to access TikTok from a supported country.
8. Phone Number from Virtual Number Provider
TikTok does not allow phone numbers from virtual number providers to be linked to accounts. This is because virtual numbers can be easily created and don’t have a physical location, making it difficult for TikTok to verify the user’s identity. If you are using a virtual number, try using your personal number to link to your account.
9. TikTok’s Technical Issues
Apart from the technical glitches we mentioned earlier, there could also be issues on TikTok’s end that could prevent you from linking your phone number. These issues could be due to server maintenance, updates, or any other technical problems. In such cases, all you can do is wait for TikTok to resolve the issue.
10. Your Account Has Been Hacked
If your account has been hacked, the hacker might have changed your phone number linked to your account. In such cases, you won’t be able to link your phone number to your account until you regain access to it. If you suspect your account has been hacked, you should immediately contact TikTok’s customer support and follow their instructions to recover your account.
How to Troubleshoot Phone Number Linking Issues on TikTok
1. Check for Technical Glitches
If you are facing issues linking your phone number to TikTok, the first thing you should do is check for any technical glitches. Try closing and reopening the app, clearing the cache, or restarting your phone. If the problem persists, it could be due to a technical issue on TikTok’s end.
2. Verify Your Phone Number
If you have entered your phone number incorrectly or missed a country code, TikTok won’t be able to verify it. Make sure you have entered your phone number correctly and try again. You can also try using a different phone number to see if it works.
3. Try Linking Your Phone Number to a Different Account
If you are facing issues linking your phone number to an existing account, try creating a new account and linking your phone number to it. If the problem persists, it could be due to your phone number being linked to multiple accounts.
4. Contact TikTok’s Customer Support
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above and still can’t link your phone number to your account, the best solution is to contact TikTok’s customer support. You can reach out to them through the app or their website and explain your issue. They will be able to assist you further and help you resolve the problem.
Conclusion
Linking your phone number to your TikTok account has its benefits, such as easier account recovery and increased security. However, if you are facing issues while trying to link your phone number, it could be due to various reasons, as discussed in this article. By following the troubleshooting steps mentioned above, you should be able to resolve the problem and link your phone number to your TikTok account. It is always recommended to keep your account information updated and to contact TikTok’s customer support for any further assistance.