Make sure to pay close attention to what the snapper says before he begins using snaps or statements. This will help you know if he is using a name or a clue about a name.  If the snapper is using the direct name of a person, he will say "Snaps IS the name of the game."  If the snapper says "Snaps ISN'T the name of the game," then you know that he is spelling out a clue about a person. The snapper will either give you a clue or snap for the first letter of the name or clue. Make sure to pay close attention to this so you get the game off to a good start.  For example, if the snapper chose “Benjamin Netanyahu” as the name, he would first say a statement like “Be prepared” to let you know that the first letter of the name or clue is “B.” If he chose the name Iggy Pop, on the other hand, he would first snap three times to let you know that the first letter is “I.” Listen to the snapper’s statements and snaps until he says that he is finished so that you can successfully solve the name or clue. If it makes it easier to remember each letter, write them down on a piece of paper. Once the snapper has finished spelling out the name or the clue, guess what it is. If you can’t get it, either ask the snapper to clarify something or play another round of snaps to solve the name. If the snapper decided to use a clue to a person’s name, guess the clue first and then the name.
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One-sentence summary -- Pay attention to the snapper’s first line. Listen closely to the first statement or series of snaps. Follow this pattern until the snapper finishes the name or the clue. Guess the name or the clue to the name.


You shouldn’t argue with your parents every time you disagree with them, if only because this strategy will make it harder for you to win when the argument is about something that is really important to you.   Weigh the benefits versus the costs. If the topic of the argument is significant to you, it might be worth the effort and the possible consequences of engaging in an argument with your parents. However, if there are minimal worthwhile results, it might be best to let this one go. For example, if your mom hates it when you play your music loudly, the only real benefit of having an argument about this is that you might get to play your music at a louder volume, and maybe only for a short period of time. It will also be perpetuating a behavior that your mom doesn’t like and will lead to more arguments in the future. But if your parents have a problem with your significant other and they don’t like you spending time with him/her, this might be an instance in which planning an argument is worth it because there are more possible benefits on the line for you. Causing a scene in public will only embarrass your parents and make them less likely to hear what you have to say. Make sure that your argument takes place at home or in a private space so that they are comfortable having the conversation with you.  If you start an argument with your parents in public, they will view it as a very immature thing to do and it will not be a good way to begin the argument. Some people get embarrassed when they think others know their business or are listening to them talk. This is not a good way get your parents to hear you out. Give your parents the courtesy of conducting your argument in private. They will probably not listen to you if they are upset. People are more likely to hear what you say to them and really consider your opinions when they are in a good mood. If you start an argument with your parents when they are already upset, they will probably brush you off or respond even more negatively.   Give yourself the best possible chance by starting your argument when your parents will be receptive to what you have to say. You might even try putting them in a good mood by doing things you know will make them happy – like cleaning your room, doing your homework, or spending time with them. Of course, don’t immediately bring up the argument after trying to get your parents in a good mood. That will be too obvious and they will think you only did the nice things for selfish reasons to get something that you want. Before you begin an argument, make sure that you have fully considered the entire situation. Try to think about it from your parents’ point of view so that you can predict what they will say in the argument. That way, you can prepare your side of the argument, but you can also think objectively about your position.  This can also help you see if you are being unreasonable. Try thinking about how you would feel if someone was treating you the way you are treating your parents. There are always two sides to every story and a good arguer knows that they need to consider both sides.
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One-sentence summary -- Pick your battles. Keep the argument private. Choose a moment when your parents are in a good mood. Put yourself in your parents’ shoes.


When you leave a room and there’s nobody else in the room, turn off the lights. This goes for shutting off electronics too, such as the television, radio, computer, and other devices. When you leave your house for the day to go to school, unplug all the electronics that won’t be used throughout the day. Many devices still draw power even when they are turned off. This includes:  Clocks. Televisions and radios. Computers. Phone chargers. Microwaves and other appliances with clocks. Shut off the taps when you are brushing your teeth, soaping your hands in the sink, washing dishes in the sink, and when you’re lathering up in the shower. Also, use less hot water when you are showering or washing dishes, as it takes a lot of energy to heat water. When your house is being heated or cooled in summer or winter, make sure you close all doors behind you, and don’t leave windows open. Hot air or cold air will escape quickly, and your furnace or air conditioner will have to work harder and use more energy to maintain a consistent temperature. In the winter, open your blinds during the day to allow solar energy to help heat your home. Close them again when the sun sets to keep cold air from seeping in. In summer, keep your drapes and curtains drawn during the day so that solar energy doesn’t heat your home further. The majority of the electricity generated in the United States comes from fossil fuels, so by using less energy, you can reduce your carbon footprint. Instead of watching TV, playing on the computer, or playing video games, try:  Reading. Playing outside. Playing board games. Spending time with friends in person. There are many positive environmental ways you can change chore time, including running the dishwasher and washing machine only when there’s a full load, washing clothes with cold water, and hanging clothes to dry instead of running the dryer. Ask the rest of your family to adopt these practices too.
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One-sentence summary --
Turn off the lights. Unplug electronics. Turn off the water. Keep doors and windows closed. Use your blinds and drapes. Engage in activities that don’t require electricity. Take a green approach to chores.