Teaching Kids To Respect & Appreciate The Older Generation

The number of Americans over 65 years of age has tripled
since the beginning of the 20th century and is expected to double yet again
2020. Numbers alone demonstrate the opportunity available to encourage c
positive, reciprocal relationships with people of an older generation. Althou
between the two groups is often viewed as an obstacle, there are many way
bridged to promote a positive experience for both children and seniors as th
the benefits of an intergenerational relationship.

Create Enjoyable Associations

Young children especially are often afraid of older people, particularly if they don’t spend a lot
of time around them. The aged appearance and voice of a senior citizen can come across as
scary and is often portrayed that way in television shows and movies. If your child doesn’t have
grandparents nearby, it’s important that you take the time to create pleasurable associations
regarding spending time around older people. Doing so can help ease a false sense of fear and
replace it with feelings of happiness and anticipation of the next get-together.

Take your young child to the library to listen to an older volunteer read stories. Find out if your
church or child’s school has a buddy program that pairs children with a senior citizen and take
advantage of such a program to build pleasant experiences between your child and the older
generation.

Children aren’t the only ones to benefit from an intergenerational relationship. In fact, when
children find out they can help the older people in their life, it boosts confidence, and fosters
respect and appreciation. Have your child swap planned learning time with the older person in
their life for mutual learning opportunities that help foster a strong foundation for their
relationship. The technology of today gives your child the skills to teach an older person how to
do things on the computer, while an older adult can teach your child how to play a game or do
a craft that was popular when they were young.

These types of activities build respect by giving children a firsthand experience of the
knowledge an older person can share. Community centers are an ideal place in which to seek
out or create a program that brings children and older adults together. Time spent together on
learning skills, games and activities that enrich a child’s life fosters a natural progression in the
relationship that leads to appreciation and respect.

Young children get tired and restless quickly, and so do some older adults. Random, unplanned
get-togethers can upset the schedule of an older adult, as well as that of a child. By planning
appropriately, you ensure that both your child and the older adult are ready for a get-together
and have engaging activities to keep them busy and make the time enjoyable for both.

Go for quality over quantity when planning together time. A young child’s level of activity might
initially be energizing to an older adult but hours of it can be exhausting. Conversely, an older
adult can have a calming effect on an active child, but after a while soothing can turn into
boring. Experiment with different lengths of time to see what works best. Watch for cues from
your child and the older adult to be proactive and prevent problems.

Promoting an intergenerational relationship between your child and an older adult does more
than teach your child to respect and appreciate them. It helps preserve history, opens a child’s
eyes to diversity, and expands their world in a way that no other type of friendship can.

Olivia Stanford is a lifestyle consultant and writes for dogwoodforest.com, a beautiful
assisted living atlanta facility for senior citizens of Georgia.

Conflict Resolution and Sharing Toys

The rain has finally stopped here in  Cleveland and  we have had a few of days of sunshine. The sandbox in the park had a couple of days to dry up. My two younger children were itching to get themselves dirty.

My son took out the sand toys. There is one toy in particular that they have a hard time sharing. When he brought it out, I inwardly groaned, remembering all the fights the kids had over this particular pail that made a smiley face in the sand.

I thought that we need a plan and I quickly used some of the tips that I had just taught in my sibling class.

1. Name the problem:

Me: “Oh no! That smiley face pail always gives us problems. It is tough to share. Both of you always want that one first.”

2. Be positive and invite them to think of solutions:

Me:” I know we can think of a solution. I am sure if we put our heads together we can figure out how to share this toy.” Maybe we can think of some rules to help us share it.”
Sara: “I know we can each have it for 5 minutes”
Me to Mikey: “How will that work for you?”
Mikey: “No way I need more than 5 minutes!”

3. Offer choices:

Me to Mikey: Ok, you need more time than 5 minutes- how many minutes do you think you need? 5or 10 minutes?
Mikey:”10 minutes”
Me to Sara: “He needs ten minutes, will that work for you?”
Sara: “Yes.”

4. Name the problem again:

Me: “Ok, good we figured out how many minutes for each of you guys. Now the next problem is who is going to use it first. How should we figure that out?”
Sara: “He can go first, if you help me on the swings.”
Me: That sounds like a good plan. I can help you on the swings.

5. Praise children for a solution and reiterate the plan:

“I am so glad we figured out a solution. We really put our heads together. Mikey is going to go first with the sand pail while Sara and I play on the swings. After 10 minutes it will be Sara’s turn. Then after those 10 minutes we will switch again. Let’s get started!”

Crisis averted! Staying calm, positive and solution oriented is the trick to helping children to get along. To learn more on how to help your children get along buy our “How To Handle Sibling Rivalry Without Losing Your Mind”  audios.

5 Big Benefits of Kids Participating In Sports

Gust blog post by: Johnny Patterson

With childhood obesity a dire threat, childhood fitness has
never been more critical. Kids who play sports not only get a healthy worko
invaluable lessons that will aid them for a lifetime. With the benefits of spo
lead fuller, more active lives and have fun in the process.

1. Sportsmanship

Children who play sports learn quickly the concept of sportsmanship. Opponents shake hands
before a match begins. Teams slap hands after a good game. The message that coaches try to
teach is to respect the other team as much as one’s own. Winning is a worthy goal, but not at
the expense of sportsmanlike conduct. Taunting, jeering, and purposefully injuring opponents
brings dishonor to any sport. Even adults sometimes get caught up in the adrenaline and the
drive to succeed, but they should be there to remind children of the importance of honor,
fairness, and fellowship with other athletes, no matter what color jersey they wear.

Martial arts students stand at attention before their instructor. They know that following
instructions and showing restraint are as important as the accuracy of their moves. Control is as
critical as strength. Children who play sports inevitably learn discipline, listening to and
following the coach’s orders. More importantly, kids develop self-discipline and learn to control
their impulses, emotions, and behavior for the greater good of the team. A basketball player
may instinctively hog the ball, but with discipline, he learns to pass if it means a teammate has
a better shot at making the basket.

Pushing oneself to the limit. Giving it one’s all. These are the attributes of sports fitness. Any
child who joins a team learns to strengthen her body and mind to achieve physical greatness.
No soccer or basketball player can run up and down the field without a high degree of fitness. It
takes practice, dedication, and determination to build up endurance and strength. The health
benefits to children are long-lasting; kids who push themselves athletically when they are
young are more likely to be healthy as adults.

There is no “I” in team. A team is only as strong as its weakest link. Children hear these
expressions and realize that teamwork is one of the most important aspects of any sport. Each
player must give it his best and pull his own weight. Children learn valuable communication
skills when they discuss plays and interact verbally and physically on the field. A team cannot
succeed with only one or two players carrying the rest. There will always be stronger players.
To build a truly great team, though, every member has to show up and demonstrate a

reasonable amount of skill and competency.

5. How to Graciously Handle Wins and Losses

No one likes a sore winner any more than a sore loser. Both are equally offensive. Kids want to
win, and it is what their coaches and parents encourage them to do. However, more important
than winning is being gracious however the game turns out. Crying or refusing to congratulate
the other team are not only childish behaviors, but also unsportsmanlike. Likewise, winners
who crow excessively and lord it over the losing side disgrace themselves. It is up to the adults
to remind children to be gracious; that means parents in the sidelines should refrain from
arguing with the ref, booing, and abusing the opposing team. Children learn from example.

Children who participate in sports learn virtues and qualities that will help them in their adult
lives. Honesty, integrity, and fair play extend to the adult world as much as the sports field.

Author Johnny Patterson is a big fan of Junior
Hockey and writes for US Junior Hockey
News, a forum for the latest breaking news and announcements from across the United
States.

Monitoring Early Childhood Development

Guest post: This post was written by Adriana Copaceanu on behalf of Cute Diaper Bags, specializing in reviewing the latest diaper bags for moms who want functional as well as trendy baby bags. Her top recommendation?  Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bags

The growth of a child is incredibly important. Parents invest time, money and
energy in making sure that their children are growing mentally, emotionally and
physically in the proper manner. There are a number of resources that are
available to help parents track and monitor the development of their children.
Early childhood development is extremely important for number of reasons. The
ability to know if a child is developing at a normal pace is very important in
order to identify any possible problems such as autism. Parents of young
children should note a number of different factors when they are trying to
monitor their children’s progression. Taking the time to notice even the
smallest things about a child’s development can ensure that children are
receiving the proper stimulation and if necessary help for any issues.

For parents, particularly those that are new to raising children, there are a
number of resources available to help with the monitoring of a child’s
development. One of the best resources is the family physician or the child’s
pediatrician. This individual is core to analyzing how a child is developing and
if there are any issues that need to be addressed. Oftentimes, when parents are
concerned about such issues as their children not speaking, not listening to
what is being said or an issue with physical growth, the pediatrician is one of
the first people that is consulted. Pediatricians are experts on early childhood
development and can be of great assistance to parents that have some concerns
about their children. Parents should not hesitate to consult with their child’s
pediatrician if they feel as if there is a developmental delay. The sooner such
issues are addressed the better able a child can be assisted.

There also a number of resources that are available throughout the Internet.
There are many organizations that cater to providing parents with information in
regards to early childhood development. These resources can be very informative
and can assist parents in understanding where their children should be
developmentally by a certain age. It is very important to understand that
children do develop differently. However, they are certain characteristics that
are applicable to children at certain ages. Such developmental features as fine
motor skills, the ability to talk and social integration are very important.
There are a variety of websites and forums where parents can locate information
pertaining to childhood development. Furthermore, the forums that are available
allow parents to discuss amongst themselves any problems and concerns and to
pose questions that other parents may be able to answer.

Watching a child steadily growing as a person is in an amazing experience for
any parent. Making sure that children are developing in the proper manner is
very important in order to identify any issues that can possibly be rectified
while the child is still impressionable and able to be treated. Also, knowing
that a child is developing in a manner that is conducive to healthy growth
provides parents with peace of mind. It is highly recommended that parents
become very proactive when it comes to the growth and development of their
children.

Effective Parenting Questions

Keeping Up With the Little One: Raising Your Energy Level

Guest post:  A UK resident, Samantha Laughton is a personal trainer and nutrition consultant.  Samantha suggests checking online for your <a href=”http://www.supplement-deals.co.uk”>gym supplements</a>, where you will find more detailed information and savings on items such as <a href=”http://supplement-deals.co.uk/phd-diet-whey/”>PhD diet whey</a>.

<img src=“http://mrg.bz/467wM3″>

 

As a parent you have many obstacles to face. You become completely responsible for a whole new life. As your child grows, you as a parent grow also. The one obstacle that almost every parent faces is how to keep up with your new bundle of needy joy. Raising your energy level is not only important but required to assure you don’t fall behind. If you have a plan to keep your energy at a healthy level, you can chase the little ones around all day and still feel great. There are a few things to consider when maintaining your energy level.

<img src=http://mrg.bz/gaUT9K>
Exercise:
It may sound confusing; how can exerting energy help you increase your energy? Studies show exercise is actually very important for maintaining your energy level. Try beginning every day with a small routine before the little ones get up. If that is not possible, then try to sneak some personal time for yourself when they nap. Not every new parent can make it to the gym each day so small routines at home can help keep your energy levels rising.

Diet:
This is where it gets tricky. Many new mothers are all over the place with cravings and aversions. Add to that the fact that most new mothers decide to breastfeed their baby. That means that she has to be concerned with the way the baby reacts to her diet. Careful consideration of what to ingest should always be taken.

In a fast food, energy drink, quick fix world, what you eat and drink are not always the best. With new parents short on time and energy, they don’t make an effort to prepare healthier meals. This is an important time to start. Keeping a healthy diet will not only give your newborn the nutrients needed to grow strong and healthy, but it can also keep your energy levels at their prime.

 

<img src=http://mrg.bz/TNCLUE/>

 

Choose foods with natural sugars. Try trading the morning cup of coffee for an apple. Studies show an apple in the morning can wake you up better than a cup of your favorite brew, and won’t give you the caffeine crash later. Choose foods high in Vitamin C as it allows your body to absorb more Iron, which in turns brings more oxygen to your blood and gives you a natural energy boost.

Supplements:
The word supplements scares many who do not understand exactly what they are. With companies categorizing diet pills and energy drinks as supplements, most stay away from them all together. Supplements however, are a way to give your body what it’s lacking from improper diet. The store shelves are now lined with natural supplements that can bring you back to life to follow your diapered speed demon around. Before starting a supplement regiment, consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

 

Check the labels before taking supplements. Try to avoid any supplement that includes caffeine or processed sugars. Some all natural supplements such as guarana, echinacea, spirulina, and garlic can boost your energy and keep you healthy enough to enjoy the joys of parenthood. Based on your needs, your doctor can suggest a regiment that would be right for you.

Being a parent can be draining. In a world where everything seems to be on fast forward, new parents can crash and burn quickly. Eating properly, exercising and getting on a supplemental regiment can give you the fuel your body needs to make every moment with your child a blissful memory. Take the time to plan your day, meals and routine so you don’t miss out on the wonder your child can bring to your life.

 

It’s Your Baby’s 1st Birthday Party! What to Do?

Guest post:  Written by Chris Molnar, a writer, work at home Dad and editor of a party theme idea blog. Chris has two rambunctious daughters, and just bought a bunch of Elmo party supplies for his youngest’s first birthday.

Your little bundle of joy is turning one year old and you need to put together a party that will be memorable and entertaining for everyone. The reality of course is those that attend the party are the ones that want to remember this special birthday, since our little guest of honor won’t remember it. However, you’ll have plenty of pictures and stories to remind them of it. Plus, as many new parents admit, they put on a party to remember their own memories as kids. There’s nothing wrong with that, so let’s get planning!

People to Invite

The most important part of this party will be the people that you invite and attend. If you plan on going big, the invite list should include all of the people that have had important roles in the baby’s life so far. Parents (of course), family members and friends. You’ll also want to invite your child’s godparents. While it’s all too rare for doctors and support staff at the hospital to get invites or celebration notices for their patients’ first birthday, light up their day and say thank you by sending them a card with a photo.

Must Have Supplies

Every birthday needs supplies and decorations, but for this one there are a few extra things to have handy. You only get one first birthday and the day can never be recreated. With this in mind, we need to have a few cameras on board. Make sure batteries are charged and memory cards are empty to allow maximum pictures. Diapers will be an absolute necessity, especially when inviting guests that have babies as well.

In the excitement of coming to the party, parents often forget diapers for their own kids (we did!), and when in need, a mid size diaper can fit almost all babies. One other must have item would be cleaning supplies and paper products. There will be spills and accidents, not to mention a messy baby after cake diving! Be sure to have extra paper towels and cleaner in house to clean up with.

As for party supplies, I find that a theme ties everything together and makes it easier to decorate. You can come up with your own, or observe what your baby likes. Is she entranced with Elmo? You now know to get an Elmo cake and use red streamers and balloons. Perhaps he loves Barney – go with purple. There’s no shortage of ideas, and once you have your theme, you can then order or make decorations, the invites and the cake to put everything together.

Party Assistants

Any party with young children and lots of people will often result in confusion. Safety is important with this party – never be afraid to ask for help. Call ahead and get a few parents and friends to help with the party planning and decor. It will be a better event if there are a few people that know exactly what that plan for the day is and know where people can and can’t go to ensure the safety of the young ones playing around during the party. If there are older children attending the party, ask them to help with watching the younger kids. They can also help put things away and clean up during the party.

The best part about this first birthday party is to focus on the celebration of your baby’s life. Regardless of anything else, make sure the special day is focused on that. Happy Birthday baby!

Get the Little Ones Off to Sleep With These Top Tips

Guest post: This post was written by Sophie Baker-Britton on behalf of My Duvet and Pillow, specialists in expertly crafted down duvets and pillows for children and adults alike.

Many parents will be familiar with the challenges faced when putting your child to bed at night; from temper tantrums to simply not being able to drift off, energy levels and patience quickly diminish in light of this nightly occurrence. If you are looking for solutions that aid your child’s sleeping pattern, there are many avenues to explore, from the purchase of down duvets to enhance comfort, to the implementation of a reward chart based upon night time routines. Read on as these tried and tested methods are discussed, providing you with the inspiration you need to ensure a great night’s sleep for all.

Tip One – High Quality Bedding

It’s amazing what a difference expertly designed duvets and pillows can do to help a child drift off to sleep with ease. Bedding made from natural materials is the ideal choice as they help to regulate body temperature thanks to their breathable properties. Goose down traps more air than other fillings which in turn reduces the amount of down needed to create a comfortable temperature. This means your child can climb into bed without being weighed down by heavy bedding and also remains at a comfortable temperature throughout the night.

Temperature control plays a vital role in aiding your child’s sleep, which is why choosing a lightweight duvet with enhanced thermal performance will certainly reduce the chances of your child waking throughout the night.

Tip Two – Create a Beautiful Bedroom

Getting your child excited about their bedroom is a significant step towards a peaceful night. Take the time to ask your child what they think would make their bedroom truly special and use your own creativity to come up with a design they will love. From a fairyland to a creepy-crawly extravaganza, make sure your child’s bedroom is a reflection of everything they love to encourage them to spend time in there.

Tip Three – Implement a Reward Chart

This is a fantastic tip for those in need of a little extra help when getting the children into bed and off to sleep. Establish a set routine that incorporates everything your child does in the run up to saying goodnight and document this on a brightly coloured chart. Star stickers can be used when your child has completed each part, from putting their pyjamas on without argument to brushing their teeth well. Tell your child that the final star will be added in the morning once they have stayed in their own bed without fuss for the night.

Take the time to explain the chart to your child and discuss a suitable reward for them, such as a family activity or a sweet treat. It is advisable to start the chart on a Sunday and explain that a reward will be given on the following Saturday if they have achieved a week of good night time behaviour.

With patience and determination, you can lead the way to a restful night’s sleep for the whole family. Every parent can sympathise with the ease of giving in, but making a few changes and remaining strong will lead to you reaping the benefits in the end. Give these top tips a go and see the difference they can make to your child’s night time behaviour.

6 Tips for Buying a Double Stroller

Six Things to Pay Attention to When Shopping for the Best Double Stroller

Guest Post:  John O’Brian is a twin as well as a father of a set of twins.  He enjoys researching products for twins that make life easier and simpler.  Check out his recommendations about the best double strollers for twins.

When buying a double stroller there are many important features to consider. All of them require attention; however, I believe that if you pay particular consideration to these six things you will have a better chance of buying the best double stroller that you could.

1. Car Seat Adaptability – This is very important for those who are on the go. Whether you have twins or have a toddler and newborn, you will need to be able to run basic errands like going to the store. This can be quite a hassle and extremely stressful. Time spent transferring your child or children from carriage to car seat and back wastes precious moments that you can use more effectively. Many double strollers today have the ability to have at least one car seat snap directly into the stroller. What this does it simply allow you to transfer the child while still in the car seat into your car and then back again.
2. The Weight of the Stroller- Stroller weight is important because you will be lifting it quite a bit. Whether you lift it to go into the house, or list it in and out of the car, you will have to flex your muscles quite a bit. Now I am all in favor of a good workout, it promotes healthy living but I think that is more suited to your local gym.  I will note that I was surprised to learn that a bigger stroller does not equate to weighing more. For example, the combi twin sport weighs a little over 22 pounds but holds up to 55 pounds. The baby jogger, who is more quipped for workouts and rough surfaces and is comparably more bulky, should weigh much more. Surprisingly it actually weighs 21 pounds but can hold up to 100 pounds.
3. Wheels- While this really depends on the type of stroller you by, there are things I would want in a double stroller that I have found to be quite helpful. Do the wheels swivel? This allows for great mobility. Important in preventing the stroller from constantly being stuck. You may also want wheel locks. Depending on the model it can be on each individual wheel, front wheels or the back wheels.  I prefer having it in the front at a minimum so the stroller does not roll down when the slope surfaces. The last thing you want is to have your children get out of the stroller and you go into the house. When you come out moments later, it is down the block or in the street just waiting for the oncoming traffic to run it over.
4. Stroller width- The width is something that at first glance may not make it to this list. However, I feel this is extremely important because it can make the difference between a stress free outing and one that leaves you drained and upset. Imagine going to your local grocery and going to the door only to realize you do not fit through the door. Besides the embarrassing look you would have, you would then need to move and push and wiggle your way either into or out of the store. If you were brave enough to go in, you would then need to do the same thing on your way out. That very well may be the last time you go out until your kids get a little older. Now imagine you had a stroller that was a bit narrower. You would fit through most doors without issue and run your errand as you always have. That is why the width of the stroller is on the list.
5. Stroller Fold- This is really more of a personal preference. There are two primary types of ways to fold your double stroller.  The majority of strollers tend to fold in half. The minority of double strollers fold in three. I have had both kinds and for storage purposes am more of a fan of those that fold in three. Do not be intimidated by the strollers that fold in three. Today’s models such as the combi twin sport have made this quite quick. They have a three-second fold that does just what it says. It allows you to fold in three seconds flat and put the stroller directly into your house or car.
6. The Handle Bars – The final thing to consider when looking for the best double stroller you can get is the handlebars. Again, this is personal preference. There are those models that have one long bar and others that have two. I prefer the double stroller with one handlebar. The reason is that if you have shopping bags you can easily tie them to the top of the stroller. If you had two separate bars the bags would slide down and fall off, or you would have nowhere to tie them in the first place. The second reason I like one bar over two is that you have more control over the stroller.

Overall, there are a number of factors when buying a double stroller. These are just a few of them. I do hope this was helpful and even if it simply served as a starting point to get you, thinking about what you want in a double stroller then that is great.

Why Kids Should Travel

Five Reasons Why Travel Experiences are Essential for Young Kids

The meaning of “local” is changing. About a century ago, most children grew up with an idea of local that was restricted to their city limits, or the farthest end of Main Street. Today, the whole world is starting to become its own “locality”. It’s not so hard to go to another city on a whim. Heck, it’s not even so hard to go to another country if you really wanted to! The far-off is becoming the new “local”. In light of this new reality, I believe it’s important for us to offer our kids as many experiences of their greater global neighborhood as possible, even while they are still young. Here are top five reasons why:

1. Kids learn that movement is possible. When I was growing up, our vacations consisted of visiting places that were within a few hours of home. These trips were great (and no shame if that’s what you’re into), but as I grew older I began to feel that those far-off places on the map or on TV were inaccessible. Travel seemed to be something impossible or reserved for the wealthy. While plane tickets, visas, and lodging do come with a cost, it teaches your kids that they CAN get out into the world, and that they CAN experience the places that they have only heard about.

2. Kids begin to develop social-cultural understandings. This is huge. I got my degree in International Studies, and one of the biggest obstacles to truly appreciating diversity that I identified within myself and my classmates was the inability to determine what was an absolute value, and what was just a cultural preference. This was extra pronounced when studying controversial people, places, or systems of government/belief. Those of my classmates that had seen the world (or even small parts of it) seemed to have a better grid for looking at foreign ideas or concepts because their “local” was not just the American South, or the Northeast, or their hometown. They understood that the world was a big place, and that they have to be careful in making harsh judgments.

3. Kids are confronted with other languages. I heard a great joke recently on this topic: What do you call a person who speaks two languages? Bilingual. And, what do you call a person who speaks only one language? American! It’s funny and sad at the same time, I guess. Travel experiences, however, begin to dissolve a child’s belief that their language is somehow superior, or better than all the others. In fact, language teachers have found that, the younger the student, the easier it is for them to learn new languages. If you desire for your children to become multilingual, getting them out into the world while they are young is a great start!

4. Kids learn to develop confidence in unfamiliar places. Moving to the city when I graduated from college was a disorienting experience. I had literally spent my entire life in suburban America, and was surrounded with people that looked like me, talked like me, and lived in similar houses to mine. As a result, I was incredibly unsettled in my new home. Everything seemed like a threat, and every person seemed to know that I was out of place (which, actually wasn’t true; I just felt that way). Traveling to diverse places while kids are young, and their prejudice/discernment is minimal, can help remove this sense of discomfort in the face of unfamiliarity. These experiences will help them develop into more confident and adaptable people who can make the most of their circumstances.

5. They may undergo their own worldview transformation. According to legend, Siddartha Gautama (who Buddhists refer to as the Buddha, or “Enlightened One”) grew up in a palace as the son of a king. Until he was 29 years old, the palace was his whole world. That is, until he decided to go out and meet the people that would become his subjects. He saw several things that deeply challenged his current worldview, which was that everybody lived like him. As a result of his findings, he developed a profound sense of purpose for his life. Regardless of what we think about Siddartha, his story is very revealing (as I understand it, Bill Gates had a similar experience). Our children would benefit from stepping out into the world and seeing what it is truly like. We all want our kids to succeed and do important things; to do good things. Some of the most influential people in the world did what they did because of a well-developed worldview. Simple travel experiences do just that in kid’s lives.

Author Bio: Ethan S. writes on behalf of MoroccoTours.org. Plan your life changing excursion to one of the most culturally and geographically diverse nations in the world!

Summer Fun with The Kids

Guest post by Liz at Playsmart UK, who install safety surfacing for children’s play
areas.

There is a wealth of games and activities to enjoy with your children this year-
don’t feel daunted by the stretch of school holidays, this is an opportunity to
make the most of your time together. There are family days out to be had, or
plenty of pastimes to keep the little ones entertained over the summer. Here are
just a few suggestions:

Outdoor Play

The summer months mean long, hot afternoons in the garden or local park, if
you don’t have any outside space at the house. Children generally love to get
involved with nature, so why not let them grow their own plants? Sunflowers
are relatively easy to grow and children can compete to have the tallest. Apart
from this, there is bird watching to enjoy, drawing in nature or just making daisy
chains. If you want to invest in outdoor play equipment, climbing frames, slides
or a simple sand pit are firm favorites.

Traditional Games

Bring the fun of the school playground home for the holidays- let the kids invite
some friends round and play some games. ‘Tag” is a perennial choice, but
try “What’s the Time Mr. Wolf?” “Duck, Duck, Goose” or “Hide and Seek”. Children
love it when adults take the time to be silly- plus, the energy used up means
bedtime is easier!

Zoo Trips

Take kids to the zoo and help them learn about animals. Conservation programs
are often based at zoos and baby animals are often born in the spring and
summer months. Seeing the younger animals is often very educational, besides
which they are very cute!

Picnics

The freedom to pack up a hamper full of food and a blanket is something you
don’t have in the winter, so enjoy it while you can. Take jam sandwiches, fairy
cakes and other items of your child’s favorite food- and mealtimes become fun!
Just make sure to take juice boxes rather than cups for juice and squash- spilt
drinks are a haven for ants and wasps!

So there you have just a small taste of what’s on offer – but all you need to do is
keep an eye out for local events for families and you’ll be surprised at what else
pops up. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

Giving Kids Confidence While Growing Up

One of the best things that you can do as a parent is to help your child develop into a healthy, confident adult. As a bonus, it’s also inexpensive to do. Lots of hugs and kisses, compliments on jobs well done and an ear ready to listen won’t cost you a cent. No matter what age your child is, here are some ideas to help you give them confidence at their present stage of life.

Babies

Practicing attachment parenting is a great way to start your child’s life. When they are carried in a sling on your body, fed when they signal that they are hungry and are responded to promptly when other needs arise, they start to learn that they are important and that their needs will be met.

• Respond to Their Needs Consistently and Quickly
Children thrive on routine and consistency. Make some simple rituals for feeding, changing times and bed times so that the child learns what happens next. If you can’t respond to them immediately, talk to them while you are finishing your task and let them know what you are doing and that you will be there in a moment.

• Share In Their Enthusiasm and Excitement in Learning
There’s not a parent out there who doesn’t get tired of playing peek-a-boo, but the game does wonders for your baby’s confidence. Once he gets the hang of it, he is encouraged to try over and over because of his previous success.

Toddlers

As your child reaches his toddler years, he is more capable of taking care of himself, like putting on clothes, and helping in the house by picking up toys. Toddlers also begin to master critical thinking and also can be very emotional. It’s important for parents to model confidence and how to handle their feelings since the children will emulate what they see.

• Give Your Child Simple Household Tasks To Complete
Kids love helping out and, when trained to do tasks properly, the parents will benefit from their child’s enthusiasm to help. Start with one or two simple tasks and model the steps for your child. If you find him cleaning the sink with his sock, explain that this is not a good choice and remind him where to find the cleaning rags. When he’s done, compliment him on a job well done.

• Support Them in Trying New Things
This is a period of great learning and accomplishment. If your child wants to carry his own plate to the table, let him try. When an accident happens, help them clean up and talk about why it happened; don’t scold them, just educate them.

Elementary School

Children can easily start to lose confidence when they start school since there will be pressure to get good grades and be well liked. Don’t label your child; it’s possibly the worst thing you can do. Acknowledge their success and help them to become better in the areas in which they struggle.

• Invite Friends To Your Home
In this way you can see what’s going on in your child’s life and see how the other kids influence him. You can also set an example by your actions, something other kid’s might not get from their own parents.

Adolescence

This is a trying time for some families. Help your child to express his feelings through talking or writing. Keeping them to themselves is not helpful to becoming a confident teen.

• Family Discussions
This is a time where it’s very important to have family meals together so that your child can talk, ask questions and you can give advice.

• Help Them to See Their Value
When your child is experiencing a down day, help them make a list of all the things they excel at and how they add to your family and their school.

Emma Martin is an avid garage sale fan, regularly scouring her city for unique finds and great deals. Weirdest thing she ever bought at a yard sale: a dinner plate with George W. Bush’s picture covering it. She is a content contributor for YardSaleSearch.com.

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