Children Archives - Page 24 of 39

Fun & Cool ways to teach Kids about Nature

October 16, 2017 by admin

There’s nothing better you can do for your kids than helping them understand how the world they live in works. Mother Nature is all around us, so it’s good to protect her as much as we can. And since kids love to use games to learn, here’s how playing can help them develop a better understanding of the world.

Take them outside

You can’t teach children about nature if you’re not going outside, right? So it’s good to plan different sorts of outdoor activities even from a very young age, like a few months. An infant, just like a toddler or an older child will adore playing with the grass, discovering new sounds, smells, and textures.

Hiking is a great activity and you can start doing that immediately after a child learns how to walk. Taking them in such hiking trips will help them understand rules as well as see different landscapes and ecosystems.

Now’s your chance to explain how volcanoes work, how glacial landforms appear as well as to discuss the fauna and vegetation of a certain place. You should also take the time to answer the children’s questions as they go. Don’t be afraid to explore either, particularly if you get the best survival watch. The children will love this new adventure, and you can get plenty of learning opportunities.

Play “what if” games

Allow your children to make up stories about the things they see. That enhances their imagination, helping them make better correlations between the things they see outside. Storytelling helps connects different plants, animals, and landforms, and the kids are doing all the guesswork.

For example, you can hike on a mountain with abrupt, calcareous cliffs, little vegetation, and scarce water sources. So ask the children how they think evergreen trees or mountain goats can withstand in this type of terrain. Ask them how they think these mountains got to have these steep cliffs in the first place and if they can find a link to the weather.

You can actually start by personifying a certain animal you see on your way, like Roger the Badger or Annie the Deer. What are their stories? Where do they live? What do they eat? What skills do they have? All these games will help kids remember more about the things they see.

Help them collect things

Collecting some of the most important things on a hike is like having a memento of all the great stuff they saw. Of course, you can always take lots of photos as well, so you can connect the dots and have the story of your hike.

You can gather leafs from the trees you saw on your way, and attach printed photos of those trees with a few background information for each. You can do the same with pebbles, snail shells or feathers.

After each trip in the wilderness, you’ll get an album that your kids can revisit anytime they want to. They can also add new information to this album, new photos as they visit the same reservation again, or start a new album from scratch.

You can also build toys from the things you collect. If you collect enough chestnuts, for instance, you can paint their white parts in different colors then use the chestnuts for various games that require teams or keeping a score.

Sleep under the open sky

If you want to combine the children’s sense of adventure with stories, awe, and mystery, then spending a few nights outside is the thing to do. You can teach kids how to set up their shelters for the night, how to build a campfire and how to make sure this doesn’t spread out into a wildfire.

You get an invaluable chance of looking at the night’s sky, to admire the stars and moon, but also to teach children a bit about galaxies, constellations named after the Ancient Gods or more advanced things like black matter, black holes and the origins of the Universe.

Teach them survival skills

This is another great way to teach them how they can interact with nature. It’s good that kids learn all sorts of information and trivia about animals, plants, and landscape, but it’s even better if they learn how to use all these facts.

The first thing children should know is how they can take care of their equipment. And since it’s not always wise for them or for you to pack a ginormous backpack, it’s great to find out how to choose and use versatile items.

For instance, you can teach them how to waterproof boots, so they can wear them in different weather. You can also teach them how to make knots that hold, how to set up a tent or improvise a shelter when they have no tent. Learning how to use a map and compass to find their location is another very useful skill to have outdoors.

Get them a pet

It’s great if you can take kids outdoors in Natural Reservations or in safaris so they can see the wildlife around them. But it’s also a good idea for the kids to have a pet, whether at home or a class pet.

That will teach them how to take care of another living being, what that pet eats, when it sleeps, and how it interacts with the world around it. If you decide to get an ant farm, this teaches children certain information about working together. Or you can help them make such a cool dwelling place for ants on their own, it’s likely they’ll feel more invested in the ants’ lives this way.

What will you do?

With so many wonderful activities you can do with your children, the ones we’ve discussed are just the tip of the iceberg. But at least you have an idea of how you can combine stores and games to raise the kids’ curiosity so they’ll want to find out more about Nature and what it can offer us.

Author Bio

Rebecca lives in USA, but loves hiking all over the world. Her favorite is Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. It usually takes 16 days, but she likes to slow down, enjoy mountains, company of other adventurers and take more pictures, so it took her 28 days last time. Another of her passion is the ocean, so all short and long hikes along the ocean shore bring a lot of joy. She also writes for HikingMastery.com.

Choose The Best Baby Food For Your Baby

October 12, 2017 by admin

When we talk about feeding baby food to babies, most mothers will desire for their babies to be fed home cooked baby food. For mothers who are not working, preparing home cooked food for their babies is of no big issue. They have the time to shop for the freshest natural food including fruits and vegetables. They can then prepare the food in batches, pack and store them in small portions in the freezer. There are some working mothers who will make extra effort to make their own home cooked baby food for their babies this way. This can be very tiring for mothers who worked long hours away from home.

For mothers who are not able to prepare home cooked baby food, they have no choice but to depend on commercial baby food. There are many brands of baby food displayed on the shelves of supermarkets or shopping malls for the mothers to choose from. Compared to home cooked baby food, buying commercial baby food is very convenient.

We all have heard or read that mass-produced baby food is not hundred percent natural. In order to produce baby food commercially, the natural food has to be processed, bottled or packed for distribution. Commercially produced baby food contains additives e.g. rice flour, water, citrus acid and etc. Salt and sugar are also added to the mass produced baby food.

With advanced technology and increase of knowledge, we know that manufacturers of commercially prepared baby food are aiming to produce baby food with quality as near as possible to the best natural baby food prepared by mothers. Amara is one of these baby food that is ranked 2^nd this year. Amara baby food is known for using fresh and nutritious ingredients. The fruits and vegetables used are organic and pesticide free. The preparation technique used retains the essential nutrients and goodness of the natural fruits and vegetables and with the minimal addition of sugar.

For mothers who are looking for safe and nutritious baby food, Amara baby food is one of the best options. The baby food come in pouches and each pouches is enough for one meal. The pouches are packed in boxes. They are packed for easy storing and handy for travelling. The shelf life is around 12 – 18 months. Preparation of the baby food is simple. Just add breast milk, baby formula or water. Then mix into a smooth paste and it is ready for your baby to eat.

Keys To Teaching Your Children Responsibility

October 9, 2017 by admin

Responsibility is one of those words that every parent knows all too well. As a mother or father, you have a lot of obligations and tasks to attend to each day. You realize that your children are growing up and also need to learn more about taking charge.

While you want to help them succeed, you know it’s not healthy to do it all for them. There comes a time when they must learn for themselves how to survive in a chaotic world. There’s no magic formula, so it’s up to you to educate yourself on best practices. See keys to teaching your children responsibility.

Start Young

Don’t be afraid to start teaching your children responsibility at a young age. Ask them to make their bed, pick up their toys and soon they’ll be making lunch for themselves. Begin helping them to stand on their own two feet from a very young age. They’ll thank you for it later in life when they can function on their own and know what to do to take care of themselves. Springing this idea on your child when they’re in high school will be difficult, and you’ll regret not guiding them earlier on.

Delegate Tasks

Have your children help you with certain duties, but then start delegating tasks as they age. Assign them chores and have them help out with the dog. For example, have your children help you apply Pet Lock best flea control for dogs and explain why it’s so important for their health. Show them where the food is and how much to feed the pet each day. Let them own specific chores around the house that make them feel good about themselves and happy to have helped you out.

Praise them

Remember to continue to praise your children and tell them what a great job they’re doing. They won’t know it unless you verbally express it to them. Pat them on the back when you see your kids following through on a task and completing chores you didn’t even ask them to do. Reward them by letting them help you with bigger and more adult responsibilities that they’ll feel special collaborating with you on. Pay attention to what they’re doing around the house and have a conversation with them about how proud you are, instead of assigning your children tasks and brushing them off.

Practice Patience

Teaching your kids responsibility is a process. It’s not going to happen overnight and won’t necessarily catch on right away. Be patient with your children and let them make mistakes. Be there to model good behavior and invite them to try again without judgment. Teach and guide them to success by keeping calm and showing them what they’ve done wrong. You want your kids to come to you with questions, instead of hiding mishaps from you.

Conclusion

Teaching your children responsibility isn’t an easy task. Do your best and give you and your kids a break when it doesn’t go as planned. These are keys to teaching your children responsibility.

Recognising the Signs of Mental Health in Young People

September 21, 2017 by admin

A recent study has revealed that 1 in 10 children, between the ages of 5-16 suffer from a mental health condition. This is a shocking statistic, and equates to around 3 children in every classroom. If this is true, then why aren’t we doing more to help?

The truth is that so many of us are unable to differentiate between bad behaviour or young age and potential mental health problems. We need to take it upon ourselves to familiarise ourselves with the conditions and signs and set into motion a support system for those who need us.

So many children are being left undiagnosed and untreated, so whether you’re a caregiver, parent, foster parent or teacher, it’s important to be able to help these children out.

This infographic was created by www.lorimerfostering.com

Changes in behaviour:

It’s completely natural for children to push the boundaries and your patience when they are growing up, this is part of the learning process. When you say no, it can often be difficult to process and accept, which leads to acting out, this is completely normal. There is a real difference between learning right and wrong and how to behave correctly, and those who suffer from behavioural problems or other mental illnesses. Acting out can be a learning stage, which is nothing more than a passing phase; whereas if a child continuously acts out and misbehaves, with no real impact when reprimanded, then this is a big red flag.

If a child’s behaviour changes drastically, or they seem out of control, then it’s in their best interest to seek advice from a medical professional. Some of the most common symptoms are being aggressive, fighting with other children, and continuously trying to distract people at school. As a parent, it can be equally frustrating to be making no progress and to continually have to deal with a child who misbehaves, but it’s necessary to remain strong and to empathise with how your child is feeling.

Recognise the signs:

The signs can often be staring you in the face, but as this is new territory, it can be easy to dismiss them. It’s obviously easier to be able to recognise any sign with your own child, as the way they think, act and behave, is ingrained into you. Whether you’re a teacher, a child minder, or you have decided to foster a child, then it can be less apparent and it’s easier to dismiss the signs. If these symptoms of mental illness seem familiar to you, then you must ask your child about their feelings and behaviour and make them feel safe, understood and that you are there to help.

What to do next:

Educate yourself: Make sure that you are fully educated about the warning signs and ways to help people who suffer from mental health before you start to try and educate others. In order for you to be able to correctly communicate with the child’s caregivers or mental health professionals, or even to be able to help and child understand themselves, it’s important for you to be aware of the correct terms to use, what symptoms to look out for, the possible causes and also how to act.

Create awareness: By building up awareness of mental health around a school, at a social club, play group or any other place, you reduce the stigma attached to it. This means that students and children will be more likely to open up and come to terms with their feelings. Creating a safe space where feelings and troubles can be discussed, will mean that a child is more likely to open up about a subject. This is also a good way of introducing the symptoms to children so they themselves can become aware of symptoms and even recognise them themselves.

Speaking with a child: If you recognise any of the warning signs of mental illness within a child, whether they are your own or one of your students etc. it could be beneficial keep a diary of their symptoms, to ensure that they are. Having a record will allow you to spot any trends, show the reasons that have led you to believe there may be a problem, and that you haven’t just jumped to conclusions. Remember to be positive by reiterating things they’ve achieved and positive qualities before discussing your concerns. It’s also very important not to label them with any terms that could indicate a diagnosis, and instead stick to the symptoms.

Speak to someone: You need to take time to stop and think about how this is affecting you. Although the child in question and their family will be going through a stressful time, you are also likely to put a lot of strain on yourself. Rather than concealing your feelings or thoughts it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional, who will be able to help diagnose or rule out any potential conditions.

Experience Enchantment and Ecstasy at Disney World

September 13, 2017 by admin

It’s magical, moving, and a must see. Disney World holds so many wonders for people of all ages, it’s a great experience, and has left all its visitors wanting to return again and again. It’s a place where boys and girls see their most loved movie characters come to life, and where adults relive fond childhood memories. See a phenomenal picture of this multinational mass media company at this resplendent resort: take the kids to Disney World, and have the time of your lives. Here’s some things to see while you’re there.

Magic Kingdom Park

This is the first of the 4 theme parks opened at Walt Disney, and is suitably named, because it is truly a magical experience. Children, and adults, have been able to behold some of the most cherished, and memorable Disney characters, from Mickey Mouse to Cinderella. Electrifying and exhilarating entertainment is on offer each day at the theme park, and they surely won’t leave you disappointed.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a popular ride in the park. It’s both a haunting and hilarious experience all in one. It depicts a haunted goldmine, wrapped up in legend stories of supernatural forces within the caverns. Grab all the family, and jump on board for a evocative journey.

One of the most identifiable buildings, as you enter the theme park, is Cinderella’s fairy tale palace. A glowing, and intricate, brick structure with blue tips, not only lights up its structure, but the emotions of all who come across it. The wonderful love story of Cinderella has stayed in the hearts of many throughout all generations, and now you can step into this storybook adventure yourself.

Epcot

Twice the size of Magic Kingdom Park, this 300 acre theme park is a place where you can let your imagination run wild. Get the feel for what it would be like to travel around the world on land or sea, in a place where countries are united. Its truly a sight to behold, and to celebrate by being amazed and entertained by all its wonders.

In Epcot, you can be enthralled and enlightened at the same time, one of the attractions you can do this in is The Circle Of Life. Be captivated by these classic film characters from Lion King, as they share important lessons about the environment. Let Simba set you straight on your surroundings, as he teaches some important facts to Timon and Pumbaa.

Let your emotions come to life with a visit to Headquarters where you can meet the highly entertaining characters, Joy and Sadness, from the recent Disney Pixar film Inside Out. Capture a moment with them and gain a feel of what it’s like inside Riley’s head. The options of what to do at Epcot are inexhaustible.

Dine With Disney

Make sure you don’t missed out on the host of places to eat while you’re at the resort. You could enjoy a storybook dining experience at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, where you meet the Disney Princesses, in a building with the ambiance of a castle and cathedral combined. Or enjoy eating the old fashioned way at the 50’s Prime Time Cafe, American comfort food at its best. There’s plenty of other places you could enjoy a good meal at Disney, so fill your tummy as well as your imagination.