children Archives - Page 17 of 18

How to Choose a Summer Camp for Your Child

February 24, 2017 by admin

If you want your child to have a fantastic time this summer, then you need to start looking for summer camps now. One example of an excellent summer camp can be found on http://preschoolfunland.com/our-programs/junior-summer-camp/. However, the internet will only tell you so many things, and since you will be entrusting your child to the group leaders at a summer camp, it is likely that you will have a few other questions. This is true whether you want to send your child to Preschool Fun Land or to any other camp. This is why it is recommended that you think about what your most important outcome is for your child.

Possible Outcomes

Most preschool camps have a focus on a particular outcome with their children, but they touch on all of them. If you know which one is most important to you, you will also be better equipped to choose the right program. Key focus areas are:

Pursuing a passion.
Skill development.
Relaxing.
Making friends.
Being a child.
Learning something new.
Academic challenge.
Trying a wide variety of activities.
Family time.
Gaining independence.
Building social skills.
Travel.

When you consider what your decision is, you have to do some introspection to think about why you are picking a certain focus. Is it:

Because you really want this focus?
Because someone else thinks that it is best for your child?
Because it is what your child wants?

One issue that may also help you cut your shortlist down significantly is that of location. People tend to send their children to camps that fall into one of two categories:

The convenience of being very nearby, which means that there are little associated travel costs, and that someone can come if anything goes wrong.
The experience of going to a completely new destination.

There is no right or wrong in this answer, only a right or wrong for you and your child. Do take location into consideration, focusing again on what you believe is best for your child. And remember to involve your child in that decision.

Remember that children are only children for a very short period of time, and they need to be able to enjoy it. When you consider that they will spend between one and eight weeks at camp, it is important that your child will have an opportunity to build positive memories. Before you know it, they will be all grown up and there will be no more need for any kind of summer camp!

Now, you should be ready to start looking for the camp of your choice. This may seem overwhelming, because there are so many options out there. However, if you have determined what your focus is (and that your child agrees with that focus), you should be able to narrow your list down significant. If you feel a bit overloaded, then you need to simply take a step back and wait a couple of hours.

Bringing Your Child to Work: Great Ways to Keep Them Busy and Out of Trouble

February 17, 2017 by admin

Oct. 30, 2015 "This is the first time the same child has made two appearances in the Year in Photos. But it was difficult to not again include Ella Rhodes, daughter of Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes, after the President lifted her in her elephant costume that she was wearing for a Halloween event at the White House." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House. — Source

Your child minder let you down, the kid’s school is closed due to bad weather; sometimes it’s necessary to bring small children to work with you. What you don’t need is for them to get bored and start whining or running around the office disturbing all your co-workers. What you do need is some ideas to keep them busy and out of trouble while you get through your workday. Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Inspire Their Creativity

Children love creative task so why not get your kid to color you a picture with the Coloring Book for Me & Mandala app? This app can be downloaded to any mobile device and provides hours of coloring fun without the need for paper and pens. The app has a great selection of pictures to color, including: people, places, birds, animals, flowers, geometric designs, and mandalas so kids won’t get bored. With more than 25 color plates to choose from, kids can really go to town. To color, just pick a shade and touch an area of the image. It’s than simple.

Get them Thinking

Kiko’s Thinking Time: Cognitive Training for Children’s Brains will give your kids a stimulating mental workout. This collection of games is designed for kids age 5 and under, to help them to develop concentration, reasoning skills and memory. They are encouraged to develop an eye for detail by matching colors, shapes, animals and objects. The free app allows children to complete one level per day. Parents can purchase unlimited access in one month, three month and annual time periods.

Stimulate Young Scientists

Designed for budding Einsteins, Thinkrolls 2 logic puzzles brings science concepts like electricity, force and density into play. With two settings, easy and hard, you can set levels for preschoolers and older children. You can also set accounts for up to six separate users with customized levels. Each time kids complete a level, they’ll have a new character to play with.

Explore with Robots

Tinybop’s Robot Factory is a unique app for early elementary school-age kids, which allows them to explore, design and interact with mazes, quirky characters, a rolling ball platform game and other thought provoking challenges. Kids will have to concentrate to keep their Thinkrolls gliding, rolling and teleporting using basic physics to guide them through themed levels.

Have Fun With Numbers

Motion Math: Cupcake! In this simulation game, kids are encouraged to build a cupcake delivery shop. They will need to design cupcakes, buy ingredients, set prices and deliver the goods to customers. Kids have to get used to being the boss, dealing with customers, handling word problems, helping the business grow and using match and strategy to make a profit.

Whether your office is at home or elsewhere, keeping children engaged when you have to take them to work with you will mean that they will be happy and you have a more productive day.

Samantha McLean is a working Mother who has 2 sons. She writes about parenting when you work and other family lifestyle topics.

Master the Cash Class: Great Money Lessons Your Kids Will Never Forget

February 14, 2017 by admin

Source

Many of the lessons you learn in your formative years will often stay with you for the rest of your life, which is why it is so important to teach your kids about money so that they can become financially savvy adults.

Here are some insights and tips on the basics of financial management that you should be trying to instill within your child’s psyche from an early age. There is a look at the importance of teaching them financial lessons, ways to encourage a savings habit, and why what you do with money will shape their future habits.

No one wants to be financially illiterate

We are taught how to read and write at school as well as basic math skills but one thing that seems to be sadly lacking in the educational curriculum is some lessons on how to handle money when you are an adult.

The only way your children are going to find out about how bank accounts work, how to use credit cards and how to build a good credit profile, is if they find out for themselves or you take the trouble to teach them.

Teaching them early is the preferable option as it means that they have a better chance of avoiding some financial mistakes along the way as part of their learning curve.

There is a good chance that you have made some financial mistakes in your life that you learned from, so it makes a lot of sense to impart this wisdom to the next generation and give your kids the chance of a head start, by understanding what they are doing with their money from the get-go.

Get them into the savings habit

Starting kids off early with a piggy bank is a great way of teaching them the discipline of saving for something they want and understanding that you can’t always have everything straight away.

Most children feel really pleased with themselves when they see all those dollars they put away from gifts and doing chores, turn into a sizeable sum of money that is enough to buy what they have been saving up for.

Encourage your children from an early age to develop a savings habit and it there is a good chance that it will stick with them when they are adults.

Lead by example

Your children will learn a lot of their life skills from you and it is down to you to try and set a good example.

If your finances are a bit chaotic and you don’t often have any second thoughts about using your credit card to pay for meals out or the groceries, there is an increased risk that your children will copy this attitude and could result in them overspending and running into trouble.

If you have a stack of credit cards in your wallet, one solution could be to transfer all of your balances to one card to gain better control. Another good idea would be to try and show some restraint with your spending on these cards and talk to your kids about how interest rate charges work when you borrow money in this way and don’t pay it all back on the due date.

Money doesn’t grow on trees

How many times did you hear your parents say that to you?

The fundamental point to get across to your children is that money has to be earned and doesn’t just get given to them. If they grasp that concept and develop a healthy respect for money because they have had to earn it by doing some chores around the house, this can only be a good lesson for when they have to fend for themselves as an adult.

Sam Bentley has 3 kids; 2 sons and 1 daughter and he is intent on raising them to be honest, well-rounded individuals who can stand on their own 2 feet in life.

10 Tips on How to Prevent Obesity in Your Child

January 24, 2017 by admin

Did you know that Trust for America’s Health estimates that by the year 2030, 44% of Americans will likely be obese? Also, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention expects that 42% of Americans will have Body Mass Index levels indicating they are overweight. Further, given that 42% to 63% of overweight high school kids are likely to be obese as adults, as a concerned parent, you would want to learn how to prevent obesity in your kids. Childhood is the perfect time to inculcate healthy eating and exercise habits so that they can avoid obesity and the common medical issues that accompany it into adulthood.

Causes of Obesity in Kids

To raise healthy kids and potentially fit adults, you must first understand the root causes of obesity. Accordingly, you can work out how to prevent the condition in your family. Results of a study established in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine reveal that kids are most likely to be overweight because of various issues that range from genetic propensity and unhealthy habits to environmental factors.

Genetic Factors: Your kids’ individual genetic makeup and the traits they inherit from their parents can affect their propensity to gain weight. They may also inherently have a slower metabolism that results in their body storing fat instead of expending it to get energy. How the body stores fat is yet another factor that genes control.
Unhealthy Eating Habits: While genes do play a significant role, your kids’ diet can also affect their weight. Too many sugary foods and beverages and other high-energy items can cause weight gain when kids are consuming more calories than they burn with physical activity.
Lack of Adequate Playtime: If your children are spending too much time in front of the television or with other devices like tablets and computers, they could start to gain weight. Eating unhealthy snacks in front of the television and the influence of advertisements that encourage the consumption of sugary foods can also add to the problem.
Environment at Home: The typical meals that you cook and serve at home are the first lessons you can give your child on how to prevent obesity. If you regularly exercise and watch what you eat, your child will also pick up the same habits.
Accessibility to Parks and Playgrounds: If your neighborhood or community does not have any parks where your kids can play, they may be forced to spend time indoors and consequently, gain weight.

Tip No. 1 – Protect Your Kids from Obesity Before Birth

Interestingly, you can start caring for your kids’ health even before they are born. Studies have shown that maintaining an optimum weight all through your adult years ensures that you have fitter children. You must also gain only the prescribed weight during your pregnancy and keep a careful watch on your diet and exercise regimens. The precautions you take will help you avoid gestational diabetes and prevent the possibility of diabetes in your kids when they become adults. Work with your doctor and request for a diet program that will help you keep your weight down. Also, ask about any other information on how to prevent obesity.

Additional Tips to Prevent Obesity

Here are some ideas on how to prevent obesity in your kids. Keep them in mind when planning their meals.

Watch Their Diet: Restrict the amount of sugary and high-energy foods that they consume and substitute them with low-fat dairy products, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and healthy fats and carbohydrates. Make sure they get adequate protein in their diet.
Watch the Portion Sizes: Serve appropriate portions, but don’t allow overeating.
Have Fixed Family Mealtimes: Get the whole family to be present at dinner. This time is great for bonding with the kids and encouraging healthy eating habits.
Keep Them Hydrated: Encourage them to drink lots of water and restrict a number of sugary beverages they consume.
Encourage the Right Kind of Snacking: Growing kids get hungry all the time so keep healthy snacks handy like fruit and salads with tasty dips like hummus.
Restrict the Time They Spend with Devices: Restrict the time they spend playing video games and watching television. When working out strategies on how to prevent obesity, include encouraging them to play outdoor games and stay active.
Help Them Stay Active: Take them to parks and playgrounds, so they play. You could also encourage them to take part in sports. This approach will need you to make the extra effort and drive them to and from practice, but your kids’ health will thank you for it.
Join Them: Nothing excites kids more than their parents joining them in games and some rough and tumble. Use this fun time to create closer bonds with your kids.

Tip No. 10 – Get Expert Help to Protect Your Kids from Obesity

The habits you teach your children on how to prevent obesity will help them remain fit and healthy all through their lives. They are likely to continue to follow the lessons even when they are eating in the school cafeteria or out with friends. If, despite your best efforts, you still think your kids are gaining more weight than they should, consult your pediatrician for directions on how to help them.

Under the supervision of your kids’ medical care practitioner, you could consult an expert dietitian for tips on how to prevent obesity in your children. And, create the perfect diet plan that is optimum for the whole family. Such fitness experts will take into consideration your kids’ likes, dislikes, and their lifestyles. They can also prescribe the right exercise regimens that will help your children attain their optimum weight levels and maintain them all through adulthood. The steps you take today will ensure the lifelong health of your children.

Choosing Your Child’s First Computer

January 24, 2017 by admin

Are you wondering if it’s time to buy your five-year-old a computer? If you’ve been noticing more and more cartoons and coloring games on your work-assigned laptop or desktop monitor lately, now would be a good time to get your child’s first computer. But, is this move right for her, and is she old enough? Yes, absolutely!

Did you know that in the year 2013 alone, around 79% of kids were using their home computers? Further, kids aged 3 to 17 years or 6 out of 10 kids were adept at using digital devices including mobile phones and tablets. By the first or second grades, when kids are already using computers in school, it’s a good idea for her to have one at home so she can learn while playing games and other child-friendly activities.

Whether or not to buy your child’s first computer is an easy decision. But, as a parent, you need to put a lot of thought into the right device to buy. Here are some basic considerations you must keep in mind.

Get a Family Computer

As your kids grow older, they’re going to need a computer for homework as well playing games. Choose a device that you can set up in the family living room where you can supervise the kids’ activities. Given that they can inadvertently stumble on inappropriate YouTube clips, videos, and other material, you’ll want to keep a careful watch on what the kids are doing. Some parents also prefer a laptop computer so that they can put it away when they’re not present to watch their kids. Not only can you find affordable laptops, but choosing a refurbished device as your child’s first computer can bring your costs down.

Check for the Latest Software

Even if the refurbished computer is a bit worn down, your kids are going to be so thrilled at the prospect of having one; they won’t notice it. However, you must make sure that it has the latest software. Such software installed in the newest operating systems give you the most advanced of parental controls. You can also verify that the computer has all the security measures that can protect you and the family from phishing and other threats. Create folders that have your child’s favorite games and websites that you’ve approved. They’ll find accessing them so easy that they won’t feel the need to surf and search. Limiting internet access is another strategy you can use to protect your kids.

Get Your Child Her Account

When buying your child’s first computer, look for one that supports Windows 10 so you can set up an individual account for your child. Create an account on account.microsoft.com/family with the appropriate age restrictions and also fix time limits. You’ll also be able to restrict the websites your child can visit and allow her to play only those games and use apps that are appropriate for her. Getting a Microsoft account that is an extension of the family has another advantage. Your child can use it to sign into any other device aside from the computer and the settings you’ve set will apply to the device. Every week, you’ll receive an email informing you of the websites your child has visited, the time she spent on each, and the total time she spends on the computer.

Added Accessories

You’re going to need a bunch of accessories for your child’s first computer. These can include software that can charge the child’s first computer quickly. Look for other add-ons like a new storage device or a RAM memory upgrade along with a new battery, and you’re good to go. Lowering the loading times will ensure that your child spends the minimum amount of time on the computer. Give her creativity an added boost with the help of DVD or CD burning device, scanner, and digital camera.

Should You Opt for a Refurbished Computer

Buying your kids an inexpensive, refurbished computer is a wise choice. You can ensure that in case they have spills and accidents and cause significant damage to the CPU or keyboard, it’s not a major loss. Look for a manufacturer-sourced refurbished device as your child’s first computer. Such products are sold after strict quality control measures and extensive checking. Look for a recently released device as your child’s first computer, and you might be able to find one that is practically new or hasn’t been used at all. It could last her a good long while.

The Right Time to Buy a Computer

In an increasingly tech-savvy world, digital literacy has become very essential. You’ll want to expose your child to various devices so she can adapt and learn to deal with them in a professional setting later in life. However, it is also understandable that you’re concerned about the right age for exposure and if this move is good for her. Given the rising number of cases of obesity among children, you’ll want to ensure that she does not spend too much time indoors glued to the computer. At the same time, giving her access to additional study material is an advantage you’ll want to make available to her.

When making your decision, assess how mature your child is and if her psyche is developed enough to manage devices. As a parent, you’re the best judge of whether or not it’s time to choose your child’s first computer and the perfect device for her.