Children Archives - Page 2 of 24

Fun Sports That Your Kids Will Love To Play

June 6, 2018 by Mandy

Being a busy mom is incredibly rewarding, but it brings lots of challenges too, including how to keep your kids happy and how to keep them fit. Encouraging your children to participate in sports can go a long way towards solving both these problems, but the difficulty can come in deciding which sport is right for your little darlings. You may want to stay away from sports that potentially involve a lot of knocks and physical contact, such as football, but there are plenty of other sporting activities to choose from. The three below can be particularly good choices, as they are great fun and you won’t have to spend too much money on initial equipment.

Soccer

Soccer has long been the world’s most popular team sport, but in recent years it’s been growing rapidly here in America as well. One of the great things about soccer is that it’s popular among both boys and girls, and a typical soccer game involves a lot of running for all participants, as well as helping to improve coordination skills. If your children are interested in soccer, all they’ll need initially is soccer shoes, a t-shirt, and shorts and a soccer ball. A perfect accessory to this is a Nike soccer bag, as kids will love this cool backpack, and it comes with a special pocket to hold a soccer ball.

Swimming

Swimming is, in many ways, the most ideal sport for any child to learn, and that’s because it gives them a skill that could one day, quite literally, be a lifesaver. Swimming can also be great fun, and whilst it provides a workout for the full body, it doesn’t place stress upon ankles and joints, as soccer and other sports that involve running often do. That’s why it’s great for children who have joint pain because of growth spurts or other reasons, and whilst it’s an excellent way to get fit, it can also be strangely relaxing too. Above all else, swimming is an activity that children and parents can participate in together, and what could be better than that?

Quidditch

Yes, I said Quidditch, the sport played by Harry Potter and his friends, and enemies, at Hogwarts. Of course, Quidditch, as imagined by author J.K. Rowling, involved flying through the air, but Potter enthusiasts have now invented a more grounded form of Quidditch that can be enjoyed by children and adults without the need for magic powers. It’s become incredibly popular across the United States and beyond, and there’s even an American national team that competes in the Quidditch world cup. If your children love all things connected to Harry Potter, then it’s worth checking to see if there’s a Quidditch team or league in your area.

Habits learned in childhood often continue into adulthood, which is why helping your children stay fit and healthy, and encouraging a love of sports and exercise, could be one of the best things you ever do for them. Swimming, soccer, and Quidditch are just some of the sports that children love, and there’s no prouder feeling as a parent than seeing your child competing or excelling at the sporting activity they do best.

Bringing Up Our Kids the Montessori Way!

May 22, 2018 by Mandy

The most popular theory of education is the Montessori-method, created by Dr. Maria Montessori. Her framework was based on her observations of children from early childhood unto adulthood. And this framework has worked across all cultures as more and more schools all over the world, like the Montessori school in Singapore named Global Indian International School, adapt to the framework.

But if it such an effective way to teach students, can we use it for parenting as well? It makes sense since holistic education requires that we encourage our child’s natural inquisitiveness and what better way to it than to reinforce the Montessori landscape at home.

So here are ways in which we can use the Montessori Method in holistically raising our kids.

Create a space for them

The Montessori-method is mostly child-led learning because it facilitates independent learning and creativity. Especially during their early childhood years, children can be very imaginative, and there needs to be a private space where they can openly express this creativity. You can set up tables, chairs, study materials, even art supplies.

Keep interference to a minimum, guiding them only when you think something needs correction. But other than that, you can leave them to their own devices in their corner.

Start various gardening projects

Dr. Maria Montessori also teaches students the importance of taking care of the environment, of fostering an appreciation for nature and wildlife. So to keep this lesson going, you can start different gardening projects you can do with your kids.

For instance, you can make a garden bed and plant seasonal fruits or vegetables. You can also schedule visits in the park and tours around wildlife centres.

Communicate with them articulately

We’re all tempted to talk cute when it comes to our younger kids, but it might be detrimental to the development of their vocabulary. Tell them the names of objects clearly, explain lessons to them articulately, and have a regular conversation with them so they can have the opportunity to communicate clearly with you. Remember to be respectful when you communicate with them; do not be patronising.

Allow them to self-correct

They must learn to pinpoint their own mistake and correct it on their own. If you are buying study materials, consider getting Montessori study materials. These usually provide the kids with the opportunity to correct themselves or leaves a margin of error. And if you are tutoring them for the day, remember to practice patience. If they cannot get a concept the first or the second time, let it go and explain it again the next day.

Teach them to clean as they go

Teach them that while they have their own space to move freely, they must keep it clean and organised. This teaches them responsibility and being mindful of what they are doing. Show them where the books and toys go, how to use a rag if they need to wipe something, or to ask for help if they need it.

Holistic education aims to produce students who are socially aware and academically competent leaders of tomorrow. In that case, we have the responsibility to make sure that our kids grow up to know that while reaching their potential is important, it is imperative that they use it for good.

Top 10 Youth Activities to Teach Your Teen Social Skills

May 16, 2018 by Mandy

Are you concerned that your teen isn’t learning the social skills he or she needs? To help remedy the situation, here are 10 great youth activities to help teach your teen social skills.

Every generation thinks they had it toughest when they were teenagers. What most of us remember is feeling socially awkward and unsure of where we fit in.

Then there were those kids who always seemed to be at ease with themselves. They were confident and seemed to glide effortlessly through their teenage years.

Often these kids were the jocks or they somehow stood out from everyone else.

The reason those kids made it look so easy was that they had great social skills. Some people innately know how to socialize with others. For the rest of us, we need to learn those skills.

One way to learn those skills is through youth activities. Here are 10 fun activities that can help turn your teenager into a confident young person.

1. There Are Tons Of Youth Activities At Camp

Camp is a wonderful place for children of all ages to learn better social skills. And there are tons of different types of camps out there.

Some camps are focused on a specific theme like band camp or for soccer. Other camps offer a wide variety of activities from swimming and boating to horseback riding and archery.

But there’s one thing that every camp has in common, it’s a great place to learn how to socialize with different kids.

Usually, kids at camp are from different towns and even states. They’ll learn how to get along with kids from different backgrounds while having fun.

Camp counselors make sure that everyone feels included in all the activities.

2. Have Them Join The Theater

Many people find the mere thought of getting out on stage in front of an audience to be completely terrifying. Yet, learning how to walk on stage and speak to an audience with confidence is a huge social skill that will help them throughout every stage of their lives.

One of the best social skills activities you can choose for your teenager is the theater. They’ll learn how to get in touch with their emotions to use them safely within a role.

Theater teaches kids how to use their words to speak clearly and effectively so their voice captures an audience. Kids learn how to use their body to communicate.

There are plenty of social groups for teenagers to get involved in and drama club is no exception. The friendships formed here can last a lifetime.

3. Get Them To Volunteer

Volunteering isn’t always top of the list of youth activities people tend to think about, but the skills one learns can’t be ignored.

There are tons of opportunities to volunteer. If your child is interested in a specific career, one way for them to learn more about it is to volunteer there.

They will learn all about their potential career, learn the skills necessary to perform that job and create a network of people who can help them find a job when the time comes.

Volunteering teaches you how to work together as a team to achieve a certain result. You learn problem solving, adaptability, and leadership skills.

Teenagers learn social skills, how to plan, and how to prioritize. Even if they volunteer somewhere that doesn’t lead to a career, learning to how to put others above themselves is always a great skill to possess.

4. Try Out Sports Programs

Social games for kids are great ways for them to learn how to work well with others and communicate. Sports are great social games and they’re even good for kids who don’t possess great hand-to-eye coordination skills.

While there are plenty of sports programs like soccer, baseball, football, and lacrosse, there are other sports to think about.

The whole point is for your child to let go of their shyness and to learn how to work and

communicate with others in a team effort.

Not everyone enjoys a high impact type of sport. Activities like swimming, golf, and skiing are also fun, competitive, and social but not as team oriented.

Then there’s the chess club and the mathletes for those who prefer to get a good workout with their minds.

Sports teach kids that while you don’t always win, what’s most important is how you played the game. And they’re getting physically fit while doing it.

5. The Arts Are Perfect For Learning Social Skills

Not all social groups for teenagers need to be activity based.

Drawing, painting, playing an instrument and singing all are excellent ways to get involved with social skills activities.

Kids will learn how to express themselves creatively in a safe environment. They will also interact with fellow students as well as their teacher.

It’s a great environment for kids who are shy or feel socially awkward. A good first step is to enroll your child in an art or craft class to see if they enjoy it.

There are painting classes, sketching, pottery, sculpting, and even costume design which can help teenagers express themselves in a social setting.

6. Game Nights

Try playing social games for teens at least once a week with a group of people. Game nights are a lot of fun and they’ll get your teenager away from electronics and social media at least for a little while.

Try playing games that force teenagers to interact with one another in order to win the game.

Games like charades are good for the imagination and to help them learn how to express themselves clearly to others.

Try heading to an escape room near you so the entire family learns how to communicate and work together effectively.

Even board games are great as learning tools. Kids learn how to take turns, play fairly, and play together in harmony.

Best of all, it’s a great way to bond together while having a lot of fun.

7. Educational Trips

You don’t have to wait until your kid’s school takes them on a field trip. Instead, plan one yourself.

Help teach your kid to get out of their shell and experience life outside of the town you live in.

Visit museums in neighboring towns.

Take them to the bookstore or library to find books on nearby historical subjects. Take them to lectures and seminars on the subject so they can learn more.

Not only will an educational trip help your teen explore their interests further, they will receive tons of opportunities to interact with new people. Encourage your teen to ask questions during a lecture or tour.

8. Attend Live Events

When it comes to social skills activities for teenagers, live events are often the most fun. You can attend an event as a family or allow your teenager to go with friends.

There are tons of live events to choose from. Whether it’s a sporting event, a dance performance, music recital, or an art opening, they are all opportunities for your child to learn social skills.

Being in a crowd can get tough for some kids. There is a lot of energy in one space and some people feel overwhelmed by it. They can’t hear themselves any longer and it’s tougher for them to function.

Learning to be a part of a crowd without feeling lost, overwhelmed or scared can help teenagers learn to become more independent. They’ll also have to interact with others to find their seats or buy a souvenir.

Live events are also wonderful opportunities to show your teenager proper social behavior in a crowded setting.

9. Hire A Coach

Sometimes teenagers just aren’t quite ready to play social games for teens. If a traumatic event has occurred or it’s just that your teenager is ultra shy, sometimes you need extra help.

Before you toss your kid into social groups for teenagers, see if they’re ready for it. Some kids aren’t and it can be traumatic for them if they’re thrust into a social situation before they are ready.

Hiring a coach can help. A coach receives social skills training for teens so they can help you reach through to your child and help them get out of their shell.

The one-on-one help can assist your teenager in learning the proper skills they need to begin thinking about joining in more social skills activities.

10. Model UN

Model UN is a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn great leadership skills. It’s also an opportunity for them to mingle and socialize with kids from other schools and neighborhoods.

Kids vote on real-world-type issues, learn how to solve problems together, and speak in front of an audience.

Even if your child doesn’t love politics, Model UN helps kids learn about today’s problems.

Working together, they realize they have the power to change our world into a better place.

Never Give Up

With some kids, you’ll get lucky and find plenty of youth activities that they love. With other kids, the search might take a little longer until they find their niche.

That’s okay. Some of us get lucky and find our place in life. Others find they need to search a little longer to find where they belong.

And that’s okay, too. Just don’t give up. There are tons of activities out there to try.

And we’re here to help.

To learn more parenting skills and give yourself a little extra boost of support, keep reading this blog.

10 Online Stores for Finding the Best Kids Clothes

May 15, 2018 by Mandy

Between soccor practices and playdates, it can be tough to find time to shop for clothing for your growing tots. Luckily, there are plenty of great kids clothing boutiques online. Click here to learn the 10 top websites for finding the best kids clothes.

Dressing up your kids in cute, and sometimes highly impractical, outfits is a guilty pleasure that almost all moms share. Sure, your 1-year-old doesn’t need Chuck Taylor high tops that they’ll grow out of in a week, but they’re so cool and cute!

But not all of us have the time to go out and shop, especially with energetic and busy kids running around. That’s why online shopping is the go-to nowadays: 79% of Americans shop online.

It’s both more convenient and cheaper than going to a mall or a department store. And you can stay in your pajamas the whole time!

We’ve got a list of 10 sites with the best kids clothes you can find. We’re going to give you variety: from inexpensive graphic tees to designer labels, you’ll find the perfect site for you and your kids on this list.

1. Zulily

Zulily has clothes for both adult and kids with options for babies, toddlers, kids, and teens. The interesting thing about this site is that it’s a “flash sale” site. This means that the inventory of clothes is extremely limited and the clothes on the site change daily.

It has big brand names along with smaller clothing companies to give you a great variety. Hope on Zulily early to get the pieces you want at great discounted prices and sales.

2. H&M Kids

H&M Kids is a great site for keeping your kids rocking the latest trends while staying on a budget. Shoes, jackets, joggers, accessories, jeans, and more can start at 5 dollars or less. They’ll all be modern and stylish and sizes range from newborn to teen.

You can also find great cheap themed clothes here: red-white-and-blue bathing suits for the 4th of July, Christmas sweaters, Halloween graphic tees, etc.

3. Uniqlo

Uniqlo is a Japanese retailer that specializes in clean and minimalist clothes. This store is perfect for getting all of the basics: plain t-shirts, jackets, and even kid-sized trench coats.

They’re especially well known for their puffer jackets that are warm, stylish, and affordable.

4. Kids With Style

Kids with Style provides you and your kids with the latest seasonal styles complete with sales and discounts compared to department stores. Their simple and cute clothes will keep your kids stylish and comfortable.

Their site also features a “stylist recommendation” section. If you’re never sure what’s on trend or aren’t sure how to style your kids, this can be a great resource to take advantage of.

5. Walmart

Hear us out on this one. Walmart actually has a lot of cute kids clothes for an extremely low price. It’s especially great for graphic tees, basics, and even underwear and socks.

You can get Disney brand clothing for cheap, which is perfect for your Cars or Frozen loving toddler. Walmart also has really fun onesies for the whole family. Pajama party, anyone?

6. Amazon

Amazon really does have it all. You might not have thought to shop for kids’ clothes on this huge online retailer, but they actually have some great stuff. Not only do they offer Prime free 2-day shipping on many clothing options, they also have a lot of brand name clothes at a discount.

They carry clothes for those of all ages from brands you know (Nike, Adidas, Ralph Lauren, etc) alongside other smaller brands. Returns and shipping are easy with Amazon so you don’t have to worry about something not fitting or not liking something.

7. Gap Kids

Gap is one of those classic American retailers that is well known for their denim and their slightly preppy style of clothes. You can get some precious kid-size button-ups and chinos for the summertime, or some cardigans and jeans for the fall.

They also offer free shipping on orders totaling over $50. You can also return anything you don’t like free of charge.

8. Alexandalexa

Let’s give you a little bit of a different option here: alexandalexa is the online store to go for designer brand kids’ clothes. Not only do they offer high-end branded clothing, they offer it at a great price.

These luxury clothes are both high-quality and fashionable for moms looking to dress their kids in labeled and branded clothes. They offer free shipping on orders over $99, and they have a large and varied sale section.

9. Mini Boden

This kids’ brand is an offshoot of the menswear brand Boden. The clothes on Mini Boden are stylish, sleek, and modern. With sizes for kids ranging from 18 months to teens, you’ll have a myriad of options.

Mini Boden provides a wide variety of styles, patterns, and colors all while maintaining a polished and sleek silhouette.

Mini Boden is also unique in that they understand these are kids’ clothes. They’re stylish and fashionable, but they’re made for kids to feel comfortable in. Kids can play and run around in these clothes without feeling confined or uncomfortable.

10. Old Navy

After going over some higher end options for children’s fashion, let’s return to what we consider an old favorite.

Old Navy is well known for their awesome sales and inexpensive flip-flops (1 dollar for polka dot flip flops? Yes, please). The back to school sales both in-store and online are awesome. Deals on kids’ jeans, pants, polos, and t-shirts can save you a ton of cash while maintaining great kid-style.

You’ll also find some insane deals specifically on the online store. A lot of kids’ clothes are 50% off with options ranging from baby to teen. They also offer in-store pick-up if you don’t want to pay for shipping costs.

These 10 Sites Have the Best Kids Clothes

Finding the best kids clothes isn’t always easy. Dressing your kids in cool and stylish clothing sometimes means the clothes aren’t the most comfortable. But not all of the comfortable clothes are the most fashionable.

The good news is that these 10 sites offer comfortable, stylish, and good-quality clothing for your kids. They’ll be able to run around the playground while still sporting the modern styles you love.

Check out our other articles on fashion and clothing to stay up to date with all the modern trends.

How To Promote Concentration For Children

May 15, 2018 by Mandy

Concentration disorders in children are widespread. It is not easy to devote yourself to a task for a certain amount of time. There are much distraction and excitement in life for children in urban areas such as London, especially with the increased use of social media.

Concentration is something that has to be learned. Promoting child concentration is a necessary critical task that children have to learn, which they can benefit from youth until adulthood.

Causes Of Lack Of Concentration In Children

Often the reason why there is a concentration disorder in children is the level of the task. If the task is too easy, the children’s thoughts can wander over and over, and the focus is difficult. If the task is too complicated, the fun is lost, and the child can get distracted or frustrated. The child begins to doubt at worst and feels overwhelmed. In tedious tasks, the lack of concentration in children comes to full fruition.

The Effects Lack Of Concentration Have On Children

Whether it may be due to concentration disorder or attention deficit disorder, children with difficulty concentrating are confronted with a number of problems from their environment. As the child is already considered problematic from a young age, they may always be treated as such as they get older. They are often accused of laziness or lack of motivation, which can result in their isolation or skip school. The children become unhappy over time and feel misunderstood. Results can be bad grades, insubordination, permanent bad mood, even withdrawal, and depression.

How To Counteract The Lack of Concentration In Children?

If you are worried that the concentration levels of your child may affect their school performance, it may be worth considering a pre-prep school. There are many prep schools in London, England that offer smaller class sizes which means that the needs of individual learning needs of your child are met. Your child should be able to get all the learning experience he or she needs along with exercise and sports which are essential for their development. For this reason, an area where there is plenty of air and green spaces might be ideal. A pre-prep school in Surrey or Kent such as such as Downsend Pre-Prep School provide the right balance of mental and physical exercise with plenty of fresh air, so their concentration levels and behavior will be rejuvenated.

Some Other Ways To Improves A Child’s Concentration

There are several solutions and ways to promote the lack of concentration in children. In practice, the implementation of the following tips & tricks may help.

1) Minimize Distractions

A quiet workplace serves to limit the concentration of school children to focus on specific tasks. Children will have no ability to ignore distractions.

2) Divide Tasks In Smaller Projects

You can promote concentration in children, by dividing the task into smaller parts.

Big projects can overwhelm children, so dividing the task into smaller sections gives a child the feeling of progress when individual parts have been completed.

3) Set A Timer

One of the best student concentration exercises is setting a timer for a specific task. The child must then try to work faster than this timer. It looks like a game which can also be fun.

4) Praise Them

When you realize that a child is dedicated to a task, you should notice, acknowledge and congratulate him or her.

5) Healthy lifestyle

Good nutrition and sufficient sleep help children concentrate on one task. Complex carbohydrates, protein as well as fresh fruits and vegetables help to improve the lack of concentration in schoolchildren.