Children Archives - Page 3 of 18

5 Reasons Summer Camp is Great for Children

March 30, 2018 by Mandy

If you’ve been wondering whether to sign your child up for summer camp, there has never been a better reason to do so. If you’ve been a summer camp attender yourself when you were younger, you will have fond memories of the summers you spent there and the friends you made. Summer camp has many great benefits for your children. Here are just five reasons why should book them on a summer camp this summer.

Physical Activity

This is a great way to promote plenty of physical activity, as there is usually sports or events taking place every day. Physical activity is very important for children to get rid of all their energy and not get bored over summer, especially if your area doesn’t have a lot going on. Summer camps mean action, whether this is running, swimming, or climbing, so your child will be getting plenty of exercise each day. This is also great to instill in them from an early age to reduce the risk of obesity later in life. With childhood obesity becoming a problem in many countries, we need to promote physical activity in our children to stop this from being a problem for them. If you work a lot or do not have a lot of outdoor activities for children near you, it can be hard to promote physical activity. Camp means kids can do this in a fun environment with their peers. It pushes them to go outside and get fresh air and enjoy nature, not what is on the TV.

Getting Away from Technology

Technology is taking over all our lives and no more so than our children’s. If you are worried your child is going to spend a lot of the summer indoors on their tablet or games console, summer camp ensures this does not happen and gives them that well-needed break from technology. Children should be outdoors enjoying themselves, not cooped up behind a computer screen, and reducing this activity is important to promote good social skills in your children and to tackle obesity. Summer camp will have plenty for the children to do in real life, including engaging with real people, and it is a way for them to disconnect from a virtual world. Technology can be a problem with young children as it surrounds them and is what they have been brought up around. Try to reduce your technology habits and only use your phone for important calls and texts or photos, as the more they see you using technology, the more they will believe this is the norm. This can be a good time for you to reduce your time spent online too.

Independence

This can be a great one, not only for the children but for parents too. Your child may have never have gone away overnight before without you, and this can be a hard transition for both parents and children. Ensuring that they can do this will promote independence in the safe and fun environment of a summer camp. This encourages children to make their own decisions without a parent or teacher guiding them and can stop them from being so clingy if you are having issues with this. If you work over summer and you are going to be out of the house a lot, this can ensure that your child is somewhere having fun each day and learning new skills with new friends. They can come back and tell you what fun they had and they will thank you for giving them the opportunity to do something for themselves. Promoting independence to play by themselves or with friends in a safe environment from a young age ensures that they can be independent of you and can reduce the risk of attachment issues and separation anxiety for both you and your child. It can be hard being away from your child, especially for the first time, but know they are having the time of their life and you can go to work and earn for your family, without having to worry about them being stuck at home with a babysitter.

Making New Friends

This is one of the biggest parts of summer camp and it promotes children to be more social with those they may not have thought to talk to before. Country Montessori School offers a great summer camp where children may make friends out of their group or make friends that they will be studying with next year. Either way, promoting children to make new friends increases their social skills and helps them in later life. It also promotes confidence and they may make a friend for life. Spending time with new people every day is sure fire way to make a best friend they can count on.

Experience New Things

Camp can help children experience a great variety of new things they may have never done before. Summer camps do a lot of outdoor activities and take away the competitive barrier that is often found in schools. They encourage children to have fun and try something different, meaning your child may find a new hobby or sport they enjoy doing whilst at summer camp. It is also a great time to face any fears as there are plenty of opportunities for more adventurous sports such as kayaking or climbing. Having the encouragement of other children around them and seeing all the other kids have fun can help them overcome their fears of water or heights.

Experiencing new things helps shape us and helps us to have a better understanding of ourselves and our likes and dislikes. They may even experience new foods, as camp can have a great variety of foods to offer your children. Camps usually offer a range of activities that you can take part in, therefore, your child can choose what best suits them rather than being pushed into an activity they do not enjoy or do not have an interest in.

Summer camp is a great opportunity for your children, so get them involved in new activities in the great outdoors this summer.

Nervous About Breastfeeding? Read This Guide for Helpful Advice

March 30, 2018 by Mandy

Breastfeeding is important not only for your newborn’s development but also as a bonding experience between a mother and her baby. Although natural and important, breastfeeding can be difficult and many women encounter a number of issues. It is important to remember that this is common and not something to worry about – in most cases, there are some simple fixes that will help you to breastfeed successfully. Antenatal classes are immensely helpful during the pregnancy stage, and your midwife or health visitor will initially help you once the baby is born, but after this, it is down to you to provide nutrients for your newborn. It is understandable that this can cause some stress and anxiety, so here is some advice for this important part of motherhood.

Contact

Skin to skin contact between mother and baby is vital in the early stages to forge a strong connection and encourage the newborn to feed on your breast. You will have the infant on your tummy after birth when you should gently stroke him/her and let them see your face. This contact should be maintained until after they feed for the first time and will help to regulate their breathing and heartbeat.

Attachment & Positioning

Attachment and positioning is key to success when it comes to breastfeeding. When positioned and attached correctly, you will feel no pain, and the baby will feed well. It may feel strange at first, but this is perfectly normal, and you will quickly get used to it. For proper attachment, bring your little one close and ensure that the head and body are in a straight line facing the same way. Move their nose to your nipple so that they can reach. Support their back, shoulders, and neck so that they can move their head freely – if they do not open their mouth, try rubbing your nipple against their upper lip. The tongue and lower lip will make contact with your breast, and you should be able to see your breast above their top lip. Signs that they are not properly attached are feelings of pain, short sucks, drawn in cheeks and restlessness.

During Feeding

When the baby is attached, do not push the back of their head and simply let them feed. When they come off on their own, offer them the second breast. They will not always take both at every feeding, but try to encourage them to do this.

Positions & Public Feeding

There are many positions that you can try for breastfeeding, but the best one will be whatever makes you and the baby comfortable. Two of the more popular positions include sitting up with your baby across you and lying back in a chair or on the bed. It can be stressful and daunting to feed in public but remember that you are protected by law, and you should feed the child whenever they are hungry no matter where you are. There is a lot of advice for successful feeding in public online.

Feeding Times

You should always feed your bundle of joy when they want as they do not overfeed and it helps you to produce all the milk that they need. This is called responsive breastfeeding and will require you to respond to their feeding signals – these include making sucking sounds, sucking their fingers and licking their lips. Typically, a baby will want to feed around 10 times in 24 hours. Do not time or count each feed and simply let them feed until they stop.

Bottle

The first bottle feeding should come at around 4 to 6 weeks – any later than this, and you may struggle with bottle refusal. It is best if somebody else gives them the first bottle so that they can get used to being fed by someone other than you.

Formula

It is best to avoid giving a newborn formula until they are at least three weeks old, but it can be a helpful tool after this as it is unrealistic to expect that you can feed every time that they need. This could be because you are away, your milk has dried up, or you are having latching issues. High-quality organic formula from places like Formuland could be the answer and it should not be too challenging to make the switch. Try introducing it slowly, using it with their food (after six months) and by offering it when they are hungry.

What to Avoid

It is best to avoid alcohol when breastfeeding, as it will pass on to your baby. It is wise to drink no more than two units a week or consider pumping in advance if you plan to have a few drinks. Avoid smoking as your milk will contain nicotine – this can lead to infection, and there is also an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Ask your GP or pharmacist if you are prescribed any medication or buy anything over the counter as certain drugs can interfere with breastfeeding.

Sore Nipples

Having sore nipples is common early on, but if it continues, then you may need advice from your midwife or health visitor. Difficulty latching on, tongue-tie, thrush, eczema, and nipple vasospasm are all common causes for sore nipples, so you will need to speak to somebody to identify the cause so that a solution can be found. There are also certain creams and products that can be used to alleviate symptoms.

Stopping

Experts state that babies should have breastmilk and/or formula exclusively for the first six months. It is then recommended that you continue breastfeeding whilst providing solid foods until they are two-years-old. When you stop comes down to your own choice, and many breastfeed for shorter or longer periods of time than this. Weaning your baby off breastmilk can be challenging, but there is a lot of helpful advice online for this.

Breastfeeding is much more than a means of feeding your baby and an important bonding experience for mother and child. Despite this, there are many potential difficulties and challenges that you face, but it is important not to be discouraged, and there are always solutions available. The above advice should alleviate concerns and educate, but it is always smart to speak to your midwife or a professional if you are having difficulties or looking for further advice.

3 Essentials You Shouldn’t Forget to Take Along on a Day Out with the Kids

March 29, 2018 by Mandy

When you have children, taking them out is usually a regular occurrence. No matter how busy life gets, you probably incorporate quality time with them into your schedule. You may engage in a range of activities or follow family tradition and do similar things every weekend such as Sunday dinner at their grandparent’s house, for example. On the other hand, you may find that once a month you’re embarking on a new adventure, whether it’s screaming your lungs out at an amusement park or playing catch at the park. Whatever the case, taking kids out can be a handful so you should always leave the house prepared. Here are three essentials that you should take along with you on your next day out.

Food and Snacks

One of the first things you need on a day out is food and snacks. Kids can sometimes seem as though they have holes in their belly because of how frequently they’re hungry. For this reason, unless you want to spend most of your money on food while you’re out, you should bring food, snacks, and drinks with you regardless of where you happen to be going. If you need some ideas on foods to take, you could take some sandwiches, granola bars, whole wheat wraps, string cheese, hummus, fruits, crackers, yogurt, and other healthy foods that they can eat that won’t cause a big mess along with you. You should also remember that for active and healthy kids, water is essential. If you live in a hot city especially, coolers with great ice retention are essential to store your drinks. Not only will you save yourself the hassle of having to run around looking for food and drinks by packing it along with you, but you’ll also save a decent amount of money.

First Aid Items

Nobody hopes that their child will hurt themselves while they’re out, but the reality is that kids are boisterous, so it isn’t something you should rule out entirely. For this reason, you should consider taking a first aid kit out with you or leaving one in the car. The idea isn’t necessarily to come out with a gigantic red first-aid box, but instead just to take a few important items in a smaller bag. Some essentials that should be in your mini first-aid kit include mini tweezers, antiseptic wipes, sharp scissors, an oral syringe, rubbing alcohol, a pair of gloves, gauze, and band-aids. By carrying these items along, if your child happens to fall and hurt their knee, you’ll be able to easily patch it up without too much stress.

Change of Clothes

Children have a way of effortlessly making a mess, so you should always be prepared with an extra pair of clothes. You don’t necessarily have to go overboard. However, you should at least bring an extra shirt or two, and maybe a pair of shorts in case of any mishaps. This will save you having to rush home early or needing to go to the nearest shop to buy them new clothes to wear.

Kids often grow quicker than you’d like and before you know it, they’re graduating from college and starting their own families. It is, therefore, important that you cherish every moment and fill them with memories that will live with them forever. Whether it’s as simple as a walk around the block or a day touring a museum, you should try not to miss an opportunity to have a good old day out.

13 Ways to Help Your Family Eat Healthily

March 26, 2018 by Mandy

Source

Every parent has a responsibility to care for their children’s health, but it can feel like an uphill challenge when the kids are craving sugar-filled snacks and other unhealthy foods. Thankfully, there are different steps you can take to improve their health. Here are 13 ways to help your family eat healthily.

1. Educate Your Family

Most young children do not know the difference between healthy and unhealthy foods. It is, therefore, a parent’s duty to teach them the benefits of healthy eating, such as a lower body weight, improved stamina and digestion, clearer skin, and better brain function. Also, educate children on the difference between good and bad fats, and why natural produce is better for a healthier body.

2. Lead by Example

If your children see you splurging on snacks, they will think it is okay for them to do the same. Encourage healthier eating habits in the home by leading by example. If they see Mom and Dad eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, they will want to follow in their footsteps.

3. Buy Healthier Products

If you want your children to eat healthily, you should aim to buy healthier products for the whole family to consume. Turn to Ketoned Bodies for healthier meats, as none of their products will come from grain-fed and factory-farmed animals, which are anything but clean and healthy. You can, therefore, enjoy meals safe in the knowledge you are consuming meats that are good for you.

4. Make Sure Everyone Eats Breakfast

Did you know that children who eat breakfast each morning reportedly perform better in school? That is because it will provide your kids with the fuel they need to work hard throughout the day. So, wake a little earlier each morning to provide your children with a wholesome, filling breakfast, such as whole grain toast, fruit, or oatmeal.

5. Skip the Unhealthy Snacks

If you want your children to not eat unhealthy snacks, you simply need to stop buying them. If they are not inside the home, then they can’t eat them. You should, however, stock up on plenty of healthy snacks, such as fruit, nuts, low-fat cheese and yogurt, celery sticks, and wholegrain crackers, which can help to keep their hunger at bay.

6. Fill Their Plate with Vegetables and Fruit

Children need to consume at least one serving of fruit and vegetables with every meal. So, try to sneak veggies into their meals, add fruit into their cereal, and encourage them to pick their own vegetables to eat with a dish. You can, therefore, rest assured they will be filling up on essential nutrients, which can create a healthier mind and body.

7. Make Healthy Substitutions

You don’t have to say goodbye to the dishes you like to adopt a healthier lifestyle. All you need to do is make healthy substitutions; for example, you can swap full-fat for skimmed milk, or can swap full-sugar sodas for a diet alternative. Little swaps can considerably transform both yours and your loved ones’ health, so always look for healthier alternatives when at the grocery store.

8. Give Your Children a Choice

Children don’t like their parents to make their decisions for them, especially when it comes to their food and drink. While you shouldn’t allow them to pick whatever they want in a store or kitchen, you can provide them with options, so they can make their own choices. So, involve your children in the meal planning process, encourage them to pick different fruit and vegetables, and allow them to help with meal preparation.

9. Never Use Food as a Reward

Many parents make the mistake of using food as a reward for a child’s good behavior, or to pick them up when they are upset or down. Unfortunately, this can lead to bad eating habits, such as emotional eating once they become adults, which can lead to diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. So, never use food as a reward to encourage your children to develop a healthier relationship with food.

10. Pack Your Kids’ School Lunches

While you can control what your children eats at home, you might find it more difficult to prevent them from eating unhealthy foods at school. If you want to stop your children from indulging in unhealthy meals at school, pack your child’s lunch each day, which should offer low-fat options, such as turkey and salad sandwiches, fresh fruit, and greek yogurt.

11. Monitor Your Child’s Water Consumption

Children are naturally energetic, so it’s easy for them to become dehydrated. For this reason, you should ensure they are drinking enough water throughout the day. Cracked, dry lips are often a sign of dehydration, while children who are drinking enough water will have softer lips. So, try to monitor their water consumption and look for signs of dehydration, such as fatigue.

12. Encourage Your Children to Eat Slowly

Do your children quickly eat their meals? Encourage them to slow down and appreciate the food they are eating. Eating slowly not only prevents choking hazards, but it reportedly takes the brain 20 minutes for a person’s brain to realize their stomach feels full. Eating quickly can, therefore, lead to overeating, poor digestion, and weight gain.

13. Treat Your Children

Children deserve a little treat at least once a week. So, allow them one day to eat something they like, such as ice cream, pizza, or another snack. That way they will spend six days out of seven eating healthily, so a snack at the end of the week will cause less damage to their health.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are multiple ways you can help your family adopt a healthier lifestyle. So, buy the right produce, skip unhealthy snacks, encourage children to make their own healthy food choices, and don’t forget to lead by example. Both you and your children will be healthier for doing so, and they will make better health decisions once they reach adulthood, as a result.

Going on Vacation with Your Children and Your Elderly Parents

March 23, 2018 by Mandy

Family time is precious. Some parents with kids of their own and aging parents prefer to keep family close. When taking limited time off work to go on vacation, it’s a perfect opportunity to bring the whole family along. The idea is certainly inclusive, but it also presents some unique challenges too.

Here are a few ideas about how to manage on a vacation with younger children and elderly parents too.

Selecting a Suitable Destination

It stands to reason that it’s more difficult to pick a perfect destination when catering to the tastes of yourself, your partner, the children, and at least one set of elderly grandparents too. The kids no doubt would love nothing more than being taken to Disneyland, but all that walking around would likely be too much for the elders in the group. Therefore, choose some middle ground to keep everyone happy, at least at different times.

Some resorts have a little bit of everything. Maybe it’s a lake resort, so it has fishing for parents who enjoy that and perhaps their son can join them. Sitting out with a lakeside view to enjoy a beverage and a classic Jackie Collins novel is maybe what the grandmother would enjoy doing instead of being overly active.

For the kids, a lakeside destination offers the chance to go swimming or be taken out on a boat, with parental supervision. The grandparents may enjoy taking a few photos of the youngsters on the water to commemorate the trip.

Choice of Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation, decide what the priorities are in terms of living arrangements and available funds. It’s unlikely that grandparents and parents will want to stay in the same hotel room, but private accommodation like a cabin with multiple bedrooms is ideal.

For children, it depends how old they are whether they really need a separate bedroom of their own or to share with their younger brother or sister. Discuss the potential sleeping arrangements with everyone and gauge their reactions to come up with a suitable solution without anyone getting bent out of shape about it.

Make sure that the managers at the resort or accommodation know how many beds are required. Sometimes they add a bunk bed, a single bed or even a cot for smaller kids to sleep on. See what can be organized ahead of your arrival.

Make a Plan for Sightseeing

With sightseeing, it’s a good idea to preview a few of the places of interest with the grandparents and children separately to see what they wish to see and do. The grandparents may well say they aren’t interested in visiting anywhere, but then change their mind when something catches their eye. Bear in mind that they’ll most likely need to be chaperoned to the place of interest and back, so at least one parent will probably need to come along (depending on the seniors’ respective ages and physical capabilities).

For kids, the list of things they want to do at a fun destination can be almost endless. You’ll need to narrow down the choices to the things they most want to do and plan the days accordingly. Invite the grandparents along for each activity but expect to be turned down often. They’ll want to feel included even if they know they won’t be joining in all that much. That’s just the way it is.

It’s worth noting, that the older your parents are, the less energy they’ll have to participate in many daily activities. This will vary depending on how physically active they are normally. Also, they may need to take a nap in the middle of the day to keep their strength up. If you’re not clear on what their personal needs are or their regular routine, now’s a good time to ask them and plan around it. Doing so may encourage them to go on a local half-day excursion once their specific needs have been met. They’ll appreciate it too.

Time Apart

With a family vacation, plan to have time apart as well as group time. The children will enjoy some supervised time outside or some alone time at the hotel or resort. Similarly, elderly parents will be used to having their own company and not necessarily want to always be with the rest of the family. Accordingly, make plans to have time together and planned time apart too.

For yourself and your partner, ask your parents to take care of the kids so that the two of you can go out for a romantic dinner date while on vacation. Make sure that you have some alone time as a couple. Similarly, your parents may enjoy doing the same thing with you acting as their driver to take them to the restaurant and pick them up when they’re ready. This way, they retain their independence but don’t have to worry about driving back in the dark.

Protect Against Emergencies

In situations where your elderly parents are going to be alone or acting as babysitters, equipping them with an ATC Alert system lets them push a button on a pendent around their neck to directly contact an emergency call center. It’s certainly a good idea when they’re taking care of your small children while you’re out on a date. However, it’s also smart for when they’re back home and you wish for them have this facility too. Click here to learn more about the ATC Alert system.

Planning a family vacation for three generations traveling together is not easy. Everyone wants to see and do different things. Some people may not like flying and prefer to be driven instead. Deciding who stays in which room isn’t always obvious. Special needs must be handled, whatever they may be. It is certainly true that traveling with the whole family, including elderly parents, takes more consideration and careful planning. However, it’s a wonderful thing to be able to do while they’re still with us and creates memories that will last long after their passing. That alone makes it worth the extra effort to put together a big trip as a complete family.