kids Archives - Serendipity Mommy

How To Raise Self Confident Kids

June 12, 2018 by Mandy

Confidence in their abilities is going to help your child learn that anything is possible if they put their mind to it. Raising children is a full-time job, and within the hours, the days, months and years, you need to be instilling a “can do” attitude and encourage their efforts to do better and try harder. Your kids crave and need your support, encouragement, and love, so you need to be on hand to give it freely and without question. When your child doesn’t do so well on a test, for example, you should tell them that you’re proud of them regardless and then help them to work on their skills together. Your kids need to see an improvement in their learning and accuracy if they are to believe in their ability, so help them gain experience of learning topics with resilience and emotional support.

Choose The Right School

Kids feel confident if they’re performing well at school and receiving praise for what they’re doing. A substantial amount of your child’s education will happen at school, which is why it’s especially crucial to select one that nurtures their individualities, as well as strengths and areas that need improvement. Consider visiting St. Margaret’s Prep Schools’ Nursery if encouraging independence and initiative in your child is important to you. When deciding on a school, be sure to ensure that your child spends a taster day there to get a feel for the place, to meet prospective teachers and learning assistants, and to interact with peers.

Praise Them

You need to tell your child that you’re proud of them no matter what. Encouraging your child should become second nature, and telling them that you love them and are proud of them are words you should say every day. Children continually seek your support and validation when they undertake activities, so be sure to let them know they’re doing a good job and that you understand and recognize the hard work and effort they’ve applied to achieve something.

Homework Help

Basic literacy and numeracy skills are essential, and you can aid them to success in these areas as you’ll be far more adept and experienced. When homework is set, be ready to lend a hand and explain numbers and words to help them make sense. Your child’s confidence may suffer a knock if they feel they’re falling behind, so be prepared to recognize problems and report any learning difficulties you might suspect.

Extracurricular Activities

There’s far more to self-confidence than just academic performance; your child needs to have a range of skills and hobbies to make friends and be happy. So, ask your child what sports team they might like to join, as well any clubs and societies that are of interest to them. Try to remember that you’re trying to foster a love for the arts and sciences in them, so that they’re well rounded, intelligent and informed throughout their studies. It’s your responsibility as a parent to nurture any talents they show and to enable them to engage in activities they love, like rugby, soccer, painting, or learning to play a musical instrument, for example.

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.

The Best Diaper Bags for Moms on the Go

May 11, 2018 by Mandy

Being a mom on the go is tough enough, but don’t sacrifice your style for it! Check out this article where we outline the best diaper bags for stylish moms!

Are you having a hard time figuring out which diaper bag to buy? There are so many choices, but which ones best suit your active lifestyle?

If you’re like most moms, you want a diaper bag that’s fashionable, lightweight, and durable.

The best diaper bags come with a ton of pockets and are fashion-forward. You’ll most likely be using it for a few years, so take your time and pick one that would really work for you.

We’ve rounded up the best diaper bags for you, and we’ve even included one that dads will like! Take a look at our top four diaper bags for active fashionistas.

1. Skip Hop Duo Signature Diaper Bag

This diaper bag has been around for 15 years and has a strong following among new mothers. It comes in nine different patterns and doesn’t look like a typical diaper bag.

The Skip Hop Duo Signature diaper bag is BPA-free and phthalate-free. It has 10 pockets and features a separate pocket for phones, laptops, or tablets.

It also has clips that you can use to attach it to your stroller, tote bag handles, and a zippered closure.

If you want, you can use the Skip Hop Duo Signature diaper bag as an over-the-shoulder diaper bag, too. The straps are easy to change and the bag is able to take a fair amount of weight.

The best thing about this diaper bag is that it has a lot of space for bottles, diapers, and toys. It’s lightweight and comes with a changing pad.

Moms often buy these cool diaper bags with an insulated bottle bag and a portable changing station.

2. iPack Tote Diaper Bag

If you’re looking for the best diaper bag on a budget, consider the iPack Tote diaper bag. It’s stylish and has a lot of room.

The bag has stroller clips, an insulated pocket for bottles, and a changing pad that is treated to resist odors and bacteria.

You’ve also got space for a phone or tablet and it’s easy to adjust the shoulder strap or even remove it.

This diaper bag sells out quickly, but if you can get your hands on one you’ll appreciate its style and functional design.

When you’re looking for a diaper bag, you want to find one that has room for all of your stuff as well as Baby’s. You don’t want to end up carrying around a purse and a diaper bag.

The iPack Tote diaper bag offers you a great value for your money and can be used for several years. It comes in several styles and is sold online and in stores.

3. Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack

Diaper bags that look like backpacks are starting to trend across the United States. They’re perfect for keeping your hands free to hold your baby, and the added bonus is that dads love them too.

The Bag Nation diaper bag backpack has a lifetime warranty and is made from a water-resistant polyester that’s stronger than the cloth used in many diaper bags.

It has stroller straps, an impressive 14 pockets, and reinforced zippers.

If you need a diaper bag that can double as an overnight bag for grandparents or sitters, you might want to check this bag out.

The Bag Nation diaper bag backpack also comes with a changing mat and an extra bag for small items like pacifiers and toys.

It comes in black and has a dedicated outside pocket for wipes. Pretty handy when you don’t want to dig into your bag just for a single wipe.

4. JJ Cole Satchel Diaper Bag

This imported diaper bag looks just like a purse. It comes in black and has gold trim. It’s made from durable polyester and features 11 pockets total.

The JJ Cole Satchel diaper bag has a dedicated bottle pocket, which means that you won’t have to struggle with any zippers when it’s feeding time.

It has a shoulder strap that is easy to remove and stroller clips. The bag also comes with a color-coordinated changing pad.

If you’ve got an active lifestyle and you don’t want to sacrifice fashion for function, this could be the best diaper bag purse you could find.

The JJ Cole Satchel diaper bag is durable, easy to use, and extremely stylish. It looks like an upscale purse. Nobody would ever guess that it’s a diaper bag.

If you’re only going out for a quick errand with your infant, you could even go with a small fanny pack. This company offers a wide range of colors and styles.

The Best Diaper Bags Are Affordable and Fun

It can be overwhelming to try and figure out which diaper bag would work best, but take a minute and think about what you need.

You want something affordable that will last several years. If you push your baby in their stroller every day, you definitely want a bag that has convertible stroller clips.

You might find that you need extra pockets for food, diapers, toys, wipes, and changes of clothes. Pick a diaper bag that has enough pockets and you should be ahead of the game.

If you struggle with organization, consider taking a purse organizer and using it on the inside of your diaper bag. That way, you can easily transfer your keys, cards, and phone back into your purse when you get home.

Do I Need a Diaper Bag?

Now more than ever, the best diaper bags are made to fit into your busy lifestyle. Finding something that works well for you just takes a little bit of research and time.

You definitely need a diaper bag or fanny pack, there’s no avoiding it. But you can get a cool diaper bag alternative that looks just like a purse or backpack.

As your kids get older, there’s no reason to ditch the diaper bag. You can use it when you travel with your children: just fill it with books and games and you’ve got a way to distract them during long rides.

We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and let us know how you combine having young children with an active lifestyle.

What to Look for When Buying your First Baby Jumper

May 10, 2018 by Mandy

If you’re looking for a baby jumper, you’ll want to choose one that fits your needs and that happens to be tailored to ease up your life a bit with the baby.

With that being said, there’s a ton of options to choose from when it comes to shopping for the perfect baby jumper. There are three main types of baby jumpers on the market: stationary, activity and doorway jumpers. These three jumpers are design to keep the baby active and free up your arms to do other necessary things that need to be done while the baby is in view.

Stationary jumpers are stationed in one spot. Your baby will spend most of the time bouncing in this type of baby jumper. Activity jumpers are somewhat similar to a stationary jumper but it has an array of toys for the baby to play with as well, so the baby could choose to either jump or simply play. Lastly, doorway jumpers are designed to hang in the doorway with a clamp at one end of the bungee allowing for a secure grip to the doorway. They are perfect for families who don’t have a lot of available floor space. They are also portable and handy for families who love being away from home (we have even seen these adhered to trees during picnics).

Below are the different features to look for when considering buying a baby jumper for your precious little one.

Comfortable Seats

Without a doubt, all baby jumpers come with a seat for baby to sit in. Look for a baby jumper that has seats with adjustable height mechanisms, removable seats (so you can wash them) and seats that are lined with padding for extra comfort.

Safety

Despite the model of jumper you choose to buy, it is best to make sure that the jumper has multiple straps to suspend the seat. Having 2 or more straps will make sure that the baby is secure in the baby jumper as they bounce up and down. Avoiding jumpers with a single strap will reduce the risk of injury to the baby from their instability. Single strap jumpers will likely swing the baby from left to right and make it uncomfortable for the baby especially on their little legs and feet.

The right weight requirements

Depending on the model of baby jumper, the weight allowance may vary on different models. However, when you’re picking a baby jumper for your baby it should be suitable to sustain the weight of your baby. It is best to make sure to weigh your baby and check the weight requirements for the baby jumper as this will help you pick a jumper that will be more durable.

Entertainment

Having toys that will engage the baby while they bounce up and down are great to keep their interest. Toys with different animated sounds and flashing lights are the perfect solutions for a baby jumper and will ensure that the baby is well entertained as they spend time in the jumper. You can read more about the entertainment benefits of baby jumpers by clicking here.

Adjustability and storage

Buying a jumper with adjustable heights will allow you to adjust it to the right height as your baby grows. So ensure that the jumper has at least 3 or more height adjustment settings. Another important feature to look out for is to find out how easy the jumper is to store away, or how portable they are to take with you on your holidays.

Researching the different models that are on the market will help you to purchase a jumper that is well-suitable for your baby, your home and your own needs. Hopefully the guidelines above will help you to choose a safe jumper that your baby will thoroughly enjoy. Click here to find some more awesome baby-related articles.

Author Bio:

Alice is from Chicago, Illinois in the U.S. She is a proud mommy of three beautiful children, including a little 6-month-old munchkin! She knows how hard it can be to find the right gear and toys for a baby (and how expensive it can be!). So she want to help you by giving you the newest and latest info on her favorite toy: the baby jumper! Read more about her passion for this baby toy on her website ‘The Best Baby Jumper’.

How To Support Your Children Through Challenging Times

May 7, 2018 by Mandy

You should be on hand when your children need you the most. When you approach a difficult topic with them, make steps to continue to check in and ask how they’re coping and dealing with the matter. If you don’t think your children will vocalize their problems, then have a thoughts box where they can post their worry notes. Always give your children a platform from which to speak, and talk openly and honestly with them. If you’re moving away from friends and family, then ensure your children have your continued support, and encourage them to discuss issues like bullying or underperformance at school.

Be Transparent

Make sure that you create a safe environment in which your children feel able to share exactly how they feel. If you’re planning to separate from your partner, then consider contacting Crisp & Co Solicitors for professional legal advice and help with your next steps. Your children have every right to know how the consequences of divorce will affect them, so be transparent about the issue and answer their questions as genuinely as possible. In this scenario, it’s best that you inform them early so that they can begin to process the implications. Inform your children once the decision is final, so as not to leave them feeling like they’re in limbo.

Encourage Growth

You may well be going through turbulent times, but it’s still important to nurture your child’s hobbies and interests. Fun activities will offer a welcome distraction if the atmosphere and tension at home has been high. Encourage your kids to continue to enjoy being part of sports teams, theatre performances, and sociable clubs and societies. Help them foster passions by readily taking them to practice sessions, games, tryouts, and new classes. Be sure to take the time to validate their persistence and hard work and praise them for their efforts.

Let Them Talk

Your kids need to know that you will support them no matter what, and that no problem is a problem you cannot fix together. Tell them that they can approach you with any query or trouble, and that you’ll answer their questions without becoming irritated or hostile. Do your best to create a sphere that your children feel comfortable, and willing to talk to you and share their concerns within. Engage with them and ask questions about their day, their schoolwork, friends, and upcoming plans. Make every effort to talk with your children and find out more about what’s going on in their lives.

Ask Questions

If you suspect your child is being bullied at school, then approach them to ask why they’re upset and what or whom is causing their distress. As soon as you’ve noticed a difference in the behavior of your child, then you should kindly ask them what the matter is, to then try and resolve the issue. Let your children know that they have your full and ongoing support when they’re going through challenging times, and never tell your kids that their problems are insignificant and that they’re overreacting.