Children Archives - Page 2 of 41

How Do Commercial Playgrounds Facilitate Your Child’s Learning?

April 9, 2021 by Mandy

For children, every play session is an opportunity for learning.

This is something that was widely recognized last year, with many calling for a ‘golden age of play’ when the kids of America inevitably went back to school. It is an outlet for expression, nurturing abilities they posses already whilst gradually phasing in new ones. Therefore, the playground is the perfect backdrop for all these varying developments.

How do these settings facilitate your child’s learning? Read on after the jump to find out.

Developing Social Skills

When kids gather in a playground, they will invariably begin to interact with one another.

Whether they build friendships or experience dealing with a few difficult characters, they will develop their social skills. They may begin to contemplate lines of enquiry like:

Where can I find common ground with others?
Which types of people should I steer clear from?
How do people respond to my behavior?
What slang or speech patterns make me seem cool with my friends?

Their answers to these questions will understandably be elementary, but they are the building blocks to a stronger understanding. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has left many children feeling anxious and isolated in their homes, so there is also the consideration that public playgrounds for kids are needed more sorely than ever today. Social stimulation is integral for the wellbeing of all, and your children can be their truest, happiest selves in these types of environments.

Teaching Recycled Construction

Even the way some parks are built can present a worthwhile learning curve.

The commercial playground equipment from BigToys is exemplary of this, helping to preserve the environment and foster imaginations equally. They answer one of their most frequently asked questions, “What Makes BigToys Green?”, with an explanation that they use conditioned woods and recycled metals and plastics to build their playgrounds. Kids often take one thing and imagine it as another, and a compatible philosophy has been applied here with great results.

This means that the children playing in these environments can respect the space too. After all, the teens of today are becoming more environmentally conscious by their own merit, so if these types of ideas can be introduced early through the playground, even more positive change in future generations can be assured.

Expanding Cognitive Capabilities

While on the surface it might seem like the playground is just a simple way to have fun, it is a framework that may encourage more complex forms of thinking in your child.

It has been frequently argued that screens endanger kid’s imaginations, so the only viable solution to this problem is to send them outside into environments where their creativity is boundless. This is what a playground provides in plentiful supply. For example, a themed playground design in a spaceship, pirate ship, or castle may flare their imaginations considerably.

Not only this, but inclusions such as climbing frames may encourage them to problem solve somewhat by intricately coordinating their movements to get higher. Moreover, swings may subtly teach them a little about physics and momentum. In the end, while the features of a park can be fun for kids, they are not included randomly for mindless glee, but for subtle and practical learning opportunities.

MailPop Helps Kids Develop The Love Of Learning

March 22, 2021 by Mandy

For the last year, it has been a struggle to keep the kids engaged in learning while schooling virtually. Gone was the in-person contact and the fun learning that comes from connecting with others. In their place, more screen time than ever before. I was struggling to find new ways to get the kids excited about learning again and discovered MailPop, a weekly educational newsletter for kids delivered straight to my mailbox.

MailPop, partnered with Encyclopedia Brittanica Kids, was the perfect solution to creating excitement around learning again. The personalized, fun envelope along with its colorful contents made the humdrum chore of getting the mail an exciting adventure every week as the kids raced to meet the mailman.

Along with their partnership with Encyclopedia Britannica and their factual, award-winning content, the MailPop team collaborates closely with a panel of parents and educators. They also test their content with kids to ensure it contains maximum fun which explains why mine love them so much.

MailPop’s educationally-themed letters contain weekly themed content, a word of the week to increase vocabulary, and questions meant to continue the conversation about the topic. On the other side of the letter are fun activities to further reinforce the topic with activity-based learning. As if that weren’t enough, each mailing also comes with a fun, paper 3-D craft that can be easily put together with clear tape or school glue. It was great seeing the kids looking forward to finding out what the topic for the week was. The questions included in their letters always led to great conversations in the car or at the dinner table.

Supporting businesses that align with my beliefs in protecting the environment and helping children has always been important to me. As a mom and consumer, I loved that the mailings were made out of sustainable and recyclable materials and that a portion of profits are donated to nonprofit organizations focused on under-privileged children with learning disabilities.

Ordering online at MailPop was quick and easy. Options for the educational newsletters include 3, 6, and 12 month plans for the most savings, but month-to-month purchasing is also available. If you purchase the 6 or 12 month plans, you’ll receive a bonus fridge magnet and a folder to easily store all of the fun newsletters. Orders typically arrive within 10 days of purchase which makes them a great birthday or holiday gift for kids in your life aged 5-10 and shipping is always free.

MailPop’s kid-friendly format, high-engagement texts, and new subject matter every week, really keep the kids engaged and excited about learning. To them, MailPop is the fun letter they get to sit and share with Mom. To me, it’s the letter that put the fun back into learning.

Are Your Teen’s Blow-ups Normal, or Something Else?

March 18, 2021 by Mandy

Being a parent is fairly demanding, and that’s even more true when you’re taking care of teenagers. And while these kids no longer need you to change their diapers, they have other pressing needs that most parents tend to forget about.

The fact is, teens are an emotional bunch who need your tender, loving care to grow up healthy and well-rounded. As their bodies change to become bigger and adult-like, they seem to be more stressed out with their everyday lives as they adjust to the changing world within and around them.

Often, they would be prone to blow-ups. Sometimes, they might change into a different person, one that you never saw in them as a child. And when this happens, don’t panic. This could be as normal as it could ever be.

Hormonal Changes

With their developing sexual organs, teenagers would start to feel things that they may have never felt before. Boys may start to feel awkward upon realizing their random crushes while girls may have mood swings during their monthly cycle. However, these are absolutely normal emotional reactions. As their parent, it’s up to you to assure them that it really is nothing to be ashamed of.

Even though they may have sex education at school, your teens may find it easier to ask questions to you instead of to a teacher in their classroom. You can also share your own tips, both as a parent and as a former teenager. But best of all, you can both have a good bonding moment together while talking it out.

Crushes, Heartbreaks, and Dating

Partly a consequence of their raging hormones, your kid may act up when teased about their crushes. Either that, or they may be experiencing the lows that come with dating. As adolescents, this could be the first time they would spend time with another person of the opposite sex. In a way, they may get nervous and stressed out, only blowing up at home where they feel the most secure.

In this case, you may want to be their most trustworthy friend and talk to them about their romantic issues. Teens can be very appreciative of your advice as long as you listen to them first. Most teens may find it weird when you tell them to do exactly how you did back in your youth. They may seem to think that it no longer works in their time. Better yet, try encouraging them to have the self-confidence to have a hearty discussion with their dating partners.

They Could be Trying to Become Independent

Unlike the toddlers they were when they were starting to do things on their own, teens feel more social pressure to become independent people. As such, they may find it annoying when you, as a parent, would want to do things for them. They also might find it embarrassing when other teens find out your role in their life.

In a way, the best you can do here is to give them the freedom to be independent. But whether or not you would let them decide on things is up to your call. You can let them “earn” their freedom by having them prove that they can judge things with a clear mind, just as adults are supposed to do.

When It’s Not Normal Anymore

Now, these may all be normal reasons for why your teens may be acting up. But there is a normal blow-up and a dangerous one. In many cases, your kid might start to do dangerous things, such as abusing alcohol or other substances. Left unattended, this could become a lifelong habit that could stay with them throughout adulthood.

When this happens, you should ask for professionals who could give addiction help for adolescents. They may need counselors and therapy to get them through their problems. Through therapy, they can learn how to manage their feelings and change their destructive behaviors into more productive ones.

But when they do need this help, you should remember that it is neither your fault nor your child’s. In fact, you shouldn’t bring the blame on anyone. You should focus your efforts on empowering your child, helping them through therapy so they can integrate back to society as soon as they can.

Doing Your Best

Being a parent comes with its own unique challenges, but so does being a teenager. While it may seem like you were an adolescent ages ago, for your teen, it’s still very fresh and new to them. By being alert to their changes and knowing what is and is not normal, you can help be the very best parent possible — allowing your teen to grow up into a healthy, mature adult you can be proud of.

A Newborn Care Guide for First-Time Parents

February 17, 2021 by Mandy

First thing’s first, congratulations if you’re about to become a first-time parent in the near future! While the thought of becoming a parent may seem daunting, this is a time in your life you can never get back, so it’s important to cherish every moment.

It’s no secret that the first few months after your child enters the world can be difficult. They may be the most challenging months of your life — but never fear, there are a few newborn hacks that can help you through it all.

Check out the rest of this blog for 5 helpful newborn care tips to get you through the first few weeks and months of newborn life.

1. Make the Most of Hospital Resources

If you choose to give birth in a hospital, a great tip is to capitalize on all the information and resources they provide before you head home with your newborn.

Learn all you can about breastfeeding and latching — get advice from a lactation consultant if possible. Ask the midwives or nurses for a quick lesson on how to hold your newborn correctly, how to wash your infant (check out the best baby bubble baths here), and their top tips for emergencies.

2. Seek Help With Breastfeeding if You Need It

Breastfeeding does not come naturally or easily to many women. In the beginning stages, it can be very difficult to get right. Don’t put on a brave face and try to figure it on your own.

Women who seek out help with breastfeeding once they’ve left the hospital have a far higher success rate. Enquire whether a lactation consultant can visit you at home, or join a nursing support group.

It’s also important to look after yourself when breastfeeding as it’s a full-time job. Prepare for your nursing stints with a comfortable chair, baby support, plenty of water and snacks, and a good book or a nearby TV remote!

3. Try Not to Fixate on Being Tired

Yes, you’re tired. Exhausted is probably more accurate. But try not to obsess over how tired you are as this can only lead to frustration. Instead, just know that this is a phase and yes, you will get to sleep again!

This being said, it’s important to take shifts when caring for your newborn throughout the night and day. Breaking up baby care allows for one partner to sleep-in or nap, while the other holds down the fort. It’s a win-win.

Don’t worry about forming ”bad sleeping habits” during the newborn stage. Do whatever it takes to get your baby to sleep — whether it’s co-sleeping, sleeping in the stroller, or on your chest.

4. Mimic the Womb

If there is one way to soothe a fussy baby, it’s to mimic the womb. This is why movements such as gentle swaying, swinging, and bouncing work so well, plus swaddling, warmth, and white noise, i.e. shushing.

5. Let Your Partner Find Their Feet

Not all dads (or moms) are naturals when it comes to newborn care. While it’s super important to share the load between partners, you have to let your partner find their feet on their own and learn what is necessary to help your child grow and thrive.

Some partners may be hesitant to get involved for fear of not knowing what to do. Allow your partner to make mistakes and correct them without being critical.

Find Handy Newborn Hacks at Your Fingertips

These are just a few of the many tips that can help you through those first tentative weeks. Yes, it may seem overwhelming, but try not to wish the time away because you won’t get it back.

If you’re on the hunt for more newborn hacks, don’t miss out on the rest of this site for all the parental guidance you need!

How to Keep Your Kids Healthy this Winter

January 20, 2021 by Mandy

There’s no denying the fact that you have concerns about your kids’ health and well-being during the winter months (just like every other season).

While it’s natural to have concerns, it’s nice to know there are steps you can take to keep them healthy and happy during this time of the year.

If you’re struggling for ideas and have simply hoped for the best in the past, here are five tips you can use:

1. Wash Those Hands!

This goes for both you and your children. Yes, it can be a difficult habit to teach your children, but it’s well worth it in the long run. It can be the difference between your child always being sick and them making it through the winter months unscathed.

Encourage your children to wash their hands both at home and while out of the house, such as during school hours or visiting with friends and extended family.

This is one of the easiest things a person can do to reduce the risk of contracting an illness and/or spreading germs. Help your children develop this habit early in life, as it’ll stick with them well into the future.

Note: there is a right and wrong way to wash your hands. Here is a resource to ensure that you’re doing it correctly. If you’re not doing it right, it won’t do you much good.

2. Don’t Forget About Skin and Hair Health

As you’re well aware, the winter months will drain your skin and hair of moisture. Subsequently, it takes a dedicated approach to keep it healthy until warmer weather arrives.

So, it’s safe to say that this is an issue your children are dealing with, too.

Look into the many products that are available to fight dryness, such as natural hair oil and hair moisturizer. Healthy hair and skin will make your children more comfortable, while also taking one less thing off their mind.

3. Make Sure They Eat Right

When your children eat immune-boosting foods (and consume immune-boosting drinks), they’re better positioned to fight off anything that comes their way.

In addition to fruits and vegetables, other foods to incorporate into their diet include yogurt, garlic, and beef.

Regardless of the time of year, it’s not always easy to get your children to eat right. However, when you mix immune-boosting foods and drinks into their diet, it definitely helps. And who knows, they may even find a few healthy foods that they actually enjoy!

4. Make Sure They Get Enough Sleep

Just the same as managing their diet, getting your children to follow a sleep schedule is a challenge. This is particularly true if your child is the type who likes to go to bed late and rise early.

Keep in mind that children require more sleep than adults—seven to eight hours is not enough. For instance, a child between the age of 5 and 10 requires roughly 10 to 11 hours of sleep per night.

Sleep is when the body heals and repairs itself, so it’s essential to the overall health and well-being of your children.

5. Limit Sugar Intake

Yes, your children probably love sugary treats such as cake, brownies, and candy. And while it’s okay to give it to them every now and again, be careful about how often.

Too much sugar suppresses the immune system and causes inflammation, both of which make your child more likely to contract the flu, a cold, or another type of virus.

Don’t let your child go overboard on how much sugar they ingest. One treat per day is more than enough.

Final Thoughts

Are you the person primarily in charge of taking care of your children—as well as elderly members of your family—during the long, cold winter months?

If so, strongly consider the benefits of implementing the five tips above. Not only will it put your kids on the right path over the months to come, but it’ll also give you peace of mind.

Should you still have concerns, consult with your child’s doctor to ask questions and obtain guidance and advice. You never know when you’ll come across a nugget of information that better positions your child to make it through the winter months happy and healthy.