Category: Parenting

Gift Ideas for Your Child

Children are different these days. Their lives are informed by technology. They spend most of their time on a tablet, phone, or computer. It can be difficult to know what to buy your children for their birthday, Christmas, or another special occasion. Still there are many options you should think about. Whether your child loves video games, adventure, or sports, there are plenty of gift ideas for their day or moment. Read below to find some great gifts for your kids when they deserve something special.

 

Outdoor & Sports Equipment

Over the last year all of us have spent a lot of time inside. If your kids are like most of us, they want to get out and enjoy being outside around other children. One great idea for a gift is to buy them outdoor or sports equipment. Whatever your child is into, there is a great gift for them to use outside.

A new baseball bat, a basketball hoop, a tent for camping, a bike, skateboard, snowboard, and more are all great ideas to buy a child for their birthday or another occasion. Ask them a few questions. Pay attention to what sparks their interest and you just might find the perfect outdoor and sports gear to buy them. You won’t just be making them happy, you will be encouraging them to get out and exercise.

 

Gaming Products

If your kid loves video games, you might not want to continue buying them more games that they will play inside. You don’t want to discourage their passion but want them to spend time doing other things as well. One way to cultivate their interest while avoiding buying yet another game or console is to buy a gaming subscription box. These individually curated boxes offer products that are about a particular game or subject but aren’t games themselves. The products include t-shirts, socks, figurines, books, statues, blankets, bags, and more. Whether your child is into Zelda, Kingdom of Hearts, or another game, there is a box with all kinds of merchandise they will surely love.

 

A Weekend Trip

Some children want to go out and do something for their gift. This can be in a variety of different contexts. Do they like camping? Do they want to go skiing or hiking? What about theme parks? With Disneyland and others opening back up, a lot of kids want to go on rides and lose themselves in the fun. Depending on what your child is interested in, you can purchase tickets or set aside some time for the trip that they’ve been craving. Not only will it be fun for them, it’s a great way to satisfy the whole family. With technology becoming an omnipresent part of our society, getting out and doing something interactive and physical can be a great gift.

 

A Specific Activity

Theme parks and the outdoors aren’t the only activities you can give to your child as a gift, there are plenty of other options. What about taking them to the zoo or an aquarium? A science museum ever disappoints. What about a natural history museum? You can surprise them with a specific craft idea. Think about what your child likes and find an outing or activity that best suits their personality. You can even book a snorkeling outing or rent off-road vehicles. It doesn’t have to be very time-consuming to satisfy your child.

 

Educational Gifts

In addition to the outdoors, activities, and video games, there are plenty of ways to sneak in education into a gift. A monthly book subscription is a great gift for the voracious reader and curious mind. Table top games can boost their critical thinking and provide knowledge about a range of different subjects. A pair of binoculars may bolster their interest in nature. There are all kinds of fun gifts that are also useful, educational, and interactive. Your child may love any number of outside-the-box gift ideas.

Every child is different and wants different things, but there are all kinds of gifts that they will like while being good for them. Do some thinking. Ask them about their current interests. Observe their habits. If you take into account who they are becoming and what will make them happy, you will find an array of amazing gift options to choose from.

Helping Your Child Leave the Nest

Summer is approaching quickly and students are graduating from high school and college. If your child is graduating, their life will be changing quickly. Even if your child isn’t leaving university or high school, when they need to leave the home they require help at first. Whatever the situation, facilitating the process of your child leaving the nest will help them stay independent. With so many people going back home after they’ve left, it’s important to support them so they get on their feet. Here are a few situations that you can help them with so that you can become an empty nester.

 

Leaving For College

It’s always scary to graduate high school and begin your college career. If your child is graduating this year, you already know where they are going to college. There are still preparations to be done. Have you decided whether they will stay on the campus or off-campus? They will likely need financial assistance to get started at their new home. Will your student start working? If so, you should encourage your child to start looking for a job where they are going to school right away. You should also go shopping for supplies and clothing. College is a big time and they will need to get a lot of things in order. Don’t wait to help them get started.

 

Graduating College

Perhaps it is even scarier to graduate college. You are going out into the unknown. When your child is graduating from college, there are some things you should help them with. First, you should talk to them about their next steps. Will they do an internship before they get a job? Either way, they will have to get their resume together. Help them build a resume for the job they want. For additional support with the resume writing process, it might even be a good idea to contact a California resume service like ARC Resumes or a similar professional resume writing service in your local area for some tips and advice. Will your child be coming from after college or will they be living somewhere else? You will likely have to help them move. The most important thing is to quell their fears. Leaving college is a scary time and they will not know what to do next.

 

Getting a Job

It isn’t easy for any new college graduate to get a job. There are a variety of things you should do to help them get hired. The first occupation your child may not be exactly what they want it to be. Even if they can’t find a position in the field they want to go to college for, it’s important for them to start working after they graduate. It’s vital for them to go out into the real world and start working. If they don’t get a job, they will be delaying the process of adjusting to the real world and life. They’ll need to get the right experience to get employed at the job of your dreams.

 

Renting an Apartment

Whether they are getting a job right out of college and need to find a home, renting an apartment for the first time can be very difficult. If they don’t have any credit, you might need to cosign for them. They also might need a down payment. A great option to help them transition smoothly is to have them live at home for a while to save money when they begin working. They will likely be moving in with roommates. It’s important to meet them and vet the situation. You have much more real world experience than your child, they might not want you to be a part of it but you should help them secure their first apartment when they are moving out.

Whether your child is graduating high school, going to college, graduating college, getting a job, or renting their first place, your child will need assistance. It won’t be easy for them to get started in real life. The next few years will be difficult, but if you encourage them not to give up they will be able to create a happy, prosperous life. If you do all that you can to set your child up with their own situation, the chances that they will come back will decrease and they will stay independent. You won’t regret supporting their journey into their new life.

Five Ways to Boost Your Child’s Gut Health

One of the most important things you can do for your kids is setting them up for life by providing a proper digestive system foundation. The microbiome is the collection of bacteria that lives on and around the human body. There are at least as many bacteria in the gut as there are cells in the body. Those bacteria are essential because they set the body’s immune system, especially when babies are first exposed to the bacteria. Some of the ways to maintain gut health in your children include:

1. Having a normal, healthy vaginal birth

The children born more naturally tend more gut bacteria than the ones born via C-section. However, the way babies are born and its influence on their later health is uncertain: One of the reasons may be that they are exposed to bacteria that colonize their gut at birth. Babies born vaginally pick up helpful gut bacteria from their mothers during the birth process. Conversely, babies born through cesarean pick up organisms from the environment: Meaning that they are much more likely to carry bacteria that are potentially harmful and resistant to antibiotics.

Before birth, the fetus is enclosed by amniotic membranes that physically separate it from the uterus cavity and preserve a sterile environment. The first exposure to bacteria starts with rupture of membranes that, in most cases, happens a few hours or even less before birth. It releases the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus and facilitates access to bacteria that ascend from the vaginal mucosa into the uterus cavity.

2. Breastfeed your baby

Following delivery, the close contact between mother and child facilitates the bacteria colonizing maternal skin. When the neonate starts suckling at the mother’s breasts, their interaction with bacteria intensifies. Regular breastfeeding maintains the transfer and ingestion of resident bacteria. Bacteria found in breast milk such as Streptococci and Staphylococci represent known constituents of the skin microbiota. Breast-feeding undoubtedly exerts a significant influence on the establishment of the enteric microbiota, but this may not primarily be due to its role as a source for new bacterial species but rather its vital prebiotic and nutritional influence.

3. Diet is key

Diet may be considered as the primary factor influencing gut microbiota composition and functionality. Fermented foods are rich in live bacteria that function as natural probiotics—a food-based way to replenish your microbiome’s healthy bacteria. A depleted microbiome leads to weight gain, whereas fermented foods help keep our microbiome balanced and healthy. When your kids stop eating them, their microbiome takes a hit—and weight gain results. Natural probiotics, which replenish your microbiome with more beneficial bacteria, include:

• Fermented vegetables, such as kimchee and sauerkraut

• Fermented dairy products, such as kefir and yogurt made from sheep’s or goat’s milk and avoid the commercial products that are heavily sweetened and have added sugars and fruits
Natural prebiotics, which nourishes the healthy bacteria already in your microbiome:

• Cinnamon, which balances blood sugar and, therefore, insulin, helping to prevent insulin resistance and thereby causing your body to burn fat rather than store it,

• Turmeric, a natural anti-inflammatory that helps heal the gut, support the microbiome, and promote good brain function.
Other food sources include asparagus, carrots, jicama, garlic, Jerusalem artichoke, leeks, onions, radishes, tomatoes.

4. Create a healthy lifestyle

If your child’s health is optimal, then they will not have gut problems. Ensure your kids are staying hydrated by drinking enough fluids throughout the day. To make them drink water more, you could try giving them fruit-infused water, which has an enhanced taste. Moreover, your children need to stay active because it stimulates the digestive system and helps in the waste excretion process. Therefore, please encourage them to go outside to play with other children or take them on runs with you. Do not keep over-sanitizing your kids; it does more harm than good. Exposure to germs can help boost their immune system.

5. Do not forget to include probiotics and prebiotics

Probiotic bacteria are viable microorganisms that exert a health-promoting effect on the host organism. The administration of probiotic bacteria, the nutritional supplementation with substances that foster beneficial bacteria known as prebiotics has become a therapeutic strategy. An excellent probiotic contains:

• Many diverse species

• At least these three types of Lactobacillus: acidophilus, rameneses, planataris

• Different types of Bifidobacteria

• As a bonus, Acidophilus reuterii

• Between 50 billion and 200 billion bacteria—the more, the better.

It is advisable to always purchase probiotic and prebiotic supplements with the help of a board-certified pediatric gut health professional to help your child grow into a healthy adult.

 

4 Fun and Eco-Friendly Activities for the Kids this Summer

The best way to teach kids about sustainability is to instill them with a deep reverence for nature. If your kids are already nature babies and love the great outdoors, that is fabulous! There are ways you can incorporate earth-saving lessons when they are playing in the woods or picking wildflowers.  Helping your kids stay mindful of the environment throughout every step of their lives will ensure they maintain a healthy respect for the earth. Here are a few fun and eco-friendly activities to do with kids this summer that ingrains valuable teachings about caring for the environment.

Nature Walks: Pack a picnic lunch and take the kiddies for a walk in nature. While you and the littles are packing delicious treats for the trail, share information with your kids about sustainable ways to pack a picnic. Show them how to reduce waste by substituting plastics for reusable glass containers, and replacing one-use water bottles with reusable ones. Pack a nature guide book in the picnic basket too.  Then play a game of “eye spy” while on your nature walk and use the nature guide to look up the different kinds of birds, trees, and flowers your kids are spying on. The idea here is to fully involve children with every step of being aware, being kind, and honoring nature.

Road Trips: Now more than ever there are a growing number of eco-friendly destinations that are practicing mindful sustainability and also great summer spots for the whole family. Wherever you decide to go, you can teach your kids how to travel sustainably every step of the trip. For example, educate them about shopping and eating at local farmers’ markets and farm-to-table restaurants and how this reduces the energy required to ship and refrigerate foods which leads to a lower carbon footprint. Consider renting or buying an electric car with an EV charger for your family road trip and explain how these vehicles reduce emissions that damage the environment. There are endless ways to demonstrate how your kids (and you) can stay mindful about sustainability in every aspect of summer fun.

Gardening: Hands down, perhaps one of the most beautiful ways to illustrate the cycle of life in nature to kids is growing a garden with them. This activity has loads of benefits and rewards for you and your family.  Most obviously, you can practice sustainability by growing your own produce instead of buying it from the grocery store. You can take this activity with the kids a step forward and teach them how to honor nature by practicing green gardening techniques. For example, explain how pesticides are harmful to the earth and show them how to use alternatives for reducing pesky bugs and invasive weeds. Explain how planting native plants are more sustainable than exotic (non-local) options. You can also involve them in water-saving practices like irrigation or using rain barrels to promote sustainability. You can even encourage the kids to help plant a butterfly garden and explain the powerful role butterflies play in the ecology of our planet.

Repurposing for Nature: Another great activity to involve the kids in is building habitats for nature’s creatures from reclaimed materials. Make an event out of this by taking the kiddies along to rummage yards and pick through viable materials that can be repurposed for this activity. Once your home with your junkyard treasures, brainstorm what kind of homes you can build. The options are endless, from birdhouses to bat boxes.  You can even introduce your kids to the globe-saving art of beekeeping by building a beehive from reclaimed materials. This activity can open your kid’s eyes about how the important function bees play in pollinating plants so they can produce fruits, flowers, and veggies. Additionally, the act of upcycling and repurposing materials is an effective lesson on sustainability.

Whatever you plan to do with the kids this summer, there is always an occasion to share valuable observations with your kids about sustainability and caring for mother nature. The more our children learn that our earth’s resources are finite and should be nurtured, the better our odds are for preserving the planet. Involving kids with eco-friendly summer activities is a fun way to instill valuable lessons of conservation. Doing so will make this world a better place for their kids, your grandkids, and generations to come.

 

5 Useful Apps for Busy Parents

Despite their best efforts, most parents can’t do it all by themselves. They need some help now and then.

 

If this describes your situation, the help you seek may be as close as inside your pocket. By using the following five apps, parents can alleviate some of the headaches and hassles of raising a family without compromising on the quality or merit of their parenting:

 

Google Calendar App

 

Streamline and simplify your complex schedule with the Google Calendar app. Day, week, and monthly views allow you to get a handle on upcoming events quickly. Add events to your calendar easily with Google Calendar’s many synchronization features. You can even track tasks to be sure essential action items don’t fall off the radar. Synchronize your schedule with various mobile-friendly calendar apps or add events to your calendar directly from Gmail, Chat, or Meetup. Of particular help to families is the ability to share calendars. With this app, there’s no need to wonder when everyone is free for the family camping trip or if a parent will be available to give Timmy a ride to soccer practice.

 

Whisk: Recipe Saver, Meal Planner & Grocery List

 

Winner of Google Play’s Best of 2020 ‘Everyday Essentials’ Award, this app boasts a 4.8-star review and over 500,000 downloads for a good reason. This app simplifies your weekly meal planning and grocery shopping, taking the stress out of these essential tasks. Browse the app’s recipe library or import recipes directly from any website to add to your Whisk cookbook – complete with your own recipe sections like ‘vegetarian,’ ‘keto,’ or ‘quick meals.’ Once they’re there, edit those recipes to add that extra touch of seasoning or ingredient swap that you always use. The app automatically adds nutrition information and a ‘Whisk Health Score’ to imported recipes as well so families can feel confident in making healthy meal choices. All done with planning the week’s dishes? With the click of a button, this app adds the ingredients to a shopping list shared with others. Even better, take advantage of Whisk’s partnerships with popular grocery delivery services like Instacart and Amazon Fresh to have the ingredients delivered directly to your door.

 

Nextdoor

 

In today’s era of hectic schedules, it can be challenging to take the time for the little things, like getting to know your neighbors. The Nextdoor app helps busy families stay connected to their community with various useful and fun features. Discover local businesses, learn about upcoming neighborhood events, buy, sell, and swap items locally, or discover which neighbors share your interests with the Groups feature. Be sure to read the Nextdoor racism-prevention community guidelines to recognize and report any racial profiling posts you see. Doing so helps keep the app a safe and supportive place for families everywhere.

 

Life360

 

Keeping busy families in touch throughout their day, this app uses GPS to show family members’ current location on the group map, complete with an address. Give addresses context with customizable location labels that are as serious of fun as you make them. This app is beneficial for parents of busy adolescents and teens. Parents always know precisely where to go to help if a child becomes unexpectedly stranded or lost. The app also lets you know when a family member’s phone battery is low, so they can be reminded to recharge. Automatic crash detection and the ability to send a silent SOS to alert family to danger or let the app’s 24/7 dispatch team call for help are also included. This app helps families quickly respond and coordinate when something unexpected arises and gives them peace of mind when it doesn’t.

 

Weldon – Parenting Support

 

Are you struggling with ways to keep your kids entertained and engaged or wondering about how to support them through learning a new skill? This app helps you learn about developmental stages, receive expert advice on common family challenges, set goals and track progress, and even chat with other parents who have struggled with the same issues. Weldon’s chat feature doesn’t stop there, though. They also have staff members and child development experts participating in the chats to offer their professional perspectives. Plus, the app has over 500 activities you can engage in with your children in categories ranging from active outdoor activities to quiet mindfulness and everything in between.

 

Parents need all the help they can get these days. Don’t make parenting harder on yourself than necessary. Take advantage of useful apps for parents, starting today.

5 Tips for Finding the Perfect Childcare Centre

Finding the perfect childcare centre can feeling like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Australia is home to many fantastic early learning facilities, so there’s bound to be service to suit your family’s needs. By planning ahead and assessing your options, you can choose a childcare center that will help your child learn, grow, and thrive. 

  1. Know what you’re looking for

Knowing what you’re looking for is the first step in finding the right center for your family. Before you begin your search for a childcare center, it’s important that you have a clear understanding of the type of childcare you need. 

Long daycare is a great choice for parents who work long hours and would like to place preschool-aged children in curriculum-led full-day learning programs. Families with school-aged children may prefer to pursue occasional care, vacation care, or out-of-school hours care (OSHC). Parents who’d prefer a more family-focused approach might opt for family daycare services. 

  1. Find the right philosophy

Childcare facilities offer learning programs that rely on early education philosophies. These philosophies and their teaching approaches vary in terms of program delivery and educational focuses, so it’s important to select a center whose philosophy aligns with your goals for your child’s education. 

Would you like your child to engage in play-based learning activities, or would you prefer a more structured curriculum program? Are you looking for a center that emphasizes a Montessori or Reggio Emilia philosophy? Would you like your child to attend a center with a focus on sustainability, literacy, numeracy, science, sports, the arts, or something else? These are programs and approaches you can look for as you browse center offerings. 

  1. Get to know the education standards

In Australia, childcare centres provide learning programs that align with the National Quality Standard (NQS) and Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). All centres are evaluated in accordance with the EYLF, completing assessments across 7 quality areas. Look for centres whose services have achieved meeting and exceeding ratings. 

When sending your child to an early learning center, it’s important that you remain involved in their education and are kept up to date with their academic progress. All centers have their own methods of communicating with parents and documenting children’s learning, so do some research to find which practices work for you. Some centers share updates online or on app-based systems. Others prefer face-to-face conversations and digital newsletters. 

  1. Look for centers in your area

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by childcare options, so keep your search narrow. Look for childcare centers that align with your needs and interests and that are located within your local area. 

MyXplor is a great resource for families seeking childcare solutions, offering location-specific listings and details of center offerings. For example, a parent living in Hurstville might visit the MyXplor Hurstville listing to filter and search for great early learning facilities in the area. 

  1. Ask the right questions

Never be afraid to ask questions to help you better understand what a childcare center can offer your family. Ask prospective centers about their teaching philosophies, hours of operation, visiting policies, communication processes, staff qualifications, and nutrition programs. It’s also important to check childcare fees, what they include, and if your family is eligible for any financial assistance or subsidies. 

By following these tips, it’s possible to find a childcare center that will promote your child’s development in meaningful ways, preparing them for school and beyond. Trust your instincts, do your research, and look for a center that will be your family’s perfect fit.

What Benefits Can Your Kid Gain from Taking Care of a Pet?

There may come a time in your parenting life in which your child becomes curious about pets. Maybe it’s because their closest friends have dogs, cats, fish, or turtles of their own. Or maybe it’s because your own extended family members or people in your neighborhood keep pets. Regardless, your kid may notice how much pets contribute to the daily happiness of the people around them. It may come naturally, then, for them to ask you if they can keep a pet of their own.
If you’re a first-time pet owner, or if the last time you owned a pet was before you had a family of your own, it’s worth thinking about how this decision will affect your child. This article will walk you through the benefits of saying yes and welcoming a new furred, feathered, or scaly family member into your home.

They’ll Learn Responsibility

The first thing all parents should teach their children about pet ownership is that it’s a tremendous responsibility. Unlike toys, books, or other inanimate objects that your children interact with, pets are living, breathing things that need constant care and attention. Your kid will need to watch over them even for the times that pet ownership isn’t fun, such as when they have to clean up litter.

But once your kid learns important responsibilities, like how to feed their puppy or take care of their custom dog beds, your family life will be all the better for it. Your child will learn how to step up and take initiative with their pet, which is a lesson that will serve them for life.


They’ll Develop Empathy and Compassion

Two other things that your child will gain from taking care of their own pet are empathy and compassion. They will be compelled to see the world through your pet’s eyes and learn for themselves what it is that keeps the animal happy and healthy. If your kid develops these empathetic and compassionate attitudes early on in life, they will continue to extend this kindness not only to animals but also to other human beings.

They’ll Learn the Basics of Animal Biology

The science of life is a pretty exciting thing for kids to learn. There would be no better teacher for basic animal biology concepts than their own pet. Your kid will learn firsthand why your pet needs to eat certain foods, why they behave the way they do, and how they communicate and interact with other animals in their species. Hopefully, keeping a pet will help them understand what the animal kingdom is like, as well as what humans can do to take care of the planet.

Their Physical and Mental Health May Improve

Keeping a pet at home may also be good for your child’s physical and mental health. Studies like those of Hesselmar et al, conducted at the Sweden’s University of Gothenburg, demonstrate that children are less likely to develop hay fever, asthma, or eczema if they grow up with cats or dogs.

There’s also some evidence that keeping a pet can bolster mental health and help family members cope with loneliness and anxiety. A recent study done by the University of York and the University of Lincoln showed that the bonds families developed with animals took them through difficult times, like the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.

Thus, the physical and mental health benefits of keeping a pet form a compelling argument for letting your child take care of one. In times of crisis, it will do a lot to make them feel like they are enjoying a happy, healthy, and normal childhood with their beloved pet.


They’ll Be More Bonded to the World Around Them

If all goes well and you’re able to live a good family life with your pet, you and your children will have fantastic memories. They can look back on the days when they’d lounge around the house with cats, go on daily walks with dogs, or build beautiful marine or terrestrial environments for fish or reptiles.

What these memories will have in common is a sense of being bonded or connected to the pet, to family members, and to the world at large. There are precious few things that compare to this, so letting your kid have these experiences with their pets—and of course, sharing these experiences with them—will be a wonderful gift overall.

Some Final Pet Care Tips for You and Your Kid

The best way to ensure that you and your child will enjoy family life with a new pet is to actively prepare for pet ownership. Before you buy a pet or adopt one from a shelter, make sure that:
• You’ve had a talk with your kid about the responsibilities they’ll need to keep once they have a pet.
• You’ve decided what kind of pet will be good to keep, and whether you have space, time, and financial capability to take care of it.
• You’ve done your research about the proper daily care of the animal, such as their diet, the environment they need to live in, and the equipment you’ll need.
• You’ve found a provider for veterinary care near your home, in case your pet gets sick or injured.
Keeping a pet can be one of the most rewarding things your child will experience. The same goes for you, given that you will be supervising the pet’s care. Here’s to hoping that your journey to pet ownership will be a smooth one, and that you, your kids, and your pets will share the happiest of lives together!

Parenting 101: Top 6 Tips to Make Babysitting Easier

Babysitting is not an easy job. It involves patience, self-control, and among other things to ensure that you are right on track. If it’s your first time babysitting and is feeling nervous about how to do it correctly, then we are glad that you stumbled upon this article today.

There’s no denying that babysitting can be a bit hard sometimes. Fret not because today, we are going to help you be an expert on the job. That said, here are top tips to make your babysitting experience a breeze.

 

Patience and Self Control Is Key

Watching out for kids and taking care of them is easier said than done. Of course, we were also kids during the early years of our life. Then we came to realize how stubborn we were when the tables finally turned as we grew up.

This is why the importance of your patience and self-control should never be overlooked. Keep in mind that babysitting is not like watching out for pets who will just sleep all day. Kids love to play, mess around, and sometimes, just goof around with you.

So keep your patience at its peak to retain your comfort level whatever way the situation will turn out. Avoid emotionally breaking down in front of a kid as doing so is a disaster waiting to happen. Keep your cool, stay calm, and go with the flow no matter how unpredictable it can be.

 

Building a Connection Is a Must

Having a connection with the kid you are babysitting with is the most important part of this job. Doing so helps you understand its needs and behavior towards adults. This allows you to be confident about how to handle him/her when things go beyond their limits.

It’s better if you avoid getting too harsh when stuff starts to derail from its tracks. Since you already have a connection with the child, try to have a little chit-chat to establish your connection even more. 

If they sense that you are a person that they can trust, then everything will be flowing smoothly further on. Better yet, treat them as if they are your brother or sister. This might be a little hard for only sons/daughters but think of it as a challenge instead. 

 

Keep Your Cool at All Times

Babysitting is somewhat pretty easy. It’s not like becoming a call center agent where you have to deal with stress the entire day. When things turn for the worse, take your time to relax and cool down.

It’s also better to babysit when you are in the mood. If you try to babysit after fighting with your friend or when things are not okay at home, then this is surely a recipe for disaster. So always try to compose yourself before getting into the job. 

Having patience comes a long way when babysitting. You don’t want to make the kid cry, right? Or the next thing you’ll find is their parents coming home to fire you immediately. 

 

Always Keep Your Lines Open

Speaking of the kid’s parents, this is where the importance of communication comes into play. Sometimes, it’s hard to deal with babysitting on our own. That’s why there’s no other way to go and look for help but none other than the kid’s parents. 

Always be on the lookout for telephone calls or even text messages from the parents. If you need help about finding certain stuff the kid wants, call the parents. If you’re having trouble dealing with the kid’s temper, call the parents again. 

Parents know their children very well so don’t hesitate to ask for help about certain matters. This is why it’s also important to build a connection with the parents too and not just the kids. Connection is the easiest way to build trust, which is very important for a babysitting job. At RealDiaperAssociation, you can find articles about parenting and how to raise a child.

 

Be Interactive

Babysitting is not just about feeding the kids and waiting for them to fall asleep until the parents get home. It’s also about being interactive with the kids you are babysitting. Kids love to play around, especially when their parents aren’t home.

Use this opportunity to play games with them. Whether it is hide n’ seek, tag, or board games, you have the freedom to choose what games that they will surely like.

You can also buy your child some food treats or snacks that are stored in packaging made by a reputable packing pouch manufacturer as these are guaranteed to be clean and safe.

Be careful not to play games that might be too dangerous for them to play. It’s also very important to be cautious too. For example, when playing a game of tag, make sure that you do it outside to prevent the risk of knocking down furniture or fragile items inside the house.

If they have a console such as a Playstation or Xbox, then play multiplayer games with them. This is the best way to interact and play with the kids without breaking anything fragile. 

 

Just Have Fun

At the end of the day, take things slow and steady on your babysitting job. Do not stress out too much and just go with the flow. That’s why it’s important to be ready and prepared in case the unexpected happens. 

Whatever that might be, you are now more than ready to handle kids and their tantrums just like a super nanny. Don’t let your emotions get the betterment of you. Always try to cool down when things get rough.

Be friendly to the kids, interact with them, and most of all, understand their needs and wants as if they are your siblings. When they finally fall asleep, this is the time where you can take a deep breath, check your social media, and reward yourself after a tiring day. 

 

Conclusion

Being a babysitter is no easy feat. It is a job that one can be challenged in terms of self-control, patience, and comfort level.

If you are new to all of this babysitting stuff, we hope this article is a big help for your journey. For those expert babysitters who are reading this and have some extra babysitting tips, feel free to comment down below and we will be glad to feature it in future articles.

Impressive Colors to Try for Your Kid

Color is one of the essential features of any design or interior décor. It tells a lot about the quality and flow of the design print or décor. You must take necessary caution while adding color to your kids’ room because they are sensitive to colors.

There are several colors to choose from for the kids’ room. Although this leaves you with numerous options, it also presents a hassle of making the right selection. Either way, you don’t have to lose sleep over the right color to use in your kids’ room. 

This guide provides a list of colors that are suitable for the kids’ room. You will also understand why these colors are suitable options. Find out bellow.

 

Baby Blue

Baby blue is also referred to as cerulean blue. It is a darker and richer shade of blue. Besides the fact that it offers deeper quality to your kids’ room, it also adds richer texture and a cool feeling. You can consider blending this color with white to make it light and diverse. 

 

Aqua Blue

Aqua is another shade of blue with a lighter shade. It is one of the most versatile colors for kids’ rooms because it flows well with many other bright colors like yellow, coral, and pink. This bright warm color is one of the best appearances kids love seeing around them. 

Bonus Tip: Consider using a boat-shaped bed for your kids’ room if you are using aqua blue color to create a complete ocean feel. 

Yellow 

Yellow is one of the most beautiful colors on earth. Besides the fact that your kids will find yellow attractive, it also gives a warm feeling to your kids’ room. Yellow is also a decorative, hence, the reason for its presence in most kids paintings. So, it provides enough room for proper exploration. 

 

Green

Green is another impressive color suitable for your kids’ room. This option allows you to add warmth, style, and class with a natural feel. All shades of green will work great in your kids’ room. But the lighter shades of green will add brightness to the room space. 

 

Lilac

Most people confuse lilac with purple. Well, it is close to being right because lilac is a lighter shade of purple. Besides the fact that this color appears sophisticated in your kids’ room, it can also stand the test of time. So, you won’t have to change the color in your kids’ room when they get to high school. They can use it until they are teens or young adults. 

 

Pink

Pink is one of the most beautiful colors that exist, and it is classic for a reason. Many people consider it as a sign of meekness. All shades of pink will give a perfect fit for your kids’ room. This color adds extreme beauty and warmth to any space design. Kids love this color because it is attractive. 

 

Summary 

Color is one of the most vital design elements in any space, including the kids’ room. It is often the basics of other arts, décor, and design in a room. Besides, color is capable of defining mood and enhancing relaxation. So, choosing the best color for your kids’ room is the first step in the right direction for having a perfect décor! 

 

 

 

 

 

4 Fun and Eco-Friendly Activities for the Kids this Summer

The best way to teach kids about sustainability is to instill them with a deep reverence for nature. If your kids are already nature babies and love the great outdoors, that is fabulous! There are ways you can incorporate earth-saving lessons when they are playing in the woods or picking wildflowers.  Helping your kids stay mindful of the environment throughout every step of their lives will ensure they maintain a healthy respect for the earth. Here are a few fun and eco-friendly activities to do with kids this summer that ingrains valuable teachings about caring for the environment.

Nature Walks: Pack a picnic lunch and take the kiddies for a walk in nature. While you and the littles are packing delicious treats for the trail, share information with your kids about sustainable ways to pack a picnic. Show them how to reduce waste by substituting plastics for reusable glass containers, and replacing one-use water bottles with reusable ones. Pack a nature guide book in the picnic basket too.  Then play a game of “eye spy” while on your nature walk and use the nature guide to look up the different kinds of birds, trees, and flowers your kids are spying on. The idea here is to fully involve children with every step of being aware, being kind, and honoring nature.

Road Trips: Now more than ever there are a growing number of eco-friendly destinations that are practicing mindful sustainability and also great summer spots for the whole family. Wherever you decide to go, you can teach your kids how to travel sustainably every step of the trip. For example, educate them about shopping and eating at local farmers’ markets and farm-to-table restaurants and how this reduces the energy required to ship and refrigerate foods which leads to a lower carbon footprint. Consider renting or buying an electric car with an EV charger for your family road trip and explain how these vehicles reduce emissions that damage the environment. There are endless ways to demonstrate how your kids (and you) can stay mindful about sustainability in every aspect of summer fun.

Gardening: Hands down, perhaps one of the most beautiful ways to illustrate the cycle of life in nature to kids is growing a garden with them. This activity has loads of benefits and rewards for you and your family.  Most obviously, you can practice sustainability by growing your own produce instead of buying it from the grocery store. You can take this activity with the kids a step forward and teach them how to honor nature by practicing green gardening techniques. For example, explain how pesticides are harmful to the earth and show them how to use alternatives for reducing pesky bugs and invasive weeds. Explain how planting native plants are more sustainable than exotic (non-local) options. You can also involve them in water-saving practices like irrigation or using rain barrels to promote sustainability. You can even encourage the kids to help plant a butterfly garden and explain the powerful role butterflies play in the ecology of our planet.

Repurposing for Nature: Another great activity to involve the kids in is building habitats for nature’s creatures from reclaimed materials. Make an event out of this by taking the kiddies along to rummage yards and pick through viable materials that can be repurposed for this activity. Once your home with your junkyard treasures, brainstorm what kind of homes you can build. The options are endless, from birdhouses to bat boxes.  You can even introduce your kids to the globe-saving art of beekeeping by building a beehive from reclaimed materials. This activity can open your kid’s eyes about how the important function bees play in pollinating plants so they can produce fruits, flowers, and veggies. Additionally, the act of upcycling and repurposing materials is an effective lesson on sustainability.

Whatever you plan to do with the kids this summer, there is always an occasion to share valuable observations with your kids about sustainability and caring for mother nature. The more our children learn that our earth’s resources are finite and should be nurtured, the better our odds are for preserving the planet. Involving kids with eco-friendly summer activities is a fun way to instill valuable lessons of conservation. Doing so will make this world a better place for their kids, your grandkids, and generations to come.