4 Ways to Make Holidays Better for Kids

4 Ways to Make Holidays Better for Kids

4 Ways to Make Holidays Better for Kids

Tips for keeping kids happy and able to enjoy the fun

Rachel Ehmke; Adapted from Child Mind Institute

4 Ways to Make Holidays Better for KidsIt’s easy for children to be smitten with the magic of the holidays. Fun presents. Extra sweets. A vacation from school—there’s a lot to like. But with the freedom and excess of the season, sometimes kids can get a little carried away. For most families, there will be a point when the kids get overtired and cranky, or greedy about presents. Or would rather play a video game than talk to Grandma. Here are some tips to keep kids happy and ready to enjoy whatever the season brings.

1. Gifts, gifts, gifts: Getting presents is a high point of the holidays for any kid, but they shouldn’t be the only focus. As adults we know that 4 Ways to Make Holidays Better for Kidsgiving presents can be just as rewarding as getting them. We shouldn’t wait to teach that lesson to our children. Even when kids are too young to buy a present, they can still make one. Or help you pick out something. Some of my best holiday memories are of helping my father look for the perfect gift for Mom. Also, combing the mall to look for presents with my siblings as we got older.

Volunteering, participating in a local toy drive, or giving each of your kids a little money to give to a charity of their choice. These are all great ideas for getting children in a more generous mood. Also, remember that the best gifts that you give your children probably won’t be the material ones. Take time for the whole family to get together to play a game, watch a movie, or decorate sugar cookies. These are the things that kids remember as they get older.

2. Let them help: There’s a lot of extra work to do around the holidays like putting up decorations, cooking big dinners, throwing parties. The Martha Stewart in all of us can take over, but it’s important to take a step back and make sure our kids are included.

Children can help set the table, decorate the house, and wrap presents. If they’re too young to wrap, they can help by holding down the paper or getting the tape ready. There’s always something kids can do. And at holiday time, the preparations are often as fun and as meaningful as the end product. Plus, this way kids won’t feel left out or be glued to the iPad for hours.

3. Keep routines: We love the holidays because they give us a break from the everyday. However, that can also make them stressful, especially for kids who find routine comforting. Try to keep some things constant. Kids still need snack time. They still need special attention from you. They still need a chance to unwind before bedtime.

4 Ways to Make Holidays Better for Kids At family gatherings when they notice the kids are “getting antsy,” psychologist Rachel Busman says she and her sister did the following. They would give them their baths, get them into pajamas, and turn on a movie. “We know when they need to wind down, we won’t be judged for excusing ourselves from the table to do these things,” she says.

4. Remember they’re kids: Some holiday traditions depend on kids being on their best behavior. For example, lengthy services, parties with lots of strangers, elaborate meals. These meals may not appeal to picky eaters. Try to keep those to a minimum and customize festivities for your kids’ frustration level. Don’t schedule more than one demanding event in a day. Make sure to include physical activity and plenty of downtime. Your kids will be grateful — and so will you.

Click here to read the original article.

Click here  to watch Dr. Deborah Gilboa give advice on how to make your child happy during the holidays without spoiling them too much.

Simple Ways to Raise Grateful Children

Simple Ways to Raise Grateful Children

Adapted from blogs.brighthorizons.com

Simple Ways to Raise Grateful ChildrenThanksgiving is around the corner. It is a holiday and an expression of gratitude. Here are some tips to teach our kids gratitude and to practice thanksgiving all year round!

• Model Gratefulness. You are your children’s most important role model. Using grateful language and positive reinforcement is a great way to show children how to be grateful. “The playroom looks great with all your toys put away. I’m so happy you cleaned up!”

• Say Please, Thank You, You’re Welcome. Use these words for both small and big things. In fact, you can never overdo it – it will make a difference. Have them become an important part of your family’s language.

• Share Appreciation Daily. During family dinners, talk about their day. Ask the kids “what’s something good that happened today?” For the Thanksgiving season ask, “What’s something nice you did for someone? Or, what’s something nice someone did for you?”

• Encourage “Eye Contact” Thank You’s during Gift-Giving Holidays. Kids love presents! They open them very quickly. During these times, encourage them to personally “thank” the gift giver. This should include making eye contact. They should also say the name of the person they are thanking.

• Make Thank You Notes or Cards. It’s nice for children to make “thank you” notes for gifts received during special occasions. For little kids, parents can write them and kids can color the card. As they get older, they will continue this as they make their own thank you notes.

• Volunteer or Do a Charity Project. We have a lot of opportunities to help the needy. It’s important to make sure to involve the children in the service projects. Discuss why people need Simple Ways to Raise Grateful ChildrenThanksgiving food and other things.

• Set Shopping Expectations.  Parents should tell their children, “Today, we are getting a present for your friend’s birthday at the toy store. If you see something you want, you can write it on your birthday/holiday list.”

• Be Patient, Consistent & Persistent. Children are solid thinkers. Gratitude is a character trait that takes time to develop. With some patience and persistence, you’ll be on the road to raising a grateful child.

Enjoy this video of your children at A Children’s Carousel and click here to watch it on our YouTube channel!

 

Toddler Lunch Ideas

Toddler Lunch Ideas

New ideas for sandwiches, wraps, mini-pizzas and more tasty lunch recipes for kids

Adapted from Parenting.com by Jennifer Saltiel, Stephanie Eckelkamp and Kelly Ladd Sanchez

Enjoy these yummy and simple lunch recipes!

 

Honey, Almond Butter & BananaToddler Lunch Ideas
Spread 2 slices of whole-wheat bread with almond butter or peanut butter.  Top 1 bread slice with a drizzle of honey (for kids 1 and up) and a layer of banana slices. Cover with the other slice, butter side down.

 

 

Toddler Lunch Ideas

Pear & Avocado
Mash 1/2 ripe avocado in a bowl. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and season to taste with salt and pepper. Spread the avocado evenly on 2 slices of sourdough bread. Add a layer of thinly sliced Bosc or Asian pear to 1 bread slice. Cover with the other slice and press gently to adhere. Swap in pomegranate seeds for the pear, if you like.

 

   

                               Tuna Pasta Salad

Toddler Lunch IdeasMix whatever shaped cooked pasta you like with some mixed veggies. Once it’s cooked mix in some tinned tuna or other fish, a drizzle of olive oil and some dried oregano – serve it hot or cold. Delicious and so simple!

 

 

 

Toddler Lunch IdeasStrawberry & Goat Cheese
Split an English muffin and lightly toast the halves. Spread each half with softened goat cheese or plain whipped cream cheese. Top with a thin layer of strawberry jam, followed by a layer of thin strawberry slices. Place the top half of the muffin over the bottom half and press gently.

 

 

Toddler Lunch IdeasSlice It Right
If it seems like that sandwich you packed in the morning makes a soggy return uneaten in the afternoon, swap in Pepperidge Farm Goldfish—shaped bread. It’ll remind him of a familiar snack and get him to eat up. $3 to $4; grocery stores.

 

 

Toddler Lunch IdeasTurkey Pinwheels 
Spread dollop of store-bought hummus on whole-wheat tortilla, then layer a slice of turkey and some spinach leaves. Roll up and cut.

 

 

Toddler Lunch IdeasPita-Butter and Jelly
If your child’s main food staple is PB&J, but peanut butter is a no-no at her school, here’s a peanut-free option. Substitute butter or cream cheese in for peanut butter and spread on whole-wheat pita bread. Top with jelly, or if she loves apple pie, try cinnamony apple butter.

 

 

Toddler Lunch IdeasI Heart Turkey
A plain ol’ turkey sandwich gets a little love with this Thanksgiving-inspired, heart-shaped version. (Kid not a heart-lover? Stars or dinosaur shapes work, too.) Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce on two pieces of whole wheat bread. Layer two slices of roasted turkey breast and sliced cheese. Use a cookie cutter to cut the sandwich into the shape of a heart.

 

 

Toddler Lunch IdeasMini Pizzas
This kid-favorite gets a healthy makeover to fuel your child’s busy body all day long. Make these the night before to save time in the morning. Top English muffin halves with jarred marinara sauce (if your child won’t object, add chopped steamed broccoli or spinach to the sauce.) Sprinkle pre-shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. Let cool, then wrap up.

 

 

Toddler Lunch IdeasBrunch for Lunch
Who says French toast and eggs are just for breakfast? This traditional morning meal makes a power-packed lunch. Feel free to make these the night before. French toast cinnamon sticks: Add pureed squash or sweet potatoes to egg-milk batter for an extra boost of beta-carotene. Cook French toast and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture. Let cool and slice into sticks for an easy-to-eat fork-free option.

 

Click here to read the original article.

Preschooler Reading Milestones

Preschooler Reading Milestones

Daily reading for preschoolers is a critical part of their long-term reading success!

Adapted from PBS Family

Preschooler ReadingDuring the preschool years, many young children will be able to recite or sing the alphabet. They may begin to recognize familiar letters, especially letters in their own names. Children who have been read to frequently pretend to read books to themselves or to their toy dolls and animals. They use their own words or phrases from the story.       Preschooler Reading

Here are some tips for helping younger children become readers for life.

  • Read and reread your young child’s favorite books every day. Reading books with rhymes helps develop a child’s awareness of the sounds in our language. This ability is associated with reading success in the early grades. An example is in the book “Green Eggs and Ham ”. The repetitive refrain, “I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them Sam I am.” is memorable. Young children also delight in predictable books with memorable refrains.
  • Read books with a variety of characters. All children should have the opportunity to read books with characters that look and speak like them. At the same time, children also enjoy reading stories about fantastic characters, such as talking animals. These will stimulate their imagination and build on their love of pretend play.
  • Enjoy rhyming books together. Children enjoy books with rhyming patterns. Young children find the use of nonsense rhymes playful and fun. As you read, invite your child to fill in some of the rhyming words.
  • Point out the important features of a book as you read. Before you start reading, show your child the title and author on the front of the book. For example, you might say, “The title of this book is ‘Amazing Grace’. Then say, “It is written by Mary Hoffman and the pictures are by Caroline Birch.”
  • Point to each word with your finger as you read.  This demonstrates to your child that there is a one-to-one match between the spoken and written word. Also, it also draws your child’s attention to the link between the words you say and the words on the page. Therefore, pointing as you read also reinforces the concept that we read from top to bottom and from the left to the right.
  • Use stories to introduce your child to new words. Focusing on new vocabulary words increases reading comprehension. Thereby, promoting your child’s vocabulary development by drawing his attention to new or unusual words in the story. Most importantly, just have fun with these new words and help your child use them in real-life situations. An example of this would be, after learning “capsize” in a story, you can point out that the toy boat in your child’s bath has capsized and the animals are now in the water. Preschooler Reading

Click here  to read the original article and learn more about how preschoolers develop into readers through writing

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO POTTY TRAINING

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO POTTY TRAINING

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO POTTY TRAINING

Adapted from: WeTheParents.org

Struggling to settle on the best potty training method?

The Ultimate Guide To Potty Training!

It can certainly be an overwhelming time, and getting a child out of diapers is something that most parents just want done.

Alas, there is no magic word or step-by-step guide that will work for everyone, every time.

However…there are several battle-tested potty training approaches that we’ll break down for you in this guide. Once you know what you’re working with, it’ll be easy to cherry-pick the best bits and create a bespoke method that will work for you and your family.

POTTY TRAINING READINESS

Many parents will find themselves introducing the concept of bathroom breaks when their kiddo is between 18 and 30 months old, but that doesn’t mean you should go out of your way to start on the younger side. You could strain the relationship between you and your child by pushing her too far from her comfort zone too soon!

Good luck! Remember when you’re child is ready to be potty trained it will be simple! 

Below you will find a few videos to guide you through potty training. Enjoy!

Here is a potty training readiness checklist for you so that you know with confidence when your child is ready for potty training.

FEEL FREE TO PRINT IT UP FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE!

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO POTTY TRAININGTHE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO POTTY TRAININGTHE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO POTTY TRAINING

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO POTTY TRAININGTHE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO POTTY TRAININGTHE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO POTTY TRAINING

 

 

 

 

 

PREPARING FOR POTTY TRAINING   

CHOOSING YOUR APPROACH

THE NO-NONSENSE 3-DAYS AND DONE APPROACH

EARLY POTTY TRAINING

Click here to read the original article with much more information!

Tips on Reading to Your Preschool Child

Tips on Reading to Your Preschool Child

The early years are critical to developing a lifelong love of reading – you can’t start reading to a child too soon!

  • Read together every day. Read to your child every day. Make this a warm and loving time when the two of you can cuddle close together. Bedtime is an especially great time for reading together. 
  • Give everything a name. You can build comprehension skills early, even with the littlest child. Play games that involve naming or pointing to objects. Say things like, “Where’s your nose?” and then, “Where’s Mommy’s nose?” Or touch your child’s nose and say, “What’s this?”
  • Say how much you enjoy reading together. Tell your child how much you enjoy reading with him or her. Look forward to this time you spend together. Talk about “story time” as the favorite part of your day.
  • Read with fun in your voice. Read to your child with humor and expression. Use different voices for different characters.
  • Know when to stop. If your child loses interest or has trouble paying attention, just put the book away for a while. Don’t continue reading if your child is not enjoying it.  Reading Preschooler
  • Be interactive. Engage your child so he or she will actively listen to a story. Discuss what’s happening, point out things on the page, and answer your child’s questions. Ask questions of your own and listen to your child’s responses.
  • Read it again and again and again. Your child will probably want to hear a favorite story over and over. Go ahead and read the same book for the 100th time! Research suggests that repeated readings help children develop language skills.
  • Talk about writing, too. Draw your child’s attention to the way writing works. When looking at a book together, point out how we read from left to right and how words are separated by spaces.
  • Point out print everywhere. Talk about the written words you see in the world around you and respond with interest to your child’s questions about words. Ask him or her to find a new word every time you go on an outing.                        

Visit our YouTube Channel! Click here 

Videos stressing the importance of reading to your child

 

STEM Education – It’s Never Too Early

STEM Education – It’s Never Too Early

STEM EducationWhat is STEM?

STEM is an acronym for SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH. The STEM approach to teaching and learning integrates the curriculum content with skills of science, technology, engineering and math.

Many parents ask us what age we think it is appropriate to start teaching STEM to children. At A Children’s Carousel, we believe that it is never too early to start STEM education. Reasons are STEM Educationmany – a few being that

  • Young learners are naturally curious and questioning.
  • Early learners are natural scientists.
  • STEM education sparks a child’s interest in science, technology and math.
  • Foundations of scientific learning are inquiry and exploration; both are elements of STEM.
  • STEM encourages developmentally appropriate instruction as children explore the world around them.

STEM Education

For young children, we focus on STEM through EXPLORATION, PLAY, AND BUILDING CURIOSITY ABOUT THE NATURAL WORLD AND THE WAY THINGS WORK. For example, children learn about technology by exploring tools or simple machines and investigating how they work. These can be items they use every day like a pair of scissors, observing the wheels of a car, exploring at the park, watching a sunrise or by swimming in the ocean.

The research is quite clear that STEM education encourages the best practices in early childhood education. It shows the importance of breaking away from passive instruction to allow for more play and investigation. This kind of learning early in life builds skills, problem solving, abilities and interests that will serve children throughout their school years, and later in life. When discussing STEM-like education at home to their bi-lingual children, parents are encouraged to use both STEM Educationlanguages. In fact, research shows that bilingual children have greater mental flexibility, which may clarify math and in general many concepts.

STEM education integrated within early childhood education will tap into children’s natural curiosity and give them ample opportunities to be active participants in their own learning. Natural settings offer children almost unlimited opportunities to explore and investigate that leads to building STEM skills and creating a solid  foundation for future learning.

A Children’s Carousel is proud and privileged to have successfully incorporate STEM education into the Pre-K curriculum as well as afterschool. We encourage parents to continue this natural curious way of learning at home.

To read the original article please click here  To view more STEM related videos click here and here

Check out a few videos of our Pre-K at A Children’s Carousel engaged in STEM education!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Ways to Teach Kids PATIENCE!

Three Ways to Teach Kids PATIENCE!

Teach kTeach Kids Patienceids patience…three easy ways?

If your child wasn’t born to wait, you’re not alone. Good news is that patience is actually a skill you can teach. Teach Kids Patience

As mom’s and dad’s of young children, have you ever wondered if it’s possible to teach your toddler patience? First time parents, this will help you immensely in the years to come. For parents-of-a-few who really needs to teach this lesson, don’t worry, you’re covered too. Remember, building patience takes time and discipline not just for them, but for you too.

Does this seem impossible and easier said than done? Have no fear with consistency and determination it can be done – and it’s worth the effort!

The video below provides three simple and fun ways that you can do to teach kids patience! Enjoy!

Want to watch this video and others on YouTube? click here and here

Summer Camp Benefits Preschoolers

Summer Camp Benefits Preschoolers

Summer Camp Benefits Preschoolers – Read Four Practical Benefits!

Adapted from Sharon Wilhelm

We’re off to a Great Start at A Children’s Carousel Summer Camp!

Enjoy this video of your kids at A Children’s Carousel Summer Camp! Click here

 

Summer Camp Benefits PreschoolersDid you know that there are many summer camp benefits preschoolers can achieve? Many Programs take children as young as 3 years old – and while this might sound too young, there are some pros to consider, especially if your child will be entering preschool or kindergarten in the fall.

1. Structure: Summer camp benefits preschoolers can gain is a provide a preview of school, particularly for children who haven’t been to daycare, according to whattoexpect.com, the official website of the bestselling book and brand What to Expect When You’re Expecting. The transition from laid-back, flexible days at home with a parent or caretaker to the relative structure of a classroom environment can be challenging. Summer camp can introduce kids to concepts like following a schedule, Summer Camp Benefits Preschoolerslearning group rules, taking responsibility for their belongings (backpack and lunchbox), and getting along with other children in a group setting.

2. Independence: Summer camp benefits preschools can also achieve is a great “practice run” for kids who don’t have a lot of experience being away from Mom and Dad. After all, being dropped off for a day full of fun and friends might seem a little less daunting for kids (and their parents) than going to the first day of school. While schools tend to have stricter policies about school drop-off, camp counselors are likely to be a bit more lenient about those first few goodbyes.

3. Skills: Summer camp benefits preschoolers in terms of introducing your preschooler to new activities and skills. Many day camps include water play or swimming lessons. Other camps may focus on specific sports, like soccer or gymnastics. Your kids will have fun while practicing important skills like teamwork, coordination, self-confidence and learning and following rules. They might even enjoy the new activity enough to continue it beyond summer camp.

Summer Camp Benefits Preschoolers4. Social: Summer camp benefits preschoolers with a wonderful opportunity to introduce your child to a whole new group of friends. Young kids sometimes have limited peer group exposure – their social circle may only include a handful of friends from daycare, a play group or their neighborhood. Summer camp, like school, allows children to practice making friends and interact with kids from diverse backgrounds. It also gives children the freedom to make friends independently, instead of just making friends based on convenience or proximity.

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