Category: Parenting

With summer coming to an end and back-to-school season right around the corner, there’s no better time to prepare your kids for their first day back in the classroom. In these times, there may be heightened anxiety surrounding both in-person and online education options.

Many parents are concerned about their child’s physical and mental health, socialization skills, and even their ability to manage challenging curriculums. If you are experiencing similar worries, you are not alone. We have pulled together a few tips to help get you and your family in the best position to tackle the new school year and prepare your kids for their first day of school.

For Your Kids

Communicate With Your Kids

• Communicating with your children on a regular basis creates a space where they feel comfortable to voice their opinions and concerns. It’s also the best way to understand how they are truly coping with the approaching school year.

• Set aside time each night to listen and converse with your kids about their day, allowing them to express themselves with no judgment. When sitting down for a meal together, initiate a conversation using some relaxed conversation starters that get the dialogue flowing.

• Leave all electronic devices turned off or in another room so that everyone is present, engaged and the conversation goes uninterrupted.

• Meet with your kids one-on-one for more serious discussions, giving them a safe, quiet space to open up about how they are feeling mentally, or give them a chance to express excitement about the impending school year!

• Communicating with your kids one-on-one also gives you a chance to learn about their current interests. Incorporate them into their back-to-school gear or activities to make your kids more comfortable and excited for their first day.

Familiarize Your Kids With the Classroom

• Younger children can often be intimidated by a new classroom setting. Take time before their first day to tour the classroom if possible, as well as the school grounds.

• Familiarize your kids with their teacher as well! Schedule an early meeting time on their first day of school so everyone can get to know each other. This can relieve some anxiety for both you and your child, and make the transition to a new classroom go a little smoother.

• If your kids are online students, allow them to help design their workspace to make it an area they enjoy being in, while being sure it’s a space that supports their ability to focus and learn.

• Look into ergonomic seating and desks that grow with them so they can use their learning space long-term.

• Be sure to walk through the digital “classroom” as well to allow you and your child time to adapt to this hybrid learning environment. Knowing where assignments and important announcements are located online prevents unneeded stress once the school year ramps up.

Get Your Kids Organized

• Back to school season gets hectic quickly, so start your back to school shopping now! Make sure they have the gear they need to start the school year off prepared and organized.

• Buying new can get expensive quickly, so consider shopping second-hand to find back-to-school outfits that are like new. Bring your kids along so they can pick out outfits that match their style and interests. Feeling good in what they wear can give them an added confidence boost on their first day.

• Getting your kids organized goes beyond just having the right binder, pens, and backpack. Be sure to get them organized mentally as well. Summer often gets kids out of the regimented routine of a school day (as it should). But, this can hinder their focus going into the new school year if not addressed in the preceding weeks.

• Start by adjusting their daily routine, so that the transition to the school day is more seamless. Earlier bedtimes and wake-up times will help to get them conditioned to waking up early for class.

• Balanced nutrition also helps to improve their focus and keep them from needing a snack throughout the day. The food we eat directly affects our ability to focus, our overall energy levels, and our ability to fight off illnesses. Be sure to fuel your kids with the right food to get them feeling their best as they begin the school year. Also, use this time to learn what kind of foods they like to make sure they are eating a balanced meal that they enjoy during the school day.

For Parents

Stay Up to Date

• Staying up to date with the latest school news, trends, and even health advisories can give you peace of mind when it’s time to send your kids off to school.

• To avoid getting overwhelmed with information, search for resources that summarize information into digestible social posts, podcasts, or news articles.

• Or, for more medical related news, consider following local health providers on social media to get quick, summarized, and updated posts on health conscious tips. For example, providers like Health Net utilize their facebook page to deliver timely advice for their customers, while WebMD’s podcast “Health Now” provides episodes that deliver timely advice to listeners. There are so many ways to remain up-to-date without inducing panic, you just have to find what works best for you and your family.

• Reach out to your school district to find ways to stay connected and up to date with the steps they are taking to keep everyone safe and healthy, and also reach out to your child’s teacher! They can walk you through their process for the new school year whether their class takes place in person or online to ease any further worries.

Be Supportive, But Set Boundaries

• Supporting your kids is a natural part of being a parent, but without setting boundaries, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and burned out, especially when the school year is in full swing.

• It’s easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day hustle and bustle, but finding ways to find calm throughout your day can help to keep your kids organized and at ease as well.

• Find ways to practice regular self-care. Whether it’s dedicating one hour a day to your favorite hobby, quiet time away from the kids, or just time to get caught up on chores without distractions. Make time for yourself. If you feel lost on where to start, check out resources like Parent Self Care to get some helpful ideas of how to unwind.

• Or, try mindful practices like yoga, meditation, or exercise as a way to relieve stress and clear your mind. Consider adding these to your daily routine to balance your mental health with your physical health.

• Be sure to communicate your need for space with your family. That way they can give you the support you need in return for the support you give them.

• Setting boundaries takes effort. Hold yourself accountable and prioritize yourself so you can be your best when you return to work and family responsibilities.

Back-to-school season is a stressful time for parents and kids alike. We hope these tips will help your family take on this time with less worry and more excitement!

Quick Video Tips for Teachers Welcoming Kids Back to School

Whether it’s a child’s first day of kindergarten, grade one, or students returning for any grade, every new school year is a new beginning with many adjustments to be made. There are new faces, new teachers and new classrooms that present exciting, yet challenging situations.

Hopefully, parents have done everything they can think of to make returning to school a positive experience. So, here is a quick little video for teachers on one important way to make everyone in their classroom feel valued and part of the classroom. How to get their names right!

Discover more back to school tips for teachers.
Read why some kids love school!

We all know the adage “money doesn’t grow on trees,” and yet, understanding how money works can be a challenge for kids. To help them master the concept of finances from an early age, you can use an array of online resources. Engaging, practical, and entertaining, these digital platforms turn learning about money into a fun yet highly educational endeavor.

10 Useful Resources to Help Children Learn About Money

From check designing to virtual stock trading, let’s explore some top-notch online resources aimed at teaching this vital life skill to children. Here are 10 we think your kids will love.

1. Biz Kids

If you’re looking for a fun and interactive way for your child to learn about money, “Biz Kids” is the answer. This public television series turns finance into a child-friendly subject with its engaging episodes. Kids can even “simulate real-world transactions, adding a practical touch.

2. PDFSimpli

PDFSimpli has a wide variety of resources your kids can use to play with financial products safely. For example, you can design your own checks that are kid-friendly, void, and similar to real checks. This gives children the chance to understand how to write checks while young.

3. Practical Money Skills

Practical Money Skills For Life, offered by Visa, is a great resource tailored for kids of various age groups. The platform turns learning about budgeting, saving, and wise spending into a game. With activities like ‘Financial Football,’ finance education has never been so engaging.

4. TreasuryDirect KIDS

For a more government-focused approach, TreasuryDirect KIDS is an excellent resource. Run by the U.S Government, the website provides lessons on finance basics such as bonds and Treasury securities. It serves as a unique platform for kids to get acquainted with economics.

5. The Stock Market Game

The Stock Market Game™ is a dynamic resource that allows kids to gain practical investment skills. By providing a safe environment to invest virtual money in real stocks, children can learn the ropes of trading and investment strategy without the real-world risk of financial loss.

6. For Me, for You, for Later

“For Me, for You, for Later” is a Sesame Street episode and pamphlet that teaches children the first steps of spending, sharing, and saving. This toolkit consists of printable activities that are perfect for preschoolers learning about money and how to spend or save it appropriately.

7. Adventure Capitalist

Adventure Capitalist! is an exciting game-based learning platform that introduces players to the world of entrepreneurship. As kids manage businesses within the gameplay, they learn valuable economic insights. Its effectiveness in teaching about money cannot be emphasized enough.

8. Jump$tart’s Reality Check

Jump$tart’s Reality Check is an engaging simulation tool that lets students envision their future lifestyles based on career choices. It brings home the impact of decisions on personal financial scenarios. With a reality check, kids learn to balance dreams with financial practicalities.

9. The Council for Economic Education

The Council for Economic Education’s site houses EconEdLink, a series of videos developed for young learners. The series breaks down economics using real-world examples in a manner suitable for kids. EconEdLink provides an effective platform for kids to grasp financial concepts.

10. H&R Block’s Budget Challenge

H&R Block’s Budget Challenge® offers older students a chance to manage their finances on a simulated platform. They learn how to handle payrolls, insurance costs, and tax calculations as they would in real life. This helps teenagers get an early head start on managing finances.

In Conclusion…

Starting financial education early is one of the keys to paving a path toward a financially secure future. With these engaging online resources, learning about money has never been more accessible or fun. Don’t hesitate to introduce these platforms and games in their daily routine.

Parents want only the best for their child. This extends to their athletic pursuits, where the selection of the right sport can play a pivotal role in their personal growth and development. A thoughtful sport selection not only provides an outlet for physical activity but also encourages valuable lessons such as teamwork, resilience, and discipline.

However, the challenge often lies in identifying the right fit among a plethora of sports, each with its unique demands and benefits. This article aims to shed light on how to effectively support your child in this critical decision-making process, focusing on their interests, abilities, and long-term benefits.

Identify Your Child’s Interests

Begin by understanding what your child is interested in. Children are more likely to enjoy and remain committed to sports that they are genuinely interested in, rather than those chosen by their parents. So, if your child loves spending time in the water, considering swim lessons could be a viable option. Conversely, if your child loves the outdoors, then outdoor sports such as hiking or camping may be more suitable. Understanding their interests and capabilities can help narrow down the selection of sports to explore further. The best way to truly grasp your child’s interests is to ask them and simply observe their behavior.

Acknowledge Their Abilities

Every child is unique in their physical capabilities and skill sets. It’s crucial to recognize and acknowledge this while choosing a sport. For instance, if your child excels in agility or hand-eye coordination, they may be suited for sports such as basketball or soccer. If they have a strong throwing arm, exploring pathways to baseball might make sense. These are just some examples of how physical abilities can play an important role when selecting the right sport for your child. If your child has existing medical conditions, it’s also essential to consult with your doctor before making any decisions.

Encourage Exploration

Allow your child to try out different sports. This not only gives them a wide range of experiences but also helps them find a sport that they may want to pursue more seriously. Consider setting aside a few hours each week to explore and experiment with different sports. This will also provide the opportunity for your child to find which sports they’re good at, as well as develop an understanding of what sport best aligns with their interests and abilities. While you have the best intentions to support your child, it’s important to keep in mind that they may eventually choose a sport that isn’t what you originally envisioned for them. It is important to accept and respect their choice while providing guidance and support if needed.

Consider the Long-term Benefits

Look beyond immediate gains and consider the long-term benefits, including physical health, social skills, and academic performance. After all, physical activity not only strengthens the body but also improves mental and social well-being. With this in mind, think about how each sport can provide long-term benefits for your child. For instance, team sports are a great way to hone communication skills and foster relationships with teammates. Individual sports such as running can help build self-confidence while improving focus and concentration.

Promote a Healthy Attitude Towards Sports

Teach your child to enjoy the process of learning and playing, rather than focusing solely on winning. This promotes a healthy attitude towards sports and competition. Encourage them to have fun and celebrate the small wins along the way. Make sure that they take breaks, watch their nutrition, and get enough rest as well. This will ensure that your child develops a healthy balance between sports and other activities.

Ensure Safety

Always consider the safety aspect of any sport. Make sure the sport is age-appropriate and that all necessary safety measures are in place. Read up on the sport and attend coaching sessions to ensure your child is learning in a safe environment. Ask questions about safety protocols, such as protective gear and injury prevention measures, before committing to any particular sport. Safety should always be the number one priority when selecting a sport for your child. Although competition can be beneficial, it should not come at the cost of safety.

Provide Emotional Support

Last but not least, be there for your child. Encourage them when they perform well, and more importantly, support them when they don’t. Your emotional support will give your child the confidence to persevere in any sport they choose. It’s also important to keep in mind that if your child is struggling with a particular sport, it may be time to reassess their selection and explore other options.

Sports can undoubtedly contribute to the physical and mental development of our children. With thoughtful guidance and support, we can help our kids identify the sports they are most suited for so that together, parents and children can embark on a meaningful journey of physical fitness, personal growth, and overall well-being. It’s important to remember that each child is an individual with their own unique abilities and interests. With this in mind, it’s essential to create a supportive environment where your child can practice sports without feeling pressured or held back. When children feel safe and secure in their sports selections, they will likely excel and reap the long-term benefits of sports.

It’s essential to have strategies on hand for hosting an inclusive kids’ birthday party.  One of the best things about birthday parties for kids is inviting all of their friends to celebrate with them. Of course, you want everyone to show up and have a good time. But that depends so much on whether you’ve ensured the party welcomes kids with a range of needs and backgrounds.

Close to 240 million children are living with a disability worldwide, according to the United Nations. In the U.S., cognitive difficulty is the most common disability among children 5 and up.

It’s wise to conclude that some of your partygoers will be navigating a disability. This makes focusing on inclusivity when planning and hosting your party incredibly important.

The Significance of an Inclusive Kids’ Birthday Party

Living with a disability presents unique challenges for anyone, but especially children. Kids love to play and explore. They’re particularly fond of parties because they get to spend time with friends and have fun. Imagine being limited in doing these things because of a disability.

Unfortunately, that’s the experience for many children. Some activities are off-limits. And they can’t attend events like parties because the places where these events are hosted don’t accommodate their needs adequately.

No child should be excluded from attending a birthday party. You can ensure that no child is left behind at your birthday parties by ensuring they’re inclusive and accommodating to a wide variety of needs.

Practical Tips for Hosting an Inclusive Birthday Party

Hosting an inclusive birthday party requires some extra effort on your part. You’ll need to make sure every aspect of the party is mindful of various disabilities and needs. But it will be worth it seeing every kid thoroughly enjoying themselves at the party regardless of their abilities and backgrounds.

Implement these tips to host a party that accommodates all kids.

Ask parents about accommodations

The parents of the kids you’re inviting are your best source for finding out what needs you need to accommodate at the party. They can give you insight into the disabilities, food sensitivities, and other challenges their child is navigating and how to best accommodate them in a party setting.

Most parents will appreciate you asking, so long as you do it respectfully. Don’t try to pry information out of parents they don’t want to give you. Simply asking for parents to disclose any accommodations their child may require at the party on the RSVP would suffice.

You could also make personal phone calls to each parent if you think that would be more comfortable for them.

Consider unconventional party ideas

There’s usually a lot going on at birthday parties, from games to entertainment like magic shows to eating to opening presents to kids running all over the party playing together. This atmosphere is fun and exciting for many kids.

But those living with physical and cognitive disabilities may find the chaos disorienting and uncomfortable. Instead of a typical party, a unique alternative may serve kids living with disabilities better. Doing something different could be a great experience for your child and the other kids too.

Consider hosting a small weekend sleepover. See what it costs to rent out a movie theater for a movie day. You could host a field day in your backyard with sensory-friendly activities. Or, maybe you have a kid-friendly karaoke night.

Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box for your kid’s birthday party to accommodate all the kids invited.

Choose the right location for the party

One of the most important considerations to make for an inclusive birthday party is where you will host it. The party’s location will absolutely impact who can come and how much they enjoy it.

If you plan to have your party outside of your home, ask how the facility accommodates kids with disabilities. You can use the information you collected from parents to ask questions about specific accommodations. They won’t be able to meet every need. But do your best to choose a place that gets close.

Throwing an at-home birthday party is also an option. You have more control over what happens and how you accommodate the kids’ needs.

Create a sensory-friendly party environment

Wherever you host your kids’ birthday party, creating a sensory-friendly party environment is crucial. Many children live with difficulties processing sensory stimuli. Unfortunately, a party can potentially stimulate all their senses.

You can be considerate of kids with sensory challenges by keeping noise levels low. Designate quiet spaces in your home. Set expectations with performers beforehand. And offer sensory-friendly activities like crafts and a scavenger hunt.

Have a wide variety of food choices

Around 5.6 million children have food allergies, according to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE). Because of this, an inclusive party for kids must have a wide variety of food choices. Offer foods free of the most common food allergens, which include milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, and wheat, according to FARE.

You can still offer common party food, like pizza, hotdogs, chips, and dip. But also provide nutritious and delicious party foods for those with food sensitivities and dietary restrictions.

Fruits and vegetables, dairy, and whole grains aren’t just good for kids physically, they’re also some of the best foods for healthy teeth and gums. So, put out a fruit and vegetable platter, whole grain crackers and chips, and string cheese for some healthy alternatives.

Every party you throw for your kids can be an inclusive one when you implement the tips above.