Category: Parenting

Children always look forward to downtime, whether it’s the summer, a holiday, or just a homework-free weekend. For most kids, this is a time of relief, joy, and freedom. For many parents, however, breaks bring additional stress and worry for a variety of reasons.

Working parents may even have to rely on additional childcare, and many parents worry about how to keep their children out of trouble during these periods of downtime. There are also additional stress points in a child’s personal and school life, such as bullying and peer pressure.

Here are some ways to help keep your kids healthy during down time.

Be Open and Honest

How can you ensure your child has a safe, fun break while also encouraging them to say no to drugs and alcohol? Experts say you can start by talking to your child about drugs. Don’t just assume that your child is getting the message from other people. You have a much bigger impact on your child’s life than you may realize. Therefore, never underestimate the power of a sincere, heartfelt conversation.

In fact, developing strong communication practices with your child will lay the foundation for a strong relationship throughout their lives, which means your child will be more likely to come to you with questions and even after missteps. Aha! Parenting emphasizes the importance of starting with trust and encouraging your child even when it’s difficult. And don’t worry if your child is older and you don’t feel like you’ve started on the right foot. Relationships are processes, and you can always work together to build these practices even later in life.

Reduce Temptations

If you or another adult in your family uses drugs or alcohol, or even uses prescription medication, keep them locked up and out of reach of children. Even common over the counter cold, flu and allergy medicines can spark an interest in kids. Kids are smart and curious. They will often find ways to get into things they shouldn’t, or friends might encourage them to sneak into your indulgences when you’re not around. Peer pressure is very powerful thing.

Keep unsupervised time to a minimum – even for teenagers. Research has shown that increased parental supervision reduces alcohol and drug use, especially in younger children. Don’t allow your child or teen to attend unsupervised parties, especially unsupervised sleepovers. If you can’t be around, hire a babysitter for younger children and tweens or pre-teens. You can also arrange for children and teens to spend time with a trusted relative, friend, or other adult during times when you are unavailable or have to work. By keeping your children supervised, they won’t be left to their own devices – and are therefore much less likely to get themselves into trouble.

You might be surprised to learn that the internet can also lead to temptation to try drugs and alcohol. As Addiction Center explains, though, 75 percent of teens surveyed reported seeing people on social media using and feeling encouraged to try alcohol and marijuana. Kids should be aware of social media best practices, and know how to implement them.

Relieve Stress

There are many ways to reduce stress in the life of your child.  Seeking professional help is one way and may be necessary, such as anxiety treatment. It can be extremely helpful to prevent unhealthy habits and addictions before they present themselves. Options include counseling, therapy, and medical integration.  There are also activities you can incorporate into the every day life of your family.

For inspiration, look at the country of Iceland. Iceland has seen some success in reducing drug and alcohol abuse among its teenage population by simply encouraging people to boost their moods in drug-free ways. Known as “natural highs,” these activities might include organized sports, music, art, dance, and more. In addition to uniting children, teens, and parents of various backgrounds and income brackets, this technique has encouraged children to find healthier, drug-free ways to relieve stress.

Exercise and physical activity have been proven effective for people in recovery, and many of those same benefits can aid in prevention. Plus, you can do them together as a family, which will relieve stress and increase relationships. Find an activity that you all enjoy, like bike riding, kayaking, running, or just a family walk. Then work it into your weekly schedule together.

Spend Time Together

Probably one of the best things you can do is to spend time together as a family. Take time to plan some healthy and fun activities you can all enjoy. Don’t just plan activities that you like; find out what interests each member of the family. Then, try to incorporate each person’s interests into your summer plans.

Planning regular time together while working from home can seem impossible, but there are ways to keep your kids occupied and be involved without sacrificing your productivity. Plan your work schedule according to your child’s age and needs, and build in time for breaks where you can take a walk together or play a game. The mental break will be good for you both!

Is there a family-friendly movie your youngest child has been wanting to see? Are you interested in relaxing on a beach? What about exploring meteorology by doing some experiments and even some storm spotting? Whatever you decide, be sure to discuss your interests as a family. Try to find creative ways to incorporate activities that each of you would enjoy throughout the coming months.

Next Steps

There is so much in our children’s lives that we cannot control. Luckily, good parenting mainly involves caring and effort. If you try to set a good example, sincerely take an interest in your child’s life, and plan activities that will benefit the whole family, you’ll set your child up for success.

Read more about educating your child about drugs.

Riding a bike is a great way for kids to get exercise and have fun. It’s also a major confidence boost for them to achieve such an accomplishment, especially when all their friends are learning as well. Some kids have more trouble than others and it can be a bit daunting for parents who are new to the process of teaching their children how to ride.

Luckily, we have put together 10 helpful tips that will make the journey easier and enjoyable.

How to Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike

Whatever special challenges your child may be facing when learning to ride a bike, they are not alone. Every kid has reservations and at least a tinge of fear. You can help calm their concerns by explaining that you will be along their side every step of the way, making sure they are kept safe.

1. Safety First: Check Bike Setup, Clothing, and Helmet

Before you start the process of teaching your kid to ride a bike, it’s important to make sure the bike is set up properly. The following tips will help you do just that:

• Make sure the seat is at the right height. It should be positioned so that when your child is sitting on the seat, their feet can reach the ground.
• Check that the handlebars are at the correct height and angle.
• Make sure the chain is lubricated and there is no rust on any of the parts.
• Inflate the tires to the proper pressure.

It’s also essential to ensure your youngster is wearing the appropriate clothing, such as a helmet and that they are wearing shoes that will protect them if they fall. A good helmet is an important part of preventing head injuries in the event of a fall.

2. Learn Balance Speed Without Pedals

When your child is first starting to learn how to ride a bike, it’s important to focus on teaching them balance and speed before adding in the pedalling component. One way to do this is to have them ride without pedals at first. This will help them get used to the motion of riding a bike and help them build up their speed and balance. Once they’ve mastered this, then you can add in the pedals and help them learn how to use them effectively.

3. Steering the Bike

Now that your child is able to balance on a bike, it’s time to start working on steering. This involves getting comfortable with using the handlebars to control the direction of the bike.

• Start by having your child hold the handlebars and steer back and forth while standing next to the bike.
• Next, have them sit on the bike and hold the handlebars while you push them from behind.

Encourage your child to keep steering even when they’re going straight. This will help them get a feel for how the handlebars work.

4. Put the Pedals Back On

Once your child has mastered balance, it’s time to add in the pedals. This can be a little more challenging, so it’s important to take it slow. Start by adding the pedals back on the bike. Have your child stand next to the bike, holding onto it for support.

Show them how to place their feet on the pedals and explain how the pedals work. It may be helpful to demonstrate yourself first. Once they understand how it works, let them give it a try. They may need a little help getting started, but soon they should be able to pedal on their own.

5. Braking!  Stopping Without Falling

When your child is first learning to ride a bike, you will need to teach them how to stop without falling. One way to do this is by teaching them how to brake. There are two types of braking: front and rear.

Front braking is the most common type of braking. This type of braking involves using the front brake to slow down or stop the bike. Rear braking is less common, but it can be useful in certain situations. This type of braking involves using the rear brake to slow down or stop the bike.

When teaching your child how to brake, it is important to start with front braking. This will help them get a feel for how much pressure to apply to the brake lever. Once they have mastered front braking, you can then teach them rear braking.

6. Choose a safe area to learn.

When you and your child are ready to start learning how to ride a bike, choose a safe, open area like a park or playground. This will give them plenty of space to practice without having to worry about cars or other obstacles.

7. Consider the teacher.

When it comes to teaching your child how to ride a bike, nothing is more important than finding the right teacher. Vuly play has some of the best bikes for kids on the market, and our team of experts is more than happy to teach your child how to ride.

8. Check the seat height again

Once your child is on the bike, their feet should be able to touch the ground with a slight bend in their knees. If they can’t reach it, lower the seat. Conversely, if their legs are fully extended, raise them. You want them to be as comfortable as possible while still being able to pedal and maintain control of the bike.

9. Consider a bike skills course

If you want to give your kid the best chance of mastering how to ride a bike, consider enrolling them in a bike skills course. Vuly play offers bike skills courses for kids of all ages, and our experienced instructors will help your child learn the basics of riding a bike quickly and safely.

10. Safety First, and Last

It is important to remember that safety is the number one priority when teaching your child to ride a bike. Make sure they are wearing a helmet and that the area is clear of traffic before letting them go. Explain the importance of staying safe while riding and be sure to enforce these rules once they start cycling on their own.

Summary

It can be a challenge to teach your kid how to ride a bike, but following these tips can make the process easier. Make sure the bike is the right size for your child, and help them practice balancing by having them stand on the bike with both feet on the ground. When they’re ready, have them start pedalling slowly while you hold the bike steady. As they gain confidence, they can start pedalling faster and let go of the handlebars. Soon, they’ll be riding on their own.

More to Read:

How great activities like riding a bike can boost the mood of your child.
Explore the world of kids motorcycles and mini chopper bikes.

Your child’s birthday is fast approaching and you want to make it extra special this year. So why not try a game-themed party? It’s sure to be a hit with all the kids. It’s also a great way to get them off screens and interact with each other. Here are 6 easy steps to follow to ensure your game-themed party is a success.

1. Visit a party store

This is the first step in ensuring your game-themed party is a success. You need to purchase decorations, plates, cups, and utensils that all fit the theme. Don’t forget to also pick up some party favors for the guests. You can even find a discount party store that specializes in game-themed party supplies. Additionally, you can check online stores or party sites for game-themed party decorations. If you have the time, you can even make some of the decorations yourself. Pinterest is a great resource for finding DIY game-themed party ideas. It’s important to get all the party supplies you need ahead of time so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

2. Choose the right games

The key to a successful game-themed party is to choose the right games. You’ll want to have a mix of active and inactive games, as well as indoor and outdoor games. It’s also important to consider the age range of the guests when choosing games. If you’re not sure what games to choose, ask the staff at the party store for recommendations. They should be able to point you in the right direction. You can also find game ideas online or in party planning books. Additionally, many game companies offer party planning services that can help you choose the right games for your event. It’s important to have a variety of games so that everyone has a chance to play and there’s something for everyone.

3. Set up the games ahead of time

One of the most important steps in hosting a successful game-themed party is to set up the games ahead of time. This way, when the guests arrive, they can start playing right away. It’s also a good idea to test the games out beforehand to make sure they’re working properly. No one wants to play a game that’s broken or doesn’t work right. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure there are enough supplies for all the guests. Nothing is worse than starting a game only to realize there aren’t enough pieces. This step is especially important if you’re hosting a large party.

4. Have plenty of food and drinks

When hosting any type of party, it’s important to have plenty of food and drinks for the guests. This is especially true for a game-themed party, as the guests will likely be working up an appetite while they’re playing. You’ll want to have a variety of snacks and drinks available, as well as some main dishes if you’re serving dinner. It’s also important to make sure there are options for guests with dietary restrictions. You don’t want anyone to go hungry at your party. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure there’s enough food for seconds and leftovers. No one likes running out of food at a party.

5. Keep the games going throughout the party

One of the best ways to keep your game-themed party going strong is to keep the games going throughout the event. This can be accomplished by having a few different game stations set up around the party area. This way, guests can move from one game to another as they please. Additionally, you can have a few staff members or volunteers on hand to help run the games. This is especially helpful if you’re hosting a large party. You don’t want anyone to get bored or feel left out. Keep the games going and the guests will be sure to have a good time.

6. Send everyone home with a prize

A great way to ensure your game-themed party is a success is to send everyone home with a prize. Everyone loves winning, so this is sure to be a hit with the guests. You can purchase prizes at the party store or online. You can also make your own prizes if you’re feeling creative. It’s important to have a variety of prizes so that everyone has a chance to win something. You can also give out prizes to the winners of the different games. This is a great way to add some competition to the party and make it even more fun.

By following these six easy steps, you can host a successful game-themed party for your child. Just remember to have fun and enjoy yourself. After all, it’s not every day you get to throw a party for your little one. It’s sure to be a day they’ll never forget.

Discover creative ideas to make a boys balloon themed birthday party.

If your child has a dental emergency, it’s essential to stay calm and act quickly. This guide will help you understand what to do in the event of a dental emergency, how to find a dentist, and what to expect during treatment.

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is an oral injury that requires immediate medical attention. Common dental emergencies include chipped or cracked teeth, knocked-out teeth, and objects caught between teeth.

What to do in the event of a dental emergency

If your child has a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is call their dentist. You can contact an after-hours dentist or take them to the nearest emergency room if it’s after hours. Once you’re at the dentist, they will assess the situation and determine the best course of treatment.

If your child has a chipped or cracked tooth, the dentist may recommend bonding or a dental crown. If they have a knocked-out tooth, they may be able to replant it. The dentist will remove the object and clean the area for things caught between teeth.

What to expect during treatment

Treatment for a dental emergency will vary depending on the type of injury. In most cases, the dentist will numb the area before starting treatment. Once the procedure is complete, your child May need to take over the counter pain medication to help with any discomfort.

After a dental emergency

Once your child’s dental emergency has been treated, it’s essential to take care of their teeth and gums. This means brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly. If your child has a chipped or cracked tooth, they may need to avoid hard foods and chewing gum.  Of course, regular oral care is recommended to maintain healthy teeth and gums at all times.

Identifying dental emergencies in kids

As a parent, you know your child best. If you think they may have a dental emergency, trust your instincts and call their dentist right away. Treatment for a dental emergency is critical because infection, difficulty breathing, swallowing problems, and further damage can quickly occur.

A permanent tooth is knocked out

If it is knocked out, it’s essential to act quickly. Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, avoiding the root. If the tooth is dirty, give it a rinse with water. If you can’t replant the tooth yourself, put it in a cup of saline solution and take it with you to the dentist. You can also place it in a cup of milk.

A tooth is chipped, fractured, or displaced

A chipped tooth may not seem like a big deal, but it can lead to more severe problems if it’s not treated. If you see a chip or fracture, call the dentist right away. If a tooth is displaced (out of alignment), try to gently push it back into place and contact the dentist.

A harsh blow to the head or a jaw fracture

If your child has a head injury, it’s essential to watch for signs of a concussion, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, or vomiting. If they have a jaw fracture, you may see bruising or swelling. Either way, it’s essential to call the dentist or take them to the emergency room.

There is facial swelling

If you see facial swelling, it could be a sign of an infection.  Call the dentist right away.

There is uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth

If your child is bleeding from the mouth and you can’t control it, call the dentist or take them to the emergency room right away.

Your child is in pain, and you can’t figure out why

If your child is in pain and you can’t figure out the cause, it’s best to err on the side of caution and call the dentist. They can help you figure out what’s going on and provide treatment if necessary.

When to contact an emergency pediatric dentist

If your child has a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is call their dentist, one that is able to book emergency appointments. You can contact an after-hours dentist or take them to the nearest emergency room if it’s after hours.

Once you’re at the dentist, they will assess the situation and determine the best course of treatment.

Tips for picking an emergency pediatric dentist for your child

When looking for an emergency dentist for your child, it’s essential to find one you trust.

You should also ensure that they’re experienced in treating children and have a suitable bedside manner. Finally, you’ll want to make sure that they’re located near you in an emergency.

Choosing the right emergency dentist for your child is an important decision. You’ll want to find someone you can trust and who has the experience to treat your child’s specific needs. When it comes to dental emergencies, time is of the essence. That’s why it’s essential to have a trusted dentist nearby who offers emergency dental services. Having quick access to professional care during dental emergencies can make a significant difference in relieving pain and preventing further complications.

The Bottom Line

Dental emergencies can be scary, but they don’t have to be. Your child may already have a fear of dentists.  However, with a little bit of knowledge and preparation, you can handle anything that comes your way and support your child fully through the experience. And if you ever find yourself in over your head, don’t hesitate to call the dentist or take your child to the emergency room. They’ll be glad you did.

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