Category: Human Interest

If preparing for a boy’s birthday is on your agenda, this article is for you.  Much different than planning activities for adults, being engaged in the organization of a child’s birthday takes a different mindset.  This is especially true when it comes to decorating, entertainment programs, children’s menu, and more.

Today we will talk about how to decorate a boys’ birthday with balloons. A huge batman balloon is a nice idea, but are there other options? There are plenty!

Ceiling

Launching helium balloons up to the ceiling is the easiest way to decorate a room with your own hands, which does not require special design skills. Depending on the size of the room, you may need two to three dozen balloons for this purpose. You can buy one-color or multi-colored balloons with helium to decorate the room. A combination of any two colors looks good. The balls can also be used for gaming competitions. A budget option is to decorate the room with ordinary rubber balloons inflated with air. With the help of threads or ribbons, they can be hung throughout the apartment: on windows, chandeliers, furniture, and cornices.

Balloons on the floor

Another idea on how to decorate a child’s birthday: balloons inflated with air can be randomly laid out on the floor and furniture. This will undoubtedly please children very much and will encourage them to play.

Compositions

A more complex option is to use various figures and compositions from balls. The decorated wall looks very nice. In order to decorate the wall, you must first consider the motif of the picture. It can be a flower meadow, a congratulatory inscription, or a fragment from a fairy tale. Then you can make design elements (flowers, sun, clouds, fairy-tale characters) and attach them to the wall with adhesive tape. This task is not an easy one. It is better, of course, to seek help from specialists, but if you wish, you can do everything yourself.

Bouquets of balloons

Coming up with truly unique birthday party ideas can be a lot fun for parents.  Balloon flower bouquets are another great idea to add some fun to a boy’s birthday party. They can be placed in vases or fixed with tape in any place you like.

Numbers

Children, unlike adults, are happy that they are getting older every year, so you can amuse the child’s pride and order a balloon number to decorate the room. The easiest option is to buy a foil balloon in the shape of a number and fix it on the wall. A more expensive but effective way is to order a free-standing figure in the form of a figure that displays the age of the child.

Letters

Every young boy will feel amazed when seeing his name made of balloons! This option is simple but impressive. Moreover, such a solution is a great area for taking photos.

Figures of fairy tale characters

A helium-filled foil balloon in a cartoon character shape can become not only a holiday decoration but also a true friend for a boy. He can play with it, dance, and participate in competitions. The walking balloon figures have weights placed in the lower part, therefore they do not fly up to the ceiling but seem to walk on the floor, driven by air currents from children running past. Such figures are very popular with children and give them real delight.

Arches, columns, garlands, fountains, and figures

It is pretty difficult to make arches, columns, garlands, fountains, and figures from balls with your own hands, so it is better to order those in an aero design studio. But all your expenses associated with their purchase will pay off when you see the sparkling eyes of the birthday boy.

Theme party

With the help of balloons, you can arrange some kind of theme party. For example, if you want to have a Hawaiian-style birthday party, you can order palm trees. If the topic is Batman, you can order a huge Batman figure, etc.

Surprise balloon

You can decorate a child’s birthday by ordering a surprise balloon. Before hanging the ball from the ceiling, it is filled with small balls, confetti, sweets, tinsel, and small toys. Up to a certain point, it plays the role of decoration, but then it is blown up. This causes a wild delight in children. At first, the children admire the explosion, and then they rush to collect scattered candies and toys. You can even triple a small competition – who will collect the most trophies. Inside the ball, you can hide a gift for the birthday boy. He will definitely be surprised!

Now let’s look at fun ideas to decorate girl birthday party.

Do you want to join swimming classes? Or looking to enroll your child in swimming lessons? No doubt you would be seeking the best swim coach for better training. Quick online research can help you out in finding a private swimming instructor in your region. But still, there are some qualities that a good swimming coach should have.

Not sure which qualities to look for?

Well, below in this article, we have mentioned the top 8 best qualities that will help you find your next coach. Read on!

8 Qualities To Look When Finding A Swimming Instructor Should Have

For many reasons, learning how to swim is beneficial for children and adults alike.  Even if an individual has basic swimming skills, it never improve those skills are important and can even be life saving.  Now, let’s have a look over the important features a good swimming coach should have.

1. Experience

Years of experience may look like a basic and common feature, but this is the most important thing when learning from a coach. Adults or children require a set of skills to learn swimming. But young children need a different way of teaching while adults require something different.

So your instructor should be well-trained in their field. It’s true that one coach can’t train both adults and children. Hence, when you are finding a swimming instructor, make sure you cross-check their specialty and experience (with adults or children).

Choosing an experienced coach is helpful for the students because there would be more chances of learning better.

2. Qualifications

Now, let’s head towards the most important thing that is certifications and qualifications of the swimming coach you are choosing.

If someone has recommended a male or a female swimming instructor to you, then start with their certificates. Ask them to show you genuine qualification certificates. If someone is a great swimmer, it doesn’t mean they would be a good instructor also.

A well-trained and certified swimmer knows what the best techniques to teach swimming are. Also, they work according to ethics and use their knowledge as a strong teaching point.

Ask them to show;

• Swimming certificate (from authorized institute)
• Graduation or post graduation degree in swimming (any of them)
• Experience of training students

3. Focused

Swimming skills need high focus from students as well as the instructor. And, you know it’s an underwater activity, so coaches need to be extra attentive and dedicatedly focused on students. Small negligence may lead to a major mishap in the pool.

So, when you schedule a meeting with a private swimming instructor, ensure you check whether they are focused or not. It’s important for the instructor to engage themselves on every lap of the swimmer while practicing.

Also, for an instructor it’s easier to focus on students in an indoor swimming pool rather than an outdoor pool. It is because the indoor pools save students as well as coaches from harsh weather conditions.

Coaches instruct students as well as guide them on their mistakes, so they should be highly focused on every step. Furthermore, swimming becomes much easier when the instructor concentrates on the students.

4. Sharp Observers

Mostly, the best coaches are the finest observers of their students. And this quality helps to enhance the swimming skills of swimmers. It is because the more they point out mistakes the better would be the chances to learn faster.

The private swimming instructor is a better choice if you want them to stay focused only on you. There is no disturbance, and all the concentration of the coach would be on a single student. Moreover, ask your coach to feel free to interrupt when they find something wrong.

5. Confident

Confidence is the key to success!

A swimmer won’t be able to approach the blocks if their trainer is not confident. A coach shouldn’t just look convinced but also feel the same when teaching swimming.

Furthermore,  a swimming instructor’s confidence is readily absorbed by a learner. The best swimming coaches know how to meet the requirements of their students and make them feel confident.

6. Encourage Students

Learning any new skill is a tough task that requires appreciation by the coach, not sympathy. So, make sure you meet the previous students of the private swimming instructor that you have chosen.

It will help you to know the teaching method of the coach. A learner needs comfort as well as a decided goal to learn swimming.

There will be a time when students will feel pain while practicing, but the coach needs to be strong enough to encourage them rather than feel pity. Sympathy leads to failure, while appreciation is a primary step towards success. This can be especially true during swimming lessons for children with special needs.

7. Market reputation

Words of mouth do not help to learn swimming, but expertise does.

So how can you confirm that the private swimming instructor you have chosen is the right one?

The solution is here!

Check out the Instagram account, Facebook page/account, and Google reviews to find out about the swimming coach.

Moreover, you can ask your colleagues, friends, or relatives. There are more possibilities that you would get a good recommendation from your peers.

8. Reliable

When you are looking for a swimming instructor, reliability is also an important feature. If a trainer is not punctual and doesn’t teach the way you want, then it becomes hard to trust them.

There are a few qualities that your trainer should have:

• They should not cancel the last-minute lessons until the absolute emergency situations.
• The swimming instructor must be available a few minutes before class time.
• They should start and finish the swimming lessons on time so that they can start the next swimming class on time.
• Good at listening to questions and answering them.
• Act responsibly with kids as well as with their parents.
• The coach must be capable of answering queries related to cancellations and delays in classes.

Conclusion

Swimming is a basic life-saving skill that everyone should learn. So, are you ready to enroll your kid or yourself in the swimming class? Whether you choose a male or female swimming instructor make sure they have the above listed qualities.

Well, we hope this article has helped you understand the most important traits to look for when finding an instructor. Furthermore, choosing a good coach is a major step to learn swimming better and more easily. Hopefully, you will find the best swimming coach in your town. All the best.

Read how to support your child in sport selection so that they possess the long term passion needed to excel.

If you are thinking about getting a pet for your child, how about reptiles?  They make excellent pets, simply because they are exotic and unique. These unique creatures are low-maintenance, interactive, and cute.  Having reptiles as a kid can teach your child a lot of responsibility.

You never know, a reptile may help your child know what he or she wants to pursue in life, such as a biologist. These exotic pets can also bring your child so much joy.

But, here is the thing, not all reptiles are child-friendly. Some reptiles, even the most popular ones, make terrible pets for children.

That is precisely why you need this article, which will introduce you to our 9 child-friendly reptiles that are safe for your family. Read on to learn more!

What are Reptiles?

Reptiles are land animals that have dry skin covered by scales. They are cold-blooded vertebrates that lay eggs.

This group of animals is made up of lizards, chameleons, snakes, skinks, turtles, tortoises, and alligators. These animals are ectothermic, which means their body temperature is dependent on their environment. Reptiles also come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors.

Some reptiles, like leopard geckos and bearded dragons, can be used for animal therapy for children. This is so because these animals are calm, friendly, and like to be cuddled.

9 Child-Friendly Reptiles

For each reptile to make it to this list, it had to meet five important criteria, which include the following.

• Cheap and easy to feed and keep
• Friendly, calm, and easy to handle
• It has to be not dangerous
• It needs to be hardy and tolerant because kids tend to make mistakes

1.    Leopard Gecko

Photo by Andrey Tikhonovskiy on Unsplash

A leopard gecko can make a great pet for a child. Leopard geckos are very hardy, tolerant, passive, and easy to handle. These little animals really like to be petted and cuddled.

Over a long time, geckos have developed special features that help them survive. One of such unique features is the tail, which serves several purposes. They use it for balancing, storing fat for energy, and acting as camouflage. And they can shed their tail.

These interesting lizards are also easy to look after. They only need one size of an enclosure because they don’t grow too big. They don’t need special lighting, which is quite expensive. Get more information on how to care for a leopard gecko at reptileslife.com.

Another interesting aspect of these little creatures is that they don’t have teeth. So, if they accidentally bite kids (very seldomly), they are not going to hurt them.

2.    Crested Gecko

Photo by Pierre Bamin on Unsplash

A crested gecko is an arboreal lizard with a relatively docile temperament and a gentle disposition. Crested geckos are easy to handle when they are comfortable.

Although juvenile crested geckos may tend to be nervous and skittish when handled, adults are more tolerant. Crested geckos like to jump probably because they are arboreal reptiles. So, that shouldn’t worry you so much.

Like leopard geckos, crested geckos are fairly easy to care for. For starters, they don’t need a very big enclosure or special lighting features. They can conveniently thrive on shop-bought gecko food as well as feeder insects and crickets.

3.    Bearded Dragon

Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

A bearded dragon or a beardie is a slow-moving reptile that is usually passive. Bearded dragons are among the most popular pet lizards out there.

Beardies have one of the best temperaments as far as reptiles are concerned. They are normally docile, easy to pick up and appreciate being handled. They are so cute, and they are one of the few reptiles we know that like to cuddle a lot.

Unlike geckos, beardies require a slightly larger aquarium tank or an enclosure. A smaller habitat will restrict activity, which may end up affecting the well-being of the beardie. They also need special lighting features to maintain the ideal temperatures and UVB.

4.    Corn Snake

Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

Also referred to as a red rat snake, a corn snake is a brownish-yellow or orange snake with a unique pattern of red blotches. Corn snakes also have distinctive rows of black and white marks on their bellies.

Most snakes are feared because of their aggressive behaviors and defenses. Corn snakes, on the other hand, are non-aggressive, docile, calm, and will be comfortable being handled by any member of your family. They are hardy, so they could handle a little bit of rough handling by a kid.

These reptiles are also easy to house. You just need a terrarium of at least 40 gallons. As far as feeding is concerned, they eat about one rodent a week, making them easy and economical to feed.

5.    Blue-Tongued Skink

Photo by Alexander Kuzmin on Unsplash

A blue-tongued skink is a heavy-bodied pet lizard that is characterized by a blue tongue, triangular head, and short tail and legs.

Blue-tongued skinks are arguably one of the best reptile species for a child. They are among the hardiest and most robust reptiles in our listing because of their size and stature. These reptiles are easily tamed, gentle, and often like to be handled, making them suitable for kids. You should, however, supervise your child when he or she is handling this lizard because it may get startled and jump.

Blue-tongued skinks will thrive in an enclosure that measures roughly 36 by 18 by 10 inches. They also need a larger floor space because they are terrestrial.

6.    Ball Python

Photo by Timothy Dykes on Unsplash

A ball python is a nonvenomous constrictor that lives in sub-Saharan Africa in the wild. They are the smallest of the African pythons.

Ball pythons are considered good pets for children because they don’t grow too big, are well-mannered, and are easy to handle. They are generally very docile snakes and rarely bite. Frequent handling makes them more comfortable around children.

Ball pythons are not difficult to care for. You need a terrarium of around 40 gallons and access to food and clean water.

7.    Stinkpot Turtle

A stinkpot or musk turtle is a distinctive reptile that a child would like to have as a pet. They are called stinkpot or musk turtles because they do musk and smell.

They are funny little turtles with a lot of personalities. Some are very secretive and shy, while others are curious and responsive. A stinkpot may appear boring on land, but it is very interactive and fun in the water. It’s going to swim around and come up for food.

A musk turtle should thrive in a 30 to 40-gallon tank with a water (dechlorinated) depth of about 8 inches. Musk turtles also thrive on a commercially available diet.

8.    Kenyan Sand Boa

A Kenyan sand boa is a distinctive pet reptile with a thick, short body, small eyes, and a blunt head.

As far as frequent handling is concerned, Kenyan sand boas tick all the boxes. They have a manageable size for a child and don’t tend to move very quickly. They are also quite hardy, which means a little bit of rough handling will not hurt them.

What is truly impressive about these snakes is the fact that they can go a long time without water and food. This is a good thing for a busy parent who doesn’t have a lot of time to help his or her kid take care of the snake.

9.    Collared Lizard

A collared lizard is a colorful reptile that is usually found in the deserts of the southwestern United States in the wild.

Collared lizards are normally intelligent and docile. But, they have to be tamed first before they can tolerate being handled frequently. So, we recommend parents always supervise their children when they are handling collared lizards.

A collared lizard should be comfortable in an enclosure or tank that is at least 30 gallons or larger.

These reptiles need to feed mainly on insects to get the appropriate nutrients for their well-being. Younger collared lizards usually eat more insects than adults.

Safety Tips to Consider

Reptiles can make great pets for kids, but some of them may be carrying salmonella bacteria even when they appear healthy and clean.

Salmonella doesn’t usually cause reptiles to get sick, but it can make a child ill. The risk of a child getting a salmonella infection is high because of their developing immune system.

In this section, we will provide you with important safety tips that will help reduce the risk of your child getting a salmonella infection.

• Take the reptile to a veterinarian to be cleared of salmonella bacteria
• Teach your child to thoroughly wash his or her hands with warm water and soap immediately after handling a reptile
• As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child washes his or her hands after touching a reptile
• Avoid introducing reptiles to younger children (less than 5 years old) because their immune systems are not well-developed
• Always keep the reptile enclosure or habitat as clean as possible and out of reach for younger children

Final Words on Child-Friendly Reptiles

Photo by Macey Bundt on Unsplash.

Pet reptiles like bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and corn snakes are fascinating for kids. But, they do need care and attention. So, you have to make sure that you and your family are well-prepared before taking one home. You need to have the appropriate habitat for the reptile, and teach your child how to handle and care for the animal. Most importantly, you (the parent or guardian) must always have time to supervise your child when he or she is handling a reptile. pet

Remember when you were a kid and the only thing you lived for was summer vacation? You and your family would pack up and head off to the beach, mountains, or anywhere that suited your fancy. You cherished the memories and vowed to do the same for your family. When you kids are small, but not so little that they can’t remember the time you spend together.

So, if you’re still trying to decide on where to take your kids this summer, here are some of the best vacations destinations you should consider visiting this summer.

Planning Your Trip

Before we let you in on the top vacation spots, let’s talk about planning your trip. Aside from deciding on a destination, you need to create a checklist of everything you want, need and even the things you’re willing to forego. After all, vacation costs can add up quickly, so you want to make sure that both you and your family can make the most out of your time together. You also need to think how much you want to spend and whether or not your dream vacation fits into your budget. If you have a vacation fund, then make sure that you have enough to cover all of the expenses, including potential emergency trips to the ER. As a parent, you already know how fast accidents can happen.

If you’re short funds but still want to get away, you have a couple of options. You can either choose a less expensive location, or you could consider getting a personal loan. Personal loans can be tailored to meet your specific needs, which means you aren’t obligated to borrow than you can easily pay back. You should also check out your credit report prior to applying. It’s not uncommon to find mistakes, which if severe, might disqualify you from being approved. Check out your report and if you find any errors, make sure they’re corrected before you apply.

Another cost factor is how close you are to your destination.  If you live in the United States, here are a few options in various locations.

Miami Beach, Florida

What’s not to love about the sun and the sea? No matter what time of year your travel, southern cities like Miami make it easy to plan a hot vacation any time of the year.  If your family loves to spend time at the beach, Miami Beach is the place to go. With beautiful blue water, white sand beaches, and plenty of kid-friendly hotels, the hardest decision will be deciding when to head back home.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

If rural settings and small towns are more your cup of tea, you might want to check out Jackson Hole. This serene vacation spot has something for every kind of nature lover in your family. You can go white water rafting on Snake River or tubing Snow King Resort. If your children are into castles, you can head to Teton Village. There are also plenty of budget-friendly hotels in the area as well.

Islands of Hawaii

If you want to visit the tropics but want to remain in the US, Hawaii should be on your radar. All of the islands are family-friendly, and offer a wide variety of activities to keep you busy. On Kauai, you can hike until your heart’s content, or simply take in the beauty of Waimea Canyon. If you’re more into lively beach vibes, Honolulu is the place to go. White sand beaches and the smell of coconut oil create the perfect backdrop for any family getaway. You can even attend a luau or learn how to do the hula with the locals.

Disney World

If you’ve been wondering whether Disney World is really worth the hype, then you’ll be happy to hear that yes, it is. If you want to instill a love of travel in your kids, this long-term family favorite has something for everyone. You can visit Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs. You can opt to stay on site at Disney Villas, or you can stay in one of the numerous hotels of all price points.

Dinosaur Valley, Texas

Located 75 miles southwest of Dallas, your little ones can see some of the best-preserved dinosaur tracks in history. In addition to scouting for tracks, you can also hike along the Paluxy River, go mountain biking or take a ride in a covered wagon. There are also plenty of museums to visit in nearby Glen Rose, which happens to be the dinosaur capital of the world. When it comes to accommodations, you can pitch a tent, rent an RV or stay in one of the many budget-friendly hotels.

Black Hills, South Dakota

From taking a walk back in history to the wild west in the town of Deadwood, to the epic view of past presidents on Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota will not disappoint.  There are plenty of places to camp, fish, and hike in the Black Hills National Forest. Drive through a pasture of roaming buffalo, witness archaeology digs for dinosaurs,  or take a ride on a steam engine.  There are endless activities and events that a family of all ages will never forget.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides a home for Gatlinburg, which in itself is a historic destination in the heart of the park.  It is a small town that offers visitors a chance to see the natural beauty of the area. There are several trails that lead to different parts of the park. Some of them are easy while others require hiking skills.  Hiking is not just about seeing the scenery, but also about getting closer to nature. Head north to Pigeon Forge and experience the charm of the south. This trip provides a glimpse of what life was like before the arrival of man.

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is an excellent vacation destination for families due to its diverse attractions and vibrant culture. The city offers engaging experiences like the Georgia Aquarium, one of the world’s largest, and the Atlanta Zoo, home to over 1,500 animals. Families can explore interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta or enjoy the scenic beauty of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Atlanta History Center and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. With its blend of educational, recreational, and cultural activities, Atlanta provides a memorable and enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

In a word.  It’s big!  The Grand Canyon is truly one of the natural wonders of America.  It spans across 277 miles in northwestern Arizona.  You simply have to see it, to believe it.  And that what makes this vacation destination memorable with it’s epic depth and towering peaks and gorges and ravines throughout.  Stay overnight in one of the nearby towns to explore all the Grand Canyon has to offer or make a day trip from Las Vegas.  Either way, it’s truly one of the wonders of America.

Glacier National Park, Montana

If you choose to make Glacier National Park your destination make sure you take the slow way there.  Going-to-the-Sun Road is perhaps the most awe inspiring mountain road there is.  Large trucks and camper trailers are no long allowed which makes it a pleasure for in cars to meander through the mountain road.   Plenty of roadside turn outs make is easy to stop and look over the edge. Make sure to check for seasonal road closures so you don’t have to turn around and take another road into the part.  The park feature melting glaciers, beautiful alpine meadows, valleys, and crystal clear lake.

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Mammoth Cave in west-central Kentucky is an adventure for explorers at heart, with caves to the east and west that are connected.  It’s been called the largest mapped cave system in the world. The caves possess striking stalactite and stalagmite rock formations.  Many unique animals make this area their home in the dark caves, from crickets, eyeless fish, and eyeless crayfish.  Lighted tours reveal all the wonders of the caves that were first seen by native humans with fire and later by the first explorers with lanterns.