Category: Human Interest

Founded in 1939, Little League started with just three teams and has since expanded to include millions of children in over 80 countries worldwide. It helps kids learn and grow both on and off the field. Whether you’re a kid or a parent interested in Little League baseball, here’s what to know before joining.

What Defines Eligibility

Eligibility for Little League registration depends on a few factors. The key element is the player’s age, usually ranging from four to 16 years. Most leagues break these down into categories such as Tee Ball, Minor League, Major League, etc., which align with the player’s age and skill level.

Understanding these categories helps parents and kids select the right level for them, ensuring the right amount of challenge and skill development.

Your Local Chapter’s Requirements

There are general guidelines, like the ones we mentioned above, but each Little League chapter operates with specific rules that parents and prospective players need to understand.

Requirements often include age restrictions, residence or school location, and proof of age and residence. These chapters ensure local kids get the chance to play close to home.

Check with your local league’s website or contact their officials to get the detailed list of the eligibility notes you need. Knowing these requirements ensures smooth enrollment.

The Need for Some Equipment

Most leagues are required to provide basic equipment for their players. This includes bats, balls, helmets, gloves, and uniforms. However, this might not be a guarantee, and there is some equipment you will definitely have to purchase yourself.

Additionally, if a player wants different equipment than that provided by the league, that is fine as long as it abides by the league’s requirements. Whether you’re picking out the best bat to improve swing performance or getting your own helmet for improved comfort, just keep the league’s standards in mind.

Pro Tip

Your local league probably provides guidance or recommendations on equipment standards, ensuring everyone plays their best while staying safe.

The Potential for Growth in the Sport

Little League is more than just playing a sport; it’s a platform for personal growth. Players can develop life skills like leadership, communication, and resilience. As they progress through the levels, they may discover talents and interests in areas such as pitching, catching, or even coaching.

In fact, many Little League players go on to play at higher levels, inspired by their early experiences. Plus, the growth opportunities aren’t limited to the field, as Little League nourishes life-long friendships and a sense of community.

These long-term benefits are great things to consider when supporting your child in sports selection, making Little League baseball a promising choice.

The Commitment

Joining Little League involves a level of commitment from both players and parents. The season usually runs for a few months, with multiple games and practices each week. Being prepared to attend sessions consistently is key to improving skills and truly enjoying the league.

Additionally, families often volunteer for various roles, such as coaching, team managing, or organizing events. This is an important thing to know about Little League baseball before joining because it helps manage expectations and ensures a fulfilling and rewarding season, whether you’re a parent or a player.

Little League Baseball offers a fun opportunity for young athletes and their families to engage in a sport rich in history and values. By being informed about the requirements, eligibility, equipment, growth, and commitment involved, both parents and kids will get the most out of their experience.

Minecraft, one of the most popular games of all time, is available on a wide range of platforms, including PlayStation 4. However, many players wonder if it’s available for free on PS4, or if there are any options to play it without spending money. If you’re also thinking of setting up multiplayer worlds or long-term servers, you might be considering Minecraft servers rent options.

For those running servers, having access to premium Minecraft hosting can make a big difference in terms of performance and uptime, ensuring that your Minecraft hosting server is available 24/7. Let’s explore the truth about Minecraft’s pricing on PS4, whether you can play for free, and what alternatives or deals might exist.

Is Minecraft Free on PS4?

The short answer is no, Minecraft is not free on PS4. To play on the PlayStation 4, you need to purchase the game from the PlayStation Store. The standard price for on PS4 is approximately $19.99 USD, though prices may vary depending on your region and any ongoing promotions or discounts.

Unlike some free-to-play games, Minecraft is a premium game on all platforms, including PS4. Once you buy it, however, you get access to all the core features of the game, including Survival Mode, Creative Mode, multiplayer servers, and cross-platform play with other consoles and devices. For those interested in multiplayer, setting up a paid Minecraft server through Minecraft hosting services provides a stable environment for group play and ensures your server stays up without interruptions.

Source: playstation.com

Are There Free Demos or Trials Available?

While Minecraft itself is not free on PS4, there is a free demo version of Minecraft available. The demo allows players to experience a limited portion of the game for free, but it comes with significant restrictions:

• Limited Playtime: The demo only allows you to play for a limited amount of time, after which the game session will end.

• Limited Features: Some game modes and features are locked in the demo. You can experience a basic survival mode, but it’s a scaled-down version of the full game.

• No Multiplayer: The demo does not offer access to multiplayer servers or the full range of customization options.

To access the demo, you can download it from the PlayStation Store. It’s a good way to try out Minecraft before deciding whether you want to buy the full version.

How to Get Minecraft for Cheaper on PS4

Although Minecraft is not free on PS4, there are ways to save money when purchasing it:

• Sales and Discounts: The PlayStation Store frequently runs sales, especially during major holidays or seasonal events like Black Friday. Minecraft is often included in these sales, so keep an eye out for discounts.

• PlayStation Plus Discounts: If you have a PlayStation Plus membership, you may occasionally find that Minecraft is offered at a reduced price as part of a PlayStation Plus promotion.

• Gift Cards or Bundles: You can also look for special bundles that include Minecraft along with other content or use PlayStation gift cards purchased at a discount to effectively reduce the cost of the game.

Cross-Platform Play: Do You Need to Pay Extra?

One of the great features of Minecraft on PS4 is its cross-platform compatibility. This means you can play with friends who are on other platforms, like Xbox, PC, or mobile. However, you may need to have a PlayStation Plus membership to access online multiplayer features. While the game itself doesn’t require extra purchases for cross-platform play, a PlayStation Plus subscription is necessary for most online multiplayer games on the PS4.

For those running multiplayer servers, renting a Minecraft hosting server can offer better stability, especially for players who need a Minecraft hosting solution that is up and running all the time. It’s worth considering if you want to create a server that can host friends or a community.

Source godlike.host

Free Updates and Expansions

While Minecraft is not free on PS4, one of the game’s best aspects is that it regularly receives free updates and expansions. Mojang, the developer of Minecraft, consistently releases updates that add new content, such as new biomes, mobs, blocks, and features. These updates come at no additional cost to players who own the game.

For example, updates like the Caves & Cliffs update and the Nether Update significantly expanded the game with new dimensions, creatures, and materials, keeping the game fresh and exciting without requiring players to spend extra money.

Are There Any Alternatives to Minecraft That Are Free?

If you’re not ready to purchase Minecraft, there are a few free alternatives that offer a similar building and survival experience. Some examples include:

• Trove: A voxel-based MMO that combines elements of Minecraft and RPGs. It’s free-to-play on PS4 and offers creative building as well as combat-focused gameplay.

• Creativerse: Another block-building game with a focus on exploration and creativity, offering some features similar to Minecraft.

• Roblox: While not exactly like Minecraft, Roblox offers a wide range of user-generated games, some of which are based on building and creativity. It’s free to play, with in-game purchases available.

These alternatives can give you a taste of the creative freedom Minecraft offers, but they lack the depth and specific charm that has made Minecraft so iconic.

Conclusion

Minecraft is not free on PS4, but the price you pay for the full version grants access to endless hours of creative gameplay, survival challenges, and multiplayer fun. While there is a demo available for those who want to try the game, it’s limited in scope. For the full experience, purchasing the game from the PlayStation Store is necessary, though there are occasional discounts and promotions that can help reduce the cost. With continuous updates and cross-platform play, Minecraft remains a worthwhile investment for players looking for a world where their creativity can run wild.

More about Minecraft

Find out which games are ideal for child development.
Read about games that help kids learn how to code.

Cooking with kids can be a fun and educational experience. It not only introduces them to the joys of preparing their meals but also helps them develop essential life skills, including the importance of food safety. Involving children in the kitchen teaches them how to handle food safely and maintain cleanliness while having fun with simple and kid-friendly recipes.

We’ll explore four fun recipes perfect for kids while incorporating important lessons about food hygiene and how to avoid contamination. These meals are easy to prepare, safe for children to handle with supervision, and are designed to teach the basics of food safety in a practical, hands-on way.

1. Mini Pizzas with Fresh Toppings

Mini pizzas are a fun, customizable meal that kids enjoy making. They can choose their toppings while learning essential kitchen skills, including food hygiene. Kids can spread sauce, add cheese, and top with vegetables, chicken, or pepperoni using store-bought or homemade dough.

When preparing mini pizzas, teach kids to wash their hands before and after handling ingredients and to keep raw and cooked items separate to prevent cross-contamination. Encourage them to wash vegetables and handle raw meats safely.

Cooking mini pizzas with supervision helps them learn how to use the oven and understand the importance of cooking food to the right temperature. Remind them to refrigerate leftovers within two hours to prevent bacterial growth. This activity not only results in a tasty meal but also instills important food safety habits

2. Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

Fruit and yogurt parfaits are among the top kid-friendly recipes. They are perfect for little ones who are just starting to learn about food preparation. With layers of yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola, parfaits offer a tasty treat that can be made in minutes. They also provide an excellent opportunity to teach children about handling fresh produce safely.

Start by introducing kids to the importance of selecting fresh, high-quality fruits and washing them thoroughly under cold running water. Even fruits with peels, like bananas or oranges, should be washed before cutting to prevent bacteria from transferring to the edible parts. This is a simple but essential lesson in food hygiene that children can easily grasp.

When assembling the parfait, explain the importance of keeping dairy products like yogurt refrigerated until ready to use. Teach kids to check expiration dates and store unused yogurt in an airtight container. By incorporating these safety practices into a fun, hands-on activity, children learn how to make a delicious snack and understand proper food hygiene and storage.

3. Veggie and Cheese Quesadillas

Veggie and cheese quesadillas are a simple, kid-friendly recipe that provides an excellent platform for teaching basic food hygiene and safety while working with fresh ingredients. This recipe involves assembling tortillas with cheese and vegetables, making it perfect for children who want to learn to cook safely without much risk.

Before they start, ensure kids know to wash their hands thoroughly, especially after handling raw vegetables. Encourage them to wash all the veggies under cold running water before slicing them, whether using bell peppers, spinach, or onions. This simple step helps instill the importance of cleaning fresh produce before consuming it.

When cooking the quesadilla, it’s important to teach kids how to use a stovetop or griddle safely with adult supervision. Remind them that cooked food, even if it looks ready, must reach safe temperatures, especially when adding protein-rich ingredients like beans or chicken to the quesadilla.

Properly cleaning utensils and surfaces after cooking is a key food hygiene habit that can be demonstrated as part of the cooking process. This recipe results in a quick, healthy meal and reinforces the importance of food safety in everyday cooking.

4. Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Homemade chicken nuggets are a kid-favorite recipe that teaches the safe handling of raw poultry. Since chicken can be a source of foodborne illness, it’s important to show kids how to work with it carefully by cutting, breading, and baking or pan-frying the nuggets.

Teach kids to use a separate cutting board for raw chicken and emphasize washing hands, utensils, and surfaces to prevent cross-contamination. Show them how to use a meat thermometer to ensure the nuggets reach 165°F (74°C), reinforcing the importance of cooking food safely. After the meal, remind them to refrigerate leftovers within two hours. This recipe offers a tasty meal while building essential food hygiene skills.

Make Food Safety Fun with These Kid-Friendly Recipes

Cooking with children is more than just creating meals—it’s an opportunity to teach them life skills that will stay with them forever. By involving them in the kitchen with these fun, kid-friendly recipes, you’re helping them develop an understanding of food hygiene basics they’ll use throughout their lives. From washing fruits and vegetables to handling raw meats safely, each recipe in this list reinforces the importance of food safety in an engaging and hands-on way.

As you cook with your kids, remember that learning food hygiene doesn’t have to be boring or overwhelming. These activities offer a natural way to introduce essential practices like washing hands, keeping raw and cooked foods separate, and ensuring proper food storage. So, why not start today? Grab a recipe, head to the kitchen, and turn cooking into a fun, educational experience for the whole family. Safe cooking is the first step toward fostering lifelong healthy habits in your children!

Going back to school means more than attending classes and doing homework. Extracurricular activities are essential in helping children develop their passions and have fun during the school year. They also allow children to make friends and relieve stress while doing something they enjoy, whether it be sports or arts.

Here are some extracurricular activities to consider for your child this year.

1. Community or School Sports

Sports give children multiple opportunities to grow. They can figure out which activities feel most exciting while developing cooperation and teamwork skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives. Try finding community-based or school sports for your children this school year. Whether they play basketball, softball or soccer, they’ll continue their personal growth outside class. You can also explore tech based sports to help enhance engagement.

2. Academic Clubs

Some kids don’t enjoy rigorous sports. If your children can’t find a physical activity they love, introduce them to academic clubs. They might feel more engaged with other young people practicing chess, debate or photography. Exploring various opportunities is the only way to find out which extracurriculars are best for your child’s unique interests.

3. Art Programs

Getting involved in the arts opens doors for young people. They’ll make friends and build their self-confidence while practicing self-expression. Hobbies like painting, singing and acting require emotional reflection that channels into your child’s art. That’s why art programs are some of the best extracurricular activities.

Modern arts programs may even use technology to establish creative spaces for kids. When used correctly, technology can help kids express themselves rather than serving a single purpose, such as computing or researching. Sketching on a tablet or hosting a virtual art show is an excellent way to develop a child’s sense of self-expression.

4. Volunteer Organizations

Young children might not be old enough to volunteer by themselves, but you can always get the family involved in your community. Spend your after-school hours with the local park service, a food bank or a library event. Your children will help in whatever ways they can while watching you model what service looks like.

Volunteering at a young age also gives children a better understanding of the world. All they know is their home life, their classroom and their friends. If they see how people need help and how others assist them, they’ll learn about what it means to give back. They’ll feel more selfless and devoted to their community, which feeds into how they interact with their hometown no matter where they live in adulthood.

5. Local Clubs

Browse local clubs to find more of the best extracurricular activities for kids. Your child could join the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts or volunteer book clubs. There might even be more niche sports opportunities, like a disc golf club for middle schoolers. You’ll find these clubs through the websites of local organizations and social media groups. See what’s available where you live to present your kids with options for their after-school activities.

If you’re worried about your child joining a club that doesn’t have a direct effect on their grades, don’t worry. Experts note that joining any extracurricular group improves a child’s academic performance, school-related aspirations and view of education as a whole. As long as they’re involved in something they enjoy that builds their confidence, they’ll develop the mental strength they need to push through challenges at school.

6. Student Government

Many elementary and middle schools have some form of student government program. Kids don’t necessarily need to know how the government works because they can’t vote, but that doesn’t mean they can’t start learning about it. Student government organizations translate the complexities of governing into activities that are easy for kids to understand.

Your child might love becoming a representative of their class or grade. They’ll learn how to work with other student representatives to create events. Kids participate in voting to make decisions and practice communication skills while reviewing each meeting’s agenda with other kids.

Student government could inspire your child to take on leadership roles in their future schools and workplaces. See if their current school offers this kind of extracurricular to discuss the possibility with your kid.

Explore New Extracurricular Activities This Year

After you learn about the best extracurricular activities for young kids, it’s easier to present options the next time your family sits down for dinner. Pitch ideas like trying a new sport, getting involved in the arts or volunteering together. Whatever activities your child likes or dislikes, they’ll build skills that help them succeed throughout their lives.

About the Author:  Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She strives to live a happy and healthy life with her family by her side.
Follow Cora on Facebook and LinkedIn.