Category: Well-Being

Our society has had a tense relationship with media consumption for some time now. Since the dawn of television facets of the community have raised concerns about what influence the media has. Sometimes this has been from a physiological and mental health perspective, at others from the standpoint of intellectual or moral development.

In our digital age, this has taken on new dimensions as online media plays a more central role in our lives.

This is especially present when it comes to our children.  Our variety of digital media tools influences a young age. There are certainly positives in embracing technology, but there’s also a lot of discussion about the negatives. Indeed, a recent study found that 61% of parents polled sought advice regarding their children’s screen time from a medical professional. As such, this constant media presence in the lives of children is worthy of serious consideration.

We’re going to take a moment to look at what the relative positives and negatives are regarding children’s media consumption.

As a Source of Information

Whether the media your children consume is screen time as a distance learner,  entertaining, or social, it is all providing them with information.  This is, of course, essential to their ability to understand the world. Global and local news alike are at their fingertips, as are rich and varied stories in movies and TV shows.

That said, a wealth of information at their disposal does not automatically equate to trustworthy knowledge. The open-source nature of our digital landscape means that the information your children consume may well be colored by more negative influences and agendas. Misinformation and discrimination are rife across the media today. When children’s consumption is left unaddressed, these influences may well be inadvertently given as much weight in their minds as credible sources, affecting their opinions and decisions accordingly.

While there may be some benefit to reducing screen time in a more general sense, the answer is not necessarily censorship. Depending on your child’s age, removing their ability to consume less trustworthy forms of information reduces the opportunity to engage critical thinking skills. Rather, as a parent, it is important to support your child’s viewing with discussions. Talk to them about the context of the information they’re seeing — the biases and the influences. Follow this up with exercises in information reviews and how to identify credible resources. Provide them with the knowledge of how to more effectively process the information they’re receiving.

As a Cultural Touchstone

Digital media has become a key part of our contemporary culture. More importantly, though, it is a conduit to share and learn about more diverse cultures. This is perhaps the true value of an open, globally-connected media ecosystem — your children have the opportunity to engage with different ideas from exposure to their media. Not just professional media, either, but the content made by citizens through YouTube, Twitch streams, and TikTok.

Additionally, it’s important to understand that media as a cultural touchstone is a positive tool for representation. The media available today is becoming more diverse — particularly on streaming services, which are making efforts to feature not just actors and characters but also creators from traditionally marginalized backgrounds. Television, podcasts, music, even video game streaming can help demonstrate to children with diverse identities that their cultural perspectives and identities have an important place in the global community. These media provide them with positive, relatable role models, too.

But is there a negative side to media content as a cultural focus? Only when as a parent you rely too heavily upon it. Media is a tool for knowledge, but it doesn’t give your kids valuable life experience. Combine their consumption of media from other cultures with encouragement to also engage with them. Demonstrate the patronage of minority-owned businesses and just reaching out to start conversations and build relationships. Allow the media to inform their impressions, but provide experience to build their sense of empathy and community responsibility.

As Part of a Social Development

It can’t have escaped your notice that media consumption comprises a core part of your child’s social development. They are among the first generation of true digital natives, and both they and their peers will not just use media to consume information and culture, but also to communicate with one another and form social bonds.

By empowering your children to grow socially through media consumption — learning from TV shows, communicating (with safety elements in place) through social media — they can develop practices for the responsible use of these on their own terms. Indeed, we’ve already seen how this engagement is developing Generation Z into more socially and environmentally conscious citizens. Let’s not forget that Fridays for Future is a social media-led campaign. Rather than just dictate the use of their media tools, this is an opportunity to give them ownership of these. They can understand the responsibilities involved, and the social limitations and challenges they may face. The key is to be communicative and supportive throughout.

Of course, it’s not healthy to have them entirely focused on social development through screen media. It’s important to introduce other sources of information. Comic books are a helpful tool here, and also have in-built social credibility, even sparking discussion points among peers. Importantly, there are efforts to improve diversity in comic books, moving away from the harmful minority stereotypes of years past and providing positive and empowering representation. This extends beyond the characters and includes creative teams composed of and led by Black, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and Asian American creators. This expands their media toolkit, and also provides sources of social connection with their peers.

Conclusion

Media consumption tends to get a bad rap when it comes to our children. Yet, as a parent, you need to be cognizant of the various positive and negative roles it can play in their lives. This in turn empowers both you and them to make more informed decisions about usage and how to support them.

As a parent, you want each and every birthday party you throw for your child to be as unique and memorable as the last.  Unfortunately, each year that passes by makes it more challenging to think of a different idea. Thankfully, we have 5 truly unique kids birthday party ideas for you, and these work for kids of any age!

Let’s dive in and find your next big birthday party hit. A party your kids never forget.

Have a real fire truck at your next party!

Every child, boy or girl, is fascinated by the roaring engine and blaring sirens of a big red fire truck! So, why not have one at your next event?

Yes, this is indeed possible.

Fantastic Fire Department is an example of a company that brings a kid friendly fire truck to any kid’s birthday party.

This is perfect for parents who want to make a big impression and love going all out with decorations.

Imagine your children wearing firefighter outfits complete with hats and boots as they pretend to put out fires with a giant fire hose.

Pair this with inexpensive water balloons, and you have yourself the perfect outdoor water day.

Interactive foam parties for kids!

One of the biggest struggles during summer is finding something cool and refreshing to do outdoors.

Combine that with the already difficult task of finding an entertainment option that gets everyone involved while throwing birthday party at home, and your choices become pretty limited.

Or so they seem.

A fantastic new kids birthday party idea for large summer events is foam parties for kids!

What is a foam party?

It’s like a dance party but inside a giant pile of refreshing foam!

This is possible thanks to a giant foam cannon that fills any outdoor area up to 6 feet in foam in minutes.

A definite picture-worthy moment.

A mini golf course … that comes to you!

Everyone loves mini golf!

Unfortunately, mini golf is such a popular birthday party choice it is tough to find a course that isn’t already filled with other families.

So – instead of going out to a course, why not bring the course to you?

At Safe Search Kids we are all about keeping creativity alive and encourage you to experiment with creating your own mini golf course at home. This can become a great family DIY project and then turn into the ultimate kids birthday party idea.

Not the DIY type? A company like Mini Golf On The Go specializes in bringing a full mini golf course to your event location.

Looking for high-quality golf equipment? Sunday Golf has it all with all their great golf bags and other golf equipment such as golf valuables pouches that you can get and worth investing for.

Sleepover TeePee parties

There is nothing more exciting to a child than when they have their first sleepover with all their friends.

A sleepover party is an inexpensive yet engaging birthday party option.

You can take this option up a notch by adding teepees to the mix!

You can purchase or build your own and let the kids decorate and organize their own teepees to match any theme they like.

From there, you can let the kids’ imagination go wild as they enjoy the party in their own little teepee hut.

Build your own escape room in your home!

Now, this birthday party idea is for the busy mom who loves to DIY and enjoys creativity.

Spend an evening planning out different puzzles and games throughout your home.

When the DIY escape room is ready, split the party guests up into different teams and see who can figure it all out first!

Have some prizes handy for the winning teams and watch as the party turns into a friendly competition that gets everyone involved.

And that is a wrap! There are a few truly unique birthday party ideas that can hold you over for the next 5 years.

Each idea is memorable, inclusive, and works great for any age, and will make you look like the rockstar parent you are!

Video games are often considered to be a bad “parasite” for children. People myth video games as a source of distractions that take children away from their studies and real life. While playing video games for an extreme amount of time could result in the said consequences, managed gaming sessions help kids be mentally stable.

Various pieces of research have concluded that video games let the human brain divert away from stressful circumstances and reduce anxiety. During a tough time, a person has to feel the sense of mastery, confidence and being in charge, while also breaking the thoughtful contact with the cause of the stress. Video games, strangely, have a mixture of exactly the right ingredients to deal with stress.

There are different types of anxiety disorders that your kids can suffer from. Panic disorder, Separation Anxiety or Social Anxiety, and others might make your children go through a hard time. But games can help them escape the unnecessary stress and the burden on their little brains. Developing an ideal schedule incorporating gaming sessions can help your kid deal with that stress.

Finding the right games to relieve stress

While gaming can relieve stress, it can also cause stress if the wrong games are played. Many games today are too competitive to play and the children might get frustrated if they keep losing a level of the game repeatedly.

As mentioned above, gaming relieves stress by putting the player at a stage where he feels in control. If he keeps losing a stage, again and again, the sense of being in control starts to wear off.

To ensure your kid doesn’t suffer from such type of stress, make sure he doesn’t play games that are unnecessarily hard and competitive. Casual games which relax the brain cells are the ideal fit for children.

Exposure to brain stimulation

Children’s minds are designed to absorb new information rapidly. That’s why the early years of a child’s life are the best to teach him life ethics and morals. If their brain doesn’t get enough stimulation and activity regularly, they might start to lose out on their creativity and brain capability.

Games are a great way to ensure your kid gets the necessary level of regular brain simulation. While physical activity is crucial for a healthy body, games are important for a sound mind.

Video games also let the children explore and express their emotions. When they’re trying to get through a level of a game, they’re developing problem-solving techniques. When they fail, they develop the notion of trying, again and again, until they succeed. When they do succeed, the children get the sense of joy and happiness that the brain releases after it’s accomplished a goal.

Keeping gaming sessions in check

Too much of a good thing often turns out to be bad; the same rule applies to video games. Where controlled gaming sessions have many positive impacts on children’s brains, playing games for an extended period might result in mental, as well as physical health concerns.

To begin with, longer-than-usual gaming sessions can produce strain on the eyes. The children might find it difficult to relax their eyes, stay calm, and sleep peacefully. Regular exposure to this strain can weaken the eyesight — which is a terrible, long-term problem.

A creative way to spend time

Children have plenty of time at home. While playing games 24/7 isn’t what I suggest, maintained gaming sessions can help children pass their time and avoid boredom.

Boredom often leads to unnecessary thoughts and worries about difficult circumstances that could result in anxiety and stress. During hard times, we want to stay away from boredom, and giving away an hour of our daily routine to gaming helps well.

Unlocking desired games with residential proxies

Not all games are created equal. You want to make sure your child only plays games that are relaxing and relieve stress. When you find such a game locked due to geographical barriers, you can unlock and access it by using residential proxies.  These proxies also offer a way of protecting your privacy preventing your data from getting stolen while playing games online.  They can also improve browsing speed.

Conclusion

Games are a great way for children to relieve stress and fight anxiety in tough times. They provide the necessary mental stimulation to children’s brains and boost their creativity. However, gaming sessions must be kept in check and shouldn’t exceed a set period.

Read about additional calming strategies for anxious children.

Encouraging your kids to venture outside and breathe in fresh air is super important for their mental development and emotional well being. Every child should enjoy frolicking in the great outdoors or taking part in a fun outdoor activity – especially if it’s a gorgeously sunny day.

However, getting them outdoors in the first place is easier said than done. Isolation at home has made us all far too comfortable staying indoors and turning to electronics or screens for entertainment.

But enough is enough!  It’s time to plan some outdoor activities for your kids and find some fun and excitement in new creative ways. Whether it’s an outdoor activity in your own backyard or a special family outing, here’s 12 activity ideas you can try.

Outside the home…

Climb a treetop course

Climbing along a treetop adventure course like those you find at places like The Adventure Park is a fantastic form of outdoor exercise for children. What’s more, it’s an exciting day out for the entire family! With exhilarating zip lines and challenging rope climbs, a treetop adventure course is a perfect idea for a fun-packed day that gets the smiles beaming and adrenaline pumping.

Learn and play at the zoo

Visiting the local zoo is a staple family day out that all kids will enjoy. Discovering diverse species and learning about nature will spark their curiosity and help them learn about the all-important struggles of conservation and animal welfare. A lot of zoos hold special events too, so choose a date that offers fun opportunities for playtime! Pack a delicious picnic full of treats and goodies to enjoy at lunchtime too.

Thrilling Driveway Skateboard Lessons

Driveway skateboard lessons are one of the best outdoor activities for kids, combining fun and skill development. Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, kids learn the basics of balance, control, and safety, right in the comfort of their own driveway. It’s a fantastic way for youngsters to stay active, build confidence, and enjoy the fresh air while mastering a new skill.

Play in the sand at a beach

If you’re close to a beach and the sun is beaming, head to the shore for a spontaneous day of frolicking on the sand. Find the perfect spot and settle down for a day of relaxing in the sun. It’s also a great opportunity to teach beach safety to ensure it’s always a safe outing.  Remember the bucket and spade to build sandcastles and take a bathing suit for the kids to splash in the waves. There’s always room for a well-deserved ice cream too.

Clean the neighborhood

You might be surprised how enthusiastic your child is for helping the community. So why not take them on a spirited walk through the neighborhood to clean up the area and pick up the garbage littering the streets? It’ll teach them about environmental concerns and develop their understanding of having community-minded morals.

Visit a new state

Crossing state lines to explore new places is both exciting and educational, as it helps kids appreciate that there’s a whole world beyond their local community, and gives them insights into the wider makeup of the country they call home. Of course you can factor in a fun destination as part of your journey, including some of the aforementioned recommendations. For instance, heading to an amusement park like Cedar Point in Ohio will give you a great mix of thrilling rides and the great outdoors. And with discount tickets to Cedar Point available, it can be affordable too.

Explore a historical area

The majority of towns and cities will have some form of history, so make the most of the local culture by exploring any historical sites, landmarks and monuments. You’re never too young to learn about important historical events and figures, so why not reverse time for the day and find appreciation for where we come from and how fortunate we are nowadays?

Go on a Safari

There’s something inherently captivating about being out in the vast wilderness, immersed in a world far removed from bustling city life. Each moment brings an unpredictable surprise, but with the right precautions, everything will be safe for your children. If you wish to experience this magical journey with your kids, why not take a safari tour? You’ll be rewarded with unforgettable sights and experiences.

Seek thrills at an amusement park

Depending on the age and height of your child, an amusement park offers tonnes of family laughs and thrills to make a day truly unforgettable. Whether it’s a ride on a spooky ghost train, a splashdown on a log flume or a spin on a carousel, an amusement park has something to entertain everyone. Plus, roller coasters are an opportunity for us big kids to scream and play too.

In the backyard…

Find treasure on a scavenger hunt

As an excitable youngster, a scavenger hunt was always one of the most thrilling activities to look forward to. It’s one of the many fun activities a family can do close to home. You can keep them entertained for hours! Best of all, your backyard is the perfect spot for hiding treasure and setting a trail for them to explore. Make it as hard or as easy as you like and choose any special prize for them to find at the end of their hunt.  Scavenger hunts can also develop team building skills.

Compete in a water gunfight

This is the ideal option for a beautifully sunny day that requires some cooling off. Get yourself to a local store and buy a selection of water guns for the ultimate afternoon of family fun. You can set up a few carnival-style games or simply start a competitive water gunfight. Just make sure windows and doors are closed as you’re likely to get soaked!

Try out a new sport

For an activity that gets the heart racing, try out a new sport in the backyard to see if any new interest is sparked. It’s always important for your child to find a hobby they love, so why not spend a free afternoon dabbling with a fun game of backyard soccer, basketball, or tennis? It’s a great way to keep active throughout the summer and there’s nothing wrong with a spot of healthy family competition too!

Practice arts and crafts outdoors

Kids are creative and loves arts and crafts, it might be a nice idea to bring their art project outside. This is an even better idea if you don’t want any more unnecessary mess taking over the house. Whether it’s drawing, painting, or sculpting, you can set up an arts and crafts corner in the shade and let them get messy till their heart’s content. Plus, there’s nothing like the sights and sounds of the great outdoors to inspire creativity!

Set up an obstacle course

If visiting an outdoor adventure park isn’t an option for you, why not create your very own obstacle course in your backyard? Use a variety of items around the house and make a fun course for them to dip, dive, crawl, and jump their way through. You can even make it competitive by setting a timer and making it a family challenge to see who can complete the course in the fastest time.

Camp overnight in the backyard

To extend the fun through the night, camping in the backyard can be a wonderfully exciting activity for your kids. Pitch a tent and make it ultra-cozy with pillows and blankets for a snug night’s sleep. You can even build a campfire beforehand to roast some delicious homemade s’mores as the sun sets. Then as dusk settles, you can watch the stars in the night sky together with a steaming hot chocolate.