How to Ease Back-to-School Stress: 6 Tips for Parents

The idea of going back to school can be exciting for families, especially for kids. The start of a new school year brings many positives, like reuniting with old friends and making new ones, learning new things, and having fun. However, it can also be a source of anxiety and stress for many. This is perfectly normal. Many children may feel anxious about the thought of returning to school because they’ve just had a long summer break and are preparing to start school for the first time. Parents may also find  this season to be one that causes us to lose sleep and have less time for rest. If you find yourself caught in the same dilemma and are dreading the back-to-school stress, don’t worry. With the right attitude, adequate preparation, and some useful tips, back-to-school season doesn’t have to be stressful or difficult for you and your little one. Here’s a list of tips you might find handy:

Help your child feel more comfortable about returning to school

One of the leading causes of anxiety about going back to school is when children don’t know what to expect about the new school year. You can help your child feel more comfortable by discussing what they can expect ahead of time. Talk to your child about what his or her day will look like when school starts. This is especially important for kids who are going to school for the first time. 

As you and your child discuss what he or she can expect at the start of the new school year, talk about the type of routines will accompany a school day. Discuss details regarding what going to bed and waking up each day will look like, what time he or she will have breakfast and get dressed, and so on. It can also help to alleviate anxiety if you’re able to bring your child to see the school before the first day, so he or she can get a better sense of the new environment. Even if your child is returning to the same school building this year, it can still be beneficial to visit in order to help him or her feel reconnected and familiar with the environment.  

Stay positive

Another effective trick for easing back to school stress is to remind young kids about the things that make school fun and exciting. Besides learning new things, you can discuss the fun activities they will do at school this year. Ask children if they’re excited to see their old classmates and meet new ones. Talk about the games and activities they look forward to doing again, and what types of things they’ve missed about school during vacation. 

Establish routines before the school begins

Part of going to school is learning how to stick to a daily schedule and routine. To help minimize “culture-shocked” upon returning to school, it can help to start getting back into the school year routine for a few days before school starts. Have children practice their bedtime routine as they prepare for the first day. If your child needs to be in bed by 9:00pm on a school night,  have your child get into the habit of following a 9:00pm bedtime routine  before the school year begins. Do the same thing with meal times, playtime, and other activities during the day.  

Remind your child that you’re a team

Because back-to-school stress is something that both parents and kids often experience, it’s important for kids to feel that they aren’t alone. Let your child know that you’re also feeling anxious. Additionally, as you acknowledge your child’s  anxiety and worry, you can also try to redirect this into something more positive by letting your child know you’re confident that he or she will be in good hands. Ask your child about the things that may be bringing up feelings of worry, and talk about how you will be working on facing and resolving these things together.

Be present consistently

Whether or not it’s your child’s first time attending school, the transition back to school can be a challenging time for kids. The best thing parents can do to help make the transition easier is to be consistently present for their little ones. Carve out time for your child as soon as he or she gets home if you can, so you can discuss how the day went. Ask children about the things they learned as well as the activities they did during the day. Encourage your child to open up and share what’s on his or her mind,  especially if anything is troubling. 

Don’t forget about yourself

It’s not easy to be a parent, especially when it’s time for your child to attend school. This is why it’s imperative that you don’t forget to take good care of yourself too. Make it a priority to get adequate rest and sleep whenever possible. Prioritize your own mental and physical health and well-being. Being a good parent doesn’t mean putting yourself last. The healthier you are and the better you feel, the easier it will be to balance the demands of work and home.

It’s the start of the school year once again, and back-to-school stress can loom over parents and children alike. Don’t let it get the better of what can be a fun and exciting time by following these helpful pieces of advice!

For more helpful parenting resources, or if you’re looking for a preschool that offers a warm and friendly environment for your little one, please visit Imagine Nation Learning Center. 

 

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Internet Safety Tips for Kids: 6 Rules for Online Safety

The advent of the internet has made a vast amount of information accessible and at the tips of our fingers. Let’s admit it, the internet has enriched our lives in different ways we never could have imagined. In some ways, the internet has made our lives easier, more convenient and sometimes wonderful. However, like everything else in life, the internet has its downsides too. In fact, some aspects of internet usage can be dangerous for us and for our family members especially our kids. This is where the importance of  internet safety comes into play.

Whenever our kids go online, they put themselves at risk of accessing inappropriate content, accidentally sharing personal information, cyberbullying, and more. While children need to be given the opportunity to explore and navigate the world through the internet, parents play a vital role in making sure our kids use the internet safely. Check out the following internet safety tips so your kids stay safe when going online!

Educate your kids

Young kids are the family’s weakest links when it comes to cybersecurity. Therefore, they need to be educated about how to use the internet safely and appropriately. Even though your children may be young, they need to be aware of the dangers that can come with improper use of some online platforms and the possible consequences if they are not careful. Make sure your child knows how important it is not to disclose personal information online such as names, phone numbers, address, parents’ place of work, names of their family members, and so on. When in doubt, tell your child to make sure he or she consults you and gets permission before entering any information online.

Remind children about the importance of privacy

With more and more websites and software gathering information for marketing purposes, be sure your kids are taught about the importance of privacy. Adults and kids alike can fall prey to accepting policies regarding sharing information without thoroughly reading the fine print. Don’t be lax, even if the settings are set to “private”. Once any of your personal information is shared online, you need to know that it is already stored somewhere. There’s always the possibility of having this information hacked. So it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Establish rules

While it’s okay that kids are given some liberty to have fun using their gadgets and electronic devices, parents should make sure there are rules established when it comes to the use of technology. Not only will this help ensure your child’s online safety. It will also reduce the likelihood of children becoming addicted to the internet.

When creating rules for your child, be specific about the hours they are allowed to go online, which websites they can visit, and the applications they are allowed to access. Don’t forget to designate “technology-free zones” around your home. This means that there should be specific areas or spots in your home where gadgets can’t be used. 

Monitor your child’s online activities

As soon as your child learns how to access the internet, be sure to pay close attention to his or her online activities. When posting anything online or sharing information on a website, they need to know that they may never be able to “take it back”. Monitor your child’s online activities and the things they post on their accounts or social media profiles (if they’re allowed to have one.)

Also, do not allow your child to shop online unsupervised. He or she might accidentally enter credit card details and other pertinent financial data on an unsecured website.

Check your child’s browsing history

Another internet safety tip for kids you need to remember is periodically going through your child’s browsing history. This will help you stay informed of the websites they have been accessing as well as the ones that may randomly pop up. It is also a great idea to create a folder with shortcuts to the websites and applications they visit frequently. This way, they won’t have to manually search for these things in the browser, which is ultimately safer

Turn screen time into family time

Besides being a vast source of information, the internet is also a great source of entertainment. So why not make use of it to create some fun family bonding time? Instead of doing individual activities online, maybe you can play some family games online or stream some feel-good family movies? Not only is this a safer use of the internet; it also provides the perfect opportunity to connect as a family!

The internet has made our lives wonderful in many ways. However, it can also be a dangerous place for young kids if we aren’t careful. Make sure your child stays protected from the potential dangers of the online world by following these internet safety tips for kids.

For more tips to help guide you on your parenting journey, please view more helpful resources on our website, Imagine Nation Learning Center. 

 

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How to Encourage Good Reading Habits in Kids

Before they are old enough to read and understand the printed letters on the page, young kids love the music of language as their parents read them stories. Reading to your child offers a plethora of wonderful benefits. In addition to being an excellent source of entertainment, reading helps stimulate a child’s imagination and spark his or her curiosity. When little ones are read to, it can help expand their vocabulary as they experience a whole exciting range of emotions and acquire new knowledge and skills. Because there are so many developmental benefits of reading, it’s imperative that parents carve out time and energy so they can help their kids develop a lifelong love of reading. Read on for some helpful tips to help you encourage good reading habits in your little one.

Make it a habit to talk to your infant early on

One of the best ways to raise a young reader is to start them off young. This means that even before your child learns to recognize and read letters, just the act of speaking to your baby has a significant positive impact.  Even if your little one can’t utter a word yet, talking to babies is the first important step toward their development of basic language skills. Speak in simple and short sentences, and do so as if you’re telling a story with varying voice inflection and intonation. This helps young children begin to learn how to identify emotions through spoken language. 

Read to your child every day

Introduce your little one to the wonderful world of reading by setting aside time to read together on a daily basis,  at least 30 minutes each day if possible. Make reading books part of your child’s bedtime routine, or carve out some time for reading during the afternoon. Doing so helps little kids understand the conventions of reading as they start to become more familiar with new words and vocabulary.

Be a good role model

Whether it’s books or magazines you’re into, letting your child see how enthusiastic you are about reading is a great way to encourage him or her to read. This sets a good example as you encourage a love for reading in your child. Pick up your favorite reading material during your free time or while you’re relaxing at home. Children are more likely to follow what they observe from their parents and other adults around them. Not to mention, reading is an excellent alternative to screen time. 

Keep a variety of reading materials around your home

Keeping all sorts of interesting reading materials around your home is another way you can encourage reading in young children. Make sure your house is filled with a variety of fun and interesting reads that are appropriate for your child’s reading level.

Create a reading nook for your child

Developing good reading habits begins at home. Your child is more likely to pick up a book if he or she has a comfy spot dedicated to reading. Find a nice location in your home and convert it into a reading nook for your family.  It doesn’t have to be a large space. It can be a little corner that’s quiet and comfortable  with adequate lighting. Maybe you can put a soft couch or chair in your reading nook, and surround it with some reading materials your child will enjoy. 

Encourage activities that involve reading

Reading isn’t only learned and developed between the pages of a book. You can also encourage reading in your child by doing other activities that also involve reading. For example, when you invite your child to join you in the kitchen while you’re cooking, you can have him or her help you read the recipe and ingredients. When your child gets a new toy, have him or her read the assembly instructions. Something as small as practicing reading even a sentence or two in random locations at home and when you’re out any chance you get is a great way for your child to practice reading. 

Take your child to the bookstore or library

Another fun way to help young children develop a passion for reading is by taking them to the bookstore or library. These places offer an extensive range of options when it comes to reading materials. Have your child choose from a selection of books, comics or magazines they find the most interesting and those appropriate for their age and reading level. 

Reading is beneficial to kids in so many ways. Use these tips to encourage reading in your child early on. 

For more tips on parenting, or if you’re looking for the best preschool for your child, please visit Imagine Nation Learning Center. 

 

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Back-to-School Safety Tips for Parents and Kids

As summer draws to a close, many children across the country are looking forward to going back to school. They anticipate reuniting with friends, beginning the next grade level, and learning about all sorts of new and exciting things. While this may be an exciting time for most kids, parents may be feeling more trepidacious.  The idea of returning to school during a pandemic may be unsettling for parents.  If you find yourself feeling anxious about the prospect of your child returning to school this fall, know that you’re not alone. Fortunately, we have come up with a list of back-to-school safety tips to help ease your mind and ensure your kids’ safety upon returning to school!

Practice social distancing

Sitting or standing too close to others can increase the risk of contracting germs such as those caused by the coronavirus. This is where the importance of “social distancing” comes in. Social distancing (or physical distancing) is the practice of putting enough space between yourself and others in order to reduce the likelihood of virus transmission.

While schools play an important role in implementing social distancing both inside and outside the classroom, it’s also imperative that parents remind children to maintain a safe distance from others as well. Children should also avoid sharing food, drinks and any other personal items. 

Wear a mask

Children are no exception when it comes to the importance of wearing a mask. Face coverings are crucial as there may be times when maintaining a safe distance from others becomes impossible or challenging.

Make sure your little one always wears a mask in public places, especially at school. The transmission of the virus can happen instantly when there is no face protection. Infectious respiratory droplets from an infected individual can be released into the air when he or she breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes. Ensure that your child has an extra layer of protection by providing a mask. 

Remember to include masks on your list when you purchase school supplies. Have your child wear a mask as soon as he or she steps out of the house, and be sure to include a “back-up” mask if a replacement is needed during the day. 

Keep hands clean

With or without a pandemic, proper and frequent hand-washing is one of the most important habits parents need to teach their children. Regular hand-washing can help protect your child from contracting  germs and viruses that cause illness. Teach your little one the importance of keeping hand-washing. Encourage young children to practice this habit before and after meals, after playing with  toys, after playing outside, and before they touch their face.

At times when hand-washing isn’t possible, for example if children are in a classroom that doesn’t have a sink, it is recommended that your child use hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol. Furthermore, children should be reminded to cover their faces with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Boost your child’s immune system

Another back-to-school safety tip you shouldn’t overlook is helping to strengthen your child’s immune system. A strong immune system can help keep your child from contracting viruses and other diseases. Strengthen your little one’s ability to fight off sickness by ensuring proper nutrition. Limit children’s intake of unhealthy foods like sugary and salty treats. Instead, encourage children to eat a balanced diet, and always incorporate fruits and vegetables into your family’s meals. Remember to also prioritize quality sleep and make sure your kids get at least eight hours of sleep every night.

Closely monitor their health

Checking your child’s health and wellness should always be one of your top priorities as a parent. Therefore, be sure to always monitor your child’s health condition. Don’t ignore minor symptoms. A simple fever or cold may seem harmless, but it’s always better to be sure. Be sure to follow your child’s scheduled check-ups regularly  and don’t put off consulting with a doctor if you notice anything strange or unusual.

Listen to your child’s concerns

As a parent, one of the most important roles you play is being your child’s confidante and advocate. If your child voices any anxiety or concerns about returning to school amidst the pandemic,  be available to listen. Discuss all of the health and safety measures that will be followed at school, and assure them you’re doing everything you can to ensure their health and safety as well. 

It’s understandable how parents like you may feel anxious about your child returning to school. By following these back-to-school safety tips, and choosing the best educational child care setting that prioritizes your child’s wellness and safety, you can put your mind at ease and be assured of their safe and continued quality learning. Give us a call at Imagine Nation Learning Center for more information. 

 

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5 Ways to Practice Playful Parenting

Playing is an innate part of childhood that especially comes naturally to young kids. Children engage in play not only for fun but also as a means to learning and exploring the world around them. However, for busy parents trying to strike a balance between the demands of work and home, play can often be the last thing on our minds. But what if you were told that “playful parenting” actually plays an important role in the formation of a deeper bond between you and your child? Making time for playful parenting can also help to lighten the mood in a stressful home as it creates a positive atmosphere. Perhaps you recognize the importance of incorporating play into the time you spend with your child, but you just don’t know where to start.

Many parents find it challenging to interact on their child’s level and engage in fun play together. If you find yourself caught in this dilemma, you’re not alone. Read on and learn some helpful tips to practice playful parenting in your home.

Begin the day with play

One of the first things that comes into  the mind of a young child the moment he or she opens his or her eyes in the morning is playing. Young children may immediately think about their toys and the games they plan to play throughout the day. Just thinking about the fun that awaits them often makes them giddy and excited. But who says children are the only ones who can benefit from play? Starting the day being playful with your child can help energize you and set a positive tone for the rest of the day. 

Make it a habit to start your day with your child  by incorporating time for play. It doesn’t have to be a lengthy session of play. It can be quick, even while you’re preparing breakfast. Or you may spend a few minutes taking your little one outside for some quick outdoor play while enjoying some sunshine. It’s not difficult to incorporate a little playtime into your morning routine. In no time you’ll see that it can work wonders!

Dedicate a time for play

If it’s impossible to engage in a little playtime in the morning, try to find a different time or hour you can dedicate to playing with your little one.. Allocate a 30-minute or even one-hour window for some playful bonding time with your child. You can be spontaneous as you come up with different games to play… or better yet, encourage your little one to spearhead the planning!

Let young children come up with a list of games you can play together, as well as the toys and supplies that will be needed. Allowing them the chance to do the planning and make choices is highly beneficial to the relationship between you and your child. One of the only times you should be involved in directing the activity is when safety is a factor. Otherwise, have fun channeling the inner child in you as you engage and enjoy this precious bonding activity with your little one!

Use dolls and puppets

Many young kids like to use dolls or puppets in their pretend play. They also respond well when these types of toys are incorporated into playtime  because it can stimulate their imagination and spark their creativity. Don’t be afraid to be silly when playing with puppets! Have fun as you develop silly and interesting characters that make play time more fun and exciting! You can be goofy and use different voices to represent each character, which also makes it easier for your child to distinguish between characters.

Turn mundane tasks into fun games

Do you find it challenging to squeeze playtime into your extremely busy day? You can make household chores and routine tasks more fun by incorporating play. For example, you can turn collecting clothes from the clothesline into a race! Or perhaps put on upbeat music in the background while you clean around the house so you and your little one can sing and dance as you tidy up!

Not only is incorporating fun play into household tasks an excellent way to make something that is typically boring and tiring lighter and more fun. It can also be a terrific way to teach young kids about household chores. 

Revisit classic games

Some classic games from our own youth never get old! Take a trip down memory lane and recall some of your favorite games from your own childhood. Which games did you enjoy most? Now is a perfect time to introduce these activities to your kids and play them together!

Playful parenting can benefit your kids and the whole family in many ways. Follow these tips to help you jumpstart your journey through playful parenting with your little one

For more helpful resources on parenting, or if you’re looking for a great preschool for your child, please visit Imagine Nation Learning Center. 

 

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6 Effective Screen Time Rules Parents Should Use for their Kids

Stories about kids throwing tantrums for their parents taking away their smartphones or tablets are not uncommon. If you’re a parent, you may have seen or experienced it yourself.

Parenting in the digital age is certainly not easy. Screens are addictive and children can’t help but stay glued to the couch watching TV or playing video games. This is where screen time rules come in.

Too much screen time can be detrimental to a child’s healthy growth and development. It takes away the time and opportunities they should be spending for other activities and interaction with people. It can even impact their sleep, trigger behavioral problems and lead to obesity. Technology and entertainment media is everywhere and though it’s difficult for kids to put their devices down, it’s important that parents set healthy boundaries for their children. 

Read on and learn effective screen time rules to use for your kids.

Set a time limit for their use of technology

The exact number of hours young kids spend on screens may vary depending on your family’s lifestyle. But it’s important that you don’t let them spend hours without limits. 

As a parent, you should be the one to set the time limits and schedule your child’s use of technology. If they’re allowed to use the screen for a maximum of 2 hours each day, be sure to stick to it. Set a timer and give a heads up if their time is almost up. Also have it scheduled accordingly. Do not encourage or allow screen time use during meal time or before bedtime. 

Determine screen-free zones

Screens should not be allowed just anywhere in the house. Make some areas in your home technology-free zones. For example, the TV should be exclusively in the living room. Kids shouldn’t have a TV in the bedroom nor should there be one in the dining area. Only allow them in the living room or play area.

By keeping the devices away from certain places around the house, you’re providing your little one more opportunities for important interactions with the family as well as other helpful learning activities. 

Redirect use of screens for learning

The internet and technology aren’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, they can be helpful when utilized in the right way. Find ways to turn screen time into time for learning. Search for kid-friendly apps and websites that offer educational content. There are also online games and activities that promote creativity, imagination, and literacy, among other things.  

No screen time before bedtime

If you’ve been struggling with putting your child to bed at night, you might want to revisit how they’re exposed to screens at night. Do they still have their tablet with them or are they still watching TV before getting to bed? If so, it’s time to change this habit. Stop screen time an hour before bed. 

Find fun alternatives

Let’s admit it. Smartphones and tablets come in handy when we need to keep our kids busy while we are too busy ourselves. However, screens aren’t the only sources of entertainment. You can look for other great alternatives that do not expose kids to too much screen time. Encourage them to engage in other fun and exciting activities such as boardgames, books, arts and crafts, and their own toys!

Explore more outdoor activities

It isn’t healthy to allow children to live a sedentary lifestyle because they spend almost the entire day with technology. 

Encourage physical activity by giving them more opportunities to have outdoor fun. Take them to the park so they can run around and play with other kids. You can also spend a weekend at the beach or play family games in the yard.

It’s important that children learn to love and appreciate the outdoors without TV or any screens or phone. They’ll have a happier and more memorable childhood!

Limiting a child’s screen time is one of the greatest challenges for today’s parents. Of course, we want to make sure that the growth and development of our kids isn’t compromised. With the help of these screen time rules, you can set healthy boundaries so they enjoy their electronic devices without it taking a toll on their development.

For more tips on parenting or if you’re looking for the best preschool for your little one, please visit Imagine Nation Learning Center. 

 

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5 Basic Skills to Teach Kids to Become Independent

Ever noticed how your little one is starting to do things by themselves without help from you or any adults? This is the phase where they start to exercise independence.

It’s important that parents encourage this because developing independence in kids fosters self-reliance. It gives them a sense of confidence and boosts their self-esteem. It also helps them develop other vital qualities that set them on the path to success. Cultivating independence in young kids begins with learning important basic skills – how to cook, managing money, managing their time, and many others. 

Give your child the gift of independence by teaching them these fundamental skills.

Time management

Being responsible for their own time is one of the things that children should learn early on. This will help them become efficient in managing their projects and school-related tasks, which allows ample time for both play and work. 

As parents, we often find ourselves constantly telling our kids what to do and when they should do it. We’re often the one deciding how their day should look. Rather than dictating all these things, it’s a lot better to give your child the opportunity to practice time management. For example, instead of waking them up in the morning, let them set their alarm clock and get up on their own. Encourage them to keep track of their own activities by having them use a planner or creating a schedule chart.

Money management

Spending money seems easy enough especially for young kids who do not understand yet how difficult it is to earn money. This is exactly why parents should train their kids how to be money-savvy.

Instill in your little one a good attitude toward money by incorporating it into your conversations. Emphasize the importance of saving and the fact that money is something that we earn by working. And because they’re just kids who receive an allowance from parents, let them save up for something they want to buy instead of buying it for them. This will teach them how to budget the pocket money they’re given. 

Simple cooking

Teaching kids how to cook isn’t only instilling in them a sense of independence. It’s also a good way to teach them about the importance of a balanced diet. When you get the chance, invite your little one to join you in meal prep and cooking. Make them feel comfortable in the kitchen by assigning them simple tasks and providing them the tools they need.

It can be as simple as making their own peanut butter sandwich or tossing a salad. You can also get them involved in baking. Ask them to mix the dry ingredients or sprinkle chocolate shavings over the cookies you’re making!

Taking care of their health

As much as we always want to be around our kids to make sure they’re safe and protected, we know that that’s not the case. Make sure your child knows how to take care of themselves while they are young by instilling in them the importance of caring for their body and their health.

Teach them about personal hygiene and keeping themselves clean to stay away from viruses. Also, pay close attention to their diet. While you want to make sure they eat their fruits and vegetables, be sure not to force it. Instead, discuss the risks of not eating healthy and binging on sweets and junk food all the time. 

Decision-making

Whatever happens in our future largely relies on the decisions we make today. And if you want to make sure your child gets to enjoy a good life down the line, it’s a good idea to teach them the value of making appropriate decisions at an early age. 

Teaching them about decision-making doesn’t have to be complicated. You can start with letting them choose between two activities, two food items, two games, and so on. When practicing this, guide them toward making better choices by explaining the consequences each decision entails. 

We all want our kids to grow up becoming fairly independent. And developing essential basic life skills is a good way to start. 

For more helpful parenting tips or if you’re looking for the best preschool for your little one, please visit Imagine Nation Learning Center. 

 

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