Develop Your True Self Throughout Parenting

The belief of identifying who your "true self" is a shared perspective among many cultures, who recognize the authentic self is both good and moral. With this belief, it emphasizes that anyone can grow and change for the better, no matter your past, to eventually succeed in achieving well-balanced mental health and happiness.

However, discovering your true authentic self is can be difficult when you're a parent, since you're on a personal journey but also guiding and loving your children. The beauty of self-discovery is that you must incorporate your loved ones to help you fulfill your best human potential.

Be Grateful

When we're grateful, we're able to form new social relations and strengthen old ones. Our brains become conditioned to seek and identify the positives, which becomes a great coping strategy when we become faced by stressors.

Parenting and life, in general, is hard. With so many ups and downs, it can be hard to isolate what exactly we should be grateful for. However, children are naturally mindful in the way that they are genuinely curious and excited about life. Parents can reflect on what their children are grateful for, to help be reminded of how beautiful life really is.

Set Goals

When one thinks of goal setting, they might think of the generic steps of becoming academically or professionally successful. It's easy to think of success in terms of finances or getting material things. But setting goals in order to achieve happiness can be an influential motivator to help you discover your true self throughout parenting.

Most of us think that in order to be a good parent, our personal needs should be placed last, after the children and spouse's happiness. However, in order to be your best self, it's important to take the steps in acknowledging what you need and value, and then make the goals to follow suit.

Personal Awareness

Parents are intuitively in tune with their children's emotional, mental, physical, social, and spiritual needs. Right from infancy, parental instincts naturally kick into full gear, so we know how to recognize and adapt to our child's growing needs. What most parents might not realize is those instincts that are working in overdrive to help us care for our children, are the same ones that can be used in our own personal awareness.

Emotional intelligence helps us to recognize and understand our body cues, emotions, behaviors, needs, and values while being aware of how it impacts us and our loved ones. Once one recognizes, understands, and expresses needs in a healthy way,  is when the parent can begin to identify their true self.

Have a Purpose

Sometimes, a parent might feel like they've lost who they were, or feel stuck. In order to keep moving forward, it can be helpful to be reminded of how special being a parent really is.

Yet sometimes "just being a parent" doesn't feel meaningful enough... and that's okay. Discovering your true self implies finding what your own personalized purpose is, and then pursuing it. Whether it's financial or professional success, altruistic work, traveling the world, or advocating for a cause: this purpose belongs to you and no one else.

Laugh Daily

Laughing truly is the best medicine in helping us feel good, be authentic, and being comfortable with ourselves. In fact, The Harvard Mahoney Neuroscience Institute states that our brain releases neurotransmitter chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins each time we laugh.

Finding a reason to laugh daily isn't as difficult as you might think. Parents can look to their children, the experts of silliness, for a dose of comedic relief. There are also more sophisticated ways to attain a few giggles throughout the day: being silly with your partner, exchanging funny one-liners with your co-workers, or turning on a comedy special on Netflix.

Make Time For You

Now that you've begun to realize your true potential by acknowledging your true self, you might feel like it's time to hit the ground running. With so many ideas of how to apply your purpose, chasing after what feels real, and setting personal goals, it can be an intoxicating feeling.

However, as great as it feels to be on top of the world, it's essential to maintain a healthy consistency of doing things solely for your well-being. Even when you feel like everything is going right, whether personally or along  your parenting journey, it's important to keep in mind: "you can't drink from an empty cup." Self-care should be your focus whenever possible.

Source: https://www.moms.com/ways-develop-true-self-parenting/

Create a Healthy, Happy Relationships with Your Kid's Pre-School Teacher

Have you ever looked at those teacher gift suggestions and thought to yourself, "I wonder if a teacher actually wants something like this or if they'd rather I just give them a gift card"? Now, have you ever wondered about what a teacher wants from parents outside the realm of appreciation presents? Teachers, particularly pre-school teachers, don't go into the field for the glory or the money, they go into it because they have a passion for it and that means they want to make a difference, but they can't do that without the parents help. They want parents to be involved, but in a way that's helpful, not demeaning.

Do: Get To Know Them

Your child's pre-school teacher is (gasp) more than just a teacher. As it turns out, they have a life outside of their job which often impacts who they are as a teacher and the lessons they teach. Your child spends so much of their time with this person (who has likely grown to really love your kid) so they want you to know who they are as a person and as a teacher. No two teachers are exactly alike, and when you understand your child's teacher, you'll be able to better understand their teaching style and trust them a little more.

Don’t: Expect An Email Reply After Hours

Your child's teacher may have a great relationship with you and love your kid (your kid may even be their absolute favorite) but that doesn't mean your child is a higher priority to them than their own life. You don't want to have to answer work emails or calls after hours, and neither does your child's teacher. You're welcome to send them messages during those hours if that's the only time you are able to do it with your own personal schedule, but don't expect a reply until the next business day.

Do: Ask for Ways To Help Your Kid at Home

Teachers love parents who are engaged and want to help their child succeed. When a parent actually shows interest in their child's education, teachers know that the child has a much higher chance at succeeding and mastering a skill than a child whose parents aren't involved. So, if you're interested in figuring out what the kids are doing in class so that you can help encourage the same behavior/lessons at home - ask! The teacher will be happy to fill you in and give you tips for helping at home.

Don’t: Blame the Teacher for Your Kid’s Behavior Problems

As much as your pre-school teacher is trained and knowledgeable in running a class full of crazy kids, they're still human and there's only so much they can do to control individual behavior. If your child's teacher sees misbehaving, then they will do whatever they can to correct it, but the fact is that there are usually 6 kids to one teacher and they only have so much power. Your child will likely pick up bad behavior from other kids in class, and other kids will pick it up from your child, too. Don't blame the teacher, instead, just send a note letting them know you're working on this behavior at home and you'd like their support to watch for it in school. Chances are good the teacher will be more than happy to help.

Are you a ‘Snowplowing Parent’? Find Out!

We’ve heard of helicopter parents and we have heard of free-range parents but now it’s time to make way for another breed of parents: the snowplowing ones. That’s right: these are the kind of parents who are willing and ready to bulldoze their way to ensure that their child will always have what they need, regardless of what age they are.

They are also the kind of parents who will stop at nothing to ensure their children’s success. With that said, here are ten signs that suggest you might be a snowplowing parent. Some people act this way without even realizing it. Here’s what you need to know.

YOU SCHEDULE THEIR APPOINTMENTS

If you have an adult child that still needs you to make all of their doctor and dentist appointments for them, then you don’t have an adult child. You have a child, period. And let us let you in on a little secret here: there are pediatricians out there who refuse to see children who are older than the age of 18, so they might be out of luck here.

If you have to also schedule their oil change and tire rotations, then perhaps your adult child isn’t mature enough to own a vehicle of their own yet. Let them make the call!

YOUR KIDS DON'T DO CHORES

It doesn’t matter what age your children are, but if you find yourself often picking up after them, cleaning their rooms and doing their laundry, then you are one tired parent who needs a break! No parent should step in and do their child’s chores, especially if its their responsibility.

Children should be taught at a very early age to pick up after themselves and help around the house. The last thing you want to do is raise a lazy child who doesn’t know where the trash bin in the house is. That, or not know how to do the laundry on their first day of college.

YOU ‘SERVE’ THEM

While there’s no doubt that a good parent wants to make sure that their child grows up in a loving home where they feel both secured and warm, you don’t want to be that kind of parent who does every little thing for them.

Yes, small kids need assistance when it comes to meals. But at some point they should learn how to help set up the table and help clean the table after a family meal, too. If you find yourself often “serving” your kids, it’s time they find where the dishes are in your kitchen cabinets themselves, right?





Source: https://www.moms.com/signs-snowplowing-parent-stop/

Cyber Prevention: Are You Checking Your Child's Phone?

Parents, how many moms and dads actually check the content that is on their children’s phones?  We fear, not so many :(  While, yes, there are plenty of us who confiscate our tween’s phones after realizing that they’ve had a little too much screen time, very few of us actually open them up and check our kids’ messages, apps and social media accounts to see what their kids are actually doing.

We need to be more vigilant when it comes to their children’s phone use. Here are some tips to check on your kids’ phones every day.

Text Messages

This one is critically important. There can be a lot of damage or digital drama that can be done through text messages. First and foremost, parents should tell their children that if they have something to say but wouldn’t dare say it out loud, then by all means don’t say it through a text. Also, there’s a very good chance that kids who are bullied are very unlikely to tell their parents about it. Before you scroll through your child’s text messages, be clear and upfront about it with your child first. Let them know that you are doing it for their safety and in some cases, you might be doing it for their mental health as well.

Social Media Apps

When it comes to ‘spying’ on their children and their phones, there are some parents who think that they have every right to do so because they pay for it. Others think that they are being intrusive by invading their child’s privacy. Quite honestly, both sides are correct. However, it is important to check and see what your child is doing, especially on social media. Just make sure that you are being honest and upfront with your child before you do so. The last thing you want as a parent is for your child not to have a reason to trust you. Of course, the same can be said about them.

Gaming Apps

Sure, there are a lot of parents who know that their kids are playing different gaming apps every day. But do you know what gaming apps your kids have? Also, do you know if their accounts are private or if they have access to in-app messaging services? Those are just a few things to look out for.

Yes, gaming apps aren’t exactly what you would call social media, but they do sometimes have similar functions. Little do parents know that strangers can reach out to unsuspecting kids on games like Minecraft and Roblox the same way they can reach out to them on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.


Their Photos

Another thing that many parents don’t do is check their children’s photos on their phones. Many parents often find themselves pretty surprised by the content that they find there. That’s not to say that kids are only taking inappropriate photos. But instead they often waste their storage space by taking photos of everything and anything. Also, discuss with your children the meaning of consent. They should always ask before taking someone’s photo or posting it online. The same applies to them. Make sure others have your child’s consent before posting their photo online, too. There are actually a lot of parents out there that don’t want their children’s photos online or on social media at all.

Internet Browser

While a lot of emphasis is usually put on social media and gaming apps, parents should also check out what their kids are looking at on their browsers. More often than not kids will have multiple browsers or tabs open in their phones. Moms and dads should have an open and honest discussion with their kids about the web sites that they frequent, the content that they either look at or read and overall online safety. While parents do everything they can to guard their kids in the real world, the online world poses many different risks at just one click of a button.

Check for In-App-Purchases

Last but definitely not least, also check your child’s phone for in-app purchases, especially if they have their own account. The last thing that you want is a surprise bill on your credit card, especially if it comes in the form of a gaming app or another app that unlocks hundreds of different selfie filters. Yes, a lot of parents can agree that these are a huge waste of money yet kids don’t see it the same way. If you can’t trust that your child will make the right decisions online, then simply deactivate their account or better yet, don’t give them your credit card details.

Source: https://www.moms.com/child-phone-check-safety-tips/

Would YOU Do it: Pros & Cons Of Letting Your Kid Play Hooky From School

Anyone who has ever gone to school in any capacity has likely played hooky at least once. And while your self-determined day off might not have been as exciting as Ferris Bueller’s in the iconic ‘80s flick, chances are it was for good reason.

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Ideally, kids who decide to skip school are doing so with their parents’ permission, and for a good reason, like to see the premiere of a hotly-anticipated movie (the latest Star Wars or MCU film, for example), to spend a beautiful day at the park with family visiting from afar, to take a long weekend trip, or to participate in a major sporting tournament.

For parents, though, there’s always a twinge of guilt. Should you let your child take a day off school to go to the theatre or a sleepover trip with their friends? Is that soccer tournament really important enough to warrant a day lost of schooling?

As we gear up for the first day of school, here are the pros and cons of letting kids take a day off (later in the year, of course!)

Pro: YOU GET TO SPEND EXTRA TIME WITH YOUR KID

Assuming the skipped day is for a family event, this means you will get to spend more quality time with your child, which can be few and far between for families with working parents. Typically, the only time you get to spend with your kids is evenings and weekends, plus any vacation time. So if there’s an opportunity to do something fun, even if it consists of a day goofing off with mom and dad, why not?

The lessons will still be there the next day, and one day of schooling isn’t going to negatively impact their education. Check with the teacher to ensure that no new topics or big tests are planned for that day. If not, go for it!

Con: THEY MIGHT MISS OUT ON IMPORTANT LESSONS: 

If you don’t time it correctly, you could let your child skip a critical day of the year when the teacher introduces an entirely new topic or equation that sets the course for the rest of the year. This could set your child back if they miss out on the initial lesson.

For kids who are already having trouble in school and aren’t good at studying on their own, this could be detrimental to their education. But checking in with the teacher first can alleviate any of these worries.

Pro: IT MIGHT BE FOR A WORTHWHILE EXPERIENCE

Sometimes, once in a lifetime opportunities present themselves during school hours. And to opt out of one because your child has to spend the day in a classroom seems ludicrous. You don’t need to make a habit of it. But it’s important for your child to know that while education is critical, there’s more to life than school. And outside-of-school experiences can have a learning effect as well.

Your child could get much more out of a great trip to the museum for a limited time exhibit, or a day with family visiting from another country than they ever could from one routine day in the classroom.

Con: THE TEACHER MIGHT LOOK DOWN ON YOU

Depending on who your child’s teacher is, they might look down on you for allowing your child to skip school for any reason other than a death in the family or illness. Some teachers are super strict and believe that education is everything, and missed days are missed opportunities.While you shouldn’t care so much what the teacher thinks because in the end, you are in charge of your own children, the side eyes you might get could be uncomfortable at the next parent-teacher interview.

Source: https://www.moms.com/pros-cons-kid-hooky-skip-school/

LOL - Things You Can Never Do Alone When You Have A Toddler

They say having kids changes your entire life. They say you will never know a love quite like it. They say parenthood is the best thing in the world and the reason why we are all here in the first place. However, what they don't say is that you will never experience life on your own ever again, or at least briefly anyway.

That's right, from the minute your children are born, they are attached to you forever, following you wherever you go, and never giving you one moment of peace. Yes, young children, and especially toddlers, can be exceptionally clingy and love to show this attitude by following you all over the place. Here are 10 things that you can never do alone when you have a toddler.

GO TO THE TOILET


Going to the bathroom is one of the most private things a person can do. Yes, sometimes it can be nice to spend those extra few minutes alone, thinking about the days gone by, and relaxing for a few precious moments before entering back into the world of chaos. However, once you have a child you can say goodbye to personal bathroom trips and hello to, "don't touch that it's dirty", "don't do that it's dirty" and "please just stand over there". In fact, it will probably be a good 7 years before you can experience sitting on the toilet alone again, so you might as well get used to it.

THE GROCERY STORE

Before becoming a parent, going to the grocery was a doddle, right? Sometimes you could get in and out within ten minutes, sometimes you would stay in there for hours, gliding down the aisles and looking at what is on offer. Sadly, this stops once having children, with the grocery store becoming your absolute worst nightmare.

In fact, the grocery store ends up being the most stressful place in the world, leaving you to keep putting it off until you and your family are eating instant mashed potato and chips. Yes, the grocery store is where toddlers really know how to be at their worst, screaming and shouting at every item possible, all while putting things in their pocket and walking out of the store with it.

SLEEPING

Sleeping used to be so much fun when you didn't have children; you could stay up late, spread out, and wake up whenever you wanted. However, sleeping after kids is actually a completely different experience. Firstly, there is no sleep, not until they are a little bit older anyway. Even then, you don't sleep much, with toddlers insisting on sleeping in your bed because there are monsters or other creepy things lurking under their bed. Furthermore, toddlers seem to take up a huge amount of space despite their tiny size, leaving you perched on the end of the bed with a foot in your mouth.

ALONE WITH YOUR OTHER KID

After having one child you have probably become used to the fact that you'll probably never have a moment alone ever again. Maybe you have come to terms with the fact that you'll never go to the bathroom alone again, or the fact that you will have to share your bed with a miniature person for the next few years. However, what you didn't expect was the fact that your firstborn will also want to be included in everything that your second born does. Yes, from changing their nappy to breastfeeding, your firstborn will be right there watching your every move.

To be honest, you won't actually be able to do anything alone once you have had children, from ironing to talking on the phone, your kids will be there looking at you, wanting your attention or just randomly shouting at you for no reason. However, although this might sound painful (and it is a bit) you also wouldn't change it for the world. Yes, having children can be extremely stressful but it is also one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, even if you do have a child staring at you while you are trying to do a number two.




SOURCE: https://www.moms.com/things-alone-change-toddler/

Things To Do With Your Kids Before The Summer's Gone

The summer always seems to come and go...as fleeting as our baby's first year. During these moments, they seem to go by slowly. We may feel lost as to what to do during the days, though in the blink of the eye, it's over.

Considering we (give or take) only have 18 summers with our children, we should take advantage and do what we can, when we can with them. If you've gone through your Summer To-Do List, we may actually have a few, added suggestions to add on. The summer's almost over, folks. So here are ten ideas for you and your child during the last few days of summer.

SLEEP IN THE BACKYARD

There's nothing more magical than watching the stars from your backyard. It's also more convenient than traveling to a campsite, using porte-potties and having to cover up dinner plates incase the bears sniff them out. Whether you have already taken a camp trip or not this summer, camping in the backyard is essentially great for any age. You're close to all amenities that may be needed through out the evening, so it's a low-risk and low-stress opportunity to enjoy the 'wilderness'.

ROAST A MARSHMALLOW

Did you just gasp? Hadn't you realized you've been meaning to have a campfire and actually indulge in a roasted marshmallow? Well, now's the time! Summer's end is around the bend, and we think it's time to find a solid excuse to roast a marshmallow.

JUMP IN A LAKE

...just bring the salt incase of leaches. Though, they're rare in many clean waters. Just ensure you bring an 'emergency leach kit' incase of the worst-case-scenerio that could occur. Now that you're induced with irrational anxiety, we welcome you to find a local lake and jump into it! Clothes optional. There's nothing like jumping into the waters of a lake. Whether it's off the dock of a friend's cottage or a local watering hole close to home, make sure you and your kiddos get a nice, refreshing soak before the summer ends.

GO TO THAT WATERPARK YOU'VE ALWAYS HEARD ABOUT


You know the one! The one that's likely an hour's drive, and you happen to have pulled every excuse in the book to avoid it this season. But, the summer's almost done. Your kids have heard numerous, exciting stories from the kids in school and it would be really fun for the adults, too. So, pack up a good lunch. Slather on that sunscreen. Ensure you leave at prime nap time and hit the road. It's time to finally visit (and splurge on emission) that big ol' waterpark you've heard about all summer long.

GO TO THE BEACH

This many seem mundane. This may even sound silly to suggest, but have you gone to the beach this summer? Perhaps just once, considering a beach trip with children isn't always as relaxing as you'd hoped. Maybe you should have consider small hacks like bringing a fitted sheet, filling the corners with heavy rocks, so sand will not enter it's surface as easily to get into your snacks. Yes- you're welcome for that one. Regardless, we think you should the beach mother than you have this summer.

TAKE A TRIP TO A SPLASH PAD

Whether your child is 2 or 12, a splash pad is always a great idea. Have you ever been, anticipating a boring experience, only to find you're giggling more than your small child? Well, that went for all of us! We've all been there. We've all experienced our second childhood in total glee, especially when water is involved. So pack up your stroller or car with the essentials: a change of clothes, snacks and sunscreen. Then hit the splash pad to run wild in the summer air for one last time this year!


SOURCE: https://www.moms.com/end-of-summer-parent-child-activities/

Best Educational TV Shows For Toddlers

Kids are great at soaking up new information, which is precisely the reason that we need to insert positive influences into their lives early on. While it's true that too much screen time isn’t good for your toddler, there’s no reason they shouldn’t enjoy some fun-packed educational shows every once in a while. Just be sure to monitor what kinds of shows they’re being exposed to. The last thing you want is for them to pick up on foul words as their first sentences! Keep reading for a list of great shows packed with imagination and learning opportunities of all kinds! You’ll see a few nostalgic long-time classics on here mixed in with the fancy new cartoons.

SESAME STREET

We’re kicking off today’s list with an old-time favorite. Introduced in the 1960s, Elmo and his friends on Sesame Street have influenced the childhoods of generations of kids, and they’re still airing the classic on your local PBS stations. Not only is this show great for your child’s imagination, but it also covers a vast area of learning topics.

From numbers and math with Count Von Count to learning about everyday activities and objects in Elmo’s world, Sesame Street could be described as the preschool to actual preschool. The show also ties friendship and good behaviors into their fun, interactive lessons, making it extremely beneficial for your toddler in every way.

DANIEL TIGER

Next up, we have a relatively newcomer involving playful animals and a colorful, imaginative cartoon world. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is actually based on the kindness and social-emotional aspects of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.

Using the same kind of theme and inspiring tone, the little cartoon Tiger will teach your toddler everything from sharing their toys to eating on their own. Each episode has its own lesson in the form of a short, catchy tune perfect for toddlers just starting to talk. Furthermore, Daniel Tiger is full of heart-warming friendships captured in a colorful, eye-catching cartoon style that your toddler is sure to love!

SID THE SCIENCE KID

Sid the Science Kid is unique in that the show uses big words in understandable ways for young children to understand. Its early childhood classroom setting and the young characters are perfect for 3- to 4-year-olds preparing to enter preschool. Not only will your toddler learn about a specific science topic every episode.

Nice Teacher Susie and her students are sure to settle any nerves they may have about the idea of preschool. Furthermore, there are predictable patterns and songs for every topic, which is perfect for teaching your toddler about routines at school. Although the show is technically about science, its playful atmosphere and abundance of mini-games are sure to grab any toddler’s attention!

Fun And Ingenious Ways To Display Your Child's Artwork At Home

One of the sweetest things about being a parent is seeing your child be filled with joy about things they create. And let's face it, they can create a lot of art projects between home, school, daycare, and other activities. While this is great, it can lead to the problem of parents not quite knowing what to do with all of those finger paintings, popsicle stick figures, and paper plate rainbows.

Sure, you can tack it up on the refrigerator, but there's only so much space. Plus, this can get a bit messy and cluttered fairly quickly. So what's a parent to do? Get creative yourself!

We've found a few fun and ingenious ways to display your child's art around the house without it becoming too much to handle!

TURN IT INTO PLACEMATS FOR THE DINNER TABLE

Perhaps one of our favorite and a more ingenious way of incorporating your child's artwork into your home is to turn it into a placemat! This can be done in a couple simple ways, such as investing in a laminator machine (this can be found on Amazon, of course!) or using self-adhesive contact paper.

Either way, this is a fast and easy project to not only prolong the life of your kid's artwork, but also to enjoy it at every meal! One of the great things about this display is the fact you can make as many placemats as you want, store them in a drawer for future use, and won't clutter your walls. It's a great solution for parents and children alike!

MAKE IT INTO A BOOK

Much like turning your child's artwork into placemats, creating a book allows you to both display their art and keep your home clutter free. Of course, not all of their works of art can go into a book, but paintings, drawings, and other paper-based items can be glued onto the blank pages of a book. This creates a whole new art piece you can proudly display on your living room table for guests to flip through. Just imagine how delighted your little ones will be seeing their art turned into this creative exhibition!

USE IT AS HOME DECOR

Perhaps one of the more creative ways to show off your kid's art is to actually use it to decorate your home. Sure, not all works of art will double as decor, but it's fun to upcycle those pieces that do.

Rainbows, flower pots, stained glass, and ornaments are not only fun projects for your kids, but also make fun decoration items to put on a colorful display in your home.

HANG IT ON CURTAIN RODS

This effortless method of showcasing creative work is trendy and straightforward. It provides your child with a space of their own to display their master pieces without having them take over the house. Using a few curtain rods also provides ample room for your kid to make their projects visible to everyone, while also allowing them to switch out artwork easily.

SOURCE: https://www.moms.com/best-ways-to-display-child-artwork-at-home/

The Moms Code: 10 Life Skills for Back To School

Parents love to put school-aged children in different sports and activities to help them grow and develop their social skills and become well-rounded individuals. But, alongside these extra-curricular activities and basics like potty training, tests to teach basic dexterity, and lessons about behaving in an appropriate manner, there are some life skills that every child should be taught.

Some of these skills are critical, others simply provide children with useful tools they’ll need when they get older and have to enter the real world or interact with others beyond their inner circle.

Some kids have a harder time learning certain skills than others. Yet, it’s up to the parents to engrain good habits in kids from an early age and make teaching their kids some important life skills high up on the list of lessons.

Here are life skills every school-aged child should have or be working towards.

WHAT TO DO IF APPROACHED BY A STRANGER

Kids, especially ones who are particularly social, are naïve, and they might not realize the concept of “stranger danger.” Kids should be taught from a young age what to do if they are approached by a stranger while playing at the park, or even on their own front lawn.

This goes along with other basic safety tips like never to open the door for strangers, especially if mom and dad aren’t home or upstairs or are in another room, how to find an employee if they are lost in a public place, never to take food from strangers, and to always find a trusted adult.

HOW TO TIE THEIR SHOES

Kids wear Velcro shoes for much of their toddler years, and maybe even through kindergarten. But, once they get older, it’s time to buy them shoes with laces and teach them that old bunny ears method of how to tie them.

There are toys and activities kids can use to practice the process of tying before they tackle their runners. Alternatively, you could have them play games which reinforce these concepts so they have it down pat in time for taking their snazzy new shoes to school in the new school year.

UNDERSTANDING MANNERS

Knowing when to say “please” and “thank you” and not chewing with your mouth open seem like a no-brainers, but it’s amazing how many children lack these basic life skills. Being polite and having manners will take you far in life, both for kids and adults. So, teaching kids repeatedly to say these words early on will make it second nature to them.

Teach them not only to say these words to others when out and about, but also at home. Whether it’s to a brother who passed the potatoes at dinner or to mom for helping them with homework, good manners are always appropriate.

RIDING A BIKE

Every child should, at some point, be taught how to ride a bike. Beyond the benefit of exercise and being able to go out independently with friends and family for rides, riding a bike teaches kids much more. They learn about perseverance, facing fears, and that they can do anything if they put their mind to it.

Learning to ride a bike is a milestone in many kids’ lives, and the sense of accomplishment both they and their parents feel once the child is finally able to remove those training wheels and ride freely down the sidewalk or trail is worth every minute of patience invested in teaching them this skill.

BEING ABLE TO SWIM


Learning to swim might take years of lessons, while some kids have a natural aptitude for it. Nonetheless, learning not only how to swim, but proper safety measures, as well as how to help someone who might be drowning, are important skills that kids should be taught either in lessons or by their parents.

If you don’t have a pool at home, or even if you do, consider enrolling the child in lessons at the local community center, or just take them there during public swim hours and teach them the basics. The more familiar kids get with being in water from a young age, the more comfortable they will be in water. Plus, being able to survive in water is a critical life skill.

HOUSEHOLD CHORES AND HANDY WORK


It’s amazing how many kids get to college and don’t know how to do things like separate, wash fold clothes, make eggs or boil water, or hammer a nail. Kids should be taught these basics at as young an age as possible.

Maybe these things aren’t part of their own list of chores. Still, it's a good idea to have them nearby while you do them so they can learn how to separate whites from colours and delicates from regular loads, how to properly cook pasta, and the right way to boil or fry an egg. They’ll thank you when they’re older for teaching them these basic yet important life skills.


Source:  https://www.moms.com/school-aged-child-skills-work-toward/

The Moms Code: Top 5 Reasons Your Child Should Learn Another Language

English may be the lingua franca of the world but that shouldn't stop your family from learning another language or at least giving your kids the chance to secure that all-so-important second language.

Yes, there are a number of benefits to speaking more than one language, from communication, global understanding, and employment. However, sadly, learning another language is difficult, especially for those that are that little bit older. Yes, it really is the younger the better for studying second languages, with the brain greedier for new information at a younger age. So, here are my top reasons why your child should learn another language.

SO YOUR KIDS CAN COMMUNICATE WITH MORE PEOPLE

Most people regret not learning another language, especially when it limits their ability to communicate with whomever they want. For adults, learning a second language can be increasingly difficult. However, for children, it is much easier due to their brain's desperate need to absorb information. Overall, there are many reasons why your child should learn another language, but being able to communicate with the world is one of the most important. Yes, having the ability to speak a different language can open doors to friendships and relationships that they could have entirely missed before. Plus, it saves them from looking idiotic when abroad.

IT HELPS CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

English is one of the most commonly spoken languages on the planet. If two people don't speak the same language, it is likely that they will be able to find common ground using English. For native English speakers, this is quite convenient, but it also has its downsides. Yes, native English speakers are less likely to interact with other cultures in different languages, mostly due to the fact that they rarely need to. However, having the ability to speak another language can give your kids that much-needed interest in other languages and cultures across the globe. Plus, it helps educate your children on cultural understanding and the ways that different communities communicate and connect and with one another.

IT CAN CONNECT YOUR KIDS TO THEIR HERITAGE

Since civilization began, humans have been migrating to different countries in search of a different life. As a result, different cultures and communities exist today that provide the world with a variety of languages and customs. However, sadly some families are unable to sustain their original culture due to a lack of understanding from the community in which they've settled. Therefore, giving your kids that ability to speak a second language can open the door to their past and social history. Yes, language and culture are most definitely linked and should be encouraged at all costs.

IT CAN OPEN THE DOOR TO OTHER LANGUAGES

The more languages you know, the easier it is to learn newer ones. That's right, once your kid has a second language under their belt, they may want to pursue another one. For instance, the 3rd time around, your child would have already worked out different strategies that seemingly work for them when learning a second language. Plus, languages usually come in groups, such as Latin languages, Nordic languages, and Arabic. Once they have figured out one of them, it can be easier for them to get to grips with similar grammatical structures that other languages might have.

IT BOOSTS CREATIVITY


Learning another language can really boost your brain power with regards to creativity and imagination. Yes, not only does it help academically, but it also helps your children's inventiveness and individuality. A second or third language expands the brain and opens it up to other grammatical structures, vocabulary, and pronunciation. This kind of brain power can benefit children who are interested or talented in the arts, such as writing, drawing, and even singing. In fact, not only does a second language help with your child's creative ambitions but it also contributes to a longer attention span.


Source: https://www.moms.com/10-reasons-your-child-should-learn-another-language/

Disney's Bizaardark: Survival Tips for Set Parents -- Part 7 (#RIPCameronBoyce)

This blog is dedicated to Cameron Boyce, a light in Disney’s amazing family. He was known for his stellar work ethic, creativity and amazing human spirit. Our sincerest and deepest condolences to his family. Nothing could be more devastating…

My Kid is Smart, Right?

One of the biggest dilemmas facing every set parent is how hard to push on the academics. The child is in the midst of the greatest opportunity to hit him/her in his/her young life and the hours are rigorous and at times overwhelming. Do only terrible, perfection obsessed moms demand academic rigor in addition to the stresses of being a full time series regular in a show?

There are two kinds of teachers, according to most of us. There are set ‘sitters’ who ensure your child works the hours they are supposed to (and ‘pumpkins out’ as the law decrees), gets breaks for lunch, waters, school, etc. and are treated well (as in like the children they are) on set. And, then, there are the teachers that TEACH the students the school material according to the selected curriculum of the child actor. School is a very complicated proposition for a child actor. And it is a dilemma for the production team as well. The executive producer has to decide how many teachers to fund for the child actors and also how to arrange who is in which classroom and how things will be managed. In our situation, the two lead girls Madison and Olivia were in the same classroom, shared a teacher, and were separated by one grade. For Season One, Jake Paul was over 18 so no teacher required for him. Ethan and Devore shared a teacher, Meghan, and the under-18 guest stars also would jump into their classroom as they have to attend 3 hours of school per day by law. Many times, the teachers are assigned based on who the actor shares the most scenes with as the teacher is on set when the kids are rehearsing or taping the episode. Since the teacher cannot be two places at once, this has to be constantly managed and juggled.

CLICK HERE -- Find my full series of Disney Set Parent blogs starting here -- CLICK HERE

In Season one, if Madison and Olivia’s teacher was out for any reason, she would ask Meghan to take her class and Ethan and Devore would get a substitute. Since the relationship with the teacher is so important and Meghan is a teacher who does actually work with the kids (she is awesome at teaching and coaching them), this swap out scenario was not popular with me or Devore’s mom. We were quite happy to have Meghan as the teacher but not have her rotate out and have many kid guest stars of all ages in and out every episode; it is very disruptive for learning. And I admit, I’m academically oriented and wanted Ethan to remain on a rigorous school schedule. My advice is to choose a challenging curriculum, but not so hard that it kills them! Ethan is enrolled in two programs – Stanford On-Line High School (every course is killer hard and amazing) and International Connections Academy (very challenging and has wide offering of Honors and Ap courses). He takes six classes a semester and one additional one every summer, the most rigorous schedule he can handle while working 52 ½ hours per week, excluding travel, promo shoots, commercials and other work. Needless to say, his social life was not robust outside the show, other Disney commitments, and getting home to Hawaii as much as possible.

My advice continues with: push for the academics. It is not about proving that your child is exceptionally bright in addition to possessing amazing amounts of acting talent.  The fact is, most child actors are smarter than the average bear as they have so much material to continuously absorb; and, they have to make adjustments and changes on the spot to incorporate the material as the episode unfolds. Challenging academics keeps them on track to have options as well. The child actor may or may not develop into the adult actor and you want your child to be prepared for college if they want that option. You can’t do this last minute. You have to have a four-year plan that is flexible for work projects but does not leave your child too far behind.

This is not to say that the child should be maxing out on all the APs, exams, subject tests, etc. We made a decision that Ethan would take the ACT only and take it only in spring of his junior year. He took AP classes that matched his interests and he missed one of the tests due to a work commitment. We decided to NOT take any subject tests. We could not long-term plan some of the tests given our wild geographical swings. So, we made informed choices NOT to try to do EVERYTHING. We did not know where we would be. He had a lot of stress during the finals period each semester in high school, as he had to have prearranged approved proctors for his mid-terms and finals with Stanford On Line High School. He took tests in Utah, Hawaii, Florida and LA due to the demands of the work commitments. Sometimes it was his first time in a venue and he did not know the proctor (having found them on an approved list). This increased the angst and stress, but he pushed through it! Our motto is the same for auditions, his work on the show, and, other work projects and academics. Prepare and do your best. Then accept the result and move forward! If you leave everything on the table and it doesn’t work out exactly as you want, there should be no regrets!

Thank goodness the show runners and Disney are supportive and encourage academics. Despite this, as a parent, I still needed to advocate for the academic piece, and it is worth it. Whether it is to keep a beloved teacher for continuity or reaching out to other parents to understand how they are navigating the education piece, the time invested in designing an academic plan is worth it.

Do you struggle with how hard to push your child when he/she has a significant passion or talent that is very time consuming?

Thanks for coming back again to read the blogs! More tips and insights forthcoming on parenting versus letting the child actor do his/her thing. Child actors are not known for wanting tips and advice from their parents, but we still need to parent them! Have a great week.

With Aloha,

Eileen

Again, this blog is dedicated to Cameron Boyce, a talented and beloved Disney star and person who will be remembered always. And to his parents who raised a brilliant human being.

The Moms Code: YouTube Channels That Provide Child-Friendly Programming

Long gone are the days of kids asking to watch their favorite TV show since YouTube has become the new go-to place for kids who want to watch any video content. And with hundreds of thousands of videos being uploaded every minute to that site, there are plenty of channels out there for your little ones to watch.

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But as a parent, you want to make sure that whatever your children are watching is age appropriate and something you approve of. So keep reading to discover ten of the best YouTube channels out there you will be happy to have your kids watch.

THE HOUSTON ZOO

If your children love any kind of adorable animals, then you want to have them follow The Houston Zoo’s channel on YouTube. This channel releases new videos every week of the amazing animals they have at the zoo.

From videos of the zoo celebrating one of their elephants turning 50 to introducing their new baby Madagascar Big Headed Turtles and every kind of animal in between, there are endless hours of content for your kids to enjoy! Now you get to visit the zoo without even leaving home by watching The Houston Zoo’s channel.

SUPER SIMPLE SONGS

Get your kids to sing and dance along with the YouTube Channel Super Simple Songs. Have your kids explore new songs and nursery rhymes with adorable animation and puppet friends that the channel features.

These simple songs include “Sitting On The Potty” to “Here Is The Beehive” to teach kids in a fun and exciting way. And with over 15,000,000 subscribers, you know that this is a trusted channel for parents to use. Have your little ones enjoy themselves and be creative by joining in on the fun that Super Simple Songs provides.

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS

The incredible National Geographic company has released a YouTube channel for young learners called National Geographic Kids. This channel features animals, cool science facts, and much more interesting content that is perfect for any child that is curious about the world and the creatures in it!

From craft videos, like how to make a t-shirt tote, to learning about lions, this channel has everything! And with over 43,000,000 views and new content uploaded twice a week, you know there will always be something for your little ones to watch. So let your kids have fun online while learning new things with National Geographic Kids!

BABY EINSTEIN

Baby Einstein’s YouTube channel is all about allowing your baby to grow by being curious. That is why their channel features many lullabies and nursery rhymes in classic tunes to get your child’s brain stimulated. There are also many great videos of fun and easy craft ideas for little ones to do and even creative ways for parents to track their baby’s milestones.

Baby Einstein has over 259,000,000 views from all of their videos so far, meaning that there have already been hundreds of hours watched by kids. So let your baby’s brain get the stimulation it needs by watching Baby Einstein’s videos.

NICKELODEON

A fan-favorite TV channel that kids love to watch now has its own YouTube channel. Nickelodeon releases new content every day on their account. And some of the content they are releasing includes full episodes of their shows as well as original content just for their YouTube channel.

Nickelodeon also releases exclusive web series for kids on their channel, with their popular shows including The JoJo & BowBow Show Show, Inside Nick, and Nia Sioux’s Slumber Party. Find all of your favorite Nick shows and more with their YouTube Channel.

SOURCE: https://www.moms.com/youtube-channels-child-friendly-programming/

The Moms Code: Safety Tips To Teach Your Children About The Pool

When summer finally arrives with warmer weather, one of the best activities to do is swimming. But this fun activity can be dangerous for kids if they don't learn how to properly behave around pools.

Pool safety is one of the most important things you need to teach your children about and remind them about every year. With many accidents that could happen to children in and around the water, it is our responsibility as parents to ensure our kids have the information they need. Keep reading to discover the top 10 safety lessons to teach your kids about the pool.

NEVER RUN NEXT TO THE POOL

It's easy for little ones to get excited about going swimming, but it's important for them to not run next to the pool. Since there's always going to be water that spills out of the pool, this causes the areas around the pool to be slippery.

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If a kid is running, they could slip and fall into the pool, injuring themselves. Being careful when walking in the pool area will cause less slipping and injuries. So let your kids be excited about enjoying the pool, but make sure they walk safely!

STAY AWAY FROM DRAINS AND FILTERS

Not only are there lessons to teach your kids about being around the pool, there are important lessons to teach your kids when it comes to being in the pool.

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Since pools have drains and filters, you need to teach your children that those pool functions are important for the pool to run efficiently and to not play with them. Pool drains and filters can be dangerous for kids if they play with them by having their hands or hair get stuck to them. Make sure they know that those are not to be played with.

USE SLIDES PROPERLY

Playing in a pool is fun, especially if you have a water slide attached to the pool. But the water side is not to be played around with.

Parents need to teach children to only go down the slide properly (i.e. on their butts) and tell them not to run up it or use it in a way it was not built for. Water slides are slippery by nature and any goofing around can lead to injury. Make sure your little ones know how to properly use the water slide.

ONLY PLAY SAFE WATER GAMES

There are lots of fun games for children to play in the pool, but there can also be dangerous games that your kids want to play without knowing it can be risks. Some of these games include seeing how long they can hold their breath underwater or to try swimming the full length of the pool when they are still new swimmers.

These are not the type of games you want your kids to be playing. Instead, encourage them to play games like Marco Polo and other games that do not require them to hold their breaths!

ALWAYS BE WITH A BUDDY

One important lesson you need to teach your kids is to always go swimming with a buddy. When they are still little, this means having another adult present when they are in the water. And even when they grow up, they should always go swimming with a friend. You want to teach them that even if they are a good swimmer that something could happen and they want to have someone next to them in case they ever need help. So teach them while they are still young to make sure to never go swimming by themselves.

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WEARING FLOATIES IF YOU DON’T KNOW HOW TO SWIM

If your children don’t know how to swim then it is necessary for them to wear floaties in the water. Nowadays, floaties are not like what they use to be.

Of course, there are plastic floaties that need to be blown up, but now they even have swimsuits that have a flotation device built into the outfit. These types of floaties in bathing suits are great to allow your children to have fun comfortable in the pool without them even needing another type of flotation device. So make sure to take your time shopping to see all of the different flotation options they have now!

ALWAYS ASK PERMISSION TO ENTER THE WATER

When it is hot out, all your kids are thinking about going into the water. But they need to learn that they always need to ask permission to enter the pool. And yes, that means even if you told them today is a pool day, they need to know that unless they ask you or another adult, they must stay out of the water until you give them the all clear. Doing this will allow you time to clean out the pool of any bugs and to make sure someone is present when they go in.

The Moms Code: Get Your Kid Ready For Their First Sleepover and to Prepare Parents

Pretty much everyone can agree that sleepovers are a big deal. They are definitely an important part of growing up, and many people have fond memories of what they did while staying at a friend’s house during their childhood.

Nevertheless, the first one can be a learning experience for both children and parents. Despite how awesome sleepovers can be, there are some downsides to them.

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So, that is why parents and children need to prepare themselves before being involved with one. Preparation is key. Here are some tips for parents who want to prepare themselves and their child for his or her first sleepover.

DON’T WORRY ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S AGE

Naturally, moms and dads spend a lot of time worrying about their children and one of those common worries is whether or not they are old enough to host a sleepover, or attend one that is being held at a friend’s house.

But the truth is that there is no particular age for this that is right for everyone. Every child is different from the rest, which means that some kids are ready for sleepovers earlier than others, and it does not actually have much to do with how old the child is at the time, contrary to what some mothers and father believe.

TEST THINGS OUT FIRST

One great way to prepare a child for a sleepover is to host a play date for them and one of their friends. This can be something that lasts a few hours, or the friend can stay for a longer time. This is a pretty big deal for kids. It gives them a chance to strengthen the bond they share with their friends, and it is also a great way to give them a little independence while they play. Do this for dinner or close to bedtime, to get them used to having friends around at this time of day, so it doesn't feel so strange during a sleepover.

GIVE THE OTHER PARENTS A CALL

Moms and dads worried about what the rules are going to be, or if they can trust the other parents can ease their minds by getting to know the parents who will be watching their child while they are gone. It's as simple as just calling up the other parents and speaking with them, as well as making them aware of anything they should know. Talk to them about rules, bedtimes, and how bad behavior might be dealt with, as well as anything medical or emergency related - medication, allergies, emergency contacts, etc.



PREPARE TO STAY AWAKE

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One great thing parents can do in order to prepare themselves for their child’s first sleepover is to get some extra sleep beforehand. That is because they should stay up a little later while their child is gone, just in case they call and want to come home. Sometimes being away from home all night is a bit much for some children.

That's not to say that parents should pull an all-nighter, but you may not sleep well even if you try, and getting some extra naps in will help prevent too much exhaustion the next day. And make sure the phone ringer is turned up, so if your kid does call, you'll hear it in bed!

KNOW THAT IT MIGHT NOT WORK OUT THE FIRST TIME

Sometimes a child’s first sleepover does not go as well, and that is okay. Moms and dads need to be sure they are prepared just in case something does not work out. But at the same time, they also need to remember that they can try again at a later time. In addition, if a child’s first sleepover does not work out, then it is a good idea for mom or dad to help them come up with a game plan to make sure the next time is better - figure out what went wrong, and then go from there.