games, family time

7 Ways to Make Christmas Magical for Kids

littleoneslifeskills

tree

via 7 Ways to Make Christmas Magical for Kids

Christmas time is really the most wonderful and magical time of the year especially for children. It is important to get prepared for it together. Here are some basic steps how to get prepared for the holiday season and decorate your home with your little ones.

1. Let the Music Play

Before starting, turn the classic Christmas songs on to create the festive mood. Music is great for every occasion, but for the holidays it’s extra magical. Here are some music ideas.

2. Choose Your Colour Scheme

Choosing the perfect Christmas decorations is far simpler with a colour scheme in mind. You can choose traditional red and green combo or go further and pick new contemporary colour combinations.

Here are some Christmas colour palette ideas.

The main attraction of the holiday season is the Christmas tree, so this should be your first port of call when you look to decorate your home for Christmas. It is very symbolic to use old ornaments from your childhood and tell stories and explain why those are special to you. Tell them that they can make a wish while hanging the first Christmas tree ornament. Make this process as fun and meaningful as you can. In case you need some ideas for Christmas tree decoration check out my special Pinterest board.

christmas-tree-ideas-lia-griffith_1vintage-glass-Christmas-ornaments

4. Deck the Halls and Kids Room

There are many simple touches you can add to the rest of your home to create a stylish festive look. A Christmas wreath is an essential festive accessory not just for the front door, wreaths can also be used throughout the home, suspended on mirrors or on internal doors. A small variety of garlands and other ornaments can also be utilised to decorate your halls or kids room.

Do not forget about windows. Here are some Christmas windows decorating ideas for you so you’ll never forget to furnish those windows, whether it is small, big, has wide window sills or not. Such simple windows would be magnificent and ready for the festivities in no time.

5. DIY with kids

DIY projects with your little ones teach valuable hands-on skills that are even more important in today’s screen-heavy environment. First of all, they get the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands, they become more patient and creative. Also, this is a perfect activity for the season of gratitude, they can make ornaments or gifts on their own for the others. What can be a better way of gratitude than by making something for them. The creative act, paired with our appreciation of others, is a wonderful way to express gratitude for the people who do so much for us. DIY with kids is the best way to teach them all these values through play. Kids DIY projects that you can start right now.

6. Letter to Santa

Writing a letter to Santa can be such an exciting activity for kids. This is a great time of year to show your children the joy of kindness and empathy. Writing a letter to Santa, beside personal wishes, can include a request for someone else – a good friend, sibling or less-fortunate child. Ask your child who they would like Santa to help this season. Empathy is a new feeling for small children and must be supported by their parents. Let children know that Christmas isn’t just about getting stuff. Teaching your child that empathy is at the root of love and faith can be folded into a wonderful tradition that includes writing a letter to Santa Claus.

Here are free printable templates for Santa letter

7. Family Movie Time

When all the decorations are up and you’re ready for some quality family time amid the chaos of the season, there’s nothing better than curling up on the couch with some Christmas cookies, hot chocolate and a holiday flick. Don’t know what to watch?  Here are a few suggestions:

  • “Harry Potter” Series
  • “Elf” (2003)
  • “The Polar Express” (2004)
  • “Miracle on 34th Street” (1994)
  • “A Christmas Carol” (2009)
  • “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000)
  • “Home Alone” (1990)
  • “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)

Have fun!

child development, Child's Education, Uncategorised

EFFECTIVE TIPS TO GET YOUR CHILD PRESCHOOL-READY

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For more than two years, your child could have been solely under your care. She may be used to just staying at home either alone with her toys or playing with her siblings. But you must know that she cannot stay at home forever. She has to explore the world and start learning about broader possibilities. So how do you prepare your child for preschool?

Here are some of the most effective tips to let your child become physically, emotionally, and mentally ready for preschool:

          1. Talk to your child about the need for preschool

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Communication is the key to healthy relationships. Even when your child seems to be so young for serious talks, you should still make an effort to explain to her that going to preschool is necessary. Give her ideas about how exciting preschool could be. Describe to her the fun of meeting new friends, singing nursery rhymes, and playing outside.

           2. Use the preschool concept during pretend play

You surely know how children love pretend play activities. If you are running out of new ideas for your pretend play at home, then it is now the time to consider having a preschool pretend play concept. You could first act out as the teacher and your child as a student. The roles could interchange every day depending on your goals.

Set up a preschool corner at home that is equipped with a study table, chair, puzzle mat, coloring materials, and more. Make sure that your pretend play will have a similar schedule to the preschool format. There must be a designated time for singing, circle time, story-telling, snack time, and free play.

          3. Read books about school

When you go to the bookstore, you can choose the books that are about school or where the story’s setting is in the school. This can stimulate the interest in school in your child’s mind. It is also a creative way of giving her a subconscious idea about how children should behave in school.

           4. Visit the preschool.

Anything that is strange can stress out a child. You do not want your child to feel worried because of a new environment. It would be wonderful if you can frequently bring your little one to the preschool a few weeks before the actual start of the school year. Talk to the management if you can let her play for a few minutes at the yard or if you could just spend some time roaming around.

          5. Schedule playdates with other children.

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If your kid isn’t used to spending time with other children, then you have to introduce the idea of a social group to her. You could speak with other moms in your circle of friends or in your neighborhood to have a series of playdates among children. Carefully plan out the activities for your playdate so that every moment during the session can be a meaningful opportunity for learning and growth.

           6. Meet the teacher.

The teachers of your child will be her second parents while in school. Your little one must feel comfortable with her teachers and even with the other personnel of the school. Schedule a meeting with the teacher where she can speak with you and your child. During the meeting, you must be able to relay all the necessary information about your child such as her behavioral nuances and medical condition.

Going to preschool is another milestone for your child. Be sure to make the process as fun as possible. Use all your creativity and exercise your patience during this transition.

child safety, health

8 Crucial First Aid Tips that Every Parent Must Know

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We must know that real danger is looming most especially when we have babies and toddlers under our care. Do you have any idea how to respond when your child accidentally gets choked by a piece of candy? What shall you do when your little one’s nose suddenly bleeds?

As parents, we must know how to appropriately react to every accident or misfortune that happens to our babies. To help ensure the safety and well-being of your little child, here are some of the 8 crucial first aid tips that you must be aware of:

  1. Know how to save your baby from choking.

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The first step in saving your child from choking is by administering five (5) firm back blows between her shoulder blades. It is done by putting your baby on your arm towards the floor and then forcefully tapping her back in a repeated manner.

The second step for rescuing a choking infant is by turning her over from facing the floor towards your direction. Then you will have to perform five (5) chest thrusts. You can do this by placing two fingers in the middle of her chest and exerting effort to bring out the

  1. Immediately cool off skin burns.

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Accidental burns usually happen in the kitchen and in the dining area. It is, therefore, important to have burn ointments in your cupboard. The first thing to do when a boiling pot of soup has been poured onto your child or when a flammable substance hits your little one is to wash off the burnt area in running water for 10 minutes so as to cool off the surface. Severe burns shall require emergency medical attention.

  1. Disinfect wounds immediately.

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Wounds can be a normal part of childhood but you have to know that some wounds are prone to infection. You will have to immediately wash your child’s wound with water and soap. After that, apply an antibacterial ointment to prevent infection.

  1. Never disregard insect bites.

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Insect bites are very common among children. Despite this, you still have to be very careful about handling insect bites because they can cause large swelling and skin infection.

The first thing to do upon observing an insect bite is to apply a cold compress to the affected area. Then it would be nice if you have an insect bite ointments, an antibacterial cream or hydrocortisone ointment which you can apply on the bite.

  1. Pinch the nose in case of nosebleed.

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Nosebleeds without any known cause can be very alarming. You can pinch the soft part of your child’s nose for about 5-10 minutes until the bleeding stops. However, children with G6PD deficiency and other blood-related conditions shall be brought to the hospital immediately after a nosebleed incident.

  1. Observe your child after bumping her head.

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Infants who are learning to crawl and stand are those that usually experience head blows. Immediately get an ice pack or cold compress if this happens. Do not let your child sleep right after an accident that involves her head. It is also crucial that you observe your child for any changes in behavior, vomiting, drowsiness, or unconsciousness. Bring her to the doctor at once if you have observed any of the previous conditions.

  1. Learn CPR and first aid.

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Education and practical training are keys to making sure that you can protect your children in case of untoward incidents. It would be very wise to learn about CPR and first aid from reputable professionals.

  1. Have a first aid kit in all your rooms, in your car, and in your baby’s bag.

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Accidents are unpredictable. Every second is crucial to saving your child’s life. Be sure to have a first aid kit in every part of your room most especially in your bathroom and kitchen. Also, be sure to have the kit in your car most especially when you frequently travel with kids.

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Get a FREE parent’s mini First Aid Course Material when you purchase the book “How To Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe (valued £197 – But priceless if it saves your child’s life) + FREE report on How To Get More Peaceful Nights With Your Baby.

child development, family time

Chores Can Help your Child Learn about Teamwork and a Strong Work Ethic

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Chores can help develop a sense of responsibility and self worth in your child.  It should be understood by all family members they are expected and necessary to a household running successfully and efficiently.  They can help create a sense of unity and family and is a great place for your child to learn about teamwork. Parents should take special care to handle the delegation of chores to children so they don’t become a source of frustration or create arguments.

Allow your child to have an active say in the delegation of chores.  Give them choices. We all have household chores that we don’t like to do, but if it’s a chore the child enjoys doing then there’s less likelihood it will create a battle in the end.  The child will most likely appreciate having the chance to be heard and having a choice.

It’s imperative that you set parameters early on for the successful completion of a chore.  They may not perform up to snuff when they first start performing the chore, but show them where improvement is needed and praise them for a strong effort.  Also make sure the child understands there will be repercussions if they only put forth a minimal effort. Ensure the child understands the need for the chore’s effective and efficient completion. Set consequences for substandard completion as a team.  Make sure they see that if they don’t perform their chores, it affects the other members of the team. Spouses must work together and be a strong example for their children by completing their own chores each day. And don’t allow a child to undermine your authority by battling with you over a designated chore.  Stand your ground and don’t give in, and emphasize the consequence and negative effect an uncompleted chore has on the family.

And keep an open mind when a child wants to discuss their thoughts or express their opinions about chores.  Make sure the conversation stays positive and on target.