How to Keep your Child from Getting Sick at School

Be proactive with your child’s health. Prevention is better than cure!

One thing that concerns parents the most when sending their children to school is their health. At school, sickness and viruses can spread easily. It means that there’s a good chance for children to catch a common cold, cough, or flu. As much as we want to shield our children from germs and viruses, these things spread like wildfire. Don’t worry. We have put together a list of things you can do to keep your child healthy throughout the school year and avoid getting sick at school.

Get plenty of sleep

Getting an adequate amount of sleep is one of the best ways to strengthen your child’s immune system. Make sure they are well rested and getting about 9 to 10 hours of sleep each night. It’s also important that they don’t stay up late so they wake up refreshed. If you are having difficulty sending your children to bed early, one of the things you can do is to avoid screen time at least an hour before bedtime.

Maintain a well-balanced diet

The habit of eating healthy should start at an early age. Make sure that your child’s diet includes the right mix of vegetable, fruits, proteins and adequate water. Their consumption of junk foods such as candies, chips, and sodas should also be minimized. To keep their immune system strong, you can have your children eat yogurt because it contains probiotics, which are known to be healthy bacteria. To help rid the body of flu viruses, it is best to consume foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as salmon, shellfish and mackerel.

Exercise regularly

Just like adults, children also need regular exercise. They need to be physically active to be healthy and to keep their immune system strong. Exercise also increases a child’s ability to fight off infections. Help your child achieve an active and healthy lifestyle by encouraging them to play sports or outdoor games with other children.  Take them to the park on weekends;go to the beach or visit a nearby walking trail.

Use utensils to eat

Instead of using their hands to put food in their mouth, teach your children to use utensils every time they eat. This will help reduce the possibility of contaminating food with germs.

Wash hands thoroughly

Effective hand washing is another habit that children should be taught. As soon as they get home from school, send them straight to the sink to clean their hands. They should also do the same before and after meals. It’s also important to teach them the proper way of washing their hands.

Keep hands away from eyes, nose, and mouth

Germs and bacteria can easily enter the body when children place their hands on their eyes, mouth, and nose. If there’s a need to wipe these areas, have them use a tissue.

Use hand sanitizer

Soap and water are not always accessible at school. That’s why it is best to have children use  hand sanitizer. You can have them bring a small bottle in their bag or keep it handy in your purse or car.

Stay away from stress

Your child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. In fact, their mental well being can significantly affect their overall wellness. Make it a point to check with them and observe if there are any drastic changes in their behavior. Children get stressed when they are dealing with a sudden change. Be with them as they cope with stress.

There’s no doubt that germs and viruses spread uncontrollably at schools. You can always refer to these tips to make sure your child is protected from getting sick at school.

Looking for a preschool that offers a fun and educational toddler program? Please feel free to visit Creative Learning Academy.

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6 Fun Educational Activities with Toddlers

Toddlers need fun and engaging activities

It is true that kids have brains like sponges. Especially young children between the ages of one to three. Because toddlers absorb new things fast, parents should make the most of this stage. They can help their kids achieve their full learning potential. You should choose activities that are both fun and educational for your little ones. By selecting the right kind of activities, you help boost your child’s physical, emotional and cognitive skills.  Below is a list of some fun and educational activities you can try with your toddler.

Cookie cutter painting

The cookie cutter painting activity is perfect for toddlers who love to play with colors. It is simple and fun. You only need cookie cutters, paint in different colors, a large sheet of white paper and trays for the paint. Pour the paint on to different trays and have these trays placed on top of a long sheet of paper. Let your toddler make use of the cookie cutters as stamps from the paint trays to the paper. Doing this will develop your little one’s fine motor skills as they try to get a good grip of the cutters. This is also a perfect opportunity to introduce them to basic colors.

Simon Says

Simon Says is an excellent game for teaching kids how to listen and follow instructions. This game can be played one-on-one or with a group of kids. The mechanics are easy. You play the role of Simon and all you have to do is to give out commands or instructions such as, “Simon says raise your hand!” or “Simon says hop like a frog!” They should only follow commands starting  with Simon Says. Instructions without this phrase shouldn’t be followed. If they do, they are eliminated. Try this game to help improve your child’s listening skills and concentration while having fun!

Scavenger hunt

A scavenger hunt is another exciting game your kids will love! Send them hunting for objects around the house based on your specific commands. For example, you can say, “Find me something soft” or “Find me something colorful”. You may also ask them to bring you a couple of random objects, teaching them how to identify shapes and colors. You can ask which object is round, or which one is blue.

Simple Lego Challenges

Lego blocks make for great toys

The Simple Lego Challenge is a fun and interesting game for kids. It brings out the natural creativity in children. For this activity, you will need different colorful card boards cut into rectangles. Then make them look like paper Legos by drawing small circles on one side. Flip the cards to the other side and write one secret challenge for each card. Some of the challenges may include, “Draw your favorite stuffed animal” or “Build your dream house”. Taking on each challenge will get their imagination and creativity working.

Obstacle course

A simple obstacle course is a perfect game for restless toddlers. This will help promote balance, coordination and gross motor skills in kids. If you have adequate space at home, you can set up a small course inside your living room or outside in the backyard. Your child can safely run around, roll and jump.

Puzzles

Puzzles are excellent for toddlers. They cover all aspects when it comes to their growth and development. This activity requires physical efforts as they try to make the pieces fit. The solving of the puzzle is good practice of their cognitive skills. Because they may not solve the puzzle immediately, the game is a good test of their patience. This taps into their emotional well-being. You can also squeeze in an introduction to recognizing basic shapes as they complete the puzzle.

If you’re looking for the best activities to keep your toddler busy, these are excellent ideas to try. Not only are they fun and exciting, they are also educational! If you’re looking for a preschool that offers a fun and educational toddler program, please feel free to visit Creative Learning Academy.

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Find out How You Can Help Others on World Food Day

World Food Day is observed on the 16th of October each year. This day is celebrated to honor the date when the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations was founded in 1935. It is also recognized to raise awareness about hunger, as well as encourage the public to take action is to help eliminate world hunger.

The World Food Day is celebrated by organizing food drives and distributing free meals for the homeless and less fortunate. If you have the heart to participate in this holiday, here are some of the ways you can take a stand against hunger and make a difference.

Take a photo of your meal and share it on  social media

If you think taking photos of your sumptuous meals and uploading them on the social media is meaningless, then you have been thinking wrong. By sharing photos of your meals, you are also literally sharing your food. All you have to do is to download FoodShareFilter or Feedie. Both applications were designed to help fight global hunger. Every time photos of food are shared using the app, the restaurant donates a meal to an organization called the Lunchbox Fund that provides meals for orphaned children in South Africa.

Volunteer in your local community garden

Food scarcity and insecurity affect people living in poverty and those who have limited access to healthy and fresh food. Help make a difference by volunteering in your local urban garden. Address hunger by getting outside, by connecting with people, and by distributing fresh produce to people who need it most.

Participate in local community events

There are plenty of local events you can participate in if you want to help fight hunger in your community. Search World Food Day USA on Google to find some ways you can help. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities: packing meals for the homeless, walking for hunger, or helping out in a soup kitchen to name a few. No matter how big or small, your efforts will make a difference. However, you help out will be valuable for the nourishment of those who are in need. So serve your community by giving your time and efforts.

Help improve the quality of school lunches

In different parts of the United States and throughout the world, a school lunch or breakfast may be the only full meal a student eats in a day. The sad part is that these meals do not always contain important nutrients a child needs for growth and development. By improving the quality of food at schools, children can enjoy better health and improve their academic performance.

Treat yourself

Did you know that by treating yourself with your favorite food at your favorite restaurant, you are also making a difference in the world’s problem with hunger and food scarcity? So go ahead and invite a friend for a meaningful and sumptuous meal. As soon as the check arrives, donate the cost of your meal by joining the #HungerFree movement. This movement is organized to help fight hunger in South Sudan, Kenya, and many other parts of the globe.

Attend an event

If you are looking for other ways to participate in  World Food Day, you can visit foodday.org and enter your zip code to find an event near you. It doesn’t matter which event you choose, whether you dine or donate, the important thing is that you are helping spread awareness. You are also encouraging people to join the fight against hunger.

Food scarcity and hunger may seem to be overwhelming global problems. But if we all decide to take action, even in our little ways, and become advocates for health and food, we can all make a difference to make this world a better place.

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6 Benefits of Daycare for Children

kids having fun at day care

Sending a child to a good quality daycare is an excellent decision for working parents. But if you are worried about leaving your child in a childcare center, it will help to know the impact of daycare on young children. Several studies have shown that day care offers a plethora of benefits for kids. Find out how your little one can benefit from a daycare by reading the points below.

Academic readiness

The transition to kindergarten can be difficult for both parents and children alike. However, sending a child to a daycare can help ease the transition. A high-quality childcare center provides young children plenty of opportunities to grow and develop mentally, socially, physically and emotionally. It also provides them opportunities to experience new things that help them prepare for future academic endeavors. According to scientific studies, kids who are sent to day care centers learn important skills that are crucial for learning. Evidence has also shown that teens who have spent time in daycare as young children had higher academic achievements.

Regular schedule and activities

Young kids can immensely benefit from following a consistent routine and schedule in their day. And these things are something they can learn in a daycare. In a childcare center, your child will enjoy the structured periods of activities, storytelling, singing and playing. And while having fun, they learn about the concept of time through consistent schedules. They will learn that there is a time for meals, napping, playing and other activities.

Social interaction

Kids who stay home only experience interaction with their family members, relatives and neighbors. If not they are not given adequate social exposure, it can be difficult for them to be involved in group interactions at a later stage. Daycare provides children the opportunities to interact with other kids and adults, which is crucial to their social development. Kids in daycare not only learn how to work with and make friends with children in a similar age group, they also learn how to solve problems together and make themselves heard in a group while in a safe and supervised environment. All these are important experiences that contribute to their growth while their personalities are developing.

Better behavior

The experiences young children gain from attending daycare shape them into better individuals. Because they are given opportunities to work with others, play and work with them, they develop better behaviors in a social setting. They learn how to become team players. A good daycare program run by teachers with strong educational background, teaches children not just skills, but also values that mold them into becoming better adults.

Interaction with other adults

Fun time with the teacher

Because most children only interact with their parents and other adult family members, sending them to a childcare center would be a good option if you want your child to have healthy interactions with other adults outside the family. In a daycare, kids will learn to see other adults as authority figures who can provide positive guidance.

Smoother transition into kindergarten

Children who skip daycare and preschool find it more difficult to start school. Attending kindergarten becomes an ordeal for both the child and parents. Separation anxiety can kick in and kids may dread going to school in the morning. When you send your child to a daycare, you won’t have to encounter scenarios like this because daycare helps make the transition a lot easier. Introducing young children the idea of school at an early age will help eliminate the worries and anxieties when they finally have to begin formal schooling. They can seamlessly adapt to the new environment with less or no behavioral issues at all. In addition, they won’t have a difficulty adjusting to the academic structure because they also learn the fundamentals of the alphabet and counting in a daycare.

With these benefits available for your child, it would be safe to say that sending children to daycare is indeed an excellent decision for any parent to make. And if you’re looking for a good quality childcare center for your little one, please consider Creative Learning Academy.

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4 Recipes for Celebrate National Potato Month with the Family

Being an integral part of the food supply of many countries, a world without potatoes is unimaginable! This month, we have more reasons to take in our favorite vegetable and make wonderful recipes because September is National Potato Month!

To help you get started, here are some great potato recipes that you can make at home to celebrate National Potato Month with the entire family!

Chicken and Potato Pot Pie

Chicken and Potato Pot Pie is an excellent meal for when everyone’s already starving and you’re running short on time. It is a fast and easy comfort food for both kids and adults alike. The following are the ingredients you need.

• 2 medium sized potatoes or 3 to 4 small potatoes
• 1 can of cream chicken soup
• 1 chicken breast
• 1 cup frozen vegetable blend
• 1 egg beaten
• 1 package refrigerated pie dough

Directions: Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and the chicken breast should be cut into small cubes. Mix the potatoes, vegetable, chicken, soup and a soup can of water together in a 1-quart microwave-safe dish. Top the mixture with pie dough. Brush the dough with egg. Microwave for 20 minutes or until chicken and potatoes are completely cooked.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes don’t have to be boring. Just when you thought you have tried every possible variation, this recipe introduces you to mashed potatoes with a twist. The ingredients for the roasted garlic mashed potatoes include:

• 5 pounds of russet or Yukon gold potatoes
• 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
• 1 and ½ sticks salted butter
• ¼ cup half-and-half
• Heavy cream
• 3 to 5 heads roasted garlic
• Salt and black pepper

Directions: Prepare your oven and preheat it to 350 degrees F. Cut the potatoes into cubes and boil it for about 30 minutes until tender. Drain and mash the potatoes for 5 minutes while allowing steam to escape. Then add the cream cheese, butter, cream, half-and-half, roasted garlic, salt and pepper. Mash and mix them together.  Once done, spread the potatoes into a large baking dish and leave a slice of butter at the top. Bake for about 30 minutes or until heated thoroughly.

Potato Salad Cha Cha Cha

Potato Salad Cha Cha Cha is going to be your next family’s favorite potato recipe. Why? Because aside from offering a good mix of flavors, this recipe is also healthy. So, without further ado, here are the ingredients and steps to make this dish.

• 4 medium-sized potatoes
• 2 and ½ tbsp lime juice
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 and ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. bottled mild jalapeno sauce
• 15 oz black beans
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 7 oz can vacuum packed kernel corn
• 1 and ½ cup sliced green onions

Directions: Cook potatoes in 2 inches of boiling water for 12 minutes or until tender. Once cooked, drain it and allow to cool. Meanwhile, whisk together the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl. Add salt if desired.

Twice baked potatoes

Twice baked potatoes is a recipe that your family will surely love! It features an explosion of flavors including fresh green onion, crispy bacon bits and gooey cheddar on top of hollowed out potato halves. Check the list of ingredients below.

• 8 baking potatoes
• 2 sticks salted butter
• 3 tbsp canola oil
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup bacon bits
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 2 tsp seasoned salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 green onions

Directions: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Rub the potatoes with canola oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for an hour or until they are well cooked. In a large mixing bowl, place slices of butter in and add the sour cream and bacon bits. Then, remove the potatoes from the oven and reduce the heat to 350 degrees F. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Scrape out the insides and add them in your mixing bowl. Make sure not to tear the shell. Then, place the hollowed out potato halves on a baking sheet. Meanwhile, mash the potatoes into the mixture of butter, bacon and sour cream. Then add milk, cheese, seasoned salt, green onions and black pepper. Fill the hollowed out potatoes with this filling and top each potato with more cheese. Pop them into the oven for 15 minutes and they’re ready to eat!

Now that you have these exciting potato recipes, you’re on your way to having a blast this National Potato Month! So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get messy in the kitchen and enjoy a wonderful meal with the family!

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Tips to Prepare your Children for the New School Year

Prepare your back to school essentials well in time

It’s August, summer is finally coming to an end and the new school year is right around the corner. Time for  parents and students all over the country to start their back to school preparations. Whether your children look forward to this event or they dread the regimented school days ahead, one thing is for sure – back to school entails another big transition. Help your kids cope with the biggest adjustments and make those first weeks of school easier for them with the following tips:

Start talking about the upcoming school year

Before summer break ends, find opportunities to talk to your child about the upcoming school year. Instead of allowing them to dwell on the post-holiday blues, get them excited about going back to school. Think of the things your child will love about school. It could be spending time  with friends, having time to play with other kids, or about a subject they are interested in? Highlight these topics during your conversation so that they’ll have something to look forward to.

Help your child get familiar with the school

If your child is starting school for the first time, it would be good to get them familiar with it first. Take them to the school so they can get a feel of the school’s setting and the environment. If you can, visit  the school grounds, buildings and playground and take time to check out the classrooms, library and other areas. Allow your child to play in the playground and explore the grounds of their new school. Doing this will help them see what school is like and help eliminate their fear of the unknown.

Organize school supplies in advance

There are plenty of things to organize before school starts. There are  uniforms, books, stationery, and a lot more. Start organizing as early as possible. Not only will it reduce the back-to-school related stress, but it will also help your child look forward to heading back to school. It is good to get them involved in the process, too. Take them shopping with you and let them choose their own school supplies. The more new things kids get , the more excited they will feel about school.

Introduce new routines

Introduce new routines to your child before the school year starts. Move bedtime up a bit earlier if they have been staying up late during the summer months. Get them on the right routine based on their class schedule at school. Doing this will make the transition a lot easier and help ensure that their first weeks in school won’t be too overwhelming.

Go to the school for orientation programs

Going back to school can be fun for kids

Many schools conduct orientation sessions before the new school year begins. If this is something that’s being offered in your child’s school, take advantage of this program and join in. However, if the school does not have this, ask when you can drop by the school so your child can meet their new teacher. Taking a few minutes to introduce your child to the new teacher will help them feel comfortable before the school year officially starts.

Facilitate your child’s meeting with the teacher and other kids

It would help to make your little student feel more comfortable in their new school and classroom, if they felt connected with their teacher and the other kids.  If possible, make some arrangements for your child to meet the teacher and other kids in advance. Once they meet, the learning process becomes easier. This way, they will have new peers to play with once school starts, getting them more excited and reducing their back to school jitters.

Getting ready for a new school year can be daunting and overwhelming. But, whether they are starting school for the first time or heading back after the summer break, you can always refer to these tips to make the transition easier for your children.

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7 Things a Daycare Can Teach your Child

Day care teaches kids social skills

A high-quality day care is an excellent place to provide young kids a safe and secure middle ground between home and school. It is where little ones experience tremendous learning while mom and dad are working.  While leaving your child in a day care for the first time may be hard, it’s important to note that this step offers a big advantage to both parents and children. Read on below to learn some of the most valuable things that a daycare can teach your little one.

Social skills

Young children who spend most of their time at home only experience interactions within their family, mostly their parents. Because of this, group interactions may not come easy in the later years. When you send a child to a daycare, they will be given plenty of opportunities to interact with peers in their age group. They learn how to socialize in a safe and secure environment with adult supervision to make sure that kids get along. They learn how to play, share stories and work together. This gives them a good foundation to prepare them for school in the near future.

Building friendships

Young kids don’t have to wait long before they start making friends because they can start as early as daycare. The children they meet in the day care could be the friends they will keep for a lifetime. Not only do young kids learn how to make friends, but they also learn how to make themselves heard in group. And this is essential for their social and emotional development.

Cognitive and language development

The decision to send your child to a daycare may not be the easiest decision at the moment. But it offers huge advantages as far as your child’s development is concerned. Studies have shown that children who attend childcare centers are more likely to have better academic results compared to those who didn’t attend. Daycare is a place where a tremendous amount of learning happens. It is where young kids learn fundamentals of the alphabet and counting. This is where they learn topics such as basic shapes and colors, which all help them in their future learning.

Dealing with separation anxiety

Some children aren’t away from their parents and family until kindergarten. This often results in sudden and difficult separation issues once school starts. Because of this, going to school becomes a much harder ordeal for both parents and children. By sending little ones to a day care, they are gradually being introduced to a new environment away from home, from their family and parents. This is an effective way to help them learn that being away from mom and dad isn’t scary at all.

Independence

According to experts, young children who learn to separate from mom and dad early on are the ones who usually find it easy to transition to preschool and kindergarten. In a daycare, they are taught to do simple tasks by themselves under the caring supervision of the daycare staff.  Daycare provides plenty of opportunities for children to learn how to be independent and how to trust other adults outside their family.

Confidence

Day care activities help kids become confident

At home, young kids are guided by their parents at literally everything they do. They rely upon their parents on practically anything they need. In daycare, children learn to develop confidence in themselves by getting the opportunities to solve problems and perform simple tasks on their own. With the help of an adult nearby, their skills and abilities are being tested which boosts their confidence.

Discipline

Daycare is a place where a child first learns how to adjust to a structured environment. They are given proper schedules for meals, napping, learning and playing. This is where they learn the concept of time and sequence as they finish one activity before moving on to the next when it’s time.

Bringing your child to daycare is not that easy, regardless of their age. However, with the skills and knowledge they will learn and develop, sending your little one to a daycare will  be worth it. And if you’re looking for the best daycare in Tampa that will suit the needs of your child, Creative Learning Academy is the best place to go.

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Celebrate National Picnic Month by Going on a Picnic with the Family

Picnics are a great way to spend time with family

Everybody celebrates Independence Day in July. But, what many people don’t know is that we also celebrate National Picnic Month in July, too! Going for a picnic is an excellent time to embrace nature and breathe in fresh air. It is also a great opportunity to bond with friends, family and loved ones. While a picnic is understood as a simple excursion with meals eaten outdoors, there are some interesting facts about the origin of picnic that not many of us are aware of.

•  The word picnic was taken from the French word “pique nique” which refers to an outdoor meal. The first picnics took place in the Middle Ages when the members of the upper class society would “dine out” or eat their meals outdoors during a hunt.
• The first recorded use of “picnic”, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, was in a letter written by Lord Chesterfield to his son in Berlin in 1748. The word picnic here was used in the sense of a social gathering.
• In the early 1800’s, picnic was already being used to refer to a social meal eaten outdoors.

The lovely, warm weather of July gives us another reason to celebrate National Picnic Month.  If you are looking for ideas on how you can celebrate this national holiday, here are some ideas to help you get started.

• Get outside for a BBQ party! Prepare your favorite meats and side dishes like coleslaw and potato salad. Enjoy family bonding time while you grill your BBQ to perfection and dig into the sumptuous outdoor meal together!
•  Have a traditional picnic. Fill a straw picnic basket with your favorite foods and drinks. Find that perfect spot in a park and don’t forget to bring the plaid blanket. Bring some board games or just savor the moment as you celebrate the open air.
• Play some outdoor games. After eating, it’s a perfect time to play some outdoor games. You can throw a Frisbee and play ball games where everybody can join in.

For fun and exciting activities like picnics, safety and health should remain a top priority. Avoid foodborne illnesses and make the most of the National Picnic Month by taking note of the following tips.

Be conscious of the food temperature and time.

Have everything ready when going on a picnic

Protect your food from getting spoiled by keeping hot food hot and cold food cold especially when you’re traveling or during your outdoor gatherings.  Bring plenty of ice.

Use a food thermometer.
Make sure that your food is safely cooked by using a food thermometer. Before removing meats, especially whole cuts, from the heat source, measure the internal temperature and make sure that they are cooked to 145 degrees F. Let them sit and allow 3 minute rest time before consuming.

Choose healthy foods for your picnic.
Picnics are all about enjoying delicious foods. But delicious doesn’t have to be unhealthy. You can certainly pack satisfying, yet healthy meals for your picnics. For example, you can add a twist to your traditional sandwiches and vary your bread choices. Try using tortillas, flat breads and whole grain products. Then experiment with fillings instead of sticking to the same old ham and cheese. Incorporate oven roasted vegetables such as tomatoes and eggplants to make it healthier.

Bring more non perishable foods.Limit the number of your perishable foods and bring more non-perishable foods. Aside from your salads and sandwiches, you can bring pretzels, oatmeal cookies, or baked potato chips. Other snacks like nuts and sunflower seeds are also excellent food choices.

Keep it clean.
Avoid food contamination by keeping everything clean and sanitary – from the food handling to preparation and packing. Don’t forget to wash your hands before and after handling food. Make sure that all utensils are clean. Don’t use the same utensils for raw and cooked food to avoid transfer of harmful bacteria.  Also bring paper towels, disposable cloths and clean water for cleaning hands and surfaces before and after eating at your picnic venue.

July is a perfect time to take vacations and spend more time outdoors. Make the most of the beautiful weather and celebrate National Picnic Month with your family!

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Why is Preschool Important?

Enrolling your little one in a quality preschool can benefit them in more ways than one. While a lot of parents are still skeptical about the thought of sending their kids to school at a young age, they don’t realize that children can gain a lot from attending preschool. In preschool, children  get exposed to the fundamentals of ABC’s and 123’s. They also get the chance to play and learn with other kids which helps develop their emotional and social skills.

Difference between childcare and preschool

Childcare or daycare centers are typically an option for working parents who need someone to care for their kids during the day. While these centers cater to babies and toddlers, preschools offer an early childhood educational class for kids 3 to 4 years old. In both daycare centers and preschools, experienced and well-trained teachers provide children with stimulating and educational activities. They offer programs that nurture cognitive, as well as emotional and social development.

Importance of preschool

Preschool is a great start for early childhood development

Sending a child to a high-quality preschool is an important decision for both parents and children alike. During the child’s early years, they learn at a rapid rate because this is when brain development is highest. Their brain is a like a sponge that easily absorbs and stores new information. When a child attends preschool, they will benefit from the program, instructions and the age-appropriate materials. It is in preschool that children learn their first letters and numbers. However, kids are not asked to sit down and simply listen to the teacher’s lecture. They learn through fun and stimulating games and activities. Teachers provide them with activities that pique their interests. They have storytelling, singing, and play time with toys. They learn language and reading by playing rhyming games and by telling stories.

Preschool may be a little more structured and where kids learn while having fun. Aside from nurturing academic growth and development, it is in preschool that kids acquire social skills. Social skills are important for children to learn at this age. Kids need to learn how to interact, listen, accept, apologize, help other kids and work with them. They are given plenty of opportunities to foster and build relationships with their peers.They also learn  that the world does not revolve around them alone.

Many parents worry that sending their kids to preschool will only make them grow up too soon. That is not the case. Preschool will not interfere with the important play time that your little one needs and deserves. A high quality preschool curriculum is based on learning through play. So rest assured that learning will be fun and interesting for your kid. There’s no doubt about it!

Choosing the right preschool

Choosing the right preschool is key to ensuring that your child is better prepared for kindergarten and beyond. Before you pick a preschool, start by creating a list of the most important qualities you are looking for. Is the location important?  Is the schedule convenient? Is the program and curriculum up to date? As soon as you have your list, ask for recommendations from friends and family and other parents. Then do further research by checking the schools’ websites online.

Once you have narrowed down your list to about 2 or 3 preschools, take time to visit each school before making a final decision. During your visit, check out the basics first. Check if the facility is clean and safe. Check if the outdoor play area is well-kept and secure. Are there age-appropriate toys and materials? Are the classrooms in good condition and conducive for learning? Does the preschool environment have a friendly and fun atmosphere? As you pay attention to these details, don’t forget to find out more about the teachers. Learn about their training and credentials. Find out more about their background and experience when it comes to dealing with children.

Sending your child to a high-quality preschool can significantly impact their future academic success. Give your child the strong educational foundation they deserve by sending them to the best preschool in Tampa – Creative Learning Academy.

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5 Reasons Why You Should Teach Kids About the Great Outdoors—National Great Outdoors Month

June has been proclaimed as the Great Outdoors Month. This is perfect time to share the glory of nature with your child!

There are plenty of reasons why you should pack your stuff and enjoy the Great Outdoors with your kids.  Here are just a few of them:

1.  Manage Your Kid’s Excessive Use of Technology

There are so many distractions these days competing for your child’s attention.  Gadgets, video games, the Internet, you name it, they’re all out there. And you know, once your child gets their hands on any of it, they give it their undivided attention.

There’s nothing wrong with exposing your kids to technology.  But too much of anything can negatively impact your kid, physically, socially and emotionally.

What is alarming though, is how children spend so much less time outside the home and seldom interact with kids their age. (Sometimes, they don’t even talk to their own parents!)  Technology is creating a reclusive generation who’d rather spend time in front of a mobile phone or a computer monitor. Even recess has been reduced or eliminated at many schools, further reducing the time spent outside.

Want to prevent this gloom and doom horizon? You can, if you manage how your kids use technology. Giving them interesting alternatives such as exploring the Great Outdoors tops the list.

If you have limited time because of work, look into having your child attend a child care program.  There are child care centers that offer outdoor activities in their curriculum.

2. Explore the Grandness of Mother Nature

The outdoors can be fund and refreshing for kids

The US is well known for its majestic outdoors. Go explore some of it! Kids can learn a lot through actual, experiential discovery. Going camping, fishing, or just playing catch in a neighborhood park? Being outside gives you and your child the opportunity to be one with nature.

Imagine your child responding to a live butterfly flying above her head, instead of watching a some video about insects on the web.  It’s amazing to see your child discover new things about nature. Better yet, you’re there to teach your kid about nature itself!

3. Bonding with Family & Friends

This June is the best month to bond with your child together with friends and other family members. During the National Great Outdoors celebration, there are plenty of fun activities you and your child can enjoy, such as:

•         Boating
•         Camping
•         Family Fun
•         Fishing
•         Hiking
•         Stewardship

Ask the director of the child care center your kid is attending if they offer any of these outdoor activities and how you and your kid can make the most of it.  Child care centers often align their activities with the Great Outdoors Month celebration, by including field trips to parks and other outdoor activities. And most centers need and appreciate volunteers to join them on these field trips, so ask how you can help!

Spending quality time with your kid this month while being out in nature is a wonderful and enriching experience.  Your child is guaranteed to enjoy endless opportunities for adventure, recreation, and renewal of family ties.

4. Health Benefits

There’s no denying taking long walks outside can result in long lasting and far reaching health benefits.  Nature offers an opportunity to explore and get active while strengthening our bonds with family.

The health benefits are not just limited to physical health.  Sure, climbing a steep hill or backpacking with your kid builds endurance and improves overall physical well-being. But there’s more to physical health when you enjoy the great outdoors, including:

Mental Health Balance

Spending time with your kids outdoors is also beneficial to your own mental health.  It’s a wonderful stress reliever especially if you work in an office all day. Hiking, biking, and climbing can help relieve you of the stress that you deal with on a regular basis.  

Social Bond Strengthening

People who love the great outdoors or any kind of outdoor activity usually do well at group work.  Outdoorsy folks improve their social skills over time and they do so while learning how to effectively work with others.

Imagine what it will be like for your kid.

Encouraging your kid to enjoy nature also gives them important skills, such as team building and problem-solving skills. These will be extremely valuable when she grows up.  

Increased Productivity

Believe it or not, people who spend more time outdoors are more productive in their job and personal life.  Kids who spend more time with friends playing in the park tend to show more IQ and EQ than those who spend more time tinkering with their gadgets.

They are more motivated to get involved in activities and they bring this “grit” to solve life’s riddles and challenges.

Healthy View of the Environment

By exploring the world, kids develop a deep appreciation of nature.  Teaching your child about nature opens their eyes to how important and interconnected the environment is.

Talk to your child about simple, but pressing, environmental issues of the day and teach her how she can make a big difference in her own small way.  Besides, big changes take place with small steps.

5. Contribute to the Local Economy by Boosting Local, Small Businesses

Last, but certainly not least, exploring the great outdoors with your kids can bring great value to local and small businesses in your area.  Every time you go out to enjoy nature, you contribute to your local economy’s coffers.

The Great Outdoors Month of June is a time for everyone to share what nature has to offer.  It helps heighten your child’s understanding of nature and their place in it. Plus it’s just a great place to relax in!

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Things to Look for in a Preschool

Finding the perfect preschool for your child can be both exciting and overwhelming. There are plenty of things to consider when  choosing the center that’s a perfect fit for them. And because a good quality preschool education is the first step to a child’s academic success in years to come, it’s important for parents to know what to look for when selecting a preschool for their child. The following are some of the essential elements to look for when finding the best preschool for your little one.

The educational philosophy of the preschool

When selecting a preschool, parents should look into the curriculum offered by the school. While it is important to look into structure and programs that are based on practice skills, check to see that the preschool offers plenty of opportunities for learning. Find the one that offers a balanced preschool curriculum that promotes not only academic development, but also cognitive, social, physical and emotional learning. Their guided activities should include arts and crafts, as well as time for play, story and music.

Take a look into the level of openness between the school and the parents. Parents and families must be encouraged and welcomed to be part of the program. They should also get regular feedback regarding their child’s progress and development. There must also be transparency and open communication between parents and the school.

Qualified teachers

As parents, you want to make sure that your child’s preschool teacher is qualified. When researching a preschool, look for the ones whose teachers are experienced and well-trained. Visit the preschool and ask about their teacher’s training, as well as their experience when it comes to dealing with kids. Good preschool teachers do not only look into teaching children the fundamentals of academics. They should have a deeper understanding of a child’s growth and development.  Ask how long they have been with the school, t if they’re happy with their jobs or if they feel overwhelmed, underpaid or unhappy.

A good reputation

While you can do your research and explore your options by visiting each preschool on your list, it will also help to research a school’s reputation. Check the reviews online and see what other parents have to say about the preschool. You may also ask for feedback from friends and family. Ask other parents whose kids have attended some of the preschools you’re considering. If you’ve heard some  bad reviews about a particular preschool, consider it a red flag.

Play opportunities

Find a well balanced preschool program

A good preschool program offers plenty of active play opportunities. The center  shouldn’t be focused on a child’s cognitive development only. There should also be plenty of physical activities and outdoor play. Active play is crucial to a child’s growth and development as It promotes health and well being. The right preschool offers activities that expose a child to fine motor skills that they will need when they reach kindergarten. Simple tasks such as writing activities, scribbling, or snipping paper strips are some activities  that your little one can experience in a preschool.

Student-teacher ratio

A good quality preschool program is one that has a low student to teacher ratio. Ideally, a preschool must have no less than two teachers. There should also be no more than 20 children in a group.

Clean and safe environment

Your child’s safety is one of the most important considerations when looking for a preschool. The indoor and outdoor space of a school needs to be clean and secure. The classrooms, as well as the playground and play structures must be safe. These areas  should be free of sharp edges or broken pieces that might possibly hurt them. The toys should also be age appropriate and sanitized.

Proper discipline

When looking into a preschool, find how the teachers impose discipline. Do they encourage positive behavior? Is there a reward system? Also find out how teachers handle situations when conflicts and problems arise. Positive redirection should be their strategy. Teach should  also be able to acknowledge children’s emotions and empathize with them.

Choosing the right preschool doesn’t have to be a daunting process when you follow these tips. Looking for a preschool that prioritizes your child’s holistic growth and development? Please consider Creative Learning Academy.

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How To Celebrate National Bike Month With Your Kids

Ask just about anyone and they can usually –and vividly — remember when they first learned to ride a bike!

It’s just something you never forget…

No matter how long it’s been since you hopped on a bike, National Bike Month provides the perfect reason to get back out there and ride again!

Here’s how to celebrate that amazing invention, the bicycle, with your kids… and start a new, healthy habit as a family!

A little girl learning how to ride the bike.

Getting started

Begin by setting out the rules for safe biking. Even if your kids aren’t old enough to really remember everything you’re telling them, repeat the rules for safe biking to them every time you go out.

When they see you following the same rules you’re telling them to follow, it will encourage them to do the same.

Teach them the following tips for safe biking:

• Keep your tires well inflated – match the pressure that’s listed on the tire itself.
• Inspect your brakes before setting out to make sure they’re aligned and working properly
• Keep bolts, bearings, and chains greased
• Wear a helmet at all times, making sure it fits you well and isn’t too loose
• If you plan to ride at night, wear bright, reflective colors and use a light
• For trail riding, stay on the right side, pass to the left and use your voice or a horn to alert people and other riders that you’re planning to pass
• Use hand signals and obey traffic signals, always stopping at stop lights and stop signs
• Make eye contact with drivers to be sure they see you
• Ride with the traffic, not against it

Note: Before venturing out, add more reflectors to your bikes – and any clothes you’re wearing. And consider adding flashing reflectors to improve visibility

Set your course

To make National Bike Month a fun time for you and your kids, have a plan. Your activities will be determined, in large part, by the biking skills your kids have.

If, for example, you have young kids with little to no experience riding a bike, you’ll obviously be focused on teaching them how to ride a bike. Give them ample time to practice their new skill.

Older or more confident riders who may be up for a challenge might enjoy:

• setting up jumps in the backyard
• going “off-road” on nearby bike trails
• holding a “bike rodeo” with the neighborhood kids where they can take part in:
  • obstacle courses
  • jumps
  • a “balance beam” made from lines drawn on the ground that riders need to stay within
  • “paper boy” – riders toss rolled up newspapers into targets such as large trash cans, baskets, tubs, etc.
  • slow races – points deducted for each time their foot hits the ground before the finish line (builds up their balance and coordination)

Riding a bike is a childhood rite of passage that you don’t want your kids to miss… so get on out there and ride with them!

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Tips for Better Work-Life Balance for Parents in Tampa

Being a full-time working parent is not easy. There are a lot of things and responsibilities to handle – waking up the kids in the morning, feeding them, cleaning them up, dropping them off to school, then heading to the office to work. With everything that parents have to juggle, it’s impossible not to feel exhausted and overwhelmed. This is the exact reason why achieving  work-life balance is crucial for any family. Your ability to balance a career and personal life is what you need to survive with your sanity intact despite all the responsibilities at home and work. To help master the art of balancing work and family time, here are some tips you could use.

Change bad work habits

To make sure your work doesn’t affect your personal life, make sure to change some bad  work habits. Start with the most challenging and difficult tasks as you begin your work day. Get them done one by one so you’ll soon only have the easier ones left at  the end of the day. This way, you won’t feel rushed at quitting time. This will also help you accomplish more work during your day. Also, try hard to avoid bringing your work home. It may be better to extend your day a little longer at the office than continue working at home.

Avoid distractions when in the office

Make sure to complete all work at the office and never bring work home

Setting boundaries between work and personal life is an excellent way to achieve the right work-life balance. When at work, avoid time wasters and limit distractions as much as possible. Have the discipline to set specific times to check your phone. Avoid other distractions that will make you less productive. Doing this will help you accomplish more so that you can finish on time at the end of your work day. And during the rare times when you have to bring work home, set boundaries on how much time you will spend working. Once you’re done, make sure to devote your time and energy on your family.

Find a quality daycare

Sending your child to a quality daycare in Tampa is also an excellent way to improve your work-life balance. Do your research and ask your network of friends and family for references for quality child care centers. Determine the most important factors you are looking for. Then schedule daycare tours and interview each center.Check their hours, the student-teacher ratio and take time learn about the experience and background of their employees.

Schedule family vacations and activities

Making time for your family and children is very important. And because you also need a break from your daily life at work, it would be great to plan some family vacations and fun activities. Your children would probably love to go on a vacation. It is a perfect opportunity to bond and nurture your relationship with your family. But if you can’t find a time that would fit everyone’s schedule, save  the weekend for some fun family activities. Have a Saturday night movie marathon or play board games. You can also spend Sunday in the park for a picnic. It doesn’t matter what activities you do, the important thing is to spend quality time with your kids and family. Also try to, avoid checking your phone and email when you’re out with them.

Spend quality time with your spouse

As a working parent, you probably think about your responsibilities at work and at home most of the time. However, it’s important not to forget about your spouse. Your spouse is your partner in everything that comes your way as a family. Spending quality time with them is something you must never take for granted. No matter how busy you are, make time for each other. Go on date nights and enjoy each other’s company. Foster your relationship with your partner. It will make balancing work and family time a lot easier.

Being a working mom or dad is never easy. But knowing how to achieve work and life balance is key. When you choose the right daycare for your child, you will be on your way to a better life where you and your family will benefit.

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Tips for Choosing the Right Preschool in Tampa

As a parent, one of the most important decisions you will make is deciding which preschool to enroll your child  in. Choosing a preschool that will prepare your child well for lifelong learning is not easy. There are several things to consider, like  the programs and curriculum offered by the preschool. It may be confusing and nerve-wracking but don’t worry, below is a guide that can help you choose the right preschool.

Nail down the basics

When choosing a preschool, it’s  best to start with the basics. Ask yourself these  questions How far you are willing to drive when bringing and picking up your child from the preschool. Is it important for the preschool to be close to your office or your home? What programs are you looking for? Do you need your child to be in school in the morning or afternoon?

Determine your preferred curriculum

Pick a preschool that will suit your child’s needs

Each child has different and unique needs. A preschool is a good fit if it can provide your child the kind of learning environment that will meet their specific needs. Each preschool may offer a different style of curriculum. It will also help if you get familiar with each of those. Here are some of the most common styles.

• Child-centered. A child-centered setting considers your child’s best interest when daily activities are being planned. They are not based on what the teachers decide to give the entire class.
• Montessori. This method is focused on the child’s individuality. The Montessori Method believes that every child’s learning should not be inhibited by comparing them to others because each child learns at their own pace.
• Teacher-led. The teacher-led setting is the opposite of child-centered setting. The curriculum and activities are based on what the teacher has planned for the whole class. The learning environment is also more structured.
• Faith-based. This style is one in which the activities revolve around the philosophies of their faith. It is also usually run by a church.

Do your research

Take time to talk to colleagues, family, friends and others that have children, . Ask them for their opinions and recommendations on the preschool that offers the curriculum and program you are looking for. These resources can give you valuable insights that will help your decision making process. Also make use of the internet and get some more information online. Visit each preschool’s website to get more details on what they offer, learn more about their teachers, activities,  and events.

Schedule a school tour

After narrowing down your options to a few preschools, it’s time to schedule your visit to each facility. It is a great idea to bring your child with you during the school tour. When you arrive, , make some key observations and try to get the feel of the environment. Does it seem welcoming and inviting? Is your child going to have fun and be comfortable in this setting? Is your child going to be safe and secure?

Also, take time to talk to the school’s director as well as the teachers. Observe the teacher and student interaction. Notice how the classes are  being run. Are the kids enjoying each other and having a great time while learning? You will also want to find out more about the quality of education your child will get from the preschool. Ask how the teachers have prepared for the year and if they are getting additional training. Don’t be afraid to ask these questions.  It’s important that you know about the education offered in a preschool to get  the best results for your kids.

Ask for your child’s opinion

Before making a final decision, make sure to  ask your child about their personal choice. It is important that they are enrolled in a preschool that they will enjoy going to and have fun while learning.

Getting your child enrolled in a preschool for the first time can be overwhelming. But these tips can help you choose the right preschool for your child.

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Reasons Why You Should Educate Children on the Value of Volunteering

Raising kids isn’t easy…especially in a society that often seems so self-absorbed. (selfies, anyone?)

So how can parents help kids see beyond their own immediate interests and concerns?

By involving their children in opportunities to volunteer their time and energies towards helping others.

While volunteering benefits those on the receiving end – both the individuals and organizations served – it’s hard to quantify how much volunteering benefits the “giver” just as much…if not more.

When you give your child opportunities to help others through volunteering you’re also helping them learn:

Empathy

When looking for opportunities to volunteer, the closer your child can be to the end result (e.g. handing the sandwich to a homeless person not just making the sandwich) the more concrete their understanding will be of what they’re doing.

Which also leads to more engagement in the volunteering process.

Confidence

Children gain confidence when they see their own contributions make a difference in someone else’s life. Their success then encourages them to look for other ways they can contribute to their communities, building leadership skills they will take with them throughout their lives.

Cooperation

Volunteer work can teach compassion

Social situations are the best way for children to learn social skills, and volunteering is no exception.

When a diverse range of individuals meet through volunteering, they have a common goal in mind, however different people will often approach the same task in a different way, which can potentially lead to conflict.

Children who witness – and participate in – the process of deliberation among the volunteers learn how important collaboration with others is to achieve the desired end result…helping individuals in need.

Compassion

As children take part in volunteering efforts they learn more about the world around them. As they observe and compare their own lives with that of others they develop compassion for others.

Application of knowledge and skills

In school, children rarely get the opportunity to see how the topics they’re learning can be applied in the real world. However, when volunteering, they learn how organizing tasks and understanding basic concepts (e.g. counting change) play a vital role in a successful venture.

Volunteering can also help kids visualize what they might want to do one day. For example, a child who volunteers at the local hospital or nursing home might be inspired to become a physician or nurse.

Making connections with their family and others

Busy families often have such frazzled schedules with work, school and extra-curricular activities, it often leaves both parents and kids feeling disconnected. When parents and their children are working together as volunteers for their community they have a chance to have fun and to grow closer as a family.

Responsibility

Ever notice how your kids will jump at the chance to help out their friends’ parents when they’re visiting them, but you have to nag to get them to do the same thing at home?

You’re not the only one!

You can put this tendency to good use…when someone is counting on your kid to be there as a volunteer, they’re much more engaged and desirous of doing what they’ve said they would do, which reinforces all the “responsibility” talk they’ve been getting from you!

Possibilities

If you’d like to get your family involved in volunteering efforts, but aren’t sure where to begin, here’s some ideas to get you started.:

Reach out to local hospitals, churches or charities to see if they have any needs

Contact a volunteer clearinghouse, (e.g. VolunteerMatch) which matches volunteers with organizations in need of volunteers.

Check with the bulletin board at the local library to look for any advertisements. You could also put up an ad yourself, notifying your openness to volunteering opportunities.

Check with the park service or whomever is in charge of cleaning up parks in the area…they’d love to have your help and it’s something even the smallest child can take part in.

Handy with tools? If you have older kids you could volunteer for housing repair and renovation projects (e.g. Habitat for Humanity) for low-income residents. 

A community food bank or soup kitchen, nursing home or food delivery service to the elderly are good choices too – they don’t take a lot of time out of your week, but they’re very fulfilling ways to volunteer your time and energy…and lots of fun for the kids too!

Finally, remember to be flexible. Not all hours or locations will fit your schedule. If one volunteer opportunity doesn’t suit your needs, keep looking…you’ll be glad you did!

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