Sometimes, children who are naturally creative and intellectually curious actually struggle in traditional classrooms. They might come to you with questions that their teacher can’t answer, have difficulty with typical homework assignments, or express a desire to learn about subjects that aren’t covered in their curriculum.

How can you help your child understand complex topics and develop a love of learning outside of school? Here are a few tips for to increase your child’s knowledge of the world and show them that education doesn’t just happen in the classroom. 

Turn to Educational Programming

Want to try an unorthodox learning method? Believe it or not, your television can be a great educational tool. Yes, there are great programs through PBS Kids and National Geographic, but there is a whole other world of educational programming your children can access. Streaming media devices have the advantage over cable and satellite of being able to offer a wealth of free channels you can use to enhance your child’s education. For example, your child can learn about math, history, geography, chemistry and even physics through the iEducation channel. Or, if your kiddo needs to work on their writing skills, Grammar Revolution TV helps them learn to diagram sentences through the use of puzzles. However, set a screen time limit of up to one hour a day and be sure to supervise it to ensure that it is age-appropriate and meets your standards.

Visit Your Local Library

Your local public library contains a wealth of knowledge. You can choose books to read to your child or help them find books that are suitable for their reading level. Plus, your library probably offers other free resources and fun classes that you and your child can take together. No matter which subjects your child is interested in learning about, you can find stacks of books, documentaries, and even educational magazines to help you answer all of their questions. Make visiting your library a regular weekend excursion to enjoy some extra bonding time with your child. 

Visit Museums

Is your child having difficulty understanding a topic related to science, art, or history? Perhaps a visit to a relevant museum will help them see the concept in a whole new light. There are plenty of engaging museums specifically geared toward children. While you’re there, your child can check out interactive exhibits, and on your drive home, you can discuss everything they learned. 

Do Arts and Crafts

According to Think Fun, doing arts and crafts can be an enjoyable and relaxing way for kids to relieve stress. Plus, giving your child the chance to get crafty at home, where they know they won’t be judged or graded, is a great way to encourage them to express their creativity. 

This can also provide the perfect activity for a rainy weekend afternoon. So, get out the construction paper, glue, scissors, paint, and any other fun supplies you can find at your local crafts store, and then let your child’s imagination run wild! 

Model Learning

Returning to school online to earn a teacher certificate can be an excellent way to model the value of learning to your children. By pursuing further education and professional development, you demonstrate the importance of lifelong learning and the benefits of investing in oneself. Earning a teacher certificate can also provide valuable career opportunities, allowing you to make a positive impact on the lives of students and contribute to your community. Additionally, by sharing your experiences with your children, you can inspire them to pursue their own educational goals and instill in them a love of learning that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Go Hiking

Explore the great outdoors! If your child likes hands-on learning, take them hiking, or visit your closest state and national parks. Look up native flora and fauna so you can teach your child about the local ecosystems. They can learn about animals, plants, and nature, all without cracking a book. According to Best for the Kids, spending more time outside can actually help improve your child’s concentration skills; when they’re outdoors, they’re focused on their surroundings, rather than being distracted by screens. 

Learning doesn’t have to stop outside the walls of the classroom. We all have our own unique learning styles, and not every child is suited to a standard classroom. As a parent, you can support your child in their individual learning journey by introducing them to new places, reading interesting books, and trying educational activities that you can enjoy together.

– Article and Resources Contribution by Jason Kenner

Work with me personally! If you are looking to gain more clarity, balance, peace, joy, and happiness in your life, all while effectively and efficiently handling your current day-to-day state of affairs, click here for more information on my personal coaching sessions. You can e-mail me at: info@doughaddad.com

To you and your family living a more healthy and fulfilling life!

For parents, it is easy to follow hygiene habits since they already know about the importance of good hygiene (whether that was through the easy way or the hard way). However, for kids, it’s difficult to teach them how to be hygienic. You need to keep your kids healthy and for that, we’ve created a simple guide. Let’s check the details.

Why is Good Hygiene Important?

Teaching kids good hygiene habits are important for several reasons:

• Promotes health: Good hygiene practices help prevent the spread of germs and illnesses, keeping children healthy at every stage of growing children.
• Encourages cleanliness: Developing good hygiene habits at a young age can help children learn the importance of being clean and tidy, which can carry over into adulthood.
• Builds self-esteem: Children who practice good hygiene feel good about themselves and have more confidence.

Tips for Teaching Good Hygiene

The purpose of a guide on teaching kids how to use hygiene products and maintain good hygiene habits is to provide parents and caregivers with information and tips on how to effectively teach children about proper hygiene practices, including hand-washing, brushing their teeth, and covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. The guide can also help children establish and maintain good hygiene habits that can contribute to their overall health and well-being.

1. Washing Hands

Regular hand-washing is crucial in preventing the spread of germs and illnesses. Encourage your children to make it a habit to wash their hands frequently, especially after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces or activities. Remind them to use soap and water, and to scrub for at least 20 seconds. Drying hands thoroughly with a clean towel or air dryer is also important since moisture is the best place for germs and bacteria to thrive.

For promoting proper hand hygiene in your house, you can put some posters inside the washroom on how to use hygiene products. Your kids need to not only wash their hands properly but also know when to use hand sanitizers and wet wipes. They need to wash their hands: 

• Before eating.
• After touching frequently-touched areas. 
• Before and after treating wounds.
• After touching pets. 
• After using the toilet.

Also, your kids will need to use hand sanitizers and wet wipes when the washroom is not at hand reach.

2. Brushing Teeth Twice a Day

Brushing teeth regularly is essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing tooth decay and gum disease. It is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime, for two minutes each time. Using toothpaste can also help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. 

Make sure to supervise your children while brushing and flossing to ensure they are using the proper technique and to help them establish good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.

3. Covering the Mouth When Sneezing or Coughing

Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing helps to prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risk of illness. Encourage your children to use a tissue to cover their mouth and nose, or to cough or sneeze into their elbow if a tissue is not available. 

Remind them to throw used tissues in the trash immediately and wash their hands after coughing or sneezing to further reduce the spread of germs.

4. Bathing Regularly

Regular bathing is an important aspect of good hygiene. It helps to keep the skin clean and free of dirt, oil, and bacteria that can cause skin irritation or infections. Encourage your children to take a bath or shower at least once a day, and to use soap to wash their bodies, including under their arms, behind their ears, and between their legs. 

Teach them to wash their hair regularly and to rinse thoroughly to remove soap and shampoo. Regular bathing can help your children feel fresh, clean, and confident, and promote overall health and well-being.

5. Avoiding Touching the Face

Touching the face, especially the mouth, nose, and eyes, can introduce germs and bacteria into the body, which can lead to illness. Encourage your children to minimize face-touching, especially after being in contact with potentially contaminated surfaces or objects. Remind them to wash their hands frequently, especially before touching their face, to reduce the risk of infection. This simple habit can help keep your children healthy and prevent the spread of germs.

6. Cleaning and Disinfecting Surfaces

Regular cleaning and disinfecting of frequently-touched surfaces can help prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risk of illness. Encourage your children to clean and disinfect their personal spaces, such as desks, keyboards, phones, and toys, regularly using an appropriate disinfectant. 

Teach them the importance of cleaning these items to keep them germ-free and healthy. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces can be a simple but effective way to maintain good hygiene and promote overall health.

These were all the tips that you as a parent need to consider to teach your kids to take care of their bodies properly. If they follow the simple hygiene habits at your home, most probably they may follow them outside of the house as well.

– Article and Resources Contribution by Arnold Williams

Are you looking for inspiration for helping your tween and teen grow? Are you tired of feeling run down and want guidance on how to feel better and be healthier?

Work with me personally! If you looking to gain more clarity, balance, peace, joy, and happiness in your life, all while effectively and efficiently handling your current day-to-day state of affairs, click here for more information on my personal coaching sessions. You can e-mail me at: info@doughaddad.com

To your self-care!

Nature-deficit disorder (NDD) is the concept that people (particularly children) are not getting enough quality time in nature due to the rapid development of electronic entertainment. It’s not difficult to see how the term could be viewed as legitimate, as we have seen evidence of NDD unfolding more and more each day since Richard Louv coined the term in 2005.

Nonetheless, it’s reversible. By prioritizing outdoor activities in your family’s normal routine, you can turn the table on NDD and guide your child (and yourself) to the many benefits that come from spending time amid the natural world. Here are some tips and resources to get you started.

Learn About NDD

Here is all that you need to know about this dangerous threat to our children, according to the BBC — not to mention some tips for how to limit your child’s screen time and 10 reasons why your kids need to spend more time outdoors — and maybe you do, too!

Invest in Your Child’s Outdoor Physical Activity

From enrolling your child in a sport to taking your kids mountain biking or building a basketball court in your backyard, there are lots of ways you can help invest in your children’s future
physical health.
● Give kids permission to get dirty, and then provide some suggestions for how they can explore the outdoor space. Simple tools like a hand trowel and sidewalk chalk can get them started.
● Ensure your backyard space is safe for exploring little ones by cleaning up any
chemicals, removing sharp objects, and taking care of dying or problematic trees. Then, search online for ‘best fence companies near you’ to protect your yard from uninvited guests.
● Teach your child some of the games you played when you were young (and screen
free), like Freeze Tag, HORSE, and Three Flies Up. Then, sit back and watch them
enjoy summer.
● Encourage your child to try out a variety of sports, especially if they’re not naturally
drawn to one. Practice as a family, too, and see what most catches their attention. Then, encourage your child towards that activity.
● Create ways to have family fun outdoors, like building a fire pit you can enjoy together in the evenings. There’s nothing better than bonding together over fire roasted hot dogs and s’mores.

Plan Family Trips

Maybe a family trip is just what you need to get everyone on the right track! Perhaps you want to try a wilderness vacation for your wild bunch. For museum fans, put yourself in the middle of history by visiting a living history museum, or explore garden- and life-based open air museums
around the country. Last but not least, maybe your kids would love a trip to the zoo. If so, prepping them for the adventure will be even easier, thanks to these tips from Rocks for Kids.

You don’t have to let your child live without the benefits of spending quality time in nature. Learn what you can about NDD, be sure to invest in healthy activities your child can do, and think of fun family trips that will give you the opportunity to enjoy and explore the great outdoors. In no time, your child might even prefer being outside over staring at a screen!

– Article and Resources Contribution by Jason Kenner

Work with me personally! Are you looking to gain more clarity, balance, peace, joy, and happiness in your life, all while effectively and efficiently handling your current day-to-day state of affairs? I am currently open to new clients for one-on-one or family coaching sessions. Click here for more information on my personal coaching sessions. You can e-mail me at: info@doughaddad.com

To your social, emotional, mental and physical well-being!

Sources:

Nature Deficit Disorder Has Real Consequences

OSF Healthcare

10 Reasons Why Kids Need to Spend Time Outdoors

Active For Life

30 Classic Outdoor Games For Kids And How to Play Them

Here’s How to Help Your Child Find Their Perfect Sport

10 Best Wilderness Family Vacations

The Best Living History Museums in the US

The 10 Best Open-Air Museums In The World, Ranked

Zoo for Kids [What Your Child Will Learn and How to Prepare?]

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