Creating Child Friendly Backyards

January 24, 2021 by 4 Comments

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on creating child friendly backyards.  With many venues closed because of Covid-19, there are going to be very few outdoor activities for children this summer. Your yard can be the perfect place for them to stay safe and have fun. But, you’re going to need some tools and some creativity to help create a child friendly backyard. 

 

 

creating kid friendly backyards

 

Tips for Creating Child Friendly Backyards:

 

Installing a Pool

In the past, most people wouldn’t entertain the idea of having a pool in their yard.  Pools can be costly to install, with tiles, pumps, and required accessories to build a permanent pool.  However, above ground pools are available now, which can make a backyard pool  cheaper. You will still need a hose to fill up the pool.  But, you can easily assemble and disassemble an above ground pool without much help from others.

 

Swing  Sets

Swing sets are almost like theme park rides to a child. They love the motion of going up and down and back and forth.  It makes them feel they’re having the time of their lives. Swing sets can be found cheaply online or in big box stores.  However, make sure that you have the tools to anchor the new swing set safely into the ground.  Ensuring the swing set is anchored properly will avoid accidents.  There are loads of guides around the web that can help you to achieve this goal.

 

 

 

creating child friendly backyards

Cornhole Games

Cornhole games are a traditional outdoor pastime that many people haven’t played before or haven’t played in a long time.  A small beanbag is thrown at a ramp that has a hole in it.  The objective is to get the bag into the hole.  Cornholeworldwide.com is one of the leading companies offering this game.  Furthermore, it has a large range of options that will make your yard look great.  Get your children involved on which game to buy for the family.  They will love being involved, and will be more open to playing games they choose. 

 

Tetherball

Tetherball has been around for a very long time.  It has been providing tennis players with the means to practice their skills when they are on their own.  For those who are not familiar with tetherball, it’s a ball  attached to a pole by a rope.  And, players can bat it between each other.  The goal is to wrap the rope around the pole in a set direction. You can get both floor mounted and freestanding options.  So, when you are looking at equipment make them perfect for a wide range of gardens.

 

I hope my tips have motivated you to add a few ideas to your backyard.  It can be hard to find things for the kids to do during a pandemic, but your outdoor space can be much more inviting if you put the work into it.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Family Time Tagged With: , ,

Teach Your Kids to Have Fun

April 21, 2020 by 1 Comment

Today, I’m parenting advice on how to teach your kids to have fun.  Lately, we’re spending a lot more time at home. Fortunately, that means we also have a lot more time to play with our kids.  It’s a joy and boon that might be tough to give up when it comes time to go back to work.

Unfortunately, you still have to do work at home and deal with other responsibilities.  So, you have to make sure the kids don’t getting bored, cranky, or disruptive. No worries, I have the solution to help you keep your household happy. 

 

teach your kids to have fun

 

 

Here are a few ways to help your kids have fun:  

 

Help them tap into their creativity

Now is the perfect time for your kids to find their passion.  Helping your children get creative can include crafting fun. They can make things to decorate their rooms or other areas in the home.  This can be an excellent way to spend time together too.  Also, kids can easily get lost in their own imagination for hours with the right tools. Consider ordering a child-safe art set.  And, add in things like coloring books that encourage them to tap into that playful side.  Be sure to color a few pages with them.  

 

Turn the garden into a playground

Do your children love trips to the local park? Do they miss the swings, slides, and other attractions? If you have the space for it, there’s nothing to stop you from bringing part of the playground to your yard. Seek help from the team at Component Playgrounds. It might be a little more costly than the average toy, but it will bring hours of fun.  Most importantly, with the right care and maintenance, they’ll love playing with their new swing set for years to come.  It’s a great way to teach your kids to have fun.  

 

 

help your kids to have fun

 

 

 

Engage Your Children 

Kids can and will rise to a challenge when you put it in front of them. There are plenty of toys that will inspire them to play independently. For instance, a train set, playset, or dollhouse as shown at Very Well Family will help to engage them. These items are great way to teach your kids to have fun.  

 

Show Your Kids How to Entertain Themselves 

Some might think that you’re being a little neglectful, but playing alone is an important skill for kids to learn. Getting comfortable on their own will be helpful throughout life. So, it’s important that they understand that spending time playing alone is okay. Make sure they understand they are big enough to take care of some of their needs without you.  Just as importantly, make sure they understand not to disturb you as well. And, don’t you disturb them when they’re clearly engaged in their own play, too.

 

teaching your kids to have fun

 

It’s important to spend time playing with your kids, and to teach your kids to have fun.  Especially, when their opportunities to play are limited to the home. However, you can make sure that the time they spend alone or with each other is still fun and safe with the tips above. So, don’t feel guilty about encouraging independent play.  Remember, you still need to keep an eye on them.

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10 Ideas for Family Fun

April 2, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on ideas for family fun.  Thinking of things to do while your family is stuck in the house can be very difficult. Depending on the age of your kids, you may need to think of lots of different tasks to keep different ages happy.  As a result, I’ve put together a list of activities that will get your kids excited and ready to take on a new experience.  

 

family fun

 

Ideas for family fun: 

 

Have a Movie Day

You don’t always need to be productive.  Taking a day to be lazy and enjoy your family is a good thing.  Grab a few blankets, and a stack of movies and have a great time.  Don’t forget the snacks.  

 

Start A Book Club

Reading is a great habit to get into.  And, your kids will benefit from reading.  So, start a family book club.   You could all read different books as you relax together, or take it in turns to read passages from the same book. Have everyone take a few minutes to discuss the book that they’re read with the family.  

 

Camp Out In The Garden 

Why not camp out in the garden? This will be a memorable experience that everybody can enjoy!  You can plant flowers or vegetables.  If that doesn’t interest them, plan a few kids garden crafts.  

 

 

family fun

 

 

Decorate The Sidewalk or Driveway 

Next, grab some colored chalk and have fun decorating the sidewalk or driveway.  It’ll make the world seem a little bit brighter whenever you look outside. 

 

Show Your Appreciation

Furthermore, get the kids to draw or paint pictures for nursing home residents.  This is a way to show love for the elderly and nursing home staff.   

 

Try Tik Tok

So, this is a new platform that can be a lot of fun to use. You can learn dances as a family and post them, as well as lip sync to your favorite films and shows. Most importantly, it will kill a few hours.  Start watching videos to get inspired and then work on making your own! 

 

 

kids baking

 

 

Get Into Baking

Next, try baking bread, cookies, marshmallow squares, or just about anything you like.  Make a grocery list and take a trip to the grocery store.  Let the kids help you pick out the ingredients needed.  The kids will learn valuable cooking skills and you’ll have lots of yummy things to eat afterwards. 

 

Lighten The Mood 

Work on ways to lighten the mood if you or the kids are feeling low.  Take a look at my favorite April fools pranks and see who you can trick with them! You modify or adapt them if you need to.  It’s a great way to lift everyone’s spirit.  

 

Learn New Skills

Perhaps you could learn a new skill. You don’t need anything fancy or special equipment. Why not see if there are online classes that interest everyone.  The kids or you can learn how to draw, paint, sing, sew etc.

 

Meditation 

Additionally, you can use the time to get into the meditation habit.  Meditating will help you to remain calmer and happier as a family. Meditation is about going inward, rather than looking outward, and can help with so many different aspects of life. If you get into the habit of doing this for just 5 minutes a day, you’ll strengthen the bonds with each other and yourselves. This is another great habit your kids will benefit from. 

 

Finally, do you have any ideas you’d like to add? Leave a comment below!

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3 Obstacles to Your Kids Hobbies

March 24, 2020 by 1 Comment

Hobbies are fantastic for kids.  Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on obstacles to your kids hobbies. Hobbies can help shape their lives, passions, and even careers.  At the very least, hobbies can encourage youngsters to step outside their comfort zones.  It helps them to think creatively, and test the waters of what they exactly enjoy. 

 

 

But, let’s be honest, it’s easy to push our hopes and dreams onto our kids.  In fact, few parents ask their kids what they want to do. Instead, they push them towards karate when all the kid wants to do is take piano lessons at First Choice Music Studio. This can lead children to see the activity as more of a hurdle than something they enjoy.  It may also interfere in their true calling.  Projecting your desires onto your kids can be harmful.  Worse, you may not even realize you’re a part of the problem.    

 

Here’s a few obstacles to your kids hobbies:  

 

Trying to Mirror Your Childhood 

If you loved a hobby or club when you were younger, it’s natural you would want your kids to get that same enjoyment. They may even go along with such a plan because of stories you’ve told them. Still, this is no way to a hobby that suits their tastes. There are, of course, exceptions to this but, if you’re in any doubt about whether you’re letting your past enjoyment sway their sign ups right now, then you might just be letting your desires get in the way. 

 

 

kids hobbies

 

Forcing Your Children to Participate 

Preparing your kids for school can be challenging, but hobbies should be the opposite. If that isn’t the case, you may want to rethink the situation.  You shouldn’t have to force them to wear their Scout uniform.  If you do, it’s a sign this hobby is more for you than it is for them. Hobbies should be fun. If they never look forward to it, then who’s really benefiting? 

 

Hobby Failure 

When kids are passionate, they usually progress fast. A child who wants to get their progress report for their piano lessons is passion about their hobby.  If they’re not doing well during their lessons, it could be a telling sign that they are not interested.  It’s your job as a parent to find out what’s happening, and if your child is really interested.  This particular activity may not be for your child.  

 

Admittedly, hobby failure doesn’t always land on your shoulders. It’s certainly not unusual for kids to try out a few things before they find a hobby they love.  But, if you’re noticing the above warning signs, take a step back and be honest.  Ask yourself if you are an obstacle to your kids hobbies.  

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Getting Your Kids Physically Active and Healthy

November 8, 2019 by 4 Comments

If you have noticed that your children have started to become a less active and are picking up weight?  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on getting your kids physically active.  The last thing you want is to allow them to become obese and unhealthy.  So, it is always best to bring the situation under control immediately if you notice a problem. Are you wondering how to do that?

 

 

physically active kids

 

Here’s a few tips on getting your kids physically active and healthy:

Encourage Them To Join A Sports Team

One of the most important things you will need to do is to make sure your children are getting physical exercise.  Exercising is one of the major ways to ensure that they do not get too overweight.  As a result, you should try to find a way to get them to be physically active.  One of the best and most effective ways is encourage them to join a sports team.  Ask your children what interests them as far as sports.  Is it futsal vs. indoor soccer, ballet, dance, tennis, basketball, or swimming.   Make sure it is something they want to do so they will stick with it.  So be sure to encourage them in a way that will boost their self-esteem and help them moving.

 

 

 

getting kids physically active

Take Control Of Their Diet

If your child is starting to put on weight, take control of their diet.  Make sure they are eating less unhealthy and fattening foods and more fruits and vegetables.  You may need to put your foot down while taking control of their diet, but their health is worth it.  Controlling their diet will help them to loose weight and keep it off.

 

 

getting kids physically active

 

Improve Their Quality Of Sleep

You might well be wondering what sleep has to do with getting into shape.  There is evidence that strongly suggests that getting enough deep sleep is vital to your health and weight.  Sleep helps your body to regulate its metabolism.  As a result, make your child’s bedroom comfortable.  Encourage them to develop a nighttime routine.  You can expect them to get quality sleep, and ultimately that will lead to some improvements in their weight too.

These are all useful ways to getting your kids physically active.  Consider them all, and implement them one step at a time.

 

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16 Ways to Celebrate Great Outdoors Month

June 5, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Did you know that June is Great Outdoors Month?  Yes, school will be over for the summer and the kids will need to be occupied.  The Great Outdoors Month is opportunity to escape being inside.  So, today I’m sharing parenting tips on the Great Outdoors Month and activities for kids.  It’s a great way to get them off the electronics.  Furthermore, it’s a great to get them to exercise, blow off steam from the stresses of the school year and bond as a family.  Here we go:

 

 

 

National Outdoors Month

 

 

Bike Riding – Pull those bikes out of the garage and get your kids riding.  Encourage them to get the other neighborhood kids involved.  It’s a great way to get them to exercise and gives you a few moneys to exhale from having them for the summer.

Scavenger Hunt – Send them on a scavenger hunt.  Print our Summer Scavenger Hunt cards and let them explore and have fun.  Most of the items can be found in your backyard or neighborhood.

Chase Butterflies  – Purchase a few butterfly nets and let them run around the yard chasing butterflies.

Garden  – Introduce your children to nature.  Let them plant a few vegetables or a butter fly garden.

Plan a Picnic –  Next, grab your picnic and fill it with sandwiches, fruits, and drinks and spend time with the kids.  It gets them out the house, and allows you to bond with them.  You can spread out a blanket in the backyard or park.  Make it simple.

 

 

Great Outdoors Month

 

Hike – Take a hike through a local park or walk around the neighborhood.

Birdwatch – Head to one of your local reserves or your own backyard.  Birdwatching in your own backyard can be a wonderful experience.  It allows the kids to see what birds are native to your area and which ones they would like to lure to the feeders.

Horseback Riding –  Also, check out your local equestrian center for rates on an hour of horseback riding.  This may be a good time for the kids to take riding lessons.

Paddle Boating – Head to your local park, and spend some time on the water paddle boating.  Don’t forget your life jackets and the safety rules.

Camping – Planning a camping trip complete with tents and outdoor cooking with the kids.

 

 

 

Great Outdoors Month

 

Fishing – Take the kids fishing.  You can fry them up or throw them back.  Either way, the kids will have a great time.

Outdoor Movies – Also, set up a movie night and let the kids enjoy the stars and moon while watching one of their favorite movies.

Star Watching – If you kids love to watch the stars, bring out the telescope.  It’s a great way to look at the stars and learn about astrology as a family.

White Water Rafting –  Check your area to see if this activity is being offered.  It’s big in my area!

 

 

 

Great Outdoors Month

 

River Tubing –  Take a journey along your local river or lake and just enjoy the day as a family.

Go Karts – Last, my grandson and his friends love the Go Kart track.  It’s a nice family activity.

 

Finally, get creative.  The goal is to get outside and get physical.  Enjoy nature and make a commitment to get off the phone and get outside.  The possibilities on finding activities for the kids to do during the Great Outdoors Month is endless.   You may also like:  Camping Injuries and How to Avoid Them.  

 

 

 

Filed Under: Entertainment, Parenting Tips Tagged With: , ,

How to Get Rest When You Have Children

May 28, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Getting a rest from your children is a good thing for both you and baby.  For example, the children get some time away from you where they can have fun and socialize.  But, you get some well-needed sleep or alone time too. It’s mentally healthy and quite frankly needed.  This is incredibly important especially if you’re a new parent.  There is no doubt your life has gone through some major changes.  However, there are plenty of ways you can still get some rest and remain in control.  Today we’re sharing  empowerment tips on how to get rest when you have children.  Many options are right in front of you, but you need structure to ensure your choices are reliable.

 

 

parenting tips

 

Tag someone else 

If you do live close to your in-laws or parents, they can be a good resource for help when you need a rest.  Perhaps if you have siblings that are close by they too can be substitutes.  They will surely understand that you need help getting some sleep or just time to relax and take a bath.  Asking them to come over and babysit can take a load off your mind.  Alternatively,  you can drop the kids off at their place and pick them up when you’re ready. Use the weekends to empty the house and get some peace and quiet for a few hours.  If you have relatives who want to take them for a few days or the week-end take them up on it.  Even this small amount of time can help a lot.

 

 

parenting tips

 

 

Invest in hobbies

Furthermore, child should be encouraged to find hobbies they like.  Getting them moving and keep them active is imperative. But, that means parents must invest in their children.  This includes buying equipment, signing them up for different leisure or children’s groups.   For example, if your child wants to learn to play a sport, you should help them find a local team or club they can join.   Sports like archery needs to be done in a  controlled environment.  As a result, this means you can drop them off for a couple hours and get some rest. Other hobbies like joining the scouts can be great for their learning potential, but also for you.

 

Start them early

The more you can help your children learn new things and have it as part of their daily life, the more you can begin to rest.  There are plenty of child care options for parents as well, and you can take full advantage of them. The kids can be away and in a preschool learning environment from the ages of around 3 to 5.  Not only will they be learning with other children, but the lunches and snacks will be provided by the facility.   Early childhood development provides a curriculum that will also allow your child to learn a variety of educational activities.

Parents and children need some space and time from each other.  Most importantly, it’s good to reset your mind and body as well as allowing the kids to go off to do things they find enjoyable and also learn at the same time.

 

Filed Under: Empowerment, Parenting Tips, Pregnancy-New Mom Tagged With: , ,

Game Day Activities for Kids

February 1, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on game day activities for kids.  Super Bowl Sunday or any game day for that matter is the perfect time for gathering with family and friends. In reality, most game day activities are centered around adults.  Unfortunately, that leaves the kids wondering around and searching for things to do.  Video games are readily available; however, I’m all for intellectual stimulation.

 

 

game day activities for kids

 

 

So, I created these game day activities for the older kids.  There’s a Football Unscramble Game that uses  football terms including turnover, tackle, touch down, cheerleaders and more.  It also includes an answer key.

 

 

game day activities for kids

 

 

 

 

Another one of our game day kid’s activity is a football crossword puzzle.  It’s challenging, and will keep your football player/lover busy while you’re finishing the gameday menu or other festivities.

 

 

 

football crossword puzzle

 

 

If your child needs to work on their writing and grammar, we have writing game day activity for kids.  The activity will require the participant to write sentences using football terminology.  This would be a great group activity too, so print off several copies.

 

 

game day activities

 

Our last game day kid’s activities is a word search football terminology.  It contains around 20 of the most used football terms.  My 13 year old grandson loves word search puzzles.  It’s a football player too!

 

 

football word search puzzle

 

 

Set up a card table or area where the kids can play these games along with a few game day snacks.  These games are perfect for adults too.  My 6’2 240 pound son-in-laws loves working word search puzzles.  Form teams, and give out prizes to the first team who completes the Unscramble and Crossword Puzzle Games.  Or, you can print these activities to keep your guess busy while you finishing up snack trays.  Or, use them to keep the kids busy while you’re mingling and entertaining friends.  They will love the game day challenges and involvement in game day.  Download the printables here.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Kid's Printables, Parenting Tips Tagged With: , ,

Why They Should Bring Back Drive-in Theaters

November 14, 2018 by 3 Comments

 

movie ideas

 

If you enjoy going to the movies, try a drive-in theater.  I have fond memories of going to the drive-in when I was teen. Drive-in theaters were popular in the 60’s and 70’s, but lost their popularity when colored TVs emerged. They are slowly making a come back across the country, and I’m jumping up and down.

I have one near by, so I decided to take my grandchildren to see The Grinch.  I’m always striving to do something different so they will have a great memory, and a drive-in is something they’ve never experienced.

 

 

Holiday Movies

 

I thought seeing The Grinch was a great way to begin the holiday season.  It was a perfect chilly Sunday evening with no school the next day.  So, we gathered our warm coats, hats, gloves and headed out to the Family Drive-in Theater.  Being out after dark and watching a movie in the car excited the kids.  It made me joyful too.  Making my grandchildren happy and creating memories is what it’s about as a grandparent.

The Family Drive-in Theater is the only one in the Washington, D.C./Northern Virginia metropolitan area.  It’s a family owned business that has been open since 1956.   The concession stand is how they make most of their money.  The theater itself is quite nostalgic.

When we reached the theater, a line had already formed.  We waited patiently.  Fortunately, the price for entry was reasonable.  It was $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children 4 -11.  My grandchildren fell into the $4.00 category.  Normally, there is a double feature playing.  Except for Sundays, only 1 movie is shown.   So, it was $20 for 4 of us.  We entered the theater area and found a great spot directly in front of the movie screen.  Arriving early has its advantages.  If you arrive early enough, the kids can play on the playground until the movies start.

 

holiday movies

                                                                     Movie screen at Family Drive-in Theater

 

We needed to use the rest room and than head to the snack bar area before the movie started.  The menu was surprising.  There was the usual popcorn and soda fountain drinks.  But, they offered chicken salad, angus burgers, tacos, and shrimp.  It was quite the menu.  Actually, better than any regular movie theater that I’ve been to.  My grandson ordered corn dogs and hot chocolate.  The corn dog was so good, he had to have another.  I ordered the shrimp basket, which included fries.  My granddaughter ordered popcorn.  It was quite the feast.

 

drive-in theater speakers

Speakers at Family Drive-in Theater

 

We headed back to the car to get settled before the movie started.  We had the option of tuning in on the car radio for the sound or using their speakers.  Or, you could also use a portable radio. We used their speakers. They hook on to your car window or sit on your dashboard.  The kids thought the speakers were cool.  They also thought it was cool to be able to sit under the stars, and watch the movie.  When they visit, they want to go to the outside movie theater again.  They also enjoyed The Grinch.  It was short, about 1 hour and 15 minutes, but entertaining.

If you have a drive-in theater in your area, load up the kids and head out.  It will be a memory they always treasure.  I can’t wait to take them back next summer.

 

 

Filed Under: Entertainment, Parenting Tips Tagged With: , ,

Tips to Help Kids Who Play Acoustic Guitars Be Successful

October 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on kid friendly acoustic guitars. Whether you had a hand in motivating your child to pick up the acoustic guitar or not, the moment you child says he or she wants to play guitar, listen closely. If your child is seriousness, start looking for kid-friendly acoustic guitars.  Additionally, check out age-appropriate music lessons with teachers that specialize in teaching children.

 

 

 

acoustic guitars

 

 

Once your child starts their lessons, as a parent you need to offer support as well and encourage your child to keep learning and practicing.  Also, make sure your child is getting what they need to become a good guitar player.

 

Tips to help your child become a good acoustic guitar player:

 

Get a good acoustic guitar of the right size

Acoustic guitars that are smaller than full-sized models are great options for kids.  These guitars are easier for children to hold.  Furthermore, there are plenty of kid-sized guitars on the market.  For example, the Martin LX1 Little Martin, Taylor GS Mini and Epiphone Pro-1 to name a few. These acoustic guitars are all from trusted brands so you can be sure to have a reliable instrument for your child.

 

Hire a good teacher

When hiring a teacher, look for an instructor that can tailor lessons according to your child’s age, level of understanding and physical capacity. The teacher should also be someone your child likes.  If they don’t like their teacher, they could lose interest in playing the acoustic guitar.

So, once you find a teacher your child likes, make sure you touch base with them on a regular basis. You are now a team.  As a result, you must work together to help provide your child with the best music education.  Ask how you can help.

 

Set up a practice space and schedule

Designate a room in the house or corner of your child’s bedroom as their practice space.  Make sure it is free of clutter and other distractions. The space should be comfortable, have a straight-backed chair, a sheet music stand or table and ample lighting.

Sit down with your child and work on a practice schedule. Consider school and extracurricular activities, weekend  activities, chores, homework time etc.  When your child is part of the planning, they are more likely to stick to the practice schedule.

 

Set up a reward system

Rewards are great motivators and give children something to aim for. You can set up a reward system every time they ‘unlock’ an achievement.  Additionally, memorizing a set of three chords or knowing all the notes on the fretboard can be incentives for rewards.  Make the rewards  simple.  For example,  such as a cupcake for a chord, or something bigger, like a shirt of their favorite band when they are able to play a song without making an error.

The most powerful thing you can give children learning to play the acoustic guitar is encouragement. Show how proud you are of them when they attend their lessons, practice on schedule and do their best to become a better musician. If you keep giving them words of encouragement, they would be more motivated to keep going!

 

Filed Under: Education, Parenting Tips Tagged With: , ,