Category: Parenting

5 Mother of the Bride Duties to Know Before Your Daughter Gets Hitched

What are the mother of the bride duties you need to know before your daughter gets married? Make sure you’re living up to your title with this advice.

The mother-of-the-bride to-do list may seem endless but in reality, the most important item on the list is providing loving support to your daughter. There is no right or wrong way to perform your mother-of-the-bride duties if you keep love front and center in everything you do. The duties of every mother-of-the-bride have variations and combinations, but there are traditional and contemporary duties you’ll want to perform to help make your daughter’s wedding special and memorable.

Mother-of-the-Bride Traditional Responsibilities

There may be nothing more important in the traditional responsibilities of a mother-of-the-bride than helping the bride find her perfect wedding dress. Helping your daughter find her perfect wedding dress has been a traditional responsibility of the mother-on-the-bride since weddings began. The wedding dress for women became the symbolic passage from the girl of springtime to the woman of married life.

Your daughter has a style, and just like the many engagement ring styles, her partner went through to find the perfect one, her wedding dress will be reflective of that style as well. The wedding dress your daughter wears represents her, her partner, and the love they share for each other. Another traditional duty for the mother-of-the-bride is serving as a communicator, facilitator, and the go-to person.

You’ll serve in one or all those capacities when backing up your daughter’s selection of caterers, florists, venues, entertainers, and planners. That means you also become the designated communicator between your daughter and her partner’s family, decorations, guests, and almost anything wedding related. Another traditional duty is working with your daughter to come up with a guest list that also meets the wedding budget.

Mother-of-the-Bride Contemporary Duties

Bridesmaids are the joy of every modern bride, but they can also be an unintentional stressful component when planning a wedding. That means most mother-of-the-brides now serve as the chief communicator to the bridesmaids while handling all last-minute hiccups like something happening to a bridesmaid’s dress. Every mother can ease these sometimes stressful bridesmaid’s issues with support, comfort, and solutions.

Almost every bride in today’s world has a bridal shower and sometimes an engagement party too. If your daughter plans on having one or both, it’s good to help plan or support her events. You can do this by helping her with the event duties and sometimes providing financial help if possible.

You also want to act as a warm and facilitating hostess for your daughter at these events. That way, all the guests are comfortable and can enjoy your daughter’s pre-wedding events.

The Mother-Daughter Gift

No matter how big or small the gift is that you give your daughter on her special day, it should be something personal. You have a lifetime of memories together, so finding something you know she’ll treasure as a keepsake is one of the most poignant, memorable, and loving things you’ll do for her on her wedding day. Most of the time, you’ll give your daughter her special gift during a private moment between the two of you that will be remembered forever.

A Wedding to Remember

Once you perform all your mother-of-the-bride duties, you can sit back and start to enjoy the party going on around you. You’ve already successfully supported and shown your daughter how much she means to you. Now is the time to make sure she knows that you listened to her when she called your name and whatever she needed you were there for her. 

There’s no greater gift a mother-of-the-bride can give her daughter than love. 

How To Improve Your Baby’s Health In Winter 

Discover crucial baby health care tips that will help you more with your little one. As parents, we all want what’s best for our children. Get started today by reading all the essentials about baby health care!

Babies need care and support regularly until they are old enough to cater for themselves. However, the requirement for baby health care is more important when winter draws near. When the temperature of the atmosphere is low, diverse processes are activated within the body, which provides safety for the organs.

Key Baby Health Care Tips

A good percentage of the energy which is produced is used to regulate the temperature of the body. The winter season is the ideal period for viruses and microbes to bloom, and babies are most susceptible to having their immune system weakened.  You can also employ the use of baby health products such as babies probiotics and baby health trackers, which detects if there are baby health problems, but you should also take into account some tips.

Make Use Of A Humidifier

This is one of the best ways to safeguard the health of your baby, especially when the temperature is likely to reduce drastically. Instead of using conventional heating systems, which will make the room and the skin of your baby dry, because of the absence of water vapor. 

For you to regulate the moisture levels in your room, and ensure it is kept at an optimal level, which would be suitable for your baby, you need to use a humidifier.

Make Use Of A Moisturizer

This is a basic baby health care piece of advice. The skin of a baby is more sensitive than an adult’s. When the weather is not favorable, it acts adversely on the skin of a baby. We can still manage ourselves during winter, but it gets very uncomfortable for babies. To solve this issue, all you need do is ensure the skin of your child is kept as soft as possible. 

One way you can achieve this is to use skin creams, which are made particularly for babies, or perhaps a skin lotion. Use products which have a high butter and milk cream content. You can also decide to opt for milk cream because it avails you a natural way of maintaining the texture and glow of your baby’s skin. 

Don’t Use Many Products

This is another basic baby health care piece of advice. One mistake which parents often make is, they use many products, thinking their combined effects would be instrumental in safeguarding the health of their babies during winter. This does not usually work out as planned, as the health of the baby stands to be endangered if lots of products are used. Parents are advised to stick just to creams and lotions. 

Some parents make the mistake of giving their babies one bath too many, and this bares their skin to shampoos and soaps. With this, their skin is rid of the remaining moisture on their bodies, and it makes their skin drier than before. This does not undermine the fact that bathing during winter is enjoyable, but babies should be exposed to soaps once or twice a week.

Massage The Body Of Your Baby Thoroughly

This is an essential baby health care tip. Irrespective of the season you birthed your baby, it is highly advised by health practitioners that you should ensure you massage your baby well. The primary benefit of massage is, it triggers the flow of blood within the body, and it enhances the consciousness of well-being, which improves the immune system of your baby. 

When you are massaging your baby, you need to ensure it is done under a warm atmosphere, at a very suitable and comfortable time for both you and the baby. It is also recommended that you use natural oils for this purpose.

Avoid Heavy Blankets

The use of heavy blankets is another mistake that parents commit. To you, it might look like the most appropriate way to keep your baby warm during winter. However, it would interest you to know that you are endangering the health of your baby. Some babies have been lost to the icy hands of death because of the inability to breathe properly. 

Babies are not really strong enough to pull off the blanket when they are feeling uncomfortable, and if a parent is not observant, something unpleasant could occur. The best measure to put in this case is to use a light blanket, and also ensure the temperature of the room is kept at an optimal level. With this, you rest assured that your baby would feel comfortable, and there would be no reason for your child to get suffocated by the blanket. 

Wear Comfortable Clothing For Your Baby

Parents need to know that there is a thin line between keeping your baby warm proficiently, and keeping him or her uncomfortable. When you continually adorn your child with socks, gloves, and thick sweaters, you are preventing your child from having smooth movements. It also becomes very uncomfortable for the child. 

In baby health care, to avoid this, ensure you clothe your baby based on the temperature range of the room at that moment. You should also choose clothes that will thoroughly cover the body of your baby but would not serve as a burden. Gloves and socks are great because it would help your child to sleep well. 

Keep A Warm Temperature

It is quite challenging to monitor the temperature of your room, and your baby’s every time, but it is worth it. You should shut the windows if you are somewhere where the cold air blows regularly. Furthermore, you need to find a way to ensure the air within the room remains ventilated.

Conclusion

Baby health care during winter is something you should never be negligent about. Parents who have lost their babies during winter would have been careless at some point. Hence, to avoid unpleasant acts like that from occurring, you need to ensure you stick to the above-mentioned health baby tips. 

Health baby products are known to ensure baby health and safety, and you can get some of them from hospitals and baby stores.

One of the reasons why babies fall sick during winter is because they are not properly catered for. Some parents might think it is due to inadequate nutrition, but a good number of times, it is usually beyond that healthy baby foods. If your baby shows signs of illness during winter, it is advised that you take him or her to see a health specialist who would advise you on what to do.

What do you think of these baby health care tips? Let us know in the comments!

About the author

Elizabeth is currently a stay-at-home mom who lives with her two babies and her husband. She is an accountant by day, now working remotely, and full-time mother by night. She writes a lot about parenting at Top-Mom.

Communication Tips: 10 Top Tips for How to Talk to Teens

Are you trying to communicate with your teen, but you don’t know how? Read this article to learn how to talk to your teens.

Forget the terrible twos, what about the tumultuous teens? They often seem like a completely different species than the beautiful, loving child that wouldn’t give you a moment of peace. 

As they hit their teenage years, they can tend to become like a stranger who only acknowledges you when they’re hungry or want a ride someplace.

It can be difficult to know how to talk to teens when you can’t get them to look away from their phone to give you a reply.

Check out these tips on how to talk to teens and make a meaningful connection rather than just grunting replies as they slam the bedroom door.

1. Be Available and Present

One of the biggest things you can do to help open communication with teens is to simply be there and be present. Unplug from technology and turn off your phone for a few hours and be available for them to talk to when they’re ready. If your teen is ready to start dating, be available to talk and suggest some PG rated teen date ideas for them to enjoy.

Many families spend days on end at home without actually talking to each other at all. Everyone sits in the same room while talking on the phone or social media to people around the world without ever connecting with the people right beside them.

Putting your phone down and giving your teen your completely undivided attention can be one of the greatest gifts you can give them.

2. Spend Quality Time Together

Teens are more likely to talk when you’re doing recreational or fun activities together than if you force the conversation. If you want them to open up to you then you need to give them a relaxing environment to do it in.

Spend time doing things they like to do, start having a weekly game night or set aside a day each month where the two of you hang out and just enjoy each other’s company.

3. Take an Interest in Their Interests

You may not like video games or going shopping at the mall but if those are the things your teen is passionate about then you’ll get them to open up and feel connected to you if you make an effort to take an interest in the things they like.

Attend their sports games or art shows and see the environment and people they spend time with. Learn the names of their friends and show an interest in what is going on in their social group.

Showing you care about them, their interests, and their friends can do more for opening up communication than any amount of interrogation about what they are doing and who they are doing it with.

4. Learn How to Talk to Teens Without Judgement

If your teen feels like they are going to be judged or get into trouble for the things they share with you, they aren’t going to be very forthcoming with what’s really going on with them.

It can be hard not to pass judgment on choices they make and you may be dying to tell them to make better choices. You can certainly give them advice if asked but you may find they open up to you more if you are there to listen instead of to preach.

5. Admit You Don’t Know It All

You are the parent and have a lot more life experience than your naive teenager but that doesn’t mean you know everything. Admitting that you don’t can be a huge step in making them feel comfortable talking to you about the things they don’t know.

Sharing your personal shortcomings and mistakes can help them feel more at ease with sharing their own struggles and mistakes. 

6. Remember What Being a Teen is Like

You were a teenager once. You rolled your eyes at your parents and tried to get away with things when you thought you could. You learned in your teen years how to make decisions and choices for your own life and need to remember that when your teen is trying to figure out their future.

Take some time to remember what being a teenager is like, and all the emotions and confusion and drama that came along with those difficult years.

Your teen is more likely to share details about the trouble they’re in if you are willing to recall mistakes you’ve made and poor choices that sometimes come with being young.

7. Realize the World Has Changed

It’s good to remember what being a teenager was like but you can also benefit from realizing it is a very different world today than it was 25 years ago. The internet and social media have changed how we perceive the world and ourselves. 

Teens today have the entire world of knowledge at their fingertips and a lot of the information they have access to is confusing, incorrect, or bias. Some of it is even dangerous and harmful to their mental health.

While every generation had their own challenges, teens today have pressures and influences in their lives that previous generations were sheltered from. 

8. Listen to Understand, Not to Respond

Sometimes what your teen needs most is a compassionate and understanding ear rather than advice or intervention to fix their problems. You may want to jump in and intervene but this can lead to your teen not coming to you next time they have a problem.

When your teen tells you something, it isn’t always because they want you to fix it or become a helicopter parent that doesn’t let them move without an opinion from you. They may just want to share how they feel and what is happening in their life. 

Often talking about a problem can bring relief without any action other than lovingly actively listening to what they have to say.

9. Ask What They Need

As parents, it’s hard to see our children, no matter how old they are, suffering or going through stress without trying to fix it. We often think we know what they need and how we can help. 

We all have different ways of accepting and appreciating love. Learning the language of loveyour child best responds to will help you react in the way that is most effective for them.

10. Be Positive

No matter how frustrated you are by the choices they make or the information they share with you. Try to be positive when giving feedback.

You don’t have to agree with what they say or do but find something positive to focus on and they’ll continue to feel comfortable coming to you with their thoughts and problems in life. 

Love Above All Else

The greatest thing you can do is learn how to talk to teens with unconditional love. You can be their greatest ally and closest confidant if you are open to listening and learning from them while sharing the authentic and real you.

Don’t forget to bookmark our site for easy access to all our parenting and life tips.

How to Make Your Family Car Last Longer?

A family car is not unlike a family member. It has its duties in the household. It increases your homestead’s overhead and it’s really hard to part with it. Still, with the right maintenance and involvement of the entire family, you can drastically prolong its useful life. This will benefit your budget, as well as help you out on the sentimental side (by postponing the need to part with a beloved family vehicle). With all of this in mind and without further ado, here are the top six ways to make your family car last longer.

1. Discuss your driving habits

Before we start, you need to keep in mind that there are some driving habits that can help save your car in the long run. For instance, cruising and driving in the correct gear are methods that can substantially improve the wellbeing of your car’s engine. Other than this, great braking habits and keeping your foot off the clutch can also do wonders for the mechanics of your vehicle. Sadly, while these may sound intuitive, not everyone is aware of just how much of a difference these habits make. So, as a family in which you’re not the only driver, it’s vital that this is openly discussed.

2. Watch out for fluids

The next thing you need to take into consideration is the fluids of your vehicle and the impact of skimming on them when there’s no need for such a thing. Your engine simply can’t work without oil, however, a lot of people postpone oil replacement for as long as they can. Keep in mind that old and stale oil may drastically impact your engine’s functionality. When doing so, try studying which viscosity is adequate for which weather conditions (hot vs. cold) and avoid buying cheap oil in order to save money. This is a dangerous practice that will come to backfire in the nearest future.

3. DIY part replacement

While you do not want to handle all of your car’s maintenance on your own, there are some simple repairs that you should definitely try your hand at. Replacing spark plugs and windshield wipers, as well as fixing the car paint scratches are just some of the things you can do in order to keep your car in top condition for a lot longer. One of the ways to make these DIY attempts more frugal is to find a reliable supplier of car parts and order from them.

4. Tend to your tires

Keep in mind that the state of your tires may be pivotal when it comes to the overall maintenance of your vehicle. So, make sure to keep your tires properly inflated, as well as to replace them every now and then. You see, depending on whether your car has an FWD, AWD or RWD, your tires will wear out unevenly, which is why it’s recommended that you rotate your tires every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. This may sound as excessive but it can definitely help keep your car in top condition for a lot longer. Needless to say, keeping a spare tire is a definite must.

5. Regularly take it for service

There are some things that you just can’t pull off on your own, which is why it’s important that you regularly take the car to be serviced. The biggest problem with this issue is finding a mechanic that you can trust. Those who are reluctant to show you old parts (after replacing them with new ones), as well as those who refuse to show you the receipts for the parts that they’ve purchased on your behalf definitely have something to hide. Make sure to keep both your eyes open for these occurrences.

6. Keep it clean

A lot of people may see keeping their car clean as a matter of aesthetics, however, by avoiding to do so, you will encourage the rusting process on the body of the vehicle. When covered in muck, some parts of the vehicle are known to malfunction. We’re talking about suspension components and bushings. Other than this, you want to be proud of your family car and your ability to pull this off depends on its neatness. So, regularly wash it and even try polishing and waxing it every now and then. Needless to say, this can also add to its resale value.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, no asset gets hit as hard by depreciation as your family car. This is why tending to it properly helps you keep its value for a lot longer. This alone would be worth any effort we’ve discussed in the list above. 

Secrets to Achieving Chic but Kid-Friendly Interior Design

Designing a kid-friendly home isn’t that hard, as most people just let their kids to everything they want and call it a day. But, if you’re looking to keep your home chic, there are some ways to combine these elements, and still be able to achieve a kid-friendly interior decor. A lot of people struggle with combining these two styles so for that reason here are some secrets that will help you keep your home chic while still keeping it kid-friendly:

Feel free to make it a bit silly

Since you have a kid around, then you know the importance of giving them space to play and have fun. Therefore, embracing your inner child can only make you feel better and less anxious. When it comes to decorating your space, feel free to let your kids use a wall as a canvas (in moderation) or have some silly decor items such as colorful vases and fun paintings. Going a bit silly will make your home look more relaxed and welcoming, especially to those who also have children, as they will feel free to bring their own kids to play with yours. 

Make a comfortable play area

The play area can be a great way to have your child nearby while still giving them enough space. Even if you already have a room for your child, it can be a bit difficult to decorate it and let them play there all alone when they’re too small. In that case, a play area in the living room or even a dining room can be a wonderful substitute. To make it stylish and cozy, use a kid’s rug from Miss Amara NZ so your kid will feel comfortable and warm while sitting on the floor. Also, make sure to get plastic boxes or baskets so you’ll be able to store the toys and keep the rest of the room clutter-free and clean.

Your kid’s artwork can be used as a wall art

If this seems a bit too much, there’s no reason to feel doubtful as a kid’s artwork can be a lovely way to decorate your home and still keep it kid-friendly. Most parents prefer to put their kid’s artwork on the fridge, but with a bit of imagination, you can actually frame their best works and hang them all over the house. Just make sure to use appropriate picture frames, so everything will look well-decorated and elegant. Aside from that, it’s important to point out that using your kid’s artwork as decor pieces can be a great way to boost their self-confidence and make them feel good about their own creative abilities.

Make your home safe

Children love to run around and are often prone to get injured, so it’s necessary to make sure that your home is childproof and safe. So, if you don’t know where to start, consider using door locks and safety gates so you’ll be sure that your little one won’t wander off. Also, don’t forget to keep all the cosmetics and harsh cleaning products away from your kid’s curious hands. Children like to explore and touch things, even if they’re in the trash can, so make sure to use a trash can cover so your munchkin won’t be able to take anything from there.

Experiment with different colors

Kids usually love colorful and patterned things, so incorporating some of them into your home decor can add a whole new vibe to your place. Whether you love polka dots, tribal or just colors everywhere, chances are your home will look more kid-friendly if you simply decide to infuse it with different patterns and other colorful elements. Also, colors and patterns cone come in handy as they can cover the stains and everyone who has toddlers know how common spills and stains are. Therefore, if you’re looking to add some charm to your house, then you should surely consider bold shades and interesting patterns.

Combining kid-friendly, Montessori room design and chic elements isn’t that hard, but it requires some planning, so make sure to check all the available options, before you make a final decision. Also, keep in mind that kids are loud, dirty and love touching things, so don’t get too upset if they make a bit of a mess. That’s why aiming for child-friendly home design, is always a good choice, so feel free to play with various elements, and don’t forget to consult your little ones, too. 

Are You Planning a Vacation With Your Kids? Here Are a Few Ideas

How many times have you said that you would like to visit some foreign countries when the kids grow up?

You lost count, most likely, like so many other parents. However, it does not have to be this way.

The faster parents understand that children like traveling too, the better. Yes, we all know that they can throw temper tantrums for the silliest reasons, but children also like getting out of their routine.

Besides, they get to spend some quality time with the people they love most. Their parents. So here are some ideas for some kid-friendly foreign locations you can enjoy.

Rome, Italy

To you, it is a romantic place with a rich culture and history. To children, Rome is gladiators, cool swords, battles, Maximus, and the Colosseum. It may be a good idea to teach your kids a few things about Rome before you leave. That will create expectations and excitement. Although I would recommend some age-appropriate books. Surely, you can find some online.

To make things a bit easier for you, know that there are hotels in Rome that have special activities for children such as heroes’ tours and treasure hunts. Your children are in great hands, and if you want, you can escape for a little while to enjoy the adult part of Rome with your partner.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam is a great city to walk in. The sights are picturesque, and it is generally very kid friendly. You will see kids even in bars. Of course, they have spaces specially designed for them with toys and a space to play in. In fact, many restaurants have that too. However, there are a few attractions your children will love. For instance, you can take them to the NEMO Science Museum or the National Maritime Museum. They are both incredible places where kids can see cool ships and learn about their history.

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

As a grown-up, you will absolutely love this place. It has this hippie vibe and tons of traditions. You can enjoy lots of experiences. However, if you decide to go to the Ritz-Carlton Reserve and stay at the Mandapa, your kids are going to have a blast. They have a Kids’ Hut, which is basically a farm where your kids can learn about the animal. They have chickens, cows, ducks, and rabbits. They can play all day long and eat fresh vegetables, plant rice and much more. Besides, you will find it relaxing.

Copenhagen, Denmark

There are two locations in Copenhagen that provide fun for both the parents and the kids. One of them is the Blue Planet Aquarium. There are several exhibits with fish and other animals from all around the world. You can visit the rainforest exhibit, where your kids can touch a snake if they feel up to it. All displays have touchscreens that your kids can use to learn about the several types of animals in front of them.

The second is Tivoli Gardens. There are rides and fantastic street food, cartoon characters, and so on. It depends on the time of the year you visit, but Tivoli Gardens is amazing no matter the decorations they put up.

Unquestionably, one of the ideas above sound fantastic for your next vacation with the kids. One more useful tip I can give you for your next vacation is that for some countries, you can get electronic visas for the entire family. If you want to go to India, for instance, you can get eVisas.They are available online, you do not have to carry all your kids to an embassy or a visa center, and you do not have to concern yourself with a tedious visa application process. As long as you have valid passports for the entire family, you are golden. The rest is a piece of cake.

If you want to find more tips by blogger parents, have a look at www.familyexperiencesblog.com, run by an expat mother of two in Athens Greece, writing about travel and sharing travel tips.

It’s Time for Fun: 3 Best Mom’s Night Out Ideas

Are you ready to have some fun with your mom friends? Read this article to learn about the best mom’s night out ideas for maximum fun.

It’s hard being a Mom! There’s so much to get done in a day’s time, whether it’s for your family, for your job, or for the home itself. Yes, you love your family but it doesn’t mean you couldn’t enjoy a little time away for yourself too.

Getting out of the house and spending some quality time with other moms that know the struggle can be good for you. It’s important for your health to have time to de-stress! But what should you and the women you’ve gathered do for your big night out?

If you need some killer mom’s night out ideas, read on. We’ll walk you through some ideas that will guarantee a good night.

1. Group Massage

You’ve heard of a couple’s massage, right? While that may sound romantic and fun, it can be even more rewarding to head to the local spa with a couple of your best gal pals. 

These treatments can help you feel like yourself again, and the long and luxurious process is the perfect time to catch up with friends and talk in-depth about your lives. That’s also not even to speak to the champagne and chocolate strawberries that often come packed and parceled with this kind of thing.

You might even be able to find a great Groupon deal online and get the whole afternoon or evening done on the cheap. 

2. Take an Art Class

If you’re looking for things to do in your town, it’s well worth looking up what sort of at-night arts classes exist. Most towns have some sort of paint and sip night somewhere in town, which can be a great place to express your creative streak and enjoy a little Merlot while you do it.

If your group of mothers actually want to learn a new skill, there’s plenty of classes that provide actual instruction. However, if you’re just looking to drink and have a fun time with some watercolors, there should be plenty of space for that kind of activity too.

Some of these classes are even BYOB, which means you can bring your exact favorite bottle in to share with the others.

3. An Escape Room

The newest craze that’s sweeping the nation involves you and your friends locking yourself into a small room with no clear way out. Sound crazy? No! It’s an escape room.

This is a new favorite activity for many adults all over America. You have to work as a team to solve riddles and piece together clues. You’re fighting against the clock, so it’s a good way to get competitive without having to pit the group against themselves.

If you make it out in time, it’s easy to head nearby and celebrate with drinks (or even drown your sorrows if not). 

The Best Mom’s Night Out Ideas

If you’re looking for some great mom’s night out ideas, you can’t beat the above options. However, these are only the tip of the iceberg and you’re definitely encouraged to get creative.

Need more entertainment tips and tricks? Check out our blog for more.

All You Need to Know About Various Types of Outdoor Play Equipment

Outdoor playing is a must for every kid at an early age. It gives them the opportunity to face different situations and how to make decisions and go about them. Spending some time outdoors every day develops their motor functions and helps them explore and take risks. Read on for knowing more about the outdoor playing benefits and how you can achieve a healthy lifestyle for you and your family by spending time outdoors.

  • Expression swings – Expression swings are swings that are equally enjoyable for kids as well as adults. It helps to relax after a long day. It is one of the intergenerational play equipment that brings face to face contact while playing along with the fun. 
  • Multi activity Play systems – Play systems are the perfect play structure played out for kids to develop their thoughts and also increase physical activity. These types of play systems are installed in schools, residential areas, and parks which are found highly appealing to all kids of any age and ability.

  • Balancing – Anything is always better when it is offered more than the standard. This play equipment offers the lids a standard balance beam. They range from ninja steps to hanging pods.
  • Climbers – climbers keep the play area more of an active area. This climbing equipment comes in all shapes and sizes for different age groups. These range from rock climbing walls to DNA climbers to net climbers.
  • Crawl tubes – If you want to explore a new environment, you can let your kids play in the crawl tubes. They are fun and make kids feel like they are in a risky situation which helps them to improve their attitude towards risk-taking in their lives. 
  • Merry go round/whirls – A merry go round or whirl can also add to the joy of motion in your playground area.
  • Motion and spinning rides– These are a must in a play area to add a twist to the fun. This helps them to be fearless and be ready to face whatever is lying before them. 
  • Nets – These play Equipment adds a few hours of rest to your entertainment time in a productive way. Climbing nets is also a life skill development. 
  • Music and sound – Kids also get to enjoy auditory play when these music and sound equipment are installed. There are several rides that come with in-built music to help them be motivated and competitive. 
  • Playhouse – A playhouse is the best way to get kids around play together. This is a ride in which you can incorporate imaginative play into your kid’s play structure.
  • Preschool activities – Equipment like sand and water are all preschool activities to develop the skill sets of your children.
  • Sand and waters – A sand and water table can be added to the playground area to encourage the kids to develop their creative skills.
  • Slides – Playgrounds offer a variety of slides and other outdoor play equipment in Australia like a winding spiral slide or a sleek, a zip fast slide, or a metal slide. 
  • Upper body / Overhead – This equipment helps the children to play as well as grow big and strong while having fun. 
  • Ziplines – This creates an epic adventure by crossing the playground by adding a zip to the playground. 
  • The benefits of playing outdoors make the kids get to interact and play with their children, it improves their language and social skills.

Most of the equipment in the play area develops self-control and all the skillset of problem-solving. Kids and parents get an opportunity to bond through laughter, fun and pleasant experience.

The Importance of Healthy Lunch Foods for School Kids

We have all heard healthy lunch foods are important for students, but why is that exactly? What are the facts about why lunch is such an important meal?

According to a recent study, almost 100% of parents know that it’s important for kids to establish healthy eating habits when they’re young so that they eat healthy later in life. Yet, only about 20% of parents consider their kids’ diets to be “very healthy.”

If you suspect your child might not be adopting the best dietary habits, one way you can change that is by considering which lunch foods you’re giving them access to at school. Kids should be eating tasty sandwiches made with whole-grain bread and plenty of fruits and vegetables for lunch, not processed foods that are filled with calories, fat, and added sugars.

You simply can’t overstate the importance of providing school kids with healthy lunch foods. Check out some of the benefits that kids will get to enjoy when they eat things that are healthy for lunch at school every day.

Ensures Kids Get the Necessary Nutrients

As a parent, it’s important for you to make sure that your child is getting the necessary nutrients in their diet each day. It’s going to be difficult to do this if you aren’t taking advantage of lunchtime by sending your kids to school with healthy lunch time alternatives.

These lunch foods should set your child up with a good blend of all the necessary nutrients. This includes:

• Protein
• Fats
• Carbohydrates
• Iron
• Calcium
• Fiber
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C

You might serve lots of foods at home that contain these nutrients. But if your child isn’t eating healthy at school, it’s going to be a missed opportunity. They might still have nutrient deficiencies in some areas and struggle to maintain what would be considered a healthy diet.

Reduces the Risks Associated With Childhood Obesity

Obesity has become a major problem for every age group in this country. It affects almost 100 million American adults as of right now, and that number is growing all the time.

It has also started taking a huge toll on the younger population. There are about 14 million children and teenagers living with obesity at this time.

Unhealthy lunch foods aren’t solely to blame for this issue. Many of the kids struggling with childhood obesity fail to eat healthy during most of their meals, not just the ones they eat at school.

But providing a child with healthy lunch foods at school will guarantee that at least one of the meals they eat each day is healthy. It’ll cut down on the chances of them dealing with childhood obesity and the many health risks that come along with it.

Helps Kids Focus Better on Their Schoolwork

In this day and age, it’s already hard enough for most kids to sit down and focus on their work when they’re at school. Kids—and people of all ages really—have shorter attention spans than in past years. This is due in large part to the rapid evolution of technology.

Lunch foods that are jampacked with added sugars and other things that aren’t good for kids can make this problem even worse than it already is. When kids load up on sugars at lunch, they’ll sometimes have a tough time sitting still and paying attention in class. They’ll also crash land once the sugar supply in their body runs out.

Lunch foods that are good for the brain are a much better option for these kids. School lunch delivery services often include things like apples, nuts, greens, and more in their meals since they’ve been shown to help kids in school.

Pushes Kids to Try Foods They Might Not Eat Otherwise

There are some kids who are picky eaters and aren’t going to try new foods no matter what you do. Depending on who you believe, anywhere from 5% to 25% of kids are considered picky eaters these days.

But there are also a lot of kids who don’t ever get around to trying out certain kinds of foods simply because those foods have never been put in front of them. When they think, “What should I eat for lunch?“, some types of foods don’t even enter their minds since they haven’t been exposed to them.

Healthy American school lunches have started to change that a little. Many schools now provide students with meals that they might not be given otherwise. This has turned at least some of these students into fans of healthy foods that they never had before.

By giving your own child healthier lunches, you’ll push them to try things that they’re not eating elsewhere. You could very well stumble upon foods that your child loves by taking this approach to giving them lunch food.

Establishes Healthy Eating Patterns That Will Last a Lifetime

Most kids aren’t going to spend their entire childhoods eating junk food and other unhealthy things and then magically wake up one day when they’re adults and start eating healthy. They’re going to continue to eat the same foods they’ve conditioned their bodies to eat.

You don’t want to put your child on this path, do you? You can help them steer clear of finding themselves stuck in this pattern one day by incorporating more healthy school cafeteria food options into their lives.

By teaching kids to eat right, you’ll improve their health now. But to a larger degree, you’ll also improve their health in the future and provide them with the eating patterns they’ll need to stay healthy for many years to come. 

Making Sure Kids Eat Healthy Lunch Foods in School

For a long time, most parents and school administrators didn’t give much thought to which lunch foods were served to school kids. Kids routinely chowed down on things like hamburgers, pizza, and other foods that weren’t all that healthy.

Kids can still eat some of those things today. But kids eating lunch at school are also given the option to eat healthy meals. It has allowed many of them to unlock the benefits that we’ve listed here.

Are you a mom worried about your child’s health? Read the other articles on our blog for more tips on helping your child lead a healthier lifestyle.

8 Classroom Rules Introduce at Home This Year

Teachers rely on a clearly defined set of classroom rules to keep their students in line and engaged. It may be time to bring some of those rules home.

Seasoned teachers are masters at keeping kids in line. Why? Because they establish classroom rules and stick to them. 

Do your kids have behavioral problems? If so, you might consider adopting some of these classroom rules for your home. 

Wondering which ones will serve you the best? You’re reading the right article. Here are eight to try. 

1. Keep Your Hands To Yourself

Society has long been lacking a focus on consent. For years, unwanted touching has been seen as a sort of norm. This is a habit that starts in childhood and, when not deterred by parents, creeps into older age. 

Want your children to understand and practice consent? If so, you should institute the “keep your hands to yourself” rule in your home. It’s a simple concept that kids will understand: don’t lay a finger on another person unless that person is alright with you doing so. 

Not only can this rule assist in combatting general discomfort but violence as well. Plus, it will help your children develop a respect for their fellow humans. 

Need help establishing it? If so, you might consider utilizing social narratives. 

2. Follow Directions

There aren’t many shortcuts in life. You can’t become a doctor by routinely skipping class, after all. You have to follow the established guideline that’s been predetermined by others; in other words, you have to follow directions. 

Unfortunately, this is one of those school rules that often gets overlooked at home. A child might handle his or her responsibilities in the classroom but shirk them while under the guidance of his or her parents. 

This can’t be allowed. You must instill in your child the importance of following directions. Following directions puts you in a position to succeed in society, giving you the chance to lead the happiest and most fulfilling life possible. 

Note, your kids will likely push back against this rule. It’s your job, as the parent, to be firm in your assertions. It may be frustrating now, but it will pay dividends over time. 

3. Always Give Your All

Another rule you should consider implementing in your home is the rule of always giving you all. When used in school, this rule promotes the idea of working to achieve good grades. When used in the home, it promotes the ideas of work ethic, kindness, and perseverance. 

Of course, you shouldn’t punish your children for coming up short sometimes. It’s going to happen and you should take it in stride. But you should always be encouraging, trying to inspire max effort in your kids. 

4. Be Prepared

When it comes to leading a successful life, few things are as important as preparation. Proper preparation sets us on the path that we need to succeed. It opens us up to possibility and inspires us to act. 

As such, “be prepared” is one of the rules that should be instituted in your home. Not only should your kids be prepared for small endeavors like welcoming company, but they should be prepared for large endeavors like sporting events as well. 

If they approach life with a prepared mindset, they’ll be able to give 100% to everything they do. Not to mention, they’ll be better at adapting to change. 

5. Show Up On Time

Perhaps the most important rule to teach your kids is to show up on time. You can avoid a number of pitfalls in life simply by showing up when you agreed to show up. This is true in business just as much as it is in your personal life. 

After all, there are plenty of people who simply come to work on time, slack off at their desk, get paid, and lead happy, healthy lives. It’s not encouraged but it’s much preferred to being unemployed. 

6. Clean Up After Yourself

Could you imagine an entire school’s worth of kids who were completely unable to clean up after themselves? It would be chaos and would add a substantial amount of work to teachers’ dockets. 

Why doesn’t this occur at school? Because it’s not allowed to occur at school. Kids are expected to clean up after themselves and if they don’t, they’re punished. 

The same should go for your home. You need to let your child know your expectations of cleanliness. If he or she doesn’t meet these expectations (within reason), punishment needs to be levied. 

7. Be Honest

You know what they say: honesty is the best policy. And as of right now, we’ve seen nothing that would make that statement any less true. Being honest not only strengthens your bonds with others, but it also makes you more comfortable with yourself. 

Conversely, lying and omitting information puts you in a state of limbo where you’re always looking for the other shoe to drop. This creates feelings of anxiety that adversely affect one’s quality of life. 

To promote honesty in your children, try not to get angry with them when they make mistakes. If their mistakes are met with anger, they will start lying just to avoid such anger. 

8. Ask Questions

The last rule you should establish is to ask questions. After all, how can one learn without asking questions? 

Of course, if you’re going to implement this rule, you need to do your part as well; you need to answer those questions. And if you can’t answer those questions, you need to find someone who can. 

Don’t ever shame your children for having inquiring minds. They’re humans just like you and they’re constantly trying to figure out the world that surrounds them. 

These Classroom Rules Can Make All The Difference 

Kids can be boisterous. They can push your buttons until you’re ready to snap. But there’s no need to snap. Instead, you can establish order by implementing some of these classroom rules in your home. 

Looking for similar tips? You can find them right here on our website. Take a look at some of our other blog posts now! 

Reading this post as a teacher? You could find more inspiration on websites for teachers, in order to provide the best possible education for your students.