parenting

Bonding Activities Your Teenagers Will Love

April 29, 2013 By Rossel Leave a Comment

Teenagers can be a bit sensitive when the topic is about their age. They no longer wanted to be treated like children and want to be seen as grown-ups. So perhaps it is high time that you treat them like responsible young adults as they tend to shy away from activities that make them feel like kids. Some games and activities such as children’s parties, going to the zoo and playing super hero may be fun for them last year, but they can start making them self-conscious now. And if you insist on having kiddie activities with them, you might find yourself unintentionally pushed away. Teenagers fear being ridiculed by their friends for doing something childish.

teenagers

For you and your tweens to spend time together, you need to adjust your idea of having a good time and treat them more maturely. Suggest bonding ideas that they won’t be embarrassed about such as travelling, food tripping, watch blockbuster movies together and others. After school or over the weekend, you can take your kid over the latest pancake or donut joint and then take the opportunity to ask what they have been up to lately. You may also try watching the newest movies and they sure won’t feel any insecure when they’re so engrossed on what’s playing on the screen. While you’re at it, stop yourself from being too affectionate so they won’t shy away and will want to spend more time with you.

Teenagers love to explore and learn new things the cool way. Even if it’s not vacation time, you can take your kids away for a weekend and head somewhere you haven’t been to before. Turn family trips into an adventure worthy of Tomb Raider movies and your young adults will surely love the activity. Just avoid taking too much family pictures so your kids won’t be embarrassed to upload them online. To keep them grounded and if they’re so inclined, you can teach them new skills such as cooking or how check the car. This way they feel that they are trusted, responsible and grown up. Another is participating in volunteer works and fun runs that donate to charity. Doing something for a cause is a great bonding activity that will not only teach your kids to care about others but will also make them proud to be part of.

Image Credit:
Photostock – FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

Inspire Kids Better By Playing Outdoors

April 22, 2013 By Rossel Leave a Comment

For many of us, playing tag and running around the neighborhood with friends are the activities that we enjoy most while growing up. This helped us socialize with others while we foster companionship with other children. These days however, most children entertain themselves with game consoles, tablets and smart phones. Though there is really nothing wrong with introducing modern technology and gadgets to kids but you might want to consider the fun that playing outdoors brings.

playing outdoors

Playing outdoors brings a lot of health benefits for kids, in fact a lot of doctors recommend exposure to natural environment helps kids stay active and alert. Playgrounds provide space for activities that help children become agile and develop their motor skills. Modern day apartments and condominium units have cramped spaces that can make children very uneasy. Some parents experience issues when their children become hyperactive when playing outdoors because they have limited freedom of movement while inside their small home spaces.

Children who play outdoors, in a more natural setting, were discovered to be very imaginative and creative. Playground equipment such as slides, swings, see-saw and gazebo along with trees, a small creek, logs and stumps create a “natural playscape” for kids. With this, children are more engaged in bone and muscle building activities that enhances motor skills. On the other hand, the gazebo is used less frequently as kids enjoy being out in the sun even more.

Playing outdoors helps children to learn sportsmanship and inspire them to strive harder to win games. They learn to compete as well as get along with other kids as they play team sports such as football, hockey or volleyball. Playgrounds are also where little tots hone their jumping, running and sprinting skills. This is where they also get hurt and fall down and learn to stand up, dust themselves up and go on with their play.

So as often as you can, take your kids to a local park where he can run around and play freely with other kids. It is also a great idea to take them to eco-parks where there are an abundance of flora and fauna maintained. You and the whole family can do lots of outdoor activities together and let your kids enjoy fresh air and greenery to stimulate their senses and imagination.

Image Credit:
Photostock – FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

Filed Under: child care, parenting Tagged With: family playing, freedom, natural environment, natural playscape, outdoor family fun, outdoor fun, play outdoors, playing outdoors, playscape, running around neighborhood

Simple Ways to Nurture Your Child’s Creativity

April 11, 2013 By Rossel Leave a Comment

Children have inane talents and creativity that when encouraged by parents, can lead to great achievements. It is a wonderful gift from God that should be nurtured and put in practice, but the question now is, how as parents can you help your child explore their creative talents? Here are a few suggestions that may help you and your child’s creativity take flight.
nurturing child's creativity

Let them Explore

According to the country’s renowned neurologist, Dr. Cuanang of St. Luke’s Medical Center, “creativity is the highest form of expression of what the mind can be capable of.” He advises parents to allow their kids to gravitate towards what they are most interested in. Do not block the child, rather watch for the things that they like and don’t like as they grow up.

Expose Kids to Creative Sensibilities

Parents should be very strict when it comes to children trying to express their imagination. Books are very significant in opening up child’s creativity and it exposes him/her to many things. Special occasions such as birthdays and Christmas should also be encourage to put up shows, sing or dance to entertain the adults. During summer breaks, you can also enroll them in basic photography workshop or art classes, voice or guitar lessons, dance and acting classes, the opportunities out there is boundless!

Be Their Role Model

One of the best ways to help nurture child’s creativity is to set an example to them. If they see you and people around him being musical, artsy and creative, he will remember the things that you usually do and will follow your lead. Seeing you or any of your family members practicing vocal harmony, cousins being in a dance troupe or moms being creative in the kitchens will lead a kid’s interest towards the same.

Broaden their Mind and Body

The mind can imagine the wildest things, exercise your child’s mind potential by reading, telling stories, going out, travelling and even dreaming! The body has lots of ways to move, to express and communicate. Teach your child to express with their eyes and communicate with their voices and their body language. Give Positive Reinforcements

This doesn’t need to be material things, but giving kids constant pat of the back and sincere praises for their creativity does wonders for validating their efforts and nurturing their creative talents.

Image Credit:
David Castillo Dominici