We understand as parents how important it is to create memories with our children. But how can we capture a fleeting beautiful moment and transform it into a priceless memory we'll both never forget? It is in fact based on science, some of which is still poorly understood. We do know, however, that by using all of our senses and living in the present, we may freeze moments in time so they will stay in our minds for years or even decades. Repetition helps memory, just as it does with effect …
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"Winter survival tips" was really what was at my fingertips, but that's not really all that we're after as parents, are we? We want our kids to thrive, to be revived, even while we're surrounded by plenty that seems cold and lifeless. Perhaps more than any other year, we need to be intentional about pursuing life-giving practices this winter. Maybe your favorite outings and escapes are impossible. Whatever your level of activity, ranging from just hanging around the house or apartment to g …
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If you're a parent of a tween, you don't need to be told that this can be a challenging stage. But don't worry: there are a few survival skills that can help you navigate this new phase - and keep your sanity as well as your family relationships intact. Understanding the origin of the term and what it refers to can give you some insight about what is causing such strain between you and your child - I mean, er, tween. A Little History The term "tween" is fairly new, appearing in print to d …
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A child's brain grows and develops while they are sleeping. However, children require more than just a set amount of time in bed to achieve that healthy brain development; they require sound, peaceful, refreshing sleep. Being hooked into electronic gadgets is one thing that can prevent them from getting the right amount and quality of sleep. Your child may not get the necessary amount of sleep if they are exposed to screens or if there are other electronics in the bedroom. Bluelight from …
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As parents, we face a lot of pressure to create beautiful moments. Some of us can become overwhelmed by the expectations of providing our kids with ideal environments, from Pinterest-worthy birthday parties to Instagrammable bedroom décor. But don't worry, I won't add to the pressure you already feel by adding more of that kind. Instead, I'm going to extend an invitation to get you working on four specific goals: (1) Make a short list of the essential summer events you want your kid …
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It's hot outdoors, and your kids understandably want a chance to cool off with some good, old-fashioned water. However, if you're the only adult on duty, perhaps a swimming day is just too stressful to consider. To make that happen, you don't need a lot of water or a pool. A few inexpensive toys can do wonders for your kids' comfort and enjoyment. And here's a free expert tip: Don't put out all the water toys at once; instead, rotate them for maximum fun! Beginner Wetness Level Aquapods c …
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In addition to the preventive steps we've previously discussed in the earlier parts in this series (see Part 1 & 2), having a clearly defined family water activity policy is one method to help in decreasing the risks connected with drowning. You can apply these rules to guests at events you host if you have a backyard pool or if you live near a natural body of water. As with any policy, you should make sure it is understood, publicly posted (if necessary), regularly reviewed, and activ …
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Summer vacation time and peak swimming (and drowning season) are just around the corner. Nobody wants to ruin your summer enjoyment, so I realize that's not the best way to look at it, but a drowning disaster can certainly do much more than ruin an otherwise enjoyable day at the beach. In the first part of this series, we looked at a few crucial strategies for decreasing your kids' risk of drowning, including talking to them about the hazards, getting rid of blatant dangers, and insisting …
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As summertime draws near, water becomes the center of so much fun! Whether your family enjoys spending time at the beach, a nearby creek, or a swimming pool in the backyard, it's a good idea to review water safety with your children at this time. The number of drowning deaths is seven or eight times more than the amount of fire deaths. There are an average of 10 drowning deaths each day, or 3500 to 4000 deaths annually. For kids ages 1-4, drowning is the leading unintentional injury-relate …
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Kids need to play outdoors! They need to experience nature and get that Vitamin D. But at the same time, we want to protect our kids from the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. As we learn about risk factors for Melanoma and how clouds and shade affect our exposure to those rays, we all want to know more ways we can protect our kids against these potentially deadly threats. Sun-Protective Clothing Sun-protective clothing is trending these days, but the price point may be a little daunti …
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