The swimsuits are out, the BBQs are sizzling and enjoying some outdoor fun. Summertime is well and truly here and it’s a great opportunity to enjoy time with friends and family. The long sunshine filled days of summer do not necessarily scream danger. But there are some very real safety threats to look out for. So here are our 7 super summer safety tips…
7 Super Summer Safety Tips
1: Calling 111
This one isn’t specifically a summer tip, but it is an important tip all the same. Make sure you teach your children how to call the emergency services and when to do it. While you hope to never need to make such a call, it is important that your kids know what to do if the situation calls for it.
2: Avoid Heat Stroke
The summer sun is hot! And it is at its hottest between 10am and 3pm. Be mindful of the sun, always wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Try to stay in the shade when you can. A major cause of heat stroke is not drinking enough water, so make sure you stay hydrated.
Symptoms of heat stroke include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and lack of sweat. If left untreated, heat stroke can be fatal, so you will need to get victims rehydrated quickly. If you suspect someone has heat stroke, get them into the shade then get them to drink plenty of water, also put them in a cool shower, or spray them with a hose. You can also put icepacks on the groin or in the armpits.
3: Watch Like A Hawk Around Water
Swimming is all kinds of fun, but it also involves one very real danger. Watch your kids like a hawk in the water. Don’t let them swim too far out at the beach and always swim in a lifeguard patrolled area if you can. Your child should have at least basic swimming skills so enroll them in swimming lessons as soon as you are able.
Kids have been known to drown in as little as a couple of inches of water. Do make sure you are with them every time they are swimming. Keep young children within arm’s reach. Keep the hair out of your kids eyes and protect any grommets.
4: Avoiding Burns
Summertime is prime time for BBQ-ing. Make sure you warn your kids when you are turning the BBQ on and always stay near the BBQ grill. Accidental burnings can happen so easily around BBQs and fire pits. For minor burns, you can run the affected area under cold water for 5 to 10 minutes. For anything more serious, take your child to the doctor or hospital.
5: Beware of The Bees!
Bee stings can be more than just painful, they can be fatal if your child has an allergic reaction. So if they do get stung, you need to monitor them carefully. Remove the stinger and apply vinegar or a paste of baking soda and water to reduce swelling. If any of these drastic symptoms develop, you need to get medical attention immediately as they are signs of an allergic reaction - all-over hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness or fainting, or swelling of the lips and tongue.
Bees are attracted to flowers, so don’t dress your child in floral prints, or apply any fragrances. If a bee lands on your child, don’t panic. They will only sting if they feel threatened. Simply blow the bee away calmly.
6: Beware Of The Bugs!
There are a number of pesky summer bugs that can ruin a fun day out. Apply insect repellent and wear light weight long sleeved clothing if you are going into bug infested areas. Invest in a citronella candle if you like to dine al fresco in the evening. Mosquitos don’t like the smell.
7: Be Mindful Of Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is caused when you consume bacteria that you should not. One of the major culprits is food that hasn’t been stored correctly. In the summer heat, food can turn quickly. So refrigerate everything that you can. If you are picnicking, then don’t leave your basket in the direct sunlight. You might choose to store your picnic in an insulated lunch bag https://yumyumkids.co.nz/collections/insulated-lunchboxes-bags to keep it cooler for longer. Always wash your hands before eating or use hand sanitizer if there is no running water nearby.
Always clean your fruit and veggies before eating them. Store raw meat separately to other foods, especially cooked items. Clean down your surfaces and utensils before and after preparing a meal. Signs of food poisoning are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Treatment includes plenty of fluids, rest and a bland diet. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Bonus Tip: Keep Your First Aid Kit Stocked And On Hand
Be prepared for any accidents that might occur with a well stocked first aid kit. Make sure yours includes…
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It can be hard communicating with children during this phase. But it is our job to help them navigate through this time just like we helped them navigate toilet training and sleeping through the night. We have put together our thoughts on what to do when your child stops communicating with you. Here they are…
The Lowdown On Communicating With Children Who Don’t Want To Communicate
In Your Child’s Mind
Normally when your kids are approaching double digits, their communication levels drop. As they become more involved with their friends, their communication is more with their peers than with their parents. It doesn’t help that they are starting to believe that their boring old parents don’t know anything about the things that matter. Clearly their friends are a greater source of information on the vital topics of life.
Obviously they are wrong. They have not yet realised the wisdom that us parents possess. And they probably won’t realise that deep and meaningful conversations with their parents actually provides insight until around the 18 to 20 mark.
What To Expect
The tales of who played with who in the playground, and what happened on the bus that morning will start to fade away. They will likely be replaced with a lot of grunts, sighs and one word answers when you ask them questions about their day.
Expect to be the one initiating the conversation most of the time. Remember that just because they don’t go out of their way to start conversations with you, doesn’t mean they don’t want to have them. As hard as it can be to deal with the lack of response, keep trying to speak with them. Even if it feels a bit like talking to a brick wall. Unlike a brick wall, in a few years time they will be the one starting the conversations again.
What Can You Do?
Here are some tips on communicating with children that will help to keep the words flowing…
Remind Them You Don’t Need To Know Everything, but you do need to know a bit about what is going on in their lives. Like who their friends are, where they are going, and what activities they are involved with at school etc.
Talk About Your Own Day in the hope that it will spark common ground for conversation. Don’t talk about the boring stuff, but funny things that happened, odd things you might have seen, or interesting things you might have come across.
Show Interest in their hobbies and what they are doing. By showing an interest in the things they love, your kids will see that you do care about their choices and passions. Plus it is a great conversation starter - ask questions about it and get them to show you how it all works.
Don’t Push Too Much. If they volunteer a few sentences about their day in an actual normal conversation, don’t keep pushing them for more. Take it for what it is and enjoy the conversation while it lasts.
Set Expectations that you are their parent and not their friend. There is an expectation that they need to communicate with you at least a little bit.
Remain Cool, Calm and Collected when you are speaking with them. Anger is not going to encourage them to come out of their shell. But even the most stubborn of kids will communicate a little bit if you can remain calm.
Remember that this is just one of those phases that your kids go through. While it can be incredibly frustrating, keep your cool. When communicating with children don’t be too pushy or they will clam up more. Don’t be angry, or they will push you away. Just ride out the storm and know there will be times that they crawl back into your arms like they did when they were only 4!
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Excitement Wanes
Don’t be surprised if the initial excitement that your little one had about meeting their new sibling disappears quickly after the arrival. Your children will be told by everyone how exciting it is to get a new sibling, but when the reality hits home that they will have to share Mummy and Daddy with a new baby, it doesn’t seem so exciting after all.
No matter how well you prepare your first-born for the arrival of their younger sibling, there will still be an element of jealousy and rivalry. You might even get suggestions for the new arrival to live in the backyard, shut away in a closet, or even at Nana’s house.
The important thing is to handle their suggestions in the right way. Otherwise, the siblings could end up as instant foes, instead of eventual friends.
What To Expect and How To Handle It…
Under two
Many children under the age of two seem oblivious to the fact that there is a new baby around the house. It may not be until the new baby gets older and starts trying to interact that your two-year-old will visibly react. Because they cannot verbalise their feelings at this young age, your first born may grieve silently for the way things used to be.
What To Do: Enjoy the calm if you have it. Make time for one on one interactions with your toddler. And make sure that you smile every time that you see them, even if you are exhausted. Offer plenty of cuddles when they are needed!
Two to Three Years Old
Expect whining, lots and lots of whining. There is also the potential for being clingy, weepy, regressing to babyish behaviours, night waking, and wanting to sleep in your bed. Toddlers can be conflicted about a new baby. On the one hand, they still want to be treated like a baby themselves, but on the other they are fiercely independent. It will take some trial and error for them to strike that balancing act and deal with the jealousy of the new baby receiving a lot of attention.
What To Do: Let them play baby if they want to. Cradle them in your arms and let them babble ‘goo goo ga ga’, they will realise it is far more interesting to be a toddler again. Start the transition period well before the new baby arrives. Bedtime routines will no doubt need to be more efficient when the baby comes, so begin to condense them beforehand. Also, get your toddler used to other people being part of their routine, so that they are not fully reliant on Mum.
Four to Six Years Old
By this age, your children will have a greater understanding and comprehension of what is happening. They will have a greater ability to take turns, or wait for a snack. They are also beginning to form their own life with kindy or school, friends, after school activities, and independent play. That means that they are less reliant on you. However, if they don’t feel they are getting the attention they need from you, then they will rebel.
What To Do: One on one time is the best way to combat a sense of abandonment. Also, if the new baby does something to upset or irritate them, then make sure you are there to support them. Replace a torn book, listen to their tale of woe and talk through issues together.
Seven To Eight Years Old
By this age your child is less likely to express their feelings verbally, so it is important to look for signs of jealousy, or if they are having a hard time processing the change. They may be obnoxious or mouthy instead of coming out and talking about their feelings.
What To Do: Employ the power of bedtime. When you are lying in bed together after a long day, there is a natural want to talk about things that might not come up otherwise. Reassure them that you love them and try to discuss any feelings of jealousy, or being left out. Include your child in your baby’s development by offering small tasks and responsibilities. But don’t expect them to become a junior babysitter, as they could quickly become resentful.
Regardless of the age of your child, it is important to help them understand and process any negative emotions. Try not to minimise their feelings, know that it is an ongoing adjustment process for the whole family. Acknowledge the love and care between all of your family members. You are all in it for the long haul!
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Striking the Balance
Regardless of the age of your children, it can be really hard to strike a balance with device use. It seems to get harder the older they get though. Especially as older children are often expected to use devices for their school work. Then, the younger children see their older siblings using devices, and want to use them too.
But how can we stop them from becoming consumed by the digital world?
Going Back In Time
Let’s take a leaf out of Nana’s book and preach that in our day, we didn’t spend all day with our head in a tablet, phone or game machine. We talk of the endless days spent riding our bikes in the street, playing with the neighbourhood kids, or making forts out of whatever we could find.
But the reality is that the world is a different place now. As parents, we are far more cautious of what we will let our children due because of a higher risk of danger.
The streets are too busy to ride bikes on, our neighbourhoods aren’t always filled with families, and we don’t want to touch things that we find on the ground any more. But there are ways for our kids to relive the glory days of our youth in a safe manner, and get away from the devices.
Know The Risks With Children and Devices
How much screen time should you allow your child? Well unfortunately, there is no hard and fast formula for working it out. You will have to discover your own parameters based on the risks involved, and your child’s ability to read potentially dangerous situations.
One of the first risks of excessive device time, is the effect it has on your child’s social skills. If they generally interact well with their peers, then there is no danger in a allowing them an appropriate amount of screen time. However, if they are struggling to interact face to face and gravitating exclusively towards online interaction, this could be a concern that needs addressing.
Another concerning risk is being exposed to predators, or inappropriate images and stories. Children have a harder time determining what is real and what is not, so can easily get hooked into hoaxes and scams.
The most concerning factor is exposing themselves to danger intentionally, or unintentionally. They may give away personal information like their name, address, where they go to school, or sharing photos of themselves. Teens and children can view themselves as invincible online, so don’t recognise the potential harm.
Have Some Goals To Set Some Rules
You have to feel comfortable with the rules you set around screen time. They have to align with your goals as a parent. Think about:
Once you set the rules, sit down and have a conversation with your kids and explain why the rules are in place, and what you expect to achieve from them. Then everyone is on the same page from the start.
Know how you will enforce the rules, and what the consequences will be if the rules get broken.
Decide What Comes Before Screen Time
Be very clear on what must be done each day in order to have the privilege of screen time. Whether it be jobs around the house, doing homework, family time, playing outside, or spending time with a friend. Cover off those values of responsibility, social priorities and creativity over screen time.
Give your kids a great alternative to screen time. Don’t just say no to devices and expect them to come up with something themselves, because they will struggle. Pick some things that they will enjoy to do based on their hobbies or interests.
Be Aware Of Your Options
At the end of the day, you are the parent and the technology remains in your control, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. Don’t get into a power struggle, because it won’t end well. Here is what you can do instead:
Lack of technological knowledge is no excuse for burying your head in the sand regarding your children and device use. Get savvy, and do it quick!
]]>Like them or loathe them, school holidays are actually a really important time for children of all ages. Let’s look a the reasons why...
A Break From The Schedule
During term time you probably follow a strict schedule of school or kindy, after school activities, homework, dinner, and bedtime. Then you get up and do it all again the next day. While the kids probably love school and their activities, it can be draining to have every moment of the week scheduled out.
When it is school holiday time school obviously takes a break, and so do most of the extracurricular activities. It is a great excuse to have more freedom in your days and not have every minute accounted for.
A Time To Slow Down
We live our modern lives at a crazy pace. With full schedules and so much to do, there isn’t much chance for down time. The school holidays are the perfect chance for going slow. And you can go slow with everything to recharge those batteries.
Take the scenic route if you go anywhere, stay in your PJs until lunchtime, have brunch instead of early morning breakfasts. Take the opportunity to slow down and take your foot off the accelerator for a short while.
A Time For Imagination
As I have said already, there isn’t much chance for down time during the school term. So your kid’s imaginations can get a bit dusty and unused. The school holidays is the perfect time to dust them off for imaginative play, story writing, reading, putting on a performance, dancing or arts and crafts.
A Time To Reconnect
The school holidays are the best opportunity for family time. Reconnect with each other after a hectic term of playing taxi, nagging about homework, policing sibling fights and cajoling them into doing things. You don’t have to do anything overly exciting or expensive, just take the time to have fun together. Go for a walk to the park, ride bikes, play board games, sing songs, or whatever you love to do together.
A Time To Be Themselves and Do What They Love
Sometimes hobbies can fall by the wayside when there is so much other stuff to do. So the school holidays can give your kids the time to reignite their passion for photography, art, science experiments, walking the dog, or anything else they enjoy.
They can also just be. There is no pressure of a schedule. If they want to read a book all day then let them do it.
A Time For Boredom
Kids hate being bored, but it is actually good for them. It teaches them to rely on their own ideas and resources. Don’t feel like you need to be a constant source of entertainment for them. Let them get bored and then let them solve their own boredom.
A Time For Rest
Lying in bed and knowing that you don't have to get up to be anywhere is the best feeling in the world. It truly makes you feel rested. The school holidays are the chance to recharge depleted batteries, to sleep in and to not feel guilty about doing it!
A Time For Adventures
You don't get many opportunities for family adventures during the term, so take advantage of the school holidays to get away for a couple of days, or to head out to somewhere you wouldn't normally go. Discover new places, see new things and even meet new people. Open your kids eyes to new experiences and joy.
The reality is that sometimes the school holidays can be a juggle, especially if you are a working parent. But take your opportunities where you can. If you work from home, allocate time that is specifically family play time and then time that is dedicated for work. If you are employed full time, try and take a day off, or even finish early one day to reconnect with the kids.
School holidays really are vital for young brains to relax, recharge and to just be a kid.
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Top 10 Cold Fighting Foods
To prevent sickness this winter, you need to focus on one thing… immunity. Building up your immunity to germs will help you avoid coughs and colds and other nasty germs.
Here are the foods to put in your supermarket trolley each week…
1: Red Capsicums
Here is a fun fact for you, red capsicums contain double the vitamin C of any citrus fruit. Is your mind blown? As you know, vitamin C is vital for boosting your immune system. It helps build up the strength of your immune system so that it is able to stop the germs from taking hold in your body.
2: Fennel
Fennel is another food that is really high in vitamin C, so it increases your body’s resistance to infectious diseases. Fennel boosts the power of your white blood cells (those are the ones that destroy bacteria and viruses in your body). This reduces your chance of picking up a cold.
3: Yoghurt
Many yoghurts contain probiotics which help the body resist germs, and if any infectious germs do get in, probiotics help you recover faster. The probiotics in yoghurt are a healthy form of bacteria that aid in digestion. A large portion of your immunity resides in your gut, the best line of defense is keeping your gut healthy.
4: Green Tea
So many benefits have been discovered about this little drink, so it is fast becoming a bit of a super-serum! Not only does it aid in weightloss and anti-aging, but it is also full of antioxidants that keep your body functioning at full capacity.
5: Kumara
Who doesn’t love the excuse for a big plate full of roast veges? And what better excuse than good health. Kumara are rich in antioxidants and help to improve your cell function.
6: Garlic
No vampires here… and no colds either. Garlic is a well-known cold preventer. Not only does it add delicious flavour to your dishes, but it is full of calcium, potassium and sulfuric compounds that get rid of unwanted bacteria.
7: Turmeric
Another yummy flavour-adder, turmeric also adds lots of health benefits. It is an anti-inflammatory that fights infection by preventing the damage caused by free radicals.
8: Salmon
This oily fish is a bit of a super food for all the nutrients your body needs to remain healthy. Rich in protein for muscle development and repair, as well as omega-3 fatty acids for the activation of T-Cells. T-Cells are a subtype of white blood cells that play a central role in your body’s immunity. The more T-Cells you have, the less chance there is of you getting sick.
9: Oysters
Not sure how you will go on getting the kids to eat these, but at least Mum and Dad will be keen! Oysters are high in vitamin C, vitamin E, and a whole range of antioxidants that keep your body healthy.
10: Brussel Sprouts
Eeek, another one that the kids might try and avoid. I always find the stick blender is my friend for hiding offending veges in sauces and stews! Brussel Sprouts have a ton of nutrients, including large amounts of vitamin C. They also help to prevent damage to cells in your body.
So there you have it, the top 10 cold fighting foods to combat illness in these winter months. While the kids might turn their nose up at a few of them, there are plenty of great ones that they will love. And you can always hide the others in their dinner as us Mums love to do!
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What Motivates A Child To Be Excited About School?
School is a whole different world to what kids experience at home. They have to be so independent and take responsibility for a lot. So if they are not that excited about going, it could be any number of reasons causing it. Unless your child opens up and tells you what the problem is, you can’t deal with any specifics. So these are general things that you can do to help keep motivation up for school.
Encourage Friendships
Encourage your child to have friends so that they are not lonely in the playground. Having a friend or two can be all they need to happily get through the day. You want them to choose the right kind of friend, so talk to them about what qualities make a good friend and how friends should treat each other.
If your child does have a special bond with some of the kids, maybe invite them around for a playdate outside of school hours to solidify the bond and allow them to interact in a less pressure filled environment.
Talk About Their Career Goals
Talking about the future can make the present seem more important. Ask your child which career path they might want to follow later in life. Then you can discuss how their schooling now will help them achieve that goal further down the track.
If they aren’t sure what they want to do then you can talk about their favourite subjects and how they might translate into a future career path. Giving them something great to strive for will keep them motivated to try now.
Reward Success And Encourage Excellence
Celebrate your child’s successes - the big ones and the small ones. That doesn't have to mean buying them a gift or taking them out for a meal if you don't want it to. Acknowledging and praising their success is enough. You could also increase their pride in their achievement by phoning Nana, or a favourite Uncle to tell them as well.
Encouraging excellence doesn’t mean pushing them until they are exhausted, or ruling the house with an iron fist. But be clear on your expectations to encourage a hard working attitude. Teach them to care for their own belongings by hanging up their uniform or putting it out for the wash when they get home. Also show them to prioritise their responsibilities by doing their homework before play, TV or device time.
Acknowledge Effort
There will be some things that your child is excellent at, and some they will need more practice to master. But always acknowledge that they have tried their best. Trying their best is all you can ask for. Use positive reinforcement to build their own confidence and encourage their academic interests.
Beware Of Put Downs
How you speak to your child becomes their inner voice. So if you are constantly on their case, then they will always be hard on themselves. Nothing might ever be good enough. Try not to criticise your child as it can damage their delicate self esteem. Without good self esteem they will lack confidence in themselves and the drive to try new things.
Encourage Reading, Writing And Maths
You don't only have to be in a classroom to work on these skills. Making reading, writing and math part of your everyday life. Model good habits by reading and writing yourself. Encourage a love of books and the written word by doing it together, even if you are all individually sitting in your own favourite chair with a good book each.
Encourage writing by using a journal, writing shopping lists, emailing, or writing stories. Math is everywhere around if you take the chance to look - write a budget for the supermarket, create a savings plan with your pocket money, or measure up your room for new furniture.
Practicing all of these skills in real life situations will help your child to see the importance of practicing them in school too.
So, what motivates a child to be a excited about school? A positive attitude to most of the aspects that come along with learning!
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My Child Is Not Sporty And That’s OK
It takes all kinds to make the world go around. Every person has different skills and different interests, including children. Just because all the kids in your street are playing weekend sports, does not mean that your child has to.
Have you ever said to your child, ‘If [so-and-so] jumped off the harbour bridge, would you?’ I am sure we have all said something similar when teaching our children that peer pressure is not OK. So why do they need to cave to the peer pressure of playing a sport, just because it is a common hobby in New Zealand.
There are so many other hobbies that your child can pick up to keep their mind active and to have fun. They could learn an instrument, join the Scouts [http://www.scouts.org.nz/] or Girl Guides [https://www.girlguidingnz.org.nz/], go to drama or dance classes, have a craft or book club with their friends, or anything else they love to do.
Keeping Them Active
It is important to keep active for strong, healthy bodies. While sport can be an excellent way to keep your children active, there are lots of other things you can do too. Here are some ideas…
The Social Aspect
Team sport can be fantastic social interaction for children. It teaches them cooperation, sharing, turn taking and respect for others. But your children do not need to play a sport to get this kind of interaction. Involve them in other activities that include groups of children, and arrange lots of playdates with their friends.
Your Feelings
As a parent, you may be disappointed that your child is not showing a love for sport. You may have been looking forward to teaching rugby tackles, dribbling, fancy soccer footwork, or how to shoot goals. Make sure you process your feelings away from your child. Don’t let them know if you are disappointed. Find a way to support the things that they do love to do, then you can enjoy those things together.
As an athletic society, some parents may be concerned if they find that their child is not sporty. But you don’t need to worry, sport is not a necessary part of your child’s life. Everyone is different, with different abilities. There is no need to despair if your child is not sporty. There are so many other activities that they can enjoy that keep them active, gives them the social chance to make new friends, and gives them a sense of accomplishment.
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Internet Safety For Your Children...
Opinions and Sticky Beaks
I recently read an article in the Herald about a family in the States who took a holiday with their two young children. As you do, they took hundreds of photos on their trip. When they returned, they picked their favourites and took them to the local store to get them printed. One of the images was a picture of the Dad and his daughter wrapped up in a towel together after bathtime. It was a cute snap, both were laughing their heads off.
But the store assistant did not see the cute family photo that everyone else did. They reported the image to the police and the family entered into a 10 year legal battle to prove that they were fit parents who did not sexually abuse their children. It was complete madness. Of course they were proven innocent.
The moral of the story is to be very careful about who you show your images to. Even though it could be completely harmless, there are some sticky beaks in this world who think it is their duty to poke their nose in where it isn’t wanted. While this was an incident with a physical photo, imagine how much worse it could have been if it was posted on the internet. The keyboard warriors and nasty trolls would have had a field day tracking this family’s reputation through the mud. Not to mention the people with unsavoury intentions who would potentially use the photo for their own sick purposes.
The Perils Of Social Media...
Social media can be a great way to chronicle the life and achievements of your children, especially with the Facebook memories feature. But it can also document things your kids would rather forget in the future. Practising good internet safety is vital when it comes to social media photos.
Any photo that you post on social media is no longer your own. When you put it out there on any social platform, you cannot fully control who sees your images. Something that starts out as a post for Nana 3 towns away can end up halfway around the world if friends of friends like the post. That is why it is important to be cautious of what you post and who it might reach. Have a look at your security settings and make sure they are tight. Ensure that you do not give public access to private photos.
Most of all, screen the photo before you post it. Ask yourself if it falls into one of these categories…
Embarrassing
Yes, it’s a cute photo now. But will it be so cute when your child is going for an important job interview and their potential employer happens across it during a background check? The rule here is don’t post anything that will cause ridicule in years to come.
Nudity
Be mindful that it is not just your friends and family that have access to public images. Child pornogrpahy is a very real threat, so don’t let your child fall victim to some creep. It is best to keep any shots that involve nudity for the family album only
Sickness
You already feel bad enough when you are sick, you don't need to have your photo plastered all over the internet reminding you of it too. The only exception to this rule is if you are highlighting a certain condition for the awareness of other parents.
Respect
If your child has told you that they hate a certain photo of themselves then don’t go ahead and post it on social media any way. Offer your child the respect of being able to veto any photos they don’t want posted. If your child is too young to do this themselves, then it is your responsibility to be their advocate. Is this something our child would be embarrassed to see in the future, does this give away their location or put them in any danger, can someone use this photo for ulterior means? If you answered yes to any of those questions, don’t post it.
Location Tagging
Did you know that every photo taken from a mobile device records the date, time and location it was taken? Unless you edit those settings, anyone that stumbles across the photo can find your location details. That means that they may be able to locate you or your children at any one time. Even tagging where you are out for the day, or ‘checking in’ on Facebook can spell out to others where you are.
Competition
Parenting is not a competition. Your child is not better than my child, and mine is not better than yours. Every child is a precious little flower growing in the garden of life. They all need nurturing and grow at their own rate. No amount of water or fertilising will make them grow quicker. Teach your children that their own achievements are enough. We need to replicate that sentiment by not bragging about ourselves or our children on social media solely to compete with others.
Lead By Example
A lot of the photos that are posted on social media are not real life. They are carefully curated to look shiny and perfect. But, often behind the perfectly set up play area is a giant pile of mess that the camera cannot see. Teach your children that you don't have to be someone you are not. Post photos that are real and fun, not ones that have taken 45 minutes to style and your child has a fake smile plastered on their face!
The internet is a very real part of our children’s lives. They are the first generation to grow up with every day chronicled for the world to see. So it is important that we as parents protect their internet safety and be sensible when posting photos of them online. Always think before you post!
]]>While summer is a great time to trial these ideas with the long school holidays, you can actually use them at any time of year to encourage your kids’ love of learning. We wanted to share our favourite sneaky learning ideas with you so that you can enjoy them with your kids too.
10 Sneaky Learning Ideas…
Learning does not have to mean spelling, reading and math tests. There are so many different ways that your kids can learn outside of the classroom…
1: Making Up Their Own Games
Let their imaginations run wild with devising new games to play. Have them make up their own rules, include props, even create a board to play it on. They will then have to teach their friends and family how to play. This is a great lesson in creating cooperative play and following a creative thought process.
2: Take Interesting Outings
Learn about history firsthand by visiting historical sites. Bonus points if there are reenactments, activities to complete or cultural shows to watch. Increase your animal knowledge by hitting the zoo or animal sanctuaries. Up your cultural cred by attending a jazz festival, outdoor musical concerts, or even theatre performances.
3: Learn To Play Chess
If you don't know how to play yourself, there will be plenty of YouTube tutorials to teach you. Then you can learn with your kids. Chess teaches excellent analytical skills. It makes you problem solve, think critically, make discoveries, create a plan (and execute it), and how to adapt that plan when the parameters change.
4: Get On Public Transport
It is all too easy to hop in the car to get to the places you want to go. But why not learn some life skills by riding the bus or the train to get to your destination. It becomes an adventure for the kids when they need to work out their ticket price, assess the map for the correct stop, and the time you need to leave to get there on time.
5: Use The Power Of Music
If you grow bored of singing the right lyrics to a song, make up some new words. You could even devise your own song or rap. Think about the timing, the number of syllables in a line, making it rhyme, creating a storyline within your lyrics, or focusing on a certain theme.
6: Use The Movies
The kids will be delighted that screen time is actually an opportunity to learn. After the movie has ended discuss the plotlines, the characters, what you think their motivations were and why the story turned out the way it did. Perhaps you could develop back story for the movie characters, come up with a prequel or sequel idea, or discuss an alternate ending.
7: Go Orienteering or Geocaching
It’s a learning opportunity and an adventure all in one. You can go old school with a compass and navigate yourself to a set location. Or if you prefer a more modern approach, you can use a GPS enabled device and a geocaching app to discover exciting new destinations.
Find out more about geocaching here…
8: Kids In The Kitchen
It is time to get creating in the kitchen. The kids can follow a set recipe to work on their reading and measurements, then they can double the quantities to work on their math, plus they get to work on the vital skill that is cooking. Let them hunt through the recipe books to find a meal they like the look of, then create a shopping list, make a budget, go shopping for the ingredients and enjoy a delicious creation as a family.
9: Get Them Reading
Reading does not just mean looking at their homework books. Reading comic books, graphic novels, poetry, biographies and fan fiction works on their reading skills in exactly the same way. You can even work on their listening skills by playing Audiobooks.
Those blocks don't have to go in the bin just because your kids are past the toddler stage. Building is valuable for kids of all ages because it works on fine motor skills, creativity, hand eye coordination, critical thinking, problem solving, and spatial awareness. And you don’t only have to build with blocks. Use whatever you have at home - Lego, boxes, pasta, playing cards, toothpicks, craft sticks, or even toilet paper rolls.
If your kids love to learn then they are going to love these sneaky learning ideas. We would love to hear your ideas for getting the kids learning outside of school hours, Let us know your favourites in the comments below!
]]>I wholeheartedly agree that we mothers need to support each other. After all, we are all in the same boat - the long nights, kissing boo-boos, arguing about vegetables, and constantly asking them to put their shoes on, take them off, or put them away!
Here is why I believe that Mum support should be our main objective...
Why We Need Mum Support Not Mum Hating
Pressure From Society
Unfortunately there is a lot of pressure to do things in a certain way when it comes to modern parenting. In years gone by parenting was about feeding the kids, putting a roof over the head, clothing them and kicking them outside to play with their mates.
But these days it is expected that mothers prepare elaborate meals, ferry their children to countless after school activities, attend to their every need, navigate the dangerous waters of having their children in the online world, while still holding down a job and volunteering for the PTA.
That pressure can be crippling. Trying to live up to an unrealistic ideal is impossible. We should band together to change the ideal instead of judging each other for not living up to it when no possibly can.
There Is No Perfect
There is an incredible amount of pressure on Mums these days. We are meant to look perfect, act perfect, and raise perfect children while we hold down the perfect job and have the perfect amount of time to spend with our families.
Newsflash… there is no universal perfect. Only the perfect that works for your family.
If you have a full time job then you are supporting your family, if you are a stay at home mum then you are spending time with your kids, if you have had spaghetti on toast every night this week because you are so darn tired, then at least your family is fed.
Everyone’s family is different and what works for one may not work for another. The sooner we stop comparing ourselves to the way others do things, the better.
It Takes More Energy To Be Negative
Something as simple as a smile can change the world. By smiling at other Mums as you see them around your community, you can brighten days and form bonds. And how much energy does a smile take?
Far less than the energy needed to stand around and gossip about someone. Or to carry a negative energy around all day. Positivity can breed more positivity, just like negativity can breed more negativity. Which side do you want to be advocating for?
You Don’t Know What Is Going On In Their Life
I once saw a meme that said we should be kind to everyone we meet because you don’t know who has just lost a fight with a toddler.
I laughed at the meme, but then I thought about the truth behind it. You don’t know what people have going on in their life. After all, no one lives a charmed life, we all have our struggles to deal with.
Why would you add to someone's troubles by trying to bring them down further? We should automatically create a culture of support instead. You just don't know who might need it today, tomorrow, or in 3 weeks time.
It Is Not A Competition
As I just mentioned, there is no universal perfect. There is only what is perfect for your family. Children are tiny humans with their own personalities and skills. They will all achieve milestones at a different time, and that is alright.
There is no need to compare your children to anyone else’s . There is also no need to compare parenting styles, as what works for one family won’t work for another. When it comes to parenting, you are winning if your children are happy, healthy and loved. You are not winning by comparing your family to someone else’s!
Famous Does Not Equal Perfect
I think the root of the problem lies with celebrities. A culture has developed where it has become acceptable to insult celebrities. To pick apart what they are doing and to judge them for it. To criticise how they look, the way they behave, how they choose to parent, and any number of other judgements.
It seems safe to insult them because their lives are so far removed from our own. But celebrities are people too, they still cry when people say mean things. And if we become accustomed to bringing celebrities down, it is just a small jump to judging our own peers in the same way.
Social Media Should Be Used For Good And Not Evil
We live in a world where it has become commonplace to share our lives with the world online. But the lives that are shared are not always an accurate representation. We only share the life that we want people to see. Behind the perfectly staged lounge is a basket of unfolded washing or a kitchen that looks like a bombsite.
It is important to remember that no one’s life is perfect. Yes, all of the photos on a Facebook or Instagram page are of smiling, happy faces. But those smiling, happy faces will have days where they are sad, or sick, or grumpy, or unmotivated too.
Also remember that social media is not a place to be a keyboard warrior. If you would not say something to someone’s face, then why is it acceptable to say it online? If we can keep all of our online interactions positive, then social media would be far more of a positive place!
Supporting other mothers is something that I feel really strongly about. I think that we already have enough to worry about in busy modern life without throwing negativity into the mix as well!
Remember to be kind as much as you possibly can. Mum support is the way forward, not Mum hating!
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Big Emotions
Children have big emotions at the best of times. When they feel something, they really feel it. Children are still learning to master their feelings in day to day life, but when there is a crisis to deal with on top of that, their already-big feelings can get even bigger.
A crisis can be confusing for children, especially if they are still very young. It is important to make considerations for them, even though you are probably having to deal with a lot also.
Communication Is Key
There will be a lot of things to talk about, and a lot of things for your children to try and understand. Make sure that you take the time to really listen to them. That does not mean just listening to what they are saying directly. Also listen to what they are not saying, and if their behaviour is any different.
Give your children the chance to express their feelings and concerns. Try asking them some open-ended questions that will allow them to get things off their chest - ‘What news did you hear?’, How does it make you feel?’, ‘Do you have any questions?’. Really listen to their answers without interrupting or correcting them. Then, give them clear reassurances to quell any fears: we will do everything we can to keep you safe.
Creative Outlets
Not every child will be able to talk about what they are feeling. So, encourage them to write about it, or even draw or paint about it. Get them a special diary or journal that they can write all their thoughts in. Even get them one with a lock if you think it will help them feel comfortable writing about their emotions.
You could use it as a way to communicate. They can write you a message in the journal and leave it on your pillow. You can read it and respond appropriately, whether it is by speaking, or writing a reply in the journal for them to read.
Most of all, remember to play. Play is an outlet for children, and they can tell stories with their play that they might not think to talk about otherwise. It can also be a healthy distraction for the whole family to spend time playing together.
Safety Is A Concern
In a crisis children will need to know that they are in a safe environment. They may become clingy, or even go the opposite and become distant. Children need reassurance, acceptance, understanding and support in order to cope. They also need to feel safe, and know that they have someone that they can rely on. Give them that feeling of safety so that they can process their own emotions without fear.
Try not to let them withdraw in themselves, as it can be hard for them to climb back out. Try to limit TV and screen time, as they may use it as an escape from dealing with their emotions.
Be A Role Model
Your children will look to you for how they should react and behave. Allow yourself the time to process your own emotions, so that you can have space to help them deal with theirs. Explain it is alright to feel sad, or scared, or upset, and that those feelings will pass with time.
It Is Alright To Apologise
We are all flying by the seat of our pants in this parenting gig. I don’t think that any parent can claim that they have it together 100% of the time! And when there is the added pressure of a crisis or major event, sometimes we lose it. And that is alright. No one is perfect. It is alright to lose it, even if you lose it in front of your children without meaning to.
The important thing is to talk about what happened after you have calmed down. Explain why Mummy was crying, or why Daddy wasn’t able to talk at the time. Tell your children what is going on with you, and apologise if the situation calls for it. We are all human, and it can be good for children to see that parents have emotions too.
Ask For Support
Everyone will deal with a crisis differently. If you are lucky enough to have people around you offering support, then accept it with open arms. Do not underestimate the pressures that you are under. You do not have to be a superwoman, or superman. If you have someone you can trust to ask for support, then ask them. Whether it is support for yourself, or for your children, share the load. They do say that a problem shared is a problem halved.
]]>It is important that you select a practical holiday destination and an itinerary that will keep everyone happy.
Types of Holidays For Your Family
Main Holiday Features
When planning a family holiday there are a few main considerations to take into account.
Because every family is different, they will all have different needs. That also means that each family will have their own idea on what makes a perfect holiday. Let’s explore each of the different aspects that make up the types of holidays that could be your perfect family break.
Food
Think about your family’s eating habits and the kind of food they enjoy eating. It might take some convincing to get a table full of picky eaters to sample exotic Asian street food. Or if your family have creative tastes, they might be bored by a vanilla family buffet. Part of going on holiday is trying new things, so you can push the comfort zone boundaries a little.
Entertainment and Activities
What do your family like to do when you go on holiday? Do you enjoy water sports, relaxing on the beach or by the pool, getting out to see the local sights, shopping, or immersing yourself in a new culture? Consider the things you enjoy doing when picking your destination. You don’t want to end up feeling like a fish out of water for your whole holiday and hating it!
Travel Time
If you are traveling with kids, do they travel well? Or will you have to listen to a gazillion different ‘are we there yet’ questions? You may choose to pick a faraway destination to do all of your travel at once, then only take short trips around after you arrive. Or is it better to spread your travel across your holiday so you get to see as many places as possible. Think about the best mode of transport for your destination and ensure that everyone can travel safely with car seats if needed.
Favorite Things
What do you think is the best thing about going on holiday? Is it a chance to relax, or to explore. It is important to know that so that you can plan accordingly. You don’t want to pack every day with activities if all you are after is downtime. Vice versa, you don’t want to turn up at your destination, want to experience the place and not know what you can do.
Accommodation
Choosing the right kind of accommodation can make or break your holiday. Whether you love staying in a tent, campervan, motel, hotel, beach chalet, mud hut, a house boat or a bed and breakfast, nothing else will compare. Don’t try and rough it if you love electricity and creature comforts, and don’t stay at an inner-city apartment if you thrive on getting close to nature. Pick accommodation that makes sense for your family and make sure there is enough room for everyone!
What Don’t You Like?
Sometimes the easiest way to make a decision is to look at the negatives. It can help to narrow your choices down really fast! So think about the things you want to avoid on your holiday - maybe they are language barriers, the inner-city, the wilderness, crowds, or touristy spots. It is easy to know what you don’t want which can then make travel decisions very simple.
The Perfect Holiday?
Let’s face it, it’s going to be hard to please everyone in your family 100%. So when you are thinking collectively about the types of holidays you enjoy, everyone will have to make a little bit of compromise. Every experience can only be great if you make it great. So ticking the boxes on the right kind of holiday and going into it with a positive attitude and an open mind will make it the perfect holiday for your family.
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What is Sibling Rivalry?
Sibling rivalry is jealousy, fighting and competition between brothers and sisters. Almost every family with more than one child will have to deal with episodes of sibling rivalry, and it can affect the whole family. For some parents, it can go beyond the irritation of playing mediator all the time. For blended families, the rivalry can sometimes be so intense that it puts the adult’s relationship in jeopardy.
How to deal with Sibling Rivalry
How many times have you said, ‘Stop fighting with your brother and just be nice to each other’. Probably hundreds of times. And how many times have they listened – instantly stopping the fight so that they lovingly hug each other and profess how sorry they are. Probably never.
When you choose to have more than one child in the house, you have to be prepared for the issue of sibling rivalry. It might not happen every minute of the day, but it happens enough to need some tactics on how to deal with it. Here is what you can do…
Develop a coping strategy
You are never going to be able to stop the fighting and competing from happening, so find a way to cope with it. Separating the siblings from each other into their own space can be a great start. It gives them time on their own to calm down, and to process what has happened.
Make sure that you have clear rules about behaviour like, no aggression, no hitting, and no name-calling. It won’t stop the fighting, but it should stop it escalating to a place you don’t want it to.
Don’t play favourites
Try not to favour one child more than the another. Try to treat them all the same, with the same set of rules and the same set of rewards. Be fair. It is important that your child knows that there is enough love in your heart for everyone, and everyone gets an equal share of the love.
Arrange to spend one-on-one time with each child. This time doesn’t have to be a full-on outing, but spend some time together doing what they love. Maybe it’s reading together, going for a bike ride, or playing Lego, just time for you to bond with your child without any other siblings there.
Do not use comparisons
It can be crushing for a child’s spirit if they think that their parent is prouder of a sibling. Don’t say, ‘why can’t you be more like your sister’, or ‘[such-n-such] is a bit slower than the other two’. Praise for one sibling, should not be used as criticism for another. Each child has their own personality and set of skills.
Let them sort it out themselves sometimes
You may not have to intervene into every sibling altercation. Sometimes fights happen because your kids know it will get your attention. If they are not tearing the walls down, then they might be able to work it out between them. Resolving a disagreement is a valuable skill to have, and it teaches our children resilience.
Create a team environment
Make sure that your kids know they are a valuable part of the family team. Celebrate successes together, and allow siblings to be happy for each other. Encourage gift giving between siblings, honouring each other’s achievements, and celebrating birthdays. Teach them that when something nice happens to your sibling, you should be happy for them and not sad for yourself. Before too long, it will be your turn to have something good happen.
Encourage healthy sharing
Sharing can be the cause of many fights. To try and minimise fights over sharing by having toys that belong to the whole family. These are the toys that must be shared by everyone. But each child should have special toys that belong to them alone. If they choose to share them, then that is their choice, but they do not have to. They need to know that their family will respect their choice about their own property, it helps them fell like an important part of the team.
Sibling rivalry can be difficult to deal with, it can be loud, it can be frustrating and it can be never-ending. Setting clear boundaries and allowing your children to each have their own space should hopefully provide some relief to the constant bickering.
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Fruit
This one is really a no-brainer. You can’t go wrong with delicious fresh fruit. Apple slices, grapes and bananas are all kiddy favourites.
Jazz it up...
Fruit Kebabs: Choose some brightly coloured fruits and thread them onto skewers for a delicious rainbow treat. Strawberries, kiwifruit, pineapple, mandarin and grapes are all perfect for fruit skewers.
Hedgehogs: Peel the pointy end of a pear and decorate to look like a hedgehog nose, then make his spikes by poking small pieces of fruit (like grapes) onto toothpicks.
Home Made Ice blocks
If you are having a summer party, then home-made ice blocks will go down a treat. Juice your favourite fruits and freeze them into iceblock moulds.
Jazz it up...
Yoghurt Pops: Instead of freezing fruit juice, try freezing yoghurt into ice block moulds for that creamy texture.
Tropical Smoothie Ice Blocks: Step it up a level by freezing smoothies into ice block moulds. Grab 10 ice block recipes here.
Dips
Kids love to dip things. Encourage them to dip some healthy snacks into healthy dips for a filling and nutritious snack.
Hummus: A family favourite, hummus is a versatile dip for lots of healthy treats. Vege sticks, rice crackers, pita bread, and anything else your kids love to dip.
Salsa: A fresh dip alternative. And you can keep it mild for the kids by adding little (or no) chilli.
Baked Items
Baking does not automatically have to mean sugary treats. There are lots of healthy options that the kids will inhale at any party.
Chicken & Vege Sausage Rolls: Packed full of easily disguised veges, the plate is sure to be empty in no time. Check out this great sausage roll recipe here.
Mini Pizzas: Who doesn’t love pizzas? And they can be so easy to whip up when you use pita bread for the bases. The topping options are endless, stick with the favourites of ham, cheese and pineapple, or get a bit more exotic if you choose. Here is our favourite healthy mini pizza recipe for kids.
Chocolate Avocado Fudge Muffins: They sound and taste decadent, but with no butter, no eggs and little sugar, they are healthy too. Here is a yummy recipe for these muffins.
Something A Bit Different
Looking for something a little outside the box? Then these snacks will be a great option.
Sushi: Making your own sushi is super easy and you can pick the fillings you love. Fish, seafood, chicken, vegetarian, or anything else really. Yum!
Bliss Balls: There is a reason these are called bliss balls, and it is because they taste so good! Like bliss in your mouth. Coming in a range of flavours, you can pick your favourites. Chocolate, peanut butter, apricot, berries, anything goes really. Here is a great collection of recipes for bliss balls [http://picklebums.com/15-snack-balls/]
Chicken Meatballs: A bit of a healthy twist on the standard meatballs as these are baked and little ones will love helping to roll small balls. Here is the recipe. Don’t forget the dipping sauce!
Hopefully this list will give you some ideas on healthy party food to serve at your next celebration. These healthy treats are guilt free, and we guarantee you won’t have many leftovers. Enjoy!
]]>Diabetes is a condition where the body is unable to process glucose properly. The blood glucose level is too high due to the body not using the glucose correctly. The hormone insulin is needed to allow the body to process glucose from food, into the blood cells of the body, where it is used as fuel for energy. Insulin is produced by the pancreas. Diabetes occurs when cells in the pancreas are unable to create enough insulin, or when the body resists the effects of insulin.
Childhood Diabetes is when the condition presents itself in young children.
There are two types of Diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Both are variants of the same condition. Each involves the way that the body handles insulin.
Type 1:
Type 1 Diabetes is caused by genetic and environmental factors. This means that some children are more genetically disposed to developing diabetes, but it is often triggered by an environmental factor like an illness or virus.
When this trigger occurs, the body’s immune system begins to attack the beta cells (the cells that produce insulin) in the pancreas. This results in a decrease in insulin production. It can take anywhere between a few weeks, to a few years for the cells to be destroyed.
The symptoms of Diabetes do not begin to show until around 90% of the cells are destroyed. So it is hard to tell if your child is developing Diabetes until the symptoms occur.
Just because your child is genetically disposed towards Diabetes does not mean that they will contract it. Type 1 Diabetes cannot be prevented, and is not caused by eating a poor diet. Unfortunately, if your child develops Diabetes, it is a condition they will have to manage their whole life.
Type 2:
Type 2 Diabetes is the more common of the two types, up to 80 or 90% of Diabetics are Type 2. It used to be that Type 2 Diabetes only affected older people, but it is becoming more common in young children. The tendency for Type 2 Diabetes is inherited, but it is largely affected by environmental factors.
The biggest trigger for Type 2 Diabetes is obesity. This is usually because of the main causes of obesity are lack of physical activity and bad diet. That means that the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes is greatly reduced with a healthy, active lifestyle and a balanced diet with a low amount of fats and sugars.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Both types of Diabetes present with the same symptoms. Often the symptoms for Type 1 come on quickly, whereas they are slower for Type 2. Sometimes Type 2 Diabetes exhibits none of the below symptoms and is only detected at routine medical checks. Some of the symptoms are…
If you think that your child might be exhibiting some symptoms of Diabetes, or you have any concerns about their health, then make sure you see your doctor.
If your child is diagnosed with either type of Diabetes, then they will need to manage the condition all of their life. This is generally how each type is treated…
Type 1
Your child will require insulin therapy which replaces the insulin that their body cannot create. This must be injected, as insulin is not available orally. They will also require a healthy lifestyle plan with exercise and healthy eating.
Type 2
The first treatment is to ensure that your child is leading a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a good diet and weight loss (if necessary) can reduce the chance of needing medication to manage the condition. But, most young children will require some form of medical treatment to manage their Diabetes. These may include tablets that help the body use insulin more effectively, insulin injections, or a combination of both.
If you have a childhood Diabetes diagnosis in your household, then there will definitely be adjustments to your lifestyle. A Diabetes diagnosis is not the end of the world, but it will be a steep learning curve for your family. There is a lot to learn about Diabetes, so make sure your whole support network is educated on how best to support your little one.
As well as education, you will need to learn how to manage the condition. Administering medication, testing for good health, booking specialist appointments and lots of love and support.
Childhood Diabetes can be a scary diagnosis for your family. There is a lot to learn and it will likely mean a change in lifestyle. While Diabetes is a condition to manage for life, it is doesn’t have to be completely life changing. Please consult your doctor with any concerns that you have about your child’s health.
]]>If possible, try to be the one that picks the restaurant. Then you can select somewhere you are familiar with, and that you know is friendly for your children. If you can’t pick the venue, then at least pick the time you dine. Try to book an early seating so that the effects of the witching hour don’t kick in partway through your meal.
If you haven’t been there before, research the restaurant ahead of time. Some restaurants have a ban on young children dining, so check that out first. Then, try to find out if they are child friendly: is it a family restaurant, do they have a highchair (if your child is of that age). Also, try to find out what they menu is like and if they have anything that your kids will eat. Armed with all the right information, you will be prepared and know what to expect.
Before you leave for the restaurant, have a conversation with your little ones so they know what to expect, and what is expected of them.
Restaurant does not equal fast food. So, make sure that you have a way to pass the time between being seated and walking out the door to go home. Eating the actual meal will only distract young children for a short while, so it’s best to have a bag of tricks with you. Some really good things to bring are colouring, books to read, puzzle books to complete, small toys or even audio books. You can also play simple games at the table like I-Spy, Spot all the Yellow Things, or Group Stories (where each table guest adds a line to the story as it goes on).
It seems funny to bring food to a place where they serve food. But it can save a lot of heartache (and money) if you have a few snacks on hand that you know your child will eat. This can be great if there is nothing on the menu that they will enjoy, the meals take a while to come out, or the meal that does come out for your child is a bit of a surprise. If you don’t need the emergency snacks, just take them back home. But it’s great to have the option there. Something like our Goodbyn Snack Box or Reusable Snack Bags are perfect to stash in your handbag.
We know how hard it can be for small children to sit still. But don’t let them run around the restaurant causing havoc. Respect the other diners and try to keep the noise down. Request a table in the corner, not in the middle of the other diners. Don’t be afraid to discipline your child if it is required.
If it is one of the first times you have dined out with your little ones, then do not order a 10-course degustation menu that will take hours to consume! Try to start small with a main, and possibly dessert. Also, be prepared to leave before the other dinner guests if it gets too much for the kids.
The best laid plans can fly out the window in a second, but hopefully our top tips make it slightly easier to manage restaurant eating with young children!
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