parenting - Parenting Healthy

Gardening is an enjoyable activity for adults but it’s often a bit of a mystery to the kids. While they may see grownups busily going about their business with a trowel in hand, or covered in soil when re-entering the home, what exactly is going on remains unclear to them. For parents, gardening is a perfect teaching opportunity for their children even when it comes to growing food. But how exactly do you as a parent tear them away from their mobile games and get them interested in gardening? Here are some ideas to get the kids involved in growing food and gardening for the first time.

Ideas to Get Kids Involved in Gardening and Growing Food — Royalty-free image

Stoke a Kid’s Fascination with Living Things

The inquisitive nature of children is such that they love to learn new things. But that’s especially true when it’s about living, growing things. It grabs their attention and makes them sit up and take notice.

Growing plants that respond to being watered with some species expanding in size quickly is enough to interest some kids right away. If they can see that a plant has grown larger by measuring it a week before and today, they will be pleased. Just make sure they know to be gentle with the plants, as kids can sometimes be heavy handed.

Growing Food on their own

While food may appear to be “made” at the supermarket or it magically appears out of the microwave or oven and conveniently lands on their plate, older kids know that’s not the case. The opportunity to take on some fun responsibility and grow vegetables of their own is a new thing. It’s one thing to be responsible for a city’s development in a computer game, but altogether something else to do it in real life.

Choose vegetables that are easier to grow and less prone to dying off. This will increase their likely success rate and avoid them giving up through disappointment.

Let Them Adjust Garden Watering Based on Rainfall

An excellent way to combine computer gadget knowledge with gardening that may provide some early fascination is through using a rain gauge. This can measure the rainfall levels to avoid overwatering the garden. Using a gauge like this, it’s possible to avoid saturating plants or vegetables, preventing healthy growth. They can check it each day, make notes, and decide what to do. Using a rain gauge, it’s possible to engage them on several levels while indirectly improving their results too. Read some reviews of the best ones at WeatherStationAdvisor.

A Garden Plot of Their Own

A garden plot with their name on it will be something new (have them create a little sign to do just that). Instead of contributing to mommy’s or daddy’s garden, they can take full ownership.

Starting with raking the soil, and adding some fertilizer under supervision, they can then move onto planting some seeds for their favorite vegetables. Then water them every so often.

They will need some supervision from time to time to avoid little disasters like overwatering the soil or choosing out-of-season vegetable seeds. Also, avoid those that won’t grow with the level of sunlight their plot will receive.

Create a Fairy Garden

Some children will enjoy creating a fairy garden, adding plants, and building it up to be a little personal paradise. The garden can include a mini fairy garden house, some wooden steppingstones, soil, and a few plants scattered about. For small children who are new to gardening, it can be a gentler introduction on a smaller scale that won’t scare them off. You can plan and manage the garden together if they’re not feeling confident at first. Soon after, their confidence and creativity will start to grow, and they can take over.

Use a Garden Planning App

When you have a child who is a dab hand on their smartphone or tablet, take advantage of that by getting them to install a garden planning app. There are plenty to choose from. It can help give their mind something to wrestle with until they come up with a workable design. You can then help them bring their design to fruition.

A word of warning here: Don’t have them bite off more than they can chew. Section off an area of the garden for them to work from and let them get creative there. That way, their learning curve isn’t going to make a mess of the entire backyard and garden area. Also, if they suddenly decide that they’ve gotten bored and walk off, putting everything back to how it was before won’t be a total nightmare.

It’s always better to engage and get kids involved in gardening where they are at, so they can feel like they’re making the decision themselves. Otherwise, they may assume it’s just another chore, and won’t want to do it. And then you’ve lost them possibly for good.

Parenting

The 4 Best Careers For Working Parents

April 15, 2021April 15, 2021 Erin Sluka

Being a parent can sometimes be a life-challenging experience, especially when you have a full-time job. A survey that was conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International revealed that more than half (56%) of American working parents say that balancing work and parenting has been posing lots of challenges to them. This often results in them leaving their regular jobs and devoting their time to raise and take care of their kids. However, most parents currently tend to pursue careers that are more rewarding instead. These careers offer a good pay grade, have flexible working hours, and even remote working arrangements. This makes them ideal to have quality time for their families and still make a good income. Here are the 4 best careers for working parents.

Actuarial Science

This career involves the study of the probability that things will happen based on the values of variables such as bonds, or stocks. In order to be an actuary, you need to have a solid statistical background and study problems related to insurance. This career is one of the best careers for parents as it doesn’t really need you to be in the office. You can actually be working from your living room. The career also offers good pay, high level of job flexibility and parents even have the advantage of working remotely, making parents have quality time to spend with the family.

IT Data Scientist

Data science is one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand careers today. It involves areas such as programming, machine learning statistics, software engineering, and experimental science. Being a data scientist is one of the best careers for working parents since it combines a hefty paycheck along with the option to work in the comfort of their homes, with flexible working hours and at relatively low stress. Additionally, for parents that are thinking of establishing their own business before retirement, this can be their ideal job since their experiences, contacts, and knowledge as a data scientist can be very much helpful.

Dental Hygienist

A Dental hygienist career involves providing preventive oral care under dentist supervision. They clean patients’ teeth and examine their mouths for any damage, gingivitis, and any other diseases. With a dental hygienist career, working parents are assured to enjoy a competitive salary and able to work part-time hours. Making it possible for them to have time to spend with their kids and make it to their appointments. With the fast-growing population, dental hygienists continue to be in demand. The experts at tempmee.com recommend that dental hygienists looking for more chances to earn more income can get such opportunities to accept extra shifts through an on-demand app that is either on phones or laptops.

Elementary School Teacher

For those who enjoy being around children, an elementary school teacher can be one of the ideal careers for them. Being an elementary school teacher parents will always be assured of getting home shortly after their kids or even at the same time. They also get summer breaks and school holidays just like their kids and on top of it still making an income. Additionally, this job will also save you from either the trouble of sitting in long meetings or travel out of town for work and having the stress to always look for a babysitter to watch over your kids.

These careers will not just help moms and dads make a reasonable earning but also let them enjoy the parenthood experience, have more time to take care of themselves, and most of all have more quality time to spend with their families.

Parenting

Tips for How to Simplify Your Children’s Wardrobe

April 6, 2021April 6, 2021 Erin Sluka

Photo credit: Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

Understandably, many parents are struggling to let go of their children’s baby clothes. These items hold sentimental value and precious memories from their kid’s early childhood. While it seems hard at first, it is essential to declutter their wardrobe so you can see what you can keep, throw away, and donate. More clothes mean more laundry, endless cleaning, and sometimes unnecessary tantrums. Here is a simple guide that will help you simplify your little one’s wardrobe.

Lay everything out and categorize them accordingly

To make the decluttering process more manageable, remove everything from the closet, starting from the top shelf. Have three boxes near you and label them, what you will keep, throw out, and donate. Throw away worn-out clothes, torn, permanently stained, deformed or out of shape, and keep those in excellent condition, still fit, in season, and can be used for the next baby. If you have extra clothes that are still in good condition or even brand new ones, donate them to charity or to a loved one that is expecting. Keep in mind that some might need these unwanted or unused clothes, so it is best to let them go early on so others can still benefit from them. Many charities accept these donations, both local and national. Make sure to get in touch with them first to know their current pandemic protocols.

Involve them in the process

For older kids, include them in the decluttering process as many can already voice out their preferences. Ask their opinion and take note of their favorites. Make it a fun activity by having a mini fashion show. Mix and match their clothes, or ask them to organize their clothes, their favorites, semi-favorites, and those that they dislike. Tell them to choose based on their liking regardless of the color and your child’s gender. Use this opportunity to teach them the value of what they wear, where it came from, or how it was made.

For the younger ones, visualize what they gravitate to the most in terms of colors, patterns, and textures. Remove those that are barely worn, even if they’re expensive. Ask yourself the following questions: Does it still fit? On a scale from 1 to 10, does my child love this, and would they notice if it is gone? Set a clothes limit by considering the available storage, your child’s preferences, and daily activities. Have five to seven days’ worth of clothing or even 10 days if you have enough space.

Scout for affordable and age-appropriate clothing

After categorizing their clothing, look for inexpensive but quality clothes, online. Consider buying several quantities of the same outfit, especially those that your child loves. Choose clothes that can be worn with anything, regardless of the season. Bear in mind your child’s activity and energy level. If they are physically active and tend to get messy, buy dirt and stain-resistant clothes. Go for stretchy clothing for young children, as tight or restrictive clothes can be uncomfortable, especially if they are in their development years.

There are several benefits of decluttering your child’s wardrobe. Decluttering promotes a happy and cleaner environment not only for your children but for your entire household.

Parenting

How to Teach Your Children About Diversity

February 12, 2021July 9, 2023 Erin Sluka

The world is one massive melting pot, and modern technology allows people to connect like never before. As your kids grow, they are likely to notice differences in the environment and the community. Many kids will begin to ask questions and point out variations. This can be embarrassing for parents, especially if their youngster is speaking loudly or pointing in public. The answer to this situation lies in preparation and communication, to teach your children bout diversity starting at an early age.

Here are six ways to teach your children about diversity.

1. Address Their Observations

Did you know 3-month-old babies can perceptually distinguish faces by race? Their observation skills continue to develop as they grow. At 6-months a child can perceive these differences enough to begin categorizing faces by race, and by age eight, most children can sort others into racial groups. It makes sense that these differences would spark a level of reflection and contemplation. Therefore, it’s crucial to address these thoughts immediately.

Your child is not blind to diversity, but that is not the same as understanding its implications. Instead of attempting to quiet their questions, address them head-on in an honest and non-biased manner.

For instance, the next time your child asks why someone is fat or skinny, state that people come in all shapes and sizes, which makes the world an exciting place. As they age, you can become more scientific with your responses to provide an accurate response to their questions. Keep in mind that if you do not answer, someone else will, and their response may have profound implications on your child’s beliefs.

2. Discuss Various Types of Diversity

Diversity simply means that people are unique and have differences, but those contrasts do not make them better or worse than their peers. You should discuss all different types of diversity, such as race, religion, gender, physical abilities, socioeconomic status, political beliefs and other ideologies. As you converse, empathize that these differences make people special and beautiful in their own way.

For them to accept the differences, they must understand them, which requires a thorough study and a lot of time. You can organize studies about different religions, find a religious leader or try to enroll them in study programs such as a vacation bible school curriculum, which will not only acquaint the child with the details and religions of the Bible but also reveal their preferred direction. Depending on your environment, your child may be a minority, and it’s crucial they recognize their value in the world. Additionally, situations change, and they may find themselves identifying differently than they did at birth. What matters on the inside is more important than any physical feature. Teaching your kids this lesson will help them to be kind to others and themselves.

3. Introduce Educational Books and Shows

Strengthen your lessons on diversity by introducing educational books and shows. As you read and watch, your child will begin to understand the complex topics covered under the umbrella of diversity. You can find resources that discuss different cultures, customs and lifestyles. With time, these messages will become engrained in their minds.

These books and shows will help to spark new ideas and discussions in your household. In fact, they may even inspire your family to take an international trip or learn a new language.

4. Keep Diverse Toys in the House

When choosing toys for your kids, it’s tempting to pick out the dolls which look like them. Instead, try to buy a wide variety of styles. People come in all colors, shapes and sizes, and a child’s toys should represent that. As they play, they’ll appreciate the beauty in these differences.

5. Lead by Example

Your child is watching you to see if your actions match your words. Your kids will notice if you speak of equality and fairness but then laugh at inappropriate jokes or treat others impolitely. While it’s important to monitor how you express yourself around impressionable young people, you should try to act civilly at all times. Lead by example because your children are taking their cues from you. More specifically, keeping a diverse friend group will demonstrate that you genuinely believe everyone is special and consequential.

The best way to lead is by educating yourself. Read books on diversity and become familiar with racial biases present in modern society. The more you learn, the easier it will be to teach your children. There will always be more to discover and ways to improve, so encourage yourself and your family to make the world a better place through your actions.

6. Correct Your Child When Necessary

Your kids are human, and they will make mistakes sometimes. Instead of ignoring their actions or writing them off as bad behavior, sit them down and talk. Ask why they acted rudely and explain how their deeds impact others. It’s essential to correct those behaviors, so they do not happen again.

Before jumping to conclusions, ask your child if there was a reason for their behavior. Keep questioning them until you get to the real reason they were acting a certain way. Perhaps they saw someone else do the same thing, or a boy pulled their hair, so they decided all boys were rude. You won’t truly understand their actions without challenging their shallow answers.

Be Open to Conversation

It’s crucial to teach your children about diversity from a young age. This will stop judgment and bias before it has a chance to solidify. Utilize these six steps, but remember to keep the conversation open. As your child grows, they will come into contact with a wide variety of people and personalities. By staying open to discussions about diversity, you can continue to guide your kids and positively influence their mindset.