Tag Archives: education

Jan18

Homeschool More Effectively With These Tips

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Homeschool More Effectively With These Tips

If you are a homeschool parent, you want to make sure that you are teaching your children effectively. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this because each child is different. However, there are some general tips that can help you get started. This blog post will discuss four of the most important things to keep in mind when teaching your children at home:

Get organized:

It’s easy for materials to pile up and become overwhelming so it’s important to keep organized. Start by designating specific areas for studying and doing work, like a desk or table. Have all of your materials easily accessible and labeled properly so both you and your children can find what they need quickly. Take the time to plan out your lessons and activities beforehand to save yourself stress later on. Having a set routine can help keep everyone on track and make things run more smoothly.

It’s also important to have an organized system in place for keeping track of grades, tests, and other educational milestones. Create a folder or binder specifically for each child which should include assignment instructions, worksheets, quizzes, graded papers, etc., as well as notes about topics covered in class or any additional resources that you may need throughout the year. Set aside time each week to review the progress of each student – this will help you to identify any areas where improvement is needed and adjust accordingly.

Allow flexibility:

Flexibility is key when it comes to homeschooling. You should give your children the freedom to explore their own interests and learn in different ways. Try incorporating activities that appeal to each child’s unique learning style like hands-on projects or field trips for more tactile learners. Consider allowing independent study time where your kids can pursue topics of interest on their own – this will help them stay engaged and motivated in their studies.

Make lessons engaging:

When teaching at home, make sure to keep things interesting! Use a variety of teaching methods such as videos, games, books, and even music to liven up traditional lectures and make learning more enjoyable. You can also incorporate real-world experiences and visits to museums or other educational sites as this will help your children make connections between what they are learning and the world around them.

Utilize technology:

Technology has made homeschooling much easier! There are so many great educational apps like ABCmouse as well as websites and online tools that you can use to supplement lessons and make teaching more efficient. Take advantage of these resources because they can provide a wealth of information while making learning fun.

Homeschooling is a unique and rewarding experience. With the right strategies and resources, you can teach your children effectively while also creating an enjoyable learning environment!

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Oct25

What To Prioritize For Child Development

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What To Prioritize For Child Development

If you are a first-time parent, you’ll find a lot of responsibilities to juggle. Along with the apparent need to provide food, clothing, and shelter, you’ll also be in charge of your child’s safety, health, and well-being. You will also want to lay a foundation that sets your child up for success in school and life. So, what should you prioritize? Below is a list of five areas experts say are essential for child development:

Safe Home Environment:

The first and most important priority for parents is to provide a safe and secure home environment for their children. This includes ensuring there are no home hazards that could injure your children, such as sharp edges on furniture, poisonous chemicals within reach, or unlocked cabinets. Childproofing your home is essential to keeping your kids safe.

In addition to physical safety, you’ll also want to create an emotionally safe environment for your children. This means being supportive and responsive to their needs, providing love and affection, and setting consistent limits. Creating a safe and secure attachment with your child is critical for their development.

You should also create a routine for your family that includes regular bedtimes and mealtimes. This will help your child feel secure and reduce stress. Lastly, you’ll want to have a support system in place during an emergency. This might include having a relative or friend you can call if you need help or know where to find resources in your community.

Health and Nutrition:

Being healthy doesn’t just mean feeding your child a nutritious diet that meets their growing bodies’ needs. It also includes regular medical checkups, immunizations, and dental care. Avoid using food as a reward or punishment to help your child develop healthy eating habits. Instead, focus on making meals together a positive experience. Serve various foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins and limit sugary drinks and snacks.

It’s also important to encourage your child to be active. According to the CDC, children should get at least an hour of physical activity daily. This can include playing outside, going for walks or bike rides, or participating in organized sports.

Emotional Development:

As your child grows, you’ll want to help them develop emotionally by teaching them how to express their feelings in appropriate ways. It also means helping them develop empathy for others and teaching them how to resolve conflicts peacefully. You can encourage emotional development by reading stories together and discussing the characters’ emotions. You can also model emotional regulation yourself by talking about your feelings.

Education:

Developing your child’s education includes reading to them regularly, teaching them numbers and letters, and taking them to the library or museum. You can also enroll them in a high-quality preschool program. Research has shown that preschool children are likelier to do better in school and are less likely to need special education or be held back a grade. As a result, it will be necessary to look into high-quality British international school admissions. Those universities can be ideal for your child’s development, making it a top priority. They’re also more likely to graduate from high school and attend college.

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Financial Stability:

Last but not least, you’ll want to prioritize financial stability. This means having a budget and saving for your child’s future. It also means teaching your children about money to make smart financial decisions when they’re older. You can start by setting up a savings account for your child. For example, you can give them an allowance and have them save a portion of it in their account. It’s never too early to start teaching your children about money. Doing so will help them develop good financial habits that will last a lifetime.

While it’s essential to focus on all development areas, some may be more critical than others, depending on your child’s individual needs. Remember to always keep your child’s best interests at heart as you make decisions about their care and development.

Jun13

Educational Activities Your Kids Can Do This Summer

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Educational Activities Your Kids Can Do This Summer

Summer vacation is in full force, so your kids are home from school. You’re probably enjoying the extra time with them, but you may also be wondering how to keep their brains sharp during the break! Here are some educational activities to help your kids keep learning and have fun during the summer vacation:

Read books:

Reading is a great way to pass the time and learn new things, you can discover this content on ABCmouse, whether it be about other cultures, places, history, or even languages. There are many stories for kids and adults alike, so if you want an activity you can do together, this is one for you.

Reading with your kids can benefit them in several ways: it helps them improve their reading skills; it allows them to connect with others through literature; it improves their vocabulary and comprehension; it provides an outlet for creativity through writing and illustration; and much more. You can make reading fun by adding games to their reading experience. For example, you can use a word family activity sheet as reading prompts, helping them to choose books based on a word, colors, and other items.

Journal:

Summer is the time for your child to have fun and relax. But it’s also important for them to go into the next school year with new experiences and knowledge. One way to help accomplish this goal is by journaling. An activity that requires minimal supplies (if any), journaling can be done anywhere, anytime even if you’re on vacation or stuck inside during bad weather. It’s easy enough for kids as young as five, but older kids will find it just as beneficial.

Journaling encourages creativity while helping children develop other skills such as organization, reflection, and increased vocabulary through writing on topics they find interesting (and learning how to spell those words). Plus, it is excellent practice for essay assignments.

Take a field trip:

If your child is interested in a particular subject, try taking them on an educational field trip to explore it further. Field trips provide the opportunity for learning about history and culture and practical skills like cooking and art.

If you are going on vacation, you can turn this experience into not just a relaxing holiday but an educational one. You don’t have to dedicate all of your vacation to learning, but you can take your children on a trip while on vacation to learn more about the place you are visiting, whether that is going to a museum, taking a tour, or just enjoying the culture while you are there.

Learn a new skill:

Learning a new skill can be challenging, but it’s also fun! When kids learn something they enjoy, they are more likely to want to do it again and again. This makes it easier for them to get better at whatever they are doing, making learning more enjoyable. It is even better if it is a skill that they have an interest in from the beginning, like art, cooking, or music.

Go on a scavenger hunt:

There’s nothing like a scavenger hunt to engage kids around the world. If you’re doing this with younger kids, make a list of items they can find and bring them back to you. For example, a leaf from a tree or a dandelion.

It’s also important that your activity isn’t too challenging or overwhelming for their age group. If you want something more educational, consider including objects such as shapes or numbers to teach them something new along the way. It’ll also keep them interested throughout the process since it’s always lovely when an activity feels rewarding for everyone involved!

Create a learning fort:

One of the best ways to excite your kids about learning is to create a fun space to learn in. Forts are cool and can be used in different ways. You can read a book while sitting under it, play a game like hide-and-seek inside it, and let your imagination soar in its construction. Whether it’s a classic pillow fort, made of cardboard boxes, or built in nature a fort will provide lots of entertainment and opportunities to learn.

You don’t have to break the bank or travel far to keep your kids’ brains busy and sharp over summer break. There are plenty of ways to incorporate learning into everyday life, even if you’re just hanging out in your backyard!

Featured Image By: Sharon McCutcheon

Apr1

Types Of Childcare Settings And What They Offer

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Types Of Childcare Settings And What They Offer

In the US and many other countries, there are three main stages of education. However, children in the states can attend daycare settings from the age of just six weeks old. This can be quite common if the parents have to go back to work and there is nobody to look after the child.

It is important that you view childcare settings before sending your child to ensure they are safe and secure. Take notice of small things such as the classroom furniture being used and how the staff interact with the children. If you are unsure of when your child can attend school, then here is a list of ones available that may be suitable for you and your child:

Early Childcare:

Daycare centers can usually accept children from as young as 12 weeks of age until the age of 5. They will provide structured care and follow your set routine until the child is around a year. Once your child is over a year they will move to a different class within the daycare center. This is when they will start to follow the daycare’s routine relating to meal times and sleep times. However, you still get a say in how long your child naps for.

If you want your child cared for in their own home, then look at hiring a nanny. This can start and finish at any age and doesn’t have a cut off point when they start attending school. You can even hire before and after school nannies if you need to start work early or finish late.

K-12:

Once your child reaches legal school age, this will differ from state to state but is usually around the age of five that they will attend formal school. This is a legal requirement, however, you are well within your rights to home school if this fits in with your lifestyle.

Your child will be in elementary school from the ages of 5 to around 10, although some do go from the ages of 6 to 12. Be sure to check what your school is so you know how long your child will attend for. Here they will learn all the basics in the world of math, geography, English, history, art, physical education, and science.

Once your child reaches the age of around 11 they will attend a middle school, such as this college prep middle school, which goes up to the age of 13 and is where your child will learn more in depth about the previously mentioned subjects. This is such an important time for your child educationally, so you will want to make sure that you find them the best school possible in your area where they will be well-supported in both their learning and development This well surely set them on a good path for when your child is 13/14 and will start high school.

Finally, from the ages of 14 to 18 your child will attend high school. This is the most important and your child will be closely monitored with exams and internal markings to ensure they are on the right track for success after their education is complete.

Setting your child up for success in school from the jump starts when they’re young so it’s always important to plan ahead when it comes to their education!

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Mar31

Simple Ways To Support Your School Aged Child

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Simple Ways To Support Your School Aged Child

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to support your child as they make their way through school. The years fly by quickly and, before you know it, they will be graduating and moving on to college or the workforce. You can do many things to support them throughout their school years, including the following:

Make sure they get a good night’s sleep:

This is crucial for their success in school. Most kids need around eight hours of sleep per night but it can vary depending on their age and individual needs. If your child is struggling to get enough sleep, try setting a regular bedtime and enforcing it as much as possible. You may also want to limit screen time before bed, especially if it is causing them to have trouble falling asleep. It’s also essential to make sure your child has a healthy diet and exercises regularly – both of which can help them get the rest they need.

Help them stay organized:

One of the biggest challenges for students is staying organized and on top of their work. This is where parents can help out. Give your child a place to study, do their homework, and provide them with enough storage space for their school supplies. You can also help them develop good habits when researching and completing assignments. For example, you can encourage them to start working on their homework as soon as they get home from school, rather than waiting until the last minute.

Find a tutor if they struggle in a subject:

If your child is struggling in a particular subject, it’s essential to get them help as soon as possible. A tutor can provide them with one-on-one instruction and help them catch up on the material they are struggling with. There are many different types of tutors like a Maths Tutor available so you should be able to find one that fits your budget and meets your child’s needs. Many schools also offer tutoring services for free or at a discounted price, but sometimes professional tutors can show the time and effort other individuals can’t.

Help them stay positive:

It can be challenging for kids to deal with stress and anxiety during their school years. This is where parents can step in and help out. Make sure your child knows that it’s okay to feel stressed sometimes but that they should always try to stay positive and focus on the good things. You can also encourage them to exercise, spend time with friends, and get plenty of rest – all of which can help them healthily deal with stress.

There are many things parents can do to support their children throughout their school years. By following the tips in this blog post, you can help them achieve success in all of their classes and stay positive!

Featured Image By: Karolina Grabowska

Feb16

Landing Your Dream Job

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Landing Your Dream Job

Unfortunately, many people never land their dream job, not because they are not capable of doing so but because they don’t think they can, so they don’t even try. If you want to be one of the ones who does end up doing a job you love for the rest of your life, here are some tips to help you achieve it:

Get the right qualifications:

Yes, there are tales of people who have been able to get their dream job with not even a high school diploma to help them along the way and, incidentally, if you’ve long since lost your high school diploma, Valid Grad can help you out. If you want to land your dream job, it is a good idea to work out what qualifications those in charge are looking for, and do your best to attain them too. Whether this is a certification, degree, or training courses any extra know how helps.

Gain experience:

If you want to land your dream job, you are going to have to work for it and that means getting relevant experience that you can put on your resume. For example, if you want to be a zookeeper, you could start by volunteering in a local animal shelter. This will be valuable experience and show employers that you have a caring nature and a love of animals, which will help to seal the deal. That’s just one example, of course, and what you need to do to prove yourself may be quite different, but you get the idea.

Become a presence online:

In 2022, one thing you can do to really set yourself apart from the competition and stand out in the best possible way is to establish a strong online presence in your chosen sector. If you want to be a film director, you could start by producing video shorts for YouTube or if you want to be a high end personal shopper, you could start your own fashion blog. People will see your stuff, make connections, and you will find that more opportunities will come your way.

Network:

On that note, it is fair to say that networking can do a lot of the hard work of landing your dream job. If you attend trade events, talks, and shows based on your dream sector or where people who work in your dream sector are likely to hang out, you can mingle with all the right people. When it comes to an opportunity, sometimes it really is about who you know so always put your best face forward.

Getting a dream job takes time and lots of hard work but it will be so worth it once you’re punching the clock at a job you love!

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Feb2

Body Positivity: Why Kids Should Learn It In School

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Body Positivity: Why Kids Should Learn It In School

In school, the overweight kid is often bullied and outcast. Their torment may last until high school ends, but the impact can endure for a lifetime. To many, bullying or being bullied may seem like a phase. But in reality, it’s more serious than that. Bullying can cause lasting trauma that time alone cannot heal.

Sadly, society normalizes heavier kids being bullied. Even the media romanticizes it. Movies and books with the overweight protagonist being bullied and losing weight in revenge are far too common. As a result, kids who struggle with weight believe that they’d never be good enough until they become skinny.

Only one thing can change this: teaching body positivity in school. Body positivity is the assertion that all people deserve to have a positive body image. Whatever their weight, height, shape, or size is, every person should feel beautiful. Likewise, persons with disabilities or deformities should also be body positive.

Teaching kids to be body positive can change an entire society or culture. Overweight or underweight kids won’t be mocked anymore and trauma can be avoided, allowing kids to thrive and be kind to others when they grow up.

Body Positivity Cures “Fatphobia”:

Fatphobia is the pop culture term for the stigma of obesity. It’s fear or hatred toward overweight or obese people. People can have it without realizing it because society has ingrained into them that being overweight is undesirable or shameful.

Fatphobia manifests itself in different ways. It can appear as though coming from a good place. For example, if you constantly remind overweight people that they’re at risk of serious diseases, that’s fatphobic. It appears as an unsolicited suggestion to lose weight.

Praising someone’s looks but commenting badly about their body is a fatphobic habit, too. Telling someone that they’re pretty but they’d look so much better if they lost weight helps no one. It implies that only skinny people can be attractive and extra pounds are automatically undesirable. This harms many children, overweight or not. Children who aren’t innately skinny will always believe that they’re unattractive, while skinny kids can develop a superiority complex.

While obesity in kids should be addressed, it should be focused on their health alone, not their looks. Schools or parents can provide healthier lunch meals for the kids without saying that it’s for weight loss. All children should feel safe gaining or losing weight, not coerced.

It Prevents Body Dysmorphia:

Poor body image can lead to body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). It’s a mental health condition that causes “imagined ugliness”. A person with BDD always finds something “wrong” with their bodies and claims that they need it fixed.

In kids, BDD can cause anxiety in going to school. They feel ashamed at being seen or are scared that their flaws will show, and their classmates would laugh at it. If they do come to school, they may cover up their bodies even if it’s the middle of summer. They constantly worry about their bodies, even if you reassure them that nothing is wrong.

BDD can stem from toxic societal and cultural norms about body types. Continuously teasing or shaming overweight people can cause anxiety among children. This anxiety will create a fear of being overweight because they would be bullied.

With body positivity classes, boys and girls will learn to accept their bodies for how it is. Young boys will learn that they don’t need bulky muscles to look desirable. Young girls will realize that they don’t need to be a certain shape to be beautiful. Underweight kids will benefit from it, too. They would no longer be told that they look “anorexic” or should eat more to look prettier or more handsome.

It Removes the Stigma Toward Cosmetic Enhancements:

Body positivity can help remove the stigma toward people who get cosmetic enhancements done. After all, the core of body positivity is for everyone to have a positive body image. Therefore, those who get liposuction, non-invasive weight loss procedures, lip fillers, etc., should also feel accepted and safe in their environment.

Kids shouldn’t be taught that enhancing or changing their looks is sinful. Instead, they should be taught that they are in charge of their own bodies. As such, they can choose what to do with it. They can get tattoos, piercings, cosmetic surgery, or bold hair colors as long as it makes them feel confident. This also includes hormone replacement therapy too.

If we raise children who consider all body shapes and sizes to be beautiful, it will help improve their quality of life from the jump. Tolerance and understanding are important skills that kids are never too young to learn.

Jan19

On The Job Hunt? Try These Tips!

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On The Job Hunt? Try These Tips!

Applying for job after job while getting no response or interest can be such a disheartening experience, but there are a number of reasons that your resume might be falling flat. Thankfully, this guide contains everything that you need to know to improve your chances of achieving success in your search for a new career. We promise, it doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might expect to get started today. So, if you’re ready to find out more, then read on:

Get Another Qualification:

When a potential employer is scanning through your resume, one of the most important things that they’re searching for is a list of your qualifications. If this list is limited at best, then there’s no surprise that your application gets put to the back of the pile. Having qualifications proves that you have the relevant knowledge and experience in your chosen field, and it shows an employer that you have studied hard to improve your chances of gaining a more rewarding role.

There are many different qualifications that you can study for in the modern education system, from online courses that fit around your schedule to full time, on campus learning that throws you right into the topic you choose. Whether you decide to take the ITIL foundation exam or opt for a managerial course at night school, the more qualifications you have, the better your chances are of getting ahead of your competition. Making the decision to head back to school as an adult can be a great indicator of commitment and motivation, which is something that most employers will look out for when choosing a suitable candidate.

Confidence Is Key:

Whether you’re walking into a business to hand over your job application or attending an interview for your dream role, confidence is always key. You need to show your potential employer that you have the utmost confidence in your own abilities, having faith in the fact that you can offer unique skills and insight that other candidates cannot bring to the table. Your resume should be one that’s written with self assurance, removing any sign of self doubt to promote your positives and individual selling points.

Going into an interview with the fear that you won’t get the job is a recipe for disaster, as you’ll stumble over your answers and cower further into your seat as the conversation progresses. Instead, sit proudly with your head held high, wearing a confident smile that shows a potential employer that you’re ready and waiting to take on whatever challenge lays ahead of you.

When you can fully commit to improving your career through study and aim to maintain the highest levels of confidence throughout your quest for a rewarding role, then you’re far more likely to find and secure the job of your dreams!

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Jan18

Helping Your Child Choose The Right College 

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Helping Your Child Choose The Right College 

Going to college can be one of the biggest and most exciting things for you and your child, but when it comes to choosing the right one? It can be a challenge, to say the least. College doesn’t suit everyone, and not every college will suit every person, either. Many colleges offer different clubs, opportunities, career pathways, and support. Scholarships, grants, and other funding will also vary from school to school.

So how can you make sure that your child finds the best place for them? One of the easiest ways is to see what others say about it. For instance, it’s a good idea to read Alpine Academy Utah reviews or other colleges to get excited about what they offer. Read on to find out more:

Career goals:

One of the most important things to know about the colleges in question is if it supports your child’s eventual career goals. While many colleges have prestigious reputations, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they will be the right place. Educational institutions like Rockford Career College often offer a clearer view of career prospects after graduation.

Applications:

After you have created your shortlist, it is time to apply. Make sure that you have all of the paperwork that will be required. The application packs should have all of the information you need about costs. It can also be a good idea to discuss if your child should stay at home while they study or how accommodation might look if the commute is too long.

Be sure to spread the application process over a few days so that you and your child don’t get tired. Each one needs to be as good as possible.

Visiting:

Traveling to visit all of the universities can be an expensive endeavor, but it is essential. This means that you and your child will have a good idea of how it is situated, the student body, and even speak to some teachers. It is vital to find somewhere that your child feels comfortable – it is often obvious where they feel the most at home and which establishment sparks the most joy.

Practical:

It is often our biggest hope that they will get into a prestigious school on a full scholarship and be happy. But this doesn’t always work out. It might be due to grades; it could be because of financial situations or distance. When you first start browsing all of the options, practical things are up for discussion too. It isn’t about quashing dreams but tackling some things on a reasonable level. Ensure that each application they send is somewhere that they will be happy to go and that it makes practical sense in terms of their situation.

When your child is getting ready to leave for college, it is a big thing for everyone. You might have some hesitations about them leaving the nest, but you must move into a supportive role. College is often one of the first times that older children are allowed to spread their wings and see what truly makes them happy.

Arming them with knowledge and support is a must, so here is a great post that can help: 3 Things All College Students Should Know | lifewithlilred.

Featured Image By: Rui Silvestre on Unsplash

Aug5

Educational Ideas To Amuse The Kids Over The Summer

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Educational Ideas To Amuse The Kids Over The Summer

The school summer holidays can be tricky for parents. How do you keep your kids amused for all that time without turning them into couch potatoes? Remember that learning shouldn’t stop during summer break, so try out the following activities:

Make screen time count:

Parents are always being told not to give their kids too much screen time. But it can be hard to stick to this sometimes, especially when you have work calls and the kids need to be entertained. Rather than feel bad about it, try and find ways to make screen time educational. Not necessarily by putting on a documentary but by using the screen time to develop other skills in your children.

There are plenty of online schooling programs that might be worth looking into in order to help those who are struggling with their education and may need some help. It’s a great way to encourage and aid your children’s knowledge.

For example, say you’ve let them watch a movie. Afterwards, depending on their age, get them to draw some characters from the movie or explain what happened in it to you. You could even have them write a story about what happens next when the movie is over. By doing this, you’re encouraging your children to think creatively and develop their language and drawing skills too. If they have toys that come from the programs they watch, like the Super Wings transforming vehicle toys, then they can act out the show with these afterwards.

Create busy bags:

Stop the “there’s nothing to do” complaints by creating busy bags for the kids. You simply put a selection of arts and crafts materials, print outs, and toys in a bag. Make a big deal out of it so that they are excited when they get their next busy bag to avoid the boredom blues.

Have them train for the mini-Olympics:

Even though the Olympics have been very different this year due to the pandemic, they still inspire people all over the world to get involved with sports and games. Why not try and get your kids excited about sports and have them train for their own mini Olympics in the backyard. Not only will it keep them occupied but it will keep them fit too. You can hold a competition and give out medals to help achieve more Olympic vibes.

Arrange virtual play dates:

Chances are, some of your children’s friends have parents working from home too. Arrange with them to have a virtual play date, where you can set up a Zoom call and just let them talk or do parallel play for a while. It will keep them occupied and give them much-needed social interaction too.

Let them amuse themselves:

Obviously, we’re not recommending you just leave your kids without supervision. But there is something to be said about letting kids use their own imaginations to play. We seem to be in a world where people are telling us that we have to keep children stimulated with planned activities every day. Free play is very important for children and helps them to develop a lot of important skills and their imaginations.

Summer break is not over yet. Use the ideas above to make the rest of summer vacation the best for your kids!

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