When looking back on some of the best memories of childhood, many people remember their family pet. Having a pet is a great way to teach children responsibility while also giving them something that will snuggle its way into their hearts and their most cherished memories.
What to Choose?
When looking for the right family pet, keep in mind what kind of training, feeding or space in the home will be required. Parents should know their limits because a pet is a time consuming commitment no matter what form it takes. Once parents do decide what kind of pet/pets they want, they should come up with a few options for the kids to choose from. Examples of smaller pets that require less care or training are turtles, hamsters, lizards or rabbits. Larger animals that require a little more care are cats and dogs. Have the kids choose what kind of pet they want and take the family on a trip to the pet store!
Explain Responsibility
Before purchasing a pet, explain to the kids that the pet belongs to everyone and that means that everyone can enjoy it but everyone should also take care of it. Make sure the kids understand that in order to have a pet they have to help take care of it. Once the pet and everything the pet needs is purchased, the first step is getting it settled. Have the kids help create a space for their new family member and make them comfortable. Once the pet is settled in, decide on a name and then set up some ground rules.
Active Responsibility
Parents have to be sure to follow through with requiring the kids to help with caring for their pet. Create a care chart so each family member can write their name on a different pet responsibility. Depending on what kind of pet it is, this can include several different things. Some examples are feeding, watering, cleaning cages, scooping poop, brushing or washing. If a child does not complete their responsibility, they should not be permitted to interact with their pet until their chore is complete.
The Joys
Having a pet can mean a lot to a child. A pet can be a best friend when they need it most, a snuggle buddy when it is cold outside, entertainment when there is nothing to do or an always faithful show-and-tell project. While every single one of these things is important, it is also important that a child understands what kind of role they play in their pet's life as well. Parents should explain to their kids that they are caring for another life and that is extremely important. Gentleness and kindness should be a key component when teaching children to care for their pets, so make sure they understand how to properly handle the pet while holding them.
The foundation of a child's bond with their pet should involve proper care around the clock, once that foundation is established, that bond can never be broken.
The temperature is dropping, the leaves are changing and autumn is on its way. This year, help the kids choose the very best clothing for the fall season.
Fall Footwear
There is no better summer activity than taking the kids out to enjoy the great outdoors and one of the best places for children to enjoy their summer is on the playground.
Playground Attire
Obtain Color Variety
Being a toddler is a messy job and cleaning up after them is even messier. Eventually, every parent has to face the simple fact that their children's clothing is going to get messy. But they do not have to accept a stain on every article of clothing. There are several ways to prevent stained clothing without having to put the kids in a plastic bubble.
Do Not Dry Until They are Gone
Easter is just around the corner and it is time for parents to put together that all important Easter egg hunt! Kids all over the country look forward to hunting for those colorful eggs and tasty candies. There are several ways to put together an Easter egg hunt to make it fun for everyone involved and create a holiday to remember.
Easter Basket Fun
One of the best ways for parents to interact with their children is by creating hands on activities that they can enjoy together. One of the more popular options is arts and crafts. Not only do arts and crafts give children the opportunity to do something hands on, but they also help boost creativity.
Another painting option kids love is print painting. This will have to be done on the kitchen floor or outside on the driveway or patio. Purchase some large rolls of paper to spread out on the floor like a pathway. At one end, put bowls of colored paint, at the other end, put a bowl of clean water. Let the kids dip their feet into the paint, walk across the paper and then rinse off their feet at the end. After that, they can dip their hands in the paint to make hand prints. They can also write or draw pictures with their fingers as well. Once their project is complete, they will have a whole sheet of foot personal artwork to hang across the wall.
Once someone becomes a parent to a toddler, they learn all too soon how many hazardous materials there are in the world. While most individuals focus primarily on “baby-proofing” their house, they sometimes forget that even their child's toys can be potentially harmful.
Several popular homemade toys can be hazardous if not handled correctly. Anything containing liquids should be sealed tightly. If bottles are being used, use wax inside the lid in order to seal away any risks of leaks. Also, anything involving markers, crayons or paint should be closely supervised by parents in order to guard against anything be eaten. Try and purchase child-safety paint that will not cause physical harm if consumed.