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As the countdown to the new school year begins, there’s no better time to make the most of the remaining days of summer. Before the hustle and bustle of classes and homework take over, take advantage of some family-friendly activities to create memories your kids will gush about on the first day of school.

Here are some fun options to enjoy with your loved ones before the first school bell rings.

1. Cool Down at a Water Park

Water parks offer a fantastic way to beat the summer heat and have a blast with the family. With thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Look for a water park near you that has sections dedicated to younger children to make sure they have safe and enjoyable attractions tailored to their age group. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

2. Hike and Picnic in Nature

Enjoy the warm weather and connect with Mother Nature by hiking some local trails. Nature treks are a great way to learn about local wildlife, enjoy the great outdoors, and get some exercise. Bring a picnic for after your hike when you’ve all had a chance to work up an appetite. Pick a quiet location where you can unwind, eat, and talk about everything you saw while hiking. This is a great way for families to spend quality time together while also encouraging an active lifestyle.

3. Visit a Local Zoo or Aquarium

Zoos and aquariums are excellent places to take the whole family for a day of fun and learning. Watching the animals in their natural habitats and discovering the wonders of marine life can captivate both kids and grown-ups. Many of these places have interactive exhibits and entertaining shows that make the experience even more exciting and educational. A little tip: plan to go early in the day to beat the crowds and get the most out of your visit.

4. Have Fun with DIY Outdoor Games

Transform your backyard into a fun zone with DIY outdoor games. Create a mini obstacle course, play beach ball bowling, or have a water balloon fight. You can also make your own lawn games like cornhole, giant Jenga, limbo under the water sprinkler, or ring toss. These activities encourage creativity, teamwork, and physical activity while providing endless entertainment. Plus, they’re a great way to keep kids active and engaged close to home.

5. Enjoy a Day at the Beach

A day at the beach is a classic summer activity that never gets old. Build sandcastles, play beach volleyball, or simply relax by the water. If your family enjoys water sports, consider renting paddleboards or kayaks for some added adventure. Bring along a beach umbrella, snacks, and plenty of water to stay comfortable and hydrated throughout the day. Watching the sunset together can be a perfect ending to a fun-filled beach day.

6. Plan a Family Camping Trip

Camping as a family allows you to disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV camping, or even renting a cabin, spending time in the great outdoors offers countless benefits. Activities like fishing, hiking, stargazing, and roasting marshmallows over a campfire create unforgettable family moments. Choose a campsite that offers amenities and activities suited to your family’s interests and experience level.  At the very least, you can set up a tent so kids can go camping in the backyard.

7. Visit an Amusement Park

From roller coasters to carnival games, there’s something for everyone at amusement parks. Research parks in your area or consider making a short road trip to visit a renowned amusement park. To make the most of your visit, arrive early, plan your day around the park’s map, and take breaks to avoid exhaustion. End the day with a family favorite ride or treat to cap off the experience.

8. Explore Local Museums

For a mix of education and entertainment, visit your local museums and cultural centers. Many museums offer hands-on exhibits and activities designed for children. Whether your family is interested in art, history, science, or natural history, there’s likely a museum nearby that can provide an engaging and educational experience. Check if the museum offers special family programs or tours to enhance your visit.

9. Have a Backyard Movie Night

Create a magical movie night under the stars in your own backyard. Set up a projector and a screen (or a white sheet), arrange cozy seating with blankets and pillows, and prepare a selection of your family’s favorite movies. Don’t forget the popcorn, snacks, and drinks! This activity is a perfect way to enjoy a relaxing evening together, and it can easily become a cherished end-of-summer tradition.

10. Take a Day Trip to a Nearby City or Attraction

If you’re looking for a change of scenery, consider taking a day trip to a nearby city or attraction. Explore a new area, visit interesting landmarks, and try local cuisine. Day trips can be a refreshing way to break the routine and experience something new without the need for extensive planning or overnight stays. Research attractions that are family-friendly and plan your itinerary to make the most of your day.

By taking advantage of these fun activities, you can make a treasure trove of summer memories and ensure that the whole family is recharged and ready for the school year ahead. Whether you’re splashing at a waterpark or enjoying a quiet evening with a backyard movie, this quality time will be cherished long after the summer sun has set.

Transitioning your toddler to a big kid bed is a major milestone. As parents, ensuring this move is as safe and comfortable as possible can be a challenging task. It’s a significant shift not only for your child but for you as well.

Given the importance of a good night’s sleep to your child’s development and the peace of mind it brings to you, let’s dive into how to make this transition smooth and safe for your little one.

How Do You Know Your Child is Ready?

You might read to wait as long as possible to switch your toddler from the crib to a bed. But, if your little one is attempting to climb out of the crib and getting close, it is time to switch to a crib with an opening or a big kid bed. Making the change to a bed is typically easier for children between age 2-2.5, they are much easier to teach to stay in their bed and have an easier time making the transition to a new sleeping environment.

Start with the Right Bed

The first step in creating a safe sleeping environment for your toddler is choosing the right bed. When choosing a bed, opt for a bed that is low to the ground to prevent injuries from falls. Many parents find that transitioning to a toddler bed, which uses a crib mattress, satisfies this requirement perfectly. Others opt directly for a full-sized bed with the appropriate safety measures, like railings or guardrails. Ensuring the mattress fits snugly in the frame reduces the risk of entrapment.

Ensure Safe Bed Placement

Placement of the bed within the room is paramount to ensure safety. Here are some tips to consider:

Away from Windows: Ensure the bed is not placed near windows to avoid risk of accidental falls. Securely fasten any blind or curtain cords out of reach.

Away from shelves and furniture: Keep the bed away from bookshelves, picture frames, or furniture with hard edges that may pose a risk.

Safety Railings and Bed Rails: Bed rails can help prevent falls during the night. Install these on both sides of the bed if it isn’t framed against the wall. Rail installation should be firm and secure to ensure they don’t pose additional hazards. Moreover, choose rails that leave no gaps between the mattress where your child could get caught. Beds with built in rails are ideal.

Comfort and Familiarity

Moving from a crib to a bed can be daunting for your toddler. If they are over 12 months, ensure they have a familiar blanket, a favorite stuffed animal, or other comforting items in their new bed. Continuity in the objects around them mitigates anxiety and helps them feel at home, encouraging quicker adaptation to the new sleeping arrangement. If you opt for a pillow, use a toddler sized lower profile one.

Establish a Routine

Consistency is soothing for toddlers and helps them understand what to expect. Stick to a bedtime routine that leads up to the expectation of sleeping in their big kid bed. A routine might include nightly activities like brushing teeth, taking a bath, reading a story, and snuggling their favorite lovey while settling in.

Monitor and Comfort

During the initial weeks, it’s essential to monitor your toddler reassess adjustment. You may hear fussing or calls during the night due to the unfamiliarity of the new bed. Offer comfort and reassurance, gently reinforcing that this is their new safe and secure place to sleep.

Address Nighttime Wandering

Some toddlers may take advantage of the newfound freedom a big kid bed brings by wandering around at night. Childproof the room by:

• Securing heavy furniture and properly anchoring items to the wall to avoid tipping hazards.

• Covering electrical outlets, bundling cords securely, and ensuring potentially harmful objects are out of reach.

• Installing baby gates at the bedroom door or at the top of stairs to prevent unsupervised access during the night.

Transition Gradually, If Necessary

Consider beginning the transition by involving your toddler in the process. Choices like picking out their bedding or allowing them short naps in the big bed can ease the transition. If they resist the move at first, a back-and-forth approach between crib and bed could bridge the transition gap more gently.

Pediatric Tips for a Safe Transition

Different children adapt in different ways and timelines. Consider discussing the transition with your child’s pediatrician to accommodate health-related guidance if your toddler has unique needs. Pediatricians can provide useful advice on appropriate bed heights, guarding against potential allergens that may not have occurred to you, and overall sleep health through the transition phase.

The Mental Preparation

Your mental preparedness as a parent is just as crucial as your child’s adaptability. Transitioning your toddler demands patience, consistent positive reinforcement, ample assurance, and constant vigilance. Remember, no transition is seamless, but with diligent effort and love, your child will benefit from the confidence and independence this change entails.

The move to a big kid bed is a blend of preparing a safe, comfortable sleeping space while providing emotional and physical reassurances. Graduating from a crib to a bed takes thoughtful preparation, the right approach, and understanding that every toddler adjusts in their way. Making sure the environment is hazard-free and secure will help in ensuring this milestone is marked with joy and reassurance.

Successfully transitioning your toddler guarantees safety and nurtures their growing independence, providing them (and you) a restful night filled with peace and security.

This article was written by Jenie Boone, Founder and Tiny Duck Parenting. Jennie specializes in teaching toddlers and children to learn to sleep independently and through the night with her premier program, The Week to Sleep. Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Adolescent Development, Jennie’s journey with toddler sleep began when she encountered a family struggling with a toddler’s bedtime woes. Seeing a gap in resources for toddlers, she became a certified sleep consultant and developed the Week to Sleep specifically tailored for toddlers in open beds. Her expertise has won her recognition on platforms like Mommy Mingle, Parentville, buybuybaby and the Google Employee Resource Group. Jennie’s mission is to simplify bedtime routines and promote healthy sleep habits for children, fostering their optimal development.

Youngsters and adults are similar in that they are capable of feeling a wide range of emotions. They frequently experience fear, sadness, anxiety, or rage. Kids lack self-control. However, adults are able to manage and comprehend those emotions. They have no idea how to deal with pressure or overcome obstacles.

Therefore, it’s critical to stop children from acquiring harmful behaviors and to help kids develop healthy coping mechanisms. In order to lay the groundwork for a robust and well-adjusted adult, these coping techniques are crucial. So, to assist kids in creating healthy coping mechanisms, we are going to give parents some advice and techniques.

What Are Coping Mechanisms?

We’ve all experienced uncomfortable feelings at some point, so learn coping mechanisms as a way to manage stress and get through unpleasant circumstances. Coping strategies can be divided into two categories: good and harmful. Healthy coping strategies include solving problems, getting support, and exercising to help people properly manage their stress without hurting themselves or others.

However, using drugs, becoming aggressive, or avoiding situations are unhealthy coping strategies that might have unfavorable effects. Thus, it is essential to start teaching children good coping strategies at a young age. They must have the resources necessary to successfully navigate the obstacles of life. Children who receive early assistance in developing these abilities will grow resilient and emotionally intelligent, which are essential for their overall well-being.

It is essential to help kids develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Identifying Stressors in Kids

The first step in assisting children in creating appropriate coping strategies is identifying the sources of stress. A few typical stressors for kids are changes in their surroundings, such as moving to a new house or going through a family breakup, social expectations, academic pressures, and familial relationships. Peer pressure and overscheduling are some factors that might make kids feel anxious.

To spot stressors in their children’s conduct, parents should be watchful and aware of their actions. They must be mindful of the warning symptoms of stress in children, which can take many different forms. They need to be alert to mood swings, sleep issues, cessation of previously enjoyed activities, inexplicable medical complaints such as headaches or stomachaches, and heightened irritation or violence.

Younger children, on the other hand, use tantrums, clinginess, or behavioral regression as ways to communicate their stress. Teens and older children who experience stress may withdraw from others, do worse in school, or act dangerously. As a result, parents need to provide a secure and encouraging atmosphere where kids can openly communicate their emotions and worries.

Open Communication Is Key

Open communication is one of the finest methods to support your child and is essential in assisting them in the development of healthy coping skills. Children will be more willing to talk about their problems if you actively listen to them and validate their feelings. Children are more likely to express their emotions and ask for help when they need it if they feel heard and understood.

Personable Parents

Parents need to be personable and nonjudgmental to promote an atmosphere where children feel comfortable expressing their feelings. Speak children’s love language, which can be expressed through acts of service, physical touch, affirming remarks, or quality time. This is one powerful strategy. In this way, parents can encourage emotional bonding and help kids feel that their thoughts and feelings are acknowledged and understood.

Supportive Parents

Children will be better able to express their ideas and sentiments when you ask open-ended inquiries about their daily experiences and feelings. Parents must support their children’s feelings and listen intently without interrupting them. Active listening is also very important. Parents should also talk about their emotions and help kids develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress. Therefore, children will know that open communication about emotions is normal and will also have role models for managing stress.

Active listening is crucial, and parents must listen attentively without interrupting.

Physical Activity Beats Stress

Physical activity is essential for assisting children in developing healthy coping strategies and stress management skills. Frequent exercise improves mental health and mood. Kids can decompress and feel less anxious by engaging in activities like biking, dancing, sports, or even just going for walks. Physical health amplifies happiness, and thus, it is easier for kids to cope with everyday challenges. As a result, parents should support their children in discovering their passions and making physical activity enjoyable and a regular part of their day.

Teaching Relaxation Techniques

The US has been great at developing unique approaches to promoting relaxation and wellness. Notably, Arkansas has been pioneering in the field of relaxation techniques with initiatives such as the Student Wellness Advocacy Group (SWAG). This program aims to educate students about health and wellness, providing them with tools to discuss and improve their health.

Teaching kids relaxation techniques is crucial to helping them cope with stress. These include easy techniques that can help kids relax, like deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation.

Given the state’s proactive stance on integrating wellness into educational frameworks, there’s been a surge of different programs to rely on. Parents looking for appropriate meditation and relaxation techniques can turn to renowned facilities that treat anxiety disorders and other conditions.  These treatment centers offer both mainstream and alternative treatment options, providing various techniques to help kids cope, such as yoga, mindfulness, art therapy, and music therapy—whatever works best for your family. Such initiatives are proving vital as a model for promoting children’s emotional health nationwide. Regular practice of these strategies can aid children in developing effective stress-reduction and emotional balancing tools.

Encourage Creative Outlets

Encouraging creative outlets in kids is one of the best methods to help them express their feelings and cope with stress. Kids can manage their emotions through productive outlet activities such as painting, drawing, writing, or playing an instrument. In addition to offering a mental retreat, engaging in creative pursuits enhances one’s self-worth and problem-solving abilities. Parents are responsible for giving their children the chance to experiment with various creative mediums. In addition to fostering creativity, this will keep kids safe, providing a constructive outlet for their feelings and a decompression method.

Parents are vital in providing emotional support, but kids must also have support from friends and family.

Having a Support System

Although parents play a crucial role in offering emotional support, kids also need to have a network of friends and family who can help them. Parents should encourage their children to retain close ties with friends, neighbors, and relatives to help them develop healthy coping skills. They can all serve as extra resources of consolation and guidance for children. Engaging children in sports teams or community events can help them feel supported and like they belong.

The Takeaway

For children to be emotionally and mentally healthy, it is crucial to help kids develop healthy coping mechanisms. In addition to understanding pressures, parents should nurture open communication, physical activity, creative outlets, and a solid support network. These coping strategies will provide children with the tools they need to deal with the difficulties of life. They will also assist children in developing resilience, emotional intelligence, and stress management.

Kindergarten is a big step for kids and parents alike. It’s likely the first time your child will be away from you in a school setting for most of the day. It’s also the beginning of their intellectual journey.

Most states require kids to enter kindergarten by age 5 or 6, with a few exceptions. Though it might be your child’s first school experience, there are ways you can prepare them for it at an earlier age by plugging into valuable resources.

Preparing Your Kids for Kindergarten

It’s understandable not to want to have a phone, tablet, or laptop in front of your young child’s face 24/7. But, technology isn’t all bad or damaging. When used the right way, it can make the transition to kindergarten easier for your little one. It might even make it easier on you when you know they’re more prepared and ready to tackle whatever is thrown at them throughout the year.

Technology to empower your child as a new student and make sure they are mentally, socially, and emotionally ready for this big step. It can also assist parents to find the resources they need to ensure their kids are prepared in every way.

Make Sure They’re Socially Ready

By the time your child is ready for kindergarten, they should already have certain social skills. Social and emotional development is extremely important for them to be successful in school – academically and for developing friendships. Some of the most crucial social skills for children that age include:

• Understanding right and wrong
• Using words to express needs and feelings
• Sharing
• Playing alone or with others without constant supervision
• Making safe, independent decisions

If you’re worried that your child isn’t meeting these milestones and that they may not be ready, consider using technology to connect with a social worker.

Social workers can counsel children who might need assistance in their education and development. They can also work with you, as a parent, to offer technological tools for your child’s social development.

While your child might be too young for things like social media and texting, you can use appropriate online games to help them with their social skills. Or, download some emotional intelligence apps for them, like Daniel Tiger’s Grr-iffic Feelings or Sesame Street’s Breathe, Think, Do. If you want your child to connect with other kids their age, connect with the parents of the children who will be in their class, and set up video chats so the kids can meet and talk beforehand. It’s a great way to nurture friendships and improve communication skills before school starts.

Meeting Their Physical Needs

Most schools across the country require your child’s vaccination records. Some of the common illnesses kids need to be protected against before heading to school include:

• Rubella
• Mumps
• Measles
• Hepatitis A

Eventually, younger children might even be required or encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Over the last year and a half, you may not have been able to see your child’s pediatrician in person. Thankfully, telehealth has provided an opportunity to connect with doctors via video chat, over the phone, or through custom online portals.

Connecting with your child’s pediatrician online will let you know if they’re up-to-date on their immunizations, and whether they should come in for a check-up before starting kindergarten. It’s a great way to keep everyone safe and socially distanced while ensuring that your child has what they need to protect themselves as they start school.

Getting Them Kindergarten-Ready

There’s so much to think about and prepare for when it comes to kindergarten readiness. Some of the basic skills your child should have include:

• Counting
• Showing an interest in reading
• Going to the bathroom by themselves
• Recognizing their name in print
• Being able to hop on one foot

If your child hasn’t mastered all of the necessary skills for kindergarten, don’t panic. Instead, consider using online activities to teach them new skills and give them confidence in the things they already know. There are plenty of kid-friendly games and resources that can spark their interest in areas that they might otherwise struggle with. You can even get some new ideas online for activities you can do with your child to boost their skills and better prepare them for school.

Of course, that doesn’t mean every second should be spent online. Making sure your child stays active and spends time with books, interacts with other kids, and uses their imagination is just as important. But, those are things that are more likely to come naturally.

Preparing Them for Technology

Even before your little one sets foot inside a school, technology can be used to prepare them in a variety of ways. From keeping them safe to boosting their cognitive abilities, consider using some of these technological advances to prepare your child for kindergarten. It’s one of the best ways to ensure they get the most out of their first school experience.

Beyond academic and social readiness, interactive story apps and guided meditation apps can help young children manage anxiety and develop mindfulness, making the transition smoother for them emotionally. Additionally, leveraging educational platforms that offer a mix of screen and off-screen activities can provide a balanced approach to learning.

Apps that integrate physical movement with learning, such as dance-based learning games, can help maintain physical activity while still engaging with educational content. This not only helps with kindergarten readiness but also promotes a healthy lifestyle.

For parents, technology can help you stay connected with your child’s future educators and classmates. Virtual meet-the-teacher sessions or classroom tours can familiarize your child with their new environment, reducing first-day jitters. Engaging with educational communities online can provide you with additional resources and support from other parents who are navigating the same journey.