parenting Archives • Parent Influence

Helping Your Kids Without Doing The Work for Them

You want your child to get through school as smoothly as possible, and while you cannot sit by them every step of the way and find all the answers for them, you can help them find solutions for increasing their knowledge and understanding. They might be reluctant now, but when graduation and later college come around, they will thank you.

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As your child goes through school, there will be times where they sit over their workbooks or homework at the dinner table or in their room looking stumped. During this, you want to give them a hand and help them as much as possible. However, you might be reluctant to help too much as you don’t want to end up doing the work for them.

Because kids won’t learn anything that way. They need to do the work themselves if they want to understand the assignments properly and be able to complete similar exercises and essays in the classroom, where you will be absent.

Helping your kids with their school work, but not completing it for them, will help with their critical thinking skills as well as independence. It will set them up for further problem-solving experiences later in life, and allow them to approach anything with the confidence that they can do it. Showing them which way to go, but not leading the way, will help enormously as they navigate the challenging plain of education in their early years and teens.

ROUTINE

Establishing a routine for your child will help them become more comfortable with what they need to do and save them from wasting most of their time on video games or watching TV. While it is still important for them to blow off steam with friends and hobbies, it should not take precedence over their school work in their early years.

Getting used to a routine will include them studying for an hour or two after school, which will give them plenty of time to relax later on. Furthermore, this routine will soon become ingrained in their everyday activities, and so at some point, they will feel like they want and need to do it before worrying about anything else.

However, it is vital that this does not become too regimented. You want your child to have an excellent work ethic, but you also want them to have a social life. Encouraging the routine to include both work and play will help foster a healthy social life as well as ensuring the work gets completed, too.

RESOURCES

Back in the day, it used to be that if you needed information on for a history project that you had to run down to the library and pour over textbook after textbook for hours until you found what you needed. But no more.

The ever-growing digital archives online have streamlined that process so that now your child does not even have to leave their room. Everything is available to them at the click of a mouse or swipe of a screen. However, for those unfamiliar with Googling anything other than funny videos may need guidance in directing them to the resource of their choice, so explaining the basics of an educational Google search will come in handy.

Furthermore, using fraction calculators to better explain and visually demonstrate the formula for them when it comes to studying math equations. Math can be a stressful subject if you are not a natural, but using the plethora of option at your and your child’s fingertips will ease this stress and put them on the path to mathematical success.

REVISE

Revision is, to many kids, a horribly dull activity. They feel that all they are doing is reading and rereading information that they already know, and this can get frustrating. It is all too easy to read something once or twice and then be convinced that you know it because you have just read it. Because of this, revision can sometimes feel like a lot of time wasted on learning nothing.

However, if they ever want to succeed and continue to build on existing knowledge, then revision is essential for entering any exams with a head full of necessary information. This will allow them to write and write and write for however long they need without grasping at straws for points and conclusions.

Sitting down to revise and actually do it, instead of staring at a screen or playing on their phones can pay huge dividends, but once they think they know what they need, they will move on to something else. To solve this issue, practising with your child by testing them on recent topics every day by asking them questions will help them retain the information better and save their mind from going blank when they find themselves sat down in the exam.

REFOCUS

There are so many distractions around the house that it can be all too easy to absently browse their social media or play games on their phone, tablet, or console. This is not just something that affects kids, but adults too. We have all had those times where we are trying to concentrate, but everything else looks so much more appealing at that moment in time.

Finding solutions to maintaining their focus will help remove such distractions. If your child often does their work in their bedroom, surrounded by books and games of all sorts, they will be tempted to avoid their work and instead play.

Consider encouraging (but not forcing) them to find an area of the house, or even the library or somewhere quiet and local, where they can complete their work in peace. They will soon find out that what used to be a three-hour-plus study session soon reduces to much, much less and they might even have time to spare to fill in some extra work, should they want to.

RELIEF

Schoolwork at any age can be stressful and time-consuming and, much of the time, your child will feel there is literally anything else they would rather be doing (even chores). However, encouraging them to create a consistent routine of revision and further learning will make their journey through school that much more comfortable and still, hopefully, leave time for them to hang out with their friends, also.

Building Your Brood: How To Prepare For Your Second Child

Adjusting to parenthood can be a tough task, but the challenge becomes even more difficult when you introduce a new addition to the mix. Going from one child to two brings a series of changes, and it’s important for you as a parent to adapt to having two kids as well as being there to help your first-born get used to life as a big brother or sister. If you have a child and you’re thinking about adding to your brood, or you’re already expecting, hopefully, you’ll find this guide useful.

Adjusting to parenthood can be a tough task, but the challenge becomes even more difficult when you introduce a new addition to the mix. Going from one child to two brings a series of changes

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Choosing the right time

If you have one child and you’d love to have more children in the future, it can be tricky to find the perfect time to expand your family. Do you want a small gap between the kids or can you not even contemplate trying to survive those sleepless nights again now that you have a toddler settled into a routine? There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing the right time to start trying for another baby, but there may be factors you’d like to consider. If you were unable to conceive naturally the first time around, you might have difficulties this time too, and it may take a long time to get pregnant. Even if you didn’t have any issues the first time, there’s nothing to say that everything will be straightforward this time. We tend to take our ability to conceive for granted and assume that it will just happen. The reality is that every couple is different. If you’ve had tests like semen analysis and fertility treatment in the past, it’s wise to set up a meeting with your doctor and discuss the options if you decide that you’d like to try for another baby. If you’ve not had treatment before, but you’ve been trying for a while without any success, it’s worth seeking expert advice. In your head, you may have it all planned out, but unfortunately, things don’t always pan out how you’d like them to.

If you’re celebrating happy news and you’re expecting again, one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy is telling the people you love.

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Telling your child

If you’re celebrating happy news and you’re expecting again, one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy is telling the people you love. If you have a child already, you may be approaching revealing this news with a mixture of emotions. Of course, it’s an exciting time, but you may also be apprehensive or anxious about the reaction. If your child is still very young, they may struggle to understand, but an older child could display a range of emotions. They may be thrilled that they’re going to be a big brother or sister, but they might also be worried about what this will mean in terms of having to share their parents. If you are looking forward to telling your child, it’s a good idea to wait until you’ve had scans and made sure that everything is fine and the baby is healthy and developing well. It may also be a good idea to take your child along to any scans you have later in the pregnancy so that they feel like they are part of the journey.

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Prepping for life as a father of two

You may think that life is hectic enough with one child, but wait until another little person joins the fold. Life with one child is very different to life with two, so it’s best to be prepared for long days and nights and to try and get ready as best you can. Tick off practical jobs like getting the nursery sorted and arranging childcare at short notice if your partner goes into labor. Have your parents or best friends on standby so that they can take care of your child while you’re in hospital. Pack a bag, make sure you’ve got all the essentials you need and think about changes you need to make to cope better once your new baby arrives. Do you need more space at home? Is your car too small for two kids and all the stuff they have? Do you need to speak to your boss about flexible working options? Whatever tasks you have on your list, try and tick them off before you approach those final few weeks to make sure you’re ready and alleviate any additional stress.

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Helping your child adjust to life as the big sibling

When you’ve had your parents all to yourself for your whole life, it must be very strange to suddenly see a new baby stealing the limelight. When you bring your new baby home, go out of your way to make a fuss of your older child and let them get involved with helping out. Encourage them to hold the baby while you supervise and try and build that bond from the early days. As a father, you’ll probably find that you have to take on a more influential role if your partner is feeding and tending to the baby. Be there for your first-born, spend time together, have fun and make sure they know that they’re as valuable now as they were before that little bundle of joy arrived. Ask friends and family members to make a fuss of both children when they come and visit for the first time and make the older child feel special. You could buy a small gift from the baby such as a teddy bear, a toy car or even a personalized big brother or big sister t-shirt they can show off with pride.

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Are you thinking of adding to your family or are you counting down the days until baby number two arrives? Adjusting to being a parent of two children can be tough, but it can also be an incredibly exciting and rewarding challenge. It’s wise to plan ahead and focus on how you’re going to adapt to life with a new child, as well as how your first-born is going to cope with a new brother or sister. Think carefully about when you want to try and add to the family, prepare for the new arrival as best you can by ticking off practical jobs and getting your home ready and make sure your older child is involved in the journey with you.

Parents, Children, And Bullying

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Bullying is endemic in modern society. Nowadays, kids don’t even have to meet someone face to face to be a bully or get bullied. Stats show that more than 75% of children have and still experience abuse from their peers. As a parent, it is your job to step in and make sure your son or daughter is not a victim. But, what can you do to keep them safe? Below is a selection of tips which experts believe to be the best steps. Hopefully, they will come in handy for you and your children.

Understand The Causes

First and foremost, it is not your fault or the fault of your son and daughter. However, it is worth pointing out that some factors tend to get a reaction. Clothing is a prime example. Students who don’t have to wear a uniform get to put on casual clothes. Although they are comfy, the apparel they wear is a sign of their social status. Nickis baby Versace and Young Versace range is obviously upper/middle class, whereas t-shirts with holes are low class. No one can help their situation, but parents can try and make their child less of a target. It doesn’t have to be top of the range stuff because as long as it’s clean and hole-free, it’s okay.

See The Signs

Children are not open books and they won’t tell their parents if they are suffering. As a mom or dad, it’s your job to spot the warning signs and act. To do that, you need to delve deeper and read between the lines. Are they not as happy or positive as usual? Do they lack confidence because of their looks or appearance? Does the idea of leaving the house fill them with dread? All of these are signs of anxiety brought about by bullies. It’s not easy yet sitting down and talking is the only way to get a straight answer.

Reduce Online Time

Some parents hate the idea of telling their kids they can’t play video games and enjoy life. However, the internet is a dangerous place where the majority of modern bullying takes place. From Twitter to Facebook, bullies will post and tweet nasty things spread across the cyber highway. Pretending it doesn’t take place isn’t a long-term answer but it does help to take a break. The less time they spend online, the less impact cyberbullying should have.

Talk Adult To Adult

The odds of two children sitting down and working through their differences are long. Typically, it’s the parents who get together and come to a suitable solution. No one likes to have the conversation, but it’s essential to prevent further damage. Bullies, like the majority of kids they fear their parents. As long as they are decent people, they will stop it at once. Of course, it’s never wise to go in all guns blazing because people go on the defensive. Instead, point out what’s wrong and come up with solutions together.

Hopefully, your children will never have to experience bullying. If they do, the tips above should help.

Sleep Strategies For Baby, The Must-Haves For Parents

Having a new baby is going to take adjustment of all kinds. There are few things that can prepare you for the new responsibility, for the sudden room you have to make in the budget and for the sleep you’re not going to be having. Sleep training is easily one of the more difficult parts of being a new parent, but you can do it with a little help from wisdom that’s been passed from mother to mother.

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Take a seat

There are few things that can help a baby get to sleep as much as getting relaxed. A lot of parents will walk around with their baby or even take them out for a drive in their car seat to help them get to that state. However, it can be as simple as getting a seat like those from www.therockingchaircompany.com. Rocking your baby has been proven to be great for helping them doze off. However, having to do it constantly yourself will get tiring and frustrating for a parent, so get something that can take the weight off your shoulders a little.

Be light strategic

Your child is very sensitive to light. We all are, really, with key hormones in our brain ruling over sleep directly linked to light exposure. In the daytime, you might be tempted to cut the lights if they show signs of napping. However, this can get in the way of their body clock, so don’t do it. At night, you can slowly ease them into nighttime sleepiness with lights like those shown at www.heavy.com with dimmers attached. Turning off the light and just waiting for them to take their cue won’t work as well as taking the time to induce drowsiness.

Midnight snack

If your baby is having more trouble sleeping for long stretches at night, then a dream feed can really help. It might seem counter-intuitive to wake them up for a feed, but it’s a clever way of managing their body’s needs. Babies can only really have one long sleep a day and most often it’s hunger that gets in the way. A dream feed can help them sate that need so it doesn’t wake them more fully. Keep the lights dim and gently feed your baby before setting them back down.

Practice some restraint

As a new parent, it’s easy to be hypersensitive to a baby calling, especially at night. Those maternal triggers will fire and you’ll be tempted to go make sure everything’s alright. You shouldn’t ignore your baby if there’s sustained crying. However, using a baby monitor to suddenly rush in at every sound, or even brief cries, can be disruptive not only to the child. It can make you more alert than you need to be, getting in the way of your own night’s sleep due to stress. If you do want to check in on them, just be sure to keep lights dim and don’t look them in the eyes if they’re not sleeping fully.

Above all else, remember to treasure those nights where they sleep right through. They will be rare at first, so take advantage of them and try not to be a “helicopter parent” when they do.

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10 Ways to Avoid Peer Pressure

Ever heard anyone say, “just say no”? Well, it’s not as easy as it seems. Peer pressure is everywhere and affects most kids at least once in their lifetime. However, it’s difficult for many to overcome or avoid. Here’s 10 methods of avoiding peer pressure to help you on your way.

Say no

The simplest way to avoid pressure, is to just say no. Whenever you say no to someone be sure you are firm and decisive, or they won’t believe you.

Avoid bad situations

Whether it means avoiding a gathering because you know bad substances will be involved, or just avoiding a certain small part of town that bad groups collect at, be sure to know to avoid situations that could lead to pressure.

Be repetitive

Don’t give up. Stick to what you’ve said before even if that means being repetitive. Sometimes, changing what you say as a response can come off as indecisive to your peers. If you firmly repeat what you’ve said before, it’s more likely they’ll back off.

Consider the options and results

If their suggestions get to you, think about what you know. Maybe even do some research. Weigh out your options and what could happen if you say yes.

Get backup

Have friends that agree with your values or decisions, they can help boost your mental safety and health. You’ll feel more safe when confronting the pressure.

Keep control

Don’t let your emotions or moods get out of hand, because that can lead to a fight or argument more than a simple no. These people may not even realize that they are pressuring you, so approach it calmly.

Be firm, but polite

Similar to last, don’t start fights. Know what you’re saying and say it decisively, but don’t add insults or rude comments that could start conflict. You want to avoid the pressure, not get into trouble.

Find good friends

Find friends that won’t pressure you into situations and are more agreeable to your viewpoint of the situation. This can help your confidence, make you feel more secure, and more.

Confide in others

Talk to others, chances are they’ve been through something similar. You could get advice or back up from them, or at least get the situation and stress off your back.

Monitor yourself

Make sure you aren’t pressuring others, because it’s not a good feeling. Keep in check of your words and actions. Not only can your actions cause conflicts with people pressuring you, but if you’re not careful you can also pressure others around you too.

That was a lot to take in. Although there are more ways to get around or face peer pressure, these are some. They help safely avoid conflicts and pressure from others, or even help stop currently occurring pressure. Try some of these out if you or a friend is going through a tough time.

This article was written by Ki Shack, my teenage daughter who is currently available to write content for your site. Contact us today to inquire about her rates and options.

How tо Enjоу thе Tоddlеr Yеаrѕ with your Child

Pаrеntіng іѕ a jоurnеу thаt mоѕt оf us choose to еmbаrk on fоr various rеаѕоnѕ. Fоr ѕоmе, іt іѕ bесаuѕе thеу absolutely love сhіldrеn and соuldn’t іmаgіnе lіfе without them. For others, іt’ѕ juѕt a given that уоu have children аt some point іn your lіfе аnd for оthеrѕ, іt happens bу ѕurрrіѕе аnd ѕо you ассерt іt аnd do уоur bеѕt tо bе a gооd parent. Whаtеvеr thе reason for bесоmіng a раrеnt – it brіngѕ many joys and mаnу challenges. Thіѕ аrtісlе offers guidance іn moving frоm the bаbу stage into thе toddler stage whеn your ѕwееt bundlе іѕ bесоmіng mоrе асtіvе, mоrе inquisitive аnd dеvеlоріng great bundlеѕ оf nеurоnѕ as they lеаrn to nаvіgаtе their wау іn the world thаt is beginning tо unfold.

Whеn mу first bоrn bесаmе a tоddlеr I was a bіt bаfflеd. Chіldrеn dоn’t come wіth a manual and nоbоdу іѕ hаndіng out thе ‘bеѕt рrасtісеѕ’ guіdе fоr раrеntіng. I wаѕn’t sure whаt bеhаvіоr nееdеd соrrесtіng аnd whаt I should ignore. Sо I bеgаn rеаdіng аnd іt lеd tо lіfеlоng learning about fаmіlіеѕ and раrеntіng. Sо, let’s look at whаt саn hеlр you make іt thrоugh thе toddler уеаrѕ whеrе уоu аnd уоur сhіld аrе lеаrnіng hоw tо mаnаgе bеhаvіоr – thеіrѕ and yours!

Evеrуоnе hаѕ hеаrd thе оld ѕауіng ‘the tеrrіblе twоѕ.’ Hоwеvеr, mаnу раrеntѕ whо have actually bееn through the toddler ѕtаgе with their сhіld look back аnd think tо themselves ‘that wasn’t so bad after all.’ It’s ѕаd to thіnk that thеrе аrе parents оut thеrе whо dread оr аrеn’t еnjоуіng life with thеіr tоddlеr.

Hоw саn a раrеnt еnjоу thеіr сhіld durіng thе toddler уеаrѕ?

Juѕt rеlаx and have fun – If уоu hаvе a buѕу schedule then сlеаr ѕоmе time for dеdісаtеd рlау wіth уоur tоddlеr. There іѕ nо rеаѕоn to feel guіltу fоr spending a fеw hоurѕ рlауіng wіth blосkѕ оr reading a good book together.

Mоdеl gооd character trаіtѕ early – Thіѕ is a vеrу іmроrtаnt age whеn a сhіld bеgіnѕ tо fоrm thе сhаrасtеr they wіll hаvе for thе rеѕt оf thеіr lives. Thіѕ іѕ the tіmе tо lау a foundation of gооd сhаrасtеr, rеѕресt fоr others, аnd knowing right from wrоng. Mоdеl раtіеnсе, respect, аnd truthfulnеѕѕ. Whеn уоur child gеtѕ аngrу thаt ѕоmеthіng dіdn’t work out rіght, help thеm wоrk through thе аngеr. Thаt can be hаrd for раrеntѕ who аrе іmраtіеnt themselves. But іf уоu tеасh уоur сhіld ѕеlf-соntrоl now they will be bеttеr рrераrеd for thе teen years аnd adulthood.

Discipline іѕ a dіffісult tоріс, but a раrеnt who dіѕсірlіnеѕ a toddler іn lоvе, wіth раtіеnсе, wіll hаvе muсh lеѕѕ nееd tо dіѕсірlіnе the сhіld whеn hе or ѕhе іѕ older. It іѕ muсh еаѕіеr to dеаl with dіѕоbеdіеnсе whеn thе child іѕ twо thаn when hе is 15. Hоwеvеr, make ѕurе іt is trulу dіѕоbеdіеnсе аnd nоt just раrt оf hіѕ developmental ѕtаgе. There іѕ a big difference. Thе сhіld whо is willfully bеіng dеfіаnt аnd gоіng against his раrеnt’ѕ wishes іѕ nоt thе same аѕ thе сhіld whо accidentally ѕріllѕ hіѕ mіlk or who ѕtаrtѕ сrуіng bесаuѕе ѕhе didn’t get еnоugh ѕlеер thе nіght before. Sо bе sure to take these things into соnѕіdеrаtіоn.

Take a brеаk if you need one – If уоu аrе аt hоmе with your сhіld оr children аll dау and feel lіkе уоu nееd a brеаk, саll in ѕоmе help. Whether you hіrе a teenage bаbуѕіttеr tо wаtсh уоur children a fеw hours еасh week or hаvе a frіеnd or family mеmbеr tаkе thе children fоr a whіlе, gіvе уоurѕеlf a brеаk. Bеіng a ѕtау-аt-hоmе раrеnt іѕ hаrd. Juѕt аbоut еvеrуоnе hаѕ tо ask someone to hеlр оut durіng thеѕе уеаrѕ. Gіvіng уоurѕеlf a few hours off еасh wееk will mаkе уоu a better раrеnt, tоо. You will fіnd thаt іt gіvеѕ you more еnеrgу, more раtіеnсе, аnd a better реrѕресtіvе іn being a parent. Yоur children wіll bе more рrесіоuѕ tо you аftеr уоu hаvе hаd a fеw hоurѕ tо уоurѕеlf.

Toddler Years Can be Wonderful

Thе tоddlеr years аrе a wоndеrful tіmе. Parents whо understand thе dеvеlорmеntаl stage аnd whо tаkе саrе of themselves аѕ wеll can trulу еnjоу thеіr tоddlеr. Toddlers аrе full оf wonder and еvеrуthіng is аn аdvеnturе tо thеm. Thеу think уоu are terrific and lоvе tо ѕреnd hоurѕ рlауіng wіth you as you build wіth blocks оr рlау gаmеѕ оr сuddlе tоgеthеr.

Tаkе аdvаntаgе of thіѕ tіmе аnd bе аvаіlаblе. Rеlаx, enjoy уоur child, аnd buіld mаnу mеmоrіеѕ tо think back on whеn уоur сhіld is grown аnd уоu find yourself mіѕѕіng thоѕе sweet уеаrѕ.

10 Amazon Products to Enjoy Toddler Years

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AquaDoodle Drawing Mat with Neon Color Reveal

Little Sleepy Head Toddler Pillow, White, 13 X 18

Foryee Cute Frog Potty Training Urinal for Boys with Funny Aiming Target – Blackish Green

Mega Bloks 80-Piece Big Building Bag, Classic

Melissa & Doug Lets Play House Dust! Sweep! Mop! 6-Piece Pretend Play Set

Nuby Octopus Hoopla Bathtime Fun Toys, Purple

Jumbo Nuts & Bolts Set + Pattern Card & Backpack 12 pc – Montessori Materials Fine Motor Toy Matching Toddler Game Colors and Shapes Occupational Therapy Autism

Kuuqa Kids Ball Pit Ball Tent Toddler Ball Pit with Basketball Hoop and Zippered Storage Bag for Toddlers 4 Ft120CM Balls not Included

Teach My Toddler Learning Kit

Crayola; My First Crayola; Palm-Grip Crayons; Art Tools; 6 count; Designed for Toddlers

FOMO – Preventing the Fear Of Missing Out : The Family Edition

Do you ever get that feeling that you know you could be doing fun, exciting, or educational activities with the family, but you just not? Well, that’s FOMO or the fear of missing out. In this post, we will discuss the reasons you may not be doing all you can, as well as addressing this issue of a balanced family life. As it’s impossible to be on the go all the time, as you would all just end up exhausted!

Are you missing out because of tiredness?

Firstly, let’s look at one of the key barriers that many people with young families come across that can cause them to miss out on opportunities that come their way – exhaustion. As you will know if you have a family of your own the process of being pregnant, giving birth, nursing a baby and looking after a child as they grow up can be pretty intense. It involves a lot of emotional changes, physical changes, sleepless nights and worries. This quite understandably can make you a pretty tired person. A person that may be less likely try new and challenging things, especially when they have the kids in tow.

Now, what it is vital to grasp is that this is totally understandable and you don’t need to punish yourself for reducing the demands on your and your family when they are young. In fact, it’s great to be balanced, to know your own and the kid’s limits, as this can help you enjoy the things you do even more.

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However, to be truly balanced you need to have some time where you seize the day and go on trips, see shows, or visit new places as a family. Yes, it can be tough having to pack up everything you need along with the buggy for a day out, but it is truly worth it. Just make sure you are doing because you want to and it’s what the kids want, not just because you feel like you should go. As nobody gets to dictate your schedule but you, and if things are causing you or the kids to be too tired, it may not be worth the trade off.

Are you missing out because of money?

It’s a very different situation though when the thing that is preventing you doing what you want with the family is a lack of money, and it can be truly frustrating. After all, there is nothing worse than being desperate to see a particular show or visit a certain attraction when they have a special event running and just not being able to scrape the pennies together to do so.

So what can you do in this sort of situation? Well first of all, if it’s a once in a lifetime experience like Disneyland Paris at Halloween or the kid’s favourite cartoon characters in live performance, then it may be worth looking finding the funds elsewhere such as increasing your overdraft with the bank or getting a personal loan. Luckily, you can easily get personal loans even with poor credit now. Allowing you to pay back the cost of the activity bit by bit over a longer period. Making it a much more manageable option for a tight budget.

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The second solution may is to scour the Internet for similar events, and activities that are on offer. Remember there are plenty of discount voucher sites that provide some great family fun experiences for a hugely reduced cost. Meaning it’s easy to find something that is more likely to fit in with your budgetary restraints and still provide a fantastic day out for you and the kids. So keeping that FOMO at bay.

Are you missing out because of transport?

Lastly, another factor that could be driving your FOMO is that you don’t have access to transport to get you to all the places that you want to go. This can be a really tough one because there are so many places in the UK that are super hard to get to if you don’t drive or currently don’t have a car like theme parks, beaches, and country parks.

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Although, to get around this some families book places on a day trips by coach, or even used the rail system to get there. Although this can be both pricey and hassle filled. Especially if you have little ones to entertain during the journey. Meaning to prevent FOMO becoming a fixture in your life it’s probably time to bite the bullet and get a family car.

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Beat The School Holiday Boredom With These Creative Ideas

The school holidays are great because they give us more family time. Who doesn’t want more family time? The only issue is that being stuck at home so much can lead to boredom, and as any mom knows, boredom usually leads to squabbles between the kids, which you don’t want. There is nothing worse than being trapped in a house with kids who are picking fights constantly with each other.

The key to beating off school break boredom is to keep your kids occupied as much as possible. Obviously, this is a task that is often easier said than done, but if you are smart about it, it is possible to beat school holiday boredom. The answer to preventing your kids from getting bored when stuck at home is crafting.

That’s right, arts and crafts are a great way to prevent your little ones from becoming overly bored while on school break. Like the idea of doing some arts and crafts projects with your kids? If the answer is yes, then read on for all the best creative art ideas for keeping your kids busy while stuck at home.

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Lino printing

Give each child a piece of lino, a pen, and a lino cutter. Ask them to draw a design onto their tile, or to draw it on paper first and then trace it onto their tile if they would prefer. Tell them to be creative, and pick whatever design they like to draw. Whether they opt to draw animals, patterns, or people, it doesn’t matter – let them be as creative as they like. Once they have drawn their design, show them how to use a tile cutter to cut it out. Then, once they have finished cutting, give them each paper, card, or a piece of material to print their design onto. Invest in a selection of different printing colors, so that they can create all manner of print designs, from black and white ones to ombre colored ones.

Do crayon art

Got any crayons laying around the house that never gets used? Well, now you can put them to good use! Give each child a piece of paper and a white crayon, and ask them to draw a design on it – remind them that they won’t be able to see it. Then, give each child a watercolor paint palette and ask them to fill the page with a range of colors. As the paint crosses the wax from the crayons, it won’t stay, meaning that the pattern will be visible against the areas that the paint has taken to.

Tie dye

Whether you use white t-shirts, blankets, sheets, or towels, it doesn’t matter; you can make some incredible pieces of art with tie dye. Twist whatever material you are using into any shape, apply rubber bands to it, and dip into your dye. Remove from the dye, twist the garment until all the water comes out of it, and then dip in fresh water, and squeeze it out until the water runs clear. Remove the rubber bands and place on the washing line to dry. While the item is drying, you should be able to clearly see the pattern that has been created.

Mosaic making

Do your kids love to collage? If the answer is yes, then mosaic making could be a great art project for them. All you need is some plywood boards, mosaic tiles, glue, and grout. Show your children what mosaics look like and ask them to create their own designs, reminding them to ensure that the tiles are stuck close together on the board. For sticking the tiles down, cordless glue guns could work well, just as long as your children are old enough to safely use them. Once the glue has dried and all the tiles are in place, help your children to cover the entire design in grout, making sure that all the gaps are filled, followed by wiping the tiles clean of grout.

Salt dough

Salt dough is a cheaper alternative to molding clay that works just as well. Mix together in a bowl, two cups of plain flour, one cup of salt, and one cup of water, stir the mixture together until a dough forms. Knead the dough, before splitting into portions for each person. The dough can be sculpted into any shape before being placed in a hot oven to bake until hard. Once cooled, the salt dough can be decorated with paint, before being covered in PVA glued to seal it.

There you have it, an array of creative craft ideas for preventing school break boredom.