When you were a child, your parents probably worried about how much time you spent watching TV. But nowadays, it’s not just TV time that concerns parents. In this digital age, households are often filled with a variety of electronic devices. Kids have access to phones, tablets, and computers. As parents, it’s important for us to curb their screen time addiction.

In this post, we will talk about the different ways to limit your child’s screen time. According to research, too much screen time can result in children not getting enough sleep, getting low grades at school, and obesity. 

First, let’s look at the stats related to why many children spend so much time on screens:

• On average, children ages eight to ten years old are exposed to different media for about eight hours per day.
• Teenagers, on the other hand, spend about 11 hours consuming media.
• 75% of preteens (age 12) and teenagers (ages 13 to 17) own a mobile phone.
• 71% of children and teens have TVs in their bedrooms.
• 84% of children and teens have online access.

Looking at these stats, it’s no wonder that kids and teens are fixated on electronic devices. Sometimes it may seem like they’re unplugged from the rest of the world.

In other words, screen time addiction is a  prevalent issue for many families. At some point, children’s addictions can adversely affect their emotional well-being and physical health, and even compromise their safety. They might eventually find it hard to forge meaningful bonds. The biggest danger to kids is that they might encounter shady individuals online who solicit sex or influence them to do drugs.

How to Curb Your Child’s Screen Time Addiction 

Establish family rules about screen time

Everyone needs to adhere to these rules. If children break a rule, restrict access or confiscate their electronic devices.

Be mindful of how much time your child is spending on social media

Look at what kids are viewing and posting online. Some children gain access to adult-oriented media or chat rooms. Others are being swayed to engage in online activities that are not suitable for kids. Is your child cyberbullying others? Or is your child being bullied online? If you don’t like what your child is doing online, it’s time to take his or her devices away.

Never place TVs in children’s bedrooms

When children are exposed to different media, it might include content related to drugs and sex. Obesity is another risk that comes with too much TV time.

Prohibit children from using electronic devices during meals

When family members are looking at their phones, it takes away from time spent enjoying a meal together as a family. Even parents should put their phones away and focus on the family during mealtime.

Parents should place computers and laptops in a common area of the home, such as the living room. 

This way, parents can remain aware of their children’s activities.

Mobile phones should be banned at bedtime

Keep children’s phones elsewhere when they go to bed, which will help them have a good night’s sleep.

You don’t need to purchase fancy phones for children

They may not be responsible when handling electronic devices. Carrying around an expensive phone can also make your child a target for robbery. Contemplate whether or not your youngster needs a phone at all. If you deem the phone necessary, purchase a relatively inexpensive one.

Examine your child’s phone bill to make sure there aren’t any red flags

If you come across anything concerning, discuss it with your child and limit or restrict phone access. You may even need to confiscate the phone for a certain period of time, if necessary.

According to doctors and experts, children under two years old should not have screen time at all

As for kids ages three to eight, limit screen time to less than two hours per day.

It’s important to encourage children to be honest if screen time is affecting their school performance

Carve out five minutes every night for family discussions and make sure screen time isn’t the main topic of discussion.

As a parent, you can take steps to prevent screen time addiction by establishing clear screen time rules and expecting that kids adhere to them. It’s not easy, but it will teach discipline. It will also teach your child to be accountable for their screen time, and it will enforce the notion that screen time is a privilege. 

When you curb your child’s screen time addiction, you are helping your little one become a healthier and well-adjusted individual. Even though screens can serve as a convenient distraction for children, they should not be a parent’s constant go-to for keeping them quiet or well-behaved. Explore other activities that can enrich and stimulate your child’s mind and body in other ways.

At Wee Care Preschool, we encourage healthy activities that can help prevent screen time addiction. Call us today for more information.

Engaging in creative play is an essential part of a child’s early development. Parents who organize and participate in activities that foster creative play can help their children in two ways: 

• It reminds children that they are loved.
• It teaches children how to face life’s challenges and problem-solve.

Creative play can involve simple activities or specific materials, toys, and equipment. Children who engage in creative play are more likely to develop important life skills through visual arts, role play, music, dance, and drama.

In this post, we will explore the different benefits of imaginative play for children. 

Communication development

Creative play provides a wonderful way to enhance your child’s language skills in a safe and supportive environment. 

When children take the lead during imaginative play, they are more comfortable talking about themselves. They can use words freely without the fear of embarrassment if they misuse them. Imaginative play helps kids build their vocabulary and broaden their imagination.

Playing make-believe with other children, especially when using materials geared toward creative play, helps kids develop an understanding of language, which helps them interact with others more effectively.

Physical development

Engaging in arts and crafts activities helps children develop fine motor skills (which refers to the coordination between small muscles) and hand-eye coordination. These abilities are vital as children near school age. Allowing them to practice this kind of creative play helps kids hone these skills. Eventually, your child will learn how to hold a pencil and write correctly.

Can your child already make scribbles using a crayon? Consider this a significant milestone in terms of physical development. From a baby who doesn’t know how to grip things to a youngster who can hold a crayon and draw on paper, this is a huge step!

Intellectual and cognitive development

Critical thinking, problem-solving, concentrating, and expanding the imagination are the types of thinking skills that improve during creative play. By using different tools and materials and learning new concepts, kids can better understand their environment.

During play sessions, you can create simple challenges for your little one. Ask questions like:

• “Will this amount of glue be enough?”
• “How can we stop the paint from dripping?”
• “Does this shape fit here?”

Let them experiment as they seek to answer these questions.

Creative play also enriches mathematical and scientific skills. It’s essential for children to get a headstart when it comes to these areas because it will help them in various facets of their lives. Creative activities allow children to think and come up with solutions independently.

Emotion management

The range of emotions that a child may experience can be overwhelming sometimes. Strong emotions are difficult for young children to understand and articulate effectively. Engaging in creative activities can help little ones explore these feelings. When parents interact with children through creative play, it gives us the opportunity to help them understand their emotions, and also teach them how to express these feelings appropriately. 

When children can clearly identify what they are feeling and are allowed to express those feelings freely, it can increase their self-confidence. 

Activities like storytelling, make-believe, drawing, and painting are a few activities that help children practice emotion management.

Social skills

It’s important for children to understand that each person is unique. When they go out into the world, they’ll find out that everyone is different in their own way, and it’s okay.

You can give your child opportunities to engage in fun activities that demonstrate the individuality of each child, even when given the same types and amounts of resources. This practice will also help youngsters build friendships and interact positively with others. 

Overall well-being 

Our children’s days can be extremely busy. Some kids become frustrated by their daily routines and challenges.

Set aside time to play with your little one. Engaging in creative play is a great way to teach children how to navigate the challenges that might come their way.

You don’t need to have a specific goal during your playtime. Just be in the moment and enjoy time spent bonding with your child. Create opportunities to teach children what steps and approaches they can use when faced with various challenges in their lives. Whether your child is frustrated by a simple arithmetic problem or social difficulties, creative play is a fun and effective way to teach children how to manage various difficulties.

Fun and creative activities are waiting for your child at Wee Care Preschool. Contact us for more information.

Starting school marks the beginning of a new and exciting journey. School opens new opportunities for children to interact with new peers, learn essential skills that will lay the foundation for their future academic years, and learn valuable life lessons. However, sometimes this milestone doesn’t always come easily for parents or children. Adjusting to a new environment and routine can be overwhelming for many youngsters. So how can you help your child adjust to preschool?

Entering an unfamiliar environment may make your child feel both excited and anxious. You can help your child get ready for this step by following these tips. 

Find out if anything is worrying your child

Before school starts, it’s best to have a conversation with your child about their expectations about school. Find out what your little one is looking forward to as well as anything they may feel worried about. Listen and empathize with children, and let them know that these feelings are normal. Address their concerns and offer reassurance that they’ll be safe. Let them know school is a fun place. Offer encouragement, and tell your little one how proud you are of how brave they are. 

Also, highlight the fun things your child will be doing at school. Tell children about the new and exciting things they’ll learn, the games they’ll play with friends, and new classmates they’ll meet.

Stay positive

It’s important to stay positive and supportive of your child during the transition to school. This is a big step for your child. Be careful not to let your worries bring you down or overwhelm you. 

Be sure to maintain a positive attitude towards starting school. If you’re anxious or nervous about what’s to come, your child will be able to sense it and may also begin to worry. Show your little one that you’re looking forward to the first day of school with enthusiasm and excitement. Embrace this big step with optimism, and let your child know you’re there every step of the way. 

Prepare your child for transitions

It’s a good idea to start preparing your child a couple of months before school starts. For example, find out if your child can tour the school, meet their teacher, and get a taste of any of the activities that happen during the day. Consider visiting your child’s preschool a few times before classes officially begin so your little one can get a feel for the new environment. Give children the opportunity to explore this new place and become familiar with this new setting. 

It’s also a good idea to introduce your child to the types of activities that may take place in the classroom, such as writing, reading, and drawing. This will help your child mentally prepare so that your little one will be less overwhelmed by everything that is happening when the first day arrives. It will also help your child be more able to focus on learning new concepts, like numbers and letters.

Find out what your child needs to feel safe

Your child will meet many new people and encounter new experiences at school, so understanding your little one’s safety plan will help manage this transition. Perhaps your child wants to bring their favorite toy or another familiar object. By doing this, the new environment won’t feel so overwhelming or scary.  

Establish a routine

One thing to which your child will start to become acclimated at school is a new routine. Adjusting to a new routine can be hard for anyone, which is why it’s important to get a headstart at home. Don’t wait until your child is at school before practicing following a routine. 

Begin by making sure your child sticks to a consistent bedtime routine every night. Also, establish a routine for daily activities, such as eating breakfast, reading time, playtime, and so on. 

Encourage socialization

Developing social skills is so important for young children. Make sure your child is given ample opportunities to interact with same-age peers. Set up playdates that give children plenty of opportunities to socialize with other kids of a similar age. This will help your child learn how to establish friendships and get along with others, which is vital for their success both in and out of school. 

The transition to school can be overwhelming, but with the help of these tips, you can help your child adjust to school and help your little one on this new journey on the right foot. 

For more helpful tips and resources on parenting, please feel free to visit Wee Care Preschool. 

Displaying good manners is a vital part of life. They are a sign of respect and consideration for others. Good manners are also an outward manifestation of our values, principles, and beliefs. Exhibiting kindness can mean a world of difference between being liked or disliked by others. Whether you’re interacting with friends, family, or strangers on the street, your social interactions will be much more pleasant by simply following some basic rules of etiquette. When it comes to children, in particular, teaching good manners is absolutely essential. So which manners are important for every child to know? Read on to find out!

Saying “Please” and “Thank you”

Saying “Please” and “Thank you” are two basic manners parents should teach their kids from an early age. When we say “Thank you,” it shows that we appreciate what someone has done for us. It’s also important to make sure your little one also practices saying “Please” when he or she asks for something. It’s a good idea to practice both of these frequently at home.

For example, when requesting a glass of water, remind your child to say, “Please” upon request, and “Thank you” after receiving the water. Model the same behavior yourself so that your child will be more likely to follow suit. 

Asking permission before taking something

Another important thing for children to learn is asking permission before taking something. Children need to understand that they shouldn’t take anything that doesn’t belong to them. Whether they wish to borrow a toy from a peer or borrow a sibling’s bag, children need to know that it’s not acceptable to take items without the consent of the owner. Not only does asking permission first show respect for another person’s belongings, but it will also help your little one avoid unnecessary conflict.

Saying “I’m sorry” when they make a mistake

We all make mistakes from time to time. It’s important that children are taught how to give a genuine apology when they hurt someone or make a mistake.  Learning how to say they’re sorry teaches kids about the importance of empathy. At the same time, apologizing also teaches children how to take responsibility for their actions. 

Additionally, teach your child about the types of circumstances in which these words may apply. Children need to understand that it’s not permissible for them to deliberately throw their toys on the floor and say “I’m sorry” afterward. We want them to develop a sense of accountability and responsibility for their actions, especially when these actions affect others. 

Respecting our elders

Learning the importance of showing respect for our elders is also an essential part of displaying good manners.  Whether children are interacting with their parents, grandparents, or other adults, it’s important for them to learn what speaking and acting respectfully look like. 

You can also further encourage this behavior by setting a good example yourself. For example, it’s beneficial for your child to observe as you hold a door open for an older person, or assist an elderly individual while crossing the street. These simple gestures help children see some of the ways they can show kindness and respect to their elders. 

Taking turns during a conversation

Teaching your child to wait for his or her turn to speak during a conversation is also a polite virtue. Doing so teaches kids the importance of letting others share what they want to say or express their own needs without interruption. Not only is letting others have their turn to speak an important aspect of good communication skills, but it’s also a sign of respect for the other person who is speaking.

Being kind and compassionate

Learning to show compassion and kindness to others are key habits for children to develop. In addition to making them feel good about themselves, exhibiting kindness and compassion also helps us create healthy relationships with others.

As a parent, the best way you can help your little one show kindness and compassion for others is by modeling what these things look like firsthand. Remember that your little one may not fully grasp these concepts immediately, so it’s best to set a positive example with your own actions. Even if it’s something as simple as sharing some of your food with the homeless or donating items to charity, these gestures can go a long way when it comes to letting kids see what it means to be kind and compassionate. 

As parents, part of our job is to raise well-mannered and considerate individuals.  Set your child on the path to practicing good manners by using this guide. 

For more helpful tips and resources on parenting, please feel free to visit Wee Care Preschool. 

Our children’s health and nutrition are among our top priorities as parents. We all want to ensure that our children grow up healthy and happy. We also want to do whatever we can to keep them from being at risk of serious health problems. That’s why we try to instill healthy habits in our kids from an early age. 

Parents have the greatest influence on their children’s diet and other health habits. You have the power to instill a positive attitude and healthy behaviors, and it’s important that you start now. Remember that just telling children that they need to eat healthily and take care of their bodies is not enough. You can help your little one develop healthy habits that he or she can carry into adulthood by following these tips. 

Eat together as a family whenever possible

When your family eats together, it’s a great way to help children develop healthy eating habits. Eating together provides opportunities to inspire healthy eating and encourages kids to eat a wider variety of foods, which can help them become less picky. Family meals are also an excellent venue for parents to be role models, as they set an example for healthy eating and table manners. 

Make family meals a priority in your household. Try to share a meal together as a family at least once a day, if possible. Breakfast-time is usually rushed as everybody is busy getting ready for work and school, and having lunch together is often not possible. Try to have dinner together every night as much as possible. Make family meals during the weekend count. You can even make meals more exciting by getting the kids involved in the planning and food preparation. 

Practice regular handwashing

The simple act of handwashing can spare both adults and children from a host of sickness-causing viruses and germs. When children wash their hands frequently, It helps protect them from common colds, coughs, and other infections they can contract outside the home. 

Be sure to introduce handwashing to your child early on. If you haven’t already, start now. Don’t worry, it’s a lot easier than you think. Start by teaching your child about the importance of proper and regular handwashing. Use simple terms to explain why they should wash their hands often. Emphasize situations in which they need to wash their hands. Remind kids that they need to remember to wash their hands after playing outside when they come home from school and so on, and of course before and after meals.

Ensure that children eat well-balanced meals

Eating enough fruits and vegetables is so important, especially for growing children. Fruits and vegetables contain many nutrients that are essential to a healthy human diet, such as fiber, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and other important vitamins like vitamin A (which helps maintain visual function by aiding in the development of eyesight.) Incorporating fruits and vegetables into your family’s meals and snacks is imperative to not only maintaining health but also for the prevention of certain diseases (like cancer or diabetes.)

Sometimes, getting kids to eat nutritious foods is easier said than done. Many kids prefer meats like chicken or sausages. As a parent, look for ways to encourage your kids to eat a variety of healthy foods. Consider injecting a little creativity when you serve fruits and vegetables. Combine foods of different colors, and cut them into fun shapes and sizes to make them more appetizing. 

Prioritize sleep

Quality sleep is paramount when it comes to making sure kids stay healthy, both physically and mentally.  Be sure to prioritize sleep in your family. Establish a consistent bedtime routine for your little one, and make sure to stick to it nightly, including the weekends, whenever possible. Limit your children’s screen time at least an hour before bedtime. Instead, incorporate sleep-inducing activities into your kids’ bedtime routine, such as reading bedtime stories that help your child get in the mood for sleep. 

More importantly, remember to set a good example with your own actions. If you want to highlight the importance of getting adequate sleep for your kids, be sure to set a good example with your own sleep habits. Don’t tell kids that they can’t stay up late when they see you spending hours late at night binge-watching your favorite series. 

Just like learning any new skill, developing healthier habits can take time. However, with your help and encouragement, you can help your child develop healthy habits to ensure their overall health and wellbeing!

For more parenting tips, or if you’re looking for the best child care center for your little one, please visit Wee Care Preschool.