One skill that can come in useful for any child throughout his or her lifetime is creativity.  Fundamental skills such as reading, writing, and counting play a significant part in strengthening a child’s academic foundation, but one’s creativity is equally important. Creativity goes beyond one’s ability to exhibit artistic skill. It’s more about expressing oneself freely through different avenues as a means of communicating creative thoughts and ideas without judgment. 

Kids are innately curious and imaginative. Their brains are wired to absorb new ideas and information. When parents foster creativity during a child’s early years, we help our children develop vital skills in the areas of problem-solving,  imagination, communication, and enhance their ability to focus. All of these areas are crucial as they strive to achieve success in school and beyond. 

Nurturing creativity in children offers numerous benefits. Find out how you can further foster creativity in your child by following these tips below. 

Create spaces dedicated to creative expression

One of the best ways we can encourage young kids to channel their creativity is by creating an environment that will allow them to do so. Empower your little one to exercise his or her creative freedom and think outside the box. Establish a creative space in your home that is dedicated to creative expression. It could be a cozy spot inside your home or in the backyard where your child can explore, discover,  imagine, and make a mess! 

Provide children with the resources they need

Providing kids with the resources needed for creative expression goes beyond giving them art supplies or a space in which to work. It also means giving them adequate time and opportunities for unstructured and imaginative play, with less adults-led instruction.

Allow time for your little one to enjoy independent and free play. To do this, be sure to limit the hours he or she spends on electronic devices and staring at screens. Surround your child with toys and materials that are more likely to spark imagination. Encourage little ones to build something from scratch. Let them paint using any material they want. Or let them play dress up,  play make-believe, and more!

Allow room for spontaneity and freedom

Another way to help creativity grow and flow with children is to encourage them to be spontaneous. There’s no need to instill structure in everything they do, and not everything has to be carefully planned. 

For example, if children want to color outside the outlines in a coloring book, let them do so. If they want to use multiple colors on their masterpiece, or experiment with a variety of materials, let them. 

It’s okay to allow  extra room for your child to be spontaneous. It’s healthy for little ones to be given the freedom to express whatever they feel at the moment and act on their creative thoughts. Allow them to exercise their autonomy as they express their ideas, as long as it doesn’t compromise their safety. 

Encourage children to ask questions

Does your little one have a habit of asking seemingly random questions? Is he or she very curious? If so, continue to encourage that sense of wonder! No matter how random, vast, or small,  it’s important that we try to answer their questions. When kids ask questions, it means that they want to learn more and find out more about the world around them. Curious kids want to understand things more clearly, and questioning is their means of discovery.

Don’t discourage them from asking questions just because you don’t know the answer, or you find it hard to explain certain things. In fact, it’s important to continue to spark their curiosity. You can also encourage their sense of wonder by asking some questions yourself. For example, you may ask your child why he or she thinks the sky is blue, or why there is night and day. 

Don’t pressure your child

It’s common for parents to want their kids to excel. While it’s natural for us to want our children to be the best they can be, it’s also imperative that we resist putting pressure on them if we want to foster creativity. Make sure your child doesn’t feel the need to impress anyone. Let children do things from the heart. After all, creativity is all about freedom of expression. 

Creativity is an important aspect of a child’s holistic development. Use these tips to foster creativity and imagination in your child. By doing so, you can help boost your child’s mental, emotional, and social well-being. 

Looking for a childcare center that prioritizes your child’s holistic development? Feel free to contact Wee Care Preschool for more information!

Today’s kids are born into the age of modern technology – a world where the internet and electronics are deeply integrated into the fabric of our everyday lives. Nowadays, adults aren’t the only ones who own a smartphone or an iPad. More and more kids these days know how to navigate their gadgets, make their way through to the internet, and find information within seconds! While young children can clearly benefit from the internet in various ways, especially when it comes to education and learning, parents should remain cautious and vigilant. The internet isn’t always a safe place for young kids. There are risks involved when we allow them to explore this medium.  Make sure your little one is properly guided in the use of technology during their early years by keeping the following internet safety tips for kids in mind!

Explore the internet together

If you’re just starting to introduce technology to your little one, it’s a good idea to explore it  together. Take time to sit down with them and explore all the fun and good stuff they can do with the internet. For example, you can show them helpful links for learning materials or educational games and activities they can easily access. 

Create rules

As you begin to give your little one the liberty to make use and have fun with their electronics and the internet, it’s important to establish rules and a plan to ensure their online safety.

These rules should include the hours when they are allowed to access the internet, the appropriate sites and applications they’re allowed to access, and technology-free zones within the house. Also, be sure to discuss specific rules on internet usage. Remind then not to give out personal information, not talking to strangers online, and other specific boundaries. 

Keep the devices in the common areas of the house

The use of electronics isn’t something that should be allowed everywhere in the house. If you haven’t already established zones where devices can’t be used, it’s a good idea to encourage them to use their gadgets in communal areas such as the lounge or living room. This way, it’s a lot easier to keep an eye on how they’re using the internet. 

Manage their access

Another trick you can try to ensure your child’s internet safety is to be on top of the things they access. Make sure they only have access to websites appropriate for their age by setting up the computer’s default homepage to a kid-friendly site. If parental controls are a feature available from your internet service provider, it’s best to set up parental controls as well. 

Turn internet time into fun family time

The internet is an excellent source of information. Make the most of it by turning internet time into fun family time! Instead of each person doing individual online activities, why not stream feel-good family series or movies together? Or play online games that every family member can enjoy.

Not only is this an excellent way to spend more quality time with your kids, it will also help ensure their online activities are closely monitored.

Keep track of their passwords

If certain accounts have to be created to gain access to a website or to install an app, be the one to create the account for your little one. Create it under your own name instead of your child’s, and keep track of their password.

Check their account every now and then to ensure they don’t fall victim to any suspicious online activity. 

Check their browsing history

Another important internet safety tip you shouldn’t miss is checking your child’s browsing history. Go through the list of websites they’ve visited or the ones that have popped up. Better yet, create a folder containing shortcuts to the apps and sites they usually access. This way, they can easily find them and will no longer have to manually search or browse for them.

The internet is a vast resource for entertainment and all sorts of information, but it can be a dangerous place for young kids if we’re not careful. Keep the world wide web a safe place to explore by following these internet safety tips for kids. 

For more parenting tips and guidance, or if you’re in the search for a good quality preschool for your little one, please visit Wee Care Preschool. 

A vacation from school is something kids look forward to and enjoy because it’s the time they get to break from their academic life and tons of school work. But while school closures allow children more free time to play, they can also be a perfect opportunity for parents to provide their kids with productive activities that foster learning. 

Learning isn’t something that only takes place within the four walls of a classroom. It’s something you can and should promote at home as well.

Promoting learning doesn’t mean you have to stick to the lessons taught in school. In fact, it’s important to teach kids life lessons they don’t get inside the classroom. 

Read on to learn about the important life lessons you might want to cultivate in your children while school is out. 

Good manners

Good manners are important because these are what shape a person into a kind and considerate individual. It helps someone become likable and helps them maintain good relationships with others. 
Because good manners are so foundational, they are something that should be instilled in children as early as possible. Start with teaching them how to say “thank you” and “please” by being a role model. Use these words often in your interaction with them. Say “thank you” when they share their food or a favorite toy. Say “please” each time you make a request or ask them to do a task. Even when they can’t utter the words yet, they observe your actions as well as your language. Be sure to model the best examples of good manners because your child is likely to follow suit.

Money management

Another important life lesson kids should learn is money management. Their attitude toward money while they’re young will teach them how to be responsible with spending and saving. This will significantly impact their financial health in the future. 

If your child is already going to school and is receiving an allowance or has some other income, make use of the opportunity to teach them how to budget and save money. Tell them why budgeting and saving money is important especially when they have a goal to achieve. For example, let’s say they want to buy a certain toy. Instead of buying it for them, teach them how to save for it. This is a good head start to learning how to set financial goals and saving money to achieve them.

Value of honesty

It’s important that young kids understand the importance of honesty and the consequences of being dishonest. Explain to them why it’s important that they always strive to be truthful. Talk to them and discuss real life examples that may test their honesty. 

For example, say they were invited by a friend to a party and they won’t be able to attend because you have a family dinner. Tell them that they can be honest with the real reason instead of making up other excuses. More importantly, be sure that you model honesty in front of your kids. The best way to teach them that even occasional lying is not acceptable is by leading by example.

Making healthy choices

The habits and lifestyle children adopt are based on what they have grown accustomed to and been practicing growing up. Therefore, if you want to teach your kids how to have a healthy lifestyle, be sure to teach them how to make healthy choices early on. 

When it comes to food, teach them how to eat healthy by serving a well-balanced diet. Be mindful of their screen time and do not tolerate a sedentary lifestyle. Instead, encourage more physical activity and outdoor play. 

Being kind

You can never go wrong with being kind. After all, what we sow is what we reap. So, teach your little one the value of kindness while they’re young. In fact, this is an easy one because children’s default mindset tends toward kindness.

No matter how young they may be, there are plenty of ways they can sprinkle kindness around them. Encourage them to lend a helping hand or say kind words. Showing care to others can go a long way.

School closures are a perfect time for young kids to learn life lessons that will prove valuable to them throughout their lives. Cultivate these lessons in your little one starting right now and watch how they reap long term benefits. 

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

Many people have been saved by hospitals. When there is an emergency that needs medical attention, the first thing you would do is go to the nearest hospital.

However, hospitals can be dangerous places for a lot of reasons. One main reason is that hospitals are breeding grounds for bacteria so the risks of getting hospital-acquired infections are higher.

Most people who are hospitalized fall into one of three categories:

• They need surgery that can’t be performed at an outpatient facility,
• Those who are very sick (and sometimes dying), or
• Those with severe injuries.

What are Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAI) and how do you prevent them?

Hospital-acquired infections are those kinds of infections contracted by patients while receiving medical care for other medical issues. The infection must not be present or incubating during admission for it to be considered HAI.

Most common infections include: urinary tract infections, infections on the surgical wounds, and/or lower respiratory tract infections.

There are certain preventive measures you can do to keep your loved ones from getting infected.

• Hand Hygiene

As simple and basic as it seems, clean hands are very important in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and deadly germs.

The World Health Organization has stressed that washing hands is a must. Clean hands are not only to ensure that patients don’t contract hospital-acquired infections, but also for healthcare professionals not to acquire infections from patients.

As a general rule of thumb, you must wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Every hospital staff member is also encouraged to wash their hands prior to having their meals, drinking, and between caring for patients.

• Research about the Hospital

It is a given that you do not have the luxury to choose your hospital, especially during emergency cases. If you are out of town and suddenly got sick, you may not know much about the hospitals in that location. However, if you are at home and know for a fact that you will need to be hospitalized soon, be practical and choose the hospital you know is the cleanest.

Do research about the hospitals in your area. Check their infection track records, and pick the one with the lowest rate. It is advisable to discuss your options with your doctor as he/she may not have admission rights to the hospital of your choice.

Check with your insurance policy and if they can cover it, ask for a private room as this will reduce the risk of acquiring infections from another patient.

• Disinfect and Make Sure All Surfaces are Clean

Since every corner of the hospital is a breeding ground for deadly viruses and germs, every room must be thoroughly cleaned between patients.

Disinfection of rooms and surfaces helps to prevent any accidental transmissions of infectious diseases when new patients come in. Additionally, non-patient areas, such as the nurse’s stations and break rooms, must also be cleaned and sanitized every day.

• Cover Wounds

Some hospital-acquired infections are acquired because of an open wound.

Nurses and/or doctors may examine patients daily to check for possible infections. While the reasons are valid, opening the bandage increases the exposure to bacteria and germs. Make sure all wounds are properly cleaned and covered.

Some hospitals are now adopting a new and safer technique to cover wounds. This involves sealing the surgical area with a skin glue instead of staples (which can easily harbor bacteria). They also use waterproof dressings which can stay for up to three weeks without opening.

• Use Gloves

Gloves are another way to prevent hospital-acquired infections. Healthcare professionals may not have the need to wear gloves when interacting with patients. However, if there will be possible contact with any bodily fluids or blood, such as taking blood samples, emptying trash, or changing the sheets, gloves must be worn at all times.

Prevention is always better than cure. Infections can be deadly. Even minor infections can become a much bigger concern for patients with pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or cancer.

Stop spreading infections by being responsible and taking all the necessary precautions to keep you and your loved ones safe.

For more information about how to protect your kids and your family, contact Wee Care Preschool. We provide education and proper care for your toddlers to ensure that they grow safe, healthy, and away from any infectious diseases.

A number or factors come into play when it comes to bad behavior in kids. Is bad parenting the sole thing responsible for this negative behavior? Absolutely not. It could be anything from a child’s environment to their circumstances. Which begs the question—what causes bad behaviors in kids? And what can you do to prevent them?

The first step is always to identify these bad behaviors. Understanding what you’re dealing with makes it easier to take measures to fix it. Here are the most common bad behaviors to pay close attention to and ideas for ways to correct them. 

Bullying

Whether it’s gossiping, teasing, verbal or physical harm, bullying of any form is never okay. You don’t want to see your child getting bullied. And it’s even worse when he or she is the one who does the bullying.

This is why keeping an eye on your child’s behavior is necessary, especially when you’re not around.

In cases where they are the ones who bully, speak to them kindly and get to the bottom of things. Talk to your child about why bullying is unacceptable and how it’s harmful for them and to the victim.

If something or somebody is bothering them, teach your child constructive ways to handle their emotions and reactions to certain triggers. If lack of attention from you is what’s causing it, make a point of scheduling some one-on-one time with your child at least once a week. 

Showing no respect

When a child starts to yell or talk back to you in public, it’s a clear indication that something is wrong.

Back talking is a means for them to gain back control over their life and decisions. It’s a natural part of growing up but it doesn’t mean that this behavior should be tolerated.

This lack of respect suggests that they don’t have regard for other people’s feelings and this can get problematic if not addressed soon.

Respect is a two-way street. If you want your kids to show you respect, teach them respect by leading as an example. Treat them as how you’d want to be treated back. Speak to them with respect and soon enough you’ll watch them pick up on the habit at some point. 

Respect is important. It’s one of the key values that children must embrace from a young age.

In terms of addressing this bad behavior, it’s important to keep your composure. Be firm in establishing expected behavior and enforcing consequences. And lastly, try to look deeper.

There could be underlying causes that prevent them from treating people with respect. Is your child overwhelmed? Are they having trouble expressing their frustrations? Not enough sleep?

These underlying causes can be anything and identifying the underlying cause is necessary for figuring out how to resolve them. 

As the saying goes: Treat the cause, not the symptoms. 

Defiance and disobedience

Kids, especially toddlers, are the ones most often inflicted with defiant behavior. They may argue their way into avoiding your request for them to do something or simply ignore you on purpose because they don’t want to do it.

Although this is a common problem for parents who have younger kids, this bad behavior should not be overlooked.

Dealing with defiant children may test your patience and temper but with the right practices, it is still possible to manage them. 

First, look into what causes your kids to react a certain way. Do you notice a pattern? Any specific triggers that cause their defiance?

Often, defiance can be triggered when children are hurried through a task. Avoid putting too many things on their plate. Children don’t do well with abrupt transitions so try to put things on a schedule to set their expectations of what’s to happen next. 

Children also resort to defiance sometimes when they want to exert control over things. Giving them limited options can be helpful in this case as it gives them power to choose between things they’re expected to do.

Ungratefulness and entitlement

Parents love their children and only want what’s best for them.

Providing for their basic needs is our responsibility but it can take a turn for the worse when we start to give them more than what they need. This breeds entitlement, which can turn up from time-to-time, especially when most of the attention is on them and they are used to getting what they want at all times.

This can be tolerable, but the problem begins when it becomes a habit.

One thing you can do to handle these incidents is to point them out directly.

Preventing it however, takes a bit more time and patience.

Teach your child to value what they have by letting them earn it through good deeds or doing simple tasks at home. Getting them exposed to doing charitable deeds can also help them be more grateful of what they have and be more apt to share their resources with others who need them.

Managing bad behaviors in kids can be a challenge but identifying and taking action early can help reduce instances of these bad behaviors from repeatedly taking place in the future. 

Find these tips helpful? We’re glad to help you with your parenting journey. Visit https://weecarepreschools.com/ or contact us for more details about our amazing childhood learning programs.