by Melissa Kay | May 18, 2018 | Blog, General, News |
As your child continues to learn the English language, it’s never too early to start learning another. The younger kids are when they start learning a second tongue, the more they are able to absorb the language. PandaTree notes, “Foreign languages are most easily acquired as a child. (This gives) your child the chance to learn a foreign language is like giving her a gift for life.” Brain Development By learning a second language, your child’s brain development is enhanced, as per PandaTree. “The mental benefits of learning a foreign language as a child show up in a number of different ways. Children who speak a foreign language perform better on standardized tests in math and English than their monolingual peers. They also start reading earlier. And they are better at understanding grammar.” By learning two languages at once, your child’s vocabulary will be rich and will only grow as they do. So why not start as early as possible to reap the most rewards? An Educational Edge Starting on a second language early will give your child an edge. According to Edublox Online Tutor, “By the time your little one enters school, they will be ahead of other kids thanks to their additional language skills.” And this is a step in the right direction that can last into adulthood. As per Edublox Online Tutor, “Adults who speak a second language have better career opportunities than those who don’t. From job promotions to transfers abroad, employees with a second language are considered more valuable.” A second language under their belt can set your child up for lifelong success! Emotional Enhancement Along with...
by Melissa Kay | May 13, 2018 | Blog, News |
Reading to and with our kids is so important for bonding and learning. Kids who read have more advanced vocabularies and tend to perform better in school. Plus, reading is fun! Here are three picture books that are as pretty as they are powerful. Your kids will not only enjoy the subject matter, but the “feast for the eyes” as well. I am Jim Henson If you and your kids are fans of Sesame Street and the Muppets, I am Jim Henson will be exciting and informational. This biography of the creator of those childhood favorites will teach kids about Henson’s humor and heroism, filled with pictures to add even more magic. This book is a New York Times bestseller written by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos. You Can Read Get your child excited about reading as they flip through the pages of You Can Read by Helaine Becker and illustrated by Mark Hoffmann. This book helps kids improve their reading and spelling skills as they take fictional adventures to outer space, beneath the ocean, and everywhere in between. Literacy, lessons, and learning can be fun! The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do Your child will be inspired by “Lou” who conquers her fears and shows she’s brave after all in The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do by Ashley Spires. Her take on getting over hurdles and how friends can help one another achieve new accomplishments is a life lesson. The pictures are adorable, and the message is inspiring. What is your child’s favorite picture book? For more information like this, please visit All My Children’s blogs. By: Melissa A....
by Melissa Kay | May 7, 2018 | Blog, General, News |
Do you have a child who is always thinking outside the box? Does their artistic nature seep from their pores as they use their imagination to fuel their inspiration? Looks like you’ve got a creative kiddo on your hands, so why not allow them to further explore their interests? Perhaps your child is artsy, dramatic, or open to learning something new? With after school activities geared toward their talents, your child can grow and gain more exposure to something that excites them. Sports teams and play groups are fun, but for some kids, the more creative the outlet, the more they will shine. Here are some after school activities for creative kids. Your child won’t be able to wait until the school bell rings! Theater Club If your child is a real “ham” and loves to perform, a theater club or class would be right up their alley. Kids who love the spotlight will feel at home on stage. They will learn the ins and outs of acting, learning lines, transforming into character, and so on. They will learn to be team players by working with a cast and they will fine-tune their reading and memory skills by studying scripts. You’ll love watching their hard work pay off at the first performance. But for the kids, theater club won’t feel like work at all. Theater will be nothing but a thrill. Bravo! Calligraphy Class Does your child have lovely penmanship and is into art? A calligraphy class will put these talents to use as your child learns the fine art of this beautiful way to write. With letters that...
by Melissa Kay | May 5, 2018 | Blog, General |
Finally! Spring has arrived, and we are all so thrilled to welcome the warm weather. What could be nicer than feeling the sunshine on our skin and enjoying the longer days? How about a fresh fruit salad? Once the temperature rises, it feels great to eat light and take advantage of the ripe and juicy fruit available at the grocer and farmers’ market. Another perk of digging into healthy food this time of year is that it teaches our kids that the “good stuff” can be something that’s good for them too. Who needs processed cookies and cakes when luscious fresh fruit is on the menu? Here are two fun fruit salads that are super-simple to make and even easier to eat. You will love them, and the kids will too! Berries and Cherries Berries and cherries go together wonderfully. Kids love the different shapes, and the colors are rich and vibrant. Plus, berries are chock-full of vitamins kids need. Here is how to make the “Berries and Cherries” fruit salad. Makes 2 servings. Ingredients: 1 cup blueberries 1 cup raspberries 1 cup strawberries, sliced 1 cup cherries, remove pits 1 cup vanilla yogurt (not Greek) 1 tablespoon chia seeds 1 tablespoon flax seeds ¼ cup honey or maple syrup Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Mix gently as to not damage the fruit. Scoop into bowls and serve. Tasty and terrific! Bananas and Apples Gone Nuts Kids love the sweetness of bananas and the crispness of apples. Bring them together with a twist in this unique fruit salad. Makes 2 servings. Ingredients: 2 medium bananas, sliced...
by Melissa Kay | Apr 13, 2018 | Blog, General, News |
We’ve all heard that it is important to read to our children from an early start. But did you know that even reading to newborns has its benefits? Sure, they may not understand what they are hearing. However, the process will be the perfect way to develop a pattern of learning that will benefit your child as they grow. It will help develop their vocabulary, reading and listening skills, and so much more. Bonding & Development According to Parents, starting reading early is important for bonding with baby. “It exposes the baby to the sound of your voice, which is soothing.” Spending this one-on-one time with your infant is excellent for their development at this early age. Find a simple book with lots of pictures so your infant is interested in the shapes and colors. Your voice will be their guide and their comfort. And according to KidsHealth, “It’s an important form of stimulation and communication.” It helps their emotional development too. Vocabulary Not only is this reading time something the baby will enjoy before naps or bedtime, but their brains will begin soaking in the information and gaining intelligence. Yes, even from this tender age. As per Parents, “Studies have also shown that children who were read to as newborns have a larger vocabulary, as well as more advanced mathematical skills, than other kids their age. There’s also a direct link between how many words a baby hears each day and her language skills.” We all want our kids to have that extra boost when it comes to doing well in school. Do your part by advancing their vocabulary in...
by Melissa Kay | Apr 8, 2018 | Blog, General, News |
Kids love the thrill of finding something new and delicious in their lunchbox. As a parent, you want to be sure you are sending them off to school with something healthy to eat. But all the kids look for is what tastes good. Combine the best of both worlds with lunchbox lettuce wraps. Sandwiches are lunchtime staples, but these lettuce wraps are the best thing since sliced bread! Here are two easy-to-make recipes your kids will love. Leave it to lettuce to make lunch as mouthwatering as ever. Tempting Turkey Twist Ups Ingredients: 3 large romaine lettuce leaves 3 slices turkey (honey roasted or regular) 1 tablespoon honey mustard (or yellow mustard) 1 medium tomato, sliced ½ cup bread and butter pickle chips Cut off the bottommost stems of the lettuce leaves leaving only the greener, less rough part for the wraps. Spread the honey mustard over one side of each leaf. Top each leaf with a slice of turkey and 1/3 of the tomatoes and pickles. Roll up each leaf tightly as you would a burrito. If it doesn’t hold its shape, spear with a toothpick. Pack up in a plastic container or baggie and lunch is ready! Very Veggie Wraps Ingredients: 3 large romaine lettuce leaves ½ cup sun dried tomatoes (jarred, packed in oil) ½ cup thinly sliced cucumber ½ cup shredded carrots 1 medium bell pepper, sliced thinly ¼ cup goat cheese crumbles ¼ cup low-fat ranch dressing Cut off the bottommost stems of the lettuce leaves leaving only the greener, less rough part for the wraps. Layer 1/3 of each of the remaining ingredients...
by Melissa Kay | Apr 4, 2018 | Blog, News |
Sometimes the simple things make the biggest impact. They say, “actions speak louder than words,” but words do matter. And they matter most to impressionable young minds. Children take in everything like a sponge. They learn and grow with this information to water their seeds. To give your child a boost in self-esteem, reassure them that they’re special. Give advice that will help them socially and educationally. Communicate words of encouragement to show your child you care. Here are some ideas to spark your thoughts. You can come up with your own messages of love and acceptance. Your child will soak up the comfort and faith you put forth. Try Your Best Kids want to succeed, but success doesn’t always mean winning the game or getting the highest grades. But when a child tries hard and does the best job they can, that is a sign of success. Remind your child they don’t have to pitch a perfect game or get straight As to be a “winner” in your book. Encourage your child to put in a genuine effort and do the best they can. That will give them the push they need to be the best version of themselves, no matter the outcome. I Believe in You When you reassure your child that you have faith in their abilities, they develop a strong will. You’ll see higher self-esteem and a go-getter, “I can do it” attitude. No matter what they are off to do, your devotion to their strengths is important. And it is important to tell them so. Every kid wants their parent to cheer them on...
by Melissa Kay | Apr 1, 2018 | Blog, General, News |
The smell of spring is in the air and we’re all looking forward to the warmer weather. We appreciate the time we’ll spend outdoors and more hours of precious sunlight per day. Flowers are blooming as the ground is thawing out. Smiles are spreading as the winter’s darkness turns to light. It’s time to celebrate the season and appreciate all the wonders spring has to offer. Here are some ways to put a little spring in your step. Make the most of this pleasant and much-anticipated season with the kids. Eat Outside When the weather is mild, pack a picnic basket and enjoy lunch or an early supper underneath the spring sky. Pack easy-to-eat items like sandwiches, salads, fruit, and biscuits. Remember your picnic blanket and sunscreen. The kids will enjoy this casual style of dining. It will be a relief to be away from the television and other distractions. On the way home, you may just be lucky enough to find an ice cream truck selling sweet cones and other after-dinner treats. Plant a Garden If you have a backyard, now is the perfect time to plant some seeds. Teach the kids some valuable lessons about nature. Even if you don’t have your own space outside, there are plenty of plants, herbs, and even veggies that you can grow on a windowsill with the proper care. The kids will love watching the natural beauty grow and form thanks to their mindful watering and maintenance. If you plant vegetables, you’ll enjoy how fresh they taste in salads and as side dishes. Get Moving It’s time to get off the...
by Melissa Kay | Mar 31, 2018 | Blog, General, News |
Fresh and healthy eating is so important for us all. It can be difficult to get kids to eat their greens. But they need all those vitamins and minerals from all the goodness that goes into eating an array of veggies. Wintertime is all about comfort food. But when the temps begin to rise, eating light is on the menu. That’s where salads come in. There are so many ways to mix up a tasty bowl, incorporating a variety of crisp and flavorful vegetables. As an appetizer, side dish, or entree, a salad is a great way to bring a bounty of nutrition to a meal. The following recipes are super-healthful while being delicious. Even kids who prefer chicken nuggets to Brussels sprouts will be asking for seconds. Each recipe makes 2 servings. Beans and Beets Create a salad that is colorful and filling. Beans provide plenty of fiber and protein. Bright beets are sweet and vibrant. They add that eye appeal kids look for in their food. Ingredients: 2 cups leafy greens, chopped 1/2 cup garbanzo beans 1/2 cup kidney beans 1/2 cup lima beans 2 plum tomatoes, diced 1 16-oz. can whole beets, diced 1/2 small white onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup lite Italian salad dressing Chopped parsley for garnish In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients aside from the parsley. Serve in bowls and sprinkle parsley on top. Tastes great with warm pita bread. Creamy Chicken Many creamy salads are high in fat and calories. But this recipe is much lighter yet just as delicious. The...
by Melissa Kay | Mar 14, 2018 | Blog, General, News |
When we think of people being stressed out, adults come to mind. Or perhaps teens or college-age young men and women. But young kids these days have a lot of pressures weighing them down too. From school work to friendships to after-school commitments to family matters to world events and news, today’s children are growing up fast. They can become heavily stressed from an early start. Some degree of stress is natural and helpful in their drive to learn and grow. But too much stress at a young age can be upsetting, debilitating, and can even have life-long consequences. As parents, we can help our kids navigate through the situations in their lives that may be stressful. And we can help them find healthy solutions to ease their worries, anxieties, and fears. These useful tips can help your children lift that weight off their shoulders. You can help them manage stressful scenarios in the best way possible. This will not only help them in the present but give them key tools they can put into play as they get older and have more burdens and responsibilities. Talk it Out Some kids keep a lot inside. They may feel ashamed, embarrassed, or nervous to talk about what it is that is stressing them out. But the more they hold in, the worse the stress can become. If your child is not the type to open up on their own, you must find a way to get them talking. Make it casual so your child doesn’t feel confronted or put on the spot. Perhaps chit chat during a car ride or...
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