As scary as it may be, parents need to talk to their kids about people who might want to hurt them. The best way to protect your children is to get them involved in their own protection:
Parents need to be aware of possible predators. Typical signs are someone who seems too good to be true, who offers extensive help to your family, who knows too much about your kids or kids in general, especially if they don't have children of their own. You should know all adults who you allow to have contact with your child.
Talk to your kids about paedophiles as soon as they can understand what you mean. As early as 3-5 years old, when kids begin to interact with the world, they're already subject to being victims.
Tell your child you love them no matter what. Remind them that they can tell you anything and you will still love them with all your heart.
Don't be afraid that you're scaring your kids, but don't ask them to deal with adult issues either. Speak to them in age-appropriate language and give them instructions about what to do. They will feel empowered by knowing how to protect themselves. Be careful sharing your own experiences if you were a victim of sexual molestation, for example. Providing too many details and rehashing the tragedy can create a sexually charged environment and be harmful for your children in the long run.
Kids need to know that they have the right to say no, yell, or ask for help. It may contradict what they know about respecting adults, but if they feel threatened, they have permission to make a scene, or to run away to a public place. And they need to know they won't get into trouble if they were wrong. Let them know that no one has the right to hurt them. Teach your child to call you if a stranger arrives when there are no other adults around.
Make sure your kids know what acceptable behaviour is, and what is out-of-bounds. Make sure they understand that there are private areas of their bodies that no one else should touch.
Rehearse your child's response to danger. If he/she doesn't practice it, your child won't really know what to do. Telling your child to yell for help isn't enough. In the face of danger, a child could forget, so rehearse, role-play, and practice what your child should do.
Remind your children that predators don't necessarily look scary or strange. A dangerous person could look like the person next door or even be someone they know.
There is no doubt a few small changes to a routine or environment can make a huge difference to anyone’s ability to learn and retain information. Here are a few tips to help both yourself, if you work in a home environment, and your kids make the learning experience more valuable and better.
Follow these tips and we’ll see you at the top!
Also check out our blog post: Effective Study Tips for Exam Success
Has your child ever asked you this question? And what was your answer? Here are a few facts and arguments you can use in the future.
When learning many can't understand the benefits of maths beyond the basic calculation of daily things. However maths is important in all aspects of our lives.
Maths equips us with many tools including -
Maths develops the imagination and trains us to be able to think clearly. Maths is also important in the development of language. You would be amazed at how often the language of maths crops up in your daily conversations; talking about time, money, temperature, technology, planning trips, shopping, cooking, designing plans ...
Mathematics is important in many everyday employment situations, science and technology, medicine, the economy, the environment and development, and in public decision-making. Think of the jobs that require maths these include doctors, teachers, scientists, engineers, technology services, lawyers, marketing, building, designers just to name a few.
Maths is invariably used, and often without realisation, to find the right concepts and methods to make difficult things easy, to explaining why a situation is how it is. By using maths skills you develop language and insights into our understanding and appreciation of the world.
Maths isn't just numbers and is all about patterns too. Imagine a fashion designer trying to develop a concept without maths abilities!
Increasingly, employers are looking for graduates with strong skills in reasoning and problem solving.
Finally of course we all have a computer nowadays and, of course, the computer itself is a machine built upon the principles of mathematics.
So whilst you may think you don't use maths or hate the subject, just imagine how you would get on calculating your change at the shop if you used cash, working out if you can afford that much anticipated trip, reading your bank statement or baking that cake if you had no, or very limited, concept and knowledge of that often dreaded subject - mathematics!
Get kids moving and keep cool on a warm day with these easy, affordable water play activities! They're even simpler than heading to the pool (just don’t forget the sunscreen!).
Get kids moving and keep cool on a warm day with these easy, affordable water play activities! They're even simpler than heading to the pool (just don’t forget the sunscreen!).
Hose Fun
Grab the garden hose and let the kids help water the plants. Then kick off the fun! Try games like water limbo or high-jump by making a water "bar" for kids to go under or over. You can also set up target practice on the driveway, fence, or a tree using chalk to create a target—or have a classic water fight with hoses, water guns, buckets, or water balloons.
Car Wash
Bring out the buckets, sponges, and some soapy water for a kid-powered car wash. Let them scrub down the car, bikes, ride-on toys, and other outdoor gear. When everything’s clean, turn the sponge into a game of “sponge tag”!
Splash Pad Outing
Take the kids to a local splashpad, like the one at Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre! Open during summer from late November/December to April/May, it’s a free, daily activity (weather permitting) and a great way to cool off.
Wet “Painting”
Give kids a bucket of water and some big paintbrushes or rollers, and let them "paint" on fences, porches, playsets, driveways, or sidewalks. It’s all the fun of painting without any mess!
Creek Adventure
Take a walk to a nearby creek for a refreshing nature day. Bring along toy boats or make your own using natural materials. Why not make up a story around your boats and their adventures!
Dribble, Dribble, Drench
Try this twist on Duck, Duck, Goose! Have everyone sit in a circle, and give the person who’s “It” a cup or watering can. They dribble a few drops on each person’s head, choosing one to douse completely. The soaked player then chases “It” around the circle, trying to tag them before they get back to the empty spot.
Outdoor Bath
Fill a kiddie pool with water, and add bath toys along with lightweight containers like pitchers, cups, sieves, funnels, and short PVC pipes. Let kids’ imaginations run wild with ways to splash, pour, and play.
Ice Block Building
With a little prep, freeze water in large containers like milk cartons, adding food coloring if you like. Let the kids build with the ice blocks, using a little salt to help pieces stick together. Take a picture of their creations before they melt!
When exam season arrives, it's time to focus and dive into studying - but it’s easy to get stuck in procrastination. Where should you start? How can you retain all that information? Here are some key study tips to help you succeed.
Following these study tips can lead to stronger exam performance and reduced stress.
Also check out our blog post: Study Tips for Better Learning
Maintaining a consistent sleep routine is important for parents, but daylight saving time can make this tricky, especially when bedtime arrives and the sun is still shining.
For those who’ve seen Disney's Frozen, Anna’s famous line, “The sky’s awake, so I’m awake, so we have to play!” is a familiar sentiment. Although Anna was referring to the Northern Lights, many children in New Zealand feel the same way when daylight saving time begins.
Experts agree that adapting to daylight saving time is a gradual process. Not only do kids lose an hour of sleep when the clocks move forward, but the extended daylight can also disrupt their melatonin production. Melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep, is triggered by darkness. If their bedroom isn’t dark enough, melatonin levels might drop, making it harder for children to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Here are some helpful tips to ease your kids into the adjustment:
It may take a few nights for kids to fully adjust, but most children, like adults, will typically adapt within about a week. Patience and consistency are key!
Whilst this post is focused on babies, of course, the benefits of swimming apply to all of us, no matter our age!
When you actually stop and think about it, there is a wide range of benefits available to babies and children who are taught to swim in a gentle, gradual pace. If you speak to any parent who has put their children in swimming lessons from a very early age, chances are that they witnessed first-hand the many examples of mental, physical, emotional, developmental, and social benefits that result from teaching their children to swim.
First of all, a weekly swimming lesson is often a child’s first social experience out of the home that involves their peers. They learn to relate and interact with each other and look forward to seeing their classmates each week, and even watch them for cues when it comes to taking risks and learning something new. Early swimming also fosters a growing sense of self-esteem, confidence and independence, and as a child’s ability to freely move through the water increases - so does their sense of wellbeing.
For the right people, in the right situation, baby swimming can also nurture a special new connection to family, community and to the outer world. Time spent having fun and learning new things in the pool is an ideal opportunity for parent and child bonding in a relaxed and fun environment that they will both love being a part of. Social skills and self esteem are developed through interaction with other children and positive encouragement from parents and any other family who watch them at swimming time, and your child will develop a trusting relationship with you at the same time. When parents are spending time face-to-face, skin-to-skin with their babies in the water, it is a very special time for both parties. Their bond increases through the swimming lessons and parents can also exercise their patience, encouragement and kindness toward their little one. They will also learn more and more about their little person’s growing personality and how they approach new situations as they are challenged more and more.
Swimming allows babies to move independently before they are able to on dry land, which is vital to creating happy little people. Babies can learn trust and boost their confidence and self-esteem through their swimming lessons, especially as they grow and do more and more on their own. Swimming can be very empowering for babies, since it offers them a new sense of freedom as well as a way to play and explore the brand new world around them in a truly fun and relaxing way.
Based in Silverdale, Northern Arena has four cutting-edge, heated pools – all indoors. The pools are treated by ultra violet light similar to the way drinking water is treated, allowing for a low level of chlorine that makes them ideal for babies and those with sensitive skin. All of their lessons are designed to be fun as well as educational, enhancing enjoyment and confidence in the water.
Have a think about popping your child in the water – you’ll be helping them on the way to knowing how to save themselves in the water, increase their learning ability and have a lot of fun while they’re at it!
Northern Arena offer a full range of SwimFit classes for all ages and abilities - check out the options online
Ph: 09-421-9700 - Email: info@northernarena.co.n - Web: northernarena.co.nz
Whether short on cash or you simply just don't want to have to fork out everytime you go out as a family, there are always lots of free or fun things to do including -
Get the bikes out and go for a family bike ride. A quick lap around the neighborhood or park can be fun, if you're looking for local walks and cycles check our Hibiscus Coast Walks and Cycleways page or looking further afield around Auckland check out the Auckland Council Wheely Good Time Family Fun article.
Make a list of free museums and attractions in your area. Then work your way through the list until you've visited them all. Art museums, history museums, monuments-there's sure to be something worth checking out at each one. Locally a couple of great options to visit are the Silverdale Pioneer Village, Warkworth Museum and Bohemian Settlers Museum in Puhoi.
A great source for free books, movies and magazines, and it can also be a good source for other types of free entertainment. Check with your library to see if there are any upcoming story hours, concerts or educational programs that may be of interest to your family. Then be sure to take advantage of them. We have two great libraries here on the Coast and you can find details and information on our Linku2 Libraries page. (Please note at July 2024 the Orewa library is currently closed for renovation, library services are being offered out of the Orewa CAB).
Head out after dark for a night of stargazing fun. You can use a telescope and an astronomy guide to help you locate the constellations and planets or just wing it as you stretch out on a big blanket and stare at the sky. Either way, the evening promises to be as enjoyable as it is educational.
Play a few shorter games or one long one. Eitherway add a bit of spice by having prizes for the winners!
Add in some personalised charades - make one up each and get the others to act out - there are plenty of charade ideas on the internet too if you get stuck for ideas.
Depending on the time of year fruit picking may not be available. Head out catch a fish, pick some fruit and then back at home make something with your fresh produce! Whilst there are no local options there are a number of opportunities you will find in West and South Auckland so head out and make a day of it (check the picking season though!).
Cooking is an important life skill, and it can be a lot of fun to teach. Pick out an interesting cookbook and each pick a dish to make up a full meal - help each other with the courses and then sit down for a sumptuous but potentially unusual or unexpected meal!
Camping is the ultimate family adventure. Grab a tent, some sleeping bags and torch and head down the garden for a fun, family bonding night. You can sing camp songs, tell ghost stories, nibble on snacks and play games all without leaving home. We have lots of local options including Shakespear Regional Park, other nearby regional parks and an excellent campsite on the water's edge in Orewa.
Don't just pick the movies together but prepare together. Pop the popcorn, make up lolly bags, rearrange the room with pillows and cushions and set the stage for a fun family time.
These are just a few suggestions - there are so many things you can do together but just make sure you find the time to do them all!
Let us know in the comments below you're favourite family activity and any new ones we can add to this post! Thanks!
The start of preschool is a significant milestone, often met with a blend of excitement, joy, and some inevitable tears and uncertainty from both children and parents! Preschool is designed to ease the transition from family life or a childcare center to school. These programs help develop children's communication, problem-solving, and thinking skills while familiarizing them with school routines and rhythms.
Talk About Preschool: Discuss with your child the exciting adventure that preschool will be. Speak with their future teacher and principal to gather detailed information about daily activities, bathroom routines, and meal times. This will help you address any questions your child might have, easing their concerns.
Plan a Celebratory Breakfast: Make the morning special with a celebratory breakfast and a small gift, like a new bag or a Starting Preschool Certificate. This can help your child feel important and excited about their new role.
Tip 1: Don’t Rush Through the Morning
A rushed morning is stressful for everyone, especially on the first day. Wake up early enough to enjoy a calm, unhurried breakfast, which helps avoid last-minute tantrums and ensures you arrive on time.
Tip 2: Arrive Early
Arriving early gives your child time to settle in before the crowd arrives. This also provides extra face time with the teacher, offering additional reassurance.
Tip 3: Bring a Comfort Object
If allowed, let your child bring a favorite stuffed animal or blanket. This can make the new environment feel less intimidating. As they become more comfortable, they can gradually leave the comfort object in their cubby.
Tip 4: Put on a Happy Face
Even if you’re anxious, try to stay positive. Your child will pick up on your mood, so if you seem confident and upbeat, they’re more likely to feel the same way.
Tip 5: Hang Around, But Don’t Hover
Many preschools encourage parents to stay for part of the first few days. If possible, stick around to give your child the courage to explore. Gradually step back as they become more secure, letting the teacher take over.
Tip 6: Keep Goodbyes Short and Sweet
When it’s time to leave, keep your good-byes brief and positive. Smile, give a hug, and let your child know when you’ll be back (“I’ll pick you up after lunch”). Avoid sneaking out, as this can make your child feel insecure.
Remember, it’s normal for kids to have a meltdown when separating. Even if your child is upset, they’ll likely calm down shortly after you leave. If the adjustment takes longer, don’t worry - preschool teachers are experienced in handling these situations. And don’t be surprised if your child is too happy and busy to let you know everything they've been doing when you pick them up!
If you're looking for quality childcare on the Hibiscus Coast make sure you check out Fame, where your children grow and learn with confidence!
Toys driving you mad? Here are some practical tips on controlling the mess!
Big deep toy boxes often don’t work well. Toys get jumbled into one big mess, small pieces get lost in the tangle and toddlers have no choice but to empty the whole thing on the floor to find what they want.
Collect lots of small, easy to handle, easy to carry, un-lidded containers, so children can sort their toys into groups – all the building things in one, wheeled toys in another, and so on.
Have fun with lots of big, coloured hooks labelled for coats, hats, bags, skipping ropes, dress-ups. It may not look elegant, but you and your children will be able to find what you need.
Use symbols or colours, even allocate one colour to each child if that works for you. Eg Sophie has a pink towel, pink toothbrush, pink hook for clothes and a pink box, or pink star on her box of toys.
Organise things into activity areas – puzzles, reading, art – so everything to do with that activity is there. Eg keep paper, aprons, wipe-up cloths and hanging pegs in one bin along with the pens, pencils, crayons, brushes and paints to make set up and cleaning up easy. During the day, convert a space from one activity to another by putting art stuff away and bringing out the puzzles bin.
Make finding stuff and putting it away fun and interesting to build good habits for a lifetime.
Preschool teachers have made an art of labelling boxes and crates.
