It can be tricky trying to decide on the perfect present and gift for smaller children. But, it doesn’t have to be! Here’s a list of my kids favourite tried and true gifts.

Legos

Everyone knows legos are classic fun, creative staple toys. It’s one of the few toys that always makes the cut. It truly fosters my kid’s creativity in a way many toys (beyond magformers and learning resources cubes) have. The classic sets are your best bet for a first kit or even as an addition to your collection. They have the most bricks, especially the bigger cubes, and allow the most freedom to create whatever your kid wants. 

Magformers

This is one of my kids’ favorite toys. They are basically cool shaped magnets but are super high quality. There are other knockoff versions, but i can’t speak to them as I wasn’t willing to find out whether they were good quality. Magnets are hazardous if ingested to both kids and pets, so it wasn’t worth the risk. 

Tablet

This one will depend on your budget, preferences, and reasons for use. I like the iPad for obvious reasons. The UI is practically flawless. Everything syncs seamlessly, and it’s almost virus-proof. LOL. On the other hand, I like tablets for their affordable price points, UI freedom. I’m an android girl at heart. 

Edible playdough

Instead of buying Play-Doh 4 kids five and under, it’s safer to make your own playdough if they have curious Minds. Obviously, your kids shouldn’t eat this as a snack; however, they won’t get sick if they eat some. This is a fun option because you can add all types of colors and flavors, and textures you wanted. 

Water table

If you have a backyard or garden- a water table is a nice edition to foster free play.

Tent

My kids love tents, and I think all kiddos do because it helps create a safe space to play, wonder, or even think/cry. The kind of tent you buy and how you set it up gets to be unique to your littles. You can purchase a pop-up tent to give your kids a space to pretend. You can get extra fancy and create a more comfortable reading nook or an area to process emotions and feelings privately. Think: “a feelings corner kind of thing.” 

Barbie dolls

I struggled to write this one down. I have this thing, this love-hate relationship with barbie. Considering that barbie now offers their fashionista collections, I’m a tiny bit more comfortable sharing this one. Barbie dolls give kids, yes boys too, the ability to play pretend in their own way. And now, barbie offers a bigger INCLUSIVE collection, which is extremely important. 

Train track 

I placed this one in the five and under section; however, train tracks are suitable for kids of any age. 

Stuffed plush animals

But those of you that just rolled your eyes, I know it’s parents. We have more than enough stuffed animals; however, if your kid likes playing pretend like most stuffed animals are the easiest way to allow them to do this. A bonus is that they are mostly lightweight and are easy travel companions.

Paint & supplies

Art and craft supplies and finger paints are an excellent option for smaller children.

Art easel/ whiteboard

An art easel provides a more fun environment to paint, draw, or color. It also doubles as a tool for homeschooling. Same for whiteboards. Easy to use, fun, and multiple uses. 

Play laptop

Play tablets are a fun way to introduce technology and feel grown-up like Mummy and Daddy.

Playphone

Like a toy laptop, play-phones gives kids their grown-up feel with lots of new buttons and sounds to explore. 

Kids piano

If it wasn’t already obvious, I’m a massive advocate for introducing instruments to children at a young age. I believe that the piano is one of The best first instruments because they are one of the most Indestructible options on the market. No, I don’t suggest allowing your child to use a real Piano unless supervised. Piano’s are on the higher end of the price tag and should be treated with care. 

Musical mat

Another option is the musical mat. This is handy because they are quite sturdy, and kids can play with them using their little hands or feet!

If you’re like a lot of adults, your favorite childhood memories probably include spending loads of time outdoors. Doing things like swimming in lakes and building forts in your backyard. Why is that’s less true for our children today? If your kids are spending less and less time outdoors, keep reading.

Only 6% of children ages 9 to 13 play outside on their own in a typical week, according to The Nature Conservancy. Among preschoolers, almost half aren’t taken outside by their parents for a walk or playtime each day, says a study published in the journal Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.

That same study found that the factors affecting outdoor play probably aren’t what you’d expect. Family income, neighborhood safety, and hours spent watching TV had little effect. What mattered was having plenty of playmates and parents who exercised regularly.

What can you do to help your kids spend more time outdoors? Take a look at these ideas for encouraging your children to go outside.

Benefits of Outdoor Play

Build healthy bodies

Sun exposure provides Vitamin D, which builds strong bones. Physical activity also promotes motor skills and agility.

Develop strong minds

Spending time outdoors has been found to stimulate creative thinking, problem solving abilities, and higher IQ scores. It’s good for mental health at any age.

Connect with nature

Direct contact with plants and animals can help children to understand and value the environment. They’ll be more likely to make responsible choices as they grow up.

Outdoor Activities Close to Home:

Add water

Kids love getting wet. Even if you can’t build an inground pool, you can spray the hose for your kids to run through.

Do messy crafts

Paints and markers can be tough on your living room furniture, but almost anything goes outdoors. Draw chalk game boards on your driveway. Create clay vases or paper mache animals. Fool around with face painting or tie-dying.

Eat al fresco

Meals give you at least 3 opportunities a day to pull up a chair outdoors. Serve breakfast on your deck, and make lunch a picnic on the grass.

Talk with your school

Many schools have cut back on recess time. Advocate for recess, outdoor sports, and other programs that help students spend time outdoors.

Limit hours online

While moderate TV time is usually okay, observe reasonable boundaries. Set a curfew on any screen time before bed, and limit internet usage apart from schoolwork.

Allow for downtime

How many activities are your children enrolled in? Block out hours for unstructured play in between dance lessons, language classes, and science labs.

Outdoor Activities Away from Home:

Take a hike

Walking and hiking are great exercise at little expense. Keep comfortable shoes in your car so you can go exploring when you come across something interesting.

Visit a park

Take advantage of local and national parks. Look up what amenities they offer like pools, fountains, and workout circuits.

Go camping

Invest in some tents and other basic gear to see if your family likes sleeping outdoors. You can plan longer and more adventurous trips as you become more experienced..

Plan active vacations

How many vacation days do you have saved up? Choose destinations where your family can spend significant time outdoors. Go snorkeling in the ocean or skiing in the mountains.

Ride your bikes

Take your bikes out for leisure trips or even to run some errands. Check out the bike trails in your community, and make sure to wear your helmets.

Help your children to enjoy more fresh air and unstructured play in the great outdoors. They’ll be likely to grow up happier and healthier and achieve more.

Staying home alone is a milestone in a child’s development that rewards their growing sense of responsibility and helps them build confidence. These are some signs a parent can look for to determine if your child is ready to take care of themselves for short time periods along with steps for getting your child and house ready.

How Do You Know If Your Child Is Ready To Stay Home Alone?

Know your local laws

Kids develop at their own individual pace so legal restrictions are just part of the picture. Many experts suggest that ages 10 to 12 is a typical threshold period for starting self-care. Your local police department or Child Protective Services agency can advise you on the laws for your jurisdiction.

Determine if your child is willing

Ensure your child wants to stay on their own. Otherwise, the experience can backfire and create more fears and anxieties.

Examine your child’s track record

Look for evidence of taking responsibility and demonstrating sound judgment. Does your child get himself ready for school? Is his homework consistently done on time with minimal supervision?

Steps To Take With Your Child

Test it out first

Build up to leaving a child alone for long stretches. Start out with quick visits to a neighbor or trips to a local store. Discuss any issues that arise. Praise them for managing on their own and looking after the house.

Rehearse and practice difficult scenarios

Train your child on how to answer the phone and door when no adult is present. Get together and role play about how to call 911 and respond to other emergencies.

Discuss all the rules

People of all ages are more likely to obey rules when they participate in making them and buy into the reasoning behind them. Many kids also need occasional reminders about anything that occurs infrequently.

Schedule check-ins

Create the feeling of supervision. Ask a neighbor to check in while you’re out. Require your child to call you when they arrive home or if they plan on going out.

Develop a guest policy

Ban all guests if you think that’s safest. Otherwise, you may want to specify which individuals are allowed over and limit the number at any one time.

Plan activities

Boredom can lead to trouble. Give your kids something to do, so, for example, they’ll play a board game instead of making prank phone calls.

Steps To Take With Your House

Post emergency numbers

Stick a list of important contacts on the refrigerator door and by each phone. Include the police and fire departments, your family doctor, and your own numbers. Limit internet access. Some parents prefer to shut down internet access completely. In any case, talk with your kids about staying safe online and remaining alert to their surroundings.

Provide safe snacks and meals

Put the stove off-limits to younger kids. Leave them with food that’s ready to eat or can just be heated in the microwave.

Remove hazards

Double-check that matches and prescription drugs are out of reach. Get rid of any toxic products that you’re unlikely to use.

Secure all windows and doors

Check that everything is locked, including the garage. Give a spare key to a neighbor in case your child loses their own. Teach kids to go to a neighbor’s house and call the police if they see a broken window or other signs of a possible break-in.

Work schedules and other obligations make child care challenging for many families.

If your kids are ready to stay home alone, taking care of themselves can be a great solution that encourages a healthy sense of independence. Otherwise, provide adult supervision until your family is prepared for this big step.

Does your child have difficulties with social interactions and activities? You can help them by gently encouraging them to get involved. Even if they’re naturally shy, learning social skills from a young age will benefit them for the rest of their life.

First things first:

Recognize the different types of introverted children

Introverted children don’t fall into simple categories, and their personalities can vary greatly.
It’s easy to clump all introverted children under the category of shy kids. However, this doesn’t apply to all children who are introverted. They may avoid social interactions because of bad experiences or abuse. They may also prefer to be alone and find joy in solitude.

Introverts don’t always express their feelings and thoughts

This makes it more difficult to understand why they don’t want to participate in an activity.
Introverts may have different views on social activities compared to extroverts.

Avoid anger and frustration

You may feel that your child is missing out on fun events and being left behind. You may also worry about your child’s development. But anger and frustration aren’t the answers.
It’s important to approach an introverted child in a gentle and caring manner.

Avoid arguing, yelling, or forcing your child into stressful social situations

Your anger won’t encourage the child and could scare them. Your anger can also make the child shut down and stop listening to you. Introverts don’t enjoy conflict, so you want to avoid aggressive or pushy conversations. Instead, talk about your concerns in a calm manner and make suggestions.

Listen and make recommendations

Your child may have multiple explanations for why they don’t want to participate in a particular activity. Listen to their reasons, and then make suggestions that your child will find realistic and reasonable.
For example, instead of forcing them to attend a large party with 50 friends, consider asking your child to attend a smaller get-together with family. Familiar faces and circumstances may be easier for them to accept.

Learn to accept the introversion in all its glory

Your child’s personality isn’t going to change with bullying or anger. This is why it’s important to accept the introversion and learn to work within its boundaries. They can still participate in social activities, but on their terms, in ways in which they feel comfortable.
If your child doesn’t want to attend a party or event, let it be. Instead, try to find social activities that an introvert can enjoy. This may include smaller gatherings or other activities.

Use technology

Technology can help an introverted child communicate and reach out to new friends. Monitor their activities to ensure their technology use is safe and age-appropriate.

They’ll enjoy exploring various activities with Smartphones, computers, and tablets.

Technology can also help you communicate with your child on a daily basis. Children may feel more comfortable texting you or emailing you their thoughts and ideas.

An introverted child may try to avoid social activities and other people. Nevertheless, you can get involved without being too pushy and help them learn the vital skills of interacting with others.