Parenting

Few subjects are as sensitive as those concerning how to educate children. And the gifts you give to your kid are almost always the reason we can receive blame (most of the time!).

Indeed, nowadays, many parents compensate for their absences or shortages with gifts, thinking that giving toys replaces the time we can’t give a child.

The main reason we tend to buy so many toys for children is our love for them. 

We are crazy about our kids… 

We give them gifts because we love them, and that makes us happy. And we hardly support the reproaches and contrary opinions on this subject.

However, some research has found that this addiction is not always beneficial.

Is It Bad To Give Kids Too Many Toys?

It is legitimate for parents to see their children happy… 

As one can assume, the moment they receive a toy as a gift is the greatest joy for them, although it does not last long! 

Seeing them smile is our joy too, and that’s why we do it.

However, researchers recently discovered a downside to giving too many gifts to children. 

But this problem would be more related to the type of the gift, than to offering something.

Some sensory toys are essential for your kids’ brain development. Check this article out to know more! 

What Happens When We Give Too Many Toys?

Gifting toys is not inherently wrong, especially when they can spark your child’s imagination. 

Toys can also be educational and entertaining games. However, problems start to arise when too many toys are offered. 

Some children are too spoiled, but it’s the parents’ responsibility to control this scenario, not the little ones!

It doesn’t take much for a child to get used to receiving toys as gifts. Especially if he gets them without making any effort, which prevents him from appreciating them at their fair value. 

Receiving a well-deserved gift is not the same as just accepting one more. Therefore, the child is not aware of the true importance of the gift. 

With this in mind, here are some other reasons to stop giving your kids too many toys.

• His imagination becomes more limited because he only gets used to playing according to the game instructions. The child then stops creating things directly out of his mind.
• He only has fun with toys.
• Over time, he loses his enthusiasm for toys because he has too many of them.
• Most of the freebies pile up and get forgotten because there will always be a few favorites.
• He will have more work to do when it comes to cleaning up his room, which is why there will often be a mess.
• In some cases, these children become selfish and temperamental. And this type of attitude often remains until adulthood.
• The child is subject to frustration because, in the real world, you cannot have everything. This problem can arise in adulthood as well.

Sorting The Toys Is a Must: Here Is Why

The question is: don’t you have to get rid of the extra toys?

If there is a sort to be done, it is pretty simple according to the games they generate in your child. 

Thus, you will have a better idea of ​​the objects’ usefulness in terms of psychomotor development.

You can then set up a “toy rotation“… 

You can do this by providing the child with some toys for a given period, say a week, for example, and all other toys are out of sight. 

Once this period has elapsed (or if you notice a real lack of interest in your child), you change the toys!

There are two ways to do this:

Either you offer several toys from the same category, and the following week you change them. 

For example, you might come up with a small puzzle, building cubes, and interlocking objects to stimulate fine motor skills and building activities.

Or you offer a toy by category. 

For example, you can keep an object to manipulate with the fingers, a toy that moves the whole body, or a more symbolic toy, such as a soft toy or a figurine.

When I say “a” toy, it can, of course, mean a “set” of toys, for example, wooden cubes. 

Three to five toys per week is good; you can decide according to your child’s needs.

Other Alternatives (To Giving Toys) Are Possible

Toys remain essential for the development of the child. 

Experts recommend avoiding giving them toys with too many lights, sounds, and features, as they need to be creative. 

In addition, other alternatives can be great gifts, such as:

• Travel and walk together: Let us get children used to making an effort to merit a trip or a walk. There are no better memories than those of family trips; the children greatly appreciate these moments.
• Books are irreplaceable: Developing the habit of reading from childhood is the best gift you can give to a person. Give him a book and teach him to enjoy the art of reading.
• Offer family moments: Most family activities are appreciated when they are consensual. Ask them what they would like to do if they want to go to the zoo or the seaside. Add that you want to allow them to introduce them to places that they are passionate about.
• Give something special now and then:  you can treat them to ice cream or make an assortment of healthy sweets.

We abide by certain golden rules that have helped us sail through all the challenges in life. Some of us learned them the hard way, and some of us were lucky enough to learn them from our parents. There is no set playbook for fail-proof ways to succeed, but there are some essential life skills to raise a successful child. Coach your child to execute these skills in practical life for managing challenges effectively.

Below are the essential life skills for children to help them succeed in life:

Focus and Self-Control

There is a reason children are taught a morning routine or a set of good habits to follow. It helps them develop focus and self-control in a world filled with distractions. To accomplish any goal, kids must have a grasp on their attention span and behaviour. Ask your kid to follow study schedule or organize their belongings. Inculcate the habit of practising yoga and reading every day to enhance their focus.

Perspective-Taking

Children who are skilled in perspective-taking are less likely to get involved in conflicts. It’s because such kids understand others’ points of view and emotions over their own. An easy way to instil this at an early age is by discussing every movie character’s feelings and rationale behind its actions. When your kid has a conflict with a friend or a teacher, ask them to think about the opposite person’s perspective too.

Communication

We know the importance of communication in today’s world. It is essential for raising a successful child. While reading and writing are significant, learning how to express yourself efficiently is the real deal. Remove dedicated time to hear your child out. Observe their listening skills and the way they react to things.

Building Connections

Making connections with objects, acts and people is the epitome of essential life skills. Possessing all the information is not going to be beneficial unless your child learns how to use it. Children constantly learn how to make connections in their daily life, for example, deciding which shoes to wear for running vs a party or saying thank you on receiving a gift.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is to analyze facts and form a judgment -An intellectual life skill that kids must develop as it is will be helpful in all walks of their life. Critical thinking will help your child evaluate problems better using a logical approach.

Taking on Challenges

If it doesn’t challenge us, it doesn’t help us grow. When a child gets settled in their comfort zone, it does not leave any scope for development. Hence, children must be taught how to take up new challenges and overcome them, whether it is public speaking or learning a new language. 

Self-Directed Learning

What’s the fun in following a fixed, automated path to learning? Let your child reflect upon their life experiences and learn from them. Let them set their own goal and work towards their success. Teach them to be flexible in learning something in a new way. This life skill will also foster your child’s natural curiosity to learn.

Resilience and Grit

We all fail in life but having the ability and courage to bounce back is a sign of toughness. Do not let a bad experience grow on your child. Explain to them how resilience is an essential survival skill to keep going. At the same time, do not forget that a child is still a child, and they need their own time to recuperate. Support your little ones with positivity and give them strength in difficult situations.

Though a child learns from their own life experiences, being there for them when they need is a parent’s responsibility. Equipping your kid with these essential life skills can help them be successful in life.

Screen time has been a much-debated topic among parents, caregivers, and educators. However, the focus has been mainly on how badly it affects children. According to a 2010 study, children between the ages of eight to 18 in the United States spend around 7.5 hours on average with screens. This, along with the inevitable fact that the screens aren’t going anywhere, had parents and caregivers worry and wonder about how to limit screen time.

Let’s Learn More About Screen Time

Essentially, screen time is the time spent utilizing electronic media. These include televisions, smartphones or even game consoles. There are many reasons why screens are used. In the end, most of the time, these devices and screens make our lives easier and more entertaining. They are not going anywhere anytime soon. 

Though screen time can seem innocent at times, it is essential that parents and caregivers monitor their child’s screen time habits. For over twenty years, scientists and parents have been debating over screen time and many studies have been done on the subject. The majority of the studies point to the fact that unstructured and unmonitored screen time can harm your children in more ways than you realize.

Issues that Screen Time May Cause

Though it is not fair to blame every problem your child may be going through on the time they spend on their phones or computers, overuse of or unstructured screen time can cause real physical and mental issues to your child like the following:

Doing poorly in school

After health problems, this may be one of the biggest concerns for parents and caregivers. The observation is that elementary school-age children with televisions or other devices in their bedroom perform worse than those without these devices in their rooms. Of course, screen time may not be the only thing causing your child to perform poorly, but its contributions can be detrimental.

Obesity

Movement and exercise are such a big deal in a developing child’s life. Unfortunately, too much screen time can push the child towards a sedentary lifestyle, and can be linked to the child being obese and overweight. There are other moving parts here, though. The food advertisements on the TV can cause the child to develop an appetite for junk food. Also, experts recommend that no one should eat while also watching television or playing video games, because the act can make children overeat without noticing.

Behavior Issues and Violence

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states that too much screen time can cause children to internalize what they see on the television and screen, imitate the characters they see, and resort to violence when they face a problem in their lives. This overexposure to violence through video games, television or other screens may eventually cause the child to be desensitized to the violence. Moreover, school-age children who spend more than two hours a day watching television or playing video games were found more likely to have attention and social problems.

Irregular Sleep Schedules and Sleep Problems

Children may get caught up in playing video games or binge-watching a TV series day in and day out, especially during the holidays. Or, you may think to yourself that watching TV with your family to wind down before sleep is nice. However, the effects of screens on sleep were studied and the results showed that the light emitted from the screens interferes with the sleep cycle in the brain. It might be a good idea to not look at a screen at least an hour or two before bed. Because these harmful acts may eventually cause the child to develop insomnia.  

Is Screen Time Really That Bad? What are Screen Time Recommendations?

Yes, screen time has been a highly debated topic. The American Academy of Pediatrics used to recommend that children should not spend more than two hours of screen time. However, with the development of technology, it is not realistic to escape screens and abide by this recommendation. The new guidelines by the AAP now focus on suggesting healthy habits that parents and children can adopt to prevent harm through screen time.

Of course, there is no solution that will fit all. However, if parents and caregivers are more informed about screen time and uses of it, and a structure is established, screen time can be beneficial for children. If used smartly, technology is a great source of information, education, and entertainment. The important point here is that parents should monitor the screen time their child spends as well as the content they consume.

There are a couple of recommendations by the AAP for the parents. They should model a healthy way of using technology, and establish a set of rules. Make sure that you as a parent put reasonable limits on time spent with devices. Unlimited access is not such a good idea.

Benefits of Quality Screen Time for Children with Special Needs

Parents and caregivers of children with special needs may especially worry regarding their kid’s screen time. Some characteristics and behaviors that come with the neurodiversity of the child, for instance, an autism spectrum disorder. Parents of children with special needs may feel like their children are at a higher risk compared to their peers without neurodiversity.

Children with special needs may exhibit characteristics such as difficulty with social skills, limited communication skills, or trouble sleeping. Children with autism may also have restricted and repetitive behavior. All of these may cause the child to be attracted to the smart device, and use it more often than anticipated. Of course, these are all valid fears.

However, when used right, there is an abundance of positive sides to the use of technology and smart devices. Screen time can be used to the advantage of the child. There are various tools and resources available online and on screen that support the child’s education. Many smart devices are built to support the child’s speech and language development, even become their way of communication, like Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.

The trick with utilizing screen time to the benefit of the child is to make sure that you monitor the time spent as well as the spent they consume. It is important that the child is interacting with the device or the screen, rather than passively watching it. This will make sure that the child improves their brain and motor skill development. Playing the piano or drawing a tree on the screen will be much more beneficial than watching a video that isn’t interactive.

Another point to make is that using screen time as a distraction is not really the way to go. Children, especially children with an autism spectrum disorder love routines and repetitions. Try to strategically administer screen time when social interaction is low during the day. This will make sure that the child still practices on their skills. However, avoid screen time right before bedtime, as it is harmful to the sleep schedule of your child.

Although it might be difficult to manage the screen time your child with special needs spends, catching these early and intervening and being adamant on your structure will be much more beneficial, and your child will be able to get the best and most technology can offer without actually doing harm to themselves.

So how do I limit screen time for my kid?

There is no specific method that works for everyone or for every child and parents and caregivers may find it difficult to limit the screen time for their child. You should know that the first step is to just start noticing, being aware of the time and the content. Then, it is possible to limit the screen time, and turn it into something that is beneficial for the child. Mayo Clinic has some tips that you can try to limit your child’s time spent on screens, like the following.

No eating in front of screens

You may have noticed that when you start eating in front of your TV or computer, you sometimes don’t know when you finished your meal. This is because screens can cause overeating and mindless munching as you don’t realize how much you eat while also watching something. Eating in front of screens can also increase your child’s time spent on watching these devices.

No background TV

There is no point in turning the TV on for background noise. Your child will be distracted by it, and there is no doubt about it. They will probably turn their head to the screen and watch it at one point. So if you are not actively watching the TV, try not to turn it on. Also try turning the TV off altogether a couple of nights a day, where you do something else as a family, like reading a book or playing board games.

No screens in the bedroom

The negative effects of screen time on sleep is now established. Putting electronics and other similar devices in your child’s bedroom would cause them to spend much more time on them compared to those who don’t have screens or devices in their rooms. Having these screens in the bedroom would also allow the child to use them right before sleep, which is harmful. Also, having these devices in a common room would allow the parents and caregivers to easily monitor the time and content.

Before bringing a new baby home, there is a lot to buy and consider.

But, first and foremost, you will need to consider buying diapers!

However, as soon as you begin looking, you will see that purchasing diapers may be rather challenging. Cloth or disposable are your only options, and even then, there are countless variations of each.

Let us make baby diapers simple to grasp by breaking them down into their many types.

Regular disposable diapers are the best option for the majority of parents. As your child grows, they will eventually need pull-ups or other toilet training underpants.

But other families prefer to use fabric instead, or a mixture of the two.

1. Disposable Diapers:

Disposable diapers have swiftly gained popularity among parents due to their ease of use and lack of maintenance.

A nonwoven fabric sheet is between two layers of absorbent material in the diapers.

In addition to the absorbing padding, the nonwoven fabric helps keep the diaper from leaking and gives it a pleasant fit.

Most of us have no idea how many stages diapers go through throughout the manufacturing process.

Disposable diapers are ideal to solve frequent issues with cloth diapers, such as leakage and the need to wash them.

2. Diapers Made of Cloth:

These are a much more affordable option.

The fact that they are kinder and cuddlier makes them ideal for use on newborns’ sensitive skin.

High-absorbency materials like cotton fleece and terry, as well as thick flannel, wool, and unbleached hemp, are in cloth diapers.

There are now diapers manufactured from bamboo or organic cotton fabric that are eco-friendly. 

However, compared to non-organic counterparts, these are a little more expensive. 

Cloth diapers come in a wide variety of styles. 

If you decide to go with cloth diapers, you should be familiar with the various types, so you can select one that fits your baby well. 

So, to ease your worries, I would recommend you RealDiaperAssociation.

3. Diapers for Multiple Purposes:

Such diapers are a variant of pockets diapers and are water-resistant. 

One such product is the Bummis Easy-Fit Diaper. 

These are great for on-the-go diaper changes and may even be used overnight if you include an extra diaper in the set. 

Due to their size and thickness, they may require additional time in the dryer following wash. 

Some are one-size-fits-all; rather than buying bigger sizes as your child gets older, you just fasten the front straps to the outer snaps.

4. Diapers That Fit or Those That Contour:

They have a small groin and broad wings which drape over the baby’s waist, making them look more like disposable diapers. 

Diaper hooks are necessary by some, whereas Velcro fasteners are in others. 

Those with snaps, such as the Baby BeeHinds one-size hemp fitted diaper, are a different breed altogether. 

The waist and legs of certainly fitted diapers are elastic, with a thicker absorbent layer in the middle. 

You will have to get many sizes of contour diapers as your child develops, which is inconvenient.

5. Pocket Diapers with Cloth Inserts:

Pocket diapers, sometimes known as “contemporary” cloth diapers, are a common pick for parents who want to leave their children in the care of a babysitter.

Both the inside and the outside of these diapers are separate systems. These diapers come with moisture-wicking fabrics like Minky, suede-cloth, or microfleece, and the latter being waterproof and typically constructed of PUL.

To launder pocket diapers properly, you should detach the inner and “re-stuff” them before utilizing them.

Pocket diapers are a popular choice among mothers since they are simple to use and dry rapidly.

6. Pull-Up Diapers:

Such diapers are ideal for toddlers who are just beginning to use the restroom.

Pull-up diapers resemble ordinary underpants in both designs and look, but they do not use elastic or sticky tabs.

Some of them are made and just let the kid know when the diaper needs to be changed as quickly as it becomes a tad drenched. 

It will alert the kids if they need to use the restroom more often.

Huggies and Pampers have gain popularity with some surprising developments for these diapers to facilitate toilet training as easily as possible for families.

7. Pre-folded Diapers:

All of those are cylindrical as well, but they are not quite as large as fully unfolded diapers, therefore some parents prefer them. 

For them to fit inside a waterproof diaper cover, you will have to fold them once or twice. 

However, depending on how you fold them, they may be modified to meet the varied absorption demands of males and girls or the less-solid waste of a baby. 

As your baby develops, you will have to buy new diapers and covers. 

As an example, Green Mountain Pre-fold Diapers include sizes for newborns up to XL-Toddlers, as well as small, medium, and large. 

Diaper services most often utilize pre-folded diapers.

Safety Concerns When Using Diapers:

Your baby will most probably live a couple of years in diapers, and therefore it is rational sense to consider picking diapers that are safe and comfortable. 

Cloth diapers have gone a long way in recent years of two additional pin closures, so there is no need to worry about your baby getting a finger puncture! 

To that end, you will be happy to hear that modern reusable diapers are safe and secure for your kid.

So, if you choose eco-friendly diaper companies, it will be safe for the planet as well. 

This is what you should know about the safety of diapers.

Take Away:

For the next few years, diapers will be a significant part of daily life.

The dampness will make your child unhappy and put an awful lot of strain on you if you do not pick a trusted source that benefits him.

With every reliable brand of disposable diapers, the number of recent parents and their babies will be OK.

Make your way up to Size 1 with just a few boxes of the Newborn size.

With the fall semester well underway, you might be excited for a return to in-person learning, but your child might need some extra encouragement. This may come in the form of new school supplies, such as clothes, a new laptop or a school bag.

However, school supplies can only go so far in getting your child excited for getting back to school. You don’t have to be reminded that staying at home has given children a sense of comfort and security that they simply don’t have at school. Changing environments and losing that level of comfort can be challenging for anyone, let alone children.

With how important education during these formative years in a child’s life is, you want to make sure they are as prepared and ready as possible to get back to school and succeed. Here are some tips to ensure your child has a successful year back at school with in-person learning.

Make Sure They’re Socializing

With a year (or more) having been spent learning at home, some kids may have difficulty socializing in-person again. Having a good circle of friends and being social is incredibly important to your child’s development, so look out for any signs of antisocial behavior or difficulties at school.

If your child is showing these signs, talk to them but don’t be intrusive. If they don’t feel comfortable saying something, trying to force it out of them will not help. Speak to their teacher as well, they’ll provide important insight about your child’s school life that you would otherwise be completely unaware of.

As a parent, one of your best resources for getting your child to socialize more is other parents. Get together with other parents from your child’s school and organize play dates or hangouts between both of your children.

Sign Them Up For Extracurricular Activities

One of the best ways to get your kids more excited about school and ready to get up every day is to get them involved in extracurricular activities. Whether this be a club or a sport, your child will have something else to focus on other than school. This can be incredibly beneficial for their mental health and social life.

Your child may be reluctant at first, but keep encouraging them to stick with it. Remind them that they’ll make friends and memories through extracurriculars that they will remember for the rest of their life. Don’t forget to get their insight when enrolling your child in any extracurriculars. You already know them, their wants and needs, but a parent can only know so much. 

If they have expressed interest in any activities or sports, tell them that they should sign up and get involved. Support their drive to get involved.

Write Them Inspirational Notes

Your child has more than likely spent a large amount of time with you during the pandemic with remote learning. With them going back to school, they may feel separation anxiety and need a little encouragement to keep them going throughout their day.

To keep your kids motivated all day, consider leaving them encouraging notes in their backpack or lunchbox to help them make it through the day. 

To make things simple, we’ve included a printable that will allow you to write your kids an inspiring, heartfelt message that they will love and appreciate. A simple message could be all that your child needs to get them through a tough day at school.

PDF Download Link

We’ve also included a printable with prewritten inspirational phrases and pictures that you just have to cut out and include in your child’s school supplies, no effort or writing necessary.

PDF Download Link

Just how much of a threat is drowning to kids?

Data from the CDC tells us that children between ages 1-4 die of drowning more than any other cause of death (excluding birth defects) in the US.

Learning about water safety, and the basics of swimming can go a long way in preventing any drowning-related accidents or fatalities. By enrolling your kids in swimming lessons, you can keep them safe in the water. On top of that, learning how to swim can accelerate motor skills development and improve your little one’s balance and coordination.

 In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how infant swimming lessons can help develop motor skills — or their ability to sit, crawl, run, and jump.

1. Encourages greater movement

At six months old, your child will start to crawl and try to balance if they trip or fall over. These activities require muscular support and frequent swimming lessons can give these muscles a proper workout. 

What’s great about swimming is that it’s a low-impact workout that offers buoyancy. That means your little one can swim or wade in the water without putting too much pressure on their body.

2. Develops balance & coordination

Toddler swimming lessons are great at developing your kid’s balance and coordination. After all, swimming teaches them how to maintain proper form and keep their heads above water. 

Taking lessons can help discipline your child to move their arms and legs properly. In turn, these movements will develop and strengthen their musculoskeletal muscles and joints. Going through that process can help hone your child’s visual-to-motor skills, so they’ll be more alert and know how to swim safely.  

3. Boosts confidence

Developing a child’s motor skills involves more than whole-body movement. Your kid will also need to build their confidence so they can feel more comfortable as they move around. After all, exercise is a surefire way to look and feel great. That’s where infant swimming lessons can help! 

Every child needs confidence if they want to slowly get from one end to another in a pool. And this teaches your child a crucial skill: how to face their fears.  

Going through a lesson each day will help them progress faster. Making small achievements can warrant praises from their swimming coaches. In turn, this could boost their confidence level even further. So it’s definitely a win-win. 

4. Encourages cognitive skill development

Proper motor skills and cognitive development go hand in hand. After all, activities such as crawling or jumping require brain function. In fact, Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget shares that some areas in the brain are activated simultaneously when using motor and cognitive skills. 

This is especially true when for new and difficult activities, or anything that requires concentration or a quick response time. But how does that relate to swimming.

Swimming lessons also call for the right planning if your child wants to move around or stay afloat. Frequent swimming can help establish that motor-cognitive link to give your little one an edge. 

5. Improves endurance

When it comes to developing motor skills, practice makes perfect. So if your child gets constant swimming practice and exercise, it can speed up motor skill development. 

It doesn’t stop there: frequent swimming can help improve their endurance. Better endurance will give your child more strength so they can repeat the same exercises for longer. This momentum will keep building up, and it’ll show even when your child is out of the water! 

6. Builds social skills

Better social skills relate to confidence building. Participating in swimming lessons encourages your kids to bond and learn alongside other kids. 

If you’re enrolled in a group or family lesson, even better! It can teach your child the value of coordination and teamwork. And more importantly, your kids will also learn from their peers. Seeing their classmates in the water can help your child be more mindful of mistakes and how to properly execute the right swimming form. 

Foster Motor Development with Toddler Swimming Lessons

As you can see, the benefits of swimming at a young age aren’t just confined to movement and coordination alone. It also encompasses social and cognitive skill development. 

But reaping the full benefits of an infant swimming program requires discipline. More importantly, make sure you keep a close eye on your child every time they’re in the water to ensure their safety. After all, even professional swimmers aren’t exempt from any accidents in the water. 

At Bear Paddle, we make learning swimming fun for you and your child! Your little ones are welcome here, and we accept infants as young as six months old. We categorize our students into the right swimming program depending on their age and swim level. 

As they progress through our lessons, your little ones will earn badges for their achievements. Once your kid has collected all of the badges, they’ll be ready to graduate from our program!

If you’re interested in enrolling at Bear Paddle, contact us today. Get them started on their swimming journey today. 

Laundry is a household chore that can be burdensome and time consuming, especially if you have young children producing heaps of dirty clothes. You may not have thought about the best time to start teaching your children how to do laundry, but it’s actually a good idea to start early.

Involving your kids in the laundry process from a young age teaches them responsibility and prepares them to be able to do their own laundry and ease the burden on you. Here are some strategies for teaching your kids how to do laundry in a way that’s both safe and fun.

Sorting Clothes by Color

Introduce your toddlers to the laundry process by teaching them to sort their dirty clothes. Most people sort their laundry into dark, medium, and light colors to avoid colors bleeding in the wash. When your kids are ages 2-3, you can start teaching them to sort their clothes by color.

Some strategies for this include setting up separate bins for toddlers to deposit their clothes in as soon as they wear them, or creating a fun game for them to sort their dirty clothes at once such as shooting clothes into appropriate laundry bins basketball-style. 

Folding Clothes

Once your kids reach school age, you can start involving them in more of the laundry process. Kids ages 4-9 should not operate dryers and washing machines yet, but they can begin assisting with loading and unloading the machines, and they can learn to fold their own clean laundry. 

You can make folding clothes fun for your kids with activities such as this printable game to teach kids how to match socks. You can also use resources such as this printable cheat sheet to help them learn and remember how to fold different clothing items. 

Operating the Laundry Machines

By the time your children reach age 10, they’re old enough to do their laundry from start to finish with your supervision; and teenagers should be able to do laundry without supervision. Take the time to show your kids how to operate the washing machine and dryer, which can be a daunting task for a child who’s never done it before.

To make it easy to remember, consider making a cheat sheet with instructions to tape up in the laundry room. 

For additional safety considerations, remember to teach your child to empty the lint trap in the dryer after each cycle, as failure to do so can cause a dryer fire. Teach kids not to climb on or inside the machines or hang on open doors, which could cause the machines to tip over.

You should also consider labeling potentially dangerous substances such as bleach and detergent bottles with printable stickers to deter your children from ingesting them.

This process may be slow and gradual, but by following it you can teach your children how to safely complete an essential chore and prepare them to grow into responsible, independent adults.

It is undeniable that maintaining your house’s cleanliness is essential. However, it does not mean that you cannot ask someone’s help.

After all, cleaning and organizing your house can be tedious. Hence, you will need all the help that you can get. This includes your children.

Mind you, encouraging your kids to do house chores can benefit them in the future. Thus, you should follow these eight tips to make your children clean their rooms:

1. Compensate them

This tip is ideal if you have kids in grade school or older. That’s because they are starting to learn the value of money during this age.

In line with this, you should also teach your children that hard-earned money is more valuable. And what better way to do this than compensate them whenever they complete a house chore?

Explain to your kids the rules. For instance, they will earn a dollar if they make their bed every morning.

2. Make it fun

Considering their playful nature, it can be challenging for kids to concentrate on one task. Hence, you should make it fun for them.

It can be as simple as giving them the freedom to choose what bedding they would like to use next. You can also combine cleaning with a dance party.

If you are asking your child to do the laundry, let him separate whiles from colored. Playing with colors is fun for toddlers. That way, house chores will not be a bore for them.

However, that also means you should match your kids’ energy. But that’s what parents do, don’t they?

3. Start small

When we say you can ask your kids for help to clean the house, we did not mean you should make them clean the entire house from the get-go. Instead, you should start small.

If you have toddlers, it can be something like asking them to clean up their toys. From your grade-schoolers, you can ask them to help you separate the laundry.

As soon as they reach their pre-teens, you can ask them to help you dry and fold the laundry. Another thing that your tweens can do is to clean their bedroom. And this is something that they should carry on to adulthood.

By the time your kids are in their teens, you can ask for their help in the kitchen. It can be by letting them wash the dishes, set the table, or assist you with cooking.

The idea is to help your kids build the habit of doing the house chores bit by bit. So, by the time they are grown-ups, they can do it independently.

 4. Give the right tools

If you want your children to clean their bedrooms properly, you should give them the right tools. This is also something we advise our clients at Maid Sailors Home Cleaning Services NYC.

In addition, you have to teach them how to use a cleaning tool properly. If you have a toddler, it would be an excellent idea to give him a kid-sized tool.

Keep in mind that children learn things by imitating you. You can give them a toy vacuum and let them copy you as you vacuum the floor. So, by the time they are grown up and can handle the real one, it will be easy for you to teach them how a vacuum operates.

5. Be open to negotiations

Here’s the thing: Being a parent does not mean you can be tall and mighty. Respect is earned, after all.

As such, you have to be open to negotiations.

For instance, your kids have upcoming exams. It would help that you reduce their house chores in the meantime. Another example is to let siblings share the task, or you can share it with them.

Other than discipline, compromise can teach your kids a thing or two. This includes the importance of communication and validating someone’s concern.

When your kids know that their voice matters, you help raise them into confident adults.

6. Do it as a family

Aside from knowing how to compromise, you can encourage your children to help with the cleaning by doing it as a family. After all, kids learn through imitation.

So, when they see mom and dad are busy with chores, it can pique their curiosity. And then, you can easily coax them to clean with you.

Who knows? This might become a weekend family thing for all of you.

7. Create a schedule

In addition to making house chores a family thing, it would be ideal to create a schedule.

For one, someone has to remind you what chores needed to be done today or this weekend. Second, not everyone is cut out to help with house chores.

Would you expect a toddler to change the beddings? Probably not.

The rationale here is not just to identify who will do what but when to do a specific task. Doing so ensures that you can maintain your house’s cleanliness with ease. That’s because you have your entire family to help you with keeping it spic and span.

Another great thing about having a cleaning schedule is building it around your kids’ school activities. After all, it can be challenging for a high school student to deep clean his bedroom while reviewing for an exam.

8. Switch it up

Another cool thing about having a schedule is that you can switch things up.

As mentioned earlier, it can be challenging for kids to concentrate on one task. What more if it is something they have to do over and over?

It will only be a matter of days when you hear them ask, “Why does it always have to be me?”

Hence, it would be ideal to switch things up now and then. That way, your kids would not think of house chores as a bore.

Conclusion

We get it. Being a parent coupled with maintaining your house’s cleanliness can be daunting. But that does not mean that it is impossible.

With the tips listed above, you can find ways to encourage your child to help you clean the house.

You can start with their toys and their bedroom. That way, they can build the habit of organizing their belongings before taking on significant house chores.

Your baby is going to go through a lot of diapers as they grow from a newborn to becoming potty trained. Diapers, of course, like a lot of baby products, are expensive. So naturally, you want to purchase the best diaper for your baby without paying ridiculous amounts of money.

As your baby goes through their diaper-wearing ages, you want your baby’s skin to be protected and that the baby’s diaper is suitable for their sensitive skin.

While there is no “best” pamper, there is a consensus that certain diapers are better for babies at certain ages.

For parents who worry about their baby having a wet diaper at night, pampers would be a better choice; those who want a diaper that does not budge for their active baby Pampers Swaddlers may be a better choice.

Pampers Baby Dry Vs Swaddlers

Of the many types of Pampers diapers available dry diapers and Pampers Swaddlers diapers are increasingly popular. So, which one is better for your baby, which is the better diaper, which one is the choice of many parents?

What is the difference between dry and Swaddlers?

Pampers baby dry vs. Swaddlers can be compared on various factors. From absorbency to how well they fit a newborn baby to a toddler, how effective they are in keeping the baby’s skin dry, and which will keep your sleeping baby most comfortable are just some of the aspects of a perfect diaper.

Both pampers Swaddlers, and the baby dry diaper claim to have up to 12 hours of protection in keeping babies dry. In addition, both diapers have a wetness indicator and air-dry channels.

However, while the pampers Swaddlers have wetness indicators on all diapers in their size range, pampers baby dry has a wetness indicator only on sizes Newborn, 1, and 2. The wetness indicator on both the diapers minimizes changes before time.

Absorbency

When comparing Pampers Swaddlers vs. baby dry diapers in absorbency, they appear to be an almost level field. Pampers baby dry provides three absorbency protection layers. The Absorb Away liner in Swaddlers can pull wetness away from your baby’s skin and contain it within the diaper to avoid rashes and discomfort.

Pampers Baby Dry Diapers are soft and absorbent, with three absorbency levels to keep the baby dry for up to12 hours. Without any rigid portions to inhibit comfort, these baby diapers mold around legs more comfortably.

Both disposable diapers have an umbilical cord notch to keep the baby comfortable and prevent the baby’s skin from being irritated. In addition, the baby dry line is a soft diaper compared to the Swaddler range of Pampers diapers.

Comfortable Fit

The measure of a baby’s comfort in the pampers baby dry vs. pampers Swaddlers discussion depends on whether the pamper fits the baby properly and how well it stays in place, especially for active babies whether it causes diaper rash. The more a diaper is well-fit, the less there is a chance of a leaky diaper.

Pampers have their special liner know as the Heartquil, which are said to be softer two times than normal diapers, are now used in Swaddlers. Swaddlers all have a cut in the diaper with the small part attached to their belly button; it’s called the umbilical cord notch. The diaper is shaped in a way to cover your baby’s sensitive skin while still keeping them dry and cozy.

Swaddlers often have clasps on either side, which are incredibly stretchy, so you can adjust accordingly as you go up and down in size.

They also will make it easy for your kid to run without being hindered by the diaper because they are so stretchy.

Sizes

Both Swaddlers and baby dry are that have sizes for newborn babies. However, the swaddle range has sizes ranging from preemie to size seven, while the other diapers range only from sizes newborn to six. Therefore, regarding size comparison of Pampers Swaddlers vs. baby dry, Swaddlers have an advantage.

Is baby dry bigger than Swaddlers?

Not at all; not only do Swaddlers have a bigger size range, but they also accommodate younger babies, e.g., preemies.

Which is better for my baby’s skin?

Both the pampers are soft, hypoallergenic soft, and, like most diapers today, aim to keep the baby dry. Pampers Swaddlers have a soft quilted liner and have consistently been rated highly for their comfort. It is a great option for babies with sensitive skin and has been dermatologically approved.

The baby dry pamper has a cotton-soft feel, is breathable while also having three layers of absorbency.

Customer Reviews

If we look at overall reviews, the baby dry review has an average of 4.25 stars, while the Swaddler has an average of 4.75 stars review. The Swaddler has repeatedly proven to be a favorite of parents.

However, that does not mean that the Swaddler is perfect for every baby. Like everything, this too needs to be catered specifically to your baby’s needs. Therefore, you may have to change ranges a few times before finding the one that will be best suited for your baby.

It is important to read reviews of products to prevent any adverse reactions your baby may have to diapers. Check other customer reviews, look at ratings, discuss with fellow parents. Then, make a pros and cons list for the product you want to try.

All of this is to say that nobody knows what is best for your child except you and uses the diapers that are best suited to your baby’s needs.

Baby Dry Pros

For the right fit, they have adjustable tabs on both sides. In addition, three of the Baby Dry Diapers’ smaller sizes have a wetness indicator stripe.

Due to the three levels of security and three absorption channels, absorbency is essential. Leaks are uncommon with Baby Dry than other diapers because of the secure and stretchy fit in the thighs.

Baby Dry Cons

For certain infants, these diapers can be too big. Even if they’re not soiled, they may have a sagging appearance.

Swaddlers are much softer, despite their look. However, the side tape can be a bit flimsy and rip off at times.

Swaddler Pros

These are available in many sizes to last your child during their diapering years. The wetness monitor is also there that is useful regardless of your baby’s age. Lastly, they have an umbilical cord notch which is beneficial for parents of newborns and all babies.

Swaddler Cons

For certain infants, Swaddlers can be too small. Although they claim to have a good time of protection around 12 hours, babies can sometimes leak in the night.

These are made of soft plastic, but they can be rigid at times. Swaddlers, on average, tolerate wetness better than stools.

Considerations That Need to be Made

However, many things need to be taken into consideration for each diaper. For example, people found the swaddler to be more worth the cost for the price point, while the other diaper did not show the same result.

For most parents, what is important is having a diaper that caters to their baby’s specific needs. For babies that are overly fussy and move around a lot, having a diaper that fits comfortably is vital.

While for other parents, they may need a diaper that stays dry overnight so their baby can have a good night’s sleep with minimal diaper changes.

Which Diaper Type Does Your Baby Need?

No matter what the range of pampers diapers, they will do exactly what they claim. Unlike other diapers, a pampers diaper will not only cater to small babies but also toddlers.

They will keep your baby dry and prevent diaper rashes, will prevent (most) leaks, and have a comfortable fit for your baby. Pampers diapers have something that can be suitable for almost everyone, whether it be the diaper features or the price.

So, whether you chose Pampers Swaddlers or the baby dry, Pampers has the right fit for your baby, whatever your need may be.

Your baby’s tummy is sensitive; their tiny little digestive systems are delicate, and so what type of baby formula you give them is important. So, naturally, there will be times where you may need to switch formulas due to finances, availability, ease of preparation. However, you may also need to change baby formula because it does not suit your baby’s tummy.

Is it safe to switch formulas?

Switching formulas is a relatively safe and easy process. However, a few things need to be taken into account when beginning a new formula.

In most cases, changing formulas is perfect as long as you adhere to the same kind. For example, all cow’s milk-based, iron-fortified baby formulas (recommended for most babies) have the same ingredients. They may, however, have a different flavor that your child is not used to. This is usually a minor inconvenience, and over time, they will grow to like the taste of the new formula,

When making the switch to a new formula, try and stick to the same type of protein. However, if you feel the need to switch your baby’s formula with a completely different protein type, you must first consult a doctor (specifically a pediatrician).

Protein types are most commonly found in infant formulas

1. Antiallergic/allergen-friendly- also known as hypoallergenic, they claim to reduce allergic reaction and are formulated by proteins broken into tiny fragments, so they are easier on the child’s stomach. Unfortunately, these formulas are costly, a lot of these formulations are not great tasting, and they’re mostly reserved for young children who can’t stomach intact protein. It is a specialty formula made specifically for children that are highly allergic to other milk proteins.

2. Soy Protein- Used for any baby with health concerns or that may have allergic reactions to casein or whey (found in cow’s milk).

3. Cow’s Milk Protein- the most common alternative for breast milk for most infants

Without prior consultation with your doctor, it is not recommended to switch from cow’s milk, iron-fortified formulas to any new formula, such as soy formula. But, of course, you can change between different formula brands, which is completely safe.

Is my baby allergic to cow’s milk protein? Should I switch baby formula?

Newborn babies are gassy; they also spit up quite often; this is normal for young babies with immature digestive systems. Bicycling their thighs, softly pulling, and pressing their legs inwards and outwards from their belly, and light tummy tubs will both help to get things running better.

However, should constipation show no signs of improvement or blood in the stools, or if you have any other queries, contact the baby’s doctor.

There is no need to instantly start considering a formula change if your baby is straining during bowel movements or if they are constipated (iron-fortified formula can cause mild constipation). However, solid foods to the baby’s diet will have a positive change on the baby’s digestive system.

Points to note that the baby may not be tolerating their formula:

The baby’s bowel habits should be monitored for any changes or irregularities in the baby’s stool or bowel movements.

• Skin problems (rashes, eczema)
• Blood in diarrhea
• Allergy symptoms (some standard symptoms are wheals, hives, vomiting)
• Severe constipation (some constipation is normal for formula-fed babies)
• Excessive fussiness after eating (e.g., excessive gas)
• Poor weight gain (failure to thrive)

In the situation of one or more of these symptoms, consult your pediatrician immediately. Likewise, changing your current formula to a new formula should not be done without consulting the child’s doctor.

Formula Safety

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set nutritional standards. So naturally, most of these baby formula brands available for parents to purchase are safe to use due to these prerequisites in place. The ingredients used in formulations can differ between generic products and name brands; they must all reach the federal standards of diet and safety in their products.

When preparing the new formulation, do not work on your previous experience. It is not likely that the new formula will have the same method, nor will it require the same amount of water or powder. Therefore, it’s crucial to observe the preparation instructions written on the formula bottle.

When switching baby formulas, stick to one formula type, i.e., stay within the same milk protein type. There are many baby formula brands available, and it is difficult to state that anyone is the best formula. It’s possible that your baby could need a different type of formula, not a new brand of formula. In most cases, the right formula is the one that your baby requires.

From old to new: How to make a switch without any fuss

If you switch the formula out of personal preference, then like many parents, it is best to start by combining the new formula with the old formula. However, suppose switching formulas is because of health concerns or allergies (although a true milk allergy is rare). In that case, it is best to have an immediate formula switch (with the recommendation of your pediatrician).

Since switching formula brands can be stressful for young children, some pediatricians consider mixing the old and new formulations to improve the child’s digestive system. Parents can gradually change their child to the new brand by gradually incorporating fewer old formulas and more new formulas.

Making this concoction can help ease the transition to the new formula by removing or minimizing any potential side effects.

To make this change determine the Formula family (cows’ milk-based, goat-based, soy-based, low-lactose, or hypoallergenic). Then, gradually introduce the feeding formula to observe your child’s reaction. On the first day, use 75% old formula and 25%, gradually increasing the amount of new formula so that by the fourth day, you are using 100% new formula.

The only way to tell if your kid is successfully transitioning formulas is to keep a close eye on the baby’s digestion for the first 24 hours. Keep an eye out for the following: a lot of gas (i.e., more gas than usual), constipation (poop is thicker than usual), diarrhea, seeing blood in their feces, or vomiting is a sign that the particular brand is not suited for use. (It would also be wise to call the doctor).

Final Words

Do not keep switching your infants‘ current formula without giving them time to adjust to the different brands. There should be a minimum of a week between changing the baby formula. Usually, a baby accepts the change in formula (true formula intolerance is rare).

Remember, if you need to change between different protein formulations, especially due to a negative reaction to your child’s health, parents should consult a board-certified pediatrician.

No matter your child’s age, changing their feed should be done with great care to minimize the baby’s reaction. Avoid the jump from milk-based to soy-based without prior consultation.