Do an art project

Every kid has a creative side and is not afraid to express it. It's one of the best things about being a kid. The easiest way to express that creativity is through an art project. You don't have to worry too much about the art supplies. Instead, just use whatever you have around the house. Watercolours, colouring pencils, markers – anything works. Your children will love it, and you'll have another masterpiece to put on your fridge.

There isn’t a child that doesn’t enjoy drawing, painting, and generally being creative.

Design a science experiment

Some kids start showing interest in sciencey things at an early age. If that's the case with your family, there are a few ways you can support their ideas. Apart from reading about it, doing a simple science experiment at home is a great way to introduce them to science a bit more. You don't need anything more than simple household items. A baking soda rocket or potions that change colour are super easy to make and will fascinate your kids.

Whip out the board games

In all honestly, board games aren't exactly the most original pastime. However, there's a reason why they have been around for so long. Choosing the suitable board game for you depends on your children's age and just general preferences. Some kids really like Monopoly, while others enjoy a good game of Scrabble. Anyhow, a good board game can keep the whole family entertained for quite a while, so definitely consider it for your indoor activities.

Bring an outdoor activity inside

If you're an outdoorsy family, your kids probably miss activities like going hiking or camping. However, nothing is stopping you from bringing a piece of that indoors. For instance, you can organize a camping night in your garage or a spare room. Put out the tents and sleeping bags, pack some snacks, and enjoy it! If you're missing some of the equipment, for example, a tent, you can easily order it online. You'll also probably get a good deal on it, as you're buying things out of season. Or maybe one of your friends or distant family members has a suitable piece of furniture your kids will love to play with. In that case, let experts can deliver it so you can use your time to plan the adventure.

Organize a scavenger hunt

You can easily turn your entire home into a scavenger hunt turf. Simply put together a list of different items from your household, and hide them around the house. Your little ones will have hours of fun before they find them all. You can also switch things up a little bit. For example, you can make up a clue-based game instead of a regular scavenger hunt. Instead of competing with each other, your kids can work as a team to solve different clues and reach the end of their task. You know what your kids would like the best, so we have no doubt you'll create a perfect game.

Make an indoor garden

Putting up an indoor garden is a really easy task. You can use any empty planters you've got lying around. If you don't have any, you don't necessarily need to get new ones: even an egg carton can work as a planter. Buy some seeds that can grow indoors, for example, basil or rosemary. You can have your kiddos track the growth of their plants and take turns on the watering duty. It will be both an entertaining and educational experience for them.

Put together a jigsaw puzzle

Some of the best indoor activities for kids are those that are both fun and challenging. Solving a problem successfully is something all kids enjoy, as it brings them a sense of accomplishment. Putting a jigsaw together is a perfect example of that kind of activity. Start small if your kids are young; 20-30 pieces will do the trick. Older kids will enjoy larger ones and can even choose the picture on the puzzle. Jigsaws can also be a lovely holiday gift, so that's another plus for them. Once done, you can glue it to a board and frame it. This way, they'll have an excellent memory of a fulfilling activity.

Organize a movie night

One of the easiest fun indoor activities for kids is a movie night. Ask your kids to choose the movie they want to watch. You can do some small things to make the experience movie theatre-like for them. Turn off the lights, get some popcorn, drinks, and snacks, and make the atmosphere cozy with blankets and pillows. If you're feeling especially crafty, maybe even make movie tickets for them. This activity is effortless to organize, and your kids will have a ton of fun.

Try out a new recipe together

When it comes to life skills, your children mostly learn from you. Cooking and baking fall into that category, amongst other things. If your kids are interested in helping you out around the kitchen, you can easily make an activity out of that. Pick out a simple recipe together: it can be cupcakes, cookies, or something similar. Then, split your tasks. For example, let your kids knead the dough or add chocolate chips. Apart from being fun, this activity can help them acquire essential life skills. And the best part is that you'll all have a batch of warm goodies to indulge in.

Conclusion

Choosing fun indoor activities for kids can sometimes feel overwhelming as many options exist. However, it's always better to have many options than none. Making a personal list of activities, you think your children would enjoy the most is a good idea. This way, whenever they complain that they're bored, you won't have to think of anything on the spot. Just refer to your list, and you'll have the kiddos busy in no time.

Meta Description:

Spending a lot of time inside can easily become boring for our little ones. Here are some ideas for fun indoor activities for kids.

Keyword:

indoor activities for kids

Pictures used:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/boy-in-white-long-sleeve-shirt-and-green-pants-sitting-on-floor-beside-girl-in-red-3661452/

https://unsplash.com/photos/cylPETXS7is

https://unsplash.com/photos/3WceTBlUoMs

https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-a-child-s-hands-solving-a-jigsaw-puzzle-7269452/

Children are unquestionably the most lovable little creatures. Their pure souls and honesty make them absolutely adorable; it is hard not to like them! If you are planning to browse for a job at BCjobs related to kids, teaching kindergarten kids will be the best option.

Kids are unbelievably so delightful that teaching them is a delight. It gives you an opportunity to build a nation of good human beings! Moreover, the learning process will be two-way, since you will learn so much from these little beings.

Here are five amazing ways you can work closely with kindergarten kids and make the learning process feasible and fun:

Understand their Learning Ability:

Having a thorough understanding of how you can make kids understand their lessons is vital to work closely with them. Kids perceive things differently from grownups and take a little longer to develop an understanding of a concept. Make sure you know how to deal with kids of a particular age group; it will help you develop a stronger bond with them. You might need more patience to deal with innocent questioning and ensure effective learning. You will surely enjoy the process!

Stimulate Learning:

At an early age, kids are curious about everything around them. This never-ending curiosity can be used to develop their interest in learning during the class. You can identify what intrigues them the most to keep their interest intact in a conversation. For example, you can ask them about their favourite cartoon character and ask how their daily life would be, what they would be doing on weekends or create a new story for them. This type of brainstorming session stimulates their cognition and creativity and keeps them engaged in a classroom environment.

Focus on Your Body Language:

No matter how soft-spoken you are, you will have to pay attention to your body language to give children a welcoming and friendly vibe. Try stepping into their shoes to enter their world. For instance, if you are talking about something, sit down and maintain eye contact with them. Become part of their play and make them feel comfortable about your presence. You will surely love the relationship you will be able to build with these little fellows by bringing changes in your physical way of interacting with them.

Play Games:

Dull and mundane classroom discussions are not suitable for kids. Even if you want them to learn something, try making it happen through games. Plenty of such activities available online can help you bond with kids more effectively and make the classroom environment more engaging for them. Gaming sessions might not be held daily, but incorporating them into your learning process will keep the kids motivated to come to school every day.

Talk to Them:

Talking does not mean teaching. If you are looking to make a stronger connection with kids, you should speak to them every now and then. You can ask them about their hobbies, favourite food, or how their weekend went. Take these talking sessions as an opportunity to encourage them to work harder and achieve more. Give each kid a chance to speak to boost their confidence; this will also encourage them to make new friends.

Take Away:

The elementary level of schooling plays a significant role in building a strong personality and healthy learning habits. If you are planning to seek a job related to kindergarten, make sure you have a plan. Everything counts, from making learning fun to developing a friendly bond with kids! 

Make sure to play your part wisely!

Ho-ho-ho! It's the holiday season! It's time for Christmas turkey, family gatherings, and, of course, opening presents. But it's also the time of giving, and giving can sometimes, no matter how great it feels, take a serious toll on your wallet. You might be wondering – is buying holiday gifts without going broke even possible? We're here to show you that it is! 

1# Save a little each month

This tip will not be valuable this year if you haven't already done this. But we'll take this opportunity to give you the perfect solution for the next! Starting now, whenever you get change for some purchase in cash, at the local store, or somewhere else, make sure to keep it and put it all in one place. A fun way to do this is to buy or make a piggy bank to your liking and make a game out of saving money all year. You can even include all your family members in it! It will be a fun and educational experience. Not to mention that it will make your next Christmas a whole lot easier and stress-free. 

Suppose you already know the amount of money you'll need for the following year's presents. In that case, you can plan your budget. So set a specific ''goal'' – the amount of money each month you need to save to make the holiday season completely happy and carefree.

2# Invest in charity DIY crafts

One of the best ways to embrace that holiday spirit and not go broke is by visiting charity shops for DIY crafts. You can find the most miscellaneous things and make them part of your Christmas presents and decorations. The DIY decorations are never expensive but can look amazing. A lot of those are made by kids and people who are pretty shy to face the world but put a lot of love into making these decorations and presents. Your purchase of those things will make them feel accomplished and seen. And the charity will ensure that the money you spend goes to a good cause. Also, getting your kids involved will teach them a great lesson about love and morality. This way, you'll make many people happy, and you won't put a burden on your wallet.

Save the decorations for more days to come

Buying ornaments this way will make the holiday spirit even more prominent in your household, and you'll want to preserve them as memorabilia and decorations for the next year. As some of them can be fragile, you must be careful how to pack holiday ornaments for storage or wherever you plan to move and store them. To keep them from breaking, professionals advise separating two groups of decorations – more and less fragile ones. And the best part is that you'll save money by safely storing your ornaments. They will be less prone to breaking, and you will have more money to spend on buying holiday gifts! 

3# Follow the 3-gift rule

It's never easy making all of your toddlers' wishes come true. They make miles of lists of wishes for Santa to read. But, nowadays, Santa may have to do a little rearranging of the budget for gifts as well as some prioritizing. A good rule of thumb (or a 3-gift rule) is to separate your kid's wishes on the list into three categories: 

• things they want (a shiny slime, for example)
• things they need (boots for snow, maybe)
• things that will help them develop (a good book or interactive game that will help them challenge their intellect) 

Then, make sure you'll buy holiday gifts from each category. If you follow this rule, you won't go broke, and you'll still slay at giving gifts to your kids.

4# Make the most out of the big discount days

A great thing about every holiday season is that it comes after the big discount days. If you want to be an absolute winner in this whole game, try buying all the presents you need when the discounts are on the rise. For example, Boxing Week, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day. And if you missed those days, don't worry! With the year's end approaching, more stores and online shops offer discounts. Grab those big discounts by the tail and make the most of your gift-buying budget by waiting to buy until those specified sale weeks.

Thinking in advance and taking advantage of discounts can make buying holiday gifts without going broke possible.

5# Make your presents in the oven

In contrast to the low cost of staples like sugar and butter, presents are somewhat pricey. Baking is a terrific method of providing inexpensive presents for large groups, such as friends, family, and classmates. Make and present homemade treats like brownies, cookies, peppermint bark, peanut butter brittle, biscotti, or the recipient's favourite sweet in a pretty container or bag purchased at the dollar shop. People are always happy with this. And the low price tag isn't even mentioned. They can't believe how much effort you put into crafting something for them. It's the thought, and the time you invested into this that makes them feel appreciated.

6# Release your inner artist

If you have a knack for creativity, homemade presents like scrapbooks, recipe books, and music playlists should be right up your alley for the holidays. If you know how to knit or sew, you could create a scarf or a drink koozie, for example. With a bit of help from the Internet, you can make a great sugar body scrub for Christmas. Anything is possible. Make use of your abilities. Almost always, doing something yourself will save you a ton of money and leave the recipient feeling immensely more appreciated.

No money can top your time, love, and effort.

In conclusion – is buying holiday gifts without going broke possible?

Yes, buying holiday gifts without going broke is possible! Putting some additional thought and effort into giving can compensate for the lack of money in many ways. So, make sure to try out some of these tips and let us know how your holiday seasons are going from now on.

Meta Description:
Buying holiday gifts without going broke may seem impossible at times, but we came up with these 6 tips to make your life easier! 

Focus Keyphrase:
buying holiday gifts

Photos used:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/stacked-gifts-on-a-young-woman-s-lap-5805009/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-putting-coin-in-a-piggy-bank-3943716/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/crocheted-toy-on-couch-at-home-4792076/

Feature image

The right book can offer an answer to life's many different situations. You may wish to express love, sympathy, or regret to someone. On the other hand, a book can be a small token of appreciation, an extraordinary keepsake, or a great holiday gift. Furthermore, books can teach you how to become a better person or handle a difficult situation. All in all, books are something everyone can find joy in since they can be very versatile. If you don't believe us, here are reasons why a book is the best present for any occasion.

Books can evoke different emotions and thoughts

With so many different books to choose from, picking the perfect one can be difficult. After all, each book can open a world of possibilities by giving its readers new thoughts or ideas to explore. On the other hand, books are also a great way to share different emotions. For example, when you want to share joy or inspiration with someone who may need it. Furthermore, books offer a window into different universes, so you can give someone a mental vacation they can enjoy for free. When choosing a book, make sure to think clearly about what you wish to share with someone special and acquire a book that can provide that.

Books can offer support when words get difficult

Sometimes it can be challenging to know what to say to help someone. You may feel that everything you wish to convey is difficult to express, or you may think your words are not enough. In such a case, books are the perfect present since they can teach people new ideas or how to deal with certain issues from the standpoint of professionals in that field. For example, centennialmoving.ca suggests reading up about moving prior to attempting it so you can give yourself peace of mind knowing you are prepared. Therefore, a book is the best present for any occasion when you want to make someone feel better or become a better person.

Books can fit any age, interest, or topic

We've touched upon the versatility of books available. However, it is important to truly understand this concept. No matter what you may believe, there is a perfect book for anyone. Age, interests, and topics all dictate what sort of books someone may enjoy. For example, young kids may thrive with books teaching them the concepts they need to learn about the world around them. While on the other hand, adults may need a book to whisk them away to a land without worries. Careful research is necessary if you want to give the perfect gift fitting the person you wish to share the joy of books with. You can choose between different genres, their simplicity or extravagance, and even the book cover you think the reader will enjoy.

Books can be personalized

Did you know you can personalize each book gift you give? Well, this is one of the many reasons a book is the best present for any occasion. The level to which you personalize it can vary. You may write a simple inscription on the book's title page, so they have those words forever in their possession. Or, you can create fully customized books. For example, you may add them as a character to a book, or if your special someone enjoys taking photos, you can create a completely personalized photo book with some of their favourite memories. With so many options, your creativity is the only limit.

Books come at a low cost but great value

If your budget for acquiring gifts for someone is limited, books are again there to save the day! Since more and more people are switching to digital books, physical ones seem to be dropping in price. Additionally, a lot of individuals are giving away books they might not need any longer, which makes it possible to find the majority of books for even lower prices. And although they are second-hand, the words inside those books retain their value.

Books can last forever

Purchasing gifts can be tricky since some may lose value over time or require high maintenance. That candle you've received will eventually be used up, or those socks your grandma bought you may tear over time. These things happen. However, books can last forever if properly maintained. Don't worry; they are also incredibly low maintenance! Of course, they may not truly last forever since they can crumble after many years of use. But, the memories you've acquired reading such a book can last forever.

Books are easy to wrap

There is nothing worse than getting a gift for someone and struggling to wrap it correctly, only ending up with an unappealing mess of a package. Some objects may simply have a shape that can be difficult to wrap, while others may tear up the packaging with their sharp edges. Luckily, books make for excellent gifts since you can easily wrap them. On top of that, the package maintains its elegant appearance. So, if you're looking for some Christmas gift ideas with the holidays approaching, you should go book shopping.

Books are gifts that keep on giving

The last reason we will discuss why a book is the best present for any occasion is a simple fact that books are gifts that keep giving. When you gift someone a book, they may reread the same words and still feel entertained or find something new to enjoy. They may notice a new detail or get transported to the universe they've enjoyed so much. No matter how many times they may read a great book, it will never lose value in their eyes. Furthermore, although regifting can be tricky, you can even regift books. This way, others can enjoy the thing you've enjoyed yourself without losing value for anyone involved.

Meta Description:
If you're looking for a great gift idea for someone special, then you should know why a book is the best present for any occasion.

Photo used:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/young-smart-woman-reading-book-on-floor-7034697/

It's November, which can only mean one thing: the Christmas shopping season is soon upon us! You probably already know where to get the greatest Christmas presents for teens, but buying for toddlers and preschoolers is an entirely new ballgame. Toddlers reach several important developmental milestones and start to acquire strong preferences between the ages of one and three. Whew! No pressure! Are you feeling stumped by all the available toys? We've done the legwork for you and compiled a list of the best Christmas gift ideas for toddlers. With our guide, you'll be able to enjoy the festive spirit without feeling stressed about the gifts!

Making a list and checking it twice is no longer necessary to discover the best holiday presents. Hopefully, you've had a successful Halloween gift season, but now it's time to move on! Get ready to declare victory over the Christmas shopping season so you can return to your usual merry, festive self. If you're trying to do some family shopping, this guide will surely help you please the little ones! 

A nice plushy

Who doesn't love a warm, cuddly plushy? Kids of all ages can enjoy this kind of gift! And the good thing is that they come in various types and colours, so you will surely find the right pick for your toddler. If the toddler you're shopping for loves stuffed animals, another one will be the perfect addition to their growing collection! If you want to go a bit fancier, they come with embroidered details or are adorned with rhinestones, ribbons, collars, and other ornaments. Children will never forget their first cuddly toy. There are even collectible plushies that come together in a beautiful set! So you never run out of gift ideas for toddlers again – just get them the next toy in the series!

However, you might want to go a little bit higher quality with plushies for toddlers. You undoubtedly know how destructive they can be, so if you wish for the stuffed toy to last, you'll have to go for sturdy and pretty! Look at the reviews before purchasing to know they will last as your toddler does. Canada Personalized Gifts carries  A Wide Variety Of Sing-Your-Name Plushes for your toddlers.

 

Palm-grasp crayons

As with music, toddlers like doing art for its own sake. This is especially true if they have older siblings who are also creative. However, most art supplies aren't for children or people with clumsy fingers. Traditional art supplies such as pencils, paint, and crayons have drawbacks. Luckily, we have overcome this problem by inventing palm-grasp crayons. Palm-grasp crayons are a terrific technique to engage young children in writing and drawing. 

Along with giving them something to do, these are ideal for young children to practice their fine motor abilities. They are extremely difficult to lose, drop, or get hurt by and will do much to promote creative output. And even though their masterpieces might appear like untidy scribbling to you, it is crucial for creating the groundwork for encouraging children to ultimately write letters and numbers. Toddlers need several opportunities to practice writing with various tools before they can learn to write their own names. So, some palm-grasp crayons are a great Christmas gift for a toddler!

  

Slide

This first slide is sure to excite your toddler. It is one of the best Christmas gift ideas for toddlers because they can practice their muscles in a fun, engaging way. You can even have winter fun in Toronto if your toddler likes snow! You can have fun in the city and the backyard with the slide! If your little one is afraid of heights, encouraging them to slide down a mound of cushions or leaves will help them overcome their concerns. Even better, kids may start using it from the tender age of 18 months and continue to do so as they mature.

Crawl tunnel

Crawl tunnels are a lot of fun for toddlers, and they laugh and giggle the whole time they use them, but they also aid in developing spatial awareness and a sense of object permanence. For toddlers, lean-in, lean-out peekaboo games are an excellent method to learn about the world around them. Older children and adults know that the person whose face leans into and out of the tunnel is always around. However, babies don't have this spatial awareness, so it's a great way to practice it. These crawl tunnels encourage parents to be there playing with their children, following their lead, and enabling them to discover what occurs. Fun for the whole family!

Silicone meal set

If you're a parent, you'll know that some of the best Christmas gift ideas for toddlers are utilitarian. If you've seen someone feeding a one-year-old, you'll know that a silicone meal set is a perfect gift. These adorable silicone dinner sets can feature a plate, bowl, cup, and utensils. They are perfect for teaching toddlers to eat on their own. Most of them come with a suction cup at the plates' bases and bowls to avoid flying food. They also aid parents in cleaning up after their toddlers. 

Finger puppets

Let's be honest – nobody has ever seen a toddler who doesn't enjoy finger puppets. But that goes for adults as well! Finger puppets are interactive toys, so you can tell your kids a story or inspire them to create their own using these! This can get your kids excited about reading. Plus, they're soft and super cute!

Climbing triangle

Climbing triangles provide toddlers with an unstructured opportunity to exercise gross motor coordination while also fostering the development of vital skills like balance, proprioception, and spatial awareness. They are amazing because of their versatility. They are convenient to store, can usually be adjusted to different heights, and can be attached to other equipment like ladders and slides.

Final words

Toys are intended to be enjoyable, so shopping for them should be a joy. However, there are specifics to keep in mind while buying presents for toddlers. Due to their young age, they should not play with toys with small pieces that might present a choking danger. They are still developing abilities like gross motor control, fine motor coordination, and emotional regulation, so some of the more complex features of big-kid toys and activities could be too difficult for them to understand. We hope our guide has helped you find some Christmas gift ideas for toddlers that they will love. Good luck with Christmas shopping!

Halloween season is just around the corner. If you haven't yet started your Halloween preparations, we're here to inspire you for this year's Halloween party. Every kid is excited to see their Halloween candy haul, but let’s be honest; a lot of it is gone after the first few handfuls. So, how about giving some Halloween gifts this year? Here are some of our favourite Halloween gift ideas your little ones will adore. 

Top 7 Halloween Gift Ideas for Children 

Both adults and kids enjoy celebrating Halloween. Getting ready for Halloween reminds us of the fun we had as kids, surprising our neighbours with our costumes and going trick-or-treating. These are the moments we will cherish forever. And hopefully, our little ones will as well. If you want to make it even more memorable for them, here are some of the best Halloween gift ideas for our youngsters. 

1. A Halloween basket full of spooky goodies

A Halloween basket is a must. You can make one yourself or buy it from a store. Whatever the case, you need to make sure that you fill it to the brim with Halloween-themed goodies for children. Such as stickers, toys, decorations, and, of course, treats. Halloween baskets are all the rage at every other major store whenever the Halloween season comes around. We are sure you won't have any trouble picking them out.

2. Halloween Books 

Children can learn about the history of Halloween and the tradition of dressing up with the help of their favourite characters. In preparation for the big night, it's a great idea to also grab a few books about Halloween or Halloween-themed. If your little ones like Peppa Pig, for example, then get them a copy of Peppa's Spooky Halloween. You can even get them personalized books if you want to make their Halloween even more special. Reading them an interesting book beforehand is especially if it's their first time going trick or treating. You can read it to them the night before Halloween and prepare them for what's coming. Or you can include one of these books in your kid's Halloween basket, and they'll be over the moon.

3. Happy Halloween Pop-Up Card

There are many Halloween pop-up cards you can get for your little ones. These pop-up Halloween cards usually feature some spooky-cute characters that will delight young children. You can also get one of their favourite cartoon characters in Halloween costumes. Maybe Paw Patrol? All the little ones love Paw Patrol, right? Or you can learn how to make one yourself. This present is perfect for adding some spooky flair to a bedroom, living room, or any other space. You can have your little ones gift some of these Halloween pop-up cards to their grandparents. We are sure they will appreciate it a lot. 

4. Matching PJs for the whole family 

There's no better way to get a jump on your Halloween costume shopping than getting the kids involved! Check out the jammies section while shopping. You may want to add a few to your cart. On those chilly October evenings, your family will be cozy in their matching Halloween pyjamas. Pick out a design featuring spooky skeletons, bats, pumpkins, or anything else that fits the theme. Your kid will surely find something they like. Plus, a Halloween PJ can double as a costume as well. And you can use it after Halloween as well. If you want to keep costs down, just get a cute Halloween onesie for sleeping. We are sure your whole neighbourhood will find it adorable. 

5. A Halloween Hat 

Children enjoy dressing up in weird costumes on the day of a Halloween party. Especially if it's at their kindergarten or school. If you live in Ottawa or are visiting, maybe you're taking the whole family to some great events in the city that day and for some fun Halloween 

activities. So, to make the costumes even better, you can top off their Halloween getup with hats that will complement any costume, whether they are wearing a Dracula cape or carrying a witch's broom. We are sure that your little ones will be the life of the party. If your kids like arts and crafts, you can even make them together before Halloween. It will be such a fun little family date.

6. Bracelet-Making Halloween Kit

The bracelet-making craft kit will keep your little ones busy for hours as they create the perfect Halloween accessory. Everything they need to create unique bracelets is included in the set, from stretch cords to beads to a convenient carrying case. What a great addition to a spooky get-together! You can get these at almost every toy store around the Halloween season.  If your kid is not particularly into accessories, you can get any other Halloween-themed gift sets. Kids always love getting exciting and interactive game sets. 

7. Halloween Advent Calendar 

Advent calendars are not just for Christmas. We all know how much kids love these.  To keep the countdown to Halloween interesting and exciting, you can use an advent calendar. This is one of the best Halloween gift ideas. You can even make one yourself that's customized for your kids. You only need one old carton box, scissors, and a little bit of creativity. Make a little pocket for each day. An advent calendar is ideal for storing Halloween trinkets like stickers and temporary tattoos, as well as sweets and other treats that aren't too big. Have your little ones open one pocket each day. We know they will be tempted to open up all of them at once, so this is a great way to teach them patience as well. 

Keyword: Halloween gift ideas 

Meta: Have you started with the Halloween preparations and want to do something different this year? Take a look at these few Halloween gift ideas for the little ones. 

Images:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-in-ghost-costumes-5590088/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/children-looking-at-costumes-5604940/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/girls-in-halloween-costumes-making-spooky-faces-at-porch-5859426/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/making-halloween-drawings-5428717/

Read more →

Moving is hard; there's no way around it. To put it bluntly - it's utter mayhem. Adults fear it, the kids fear it, and not a soul is spared of anticipation and anxiety. The truth is, it's not just a house; it's home: our home, our memories, our past, everything. Waving the soothing familiarity goodbye takes a toll on us, whether we're willing to process the subliminal information or prefer to ignore the elephant in the room. Our space matters; that's a fact. As adults, we enjoy the benefit of understanding why the moving part is happening; we get to experience a thrill, a sense of joy when starting anew. Kids are different. You're pulling the rug from under their feet the very moment you approach them with a final decision. And it's only understandable. Let's dig a bit deeper. Here are six tips for helping your kids adapt after a move.

Why being present matters

It's not just the aftermath we need to worry about; the moving process requires us to be ever ready and present as parents. Why? Our kids rely on us; we are their superheroes. From a child's perspective, it's their parent's duty to always keep them safe from harm. You only get to be a kid once; trauma-free childhood (and the moving process is known for causing stress in youngsters) is something we should be able to provide as parents, as the lack of it may cause emotional damage if left unattended.

How to help your kids adapt after a move

Parental mindfulness is critical. Packing, relocating, sorting the boxes, adjusting to a new space, neighborhood, town, or even state - everything is chaos. With all the pending and ongoing turmoil, we can easily get disoriented and overwhelmed; even if the underlayer screams pure joy, we can't hear it. How do we help the little ones adjust to quantum leaps they have no control over?

1. Pre-paving

See things from their perspective; better yet, ask yourself as an adult - do I enjoy earth-shattering surprises? How would I handle them? Open communication with loved ones is crucial for successful adaptation, no matter the change. We need a pair of velvet ears and a warm embrace on stand-by. Let them talk. And listen. Do not minorize their fears and concerns; they are as real to them as our daily pre-sleep rumination is to us. It's frightening. Offer them a healthy outlet by acknowledging and accepting their thoughts and feelings. If you're dealing with an adolescent (they're not really keen on talking, are they), encourage them to speak with their friends or a counselor.

2. Do a sneak peek

Who's up for a field trip? It's all about positive associations; they create a feel-good narrative and are an excellent tool for gradually accepting new stimuli. We all fear the unknown, so get your kids acquainted with their new neighborhood before the moving day. Make the field trip fun but also informative. Take them for a tour around your new property, stroll down your new neighborhood (preferably with a popsicle!), and finally organize a fun activity. Getting them excited about their future life is extremely important. Also, be mindful - our kids are like sponges; they tend to mimic our feelings. Big smile mode: ON. If you're enjoying it, they'll catch it. Your child learns through your behavior.

3. You've got the power, love

One of the best tips for helping your kids adapt after a move is to let them participate and call the shots. Surely, you will not hire your 10-year-old to be your interior designer but handing over a portion of the reins will mean the world to them. We all have an innate need for control when the comet of unexpectedness hits our orbit. Give it to them, no matter how small the shots. Let them pick the color for their new room. Maybe get that Labradoodle puppy you've been negotiating for two years now. Don't go overboard. Just humor them enough so they can have a sense of control over their beautiful, young lives.

4. The routine keeps it lean

Every child has a routine. Adults usually involuntarily frown upon being predictable; we've matured enough to thrive in erratic circumstances. Our kids need us to be predictable and somewhat boring. It's their only safety net, especially when their lives are being turned upside down. So, we re-introduce routine the moment we move into our new home (easy on adding changes and new stimuli!). Consistency is key - bath time, bedtime stories, snuggles, family dinner. Do your best, even if you haven't assembled your new dinner table yet, even if there's nothing but an air mattress. Affection and family time are what count.

5. Kids first

Everything else comes second. We want our children to feel safe in a new home. Empty rooms drowning in boxes and orchestrated chaos are stress enough for our little ones; their stuff gets unpacked first. Setting up their room is our primary and only imperative; everything else can and will wait. The easiest way to soothe your child is to recreate a familiar setting - their old bed, favorite toys, and night light waiting for them.

Choosing a residential moving company, you trust will ensure your Toronto relocation goes well. Make sure your movers know where to put each box. It will help you set up your kids' rooms first. When moving, the crew ensures a safe process in the city; you provide a safe environment in the new home.

6. Encourage staying in touch

Cutting off ties with friends, especially abruptly, can be traumatic for our kids. Encourage them to stay in touch in the early adapting stages, as it will make them feel less alone. Set up "zoom" calls, and inspire them to write letters (old school, I know). The more they adapt to their new social environment, the less they will feel the need to cling to old bonds. Still, keeping in touch with their old friends is essential for the transitioning phase. Nourish their social side by setting up a productive space for them.

Final thoughts

Be patient; settling in takes time. Rushing the process will not make your child adapt any quicker or easier. Listening to their needs will suffice. We hope you enjoyed our tips for helping your kids adapt after a move. Good luck!

Read more →