Jane A, Author at parentztalk.com parentztalk.com Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:17:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 How to Teach Your Child About Sharing https://parentztalk.com/how-to-teach-your-child-about-sharing/ Sun, 28 Apr 2024 14:30:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=1999 Learning to share is an important social skill that helps children develop empathy, cooperation, and positive relationships with others. While sharing can be challenging for young children, there are effective strategies and fun activities that can make the process easier and more enjoyable. Here are three strategies to teach your kids the value of sharing. […]

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Learning to share is an important social skill that helps children develop empathy, cooperation, and positive relationships with others. While sharing can be challenging for young children, there are effective strategies and fun activities that can make the process easier and more enjoyable. Here are three strategies to teach your kids the value of sharing.

Lead by Example

Children learn by observing and imitating their parents. Set a positive example by sharing your belongings with others and explaining the importance of sharing. Show genuine enthusiasm when sharing and express gratitude when others share with you. Your actions will speak louder than words and inspire your kids to follow suit.

Turn Taking

Introduce turn-taking games or activities to teach your children the concept of sharing. Engage in games where each child gets a specific time or opportunity to play with a toy before passing it to the next person. This promotes patience, fairness, and the understanding that everyone gets a chance to enjoy the toy.

Group Play

Encourage group play with friends or siblings to foster a sharing mindset. Engage in cooperative games or projects where children must collaborate and share resources. This experience will help them understand the benefits of sharing, problem-solving, and teamwork.

The post How to Teach Your Child About Sharing appeared first on parentztalk.com.

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The Benefits of Sharing a Babysitter https://parentztalk.com/the-benefits-of-sharing-a-babysitter/ Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:14:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=3162 Are you a parent who’s looking to work during the day while someone else watches over your beloved child? You’re not the first person to be on the desperate lookout for a good babysitter, and it’s not always easy to find the good ones. On that note, here’s a small suggestion. You may want to […]

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Are you a parent who’s looking to work during the day while someone else watches over your beloved child? You’re not the first person to be on the desperate lookout for a good babysitter, and it’s not always easy to find the good ones. On that note, here’s a small suggestion. You may want to consider sharing a babysitter with someone, and here’s why.

The Trust Factor

The first and most important thing when it comes to finding a good babysitter is knowing that you can trust them. This is true for all people who care for our children, but especially those who watch them when they’re at such a young age.

It’s not always easy to know which babysitters you can trust to really care for your children, which is why it can be beneficial to share a babysitter with someone you already trust. For instance, if a babysitter has been working for your sibling for years and years, you’ll be a lot more comfortable with them.

Reduced Price

Another great reason to share a babysitter with either a loved one or a friend is that sometimes you’re able to score a good discount in the process. If the babysitter watches both of your babies at the same time, you might be able to get a reduced pricing rate as a result.

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How to Talk to Your Kids About Money https://parentztalk.com/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-money-2/ Sat, 27 Apr 2024 16:37:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=5137 Talking to your kids about money is an essential part of parenting that can set them up for financial success and responsibility in the future. However, for many parents, this topic can be challenging to approach. Here’s a guide on how to effectively communicate with your children about money matters. Start Early The sooner you […]

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Talking to your kids about money is an essential part of parenting that can set them up for financial success and responsibility in the future. However, for many parents, this topic can be challenging to approach. Here’s a guide on how to effectively communicate with your children about money matters.

Start Early

The sooner you start talking to your kids about money, the better. Even preschoolers can begin to understand basic concepts like saving and spending. Use everyday experiences, like shopping or saving for a toy, as teaching moments.

Keep it Age-Appropriate

Tailor your discussions to your child’s age and understanding. For younger children, focus on basic concepts like earning, saving, and spending. As they grow older, you can introduce more complex topics such as budgeting, credit, and investments.

Make it Interactive

Turn money lessons into fun, interactive activities. For instance, play games that involve money, use saving apps designed for kids or set up a mock store at home. This can make learning about money engaging and less intimidating.

Discuss Needs vs. Wants

Finally, teach your children the difference between needs and wants. This understanding is crucial for developing good spending habits. Let them make small spending decisions and discuss the outcomes to reinforce this concept.

The post How to Talk to Your Kids About Money appeared first on parentztalk.com.

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3 Tasks to Develop Your Toddler’s Confidence and Independence https://parentztalk.com/3-tasks-to-develop-your-toddlers-confidence-and-independence/ Thu, 25 Apr 2024 18:37:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=6745 You may find it hard to imagine asking your toddler to help you out with the household chores—surely they would break or drop something? However, multiple studies have shown that even very young children are capable of carrying out more than we usually give them credit for. Asking toddlers to help around the house can […]

The post 3 Tasks to Develop Your Toddler’s Confidence and Independence appeared first on parentztalk.com.

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You may find it hard to imagine asking your toddler to help you out with the household chores—surely they would break or drop something? However, multiple studies have shown that even very young children are capable of carrying out more than we usually give them credit for. Asking toddlers to help around the house can really develop their fine and gross motor skills while providing a boost to their confidence and sense of independence. Check out these relatively simple tasks that you can ask your toddler to lend a hand with.

Sorting Out Laundry

If you do the laundry regularly with your toddler, they will quickly learn and recognize which items are to whom in the household. You could ask them to deliver a pile of fresh laundry to an older sibling in the home. Alternatively, teach them how to help you fold sheets and other larger items—they will likely find this lots of fun and be eager to help you with it again!

Drying the Dishes

Even if you’re not quite prepared for your kid to help out with the washing up, drying the dishes is a great activity for toddlers. Start them off with lighter, less breakable items (any plastic beakers or plates are a perfect option) before graduating them onto drying cups and mugs. If you’re concerned about breakage, set them up with a dish drying station at a table or on a surface where they can hold the items properly.

Gardening

Due to their keen eyes and small size, kids are experts when it comes to weeding the vegetable patch. Once you’ve helped them identify what is a weed and what is growing produce, kit them out with some gloves and set them off. Many children love being out in the garden, so will persevere at this task for far longer than those set indoors. Getting your kid into gardening will also help to develop their love and respect for nature from an early age.

The post 3 Tasks to Develop Your Toddler’s Confidence and Independence appeared first on parentztalk.com.

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Homemade Playdough Recipe That Doesn’t Dry Up https://parentztalk.com/homemade-playdough-recipe-that-doesnt-dry-up/ Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:02:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=6736 When it comes to keeping kids entertained, few things beat the squishy, moldable fun of playdough. But if you’ve ever bought store-bought playdough, you know the frustration of finding it dried up and crumbly just a few days later. That’s why we’re sharing a fail-proof homemade playdough recipe that promises hours of play without the […]

The post Homemade Playdough Recipe That Doesn’t Dry Up appeared first on parentztalk.com.

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When it comes to keeping kids entertained, few things beat the squishy, moldable fun of playdough. But if you’ve ever bought store-bought playdough, you know the frustration of finding it dried up and crumbly just a few days later. That’s why we’re sharing a fail-proof homemade playdough recipe that promises hours of play without the worry of it drying up.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • Food coloring of your choice
  • 1 1/2 cups of boiling water

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cream of tartar until well combined.
  2. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the vegetable oil and food coloring.
  3. Carefully pour the boiling water into the bowl and stir everything together with a wooden spoon until a dough starts to form.
  4. Once the dough is cool enough to handle, transfer it to a clean surface and knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. Your homemade playdough is now ready for action! Let your kids’ imaginations run wild as they mold, shape, and sculpt to their heart’s content.

The post Homemade Playdough Recipe That Doesn’t Dry Up appeared first on parentztalk.com.

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How to Talk to Your Kids About Money https://parentztalk.com/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-money/ Tue, 23 Apr 2024 12:05:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=3575 The way we use and carry money may have changed over recent years, but the importance of understanding the value of money hasn’t. Many parents are anxious that this isn’t a skill that is always taught well in schools and feel that they need to do their part at home. If you’re thinking about introducing […]

The post How to Talk to Your Kids About Money appeared first on parentztalk.com.

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The way we use and carry money may have changed over recent years, but the importance of understanding the value of money hasn’t. Many parents are anxious that this isn’t a skill that is always taught well in schools and feel that they need to do their part at home. If you’re thinking about introducing concepts such as spending, earning, and saving at home, try these simple tips which can make the process smoother and clearer.

Go Shopping With Your Kids

Ask your kids to write a grocery list and then get them to do most of the work in-store. Before you pay, make predictions about how much the shop will cost (you can even try and keep a tally in your head). Compare your predictions with the real bill, and talk about why predictions were lower or higher than the actual cost. The next time you go shopping, take a calculator with you and add up the products as you move around the store. Talk with your kids about whether they think the shop is good value or not. Children are often surprised at how much the basics can cost, so it’s important that they realize how quickly items add up.

Careful Conversations

Kids find money—and its associations with the freedoms of adulthood—very interesting indeed. You can rest assured that anything you say about the state of your own finances or anyone else’s will be repeated in the school playground the next day. Therefore, one of the things you need to teach your kids when it comes to money is the importance of maintaining privacy and keeping some things secret. Don’t divulge everything all at once – if you want your children to know about the family’s finances (and some parents don’t want their kids to have this information), build up slowly and be sure that you can trust them not to share it outside the home.

Provide Some Pocket Money

It’s up to you how much pocket money you provide your children with, but most experts agree that it’s generally a good idea that this money is earned in some way. Whether you pay out pocket money depending on the amount of homework your kid has done that week, the amount of times they’ve washed the dishes, or in recognition of the fact that they cooked a family meal, try and be explicit that pocket money (like real life wages) isn’t just “money for nothing”.

The post How to Talk to Your Kids About Money appeared first on parentztalk.com.

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Why Starting a Vegetable Garden is a Great Idea https://parentztalk.com/why-starting-a-vegetable-garden-is-a-great-idea/ Mon, 22 Apr 2024 12:17:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=6706 Many people prioritize having some outdoor space when searching for a home for the family. It’s ideal for kids to have a yard or garden to play in, and most adults enjoy the benefits of this outdoor area too. If you and your family are lucky enough to have this, then there are so many […]

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Many people prioritize having some outdoor space when searching for a home for the family. It’s ideal for kids to have a yard or garden to play in, and most adults enjoy the benefits of this outdoor area too. If you and your family are lucky enough to have this, then there are so many options for what to do with the space. A great choice is to set up a vegetable garden, and here are some reasons why. 

A Fun and Useful Family Activity

Having a vegetable garden is the perfect way to teach kids some gardening skills. You can make this activity super fun, and it’s an ideal way to bond and enjoy being outdoors together. As well as the gardening skills, your kids can learn more about the journey of food and the importance of natural, locally sourced foods.

Amazing to Have Your Own Vegetables

There’s nothing more exciting than working hard to plant and care for some vegetables and then picking them from your own garden and enjoying them together. You can save money on groceries and feel good knowing your meals are as natural and local as possible. 

Encourages a Love of Vegetables

If your kids turn their noses up to veggies then this can be a great way to break through this. The fun and excitement of growing and picking your own will likely give them much more interest in the end result.

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3 Fun Ideas for a Pregnancy Photo Shoot https://parentztalk.com/3-fun-ideas-for-a-pregnancy-photo-shoot/ Sun, 21 Apr 2024 10:44:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=5143 A pregnancy photo shoot is a beautiful way to capture the magic and emotion of this special time. It’s also a chance to celebrate the new life you’re about to bring. If you’re looking for some fun and creative ideas for your maternity shoot, here are three suggestions that can add a unique touch to […]

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A pregnancy photo shoot is a beautiful way to capture the magic and emotion of this special time. It’s also a chance to celebrate the new life you’re about to bring. If you’re looking for some fun and creative ideas for your maternity shoot, here are three suggestions that can add a unique touch to your photos.

Nature’s Embrace

Utilize the beauty of nature as a stunning backdrop for your maternity photos. Whether it’s a serene beach, a lush forest, or a blooming garden, natural settings provide a calm and beautiful environment that complements the theme of new life. 

Include Family 

Involve your partner in the shoot. Romantic poses or candid shots of the two of you together can beautifully portray the shared joy and anticipation. If this isn’t your first child, you can also include older siblings in the photoshoot. Shots of them kissing your belly or listening to the baby can be adorable and symbolic of the growing family.

Document the Journey

Consider taking a series of photos throughout your pregnancy to document the journey. This series can be a touching addition to the baby’s photo album, showcasing the progression and changes as you await their arrival.

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How to Adjust to Your Children Leaving the Nest https://parentztalk.com/how-to-adjust-to-your-children-leaving-the-nest/ Sat, 20 Apr 2024 12:30:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=6680 Watching your children leave home and embark on their own journey can be a bittersweet experience for parents. Adjusting to an empty nest requires navigating a range of emotions and adapting to a new chapter in your life. Here are some tips to help you cope with this transition. Acknowledge Your Feelings It’s normal to […]

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Watching your children leave home and embark on their own journey can be a bittersweet experience for parents. Adjusting to an empty nest requires navigating a range of emotions and adapting to a new chapter in your life. Here are some tips to help you cope with this transition.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions when your children leave home, including sadness, loneliness, pride, and excitement. Allow yourself to acknowledge and express these feelings rather than suppressing them. Talk to your partner, friends, or a therapist about your emotions and seek support from others who may be going through a similar experience.

Focus On Self-Care

Use this newfound time and freedom to prioritize self-care and invest in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Reconnect with hobbies and interests that you may have set aside while raising children. Take up a new hobby, pursue further education, travel, or volunteer in your community. Investing in yourself can help boost your mood and sense of purpose.

Maintain Communication

Just because your children have left home doesn’t mean your relationship with them has to diminish. Make an effort to maintain regular communication through phone calls, video chats, or visits. Plan family gatherings and create opportunities for quality time together. However, also respect their need for independence and space as they navigate their own lives.

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At What Age Should Children Stop Using a Pacifier?  https://parentztalk.com/at-what-age-should-children-stop-using-a-pacifier/ Fri, 19 Apr 2024 12:26:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=6672 Pacifiers are a common tool for soothing newborns and infants. They can be great for reducing distress and aiding in sleep. However, as beneficial as pacifiers can be in the early stages of a child’s life, there comes a time when parents and caregivers should consider weaning children off them. Not sure when that point […]

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Pacifiers are a common tool for soothing newborns and infants. They can be great for reducing distress and aiding in sleep. However, as beneficial as pacifiers can be in the early stages of a child’s life, there comes a time when parents and caregivers should consider weaning children off them. Not sure when that point is? Keep reading.

Under six months, pacifier use is generally harmless. Infants often have a strong sucking reflex, and a pacifier can satisfy this instinct effectively. But between six and 12 months is a good time to start creating boundaries for pacifier use, perhaps limiting it to nap time and bedtime only. 

The consensus among pediatricians and dental professionals is that children should ideally stop using a pacifier by the age of two. Most experts agree that the earlier a child can be weaned off the pacifier, the better it is for their oral development. Between the ages of one and two years old, most children are developing other coping strategies for soothing and sleep. The transition should come more naturally by this time.

Remember, prolonged pacifier use can lead to dental issues. This can include misaligned teeth and changes in the roof of the mouth, potentially requiring orthodontic treatment later.

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ersion="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> Jane A, Author at parentztalk.com parentztalk.com Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:17:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 How to Teach Your Child About Sharing https://parentztalk.com/how-to-teach-your-child-about-sharing/ Sun, 28 Apr 2024 14:30:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=1999 Learning to share is an important social skill that helps children develop empathy, cooperation, and positive relationships with others. While sharing can be challenging for young children, there are effective strategies and fun activities that can make the process easier and more enjoyable. Here are three strategies to teach your kids the value of sharing. […]

The post How to Teach Your Child About Sharing appeared first on parentztalk.com.

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Learning to share is an important social skill that helps children develop empathy, cooperation, and positive relationships with others. While sharing can be challenging for young children, there are effective strategies and fun activities that can make the process easier and more enjoyable. Here are three strategies to teach your kids the value of sharing.

Lead by Example

Children learn by observing and imitating their parents. Set a positive example by sharing your belongings with others and explaining the importance of sharing. Show genuine enthusiasm when sharing and express gratitude when others share with you. Your actions will speak louder than words and inspire your kids to follow suit.

Turn Taking

Introduce turn-taking games or activities to teach your children the concept of sharing. Engage in games where each child gets a specific time or opportunity to play with a toy before passing it to the next person. This promotes patience, fairness, and the understanding that everyone gets a chance to enjoy the toy.

Group Play

Encourage group play with friends or siblings to foster a sharing mindset. Engage in cooperative games or projects where children must collaborate and share resources. This experience will help them understand the benefits of sharing, problem-solving, and teamwork.

The post How to Teach Your Child About Sharing appeared first on parentztalk.com.

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The Benefits of Sharing a Babysitter https://parentztalk.com/the-benefits-of-sharing-a-babysitter/ Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:14:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=3162 Are you a parent who’s looking to work during the day while someone else watches over your beloved child? You’re not the first person to be on the desperate lookout for a good babysitter, and it’s not always easy to find the good ones. On that note, here’s a small suggestion. You may want to […]

The post The Benefits of Sharing a Babysitter appeared first on parentztalk.com.

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Are you a parent who’s looking to work during the day while someone else watches over your beloved child? You’re not the first person to be on the desperate lookout for a good babysitter, and it’s not always easy to find the good ones. On that note, here’s a small suggestion. You may want to consider sharing a babysitter with someone, and here’s why.

The Trust Factor

The first and most important thing when it comes to finding a good babysitter is knowing that you can trust them. This is true for all people who care for our children, but especially those who watch them when they’re at such a young age.

It’s not always easy to know which babysitters you can trust to really care for your children, which is why it can be beneficial to share a babysitter with someone you already trust. For instance, if a babysitter has been working for your sibling for years and years, you’ll be a lot more comfortable with them.

Reduced Price

Another great reason to share a babysitter with either a loved one or a friend is that sometimes you’re able to score a good discount in the process. If the babysitter watches both of your babies at the same time, you might be able to get a reduced pricing rate as a result.

The post The Benefits of Sharing a Babysitter appeared first on parentztalk.com.

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How to Talk to Your Kids About Money https://parentztalk.com/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-money-2/ Sat, 27 Apr 2024 16:37:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=5137 Talking to your kids about money is an essential part of parenting that can set them up for financial success and responsibility in the future. However, for many parents, this topic can be challenging to approach. Here’s a guide on how to effectively communicate with your children about money matters. Start Early The sooner you […]

The post How to Talk to Your Kids About Money appeared first on parentztalk.com.

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Talking to your kids about money is an essential part of parenting that can set them up for financial success and responsibility in the future. However, for many parents, this topic can be challenging to approach. Here’s a guide on how to effectively communicate with your children about money matters.

Start Early

The sooner you start talking to your kids about money, the better. Even preschoolers can begin to understand basic concepts like saving and spending. Use everyday experiences, like shopping or saving for a toy, as teaching moments.

Keep it Age-Appropriate

Tailor your discussions to your child’s age and understanding. For younger children, focus on basic concepts like earning, saving, and spending. As they grow older, you can introduce more complex topics such as budgeting, credit, and investments.

Make it Interactive

Turn money lessons into fun, interactive activities. For instance, play games that involve money, use saving apps designed for kids or set up a mock store at home. This can make learning about money engaging and less intimidating.

Discuss Needs vs. Wants

Finally, teach your children the difference between needs and wants. This understanding is crucial for developing good spending habits. Let them make small spending decisions and discuss the outcomes to reinforce this concept.

The post How to Talk to Your Kids About Money appeared first on parentztalk.com.

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3 Tasks to Develop Your Toddler’s Confidence and Independence https://parentztalk.com/3-tasks-to-develop-your-toddlers-confidence-and-independence/ Thu, 25 Apr 2024 18:37:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=6745 You may find it hard to imagine asking your toddler to help you out with the household chores—surely they would break or drop something? However, multiple studies have shown that even very young children are capable of carrying out more than we usually give them credit for. Asking toddlers to help around the house can […]

The post 3 Tasks to Develop Your Toddler’s Confidence and Independence appeared first on parentztalk.com.

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You may find it hard to imagine asking your toddler to help you out with the household chores—surely they would break or drop something? However, multiple studies have shown that even very young children are capable of carrying out more than we usually give them credit for. Asking toddlers to help around the house can really develop their fine and gross motor skills while providing a boost to their confidence and sense of independence. Check out these relatively simple tasks that you can ask your toddler to lend a hand with.

Sorting Out Laundry

If you do the laundry regularly with your toddler, they will quickly learn and recognize which items are to whom in the household. You could ask them to deliver a pile of fresh laundry to an older sibling in the home. Alternatively, teach them how to help you fold sheets and other larger items—they will likely find this lots of fun and be eager to help you with it again!

Drying the Dishes

Even if you’re not quite prepared for your kid to help out with the washing up, drying the dishes is a great activity for toddlers. Start them off with lighter, less breakable items (any plastic beakers or plates are a perfect option) before graduating them onto drying cups and mugs. If you’re concerned about breakage, set them up with a dish drying station at a table or on a surface where they can hold the items properly.

Gardening

Due to their keen eyes and small size, kids are experts when it comes to weeding the vegetable patch. Once you’ve helped them identify what is a weed and what is growing produce, kit them out with some gloves and set them off. Many children love being out in the garden, so will persevere at this task for far longer than those set indoors. Getting your kid into gardening will also help to develop their love and respect for nature from an early age.

The post 3 Tasks to Develop Your Toddler’s Confidence and Independence appeared first on parentztalk.com.

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Homemade Playdough Recipe That Doesn’t Dry Up https://parentztalk.com/homemade-playdough-recipe-that-doesnt-dry-up/ Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:02:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=6736 When it comes to keeping kids entertained, few things beat the squishy, moldable fun of playdough. But if you’ve ever bought store-bought playdough, you know the frustration of finding it dried up and crumbly just a few days later. That’s why we’re sharing a fail-proof homemade playdough recipe that promises hours of play without the […]

The post Homemade Playdough Recipe That Doesn’t Dry Up appeared first on parentztalk.com.

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When it comes to keeping kids entertained, few things beat the squishy, moldable fun of playdough. But if you’ve ever bought store-bought playdough, you know the frustration of finding it dried up and crumbly just a few days later. That’s why we’re sharing a fail-proof homemade playdough recipe that promises hours of play without the worry of it drying up.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • Food coloring of your choice
  • 1 1/2 cups of boiling water

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cream of tartar until well combined.
  2. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the vegetable oil and food coloring.
  3. Carefully pour the boiling water into the bowl and stir everything together with a wooden spoon until a dough starts to form.
  4. Once the dough is cool enough to handle, transfer it to a clean surface and knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. Your homemade playdough is now ready for action! Let your kids’ imaginations run wild as they mold, shape, and sculpt to their heart’s content.

The post Homemade Playdough Recipe That Doesn’t Dry Up appeared first on parentztalk.com.

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How to Talk to Your Kids About Money https://parentztalk.com/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-money/ Tue, 23 Apr 2024 12:05:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=3575 The way we use and carry money may have changed over recent years, but the importance of understanding the value of money hasn’t. Many parents are anxious that this isn’t a skill that is always taught well in schools and feel that they need to do their part at home. If you’re thinking about introducing […]

The post How to Talk to Your Kids About Money appeared first on parentztalk.com.

]]>
The way we use and carry money may have changed over recent years, but the importance of understanding the value of money hasn’t. Many parents are anxious that this isn’t a skill that is always taught well in schools and feel that they need to do their part at home. If you’re thinking about introducing concepts such as spending, earning, and saving at home, try these simple tips which can make the process smoother and clearer.

Go Shopping With Your Kids

Ask your kids to write a grocery list and then get them to do most of the work in-store. Before you pay, make predictions about how much the shop will cost (you can even try and keep a tally in your head). Compare your predictions with the real bill, and talk about why predictions were lower or higher than the actual cost. The next time you go shopping, take a calculator with you and add up the products as you move around the store. Talk with your kids about whether they think the shop is good value or not. Children are often surprised at how much the basics can cost, so it’s important that they realize how quickly items add up.

Careful Conversations

Kids find money—and its associations with the freedoms of adulthood—very interesting indeed. You can rest assured that anything you say about the state of your own finances or anyone else’s will be repeated in the school playground the next day. Therefore, one of the things you need to teach your kids when it comes to money is the importance of maintaining privacy and keeping some things secret. Don’t divulge everything all at once – if you want your children to know about the family’s finances (and some parents don’t want their kids to have this information), build up slowly and be sure that you can trust them not to share it outside the home.

Provide Some Pocket Money

It’s up to you how much pocket money you provide your children with, but most experts agree that it’s generally a good idea that this money is earned in some way. Whether you pay out pocket money depending on the amount of homework your kid has done that week, the amount of times they’ve washed the dishes, or in recognition of the fact that they cooked a family meal, try and be explicit that pocket money (like real life wages) isn’t just “money for nothing”.

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Why Starting a Vegetable Garden is a Great Idea https://parentztalk.com/why-starting-a-vegetable-garden-is-a-great-idea/ Mon, 22 Apr 2024 12:17:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=6706 Many people prioritize having some outdoor space when searching for a home for the family. It’s ideal for kids to have a yard or garden to play in, and most adults enjoy the benefits of this outdoor area too. If you and your family are lucky enough to have this, then there are so many […]

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Many people prioritize having some outdoor space when searching for a home for the family. It’s ideal for kids to have a yard or garden to play in, and most adults enjoy the benefits of this outdoor area too. If you and your family are lucky enough to have this, then there are so many options for what to do with the space. A great choice is to set up a vegetable garden, and here are some reasons why. 

A Fun and Useful Family Activity

Having a vegetable garden is the perfect way to teach kids some gardening skills. You can make this activity super fun, and it’s an ideal way to bond and enjoy being outdoors together. As well as the gardening skills, your kids can learn more about the journey of food and the importance of natural, locally sourced foods.

Amazing to Have Your Own Vegetables

There’s nothing more exciting than working hard to plant and care for some vegetables and then picking them from your own garden and enjoying them together. You can save money on groceries and feel good knowing your meals are as natural and local as possible. 

Encourages a Love of Vegetables

If your kids turn their noses up to veggies then this can be a great way to break through this. The fun and excitement of growing and picking your own will likely give them much more interest in the end result.

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3 Fun Ideas for a Pregnancy Photo Shoot https://parentztalk.com/3-fun-ideas-for-a-pregnancy-photo-shoot/ Sun, 21 Apr 2024 10:44:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=5143 A pregnancy photo shoot is a beautiful way to capture the magic and emotion of this special time. It’s also a chance to celebrate the new life you’re about to bring. If you’re looking for some fun and creative ideas for your maternity shoot, here are three suggestions that can add a unique touch to […]

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A pregnancy photo shoot is a beautiful way to capture the magic and emotion of this special time. It’s also a chance to celebrate the new life you’re about to bring. If you’re looking for some fun and creative ideas for your maternity shoot, here are three suggestions that can add a unique touch to your photos.

Nature’s Embrace

Utilize the beauty of nature as a stunning backdrop for your maternity photos. Whether it’s a serene beach, a lush forest, or a blooming garden, natural settings provide a calm and beautiful environment that complements the theme of new life. 

Include Family 

Involve your partner in the shoot. Romantic poses or candid shots of the two of you together can beautifully portray the shared joy and anticipation. If this isn’t your first child, you can also include older siblings in the photoshoot. Shots of them kissing your belly or listening to the baby can be adorable and symbolic of the growing family.

Document the Journey

Consider taking a series of photos throughout your pregnancy to document the journey. This series can be a touching addition to the baby’s photo album, showcasing the progression and changes as you await their arrival.

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How to Adjust to Your Children Leaving the Nest https://parentztalk.com/how-to-adjust-to-your-children-leaving-the-nest/ Sat, 20 Apr 2024 12:30:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=6680 Watching your children leave home and embark on their own journey can be a bittersweet experience for parents. Adjusting to an empty nest requires navigating a range of emotions and adapting to a new chapter in your life. Here are some tips to help you cope with this transition. Acknowledge Your Feelings It’s normal to […]

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Watching your children leave home and embark on their own journey can be a bittersweet experience for parents. Adjusting to an empty nest requires navigating a range of emotions and adapting to a new chapter in your life. Here are some tips to help you cope with this transition.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions when your children leave home, including sadness, loneliness, pride, and excitement. Allow yourself to acknowledge and express these feelings rather than suppressing them. Talk to your partner, friends, or a therapist about your emotions and seek support from others who may be going through a similar experience.

Focus On Self-Care

Use this newfound time and freedom to prioritize self-care and invest in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Reconnect with hobbies and interests that you may have set aside while raising children. Take up a new hobby, pursue further education, travel, or volunteer in your community. Investing in yourself can help boost your mood and sense of purpose.

Maintain Communication

Just because your children have left home doesn’t mean your relationship with them has to diminish. Make an effort to maintain regular communication through phone calls, video chats, or visits. Plan family gatherings and create opportunities for quality time together. However, also respect their need for independence and space as they navigate their own lives.

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At What Age Should Children Stop Using a Pacifier?  https://parentztalk.com/at-what-age-should-children-stop-using-a-pacifier/ Fri, 19 Apr 2024 12:26:00 +0000 https://parentztalk.com/?p=6672 Pacifiers are a common tool for soothing newborns and infants. They can be great for reducing distress and aiding in sleep. However, as beneficial as pacifiers can be in the early stages of a child’s life, there comes a time when parents and caregivers should consider weaning children off them. Not sure when that point […]

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Pacifiers are a common tool for soothing newborns and infants. They can be great for reducing distress and aiding in sleep. However, as beneficial as pacifiers can be in the early stages of a child’s life, there comes a time when parents and caregivers should consider weaning children off them. Not sure when that point is? Keep reading.

Under six months, pacifier use is generally harmless. Infants often have a strong sucking reflex, and a pacifier can satisfy this instinct effectively. But between six and 12 months is a good time to start creating boundaries for pacifier use, perhaps limiting it to nap time and bedtime only. 

The consensus among pediatricians and dental professionals is that children should ideally stop using a pacifier by the age of two. Most experts agree that the earlier a child can be weaned off the pacifier, the better it is for their oral development. Between the ages of one and two years old, most children are developing other coping strategies for soothing and sleep. The transition should come more naturally by this time.

Remember, prolonged pacifier use can lead to dental issues. This can include misaligned teeth and changes in the roof of the mouth, potentially requiring orthodontic treatment later.

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