Bond Like Your Life Depended On It

Amazing things can happen when a family comes together to do things together.  A family that can bond together will be a family that is united forever.

Work, school, extracurricular activities; these daily activities that make our lives so busy create difficulties for parents to foster a bond with their children. You can easily strengthen family relationships by spending time with one another, listening to each other, and respecting each others opinions. 

Spending time connecting with your family doesn’t need to take a whole lot of time or even money. It’s simply about being intentional, being in the moment and really just letting go and having fun, it is about the quality of time.

I have come up with a few ideas for you to connect with your family in 30 minutes or less — anytime you happen to find a free half-hour, try doing just one of these suggestions and watch your family bond grow even stronger.

Munching together 
Try and eating together with no distractions, such as television or phones.this gives family members time to discuss their day and any good or challenging things happening in their life. The reason I say “eat” and not specify a meal is because I understand that sitting down to dinner every night is sometimes nearly impossible with homework, work and other scheduling obligations.  And if meals are out of the question altogether, maybe think about a simple family snack every now and then. Get some chips and dip, crackers and hummus, or maybe just cups of hot chocolate (ain't nothing wrong in soaking some garri and you all drink from the same bowl) and sit down for a few minutes to catch up on everyone’s life at the moment.

Gaming

What about a quick impromptu silly game that the whole family can get into?

One night over dinner, bust out into an eye spy game. You may find that you’re all suddenly laughing and connecting in such a simple way. The best part is that games like this can happen anywhere and anytime, too.

Homework
Helping a child with their homework not only allows you to spend time together, but enables you to see what they are learning and how they are doing academically. Your support and praise will go a long way in boosting their confidence in school. Reading to your child daily increases their literacy, but it also allows for a time when both parent and child are completely focused on one another and can communicate freely about the book or other subjects.

Activities

Many children have extracurricular activities like sports or dance. By involving yourself in these activities and praising them on their participation you are helping build their confidence as well as strengthening your bond.

Support
Childhood, especially the adolescent years, is incredibly hard on the self esteem of many children. By telling a child you love them and giving compliments or positive feedback frequently you can foster their confidence and perception of themselves. By listening and being supportive of their ideas, even if you don’t agree, makes them feel as if they can come to you with their problems and discuss their true feelings.

Cooking/Baking 
Sometimes bringing the family into the kitchen can make cooking or baking so much more fun and enjoyable. Experiment with baking cookies, or even try diving headfirst and making a cake. The best part of this quick bonding session is the time spent eating the incredible treats created with love.

Music
Another quick way to bond with your family is to blast some cool beats and just start a little impromptu dance party. Have fun, be silly, bust a few moves and burn some calories while you’re at it! Show the kids that you’re never too old to let loose and have a good time.

Go for a walk
Sometimes just getting out the routine and out of the house by taking a walk is the perfect way to spend time with your family. Hold hands. Talk. Is it raining? Grab some umbrellas and rain boots, have the kids make a poodle splash and call it a rain walk. Don’t let the weather hold you back from creating lasting memories with your loved ones.

As a parent, having a strong bond with your child creates a feeling of unity and safety. It is important to do all you can to create these family bonds to ensure a happier and healthier family...Start now

Lego Not Ipad, Come On Kids!!!

My cousin Oshapi came over to the house yesterday and as usual, there was so much to talk about...the guy just always seems to have major drama around him *giggles*. Was good catching up though. 

So we got to the most fascinating topic, the kids and how they are all so smart and gadget savvy. Teased our generation and how even normal VHS was a trip for us when we finally figured out how it worked, yet kids of these days are breezing through apps on our smart phones and tabs like they had proper training. Talk about picking up your smart phone, going through your picture library and seeing over 30 pictures of your child after he/she has tried taking the perfect photo while you were making a meal. Some even help reorganise our documents and files...guess they weren't pleased with our own arrangements.

 

Its simple; these children watch us parents use one from birth, so it is only natural that as soon as their tiny fingers can swipe a screen they would imitate this behaviour and learn how to operate one themselves.

And it’s only natural that, as time-poor parents most of us are, we would download age-appropriate apps for them, reassuring ourselves of their educational benefits while enjoying the free babysitting service for a while.

This brings me to question if there is a negative effect to children who start handling these gadgets at such tender ages?!

Kids are transfixed by iPads and smart phones, so when the device shuts off or is taken away, they go into a full-fledged tantrum, screaming and crying for the device. Its been said that the more parents use iPads, smart phones or similar devices to calm their kids down, the less likely the kids are to learn how to calm themselves down naturally. In other words, if kids are constantly pacified with an iPad, they won’t be learning the skills to come down from a tantrum.

When children spend so much time playing games on these devices, getting somewhat addicted to them, it doesn't encourage socialization with other children, but is rather solitary and inspires a trance-like state in our kids. Most times they don't even want to share by taking turns playing games on the device.

On a more positive side, as from 20 months and at the age where words are fascinating to children, educational interactive apps can be introduced with the hope that pointing at letters, numbers and shapes on the screen and hearing them spoken will reinforce the learning process. It could also enhance reading of books, and there are quite a few interactive books available in the iPad.  

Its worth knowing that, the idea that so much time spent looking at the screens so close can affect the child's eyesight, studies show that it doesn’t do any real harm.

What is strongly recommended is that screen time should be limited to the barest minimum, be it TV, Ipads or smart phones and as much as possible, there should be adult supervision.

Whatever happened to just giving them a tub full of Lego!!! Sheeesh...

So, how has the iPad and smart phones been received in your family? What sort of limits have you placed on it for the kids? Leave a comment and let us know.

e warned that the condition prevented young people from forming normal social relationships, leaving them drained by the constant interaction.
“Children have access to the internet almost from birth now,”
“They see their parents playing on their mobile devices and they want to play too. It’s difficult, because having a device can also be very useful in terms of having a reward, having a pacifier.
But if you don’t get the balance right it can be very
- See more at: http://www.footiebugs.com/toddlers-are-becoming-so-obsessed-with-ipads-they-require-therapy/#sthash.QKJzucn8.dpuf

She told me she had developed an obsession with the device and would ask for it constantly. She was using it three to four hours every day and showed increased agitation if it was removed - See more at: http://www.footiebugs.com/toddlers-are-becoming-so-obsessed-with-ipads-they-require-therapy/#sthash.QKJzucn8.dpuf

She told me she had developed an obsession with the device and would ask for it constantly. She was using it three to four hours every day and showed increased agitation if it was removed - See more at: http://www.footiebugs.com/toddlers-are-becoming-so-obsessed-with-ipads-they-require-therapy/#sthash.QKJzucn8.dpuf

Role Models In The Home

       Being a good role model is basically parenting well and properly, being a positive influence on children; not just yours but also their friends. Children face many issues as they grow up, from peer pressure to influences that can be less than positive. However, by taking a few pro-active steps, it is possible to motivate your child toward the best and most appropriate activities for their development.

Teach by Example

Provide an example of how to properly behave. Be mindful of how you speak and act in social situations, as well as in front of the family. The phrase "children learn what they live" really is true. Showing your child how a successful and happy adult lives is the best way to parent effectively.
 

Be Involved in Your Child's Life
Take a pro-active stance when it comes to your child's activities. Be active in sports, academics, artistic endeavors, and anything that they are interested in. 

Encourage Good Behavior

Reward your child for work that is well done. Praise and acknowledgment is key for the self-esteem and development of any child and will give incentive to continue. Make your child be responsible for a chore other than their own space, for example, taking out the trash.

Establish Open Communication

Open communication is key to good parenting. Ensure that each day, you have a discussion with your child about how things are going at school, with friends, or just general talk. Find out about any upsets so that they can be addressed and handled quickly. Ask your child if she has anything that they would like to talk about. Deal with questions and answers fairly and openly, giving as much factual information as possible. By being open and relaxed, you will establish a safe space in which your child can communicate. Be prepared to offer information and suggestions to solve problems. Always make time available to discuss any issue that comes up.
 
Mentor Your Child

Effective parenting is essentially great mentoring. Teach your child how taking responsibility can pay off. Demonstrate how being involved in their community is key to being a good person.
 
Become Involved in Your Community
By getting involved in your own community, you can show your own child how positive social activity can be effective and inspiring. This experience will teach your child about understanding and tolerance, and demonstrate how changing the life of another person can be so rewarding.


Always remember that you are the first role model your child will ever have, make the best of it.

God-parenting

When a friend or relative asks you to be a godparent, it’s quite an honor. It can be so flattering that too many people are quick to accept without truly considering the other side of being a godparent: the responsibilities.

Most of us know godparents as people who stand next to infants’ and toddlers’ beaming parents as priests/pastors prepare to baptize the children. Many godparents are mostly best friends with the child’s parents which may be a reason that some view god-parenting as more of an acknowledgement of parents’ good friend.

From the above statements, it comes across as though we have lost the real purpose and value of having godparents in our children's lives. The role of godparents has traditionally been more expansive than just supporting parents and children during the infant christening ceremony. Godparents are supposed to ensure the child's life is fulfilled religiously/spiritually and not just become more of a "second parent" to the child in the sense of being there for them, nurturing them, teaching them about life and so forth. Christian Essentials states that: when adults promise to be godparents, they are promising to do all in their power to support the child in his/her life in Christ.”

To fulfill their role as godparents, adults should regularly pray for children they have promised to godparent. They should also set a positive example for children and encourage children to continue in their faith, particularly during difficult times in the children’s live. They should view their role as public recognition of who can step in and help steer a child’s life, especially should parents struggle to raise their children in healthy, balanced ways.

If you truly want to take on that responsibility and be a great godparent, take time out to fully understand the role. Even people who are not christians still like to invite an adult mentor to be in a child’s life. The term godparent has become broader because of this, so it’s not necessarily always in reference to a specific religion. 

More than anything, your role is to be another person in that child’s life who the child can love and look up to for acceptance, support and guidance. You don’t have to be the smartest, richest or the most fun—in the long run, just be there for the kid. That’s going to make the most powerful difference in the child’s life. 

Be There....

Natural Parenting Through Touch

Small hands grasp your nose as you stare down at the little angel in your lap. You read exploration and amazement in your baby’s eyes as he/she scans your skin and features, tugging curiously at your ears and hair, even the occasional slaps they give which could hurt so bad. It may all seem like quiet, peaceful and sometimes painful fun, but the attachment your baby is making with you through touch is preparing his/her brain for a lifetime of learning.

As it is said that babies and kids who received regular massages from their parents reaped a number of benefits, such as better sleep, less anxiety and a stronger immune system, it also helps strengthen the bond between parent and child. Yup, that's what I said; massage!...Massage has been shown to help kids fall asleep faster and snooze more soundly. And that has a big payoff in the classroom...

Parents don't need to wait for children to come to them for touches, hugs, whole-body-scoops and kisses.  Being regularly physically affectionate with kids of all ages actually helps maintain the emotional connection they share with their parents.So as long as a child wants cuddles, parents should give them; you too daddy.

Parents should find ways to keep physical affection alive as kids get older. This keeps the parent-child bond strong. When that bond remains strong, challenging behavioural situations decrease and discipline becomes less intense overall. 

I remember suddenly falling ill one day while in secondary school, running a high temperature, I had to be taken home during school hrs (ofcourse I was happy I was missing school). Was in my room when my mum returned from her outing, sat right next to me on my bed and touched my face gently. With a reassuring smile on her face, I felt warmth and instantly well. As unbelievable as this sounds, it is fact. The Power Of Touch.

Some ways of being physically affectionate with kids on a regular basis include: Cuddles, Physical Play, Kisses and Hugs

Little ones need lots of picking up, holding and hugging.  As children grow and become more independent and social, opportunities for cuddling naturally diminish, and it becomes important for parents to take extra effort to find ways to physically connect with them. 

Reading to a child on the couch or in bed is a wonderful way to get close, as it invites leaning into, lying on, snuggling, touching, and arm-wrapping.  Even watching a TV show or movie (DVD 5 pands...hehehehe couldn't help myself) together is a great occasion to sit close and connect, even in daddies sacred den. 

So mummies and daddies, whether it’s a gentle squeeze or big hug, a cuddle or a kiss, your touch can be all that would make a difference in your little angels life.

Spread the mantra...

 

Means of Educating Children on the Fundamentals of Life (Sesame Street)

 

Soo, I was going through the Recent Updates on my bbm (blackberry messenger) and noticed a friend's update: "Sunny day sweeping the clouds away...on my way to where the air is sweet....can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street..."

Couldn't help but get a bit nostalgic...those were good ol' times when we were kids and had no worries. But thinking about it, what exactly made Sesame Street such a huge hit for us?

Sesame Street ran like this: it first introduced a situation story that would take the whole hour time slot to solve, and every now and then the story would cut to an animated alphabet or counting lesson, a humorous skit from Grover, Bert and Ernie, Cookie Monster, what-have-you. Who can forget "1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12" with the pinball machine? They used to count up to twenty. I even remember one segment where they went up to 40! I miss Mumford the Magician(aka peanut butter sandwiches!) and the honkers. These days they sometimes go past ten.... SMH
 
Sesame Street dealt with such issues as the death of a loved one. Goodbye, Mr. Hooper was one of the most amazing episodes of children's television ever broadcast because it made an effort to try and teach children about something so difficult that even live adults are often no help with it.

Other brilliant aspects of the show included using monsters to portray certain feelings or behaviours that the audience might be conflicted about. They had  Cookie Monster to show what a negative (but highly funny the way they presented it) appearance gluttony can bring. They had a grouchy monster to show the effects of an anti-social mentality. More "cute" monsters such as Grover were used to show things like fear or sadness. There was a good reason for all of this. Negative feelings are difficult enough for a child to understand, so having puppets to thoroughly explain them was very educational.

During every episode I saw, even Goodbye, Mr. Hooper, the adults were never condescending or smug. They never acted as if they had every answer. Instead, they told the monster, other puppet, or child characters a few useful tidbits and let these characters work things out for themselves

Unfortunately when it comes to children's television, a certain adherence to marketing over education have crept in over recent years. The greatness of such characters as Oscar or Grover was that they could appeal to children without needing to be cutesy. Oscar was a grump who appeared to have worked too many night shifts, while Grover seemed to be just a fearful but friendly guy trying to make his way in the world. Perfectly normal, ordinary people wrapped up in some very bizarre-looking trimmings, in other words. Nowadays, characters like Elmo seem so awfully sugarcoated that it makes me wonder if his audience is going to encounter problems in later life when they learn they cannot get by simply on acting cute.

Now we have characters like Elmo and that other one who is a bear with the speech impediment who always says, "Baby Beaw, Baby Beaw". Elmo has kids trying to teach a fish how to ride a bicycle???!!!
It makes me long for the days of Big Bird and Bert and Ernie. They talked up to kids and really educated them and spoke perfectly. They actually TAUGHT kids how to act! The show is horribly taken over by Elmo and that Bear and it is just sad to see. Jim Henson would be horrified with what this show has become. Plus, the viewers who were 2-5 years, would outgrow them and there would always be a new audience. Back in the day, the parents would be entertained by this once great show. Not anymore. Elmo, that whiny lisp, hmmm.
Sad to say but it seems Sesame Street has become nothing but an infomercial for Elmo dolls.

In my opinion, there was no need to make drastic changes. IT WAS PERFECT! I don't know who pulls the strings on this show these days, but I would like to implore them for the sake of future generations.
I might not be part of the audience anymore, but I do have nieces, nephews and second cousins who are. 

So would you say that the old way of educating children about the fundamentals of life is a much better one? Should we go back to it?

So they can read already??

 

             Your Baby Can Read! 

 

 Genre: Children's/Baby educational
Age range: Ages 3 months - 5 years

 

Who would have thought that you could get your child to read from such a tender age...I never thought this possible till I came across this educational DVD .

Your Baby Can Read! is an early language development system for infants and toddlers. The DVDs employ whole reading and some phonics to help babies learn language patterns during an optimal time when their brains are developing rapidly and are intensely focused on picking up language patterns.
Babies can learn the patterns of written language just as naturally and easily as they learn the patterns of spoken language. Often though, babies are not exposed to enough written language for this learning to occur.

Your Baby Can Read! DVDs are multi-sensory, meaning viewing children will learn through hearing, seeing, speaking, and moving. Kids are encouraged to learn through action as they clap, touch their ears, or raise their arms along with the babies and children on the screen. Children will also enjoy singing along with familiar songs and playing the word games at the end of each DVD.
The starter DVD and volumes 1-3 introduce new words and review previously learned words, with the fifth DVD being a review of over 160 words from the DVD set. Cool right... ;)

 The DVDs included in the Your Baby Can Read! system are well put together and of high quality. Words shown on the TV screen are clear and easy to read with effective animation that encourages kids to look at the words and read from left to right.
The images that correspond to the words incorporate many infant/toddler favorites such as footage of animals, babies, and other children, providing a fun and interesting foundation for the multi-sensory learning experience. Kids are able to hear the words and see both the word and the object or action denoted by the word. Viewing children are also encouraged to interact with the program.

The DVDs in the Your Baby Can Read! series, however, are some of the most effective interactive programs I have come across. There is still no guarantee kids will interact, but the clear directives are usually demonstrated by babies or kids on the screen, and kids love to mimic other kids.

The Your Baby Can Read! system contains five DVDs which are focused on helping babies and kids up to five years old learn to read by giving them a multi-sensory experience with heavy exposure to print.
Co-viewing the DVD with children is a great way to help them maintain interest and learn to respond to the questions and games. It can also be used as a bonding tool...

If interested in getting one for your child/children or as a gift, Sabel Angels can source it for you. You can simply leave a comment or send us an email.

Happy Viewing!!!