Right after the Holidays or after your Children’s Birthday can be an excellent
time to start teaching your children the benefits of helping the less
fortunate people. Sometime children become very selfish. They have
a roof over their head, plenty of food, and over abundance of toys. At a young
age most children have no idea that there are many children out their that have
much less than them. After the holidays and/or Birthday is the perfect time
to begin teaching your children about this fact and explain to them how they
can help.

Why not have your children help you gather up their old toys and take them to
a shelter where their old toys get plenty of use and make children smile again.
This will teach your children that they can make a difference. Not only that it
will keep them from taking their good life for granted. It will teach them that
giving to others not only makes the other children happy, but it also makes them
feel good as well.

Tips for Teaching your Children to Give

Have your children give the same amount of their older toys that they
get new. This gives your children an actual figure to work with. Plus,
it keeps them from having their toy boxes over-full .

Keep a Family Blessings Journal. One things that this entire
process teaches your children is to be more thankful for what they have….
to appreciate it all. Keeping a Family
Blessing Journal can aid your children in remembering what all they have
to be Thankful for. Plus, it is a great way to look back at your wonderful life
in writing.

Top Image by Mr.
Kris

Keep in mind that any change in routine or structure can mess young toddlers
and preschoolers up. Children love structure. And structure gives your child
something they can count on.

This time doesn’t have to be full of anxiety. Here are some ways to make the
transition easier.

7 Ways to Make Transition Easier when Older Siblings Go Back to School

2. Start Preparing your Child Early – Yes, we know this time
   can be scary. But, what is even scarier for a child is not being prepared
   for change when it happens. So, start preparing the younger child for the
   fact that the older children will be starting school soon. Ask the child how
   he or she feels about it. Let the child know that everything will be okay
   and what your plans will be for the day when the older children are at school.
   Your child will find comfort in knowing what’s ahead.
3. Start your child taking Lessons that coincide with their older siblings
   going to school – One of the feelings that your youngest child might
   be feeling is jealousy. Your child might be jealous in the fact that the older
   children will be heading to school to learn. Why not have your youngest child
   start a class of his or her own. There are tons of lessons your little one
   can take. What does your little one want to learn? What are his or her interests?
   Check out your local YMCA, JCC or Community Center for Lessons. Your child
   will love the fact that they can learn something new too.
4. Do something daily just the two of you – One nice thing
   about having the older children away at school is that there is much more
   time for you and your little one. This is a great time to spend quality time
   together. One
   on one time with your child can really deepen your relationship with them.
   Let your child know that you are looking forward to doing something special
   together. Sit down with your youngest and come up with some ideas of how you
   are going to spend this time together. Don’t be surprised if your little one
   is no longer scared and sad about the older children going off to school…..
   but instead these feelings are replaced with excitement. Your younger child
   will probably be thrilled to have some alone time with you.
5. Realize the feelings that the child left behind might be feeling
   – There are a ton of feelings your youngest might be feeling about the older
   siblings going off to school. Be prepared for them and it will make this transition
   for you and the younger child easier. Some of the feelings your youngest might
   be feeling are…
   • Fear
   • Anxiety
   • Sadness
   • Excitement
   • Stress
   • Worry
   • Loneliness

   And these are just some of the many, many feelings your child might be
   feeling. Make the transition easier by talking with your youngest child
   about their older siblings going off to school. Let them know whatever feelings
   they are having about it are understandable and that they can always come
   to you with whatever they are feeling and you will help get them through
   it.

6. Plan the Days out for your Little one – Children love structure
   and don’t like change. When older children go to school and leave the littlest
   one at home that is a change of structure for your little one. It is very
   scary. Adding structure back into their life will help your little one feel
   more secure and less stressed during this transition. They love to know what
   they could expect next. So, plan away….. and include your youngest one in
   the planning process. It will get them more excited about the time to come.
7. Start a School for your Child at Home – Your child might
   feel left out when the older children go back to school. Why not start them
   in a school of their own as well. There are Preschool Curriculums out their
   that are perfect for teaching your young Preschooler at home. Just make sure
   to choose the right Preschool
   Curriculum for your Child. And, don’t forget to name the School. Giving
   your at home school a name will make it more official and special for your
   little one.

Yes, this time can be very stressful and sad for your little one, but it doesn’t
have to be. With a little planning and preparing it can be a happy and
exciting transition for your little one.

Top image by Pink
Sherbet

]]> http://abchomepreschool.com/PreschoolEducationBlog/2009/08/25/when-the-older-siblings-go-back-to-school/feed/ 0 http://abchomepreschool.com/PreschoolEducationBlog/2008/12/26/8-ways-to-raise-a-thankful-child/ http://abchomepreschool.com/PreschoolEducationBlog/2008/12/26/8-ways-to-raise-a-thankful-child/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 02:20:13 +0000 TheNanny612 http://www.abchomepreschool.com/PreschoolEducationBlog/?p=164
Image by Lachlan
Hardy

In today’s
modern world of gimme, gimme, gimme – raising an appreciative, well-rounded
child can seem like a difficult task. However, with just a few simple changes
it is easier than you might imagine. Read on to find our eight, resourceful
ways [...]]]>
Image by Lachlan
Hardy

In today’s
modern world of gimme, gimme, gimme – raising an appreciative, well-rounded
child can seem like a difficult task. However, with just a few simple changes
it is easier than you might imagine. Read on to find our eight, resourceful
ways to raise a thankful child. It is the perfect secret weapon for the holiday
season and bey

Participate in a local food drive Help him go through his old toy bins and donate a few to charity Help your child create handmade thank you notes for holiday gifts they receive

4. Pick a child
   from a charity tree and let your child pick out the gifts

5. Be an at-home
   volunteer to charities such as Hugs
   and Hope

6. Teach
   him the value of a dollar with a weekly allowance earned for chores

7. Have him spend
   a portion of that money on a friend or donate it to your church

8. Love him to
   bits . . . giving him plenty to be thankful for

Remember, even when
you don’t think you are getting through, little drops of knowledge that
you think are washing right off those ears, somewhere along the line sink in.
We promise you; someday you will wake up and realize . . . You did a pretty
amazing job

]]> http://abchomepreschool.com/PreschoolEducationBlog/2008/12/26/8-ways-to-raise-a-thankful-child/feed/ 1 http://abchomepreschool.com/PreschoolEducationBlog/2008/03/21/20-easter-crafts-and-activities-for-kids/ http://abchomepreschool.com/PreschoolEducationBlog/2008/03/21/20-easter-crafts-and-activities-for-kids/#comments Sat, 22 Mar 2008 03:56:48 +0000 TheNanny612 http://www.abchomepreschool.com/PreschoolEducationBlog/2008/03/21/20-easter-crafts-and-activities-for-kids/

Here you go….. here are
some of my favorite Easter crafts and activities to do with my children for
the Easter Holidays. Kids love the Holidays for many reasons. But, I like to
remind my children that bottom line the Holidays are about "Family".
So, remind your children of that [...]]]>

Here you go….. here are
some of my favorite Easter crafts and activities to do with my children for
the Easter Holidays. Kids love the Holidays for many reasons. But, I like to
remind my children that bottom line the Holidays are about "Family".
So, remind your children of that fact by involving the entire family in these
fun Easter Crafts and Activities.

	Paper Easter Baskets – Fun paper craft to do with your kids perfect for Easter. These Easter Baskets are not only a fun craft to make with your children, but also are perfect to fill with treats or Easter Eggs.
	Bunny Ears for Kids – This is a super easy and a super fun craft to do with your kids in celebration of the Easter Holiday.
	Plastic Egg Bunny - Help your kids make these super cute Easter Egg Bunnies. Then hide the eggs and have the kids find all the Plastic Egg Bunnies. Fun, Fun!!
	Easter Placemat Craft – Very cute and very easy Placemat craft to do with your children. Great to use for decorations around the Easter table.
	Jelly Bean Belly Easter Bunny – A child loves Jelly Beans on Easter…. Easter just wouldn’t be the same without Jelly Beans. Here is a craft to celebrate Jelly Beans on Easter.
	Brown Bag Bunny – Okay, now this bunny is sooooo…. cute!! And, it is made out of a paper bag.
	Finger Print Egg – We all love crafts that help us remember the special quality times we spent with our children. Well, these Finger Print Eggs are no exception. Help the kids use their fingers to make these beautiful egg perfect for Easter.
	Paper Mache Easter Eggs – A beautiful and fun crafts for the kids.
	Paper Cup Bunny and Chick – The kids will love making these fun paper cup crafts. They will enjoy making them so much they will want to make them for all the Easter Guests this Holiday.
	Cotton Covered Sequin Eggs - This just might be the fanciest Easter Egg craft out there. Make these beautiful Easter Eggs with your kids.
	Felt Easter Egg Pouch – Help you kids make these felt Easter Egg Pouches. Then let them decorate the outside of the pouches with whatever craft decorations they would like. Let them fill their pouches with stickers and small Easter goodies.
	Cute Easter Chickens - Your kids will need your help with this craft, but it will be so worth it. This Chicken craft turns out adorable.
	Easter Bunny Mask – Kids love to wear masks and imagine they are someone or something else. Help your child make this Easter Bunny Mask so that he can pretend he is the Easter Bunny on Easter Morning.
	Egg Carton Easter Basket - Isn’t this Easter Basket Craft cute? And, its easy to make. Have your kids decorate them anyway they want to. They are great to use as kids’ favors for treats after the Easter meal.
	Toilet Paper Tube Easter Egg Holders – Preschoolers will love making these super easy crafts for the Easter Holidays. And, the supplies are things you will find around the house…. like toilet paper tubes.
	Easter Bunny Basket – Check out this Easter Craft that is not only fun to make, but fun to use when the craft has been finished.
	Easter Bunny Plate – Cute Easter Bunny Plate craft designed by a Stay at Home Mom…. gotta love it!!
	Sock Bunnies – Now this is a craft you will have to help your child with, but take a look at the image to your left….. isn’t it cute!! This sock bunny craft is totally adorable. And, this way you can recycle their socks that are too small for them to wear.
	Felted Easter Eggs – Check out how this mom and a bunch of children make these simply beautiful Felted Easter Eggs. Group project… gotta love it!!

 

 

easter crafts activities arts & holidays kids children parenting preschool

]]> http://abchomepreschool.com/PreschoolEducationBlog/2008/03/21/20-easter-crafts-and-activities-for-kids/feed/ 4 http://abchomepreschool.com/PreschoolEducationBlog/2007/10/03/take-your-preschooler-on-a-hike/ http://abchomepreschool.com/PreschoolEducationBlog/2007/10/03/take-your-preschooler-on-a-hike/#comments Wed, 03 Oct 2007 04:36:20 +0000 TheNanny612 http://www.abchomepreschool.com/PreschoolEducationBlog/2007/10/03/take-your-preschooler-on-a-hike/

Fall is a great month
to take your preschooler on a hike.
Hikes are great because of the obvious physical exercise that they give to your
child. They are also a terrific way to teach kids about nature. Kids can learn
to interact appropriately with the plants and animals that [...]]]>

Fall is a great month
to take your preschooler on a hike.
Hikes are great because of the obvious physical exercise that they give to your
child. They are also a terrific way to teach kids about nature. Kids can learn
to interact appropriately with the plants and animals that live in your area
and can gain an appreciation for the world around them. Hikes can also be used
for many different lessons including teaching the skill of observation, learning
about the culture of people who once lived in the area where you are hiking
and starting to understand about the weather and terrain. Plus, taking
your preschooler on a hike is a great bonding experience.

The most obvious way that a hike benefits your preschooler is that it offers physical activity. We are increasingly aware of the importance of physical activity for kids of all ages. The earlier that kids find physical activities that they enjoy, the more likely they are to develop a positive attitude towards exercise. You just might be getting your child started on a lifelong love of hiking. Additionally, physical activities like hiking are a great time to talk to your kids about how their bodies work. This makes hikes with your preschooler a great learning experience.

In addition to learning about
their own bodies and the importance of physical fitness, kids can learn about
the world around them through hiking. When you take your preschooler on a hike,
you’re likely to run into a number of animals out in the wilderness. You
can teach your children about the birds, rodents and wildlife that you may see
on the hike. Additionally, you and your preschooler can study the plant life
in the area to learn more about that kind of nature. This will not only be a
great science education for your preschooler but will also teach him or her
to interact kindly with the earth. Hiking is a great time to teach your
kids about the environment. And of course fall is a great time for
other hiking lessons since the area is changing so much.

You can explore these changes
(such as the new colors the leaves) with your preschooler during a hike. Learning
to be observant is one of the key tools needed for studying science.
You can also use this experience as a springboard for other lessons. Watch the
weather changes. Do some research yourself about the native people who used
to live in the area so that you can teach your child about this. Study the terrain
and talk about the geology of the area. Kids love to collect rocks and leaves
to take home for art projects. Make a diorama about your hike to reinforce the
lessons that were learned. Alternatively, take a camera along with you when
you and your preschooler go hiking. Kids’ cameras give great motor skills
and encourage your children’s creativity.

And of course you’ll
be able to take pictures on the hike to capture the memories that you are making
while you are out there. Even if you aren’t actively using the
hike to teach your child specific lessons, you will be creating a special experience
between the two of you that will last a lifetime. Many great conversations
happen on hikes. This may be something that you can use to continue to build
and grow your relationship with your children over time.

Technorati Tags:hiking with kids, children, physical education, preschool, hiking

]]> http://abchomepreschool.com/PreschoolEducationBlog/2007/10/03/take-your-preschooler-on-a-hike/feed/ 4 http://abchomepreschool.com/PreschoolEducationBlog/2007/09/05/preschool-fall-crafts-and-activities/ http://abchomepreschool.com/PreschoolEducationBlog/2007/09/05/preschool-fall-crafts-and-activities/#comments Wed, 05 Sep 2007 23:57:43 +0000 TheNanny612 http://www.abchomepreschool.com/PreschoolEducationBlog/2007/09/05/preschool-fall-crafts-and-activities/

Wow! Can you believe
that fall is already almost here? The time sure does fly, especially when you’ve
been having summer fun. But fall is a terrific season and one that many of us
look forward to. The change in temperature and scenery around us is beautiful
and the fall [...]]]>

Wow! Can you believe
that fall is already almost here? The time sure does fly, especially when you’ve
been having summer fun. But fall is a terrific season and one that many of us
look forward to. The change in temperature and scenery around us is beautiful
and the fall holidays are filled with fun. And this means that there are lots
of preschool fall activities that we can all get excited about.


Here are some of
the activities to put on your preschool projects calendar for
the autumn months:

Apple picking and cider making. Either or both of these activities can be done during the fall. They teach kids about nature, health, cooking and other skills plus they give you a product to enjoy; the fruits of your labor if you will. Autumn sponge painting. Sponge painting can be done all year long but it’s great during the fall because of the beautiful colors that are associated with it. Get plenty of brown, orange, red and yellow paint and cut your sponges into fall shapes. Collect fallen leaves for art projects. As leaves fall off the ground, they can be collected to create various art projects. This naturally leads to a whole preschool lesson about the cycle of life. Making wreaths out of the collected leaves is a popular preschool fall project.

• Fall
  foods.
  There are certain foods that are unique to fall. Make lessons and projects
  out of them. Bake pumpkin seeds, for example. This will eventually segue well
  into the Thanksgiving celebrations that will come at the end of fall.
• Halloween
  activities.
  There are a plethora of different preschool activities related to Halloween.
  Costume making, story telling, coloring sheets of ghosts and witches, projects
  like making scarecrows, and teaching kids songs and plays about the holiday
  are just the tip of the iceberg. Don’t forget to leave lots of room
  in October for all of these events.
• Photography.
  Get a cheap disposable camera and have a photography exhibition. Things change
  in the fall and taking pictures of colored leaves and barren branches will
  help your preschoolers notice these changes. The photos can be used for scrapbooks
  or other projects.
• Read
  books about fall. There are plenty of books out there that relate
  to fall as well as to the holidays that happen during the fall. Make these
  a regular part of your preschool reading time. Encourage children to tell
  their own stories about fall using some of the themes and characters from
  their books.
• Thanksgiving
  activities. Another fall holiday is Thanksgiving and it, too, has
  a variety of different preschool activities associated with it. We’ve
  all made turkeys and pilgrim hats but you can get more creative than that,
  of course. Making the cornucopia is always a seasonal favorite.

Fall is
a fun season. There is plenty to do during the autumn months
to keep activities fun and exciting. And yet there isn’t the
hectic pace that’s associated with the winter months and holidays. It’s
a time to celebrate and enjoy yourselves and the world around you.

Technorati Tags:crafts, activities, kids, children, preschool

]]> http://abchomepreschool.com/PreschoolEducationBlog/2007/09/05/preschool-fall-crafts-and-activities/feed/ 0