How to get Baby to Sleep for a Nap

Foolproof ways to tire your toddlers out for nap time

Are you struggling to get your little toddler to take a breather and rest? Nap time can be heaven for both you and your toddler. They get some much-needed rest before carrying on with their day, giving you a chance to get a few things done, or simply take a minute for yourself. You've probably wondered, how to get your baby to sleep for a nap, here are some tips to earn that well deserved quiet time.

While nap time sounds like a dream, getting your toddler down and asleep is much easier said than done. Although some days may not run to plan, there are some great ways to encourage a toddler to take his nap, so you can have a moment to get through your to-do list. Here are some infant nap time parenting tips so you can get some things done around the house.

Encourage or play active games with them

Active games are a great way to burn off all that extra energy before a nap. It can be as simple as a game of Simon Says or Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. Not only are these games fun and easy, but they also require minimal set-up and clean up. 

Simon Says can help kids learn about body awareness and movement, as well as how to pay attention, follow instructions and be a leader. Whereas Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes can help kids with their balance, coordination and learning about their bodies.

Other games like Duck Duck Goose and Ring Around the Rosie lets kids literally run around, but can also help them develop strategic thinking skills and spatial awareness – although you’ll need more than one child (or adult!) to be able to play them.

Get some fresh air and/or exercise

This goes without saying – exercise is a great way to tire your little ones. Ideally, any exercise you choose to do should burn through their excess energy without giving them a second wind and keeping them wide awake. The key is to stay active and keep babies moving, but not to have too much fun so they won't fight sleep when it comes.

The old stand by activities are great for tiring out your baby for outside play: 

• Bouncing or kicking a ball.

• Riding a bike or scooter.

• Playing chase.

• Blowing bubbles.

You can even go for a light walk around the block or to their favorite playground. Let them loose on the play equipment and they’ll be ready to nap when they get home.

If the weather isn’t the best, you can still get your toddler moving at home. Encourage them to have a dance along to a music video or get them running and climbing with a make-shift obstacle course. 

Put them to work with some household chores

If you’ve got a few jobs to get done around the house, why not get your toddler involved? This will take a little patience, the job will likely take a little longer, but every little chore will get your toddler closer to sleep.

The easiest way to make this nap time trick work is by giving your kids chores that are appropriate for their age, which also keep them active. Start with simple things like picking up their toys or tidying up their room. You can add a touch of fun to the household chores by having clean-up races, enjoying a toy scavenger hunt to be found in the bottom of the laundry pile, or making a game of loading the dishwasher.

Not only will doing household chores wear your kids out, it also teaches them responsibility about how a household functions. These are valuable life skills your children will carry with them throughout their lives. It’ll also help you get through the household chores on your to-do list, even if they’re not perfectly done!

 

Encourage winding down activities

Even with all their energy burnt off, your little one might not just drop straight off to bed. Sometimes they need a little quiet time to help them settle and wind down.

Relaxing activities that will keep their attention are key to quiet time. These activities can be as easy as giving them an age-appropriate puzzle, a simple coloring activity, or engaging them in quiet building activities, like a Lego set.

When all else fails, a good-old children’s book is a sure-fire way to help them unwind. You can encourage them to curl up on the couch and read to themselves or mimic bedtime and read to them as they fall asleep.  

Create a nap time ritual

Complement winding down activities by creating a nap time ritual to follow. This should be similar to creating a bedtime ritual. It should be consistent, such as setting aside a specific period of time everyday for the nap, dimming the lights, reading a story to them, and playing some white noise (like rain or wind) to block out outside noises.

This nap time ritual gives your baby's body a cue to fall asleep, rest, and recharge.

Once you start giving these nap time sleep methods a try, you’ll soon be watching your little one drift off to sleep with ease, allowing you some much needed me time.

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What are the Best Ideas to get Kids to Exercise

 How to Get Your Kids Interested in Exercise

Nowadays, with all of the video games and gadgets available, it’s difficult to get kids to put away their screens and try something active. This has led to a huge rise in childhood obesity and health problems related to sedentary behavior. As a parent, you want your child to be as happy and healthy as possible, so how can you encourage them to become more interested in exercise rather than playing video games or watching TV? Here are some of the best ideas to get kids to exercise to give you inspiration.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Photo by Hunter Johnson on Unsplash

Ways to get Children to Exercise:

Try out a sport

If your child finds exercise ‘boring,’ then maybe they just haven’t found a sport they like yet. Sports are both lots of fun and a great way to burn extra calories, and team sports can also teach your child vital life skills like teamwork and cooperation. 

Volleyball is a fantastic, fast-paced sport that your kids will love. If you buy volleyball equipment to play this sport at home, then you’ll need to make sure you look after it so it doesn’t get damaged. In particular, volleyball ball pumps are essential for keeping the ball in perfect condition.

Go to after-school clubs

If you don’t have the space or equipment for your kids to play sports at home, then you can sign them up for after-school sports clubs instead. These clubs will have much better facilities and will be able to teach your child more about the sport, helping them reach their full potential. Additionally, your child will participate with other children at these clubs, which will help them make new friends and learn how to collaborate.

Walk to school

A small change you could make to your child’s routine is walking them to school instead of driving them there (or letting them walk alone if they’re old enough). This will get them used to moving more and will reduce their total amount of sedentary behavior. 

Try sports and dance games

A fun family activity that’ll get you all moving is sports or dance games. Although video games often reduce your child’s activity levels, these games actually make them get up and move around in order to win. Games like Just Dance are also extremely fun and competitive - you’ll be having as much fun and getting as much exercise as the kids!

Just Dance Nintendo Switch

Ask them what activities they like

Most importantly, you can’t get your kids interested in exercise if you don’t listen to what they’d like to do. Forcing them to take part in sports and activities they hate will only make them resent exercise. For example, you may find out that your child prefers competitive team sports, solitary sports like running, or simply going for long walks. You may also find that your child isn’t very interested in sports but loves creative activities like dance. Try out a variety of activities to see what works for them.

Once you’ve found a form of exercise that your child enjoys, it’ll be so much easier to establish healthy habits and avoid harmful sedentary behaviors. Whatever you choose, make sure you enjoy the ride!

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Top Tips before Visiting a Waterpark in Australia

Australia Water Park Trip Tips

Summertime is the perfect time to head to the waterpark and enjoy some fun in the sun. With so many different waterparks located all around Australia, there's sure to be one near you that will provide a great day out for the whole family. So, if you're looking for some excitement this summer, be sure to check out one of these amazing Australian waterparks and follow these tips.

Top Water Parks in Australia

There are many different waterparks located all around Australia, and each one offers a unique experience for visitors. Here are some of the best waterparks in the country:

• Gumbuya World - Gumbuya world is located in Victoria, just 45 minutes from Melbourne. The park offers an amazing range of attractions including whirlpools, wave pools, lazy rivers and the G-Force Waterslides.

• Adventure World - This park is located in Perth and is geared towards families with kids. It features a number of slides, pools, games, and rides.

• Wibit Sports Park - This park is located near Sydney and offers a unique experience for visitors. Instead of traditional waterpark features like slides, you get to enjoy inflatable obstacle courses in the open ocean instead. It's perfect for family fun!

• Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast - This park is located in Queensland near Brisbane and offers a variety of slides and rides

Tips for visiting a waterpark with kids

Most waterparks are perfect for a fun day out for the whole family, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind when visiting with kids. Here are some tips to help make your day at the park enjoyable for everyone:

• Make sure your kids are familiar with the safety rules of the park before you go.

• Help them stay safe by ensuring they always listen to the lifeguards and follow their instructions.

• Teach your kids how to swim and be aware of their surroundings in the pool.

• Bring sunscreen and hats for protection against the sun, and don't forget to apply it regularly.

• Pack plenty of water and snacks to keep them hydrated and fueled.

Things not to bring at the park 

When you're visiting a waterpark in Australia, be sure to leave the following items at home:

• Sunglasses: While sunglasses are a great accessory for the beach, they can actually be quite dangerous when you're swimming or playing in the water. If a lens falls off and ends up in the water, it can become a serious safety hazard. 

• Jewelry: This includes anything from earrings to necklaces and rings. The last thing you want is to lose your precious jewelry in the water!

• Glass: No glass containers are allowed inside the waterpark, so leave your glass bottles or jars at home. 

Waterparks are a great way to enjoy the summer with friends and family, but these establishments can be tricky. There are many different types of waterparks in Australia, so it’s important to know which one is best for you before visiting. In this article we covered some of the most popular parks, as well as some tips to help you make your next adventure a better one! 

                                                                                                                                     -Guest Post

How To Be a Cool Aunt or Uncle

Are you a cool uncle or aunt?

Whether or not you have your own children, being an uncle or aunt is a different experience. Because the parenting duties don’t fall on you, you get to be the cool relative! Here are some tips so your nephews will be in awe of you, and you'll know how to be a cool uncle or aunt!

Gift buying

Gift buying can be difficult, but with the guide on Wicked Uncle, you can find fun toys for your nephew. They simplify gift buying for all age groups. For 0-3, they have suggestions such as the Pull Back Town Vehicles or the Amphibious Remote-Control Car. For older children, their suggestions include Interactive Glow T-shirts and the Bean Boozled Jellybean Challenge. Whatever you decide on is almost certain to gain you the title of favorite aunt or uncle.

Give your Nephew experiences he will cherish

Although many adults look back fondly at memories of their childhood toys, experiences can create happy memories too.

These could be anything from fun days out, such as a local farm or a theme park, a visit to their favorite park with ice cream afterward, an activity such as Segway, or you could join the family on their next vacation. This lets you spend time with your nephew and your sibling and their family while being part of memories your nephew will have when he looks back on family vacations.

Act like a kid sometimes

As an aunt or uncle, you can be relaxed. So, you get to be a little childish sometimes. If your nephew is having a fun dress up party, you can dress in a silly outfit, and perhaps even save money for his parents by being a clown or magician. You don’t need any special skills, and if you get everything wrong, that could be part of your act. Remember, you're the cool uncle!

Alternatively, something simple like a trip to the park could make you more popular with your nephew. You can make playing on the slide or swinging from a climbing frame more fun by joining in. You get to have fun and be a big kid, and he'll think you’re a fun uncle = cool uncle!

Stay up to date with trends

By keeping up to date with the latest trends for boys his age, you will be able to talk about things he enjoys. This could be anything from the latest TV show, band or singer, or a recent video game that everyone his age is talking about. If your nephew is into video games, you could ask to play against him on one of his favorite games. If you’re not great at these games, it doesn’t matter, because he'll be happy to win against you.

Also, just by talking to him, you can find out what he’s interested in, then either ask him more about it or research it later and be able to talk about his interests in detail. He'll like that you understand him.

Being a cool aunt or uncle doesn’t have to be difficult. It can be lots of fun and help you recapture some of your own childhood. So, get out the and be the fun uncle!

 

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The Benefits of Extracurricular Activities for Children with Disabilities

Special Needs Children Need to Participate in Extra Curricular Activities too!

A recent report suggests that pediatricians should encourage more children with disabilities to take part in physical activities. It is common for both doctors and parents to be cautious about allowing children with physical impairments to join after school clubs or participate in sports and team games. Children with disabilities and special needs aren't always given the opportunity or encouraged to participate and enjoy the benefits of extra curricular activities.

However, a number of studies show that increased physical activity in children with disabilities can significantly improve general health as well as help to develop mobility, balance, and coordination. At the same time, involvement in team sports and other organized recreational activities offer great opportunities to build social skills, make new friends and boost self-confidence. With the right support, children with physical or learning disabilities are able to enjoy a range of recreational activities, from fun party games at a sleepover to residential camps during the summer.

Photo by Danny Nee on Unsplash.

Taking Part in Accessible Activities

Although it may sometimes be more challenging, many children with disabilities are able to safely take part in physical activities. With more accessible facilities, specialized equipment and personal recommendations, children with a range of different needs and abilities can find an activity that they enjoy. In addition, increased levels of exercise can help them to maintain a healthy weight and improve their cardiovascular fitness. 

While children with spastic cerebral palsy may experience difficulties with balance and movement, they can still enjoy activities such as horse riding or swimming that can allow them to experience greater mobility and independence. Even less physical activities such as drawing or photography are still very useful for refining motor skills and are also calmer activities for children with sensory issues. 

 

Joining After-School Programs

While parents are often more focused on academic achievement or medical therapies, after-school programs for children with special needs offer a great opportunity to try out a range of different activities. Each child has different abilities and requirements so it is important to find a hobby or sport that suits that builds on their strengths and allows them to develop and grow.  As well as having the chance to master a new skill, being part of a club allows children to make new friends and learn essential life skills.

 

Attending Inclusive Summer Camps

Summer camps are also a great place to develop life skills such as team working, resilience and decision-making.  As well as being able to choose a specialist camp designed to support particular conditions such as autism or cerebral palsy, children with additional needs can also take their pick from any camp in the country. The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that all camps are inclusive to children with disabilities. This means that accommodations such as wheelchair-accessible ramps or additional therapeutic programs, are made to allow children of all abilities to access a range of activities suited to their particular interests and needs. 

With the provision of accessible after school programs and summer camps, children with disabilities and additional special needs can enjoy the physical and social benefits of extracurricular activities.

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7 Winter and Christmas Activities to Do with Your Kids

Simple Christmas Activities to Do with Your Kids

Winter is here! Oh, and Christmas is also just around the corner! Not only do kids love this time of year, but so adults do too! Even the most mature people in society can’t help but get a little giddy when it’s snowing outside and the bells are ringing! Christmas brings out everyone’s inner child. Of course, winter means it’s time for fun, family, holiday activities and lots of them! Read on for 7 simple winter and Christmas activities to do with your kids.

Seven Simple Activities to do with Kids during Winter Season

There's no need to spend a lot of money or stress over making glorious holiday decorations and delectable cookies to achieve the perfect Christmas with kids. Simple winter and holiday activities make the best, long lasting memories. Why not start a new family Christmas tradition with these simple activities for family time with the kids.

1. Decorate your whole house with fancy lights

Winter isn’t the holiday season without fancy lights. 

From the colorful to the vibrant, get creative and beautiful LED fairy lights to your favorite rooms. Make sure to get the kids involved by allowing them to have input on which lights go in which location. LED lights don't get hot like those old fashioned Christmas lights so go crazy this year!

To get some amazing Christmas lights, as well as other cool bulbs and lamps, go to powerpointelectrics.co.uk. Be a clever mom or dad by ordering your lights now before it’s too late! The more lights, the merrier the holiday season. Your kids will treasure this family tradition, so go make it a thing!

2. Spend a day at your local slopes

Fingers crossed; it’s going to snow this winter! When it does, the entire family should wrap up nice and warm and head down to your local slopes. They’ll probably be lots of other families and kids there, too, which will make the occasion extra memorable. In Indiana, you can also do some stellar snow toboggan sledding at Pokagon State Park.

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3. Create paper snowflakes

Kids love to get creative during winter and Christmas time. A great winter holiday activity idea is to create snowflakes out of paper. Follow this easy tutorial on how to make paper snowflakes from Martha Stewart. Make sure to carefully guide your kids through the steps, and don’t forget to be extra careful with sharp scissors! Once you’ve created your paper snowflakes, scatter them around your home for a special winter holiday decoration.

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4. Read Christmas stories

It's impossible to count the abundance of classic Christmas stories. So, this winter, give your kids freedom of choice when it comes to which stories they want to hear. Maybe it will be The Polar Express, or – wait for it - How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Click here for some great holiday books for kids that you may not of yet read!

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5. Go on a Netflix marathon with the family!

Usually, the weather is freezing cold during the winter months in Indiana. Of course, this means that a lot of time is spent indoors (preferably with marshmallow.)

When your family is relaxing around the house during the holiday, load up Netflix and go on a movie-watching marathon! Elf, anyone? If you need extra help, here are 37 of the best Christmas movies for kids available on Netflix. 

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6. Have a cozy fire in your backyard

Bonfires don't have to be just for fall! If you have a nice spacious backyard, you should have a cozy (and safe) fire. You’ll even be able to toast some marshmallows, have some hot chocolate, and tell your best Christmas stories. While you're at it, make some savory s'mores!

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7. Build igloos and snow forts

When it snows, it’s only right that the entire family has a huge snowball fight! When you do, make sure to build some igloos and forts to make it extra exciting. You can even make indoor snowballs for an indoor snowball fight!

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