Wondering How to Save Money on Kids' Activities?

How to do Kids’ Activities Without Breaking the Bank

Offering enriching activities to your children is great for their long term growth. However, it might not be fantastic for your pocket. Although you’ll want to make sure your kids get the best opportunities available to them, you don’t want to spend a small fortune on kids' activities, especially if you're learning that your child quickly loses interest. So, how do you do activities with your kids without spending a lot of money?

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It's a tough decision, you want to give your kids the best; but you don't want to waste your money or time. As a parent, you've got options. Your children don’t have to miss out on that activity they desperately want to try just because you're on a tight budget. Here are some helpful tips which will allow your kids to enjoy some fun, enriching kids' activities without breaking the bank.

Tips to Save Money on Activities for Kids

Enroll in One Activity at a Time

Your kids don’t have to do it all, it’s a good idea to pick one activity each season. If you have more than one child, enroll them all in the same activity. Not only will enrolling your kids together save time and stress, but it can save money. There are a number of places that offer sibling discounts and siblings can often share items too. Be sure to ask, even if you don’t see such a discount or offer advertised.

Purchase Fun Equipment for Home Use

There are various toys and equipment that allow different activities without spending too much. You can install a gaga ball pit to provide an exhilarating experience for kids. The pit can be set up outdoors or in a large spare room. You can also dismantle and stored the ball pit between uses. The best thing is that you don't have to spend a lot of money on pricey play venues. This ball pit gives your kids one more choice for fun and beneficial sensory play activities.

Pay Ahead

See if there are any discounts available for paying ahead or in cash. Some businesses will give a price cut if you pay for the whole year up front, or they may even offer a discount once a year if you pay a few months in advance.

Buy Second-Hand

You might find it surprising just how easy it is to find kids' equipment that’s barely been used. So, before you go about buying a new instrument or sports equipment, have a look at places such as eBay, Craigslist, Play it Again Sports or thrift stores. You can even ask other parents! Kids often lose interest in an activity or outgrow their clothes quickly, which means you can find items in good condition for a fraction of the cost.

Go DIY with Crafts

One way to save money on activities for your children is to do it yourself with games and crafts. There are some great, inexpensive DIY craft ideas to try out, and you can always create activities for kids with free print-outs. Of course, some stores even provide coupons that help cover the costs of kids' activities. For instance, take a look at Target Coupons to see what discounts are available.

Volunteer

If you can manage a team, do coaching, record scores, or sell refreshments, you may be able to cut the cost of some activities. Have a chat with whoever oversees the kids' program to discuss how you can donate your time to work off any fees or equipment costs.

Barter

Bartering is always a good choice. When you offer a service or trade in return for another, instead of paying cash, it benefits both parties and if often an acceptable way to pay for your kids' extra-curricular activities. Services may vary based on your abilities and skills, but it might include cleaning or clerical work- just to give you some ideas.


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How To Prepare Your Child For A Standardized Test

So, It's Time for a Standardized Test...

Standardized tests are a common strategy applied to gauge a student’s learning capability and the school’s or teacher’s performance. There is a common misconception about standardized tests among parents that these tests are designed to evaluate school performance and don’t necessarily judge students' abilities. 

However, standardized tests are an important part of a student's academic life. In some cases, standardized tests are essential for grade promotion, graduation, or even securing a driving license. As a parent, it is your duty to prepare your children for this test, so they can deliver their best.

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How To Prepare Your Child For A Standardized Testing: Relaxing the day before is always a good idea!

What Is a Standardized Test?

A standardized test is a testing system that is based on a standard approach. In standardized tests, the question is the same for everyone, the duration of the test is the same for everyone, and even the evaluation process of answers remains the same for every student. 

Independent school entrance examination (ISSE), California achievement test (CAT), Secondary School Admission Test  (SSAT), Preliminary scholastic aptitude test (PSAT), and General Educational Development test (GED) are some commonly-known standardized tests.

Why Standardized Tests Are Used?

A standardized test is a tool applied to evaluate the effectiveness of institutional practice.  It provides a uniform platform to measure the performance of schools and students. A standardized test can gather information about the state education system, a school program, or the performance of a single student. It helps to determine a student's strengths or weaknesses and to certify their ability.

Different Methods of Standardized Test

Standardized tests are designed to evaluate the aptitude of a student. Unlike the regular tests that measure the subject-specific knowledge, the standardized test evaluates creativity, verbal ability, abstract reasoning, and mechanical ability. There are different methods of standardized methods. The most common methods adopted by schools are true or false questions, multiple-choice questions, and essay questions.

What Should Your Child Bring to a Standardized Test?

There are different rules for different tests. If students are allowed a calculator, you should check whether the model is approved by the authority. If your calculator is not approved then you should check out a smart site with good reviews for buying another model of calculator. Pen, Pencils, watch, water, and other essentials should be with your child while attending a standardized test.

How Do You Prepare Your Child For Standardized Tests?

Parents can play an important role in preparing a child for a standardized test. There are a number of ways that you can take an active role in your child’s preparation for a test. Let’s read on to know more about them.

Know About the Test

Usually, teachers notify parents before a standardized test. You should know the purpose of the test and whether the result will affect your child or the school. Also, make sure you know the exact schedule of the test and whether you need to prepare your child for the test.

Communicate With Your Child

Communicate with your child about the test. Try to find out if he/she is prepared for it. If there is any area or subject that they are less than confident about, try to solve the issues with them. If necessary, go through the previous mistakes and review them. Practicing more will boost their confidence.

Build a Positive Mindset

A positive mindset can make a huge difference in test performance. As a parent, you should try to build up your child’s confidence. Try to convey the message that you are 100% confident about them. No matter how the result is, you would be glad if they try their best.

Go Through the Test Instructions

Review the test instructions with your child. Make clear how much time will be provided and how many questions are to be answered. Try to convey the importance of that particular test to your kid; it will instill a ‘can do’ attitude within them. Tell them they should try to answer all the questions, even if they are unsure about the answer, as it will build their confidence and critical thinking skills.

Follow a Healthy Routine

A good night's sleep can have a huge impact on test performance. Try to get your child to bed early so that she can be relaxed on the test day. Most of the time, students' bad performance on a test can be tied back to the reason they lacked a good sleep the night before. Also, follow healthy eating habits that will ensure your child’s physical well being.

Build a Relaxing Atmosphere on Test Day

On the test day, stay cheerful and relaxed. Make some nutritious breakfast that will provide stamina throughout the test. Avoid foods that can cause any digestive issues to your child. Overall, follow a regular routine that your child follows for any regular test. Give some words of encouragement to them, so they feel confident.

Debrief After the Test

After the test, go through the parts that were tough for your child. Talk to your child about how they feel about the test. Try to get an insight into how they dealt with the problems they faced. It will help them process her own strategies and do better the next time.

How to Deal With Pre Test Anxiety

Some students develop anxiety over facing a test. Needless to say, extreme anxiety should be treated so that it can't have any negative effect on the test. If your children feel anxious about the test, then you have to put things in perspective for them. Tell them no matter how they perform, you will be proud of them just for braving the test.

Melt Anxiety Card Deck for Kids

On a final note, while standardized tests are not high stake tests, they can have an impact on your child’s studies. So prepare for the tests on a regular basis by checking your child's homework and their study progress. Be an active part of their academic life, so she feels encouraged. Your involvement in their studies can make a big difference to both their academic performance and personal growth.

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What is a Standardized Test? How do you Prepare your Child?

Easy Valentines Day Paper Craft for Kids: Love Collage

Heart Construction Paper Craft for Valentines Day

This construction paper craft for Valentine's Day is easy.  The heart collage is simple enough to do with early childhood kids and seniors with dementia, but is also fun for everyone! Adapt the steps as needed for the skill level of your crafters. 

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More Valentine Crafts from Adventures of Kids Creative Chaos.

Supplies:

Pastel Construction Paper

Scissors

Glue Sticks

Magazines (February Magazines work best.)

Get Pop up Valentine's Day Cards.

Vertical lay out, lay out images horizontally (landscape)  for Valentine's Day cards.

Love Collage Paper Craft Activity for Valentine's Day

• Search through magazines for pictures of things you love.
• Tear out the page.
• Fold the page in half, centering the image in the fold.
• Cut the image out in the shape of a heart.
• Arrange the hearts on your paper.
• Glue magazine heart cut outs down with a glue stick.
• Repeat.

Tip: Pick images in the same  color family and the heart collage becomes more work of art than craft. Use it to make beautiful Valentine's Day Cards for family members.

When working with early childhood kids, draw the half heart over the folded paper and let them cut it out to work fine motor skills. When working with seniors in retirement homes, you may need to cut the images out for them, but allow them to choose, fold, and paste. While they're choosing images, reminisce about their Valentine's Day memories.

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Throw a Backyard Party Tips and Ideas

Throwing a Child’s Party in Your Yard: A Guide 

Planning a birthday party? Are you tired of indoor bouncy play areas? How about mini golf or pizza arcades? Do you never want to see a ball pit ever again for as long as you live? If so, do something different for your child’s next birthday party. Throwing a backyard party is easier than you think! Here's a guide to help you prep for the best garden yard party ever!

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Sure, you could invite your child’s friends over to a party inside your home, but that always results in a big mess to clean after the party. No doubt something will end up broken. Who wants to deal with all that after entertaining a house full of kids all day?

When you host an outdoor yard party for your child, you don’t have to worry about fingerprints on your door, dirt tracked in your kitchen, or things getting broken. Especially, if you rent a port-a potty! You can finally sit back, relax, and actually have a good time.

Just add a portable camping toilet. Get Pod tent on Amazon.

Always expect the unexpected! To ensure that your guests have a good time at the party, prepare in advance to avoid last minute hassles. Make sure the yard is safe place for the kiddos to run around. Things happen, these yard party tips and ideas will help you avoid mishaps and unhappy guests!

3 Things to Do to Host a Fun and Safe Child’s Backyard Party

Rid your Yard of Pests

Before throwing a party, most people don't consider all of the creatures that run a muck in their yard. The last thing you want at an outdoor yard party is a swarm of nasty wasps or an infestation of ants taking up residence and ruining the party. Most kids are afraid of insects and rodents, which is why you should rid your yard of pests before your guests arrive and the party starts.

When you take on the all-important challenge of banishing pests from your yard, it’s essential that you enlist the help of a professional pest service such as Moxie Pest Control. They'll have the tools, the all-important know-how, and the experience needed to ensure that your pest problem is dealt with in the most effective manner possible. 

Once the pests are under control, you can begin the fun tasks of setting up and decorating for the party.

Set up Food and Drink Stations

Want to be really fancy? If you’ve got plenty of space in your yard, consider setting up different food and drink stations. Galvanized buckets are perfect for serving up treats and even party games. This gives your birthday party guests something to pick at or indulge in while waiting for the cake. Nobody will get hungry, thirsty, or bored at your party. So it will reduce the number of fussy kids and party-goers.

Are you stuck for inspiration when it comes to deciding what food and drink stations to set up in the backyard? Consider the ideas below for party food and drink stations for a crowd.

A galvanized cart with wheels is perfect for toting
around beverages at a garden party.

For the kids:

Ice-cream stations

Candy stations, get bulk candy at OrientalTrading.

Smoothie stations

Chip and Dip station, plastic beach pails also make a fun, decorative way to serve snacks.

For the adults:

Espresso stations

Cheese stations

Pimms stations

Always Consider the Weather

Even if you plan your child’s yard party in the midst of the summer, you can never be quite sure that it won’t rain on the day of the party. To ensure that your shindig isn’t ruined by the weather, check your weather app often. Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best! Be sure to have a backup plan, such as, a wet weather tent on hand just in case the heavens do decide to open and rain on your party.

Follow the tips mentioned, and you’ll be sure to host a stress free backyard party for kids!

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Looking for Gifts for Teen Boys

Thoughtful Gifts for Teenage Boys this Christmas

Choosing perfect Christmas gifts for teenage boys is difficult – they're not an easy group to please. Perhaps they might not tell you what they'd like, or they might seem disinterested in everything except gaming and sports items. That’s why we've compiled a list of unique and thoughtful gift ideas for teen boys which are sure to bring a smile to their face on the big day. We’ve picked a couple of ideas below, but if you need further gift inspiration, you'll also want to check out this list of ideas for a 13 year old .

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Christmas Gift List for Teen Boys

• Being a Teenage Boy Book

First on our list of thoughtful gifts for teen boys is this book for teenage boys aimed at 11–14 year old boys. Though the book is only 50 pages, it gives teen boys tons of important life skills and messages that they should know. Including things such as respecting girls and women, that it’s okay to fail sometimes, and the importance of having a strong work ethic. This is a great book to show teen boys you're thinking about them and want to help develop them into fine young men.

• Gamer Socks

Socks might not top the list as the most exciting Christmas gifts for teenagers, but these gamer socks are sure to appeal to those who love playing video games! They have a non-slip design on the sole, making them ideal for hard flooring. The socks are made from cotton and polyester and are comfortable and soft. The moisture-wicking technology is designed to repel odor, so your teen’s feet will always smell fresh! Gamer socks fit sizes from 6 –12, so gamer socks for teens are ideal for most teen gamers.

• To My Son Dog Tag

Jewelry is a nice choice when it comes to unique Christmas gifts for teenagers. This dog tag necklace shows teens how much they means to you. It’s made from stainless steel to ensure it's long lasting and won’t rust and it will remain shiny and new for years to come. Versions are available from grandma, grandpa or dad, so you can customize the gift depending on your relation to the teen boy. The rear of the tag is left blank so you can take it to be engraved with the recipient’s name or another special message to make this a really personal gift idea for your boy. Find more personalized gifts for kids.

• 97 Things to Do Before You Finish High School Book 

Books are a thoughtful gift idea for teens. This thoughtful Book gives boys ideas of fun things they should do some day but won’t learn about in school! It shows them how to do all sorts of fun things such as planning a road trip, making a time capsule, or more practical skills such as doing laundry. The book acts as a kind of bucket list of things that teen boys should do before finishing high school. Teens will find it packed full of fun and exciting ideas to try.

• Mom & Son Journal

Finally, last on our list of thoughtful Christmas gift ideas is this journal book for boys. This book gift idea is a precious mother and son journal that's great for homeschoolers. The mother son journal is filled with questions which require brief answers, either by filling in the blank or using multiple choice answers. With its mix of fun and more serious questions, it's a great way for teens to bond with mom. It’s ideal for promoting discussion when conversation dries up, yet is intended to be lighthearted and fun. The book is perfect for young teens or preteens who aren’t always talkative or open and is a great way to bring them out of their shell. Older teens may find it it silly or embarrassing, so know the teen your shopping for before choosing this option.

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Gift ideas for everyone on your holiday list from Kids Creative Chaos.

Gift Ideas for Babies.

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Tips for Traveling with Baby

Traveling with Infants on Family Vacations: Do's and Don'ts

Vacations are enjoyable for families, right? Family vacations allow us to focus on loved ones and spend quality time together without being bothered by the hassles and activities of everyday life. However, for most parents, traveling with and infant or small children is challenging. Especially, if you aren't prepared and you aren't sure about what baby items to pack for your vacation. So, if you need some tips for traveling with a baby or toddler on family vacation, you've come to the right place!

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Here are some do's and don'ts tips for traveling with an infant on family vacation:

Do’s

1. Make a Checklist for Essential Baby Items     

Sit down in advance of your trip and make a check list for your vacation with all of the required items you'll need for your infant. If you make the list weeks ahead of time, you can add to it as things pop into your head. The most important tip for traveling with a baby is be prepared.

While traveling with a baby, you need to be careful of every last detail. If you’re traveling by air, you'll rarely find adequate baby supplies. Be sure to bring along all of the baby items that your baby will require on the trip to avoid any disruption of your travel schedule. A check list helps to avoid last minute hassles that may cause you to forget essential items like a compact travel bottle warmer and delay your trip.

2. Carry Enough Food

Pack enough baby food, but know what works best for your trip. You don't want your baby scattering everything around; therefore, avoid messy, sticky, or crumbly foods. Also, carry some spill-proof cups for your baby's' water or milk. If traveling by air, be sure to check on what foods or how much liquids are allowed on the plane. You don't want to have to throw out items that you spent your hard earned cash on just before boarding the plane.

3. Accept Assistance from Strangers

This may seem weird, but it's okay to accept some forms of help from strangers. Whenever a flight attendant or fellow passengers see an unsettled baby, they often try to offer support. So, if someone volunteers to soothe your baby, allow them to do it, but keep a close eye on them, of course.

Sometimes, your baby is just tired of you. Babies know how to push our buttons. A change in scenery in the form of a smiling face can make all the difference. Your stressed, worried face, may cause baby to become inconsolable. Infants look to their parents for signs of safety. If you're stressed, chances are, they're stressed.

4. Carry some Medications

In the past, some parents often medicated their kids before traveling to help make the journey easier. on everyone. You may still get similar advice from friends and loved ones, but it's not always the best advice. Don't medicate your baby if it's not necessary. However, it's a great idea to pack some medicines in case of emergencies. Again, depending on your mode of travel (plane or cruise ship,) call ahead to make sure you're allowed to bring along meds for your baby.

5. Pack Extra Clothes

One of the most important factors to consider when traveling with an infant is proper packing. Pack enough clothes for yourself, but ensure that you carry extra clothing for your baby. Your baby might spill food, wet, or even vomit on their clothes.

It's gross, you don't want to be stuck without enough baby clothes when you have no place to wash the dirty ones. You may also need some warmer clothes in a warm destination, you can never be sure of the weather! A light jacket is always a good call.

Also, be sure to take along some extra plastic bags. Recycled grocery bags come in handy for catching baby puke and trapping the nasty smell of infant diapers, they may not be available in the airplane.

Keep all of your baby's essentials in your handbag, rather than a diaper bag, as it will make it easier to access when needed. It's not pleasant to think about it, but you'll be happy you prepared for puke when an incident occurs.

6. Seating Arrangements

When you book your flight, be sure to choose the best seats for traveling with an infant. Make sure that not only your comfort is catered for but also that you've planned for your baby's comfort. For instance, an aisle seat is an excellent option when traveling with a baby, as it enables you to move around with your child without annoying the other passengers.

7. Carry some Toys

When on a family vacation, the last thing you want is to get stressed out by a crying baby. To keep your baby in a happy mood, pack baby's favorite playthings to keep them distracted. Be sure to pack one or two toys that don't have detachable parts, aren't so small that they're easily lost, and are easy to carry.

Don'ts

1. Baby items - Don't assume that it'll be easy to get your baby's stuff to the airport or onto the plane. To ensure a more peaceful trip, carry on all that your baby will need.

2. Watch what you give your baby - Avoid sugary foods; a sugared-up baby is no fun on a trip! 

3. Toys - Avoid carrying toys that could harm your baby if broken or that are bulky or too heavy.

4. Avoid heavy luggage - Only pack what you need for your trip, it's much easier to travel with light luggage. For the less essential items, consider purchasing them once you arrive at your travel destination and donate or throw away any unused items before you head back home.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with a toddler or infant is often stressful, but it's easier if you're prepared and bring along the necessary baby essentials for the trip. Remember, carry enough baby food, pack lightly, have essential meds, and don't forget baby's favorite toys.

If you make a checklist for baby items and check it off as you pack, you'll be sure to have the most important things needed for traveling with your baby. This way, you'll enjoy your vacation no matter how far away the destination.


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