Kids Creative Chaos

Ghost Tours with Kids can Teach about History

2025-10-07T15:30:00.000-04:00

History Comes Alive: How Ghost Tours Teach Kids About the Past

Cultivating an interest in the history of the past is a challenge for both parents and teachers, with more students than ever seemingly uninterested in a bygone era. These days, kids are increasingly drawn to technology, often enticed by the latest social media trend, popular app, or expensive new gadget. However, ghost tours can entice kids to learn about the history of the past.

Copyright US Ghost Adventures

Ghost Tours with Kids Teach History of the Past.

With declining levels of engagement, curiosity, and enthusiasm in the classroom, more students report being bored or distracted than ever before, How can this be helped? One way might be reframing history in a different context to make it more engaging to students of all ages. Ghost tours can make history come alive again.

Many kids are drawn to the realm of the spooky and unknown, be they bewitched by the dark fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, the animation of Tim Burton, or the supernatural stories of Goosebumps. This attraction is something that can be channeled to develop an interest in other subjects — history being one of the easiest.

Ways Ghost Tours Help Kids Learn About History

Ghost tours are an excellent way to breathe new life into the past, using storytelling, visual landmarks, and the lesser-told side of history to fuel a passion for the past!

Ghosts Make The Past Feel Current

Kids can feel disconnected from events that occurred hundreds of years ago, prompting a lack of interest in history. However, the introduction of ghosts makes the past feel ever-present, even going as far as to remind young learners that historic events have lingering effects on our modern world.

When you tell kids that the battle of Gettysburg resulted in 50,000 casualties, that number can be hard to comprehend. Yet when they hear of the legends of this brutal battle’s echoes continuing to bleed into the present day via ghostly cavalrymen and phantom soldiers, these statistics begin to feel more weighty.

Likewise, it may be difficult to get distracted kids interested in 300-year-old witch trials, until they hear that one of the accused supposedly cursed the town of Salem, leaving a bevy of ghosts to riddle the place where he was executed — now the site of Howard Street Cemetery.

Ultimately, ghost stories make the past feel alive through a lens that is both intriguing and dramatic, reinforcing the fact that events that happened long ago can still hold a lasting effect on the present world.

Storytelling Is A More Engaging Medium For Kids

Most teachers and caregivers recognize the tell-tale signs of a disinterested kid — squirming, chatting, distracting peers, or perhaps even trying to sneak a peek at a smartphone. That’s often because the information they're attempting to learn isn’t presented engaging them.

For many kids, storytelling is a more compelling medium than memorizing facts from books and slideshows. A ghost tour puts you in the actual context of history, crafting a sensory world around it. Kids can walk streets that have existed for a hundred years, imagine the people who once resided here while their guide recreates the past, and ask questions about history in real time.

Not to mention movement is especially beneficial for kids, as exercise can help children focus better in class, improving memory and mood — even if in small bursts. In this way, city walking tours can combine physical activity and history.

Haunted History Encourages an Interest in Historic Figures and Places

Although you might think ghost tours are all frights and scares, they often tie in historic elements in some way, whether discussing the effects of the Great Depression and Prohibition era on their city, recounting major events, or referencing renowned figures who impacted the area.

Along such tours, buildings and monuments are often used as visual cues, tying these landmarks to prominent people and significant events. Not only can this inspire an interest in architecture, museums, and monuments — it roots specific eras and historic events in the real world, making history feel more interactive.

Consider the White House. Legends of our 16th president's spirit haunting this historic dwelling stretch back more than a century, with Calvin Coolidge’s wife being the first person to report seeing Abraham Lincoln’s ghost. Additional sightings were common during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency, a time marked by the depression and war. And Lincoln isn’t even the only ghost here.

That old-domed building now seems a lot more interesting once you know the number of specters it is said to hold. And each and every one ties in with history in some way. This isn’t something tied solely to Washington, DC, either. No matter the place or period, history is filled with ghosts.

Ghost Stories Inspire Curiosity, Imagination, and Wonder

Not only do ghostly legends and lore promote an interest in the past, they kindle a passion for wonder. Ghost tours reinforce the idea that even the experts don't hold all the answers. There are still elements of this world waiting to be discovered, investigated deeper, or explored further.

It can be intriguing for younger generations to hear that not everything can be explained away, or to know that there are still mysteries to be solved. What happened to the lost colony of Roanoke? How did more than a hundred colonists disappear in the 16th century without a trace? Where did the myth of the vampire spawn from? Was it possibly early people’s attempts at explaining unknown diseases?

These questions can inspire an interest in history, science, literature, and even art. A fondness for the strange and spine-tingling can encourage kids to pick up new reads, be they the teen-focused Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark or the works of Edgar Allen Poe.

Spooky Tales Are Fun and Safe

History books are a valuable resource, but they are not the only medium for learning. Ghost tours are both entertaining and educational, fusing information with exciting stories and strange history. That excitement fuels learning, making historic events memorable and the past more fascinating.

If you’re worried about a ghost tour being too scary for younger audiences, know that tours are less intense than other horror media, focusing on the spooky and spectral rather than the gruesome. Unlike horror movies, which can have lasting effects on children and teens, ghost tours are entirely story-based.

While haunted houses might come with intense scares and films may be filled with disturbing imagery or gore, ghost tours deal with spooky topics in a lighter way — much like the way kids consume scary tales in their early ages (like listening to fairy tales or tales told around a campfire). Moreover, both ghost tours and ghost stories allow kids to experience spooky content in a safe environment — something beneficial to their development.

Conclusion

Ghost stories span many centuries and cultures, from the spooky works of Charles Dickens in Victorian England to spectral tales recorded by ancient Romans, like Pliny the Younger. Using these ghostly frameworks is a great way to foster an interest in the past and stimulate a passion for history for kids and teens. Ready to inspire an interest in history in your own child?

Consider seeing which ghost tours are available in your city and asking if the content is age-appropriate for kids. No tours nearby? Next time you take a family trip, try booking a ghost tour in your vacation destination. Not only will it help your child learn more about the locale, it will likely tie in countless historic events and figures relevant to your kids’ history class. You never know — you might even learn something yourself.

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Vacation Ideas

Homeschool History

Sources

Greater Good Berkeley

History Dollop

How Can You Use Obstacle Courses to Strengthen the Vestibular System?

2025-07-09T16:28:00.003-04:00

Obstacle courses are a simple yet effective way to build children’s foundational balance, coordination, and sensory processing skills. By weaving movement challenges into play, obstacle courses can be used to target and strengthen the vestibular system, which is key for a child's ability to process motion, maintain balance, and coordinate movement. Activities such as jumping, crawling, spinning, and balancing challenge the brain’s ability to sense changes in head position and motion.

These active play sessions can be done at home using everyday objects and adjusted to suit a child’s age and needs. Adding movements found in structured vestibular system exercises can make an obstacle course even more effective at providing the right sensory input for development. For anyone looking to support a child’s sensory growth, obstacle courses offer a flexible, fun solution.

Content provided on this page should not be considered as medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making medical decisions.

Key Takeaways

Obstacle courses are an accessible way to build balance and coordination.
The vestibular system can be targeted by adding movement challenges.
Combining obstacle courses with vestibular system exercises supports sensory development.

Understanding the Vestibular System and Obstacle Courses

The vestibular system is essential for stable posture, balance, and knowing where the body is in space. Obstacle courses provide dynamic sensory experiences that target this system, offering structured and purposeful movement challenges.

How the Vestibular System Impacts Balance and Movement

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, detects head position and motion. It works with the eyes and muscles to help maintain balance and coordinate movement. This process is crucial for activities like walking, jumping, turning, or even sitting upright.

Vestibular input gives the brain real-time updates about how the body moves through space, which helps with spatial orientation. Children and adults rely on vestibular feedback for smooth, coordinated actions and quick reactions to changes in their environment. Disruptions or delays in vestibular processing may cause dizziness, poor balance, or clumsiness. That’s why targeted movement activities are essential for developing and refining these skills.

The Role of Obstacle Courses in Sensory Input and Integration

Obstacle courses deliver a rich blend of movements that challenge and strengthen vestibular functions. Activities such as crawling, rolling, spinning, balancing, and climbing force the body to adjust and interpret new positions rapidly. These experiences provide valuable vestibular input, teaching the brain to process complex sensory information. The combination of movement and sensory tasks in an obstacle course supports sensory integration, allowing the nervous system to organize and respond efficiently.

By exposing individuals to quick changes in direction, speed, and elevation, obstacle courses help refine both body awareness and spatial orientation. Adjusting obstacles and tasks can target specific sensory needs, making them an effective tool for therapy or play.

Benefits for Sensory Processing and Motor Skills

Completing obstacle courses can improve balance, body awareness, and motor coordination. These activities encourage children to plan and execute complex movements, building both gross and fine motor skills.

Regular practice helps the brain connect sensory input with appropriate physical responses. This promotes better posture, control, and confidence in daily activities. For children with sensory needs, obstacle courses can serve as a “reset” or calming strategy, supporting self-regulation and attention. Obstacle courses also provide opportunities for motor planning and cooperation with peers or therapists. As a result, they support the development of both physical and social skills in a motivating and play-based way.

Designing and Using Obstacle Courses to Support Vestibular Development

Carefully designed obstacle courses can target core areas like balance, core strength, and motor planning through dynamic activities that activate the vestibular system. Using a strategic mix of movement challenges and varied sensory equipment helps encourage equilibrium, stability, and body awareness in children.

Choosing Vestibular Activities for Obstacle Courses

Selecting appropriate activities is important for engaging the vestibular system. Movements that require children to change their head position, move in multiple directions, and navigate unstable surfaces are especially effective. Examples include balance beams, wobble boards, balance boards, and hopping paths using cones.

Adding crawling through tunnels or climbing over padded blocks helps integrate gross motor skills and bilateral coordination. Incorporating activities like yoga poses or standing on one leg also develops balance and core stability. Obstacle courses that combine these activities support motor planning and proprioceptive input, both essential for functional independence and coordination.

Incorporating Spinning, Rolling, Swinging, and Jumping Elements

Including spinning, rolling, swinging, and jumping elements in an obstacle course boosts vestibular input and helps children adjust to changes in head and body position. Equipment options include a platform swing for swinging, a sit-and-spin toy for spinning, and soft mats for rolling.

Trampolines and hopping paths focus on jumping, which also provides proprioceptive feedback. Hammocks, scooters, and scooter boards allow for swinging and pushing motions, adding further stimulation for the vestibular system. Allowing children to move through these stations at their own pace helps them practice balance, respond to changing sensory needs, and improve their equilibrium. These components also enhance bilateral integration and core strength.

Conclusion

Obstacle courses are a practical tool for helping develop the vestibular system, supporting balance and coordination through play and movement. Activities such as crawling, jumping, and navigating tunnels encourage sensory integration while refining motor planning skills.

Therapists often design obstacle courses to target specific needs, making them flexible and adaptable for different age groups and abilities. Consistent participation in obstacle course activities can help children build foundational movement skills. These benefits can support daily functioning and greater participation in physical play.

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Lesson in Media Communications - Homeschool High School

2025-07-03T18:59:00.008-04:00

My kids have grown up! They are off to college or the trades. I am now a certified teacher in Art and Special Education for P-12 and Language Arts for 5-12. I've coached a high school speech and debate team for the past 4 years and taught middle school language arts and high school art while also serving as a special education teacher of record.

So, my blog content is also growing up. At least some of it. I am starting a new teaching gig as an elementary art teacher this fall! I will definitely share more homeschool art lessons in the coming months. I just wanted to pop in for my long-time readers and blogging friends to say, I've been busy, but I haven't forgotten about you! Here's to raising our children together, enjoy this high school homeschool lesson in Communications in the Media.

And if you don't homeschool, this is a great lead in to a classroom discussion on bias in the media; assuming you are allowed to teach about that and share some of the topics discussed here.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

In high schools, we now have Communications teachers. This used to be called the Speech teacher. The curriculum may include giving speeches in various styles (impromptu, dramatic, how to, extemporaneous) and learning about media communications in classroom lessons. These classes are often offered for dual college credit. While taking a course to teach dual credit classes, I had to step outside of my comfort zone and review media through different lenses. Meaning, not as myself, an aging white woman or not even as the standby demographic of any straight male. We learned that most media, whether commercials, songs, television, movies, or even books, is written and directed toward the "heterosexual male gaze." This isn't always intentional either. In general, we have learned that this is the way to do things.

Explicit Content Warning: Many won't find the following articles or video content explicit, but some may find the topics of viewing through a queer theory lens or focusing on the anti-feminism sexism in media inappropriate for their teenage homeschoolers. If that's you, just move on to the next website or click around in my elementary homeschool content.

There's a slide depicting a condom in the video media critique. In another (not posted here,) there is discussion of the female and male anatomy as other items, such as the trunk of a car or a high heel shoe, and how they may serve as stand-ins for genitalia.The following content is made up of projects that I completed for a graduate course in Communications. They are not necessarily my personal views.

Remember, the assignments were designed to get us thinking about how different viewers have a differing perspectives and why two people could view the same content and have different take-aways. Anyway, I thought this might be a good way to start a conversation with your high school homeschoolers on media biases.

After consuming my content, think about your favorite commercials, shows, books, or songs and study them for gender biases, for flimsy characters whose only purpose is to show that the media is trying to be inclusive, or for messages that are hidden from your view because of the lenses you wear. How do you identify? How does this affect your perspective?

Some lenses you might wear when viewing are: cultural, queer, feminist (gender,) socieo-economic (marxist,) historical, psychoanalytic (freudian and others,) aestheticism, personal mirror, the list goes on. Once you start consuming media this way, it is difficult to just sit back and watch for enjoyment. You will become a more educated viewer. You will wonder how you never realized that so many things were taken from the straight male point of view. You may even have a better understanding of yourself and why you think a certain way even though you may not feel that way.

Up first, my media critique through a feminist lens, the final project for the Communication course as a slideshow with voice-over. This was created in Canva which is a great tool for digital art of all kinds. You can create video and slideshows with the paid version. It even allows you to use AI to create video and images. As a past obsessed Michael Jackson fan, do I believe what I am saying? You decide.

For your viewing pleasure, here's the original Billie Jean video by Michael Jackson. View for yourself. What do you see? The queer theory media review is below.

Prior to creating the video of Billie Jean through a feminist lens, we had to view a media text through a queer theory lens. Topics were given and I chose Carly Rae Jepsen. Then, we were told to choose a beloved media and do the same. For me, there is no more beloved media than anything by Michael Jackson. They call it queering when you view a media through a queer theory lens. As I reviewed Billie Jean with a queer lens, I began thinking how misogynistic it was and that is what led to the slideshow above.

Here is my class discussion text for media communications lesson through a queer theory lens:

“Carly Rae Jepsen’s Queer Renaissance” argues that Jepsen's music resonates with queer audiences because it celebrates desire without action. Queer audiences experience this throughout their lives - the longing for another often without being able to tell anyone or take action. This queer experience is often underrepresented in mainstream culture.

In the article, Michael Waters analyzes Jepsen's songs like "Call Me Maybe," "Boy Problems," and "I Really Really Like You," He says the music allows for diverse interpretations of desire, making her a queer "cult hero.” He says. “Jepsen’s music provides a sense of wholeness for a community often pressured to be out."

I was intrigued by the idea of Jepsen’s "invisibility" being a strength for a marginalized audience. It can relate to anyone who has felt unseen or shy about striking up a conversation in hopes of a new relationship, but that message connects with a queer audience because they often keep that part hidden.

Waters interrogates normativity in the narrative of pop music. Pop music is often romantically heterosexual, but feelings don’t always lead to action. He reinterprets Jepsen’s lyrics highlighting subtexts to uncover queer meanings that may not be intentional. Jepsen's music focuses on vague "feelings" rather than typical romantic outcomes and the queer community relates as they don’t always feel comfortable expressing their true feelings in public. The “other” may not be receptive to their feelings.

A Marxist theoretical lens would interpret Carly Rae Jepsen's music very differently from a queer theoretical lens. This lens would see pop music as a capitalist entity. The songs are created to generate profit. Therefore, the songs are designed to reach a wider audience to maximize sales. Jepsen or her label would be at the top with her staff, roadies, etc. being the workers.

Of all media texts, I am most familiar with Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" music video. How does it fare under a queer theory analysis? If we disrupt binaries, the primary theme of "Billie Jean" revolves around Michael, a man, being pursued by a woman who claims he is the father of her child. A queer analysis might question this heterosexual framework. Remember, the lyrics say, “Billie Jean is not my lover, she’s just a girl who thinks that I am the one.” But, is Billie Jean really the antagonist, or is she a symbol for something else? What if the "baby" is also a symbol representing a hidden secret that Michael is trying to escape? “But the kid is not my son.” Is he trying to tell us that the kid couldn’t be his son because of his sexuality?

Michael is trying to run away. Is he showing that he is vulnerable and doesn’t want to let anyone see his true self. A queer lens could see this as a metaphor for being "in the closet." Based on interrogative normative, Jackson's persona is unique. He's not really masculine, in fact, he is somewhat non-binary by today’s standards. Perhaps, he is trying to run from the pressure to be more masculine. On the surface, the song's lyrics hint at a paternity scandal. A queer lens could see the baby as a stand-in for something else that society sees as unacceptable. The detective who follows Michael cannot catch him. The "truth" eludes those with a fixed normative understanding.

If you find this post interesting, I'll be posting more articles viewing Gilmore Girls and Ginny & Georgia through different lenses and sharing a little bit more about Media Communications as a high school homeschool lesson. If you want to practice public speaking, check back often for some descriptions and examples of different types of basic speech lessons including Persuasive, Argumentative, and Socratic seminars.

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What Are the Best Classroom Games for Keeping ADHD Students Engaged?

2025-06-27T10:56:00.001-04:00

Keeping ADHD Students Engaged with Games for the Classroom

Many teachers wonder how to keep students with ADHD focused and participating in the classroom. These students often face unique challenges with attention and impulse control, making it necessary to use specific strategies and engaging techniques. The best classroom games for keeping ADHD students engaged are interactive, hands-on, and designed to stimulate focus while allowing movement and creativity.
Understanding how ADHD affects learning can help educators better support their students and adapt activities to their needs. Games that blend structure with flexibility, such as educational scavenger hunts or memory-based challenges, encourage active participation and make learning more accessible. Choosing the right games can truly make a difference in classroom engagement for students with ADHD.
The information here is not intended as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any medical questions.

Key Takeaways

ADHD can make classroom engagement more challenging.
Interactive and movement-based games support engagement.
Tailoring activities to ADHD needs leads to better outcomes.

Understanding ADHD and Its Impact on Classroom Engagement

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that significantly shapes how children participate and learn in classroom environments. Challenges with attention, activity level, and impulse control require thoughtful strategies to keep students engaged and supported.

Common Symptoms Affecting Classroom Participation

ADHD is characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can make it difficult for students to focus during lessons, follow instructions, and stay organized. For example, a child might frequently lose track of assignments or become easily distracted by minor sounds or movements.
There are different types of ADHD, such as predominantly inattentive and predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentations. In the classroom, symptoms may appear as daydreaming, excessive movement, or impulsive actions like calling out answers. Even brief group tasks can be disrupted if a student struggles to regulate impulses. These symptoms not only disrupt academic performance but also affect peer relationships and self-esteem. Early recognition and understanding of these behaviors allow educators to provide appropriate interventions.

Unique Learning Challenges for ADHD Students

Children with ADHD face unique difficulties related to executive functions, such as organizing tasks, managing time, and remembering instructions. This makes transitions between activities and complex assignments particularly challenging. It is common for these students to require repeated directions or help breaking down multi-step tasks.
Academic performance can suffer if learning activities rely heavily on sustained attention or passive listening. Written instructions or purely verbal explanations may be missed or forgotten. Many students with ADHD benefit from visual schedules, hands-on activities, and frequent reminders. Socially, students may also struggle to interpret cues or manage frustration during group play. These learning barriers require approaches that emphasize structure, clarity, and positivity.

Key Principles for Supporting Students with ADHD

Supporting children with ADHD starts with recognizing their needs for movement, structure, and immediate feedback. Effective strategies include breaking tasks into smaller steps, using visual aids, and providing clear, concise instructions. Teachers can use behavioral classroom management—such as reward systems and daily report cards—to encourage positive behaviors and engage students in their learning.
Regular physical or sensory breaks are valuable. Building in opportunities for fidgeting or movement can help students channel excess energy productively. Consistent routines and positive reinforcement help build confidence and motivation. By creating an environment attentive to their needs, teachers foster better participation and support academic success.

Best Classroom Games and Strategies for Engaging ADHD Students

Engaging students with ADHD requires activities that support movement, sensory input, and structured focus. The use of interactive games, hands-on learning, and targeted activities helps improve executive functioning skills, attention, and self-regulation.

Interactive Movement Games

Movement games break up long periods of sitting, offering students much-needed active breaks. Simon Says, Red Light, Green Light, and short yoga routines are simple ways to integrate physical activity while enhancing listening skills and impulse control.
Teachers often use brief “brain breaks,” such as guided stretches or energetic clapping patterns, to maintain concentration and reduce disruptive behavior. These breaks help reset attention and provide dopamine boosts that benefit working memory and organization. Incorporating movement breaks supports transitions and helps students refocus on academic tasks. Relay races and team challenges add opportunities for collaboration and positive reinforcement. Activities like these align with classroom management strategies recommended by the CDC for ADHD, as they allow students to expend energy in a productive manner.

Hands-On Learning and Sensory Activities

Hands-on activities help address sensory needs and keep engagement high. Using items like building blocks, modeling clay, or fidgets helps students channel energy constructively while supporting fine motor development and creativity. Sensory bins or textured materials offer tactile stimulation, which can calm or activate students as needed.
Interactive projects such as science experiments, art tasks, and sorting games encourage active participation. They also support organizational skills and executive function by requiring following steps and planning. These activities provide a structured learning environment with clear expectations and visual schedules, which foster a more supportive atmosphere for students with ADHD.

Conclusion

Selecting effective classroom games for students with ADHD requires a focus on engagement, movement, and clear structure. Incorporating activities like Jeopardy-style review games, hands-on learning, and rotating stations can help sustain attention and support participation.
Students with ADHD often benefit from games that include visual aids, simple rules, short-term goals, and opportunities for physical movement. Teachers can also encourage participation by providing frequent positive feedback.

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Color Wheel Ideas Creative Intro 2D Art Rainbows

2022-10-30T13:55:00.001-04:00

Creative Color Wheel Project Ideas

Let's face it, kids don't want to paint a boring color wheel. Change up your color wheel lesson for your intro or homeschool art class with these creative ideas for a color wheel! It's still a basic rainbow color wheel, but when you let students add their own flair, it becomes an art project that they are happy to display.

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Simply show the students a basic color wheel or grab some prisms to teach the color order of the rainbow and let their imaginations run wild! You can use markers, tempera paint, or water colors. Water colors tend to blend easier for a gradual, visual color change. Use tempera for an exact mixing of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. There's more to color than ROY G. BIV.

What order do the colors go on the wheel? It depends where you start. Think about a rainbow or use a prism to display the colors in their natural light spectrum order. Allow students to paint anything they want as long as they demonstrate an understanding of the rainbow color wheel order.

Rainbow Activities

Use Prisms to show the rainbow of light spectrum colors.

How to Make a Creative Color Wheel

Color Wheel Project Supplies Needed:

Mixed Media Paper

Basic Water Color Paint Kit

Brushes

Egg Carton for Mixing and Rinsing

Table Cloth - Use kraft paper rolls like the ones pictured below.

You can find more ideas for a preschool or early elementary basic color wheels on our site. We also have a cool, color theory paper project with detailed information on the various color schemes.

Classroom Skit about a Rainbow

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Painting with Scissors Simple Cut Outs Matisse Abstract Art Project

2022-10-13T11:24:00.006-04:00

How to Paint Like Henri Matisse

Henri Matisse was best known as an abstract artist. He aligned himself with a small group of artists known as Fauvists or Wild Beasts. Unlike other painters during this era, he painted with bold colors and took risks with his art. Matisse called his cut paper art posters, painting and drawing with scissors So, how do you paint like Henri Matisse? With paper cut-outs, of course.

This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links for your convenience.

The Cut Outs or Painting with Paper are part of the Matisse Jazz Series. Matisse created a few artists’ books, many were made in 1941 after he suffered with intestinal cancer. With this technique, he was able to stay in bed and still create art.

Henri Matisse Paper Cut Outs Video for Students.

The painting of the figure with stars around it is one of the most well-known in his Jazz series. The book is made up of circus and theater theme posters made with cut and pasted brightly colored papers that are printed using a stencil technique known as pochoir. Most of the images in the Jazz series are done in primary colors.

You may have seen a similar cut paper technique in a series of children's books painted and illustrated by Eric Carle. Carle was influenced by the works of Matisse and other abstract artists. Here's an art lesson on Eric Carle. You can also experiment with Eric Carle's technique of wet paper illustration with this lesson, how to paint like Eric Carle.

With his cut paper art, Matisse invented a new form of art, the cut-out. He called this new art form drawing with scissors. He cut out various geometric and organic shapes and arranged them on his gouache painted canvas to illustrate his books. He also hand wrote about each image in cursive rather than using a type setting. This style is similar to today's scrap booking. You can create your own book that has meaning to your life with this simple, inspired by Matisse, technique.

Paint Like Matisse

Supplies Needed:

Mixed Media Paper,18 x 24"

Tempera or Acrylic Paint in primary colors

Wide Paint Brush

Brightly Colored Copy Paper

Glue Stick

Subject Matter that is Meaningful

We decided to take inspiration from the Jazz poster's cover painting. Using the same primary color scheme, we added secondary colors in orange and violet. There are not lines or any drawing on the art work; everything is done in paper cut outs. Remember, it is abstract art! Use shapes and meaningful colors to represent your subject matter. Our paper painting represents a family pet. Our Cockatiel, Nebu, died at the age of twenty-three. Squinting your eyes while looking at a cockatiel will allow you to see his basic features, yellow spiked crest and orange cheek. The heart represents how close he was to our hearts, and the violet squiggles represent his wings in motion. They can also represent a flutter or the beating of his heart.

While you're planning your design think about the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design. How many can you use? Ours has color, line, shape, space, balance, movement, contrast, emphasis, and harmony. Do you see more? In the comments below, tell us what you see.

MATISSE ABSTRACT ART LESSON PLAN

Painting with Scissors and Paper Cut Outs: How to Paint Like Henri Matisse

Step one: Come up with a subject matter that means something to you.

Step two: Sketch it out in your sketch book.

Step three: Think about it in an abstract way.

Step four: Do a thumbnail sketch changing your drawing into basic shapes.

Step five: Paint your paper background in a primary color or black.

Step six: Cut out your shapes.

Step seven: Arrange your shapes on the paper. Think about the Principles of Design, especially balance and unity. Shapes should be abstract, and it shouldn't be immediately obvious what the picture represents (not realistic.) See our student examples below. No drawing! Remember, you are painting with paper.

Step eight: Paste them into position. Tip: Do not use school glue, it bubbles up. Glue sticks work best.

Step nine: That's it! It's that simple to paint like Henri Matisse!

These are student examples from the NCHS Intro to 2D Art class. You may not use these images or reproduce them anywhere else. They are for educational purposes only.

If you want to try this project with preschoolers or elementary students, you may also like to add some books to your Matisse art lesson plans. The books below make excellent companion books for a lesson on Henri Matisse's painting with scissors abstract poster series. Don't forget to read your students some Eric Carle books and remind them that he was influenced by Matisse.

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Henri's Scissors Children's Book

Drawing With Scissors

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COBRA KAI LEGEND TEE INSPIRED LETTER COLOR SCHEME ART PROJECT

2022-09-20T21:09:00.005-04:00

COLOR THEORY COLOR SCHEME CUT PAPER LETTERS ART PROJECT

If you watch the popular NETFLIX series, Cobra Kai, you've probably noticed the t-shirts worn by the Anthony LaRusso character, played by Griffin Santopietro. In the series, Anthony is the son of Daniel and Amanda LaRusso, and the younger brother of Samantha LaRusso. He often wears cool printed tees, below the word LEGEND is printed in two tone letters across his shirt. The colorful block print letters inspired this letter color scheme art project perfect for a quick lesson on color theory.

This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links for your convenience.

Letter Art Project: Anthony LaRusso Legend Tee in Cobra Kai

In my high school art class, we've been working on several hand lettering projects with a letter theme. We started creating tag letters for a graffiti art project and then we moved on to a lesson color theory and how to blend with colored pencils from That Art Teacher. To review the basics of color theory or to achieve a better understanding of the color wheel, watch this video, Color Theory Basics or scroll down to read our simple definitions.

The video below is an awesome companion video to use when teaching the history of graffiti art.

LEGEND Color Theory Letter Project

This letter color scheme project can be be simple or more complicated and adapted for all grade levels. For a simple project for elementary students, simply cut and paste the letters onto a 6" x 12" white, gray, or black poster board using contrasting colors from the basic color wheel. For our homeschool friends that means: Red/Green, Blue/Orange, and Purple/Yellow. Remind your students to eyeball the letters and center the word on the page before the final glue down.

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For high school students in a basic art class, remind the students that contrasting colors are simply colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. This will give more color options. For more advanced classes, have art students design their letters based on a color scheme: monochromatic, complementary, double complementary, split complementary, triadic, tetradic, analagous, intermediate primary, secondary, or tertiary. We used cut, brightly colored paper in anticipation of a color paper unit on Matisse, but you can also use acrylic paints.

What are the Color Schemes?

Monochromatic - One color. A monochromatic color scheme ranges between lighter (tints) and darker (shades) versions of the base color or hue.

Primary - The basic colors. Red, Yellow, and Blue. With crayons, pencils, and paint, these colors can be combined to create the secondary colors. (Don't let Google and Digital Art confuse you.)

Secondary - Green, Orange, and Purple.

(Red + Blue) = Purple, (Red + Yellow) = Orange, (Yellow + Blue) = Green.

Triadic - Primary and secondary color schemes are also triadic colors schemes. A triadic color scheme is made up of three colors evenly spaced on the color wheel. These colors form a triangle across the color wheel.

Tertiary - A primary color + a secondary color. Tertiary colors combine primary and secondary colors to create compound colors: blue-green, blue-violet, red-orange, red-violet, yellow-orange, and yellow-green.

Complementary - Two colors that are on opposite sides of the color wheel. The basics are Red/Green, Blue/Orange, and Purple/Yellow. However, you can pull-out a color wheel to find more variations such as, Yellow-Orange/Blue Violet.

Double Complementary or Tetradic - Using two sets of Complementary colors together. For example, red/green paired with yellow/purple. A double complementary color scheme forms a rectangle across the color wheel.

Split Complementary - A split complementary scheme uses three colors. Start with one color, find its complement and then use the two colors on either side of it. If you look at the color wheel above, blue, violet (purple,) and yellow-orange form a split complementary triangle. Yellow-Orange/Blue-Violet being the contrasting colors and blue and violet are the splits. If using Blue-Violet, the split complementary colors are Orange and Yellow. Get it? Got it. Good!

Analogous - Analogous colors are next to each other on the color wheel. Only use three to five colors for this color scheme. Analogous schemes can use warm colors, cool colors, or a combination of both depending on where you start. For art that pops stick to three analogous colors.

Intermediate - The tertiary colors are every other color on the color wheel. Tertiary colors combine primary and secondary colors to create compound colors: blue-green, blue-violet, red-orange, red-violet, yellow-orange, and yellow-green. This is also known as an intermediate color scheme.

For printable lessons, visit me on TeachersPayTeachers

How to Make Block Color Scheme LEGEND Letters with Bright Colored Paper

Supplies:

Black, White, or Gray Poster Board (6" x 12")

Ruler

Pencil

Scissors or Xacto Knife

Brightly Colored Copy Paper or Construction Paper

Beginners will want to measure to choose letter size and then eyeball the position on the poster board before gluing it down. Divide 12" by the number of letters you choose to use. The answer will provide enough space for your letter and the space between each letter. For example, 12/6 = 2". Allow 1 1/2" for each letter and use the extra space to form a border and proper letter spacing.

More advanced students should use the ruler to lay out a grid on the poster board. Draw separate grid lines for the block letter, space between the letters, and a border around them. Showing the students how to layout and plan for the block letter spacing will prepare them for future work in sign painting, drafting, technical theatre, and architecture.

Draw a horizon line halfway down the middle of the paper at 3". This line serves as the dividing line for the color of the letters. Each letter will be two colors based on one of the color schemes listed above. for younger students, choose contrasting colors. Measure for at least a 1/4" border from the edges of the paper. The width of letters is determined by the number of letters used as mentioned above. If you cut the letters out from a block of paper, with an Xacto knife, you can use the paper as a template to paint letters for a future project.

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How to get Baby to Sleep for a Nap

2022-09-13T21:50:00.000-04:00

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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3 Ways to Inspire Children

2022-06-17T22:18:00.004-04:00

Children are the most precious and innocent members of our society. When they are young, they tend to have the drive, motivation, and energy to do whatever they put their minds to. That is why it is important to nurture that side of them and keep it alive for as long as possible. If you have children yourself or perhaps you are a sibling to a young person or know a friend with a child, then this article could be of great use to you. So, continue to read on in order to learn about the three ways that you can inspire children.

1. Be a good role model

It is likely that the majority of the people reading this article have heard that it is important to be a good role model to younger people. So, it will come as no surprise to you that if you want to inspire children, you need to be a good role model to them. Be the person that they look up to and aspire to be, as this is a great way to motivate them to grow to be someone who is great. How does one become a good role model? Well, some helpful tips on how to become a good role model are listed below:

Believe in yourself – if you want to be a good role model to younger children, then you need to show them the importance of believing in yourself. If you want anyone to believe in you, you need to be able to believe in yourself first.
Hold people and yourself accountable – if you notice that the behavior of you or another needs improving, then be sure to hold yourself and others accountable. Children should be taught how to challenge bad behavior in themselves and others.
Be honest – one of the best things that you can do to become a good role model is to instill values of honesty in the younger generation.

2. Let them express their own sense of style

If you want to make children feel more inspired and empowered, it is important that you let them freely express themselves through clothing. So, next time that you go clothes shopping be sure to let them roam around and find clothes that they like. If they have a favorite color, then why not buy them a piece of clothing that is in that color. Or, if they like to cook and spend time in the kitchen, then why not check out Chef Works for some kids’ chef coats and aprons. There are many options of chefs’ apparel and you can choose from their full range.

3. Show affection

Humans are social beings that need to be shown love and affection. So, one great way to inspire positive and loving emotions within children is by showering them with affection. A great way to show children that you love them is through touch, be sure to give lots of hugs, high fives, and pats on the back. Acts such as hugging, rubbing their backs, and holding their hand while walking are amazing ways to make them feel comforted, calm, and relaxed.

What are the Best Ideas to get Kids to Exercise

2022-03-28T10:38:00.002-04:00

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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How to Help Children Achieve Dreams and Goals

2022-03-26T10:43:00.014-04:00

How Can I Help My Child Achieve Their Dreams?

One of the main parts of being a parent is nurturing your child’s hobbies and aspirations. This way, they can make their dreams a reality. However, for this to happen, a lot of work needs to be done behind the scenes. You can put things in place that can help to support your child as they work toward their goals, both in the present and the future. As a result, you can feel proud knowing you did all you could to be there for them when they were young and fledgling.

Financial Goals

Many goals and dreams that a child might have may also require some form of financial backing, whether this be gaining a qualification, starting a business, getting married, or even going on a nice holiday vacation. Rather than them needing to find the money in a short space of time, you may be able to use the entirety of their childhood to start putting money aside for their future. You can achieve this in the form of a junior stocks and shares ISA in your child’s name. A parent can open an account when their child is born and continue depositing into it until that child is an adult (in the eyes of the law.) At this point, they may be able to withdraw the money to use as they see fit. Hopefully, "as they see fit" will mean it will be spent on helping them achieve the important goals you both had dreamed up when they were merely small children.

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Extra Curricular Goals

Getting your child involved in extracurricular activities while they are young can also aid them with their future endeavors. This may especially be the case if some of those extra curricular activities match what your child would like to do in the future. If not, there might be some skills or tools that your child could take from these activities that could allow them to get ahead. For example, a child who is on the debate team now might have some of the skills required for job interviews, or even being able to make a convincing argument without the need for dramatics or raising their voice when the two of you have a disagreement. A child who explores 4H or the Future Farmers of America, might learn skills to help them have a future career in Agriculture.

Self-Esteem Goals

Above all, give children positive reinforcement. This can include the use of positive phrases that boost their confidence. While you may not want your child to be cocky, improving their self-esteem helps them to speak up for others, have the courage to pursue their dreams, and it gives them the drive to not give in when things get difficult. With a good measure of self-confidence, no matter how many setbacks they face, they will continue to look for different ways to achieve their goal, simply because they have a good foundation of perseverance and know that someone out there has their back.

Self-Motivating Quotes

While some (many) of your child's dreams might be unrealistic, realistic dreams can be achieved with hard work and dedication. As a parent, think about the many ways you can support your child to have the money and skills they will need to make those dreams come true. Whether you start a rainy day fund with your kids or just go play in the rain, it's never too late to be present in your child's life; and that is the best way to help your child achieve anything.

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Crafting Builds Confidence and Self Esteem in Children

2022-03-25T09:47:00.005-04:00

Essential Crafting Skills That Every Child Should Learn

Art and crafting activities have positive mental and physical benefits. Studies show that when children work together on craft projects, they build language skills as they create together, and more easily understand the perspective of others. Crafting also helps cultivate a child’s sense of achievement, building confidence and self-esteem through creation and experimentation.

In addition to learning important skills, supporting your child with creative outlets for free expression is good for their overall well being and health. Crafting is a wonderful way to relieve stress and offer space to learn to experiment and create. With a few simple supplies and an open mind, children will have a lot of fun while learning to enjoy crafting, all while developing a wide range of important skills. Here are some recommendations for teaching essential crafting skills to your children.

Junk Modeling

Open-ended art projects encourage the development of critical thinking skills. As a child makes a mental plan for what they want to make, they are building visual-spatial skills and exercising both right and left brain function. Designing models and sculpture helps children learn to evaluate shapes. An assortment of containers, wires, plastic, and random bits of household junk can be transformed into robots, toys, or mobiles. Provide glue and tape to help secure the pieces together, and paint and decorations for embellishing the model.

Help them turn a box into a pretend stove.

Sewing

Hand sewing tasks, like threading a needle or tying a knot, help improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. As noted by the Philly Art Center, the small muscles in a child’s fingers, wrists, and hands are strengthened through arts and crafts activities, which helps to make learning to write easier. Older children may enjoy designing costumes or simple bags. Providing a sewing machine for children is a creative and fulfilling way to encourage artistic expression. Math skills, including spatial reasoning, measurement taking, and shapes are skills that can be learned through pattern making and design. Offer to host a fashion show for children to share and reflect on their creations.

What are the Cognitive Benefits of Crafts?

Making A Collage

Teaching crafting skills like cutting with scissors and drawing encourages the development of fine motor muscles. Suggest a collage theme and set a table with an assortment of papers, magazines, fabrics, leftover crafting supplies, and glue. Children will also learn about dimension and composition, gaining concentration skills as they assemble materials to create their art. Encourage children as they create unstructured work, focusing on the process and exploring the creation of art rather than the end product.

String Art

Children who engage with creative activities exercise and develop a creative mindset, learning there can be many ways to complete a task. With yarn, flat top nails or pins, and a bit of scrap wood or cardboard, kids will build skills like measuring and the steps involved in creating geometric and linear art. Patience and imagination will be stretched as they figure out how to transfer their ideas to the surface. Older children can be challenged to make elaborate templates or intricate designs with parabolic curves and repeating patterns. Dr. Kerry Freeman (Head of Art & Design Education, Northern Illinois University) adds that when kids engage in crafting and art for expression and are given the ability to take risks, they are developing lifelong innovation skills that will contribute to their success academically and as adults.

Learning essential crafting skills has so many benefits for your child, contributing to both their physical and emotional development as they grow. Plan to engage your child with age-appropriate creative activities every week. Enjoy spending family time together to teach these essential crafting skills to your child, it’s a wonderful opportunity to bond and create memories.

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Top Tips before Visiting a Waterpark in Australia

2022-03-01T20:14:00.002-05:00

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 Does too much Screen Time Affect Health

2022-02-18T13:19:00.002-05:00

Is too much Screen Time Dangerous?

No matter how much you may try to avoid it, screens are an integral part of everyone’s lives and they are inescapable. With the increased use of electronics also comes increased concerns about how they affect us and our children. Many of us grew up with the old adage of “getting square eyes” or "you'll go blind" when we sat too close to the TV, but what are the real-life effects of too much screen time? Read on to see how too much screen time affects our eye health.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Samsung curved screen monitor available on Amazon.

Screen Effects on your vision

The rise in popularity of blue light filtering glasses has made us all think about how brightly lit screens might negatively impact our vision. If you work on a computer all day then you have probably felt some of these effects of too much screen time such as headaches and dry eyes, but you can also start to suffer from eye strain and even blurred vision. To combat these problems, you can use the aforementioned blue light filtering glasses, always work in good light, and avoid sitting in the dark staring at a screen. The number one rule for fighting computer vision syndrome is the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes you should take a break and stare at an object that is about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps give your eyes a break, and if you keep it up, you should notice a significant difference in your level of eye comfort.

Cut Down Screen Time

Eye Strain Sleeping problems

We are all guilty of scrolling through our phones right before bed but when we do this the light emitted from the device can interfere with your brain's sleep cycle and prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. The bright blue light that comes from phones and tablets disrupts your natural production of melatonin (the hormone that makes you sleepy.) To keep this disruption to a minimum, you should ban phones from the bedroom and avoid screens for at least an hour before you plan on getting into bed.

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Chronic pain

Aside from the effect of the brightly lit screens, we can also see electronic devices affecting our posture and causing neck, shoulder, and back pain. If you are sitting at a computer or laptop for long periods of time, then you will often find yourself hunching over or gradually starting to slump. Take regular breaks from sitting down to walk around the room, stand up or stretch your body, and make sure your chair has sufficient back support. Check out the correct seating posture for office work and make sure you follow the guide on how to sit.

Limit screen time

Set an example – remember that you are an example for your children, so avoid that absentminded scrolling on your phone when your children are around.

Set aside time to unplug – choose a time when the whole family has to unplug from their electronic device and spend quality time together without phones, tablets, or TVs.

Use parental controls – not only can parental controls block unwanted content, but you can also set daily screen time limits that lock your children out of apps once they have reached a set amount of time.

If you follow these simple tips, you can reduce the effects of too much screen time. Your eyes will thank you!

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How To Be a Cool Aunt or Uncle

2022-02-17T22:03:00.000-05:00

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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Plan a Family Focused Wedding Day

2022-02-15T22:01:00.001-05:00

Making Your Wedding A Family-First Day

While the wedding day is primarily about the bride and groom, the day is also about your extended family and ensuring that they are included in your special day. Children especially can be overlooked at weddings - Parents.com has charted a huge rise in adults-only events - which can result in kids feeling left out or bored. A wedding is a very emotional event and it’s important that any children attending are well looked after and enjoy what’s happening - starting with the main event. So, plan a family focused wedding day.

Photo courtesy of: Jeremy Wong Weddings

The ceremony

Wedding ceremonies are often both emotional and formal, which can be quite intimidating to children - even more so if it’s a second wedding, it can be emotionally conflicting for the children involved. Make sure the children understand what is happening, also consider getting them involved in the activities of the big day to help ease their concerns. Letting the children take on roles and help throughout the ceremony is a great way to include them and ease their emotions, for instance give them a part as best man, flower girl, or ring bearer and talk up their duties as you plan for the big day. As Verywell Family highlights, kids love being given responsibility, giving them a special part to play will create memories for all to cherish.

Enjoying the reception

Unlike the ceremony itself, the reception has a more relaxed atmosphere and is a time for everyone to wind down and start celebrating. Speeches are a big part of the reception, and it’s a nice idea for the children to be mentioned in the speech. This will make them feel appreciated and welcomed. Alternatively, you could have the children write and give their own speech and make them a central part of the day. What great fun this will make years later, as you re-watch the wedding day videos!

Late into the evening

As the party goes on into the night, children can become tired and irritable. Wedding days are long so don’t expect them to be able to keep up with you and your other wedding guests. It’s essential that the children are catered for and have somewhere to retreat to when they’re tired and ready for bed. Don't let them feel forgotten! Furthermore, give them the confidence to be able to tell you when they’re ready to call it a night. This will ensure they don’t feel like they have to stay up with the adults.

Weddings are an amazing occasion and a day to be shared with adult family and friends, but it’s important to ensure that children are happy too. Making a wedding family-friendly, by having children be a central part of the big day, will ensure their memories are happy, rather than unpleasant. When the wedding is family focused, it sets the framework for a pleasant future, blended family or not.

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Tips to Teach Kids Before College

2022-02-13T12:55:00.003-05:00

Kids Going Off To College? Here Are Some Things To Teach Them Before

It’s a bittersweet time when your children fly the nest after years of living under your wing. While you know it’s going to be an exciting new experience for them to learn and become adults, you can’t help but worry about them. So, to put your mind at ease, and to give them some useful knowledge before they go, let’s have a look at some tips you can teach your kids or speak to them about before they set off for college.

Domestic Duties

College is the time when your children will realize all that you do for them around the house, from cleaning up after them to cooking their meals. Hopefully, over the years, they’ll have picked up a thing or two from you, but it’s always a good idea to send them off with recipes, cleaning products, and anything else that will equip them for what lies ahead. College care packages are always helpful, but they need to learn to prepare for life on their own.

You’re still sure to get calls from them exclaiming how the washing machine won't spin (click the link for possible issues and fixes for this) or the oven won’t turn on, which you can help them with, trying to decipher the problem. These will often be simple fixes but if not, they can always get a professional in to fix the problem. This is all part of them growing up and learning how to handle things going wrong and how to make them right again. Here are some healthy eating tips for college students.

Alcohol

College is notorious for parties and drinking, so even if your son or daughter isn’t a drinker, you should still speak to them about this before they go. Ensure that they know to always be safe and never leave their cup unattended at events, as it could pose a threat. Their safety is paramount, so without scaring them or being over the top, you need to talk to them about being sensible and always letting someone know where they are. Make them aware that they never have to buckle to peer pressure, saying “no” is their right and if they don’t want to do something, then they don’t have to.

The Value Of Money

Cash can be tight for college students, so teaching them about budgeting and not splurging on unnecessary items is something that will come in handy for them. You can instill this at an early age, by giving them pocket money if they help you with chores, or when special occasions come around. This will help them to realize that money is earned and if they want something expensive, they have to save for it. You can reiterate what you’ve taught them over the years in the lead up to them moving away for college, as it’s more important now than ever as they won’t be living under your roof anymore. You might also want to look into scholarships. There are several scholarships available to homeschoolers.

Most of the time, your children will learn a lot of this along the way, but if you can offer them any help and guidance beforehand, at least you know you tried! This is their time to make mistakes, and those are often the most prominent learning curves of all.

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The Benefits of Extracurricular Activities for Children with Disabilities

2022-02-04T16:02:00.002-05:00

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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How To Get Fit While Watching TV

2022-01-05T21:05:00.000-05:00

Sit in Front of the TV and Get Fit!

Kids – and plenty of adults – love to watch TV, and in a lot of respects, this is a positive thing. TV is an ideal way to take some time out and relax, and it can be highly educational too. However, the problem comes when we are sitting too much, and the modern lifestyle that many of us follow involves a lot of sitting during the day. If you add more sitting thanks to TV, you could be making yourself very sick.

Studies have shown that for every hour of TV you watch, you’ll shorten your life by as much as 22 minutes. Not only that but there appears to be an increase in those developing cancer (especially lung and colon cancer) when you sit for long periods of time. Add to this the circulation issues you can experience, and suddenly TV doesn’t seem like such a great idea anymore.

However, it can be okay as long as you are fit and active during the day or if you’re not if you can combine your TV watching with exercise. More self-care tips.

Use Commercial Breaks

What do you do when the commercials come in during your favorite shows? If you’re like a lot of people, you’ll either watch them, or you’ll reach for your cellphone and scroll through social media until they’re finished. Perhaps you’ll go and make a drink or grab a snack.

However, it would be far better to use this time to exercise. It might only be for two or three minutes, but if you’re watching two or three hours of TV and you exercise during every commercial break, this will soon add up. Even a small amount of exercise is better than none at all, and therefore using this time effectively is a great idea.

Of course, if you’re using a streaming service, there won’t be any ad breaks, but you can create your own. Every twenty minutes, pause the show and do some exercise for two minutes before restarting it. You’ll soon get into the rhythm. The great thing about this is that you can do this no matter what kind of health you are in; you can even do this before cataract surgery, as there is no evidence to suggest that TV watching permanently damages the eyes.

Do Circuits

If you want to know what kind of exercises you might benefit most from while you fit them in to your TV watching, circuits are a great choice. You don’t even have to wait until the ad breaks to get started.

Begin by looking at the length of the show you want to watch. Once you know that, you can create a circuit routine that matches. So, it could be 30 minutes, an hour, or something else. Spend five minutes doing each exercise and then move on to something else, and all of the actions can be done while still watching the TV. Or perhaps you don’t want to time things. In that case, you can have a list of different exercises and switch from one to another after each scene ends, for example.

Yoga

If you practice yoga, you’ll already know how good it can be for you. It’s relaxing, improves your overall strength, and will build your balance and flexibility too. Some people like to practice yoga in silence, but if you don’t mind a little noise while you’re doing each exercise, having the TV on at the same time could work out well.

You’ll simply need to clear some space in your living room or bedroom (perhaps adding a yoga mat for comfort and safety), and then carry out a routine while your show plays. You should find that your yoga routine feels easier and that you can reduce a lot of stress because you’re focusing on the screen and letting your other troubles drift away.

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How To Choose A Breast Pump For Your Lifestyle?

2021-12-05T16:32:00.002-05:00

Photo by SHVETS production from Pexels

There are many different brands, types, and styles of breast pumps, including portable and wearable pumps. It comes as no surprise that many moms like you might feel overwhelmed over these numerous choices.

Indeed, it can be challenging to pick the best one, but you might want to consider your lifestyle as a factor for making the right choice.

Here are some helpful tips to help you choose a breast pump that may suit your lifestyle:

How Do You Plan to Use The Breast Pump

Ask yourself how you plan on using the breast pump.

Will you be breastfeeding exclusively and only need a backup pump, or will you be an exclusive pumper?

These questions will matter because you’re likely going to need a heavy-duty pump as an exclusive pumper. Still, you can even pick a manual pump if you’ll only need one as a backup.

Do you plan on pumping and storing a lot of breast milk in your fridge?

If that’s the case, then you’ll also need a heavy-duty pump that can handle the rigorous task. Picking a double pump can be ideal so you can get more milk more quickly.

Are you returning to work or traveling regularly?

If so, then you’ll probably need a portable pump that you can easily bring anywhere. Better yet, a wearable pump can let you pump discreetly, even in the middle of a meeting or while you’re on the go.

Just in case you opt for a wearable pump, make sure that you pick one that’s quiet yet powerful enough to pump discreetly.

Will you be away from your child for several days?

Bringing a portable pump can be convenient, but it could be costly to buy so many batteries to keep it working while you’re away for extended periods.

You can opt for a portable pump that comes with rechargeable batteries or simply bring your plug-in pump if there’s a place for you to pump discreetly.

How much time do you have to pump?

As you might already know, pumping varies for every mom. There are also certain conditions or types of breast pumps that can promote better extraction.

If you’re a busy mom who’s always on the go, you’ll surely need a powerful double electric breast pump. You can use this device to pump milk from both breasts at the same time.

What’s your pumping preference?

If you’re a mom who likes to pump the other breast while your baby feeds from the other, then a single pump would be ideal for you.

Where will you use the pump?

As a working mom, you’re entitled to a breast-pumping break.

Your workplace is required by law to provide you with a quiet, private place where you can collect your milk.

But if you feel uncomfortable about others hearing you pump, you can pick quiet models or brands that still provide great suction power, even with the silent motor.

Do you need to transport the breast pump regularly?

Plug-in breast pumps are usually more powerful than portable, battery-operated ones, yet they also tend to be bulkier. If you need to regularly transport your breast pump, such as bringing it to work daily, then it may be more practical to opt for a lighter, portable pump.

What about a backup plan?

What if your batteries run out or there are no power outlets for plugging your device? You can create a backup plan using a manual breast pump or bring along extra batteries at all times.

In Conclusion

You can pick the right breast pump by considering your lifestyle and needs or preferences.

But just in case you’re still unsure, you can also seek help from a lactation consultant.

What is Hoarding Disorder?

2021-11-18T16:26:00.002-05:00

What can you do when someone suffers from hoarding disorder?

Have you ever joked about a friend being a hoarder because their desk is covered in papers, or their home is cluttered? Hoarding is a real issue for some people, and it is very distressing. At first, a lot of hoarders don't notice the issue and they probably can't see how it’s affecting their lifestyle or worrying their loved ones. If they do recognize the problem, hoarders might feel embarrassed and isolated from friends and family. So, what is hoarding disorder, and how can you help someone who suffers from it?

Hoarding Disorder and Causes

Hoarding disorder is when an individual keeps a lot of things, no matter what the value of these items.They could have anything from broken appliances to old newspapers stored away in their homes leaving their home untidy, dirty, and a generally unpleasant space to be in.

A person with hoarding disorder feels upset or anxious about getting rid of the clutter because they've often formed a strong emotional attachment to these objects, particularly if the hoarded item represents something sentimental to them. Several mental health issues can be connected to hoarding disorder: severe depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and psychosis. If the person with hoarding disorder has recently gone through a difficult period in life, such as the death of a loved one, the breakdown of a relationship, or another traumatic event, this may serve as a catalyst for developing the disorder.

Hoarders often find comfort in collecting and saving items for future use. Of course, hoarding disorder can happen to anyone, but it isn’t uncommon for hoarding to develop in people who live alone or grew up in an untidy environment.

What Can You Do About It?

Several mental health issues can be connected to hoarding disorder: severe depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and psychosis. If the person with hoarding disorder has recently gone through a difficult period in life, such as the death of a loved one, the breakdown of a relationship, or another traumatic event, this may serve as a catalyst for developing the disorder. Hoarders often find comfort in collecting and saving items for future use. Of course, hoarding disorder can happen to anyone, but it isn’t uncommon for hoarding to develop in people who live alone or grew up in an untidy environment.

Since hoarding is linked to mental health, typical treatments include CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and counseling to identify the root cause of the hoarding. If the hoarding is associated with depression, antidepressant medication might be prescribed and allow for some relief.

If you're concerned that a loved one has a hoarding disorder, gently suggest that they visit the GP with you. Remember, a lot of people with this disorder don't recognize that there's a problem. Others may feel embarrassed, so be patient with them. Let them know that you care and that you are there for them whenever they feel overwhelmed or when they're ready to talk about their circumstances.

When a hoarder is ready to deal with the issue and start organizing their home, you might also need professional services to help. Hoarder clean up services are specialists in dealing with these situations and understand how emotional and difficult it can be for the individuals who suffer with the disorder. A clean up service will also be able to deep-clean the property to make it a safe, healthy living environment for your loved one. While people might joke about being a hoarder, for many people, this is a serious issue that impacts their daily lives. If you're concerned that you or someone you love has developed a hoarding disorder, speak to mental health professionals for further advice on what steps you need to take.

Healthy Eating Tips for Busy College Student

2021-11-16T18:32:00.004-05:00

You can Eat Healthy in College

Hectic schedules are inevitable for a college student. But studying hard doesn’t mean you forget to eat. Remember, your brain needs fuel. It is extremely easy and tempting to grab a cup of ramen or a pizza with a sprite and call it a day. However, this is neither feasible nor healthy. Great news! It isn’t an impossible task to incorporate healthy meals into your busy routine.

Basic Nutrition

The basic food groups are something everyone is aware of. This will help you determine the amount and types of food you should consume to stay healthy. Eating healthy can be challenging, however, the consequences of unhealthy eating may be slow to occur but devastating in the long run.

With issues like fatigue, depression, menstrual irregularities, gastrointestinal issues, and low immunity, “you truly become what you eat”.

Most people are familiar with the classical food pyramid, however, in 2014 this was replaced with the plate. This showcased not only the recommended nutritive foods you should consume but also gives an idea about portion size.

However, keep in mind that the portion sizes vary greatly depending on your age, gender, and physical activity. For example, a college athlete will need far more calories compared to a chemistry undergrad spending their days in the lab.

Recommended Daily Intake

Typically, a college student needs about 4-8 servings (3-5 for females) of carbs of which at least half should be whole grains. Protein intake of 45-55g per day is enough whereas curbing your dairy cravings to no more than three cups a day.

Vitamin and fiber-rich fruits and veggies, thankfully have no strict restrictions, but the recommended minimum for 2-3 cups of veggies and 2 cups of fruits daily. Always keep various types of brightly colored fruits and veggies in your routine, because all of these are packed with all the correct vitamins. Some of these include but are not limited to broccoli, carrots, spinach, oranges, kiwi, grapes, blueberries, strawberries, etc. (via HealthCanal.)

How Unhealthy Food choices Affects Us

College and caffeine are a tale as old as time. Deadlines, gruesome assignments, early morning lectures, or warm nights surrounded by friends, caffeine is a constant companion. However, constant caffeine intake is linked to insomnia, anxiety, poor concentration, and performance.

Instead, try to sleep at least 7 hours (get off your social media past midnight!). Limit those caffeine cups to 1-2 per day and try to keep those all-nighters, only occasionally in emergencies and spaced apart.

Even though this is akin to beating a dead horse, fats are deadly when eaten excessively, it is a major culprit for cardiac diseases and stroke. Nonetheless, cheat days are allowed and moderate intakes are encouraged.

Whole grains are the better choice when it comes to carbs. Excess sugar is converted to fat leading to weight gain and is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Low-fiber refined sugar doesn’t trigger insulin which stores away the excess sugar, the pancreas is unable to deal with the sugar rush, hence you crave sugars only hours after that delicious pasta.

Salt and preservatives, rich processed meats, canned food, and packed meals are at risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and some cancers.

Dining Hall Tips to

Planning is the best way to avoid giving in to your sugary urges. Browse through the dining halls menu online and decide your breakfast before going to bed, so you don’t buy meals with your craving eyes. Some college dining halls provide calorie counts for their meals.

Keep an apple or some granola bars to your snack on your midday cravings and avoid the vending machine. Many healthy lifestyle snack options, like nut butter, crunchy seaweed snacks, and protein bars.

Try to keep a protein source on your plate as well as a fresh item. Salads are a great option and mind you, there is way more to salads than just lettuce. Choose grilled instead of fried chicken. Replenish your plate with veggies and choose brown rice over white rice.

Desserts can be fruit instead of sweetened yogurt. Replace your sodas with freshly pressed juices and water. Try different items on the menu regularly instead of sticking to a single item. Avoid lingering in the dining hall for long, don’t use the hall for group studying and projects. This will distract you and tempt you to eat more than you need.

There are many ways to make small changes to your diet which will make a world of difference only if you put your mind to it.

Dorm Room Cooking

Many dorms may not have adequate facilities for cooking meals regularly. In such cases, stock up your pantry with items like fruits, dried fruits, bagged salad greens, can tuna, whole grains (oats), yogurt, and popcorn.

However, there are many ways to whip up easy meals for college students on the budget and drowning in deadlines. From baked salmon to chicken avocado, many easy weeknight dinners are great and take little time to make.

Microwave Meal

Microwave meals can also be healthy and quick to make. Scrambled eggs, lean cuisine, potatoes, can soup, single-serve quinoa, or brown rice cups can make simple, quick, and delicious meals. Top with seasoning and wash down with some freshly blended smoothies to keep you full for the day.

Eating Well on a Budget

Money is always tight for college students. The stress of college work can be so overwhelming that budgeting meals while keeping them healthy is the last thing on your mind. To help you here are some tricks to save your money and your health:

Make a shopping list for each meal during weekends and only stick to that.
Avoid buying expensive snacks like chocolates, chips, and packaged frozen meals too often.
Shop for fresh produce and meats on sale. Not expired.
Buy one or two expensive items like dressings and spices one at a time during each shopping trip to stock up.
Always keep cheese and salads, greens on hand to whip up a quick salad with any leftover meat or fish.
Stock your pantry with items that have long shelf lives to keep eating healthy.

Establish an Eating Habit

Two to three solid meals are a must, daily. Eat while you are slightly hungry and at specified times if possible with small intervals between snacks and meals.

You are likely to eat more while starving, but frequent small meals will keep you full and functioning. Even if you can’t sit to eat because of classes or sleep, keep a snack to munch on the go.

Portion Control

Easier said than done. We all know that all college students are perpetually hungry. However, try to eat slowly and wait 10-15 minutes before the next round. Drink plenty of water and eat on a small plate these are just some tips that can help you understand and implement portion control into a healthy diet plan.

Furthermore, keep in mind that you can always have seconds later, so don’t pile your plate with everything in the dining hall or give in to that discount buffet.

A balanced meal of carbs, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats with a rainbow of fruits and veggies is ideal. Try to incorporate this as much as you can, at least daily if not every meal.

Smart Foods for Quick Nutrition

Adding a healthy item or two to your meal will not only improve the nutritive quality of your meal but also elevate its taste. Here are some smart foods to add to your meals or to snack on throughout the day.

Beans
Blueberries
Dark Chocolate
Dark green vegetables
Oats
Salmon
Walnuts

These tasty items also happen to be brain foods. So fuel your brain and get your gears working for that organic chemistry assignment.

Eat breakfast, even if you wake up at lunchtime

Running late for classes or oversleeping, we have all been there. Nevertheless, skipping breakfast for that isn’t the answer. Numerous studies have reiterated the importance of a healthy breakfast on classroom performance.

On-the-go breakfasts like single-serve oatmeals, greek yogurt, hummus, hard-boiled eggs, nuts, and fruits are highly packed with nutrients.

Make sure you take exercise 101

Yes, we have all heard this advice and we hate it. But this advice is repeatedly drilled into people’s minds for a reason: it works. Incorporate exercise into your routine, like your classes you shouldn’t miss.

Set up a workout corner in your room, walk to class, join a gym or join the college sports team or local fitness centers, the options are endless once you put your mind into it. Improved mood, sleep, and good memory will help you gain better results.

Limit alcohol intake

The one beverage with absolutely no nutritional benefits and is detrimental to your health is alcohol. The occasional light drink during parties is acceptable but indulgence is a recipe for disaster.

Loss weight sensibly

Starvation is never the answer to losing weight. You run the risk of developing eating disorders with fad diets and diet pills. Studies found no link between certain food combinations with weight loss. Instead balanced meals with exercise are the surest way to maintain a healthy weight. Remember health is not measured by the models and celebrities on social media and magazines.

Enjoy your pizza with half the cheese, baked potato, a regular size roast beef sandwich, or green salad. Forego the tasty trio: French fries, fried chicken, and fish sandwiches which are loaded with fat. This way you can enjoy fried food guilt-free.

Conclusion

The best advice for healthy eating is to take things easy. Keep your bones healthy with calcium-rich foods, stay hydrated and please try to sleep. All of these steps work in tandem to keep your mind and body healthy. Enjoy weekends thoroughly.

Gauge how your body reacts to different foods and adjust accordingly. Armed with the correct knowledge, tackle your next semester with a healthy body, sharp mind, and less stress. Remember, you can consistently score high as long as you are healthy.

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Dinnerly Reviews: Easy Weeknight Dinners

2021-10-20T11:37:00.004-04:00

Considering trying a Meal Delivery Service?

With the popularity of meal delivery services where the uncooked ingredients are delivered to your door, or popular apps like Grub Hub where any hot meal is at your finger tips, or the ease of ordering your groceries online and picking them up or having them delivered via Instacart (Get $10 use PROMO CODE - LLANGSTON191) or the store itself, the decision of which delivery service to use is a difficult one. Are some meal delivery services better or less expensive than others? We think so. If you've been considering a meal delivery service, read on for our Dinnerly review.

Get $10 toward Instacart with PROMO CODE: LLANGSTON 191

Since before Covid hit and made it popular, we've been experimenting with different ways to avoid going to the grocery store. All meal delivery services are not created equally. However, most of them have similar pros and cons, beware of leaving a cart empty in your weekly delivery service website. If you pick an option that automatically adds a certain item when it is in season or as it becomes available, your cart will fill up, and you'll reach the minimum order without ever visiting the site. Next thing you know, you've got 10 avocados, a pumpkin pie, and Impossible Burger sitting on your porch and an unexpected charge to your account. So, if you need to skip a delivery, be sure to use the pause delivery feature.

Get $15 of Free Groceries with Walmart Delivery.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

Try a Quick Meal option from Amazon

Easy Chicken Enchiladas from Dinnerly.

See all the steps needed to create these delicious, fresh chicken enchiladas from Dinnerly in the slide show below.

The recipe cards comes via email or are available in your Dinnerly account. A paper version would be nice to have also, but Dinnerly is less expensive than other meal delivery services so this is a way they reduce the cost. Of course, if you have a printer, you can always print them.

We suggest you review the recipes before you set out to cook your easy weeknight dinner. Sometimes the most important steps are missing. For example, the recipe above doesn't tell you how or when to cook the chicken, it assumes you've already done that step! This may be because sometimes the chicken comes precooked. At any rate, an inexperienced cook might think the chicken will cook properly in the oven. We've noticed some other steps missing in our Dinnerly cooking instructions, just use common sense when cooking.

The great thing about these cooking instructions is that once you get the hang of following these recipes, they will teach you valuable culinary skills. After awhile, you'll be creating your own delectable dishes from scratch. If you want to try a Dinnerly Meal Kit for your own easy week night dinner, leave a comment and we'll share a link for a free box. Each link is only good for one use. You can review Dinnerly for yourself and see what your family thinks. Enjoy!

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7 Winter and Christmas Activities to Do with Your Kids

2021-10-02T16:26:00.002-04:00

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.

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!

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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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.

Here are some more fun snowflake activities from the Adventures of Kids Creative Chaos.

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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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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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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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!

Can the Stress of Being a Mom Cause Hair Loss?

2021-09-29T14:12:00.003-04:00

How Mom Stress Can Cause Hair Loss

What can cause hair loss in women? With all of the traveling and adventuring, it is easy to become stressed from time to time, especially when you also take into account the challenges of everyday life and work. Although a little stress is normal when you have a family, if you are beginning to feel as if your stress is endless, you must find ways to manage it, as stress can lead to physical symptoms, including hair loss.

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In the photo above, I have inexpensive hair extensions for a Halloween costume party. I thought it was obvious, but my friends actually thought I went to the salon and got real extensions. My actual hair is shoulder length. Pretty good color match, don't you think? Though, I don't have a problem with hair loss or thinning, I did notice a lot of hair extra hair in the shower drain after recovering from Covid 19.

What causes stress?

You may begin to experience stress due to changes coming up in your life, even if these changes are fun ones like going on vacation or moving into your dream house. You might also start to feel stressed if you feel pressured, whether this is to be a good mom or to meet all of your work deadlines. Some women feel stressed if they do not take enough time off work, or if they are worried about something, such as a new baby or their lack of finances.

How does stress cause hair loss?

As well as having an emotional impact on you and causing mental health issues, stress can also create a physical reaction in your body. It should also be noted that hormonal changes such as perimenopause and menopause can cause hair thinning and loss in women. When you are stressed, your hair follicles might stay in the resting phase of their cycle rather than fluctuating between resting and growing. If this persists for too long, they might then begin to fall out regardless of what you do to your hair. This can make you even more stressed as you begin to feel self-conscious about your appearance.

Should you get a hair transplant?

Although your hair will usually start to regrow once your stress levels have lessened, if you do find that you are struggling with hair loss to a great extent, you should consider the benefits of a hair transplant from a hair clinic near me. They will be able to restore your hair to its prime and allow you to disguise any bald patches that have formed on your head. With a hair transplant, there;s need for Halloween hair extensions. This can help you to meet your hair goals and to feel like yourself again, boosting your confidence, and enabling you to focus on your family. Although there are many different treatments for hair loss, hair transplants are nearly permanent and can make a dramatic difference that will allow you to start living your life to the fullest instantly. You won't have to hide inside your house in fear that others will notice your hair loss.

How can you reduce stress?

If you want to reduce the stress that you've been experiencing, make sure that you exercise often and get out into nature to enjoy the benefits of sunshine, that you drink and eat enough healthy choices, and that you try to reduce the triggers of your stress.

Take some time off to recenter yourself and perform self-care activities during which you can focus on yourself rather than the rest of the family. If your stress has reached unmanageable levels, consider scheduling an appointment with a therapist, where you can talk through the problems you are facing and process the emotions that you are experiencing. Sometimes, it's as simple as throwing on some silly hair extensions and attending a costume party! Whatever you choose, be sure to keep your stress levels at a minimum. Seek help if the stress feels overwhelming.

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