children

Expressing Thanks: Creative Activities for Children

Nancy Mexicano — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 14:41:30 +0000

Expressing Thanks: Creative Activities for Children

Nancy Mexicano Fri, 11/10/2023 - 09:41

Thanksgiving is a special time to come together with family and friends, share a delicious meal, and reflect on the things we are grateful for. It's a holiday that provides a wonderful opportunity to teach children about the importance of gratitude and giving thanks. In this blog, we'll explore some creative and engaging activities to help children express their thanks and embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving.

1. Gratitude Journals:
Encourage children to keep a gratitude journal where they can write or draw things they are thankful for. Each day, have them record something different, helping them focus on the positive aspects of their lives. These journals can be a lasting keepsake, showing how their appreciation evolves over time.

2. Thankful Trees:
Create a Thankful Tree as a beautiful and interactive decoration. Cut out paper leaves, and each day leading up to Thanksgiving, have children write something they're thankful for on a leaf and attach it to the tree. This visual representation of gratitude can serve as a wonderful conversation starter.

3. Handprint Turkeys:
One of the classic Thanksgiving crafts for children is making handprint turkeys. Each finger represents something the child is thankful for. As they craft these colorful birds, they'll also be reminded of their blessings.

4. Acts of Kindness:
Teaching children to be thankful also involves teaching them to give back. Have them engage in small acts of kindness, like making cards for elderly neighbors, helping set the table for Thanksgiving dinner, or sharing their toys. These actions help them understand the joy of giving.

5. Thankful Tablecloth:
For Thanksgiving dinner, spread out a plain tablecloth and provide fabric markers. Encourage children to write down their thanks, draw pictures, or even trace their hands with messages of gratitude. This personalized tablecloth can become a cherished tradition and conversation piece.

6. Gratitude Scavenger Hunt:
Create a scavenger hunt that guides children to find things they're thankful for in and around the house or during a nature walk. This hands-on activity not only gets them moving but also helps them discover the beauty in the world around them.

7. Thankful Storytime:
Choose books that focus on the theme of thankfulness and read them together. Discuss the stories and ask children what they're thankful for, connecting the literature to their own experiences.

8. Thank You Cards:
Provide materials for children to make thank you cards for family members, teachers, or friends. Expressing gratitude through handwritten notes is a valuable skill that can last a lifetime.

9. Thanksgiving Poems and Songs:
Encourage children to create their own Thanksgiving poems or songs. It can be a fun way for them to express their thanks in a creative manner, and they can even perform them for the family during the holiday.

10. Volunteer Together:
Depending on the age of the children, consider involving them in volunteer opportunities that are age appropriate. This hands-on experience will teach them the value of giving back and the importance of gratitude in action.

These activities not only bring the Thanksgiving spirit to life but also help children understand the true meaning of the holiday: giving thanks for what we have and showing appreciation to the people around us. By making gratitude a part of their daily lives, children can carry the lessons of Thanksgiving with them throughout the year.

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family

Gratitude

Thankful

Thanksgiving

children

Heartfelt Ways Children Can Honor Their Grandparents

Alex Herschman — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:42:53 +0000

Heartfelt Ways Children Can Honor Their Grandparents

Alex Herschman Fri, 08/25/2023 - 09:42

Grandparents' Day is just around the corner, and it’s a perfect opportunity for children to show their love and appreciation to those who hold a cherished place in their hearts – their grandparents! Known for giving unconditional love, grandparents are the living links to our past and sources of stories that span generations. With perhaps a little help from Mom, Dad, or an older sibling, children can honor these treasured family members and celebrate this special day in meaningful ways that leave a lasting impression.

1. Handmade Hugs with Art: Artwork from little hands is like a warm hug wrapped in color and creativity. Encourage children to create heartfelt masterpieces like paintings, drawings, or handprints that showcase their unique touch. These artworks are expressions of love that grandparents will proudly display and always treasure.

2. Heartfelt Letters: Even if words may be limited, the joy of scribbles and wiggles from tiny hands is boundless. Help children create sweet notes or cards for their grandparents. These little gestures carry a big message of love and appreciation.

3. Performances with Giggles: Children love to perform and show off their skills. Encourage them to put on a small show – singing a song or doing a dance. Grandparents will be delighted to be the audience for their little star's performance.

4. Share a Special Storytime: Reading a book together is a wonderful way to bond. Choose a favorite story and let children and grandparents take turns reading to each other. This shared activity is a sweet reminder of the magic of storytelling.

5. Garden of Love and Care: Planting something together can be a memorable experience. As they watch it grow, children learn the value of nurturing relationships, just like they nurture their growing plant.

6. Baking Sweet Memories: Baking together is not just about treats; it's about creating memories. Children can help measure ingredients, mix, and decorate cookies or cupcakes with their grandparents. The joy is in the process, with delicious results!

7. Virtual Connections Across Miles: For those separated by distance, technology bridges the gap. Encourage children to make a special video message or call their grandparents to share their love and create a virtual connection.

8. Gift of Time and Presence: Sometimes, the most valuable gift is simply spending quality time together. Children can engage in activities they both enjoy, like playing games, telling stories, or working on a puzzle. There’s nothing like the gift of presence!

Grandparents are like a treasure trove of love and wisdom. Grandparents’ Day gives us a special opportunity to shower them with the gratitude they truly deserve. Through such meaningful gestures, children can show their grandparents just how much they mean to them. By sharing time, experiences, and love, they can create lasting memories together that celebrate the unique bond between generations. This Grandparents’ Day, let’s inspire children to celebrate their grandparents in ways that resonate and create moments to be forever cherished.

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early childhood education

children

grandparents day

Talking to your Child About COVID-19

lba-admin — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 17:55:04 +0000

Talking to your Child About COVID-19

lba-admin Tue, 03/24/2020 - 13:55

Talking to your young child about crisis and what's currently happening in the world can be complicated - How much should I share without scaring them? What is developmentally appropriate? What are the right words to explain what’s happening? What questions will they have, and will I be able to answer them?

Their routines have been broken and the world seems unfamiliar and out of the ‘norm’, they’re home all day and not seeing their teachers or friends. They’re going to be inquisitive, it’s just how they’re programmed!

It’s a lot to process for adults, let alone children. Depending on your child’s age, they might already be hearing about ‘Corona’ or ‘COVID’ from media, adults in their lives, etc. So, what do we do?

Providing them with appropriate information they need while making sure they ARE safe and FEEL safe is most important. Here’s a few tips on questions to ask and how to respond.

What have you heard about the coronavirus?

Ask questions to help you gauge what your child may have already heard and believe about the situation. You might ask, "Are your friends talking about the coronavirus? What are they saying?" or "Have you heard anyone talking about a sickness that's going around?" Their answer will give you an idea of where to begin your conversation.

Do you know what the coronavirus is?

Be honest and keep it basic, no need to overshare. Just be available to them and encourage them to ask any questions they may have, and it’s okay if you can’t answer everything. A simple and easy explanation is: ‘it is a germ that makes people sick’.

How can we stay healthy?

Rather than illness, focus on what they can do to help make sure everyone stays healthy. Explain that this is why we practice healthy habits… and be a role model for your child. Show your little one how to properly wash their hands, and how often. Handwashing should be for a minimum of 20 seconds in length, and be done before and after meals, after using the bathroom, or playing with toys. Have your child sing their favorite tune while scrubbing. When they’re done singing – their hands are clean! Also, explain the importance of keeping their hands away from their faces. It’s hard, we know, but try!

Another great way to stay healthy is by encouraging them to playing outside, weather permitting of course! The fresh air and Vitamin D are great for all of us and will help break up the monotony of sitting inside all day. Not sure what to do with them while outside? Bring a few of their ‘inside toys’ out, there are no rules! Enjoying a picnic, playing with the dog, teaching them to ride a bike, do some gardening and drawing with chalk are also some fun ideas.

When will we go back to school?

This is a tough one. But, again, be honest and keep it as simple as possible. Let them know that everyone wants to be together again and look for ways to keep them connected with their friends. Join the Lightbridge Academy Facebook Live daily activity or set-up a Facetime call with one of their buddies. Even small moments of connection can go a long way!

What are we doing today?

Children feel safe and secure when they know what to expect. Create a daily schedule and post it on the wall. Let them check off their list. This is a great way to keep them on track with what they are used to doing when they were going to school. Routines give young children (and even adults!) a sense of security and help reduce the ‘unknown’ anxiety. Since change happens frequently in a young child's life (new foods, new clothes, new bed, new house, new siblings, etc.), adjustments are easier to make when they occur in the context of a familiar routine.

There are also a plethora of helpful resources available online to assist you in helping you child to continue to learn and achieve developmental milestones while at home.

We’re all trying to figure this out. Take it one day at a time, and don’t overlook some of the “positives” that are coming from this challenge. We are getting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to slow down, soak up as much family time as possible, create beautiful memories together, and turn daily tasks into teachable moments!

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The Importance of Sleep for Your Growing Child

lba-admin — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 18:49:35 +0000

The Importance of Sleep for Your Growing Child

lba-admin Wed, 06/19/2019 - 14:49

Making sure your little one gets enough sleep, including naps, is an essential part of their growth and development.

Why? Here are some reasons:

Cognitive Development
Adequate sleep helps your child learn. You know how much your little one absorbs each day in the class room. Getting enough sleep at night is crucial to helping them retain what they’re learning as well as giving them enough energy to begin the learning process.

Behavioral Problems
Children who don't get enough sleep can seem hyperactive and have behavior issues. A well-rested child is more calm, happy, and attentive, making it easier to teach them and easier to help them model good behavior.

General Health
If your child isn't getting enough sleep, he or she could be at risk of getting sick, just like an adult. Sleep is not only important to help the brain reset and recover, but also allows the body to rest and recuperate. Not getting enough sleep can make your child more likely to get sick from the germs commonly associated with child care or kindergarten.

For a child who is not getting enough sleep, even falling asleep or staying asleep can be tough. When your child is hyperactive from lack of sleep, letting them stay up later is not the best idea-in fact, making bedtime earlier is the best solution. A child who is getting the right amount of sleep is ready to go to bed when it is bedtime. Sleep is important and helps them succeed!

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Sleep Development

children

health

The Art and Science Behind Disciplining Children

lba-admin — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 14:00:06 +0000

The Art and Science Behind Disciplining Children

lba-admin Thu, 03/07/2019 - 09:00

A Lot of Patience Will Bring Out the ‘Little Angel’ in Every Child. There’s a “Little Angel” in every child.

This can be hard to believe at times, especially when your child is screaming on the floor of the grocery store simply because you won’t buy frozen pizzas shaped like jungle animals.

While all children act out, they also demonstrate positive behaviors. Why is it that these more angelic traits often come out in the privacy of our homes or cars when no one is around to admire your wonderful parenting skills?

But don’t lose heart! Remember, discipline helps your child develop the skills necessary to behave in an acceptable manner even when you’re not around. Just as children develop inappropriate behaviors, they can also develop good ones. As parents, it’s our job to help children understand the difference between right and wrong and make positive choices as often as possible.

So how do you change the not-so-nice behavior into the kind of behavior that would make your mother proud? With time, patience and consistency! It can be difficult for busy working parents, but I promise the efforts will be worth it. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Really watch and listen to your child.Do you see a pattern associated with the behavior? Most often children misbehave when they are tired, hungry or expected to sit for long periods of time. This is very similar with adults. First, ask yourself if your expectations are appropriate. This will help set your child up for future success.

Look at your own behavior and expectations. Acting as a role model is the greatest way for your child to learn. What are your true behaviors in the same situations? What are your individual, family and cultural levels of tolerance or acceptance? Reflect on this and make any necessary changes to your behaviors.

Remember that your child is still learning to control their emotions and actions. There have certainly been a lot of times when I’ve wanted to lay down at the checkout aisle of the grocery store and kick and scream. I just stop myself… so far.

Guide your child’s behavior. Set clear, realistic and age-appropriate limits and expectations. Determine expectations by emphasizing safety, respect and responsibility. Use redirection to encourage positive behavior and logical consequences to guide inappropriate behavior. Encourage, support and praise self-control and efforts of self-control. And, be consistent.

When it comes to reacting to your child’s behavior, make sure you respond immediately and consistently. Stop what you are doing and go to your child and speak to them at eye level. Use your natural tone of voice and be positive, but also firm. You can validate your child’s feelings, but in simple terms, also explain what he did wrong and what you want him to do differently.

Also, make sure you do not shame or humiliate your child. Don’t call your child “bad” or indicate that they, rather than the behavior, is the problem. Moralizing or letting too much personal anger, frustration and emotion show can be confusing to your child and can distract from the lesson at hand. And this may go without saying, but you should avoid bribing your child or making false threats.

Remember to build on your child’s success by being positive, patient and consistent. Let them know that you love them and that it’s okay to make mistakes. You make them every day! By following these simple tips, you’ll see that your “Little Angel” will slowly emerge.

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discipline

children

parenting

Halloween Safety!

lba-admin — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 13:42:47 +0000

Halloween Safety!

lba-admin Thu, 10/25/2018 - 09:42

Halloween is often a young child's favorite fall celebration and it has all of the ingredients to build special family memories. Here are some helpful hints that will hopefully make your Halloween safer, less stressful and more enjoyable for your family:

When picking out a costume:

Keep the weather in mind. Dress in easy to remove layers under costumes so that little ones are not cold. Also, it never hurts to bring along an umbrella!
Bulky costumes can be difficult for children to walk in. One good fall can spoil the Halloween party at school or Halloween night!
Make sure costumes are light and made of a material that allows children's skin to breathe so that they are not sweaty and cold.
Check masks. Clean them before your child wears them. Lots of children could have tried on the same mask! Check to make sure that your child can breathe easily and see properly. Even if the mask has air holes, it does not mean holes are large enough or in the correct locations for them to see clearly and get enough air.
Test make-up for skin allergies. If you are considering a costume that requires face or body painting, remember to test it on a small portion of your child's hand to check for allergies. When Trick-or-Treating:
Younger children should always go up to the door with an adult. Not everyone understands that young children can scare easily and it can spoil the night. Having an adult nearby is comforting.
Only visit houses that have the lights on. If a house is dark, it's a sure sign that they do not want to be bothered.
Have children wear reflectors, give your child their own flashlight or have them wear a glow necklace. You should always have your own flashlight for areas that are not well lit or for emergency situations.
Stay on sidewalks and only walk across streets at crosswalk locations, if possible.
Never let children eat treats until packages are checked by an adult! Discuss this rule in advance. For very young children, dump the candy into a large bag that you carry and leave them with a couple of items to keep them happy.

While Halloween is fun and brings neighborhoods together, it is important to tell your children that the night will be fun if everyone abides by the rules and stays safe! Remind them that it is never alright to talk or take candy from a stranger when you are not there and that it is NEVER permissible to travel with a stranger. Make sure to tell your child that what you are explaining is for safety reasons and not to frighten him or her. We hope that these tips help make Halloween more safe and enjoyable for your little princess or superhero, and that they help to build happy memories that last a lifetime.

Happy Halloween!

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Halloween

children

safety

How to Curb the Gimmies

lba-admin — Tue, 29 May 2018 16:40:29 +0000

How to Curb the Gimmies

lba-admin Tue, 05/29/2018 - 12:40

Our children are bombarded by media advertising messages everyday – on TV, at the movies, on DVDs and videos, on the internet, in magazines and even children’s books. If tossing out the TV and shutting down the home computer seem like the answer to eliminating children’s exposure and desire for goods they don’t need, it probably isn’t. Although we’ll all agree that limited TV and computer time with more outdoor physical activity would benefit all our children and us, it won’t protect our children from advertising messages or give us the opportunity to teach our children how to be educated consumers. Even children who do not watch TV are exposed to advertising on their clothes, their toys and even the shopping carts they ride in at the grocery store.

It’s no wonder that advertisers are targeting children. Children either spend or influence $500 billion worth of purchases a year, says the National Institute on Media and the Family. In the past, the most effective way to sell children's products was through us, the parents. Now, the opposite is true — children are the focal point for intense advertising pressure seeking to influence billions of dollars of family spending. Children as young as three-years-old recognize brand logos, with brand loyalty influence starting at age two. Advertisers are aware that children influence the purchase of not just kid's products anymore, but everything in the household from cars to toothpaste. Thus these "adult" products are being paired with kid-oriented logos and images. Magazines aimed at children have blossomed. Many of these magazines are kid versions of adult magazines. For instance, the popular publication Sports Illustrated for Kids carries ads for minivans.

If we can’t escape the advertising blitz, what can we do?

Talk to your child about purchases before you enter a store.

Have a list of what you plan to buy when you go to grocery or superstores. Before you enter the store, remind your children that these are the only things you are buying.

Say “no” to impulse buys. It’s easy for tired, busy parents to say “yes” to our children’s pleading, demanding and begging for stuff they want. And although “giving in” may momentarily stop their requests, keep in mind that two things will happen. One, your child will learn that persistent demands gets results, and two, enough, is never enough. We parents forget that our children’s wants can never be satisfied. There will always be something “cooler” right on the next aisle.

Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses. In fact, there is no need to keep up with the Joneses because they died of exhaustion. Your children don’t need to have something just because someone else has it.

Limit TV time and watch with your children. Young children are not able to distinguish between commercials and TV programs. They do not recognize that commercials are trying to sell something.

Have your children earn and save money. It is always easier for children to spend someone else’s money, like ours. Have your child save for a particular item they want.

Create spending limits. Hey, we work hard and it feels good to buy things for our kids. When you do let your child purchase an item, consider giving them a dollar amount, or at the grocery store, let your child choose just one thing. Help them make choices.

Examine your own spending habits. Children learn by watching us. How do we spend our money? How do we save? How do we respond to advertising?

Is the media bad for our children? Probably not, but in some ways it can be misleading, and too much of anything isn’t good for our children — or us. The news usually focuses on negative, sensational spots often giving children an unrealistic sense that the world is a much more scary and menacing place than it really is. War is catastrophic and terrorism is frightening, but the reality of our children’s day-to day lives in America is relatively safe. And there are good, educational shows on TV. Imagine life without a computer or the internet? The internet is a vast library of fascinating information for our children right in our own homes.

Many organizations, like Common Sense Media, believe that media is fun and educational and are focused on making media producers accountable to families and urging them to invest and promote programming that serves the interests of our kids. Studies have shown that children who watch carefully constructed educational programs that are aimed at their age level, such as Sesame Street, do better on pre-reading skills than children who watched infrequently or not at all. But before you let your child spend endless hours watching TV, consider that these same studies further show that children who watch cartoons or other purely entertainment television shows during their pre-school years do poorer on pre-reading skills. So, it’s not whether our children watch, but what and how much.

Take a look at the tips below for some ideas that give you and your children control over TV.

Watch What Your Kids Are Watching - Be aware of program content as well as the content of the daily news. The younger the child, the more impressionable he or she is, and the less experienced in evaluating content against the values of family and community. Additionally, emotional images may frighten children.

Set Some TV Guidelines - Have a conversation with your children, but reserve the final decision. Make the rules clear, like no TV before school or until homework is completed. Setting new limits may be upsetting to and difficult for your children at first.

Make a TV Schedule - Go through the TV guide in the paper on Sunday and make family decisions on shows to watch for the week. Discuss reasons for the decisions with your children. If in doubt, get more information.

Ask your Children Questions about What They Are Watching - Ask what they see. It may be very different from what you see. Ask them to tell you what things mean to them. Ask them why they watch specific shows, what characters they like and don’t like. Discuss the commercials and their perception of toys, cereals and other products.

Turn Off the TV and Turn On the Conversation at Mealtime

Talk to your child. Share stories and activities from each family member’s day.

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Screen time

children

Teaching Your Child Manners

lba-admin — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 14:25:25 +0000

Teaching Your Child Manners

lba-admin Fri, 04/06/2018 - 10:25

Teaching your child good manners is more than just instructing them to say "please" and "thank you". A good rule of thumb is to always lead by example, you may be surprised by how well your toddler models your behaviors! When teaching your toddler what good manners are, keep these few useful hints in mind to help you help them to become a polite and well-mannered child.

Please and Thank You. It is important to demonstrate that we are grateful of others efforts. If your child understands why they should be polite, they will most likely take the time to actually be polite. This is the reason for saying "please" and "thank you", not because it is the "rules", but because we are appreciative. If your child forgets these manners, remind them with "what do you say?" or "what's the magic word?"

Hello and Goodbye. Always encourage your child to be polite and say "hello" or "goodbye". Start with something simple like, "Tommy, say hello to Mrs. Parker". If your child is shy or confused at first, try suggesting a wave instead - but only if they feel comfortable. This same greeting can be used when teaching "goodbye". Salutations are important to teach your child at an early age, as this will pave the way for more advanced greetings, vocabulary and sentences.

Sharing. Teaching your little one to share will help them develop good social skills, be more confident and get along well with other children, especially in a classroom environment. If your child is having trouble sharing, enforce a time limit. Have your little one set a timer so they can see and hear when their play time is over, let them play with a toy for five minutes, then explain to them that it is now your turn and you play with the same toy for five minutes, vice versa.

Reward Systems. Create a reward system, such as a sticker chart, for any manners you are trying to instill. Every time your child uses proper etiquette, salutations or does an excellent job sharing their favorite toy, praise them and give a sticker or a star for them to put on their chart. When your child receives a certain amount of stars, reward them with something fun that they enjoy, like an extra 15 minutes of play, as this will help to encourage your child to remember to be polite.

Make sure to acknowledge your child's efforts when they start to get the hang of saying "please" and "thank you" or waving hello to their teacher in the mornings and goodbye in the evenings. Praise is often the best motivator - give enthusiastic approval with hugs, kisses and claps too! Like learning anything new, being polite and having good manners can be hard for your little one to grasp. They will sometimes forget the 'magic words', so just be clear, consistent and always explain why it is important we be polite.

Retaining good manners is a lifelong process - so take the time to help your little ones learn the skills that will allow them to exude self-confidence and be more regarded to their peers and adults alike.

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Surviving (and Thriving) Parenthood in the Pinterest Age

lba-admin — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 16:03:04 +0000

Surviving (and Thriving) Parenthood in the Pinterest Age

lba-admin Fri, 02/23/2018 - 11:03

The perfect birthday cakes. The adorable hand-knit booties and hat set. The perfect family photo shoot that looks like a magazine cover. We've seen it all - Pinterest.

But while the content sharing service that allows members to "pin" images, videos and other objects to custom pinboards, it has inspired millions of users to get creative at home, there's also been an unsuspected consequence that's been dubbed "Pinterest Stress."

From crazy crockpot recipes, to "10 quick and easy ways to organize the clutter" we've all thought, "I would love to do that!" But while the beautiful, creative images can inspire, it's easy to see why busy, working parents can begin to feel a little jaded by it all.

Before you let these perfectly photographed projects make you feel inadequate as a parent, remember one thing: your children love you for you. The amazingly high standards we've set for ourselves doesn’t matter to our children. It's all about the way you make them feel - loved and adored! Between the daily work commute, shuffling to and from your local Lightbridge Academy center, and maintaining house and home, we know your time is invaluable. Trade in the glossy photos on the screen for quality time with your family.

Just because you haven't created your child's birthday party decorations from scratch doesn't mean they didn't have the most amazing day ever, because chances are that they did. And even though you haven't gotten around to baking those made-from-scratch pink lemonade cake-pops yet doesn't mean you've failed either. In fact, it's in the unplanned and unpredicted moments that true memories are made. It's partnering up with your child to use what you have in the refrigerator to create a colorful and delicious treat that you both will remember. Or the impromptu iPhone photograph of your infant taken as they doze off in their car seat that you'll cherish forever.

Step away from the screen, unplug, and reconnect with your family. After all, the times you share right now is what makes a lifetime full of memories.

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Infant

Birthday

children

Five Tips for a Better Family Road Trip

lba-admin — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 17:21:59 +0000

Five Tips for a Better Family Road Trip

lba-admin Wed, 07/05/2017 - 13:21

As parents, we spend a lot of time in our car. A LOT. And so does our child! We go back and forth to work, to school, and our free time is often spent shopping for the many necessities little ones require and of course, on playdates! If your backseat is filled with crumbs, sippy cup spills and spare toys, you relish the thirty minutes following a car wash when you can breathe in the citrus air and the sea of clutter has departed -- until your family gets in the car next, that is. And so you do what any logical and hard-working parent does: you schedule a road trip with your kids!

But while you may want to do it, you could use a hand overcoming some of the challenges. I can’t say I have all the answers, or that things won’t still feel out of control at times but I have some tips. The checklist below will help you control what you can control and create some long-lasting happy memories along the way:

1. Keep Your Expectations in Check

Our kids are amazing, wonderful and magical. Going on a “vacation” with a child can sometimes be more like an “adventure.” This is especially true if you have a very young child and this road trip is one of your first. Take the pressure off and start with this expectation in mind: it’s an adventure. Adventures are filled with the unexpected and if naptimes work out....hopefully it will turn into a vacation! It may take time, though, to understand how far off schedule you can push your child, not every child is the same. Understanding your child’s unique capacities will help turn your adventure into a vacation...even for mom and dad.

2. Consider the Length of your Road Trip

How old are your children? How long would it normally take in your “pre-child” life to get to your destination? Take that time and double it! The trip starts when the car pulls out of the driveway. Slow down, relax and make plenty of stops along the way. The longer the trip, the more your child is inclined to feel restless, off-schedule and tired. We all know the outcome of that!

Although getting to the destination is the goal, the stops along the way will make it an enjoyable trip for the entire family. Your child will need it, and so will you. Go back to keeping your expectations in check by keeping the length of the trip appropriate. It will give you a break and recharge the patience needed to understand and meet the needs of your child.

3. Set Age-Appropriate Expectations

Traveling with a young child entails traveling with someone who hasn’t yet fully developed his or her fine and gross motor skills. Spill-proof cups and snack holders will help curtail some of the food chaos but not all of it. Prepare in advance for the messes you know will be made. Have some extra clothes handy and get covers for your seats to capture some of the mess and relax... there are car washes all across the country!

4. Simple Treasures

Time in a small space together, away from home, can create wonderful magical moments. You can have lots of interesting conversations on what you see along the way and may even learn a new song from your child... and sing it together at the top of your lungs! There will be so many “first-time” events that you will get to experience with your child... seeing the ocean, a mountain or even Mickey Mouse for the first time. Treasure those moments. There is only ONE “first-time”.

5. What to Pack

It is said that the smaller the child, the more you need to pack! Have no fear, preparation is the key to success on a trip with young children. The amount and type depends on the duration or destination. Despite those, here are some items that always come in handy:

First Aid Supplies: First-aid kit, sunscreen, a boo-boo ice pack, insect repellent, thermometer itch and pain medication.

Extra Clothes: Depending on your child’s age, you may need two extra sets of clothes nearby for quick changes! Kids on the sunny side of the car get warm and the kids in the shade may be cool, so a small blanket can be great to have around.

Comfort Stuff: Your child’s lovey (and it’s not a bad idea to have an extra lovey of the same exact make as a secret spare, road trip or not!). Pillows and blankets take up a lot of room, so think hard about what you bring in this category.

Food and Snacks: With kids and travel, it almost feels like you can never have enough! Take more than you think you need, especially if you’re not a well-seasoned traveler.

Toys: Think about which ones will hold up in the car and the ones that will be useful at your destination. It can be an exciting treat for your child to receive a special toy on the road to keep them occupied and happy!

In-the-Car Entertainment: This category is ripe with strong personal preference. If it’s acceptable to you and your family, and keeps the kids entertained, bring it!

Clean-up Supplies: A roll of paper towels, lots of wipes (your diaper wipes can probably do double duty), plastic grocery bags for dirty clothes and garbage, disinfectant spray, hand sanitizer and a roll of toilet paper may become your best friend at some point. If your kids are in diapers of any type, it’s important to have enough - a road trip does not make for the best environment for potty training! It may also help to add a really sturdy plastic bag capable of keeping diaper change smells out of your car.

Traveling with children takes longer and requires more patience than the average road trip. Your sanity is the foundation for great memories for your child. Don’t miss out on celebrating all of the “firsts” with your child and treasure this time, with all its chaos! You can do it...go for it!

Gigi Schweikert is the president and COO of Lightbridge Academy and an expert in the field of early childhood education. She has managed corporate childcare centers and their educational programs for more than 30 years. Schweikert was the host of Today’s Family and is a bestselling author of eighteen books. Follow 1851 Franchise as she shares her tips on parenting and childcare.

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