Learning is one of the most important things for young children and babies; everything comes naturally to them at this age. Learning is fun for toddlers, as they are already beginning to explore and learn about their environment. A young child will often find it much easier to learn and retain new things than an older child or adult, so this is a great age to start teaching your kid basic math and reading skills.

Children should be taught in a fun and enjoyable way; often they cannot distinguish between learning and playing. If they get bored, then you can stop the session and do it another time. There are many learning games available to children of all ages, and these are a great way to keep kids occupied as well as teaching them new things.
(more…)

Kids should enjoy their summer, but often they waste a lot of time claiming they are bored.

Here are a few places that offer free or low cost programs:

1. The library has their own summer reading program. Kids of any age can participate and be rewarded for their efforts. The library is also a source of free activities: book clubs, art classes, visits from groups in the area. This is a great way to spend a few hours every week to escape the heat.
2. Local cinema. Most movie theaters once a week - usually pretty early in the A.M. - offer a free or reduced cost kids movie. The kids snack packs are usually at a reduced cost as well.
3. Park. A great way to get a bit of sun and some exercise before the day gets too hot. This is a great morning or late afternoon activity. If you go in the morning, bring you lunch for a picnic.
4. Story time. Chain books stores - like Barnes and Noble - has story time at least once a week for various ages. A lot of these stores hold a story night for a wider age range if you can not make the day performances or have kids of varying ages.
5. Art time at home. Have some crayons, colored paper, scissors and a printer? You can print out art projects, coloring sheets and get ideas of additional are projects online.

Another tip: keep a steady schedule. Have you day planned so in the morning you can tell your kids what is going on. This not only give them an idea of how their day will be, but gives them something to look forward to.