How Can I Teach My Child While They Are Playing?

Being a parent of a young child can be very stressful. Many experts say that the first five years are the most important. Children have so much to learn in those first years. What can you do as a parent to help your child achieve all of those skills? Well, its probably easier than you think. There are two major ways to help your child. The first is by helping them role play. Young children learn by watching the people around them, especially their parents and older siblings whom they trust. This is why children role play, such as playing house, doctor, school, fire fighters, etc. As hard as this might be, invite your child to cook, clean, and do other chores around the house with you. They will be learning valuable skills and creating a good work ethic, as well as learning a lot about you and your role in the family. Also, explore places like fire stations, police stations, construction sites, schools (if they aren't already in school), doctors offices, etc. Talk about what the "workers" do there. This will help with role playing, especially if your child can't quite get the concept of pretend play (which is not all that uncommon) They learn so much from just playing.

The second way to help your child is by providing the toys that will help them learn. So, are there certain toys that are better than others to help teach my child the skills he/she needs? The answer is yes. Keep your child away from the TV and computer screen as much as possible. While these can be very valuable tools, it is so important for your young child to touch, see, smell, (even taste, if they are young enough) and fully explore their toys. Wooden building blocks are really great for this. They last long and build the imagination. They also help build motor skills, problem solving skills (Why does my tower keep falling down?), and hand-eye coordination. Mazes, puzzles, and sorting games are also really great for hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills. Bead and wire toys (or rollercoaster toys- the kind you find at the doctors office) are also really great toys to have around and you would be surprised how long your child will play with a toy like that- one that doesn't light up or have any kind of special effects. Which brings me to my next point about educational toys.

Back to School Essentials List for Mum and Dad

Preparing for the new school term can be so much fun. For most families, the end of the summer holidays goes hand in hand with a shopping spree. Whether you treat your kids to a day out at the shopping centre complete with an ice cream stop, or go shopping in secret, some items are essential to prepare your children for the autumn and winter period at school. Many parents and relatives like to give these as gifts so the kids have even more to look forward to about going back to school after the long summer holidays.

One of the key items every child needs is a spacious school bag for books, stationery, science projects, lunch boxes and the like. To avoid having to invest in a new bag every year, abstain from buying into trends that are likely to change in the space of a few months. Instead of a pink, celebrity-themed messenger bag, for example, buy a classic leather or canvas backpack that will last longer both in terms of practicality and trends.

Smaller must-haves like lunch boxes and pencil cases can be more trend-lead as these are relatively inexpensive and so can be replaced more often.

Any back to school shopping spree should include a trip to your local sports store. Every child needs a comfy pair of trainers for P.E. classes. These should be suitable for all sorts of sports, not designed with a specific use in mind, such as football.

The considerably colder and wetter weather in the autumn and winter months won't stop most children from mucking around outdoors. In fact, they should be encouraged to spend time in the fresh air just as they would during the spring and summer months. As long as they're appropriately kitted out in rain gear, they'll be absolutely fine, and likely to be fitter and healthier than if they're sat indoors all day. Mum and dad should just be prepared to deal with a bit more mud in the house.

Invest in sturdy rain ponchos or quilted jackets to keep your little ones dry and toasty. Make sure they have pockets for things like gloves, handkerchiefs and pocket money.

Kids' wellies are essential for the autumn and winter months. The walk to school in the morning and back home in the afternoon is so much more fun if it involves a bit of puddle jumping! Wearing a pair of wellies is also the perfect way to brighten up an otherwise dull school uniform.