Bedtime Routines that are Screen Free

Too much screen time isn’t ideal for children.  If you are a parent, you have probably experienced the problem of getting your children to bed on time. There will be nights you’ll struggle. There will be times when your child has too much energy to go to bed. A solid bedtime routine is important for everyone—especially for children.

Children today are used to consuming media from devices such as tablets, televisions, and smartphones.  While they can get a lot of benefits from media, screen time comes with a lot of negative impacts as well. Here are some bedtime routines you can do with your little ones that don’t involve any screen time.

Reading before Bedtime

Starting a book club with your family can be a fun and enjoyable thing to do. After having your children wash up and brush their teeth, get cozy and sit close to them as you open up a book to read for the night. Read a chapter or two each night and take a moment to discuss with them what happened in that chapter.

Do Puzzles Together

Introduce your child to puzzles. Start small, like a 10 to 20 piece  puzzle, then work your way up depending on their progress. Completing these puzzles before going to bed will build up their determination and when they finally finish, they will feel pure joy. A perfect ending for a beautiful day, don’t you think?

Doodling and Drawing

Get your children some drawing or coloring books and some pencil and coloring materials. Before bedtime, let their imagination come out as they fill the drawing books with their doodles and their coloring books with colors.

Teach your children to meditate

Meditation is easy. It’s not something you have to study, and you don’t  have to do it on a daily basis. Teach them to let their minds settle and be at peace. Teach them some breathing exercises and put on relaxing music to help them fall fast asleep.

Talk to them

Talk to your kids about how their day went. Ask them what happened in school, if anything interesting took place. Ask them who they made friends with and who they sat together with at lunch and played with at recess. Ask them for details and listen. These talks will bring you and your child closer as you get to know who they are at school.

Play Hide and Seek

You can do this once in a while. Head outside and play a quick game of hide and seek. The person with a flashlight will count from one to ten and the others will hide. When he is done counting, he’ll start to find those hiding and will shine the flashlight on the first person he sees. That person will be the next seeker. Just make sure to use mosquito or bug spray, especially during summer months.

Play “Did you know?”

Your children can be most attentive during bedtime, especially when they still have a lot of energy left. This is the perfect time to play a game of “Did you know?” In this game, you can tell interesting facts about any topics you want them to know, like family history and trivial facts. Turn it into a fun game by telling the most facts you can.

Make this a time to plan

While prepping your children for bed, you can go over what you plan to do the next day. Talk to your children and ask them if they have any plans for tomorrow. If you have any exciting plans, prepare them for them. However, try not to talk about anything that might be stressful for them. If they have an exam the next day or a dentist appointment, don’t bring it up.

Be a Snuggle Bunny

Everybody loves to snuggle, especially with someone who is just freshly out of the shower. Snuggle with your child before they go to bed and take this time to reconnect with them. Take this time to grow your bond stronger with them as you snuggle with them as they fall asleep.

The time before children go to bed is a great time to connect with them. Screen time should be discouraged because this will just interfere with the children’s sleeping. To give your children ample sleep and rest, limit their screen time and do one or two of the tips listed above.

Looking for a great Christian school you can trust to enroll your child in? Look no further. Visit The Pillars Christian Learning Center today!

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Find out How You Can Help Others on World Food Day

World Food Day is observed on the 16th of October each year. This day is celebrated to honor the date when the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations was founded in 1935. It is also recognized to raise awareness about hunger, as well as encourage the public to take action is to help eliminate world hunger.

The World Food Day is celebrated by organizing food drives and distributing free meals for the homeless and less fortunate. If you have the heart to participate in this holiday, here are some of the ways you can take a stand against hunger and make a difference.

Take a photo of your meal and share it on  social media

If you think taking photos of your sumptuous meals and uploading them on the social media is meaningless, then you have been thinking wrong. By sharing photos of your meals, you are also literally sharing your food. All you have to do is to download FoodShareFilter or Feedie. Both applications were designed to help fight global hunger. Every time photos of food are shared using the app, the restaurant donates a meal to an organization called the Lunchbox Fund that provides meals for orphaned children in South Africa.

Volunteer in your local community garden

Food scarcity and insecurity affect people living in poverty and those who have limited access to healthy and fresh food. Help make a difference by volunteering in your local urban garden. Address hunger by getting outside, by connecting with people, and by distributing fresh produce to people who need it most.

Participate in local community events

There are plenty of local events you can participate in if you want to help fight hunger in your community. Search World Food Day USA on Google to find some ways you can help. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities: packing meals for the homeless, walking for hunger, or helping out in a soup kitchen to name a few. No matter how big or small, your efforts will make a difference. However, you help out will be valuable for the nourishment of those who are in need. So serve your community by giving your time and efforts.

Help improve the quality of school lunches

In different parts of the United States and throughout the world, a school lunch or breakfast may be the only full meal a student eats in a day. The sad part is that these meals do not always contain important nutrients a child needs for growth and development. By improving the quality of food at schools, children can enjoy better health and improve their academic performance.

Treat yourself

Did you know that by treating yourself with your favorite food at your favorite restaurant, you are also making a difference in the world’s problem with hunger and food scarcity? So go ahead and invite a friend for a meaningful and sumptuous meal. As soon as the check arrives, donate the cost of your meal by joining the #HungerFree movement. This movement is organized to help fight hunger in South Sudan, Kenya, and many other parts of the globe.

Attend an event

If you are looking for other ways to participate in  World Food Day, you can visit foodday.org and enter your zip code to find an event near you. It doesn’t matter which event you choose, whether you dine or donate, the important thing is that you are helping spread awareness. You are also encouraging people to join the fight against hunger.

Food scarcity and hunger may seem to be overwhelming global problems. But if we all decide to take action, even in our little ways, and become advocates for health and food, we can all make a difference to make this world a better place.

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4 Recipes for Celebrate National Potato Month with the Family

Being an integral part of the food supply of many countries, a world without potatoes is unimaginable! This month, we have more reasons to take in our favorite vegetable and make wonderful recipes because September is National Potato Month!

To help you get started, here are some great potato recipes that you can make at home to celebrate National Potato Month with the entire family!

Chicken and Potato Pot Pie

Chicken and Potato Pot Pie is an excellent meal for when everyone’s already starving and you’re running short on time. It is a fast and easy comfort food for both kids and adults alike. The following are the ingredients you need.

• 2 medium sized potatoes or 3 to 4 small potatoes
• 1 can of cream chicken soup
• 1 chicken breast
• 1 cup frozen vegetable blend
• 1 egg beaten
• 1 package refrigerated pie dough

Directions: Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and the chicken breast should be cut into small cubes. Mix the potatoes, vegetable, chicken, soup and a soup can of water together in a 1-quart microwave-safe dish. Top the mixture with pie dough. Brush the dough with egg. Microwave for 20 minutes or until chicken and potatoes are completely cooked.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes don’t have to be boring. Just when you thought you have tried every possible variation, this recipe introduces you to mashed potatoes with a twist. The ingredients for the roasted garlic mashed potatoes include:

• 5 pounds of russet or Yukon gold potatoes
• 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
• 1 and ½ sticks salted butter
• ¼ cup half-and-half
• Heavy cream
• 3 to 5 heads roasted garlic
• Salt and black pepper

Directions: Prepare your oven and preheat it to 350 degrees F. Cut the potatoes into cubes and boil it for about 30 minutes until tender. Drain and mash the potatoes for 5 minutes while allowing steam to escape. Then add the cream cheese, butter, cream, half-and-half, roasted garlic, salt and pepper. Mash and mix them together.  Once done, spread the potatoes into a large baking dish and leave a slice of butter at the top. Bake for about 30 minutes or until heated thoroughly.

Potato Salad Cha Cha Cha

Potato Salad Cha Cha Cha is going to be your next family’s favorite potato recipe. Why? Because aside from offering a good mix of flavors, this recipe is also healthy. So, without further ado, here are the ingredients and steps to make this dish.

• 4 medium-sized potatoes
• 2 and ½ tbsp lime juice
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 and ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. bottled mild jalapeno sauce
• 15 oz black beans
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 7 oz can vacuum packed kernel corn
• 1 and ½ cup sliced green onions

Directions: Cook potatoes in 2 inches of boiling water for 12 minutes or until tender. Once cooked, drain it and allow to cool. Meanwhile, whisk together the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl. Add salt if desired.

Twice baked potatoes

Twice baked potatoes is a recipe that your family will surely love! It features an explosion of flavors including fresh green onion, crispy bacon bits and gooey cheddar on top of hollowed out potato halves. Check the list of ingredients below.

• 8 baking potatoes
• 2 sticks salted butter
• 3 tbsp canola oil
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup bacon bits
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 2 tsp seasoned salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 green onions

Directions: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Rub the potatoes with canola oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for an hour or until they are well cooked. In a large mixing bowl, place slices of butter in and add the sour cream and bacon bits. Then, remove the potatoes from the oven and reduce the heat to 350 degrees F. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Scrape out the insides and add them in your mixing bowl. Make sure not to tear the shell. Then, place the hollowed out potato halves on a baking sheet. Meanwhile, mash the potatoes into the mixture of butter, bacon and sour cream. Then add milk, cheese, seasoned salt, green onions and black pepper. Fill the hollowed out potatoes with this filling and top each potato with more cheese. Pop them into the oven for 15 minutes and they’re ready to eat!

Now that you have these exciting potato recipes, you’re on your way to having a blast this National Potato Month! So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get messy in the kitchen and enjoy a wonderful meal with the family!

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What to Look for in a Daycare in San Antonio

Finding the right daycare center to send your child to is never easy. But knowing what to look for can make the process a little easier. Whether you prefer a family daycare or a formal childcare center, it is important you know what to look for. To help you pick the best childcare in San Antonio for your family, here are the basics to look for.

A good reputation

A good daycare center should be recognized for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It must also have a nurturing environment. Pay attention to your first impression and how you feel the moment you visit the daycare. To learn about a daycare’s reputation, look online for feedback, reviews and references. You can also drop by the center and approach some parents.

Staff and children interaction

When you get the chance to visit a daycare, pay attention to how the staff interacts with the children. Ideally, the caregiver and/or daycare staff will be actively engaging with them. They should be on the floor playing with the kids, reading them books or having fun and interesting conversations.

During a child’s early years, it is essential they experience warm, loving and close relationships. That’s why it is important that your child’s caregivers are also interactive and responsive.

Pick a daycare which has a low staff-child ratio. It is recommended to have one adult for every three kids especially for infants below 24 months of age. Many states have specific ratios that must be followed. Make sure the center of your choice is within those ratios to ensure plenty of important one on one time.

Childcare policies

When looking for a daycare center, find one which shares your same parenting philosophies. This is especially important when it comes to discipline. Ask about the techniques used by caregivers to impose discipline on children. Do they scold the children? How do they talk to kids when something goes wrong?

Also, learn about their schedules and routines. Are there specific times set aside for playing, sleeping and eating? When are babies allowed to sleep? Are meals and snacks included?  It helps to create a list of exactly what you want to know before you talk to the staff so you don’t miss getting the answers to your questions.

Established regulations

While it is advantageous to send your child to a daycare with more flexible policies, it is better if the childcare center has established ground rules. Find a daycare with clear regulations on schedules, operating hours and handling emergencies. Request a copy of their handbook or policies. The center must also have an open door policy allowing parents to visit anytime even if it’s unannounced. It’s also good if they encourage parents to take part in the activities which help promote the growth and development of their children.

Stimulating and dynamic curriculum

Another sign of a good daycare is a stimulating curriculum. A great childcare center must have structured schedules which involves plenty of time for play, physical activities, and engaged learning. There should be group and individual activities, mealtimes, napping and free time. If television or video watching must be included in your child’s daily routine, ensure they are educational and age-appropriate. Choosing a daycare center with a stimulating curriculum makes learning enjoyable for them and will help promote child development.

Qualified caregivers

Another important consideration in selecting a daycare is the training and qualification of its staff and caregivers. Daycare center employees must have a background and training in early childhood development. They must be educated and should also have a license.

Communication is key

You’ll want to ensure there is consistent and clear communication between you and the staff. Find out if the director takes time to send newsletters regularly. How does the center communicate with the parents? Is there a regular update documenting each child’s progress and development on a daily basis? If the daycare does these things, it’s a good sign.

A good childcare center can significantly help your little one’s development during their early years. If you’re trying to find a daycare in San Antonio which has all the criteria you’re looking for, consider The Pillars Christian Learning Center.

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