The perfect standing desk

As families prepare for back-to-school season, Hulala’s thoughtfully designed furniture helps create flexible, organized spaces for homework, school projects, and collaborative learning. The Veritas 360° Rotating Standing Desk features a rotating side desktop that easily adapts for independent study or working side-by-side with classmates, siblings, or parents. Integrated power, hidden cable management, and enclosed storage keep supplies neatly organized, while whisper-quiet electric height adjustment (31″–49″), three memory presets, and a sedentary reminder promote comfort during long study sessions. Built with durable engineered wood and metal, the spacious desktop supports up to 200 lbs and is backed by a comprehensive five-year warranty.

Use Code: MYHULALA12 for 12% off

The best in back to school kids fashion

Appaman’s New Arrivals bring fresh, playful style to kids’ fashion with irresistibly soft fabrics and standout prints. Known for bold colors, comfortable fits, and durable construction, Appaman designs clothing that keeps up with active kids while still looking effortlessly cool. From graphic tees and joggers to versatile outerwear, each piece is crafted for everyday comfort and easy movement. Parents love the machine-washable, kid-tested fabrics, while little ones love the fun, expressive designs. Whether dressing for school, play, or special occasions, Appaman’s latest collection offers modern, stylish essentials that make getting dressed enjoyable for the whole family.

Use Code: FIRSTDAYAKA20 20% off a full-price order 

Keep your kids safe this year

The Bark Watch helps kids stay connected while giving parents tools to help keep them safer- without the distractions and risks that can come with a smartphone. Real-time GPS location tracking lets parents check their child’s location from the Bark parent app, while the SOS button gives kids a quick way to reach help in an emergency.Built-in content monitoring scans for potential concerns like bullying, predators, and self-harm, alerting parents when something may need their attention. Kids can talk and text with approved contacts, without games, social media, or web browsing competing for their attention.Durable and water-resistant, the Bark Watch gives parents greater peace of mind while giving kids a little more independence.

Use Code: B2SCHOOL30 (valid through 8/31/26)

Recycled Double Pocket Backpack 

Made from recycled water bottles, our medium-size Recycled Double Pocket Backpack is a practical choice for kids on the move. With its spacious two-compartment design, it offers ample storage for school supplies, snacks, and more. Plus multiple pockets, clips, and holders make it easy to keep their belongings organized. Adjustable straps ensure a comfortable fit, making this backpack an ideal companion for any adventure. This backpack comes in 2 sizes with the Small size being perfect for Kindergarten through 2nd grade and the larger size for children 2nd grade and up.

A Must-Have Hair Conditioner: Silk’e Leave-In Conditioner

Hydrate, smooth, and fight frizz with the Silk’e Leave-In Conditioner. Made with jojoba oil and aloe extract, this lightweight formula helps soften, nourish, and refresh dry or damaged-looking hair without flaky buildup or residue. Perfect for making busy back-to-school mornings quicker and easier, it leaves hair feeling softer, smoother, and more manageable. sleekehair.com

Readers can receive 50% off the Silk’e Leave-In Conditioner with the exclusive code BTS50.

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DREAM PAIRS KIDS Lightweight Slip On Sneakers

Designed for kids who are always on the move, DREAM PAIRS KIDS Lightweight Slip-On Sneakers deliver effortless comfort, independence, and all-day playability. Weighing only 3.7 ounces per shoe, these ultra-light sneakers help reduce foot fatigue so little explorers can run, jump, and play freely from the playground to family outings. The breathable mesh upper and airflow channels help keep feet cool and comfortable, even during active days, while the easy slip-on design allows kids to put them on independently and build confidence with every step. A flexible forefoot construction supports natural movement, and a reinforced toe cap adds protection against everyday bumps. Lightweight, practical, and adventure-ready, these sneakers are the perfect everyday companion for growing feet.

Fight the back to school sicknesses with Boiron USA

Back-to-school season brings new routines, busy schedules — and sometimes flu-like symptoms. At the first sign of body aches, headache, fever, chills, or fatigue, reach for Oscillococcinum® and feel like yourself again. Brought to you by @BoironUSA. Oscillo helps reduce the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms.* The convenient meltaway pellets come in single-dose tubes and dissolve in the mouth, making them easy to take at home or on the go. Recommended for everyone ages 2 and up, Oscillo is non-drowsy and has no known interactions with other medications or supplements. Learn more at Oscillo.com.

*These “Uses” have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Use Code: OscilloBTS26 for 20% off any Oscillo product on BoironUSA.com. Valid August through November 2026.

Be prepared for school sports

Shibumi Park Vista™ (MSRP $240) reinvents off-beach shade. At under 5 lbs, it’s up to 10x lighter than traditional 30-50 lb pop-up tents yet sets up solo in two minutes — no wrestling poles or waiting on a second person. It packs into a slim 26″ bag for easy trunk storage, shades up to four people comfortably, and features UPF 50+ water-resistant fabric with an adjustable canopy that tracks the sun. Modular by design, multiple units connect for scalable coverage at sidelines, parks, and outdoor events.

Easy feeding options

Haakaa creates practical, thoughtfully designed products that help make everyday parenting simpler. For the back-to-school season, the Haakaa Silicone Yummy Pouch offers a convenient way to pack purées, yoghurt, smoothies and more. This reusable 4.5 oz pouch gives parents flexibility over food and ingredient choices while helping reduce spending on individually packaged snacks and cut down on packaging waste. Its leakproof lid, variable-flow spout and dishwasher-safe, food-grade silicone design make feeding, carrying and cleaning easy.

Must Haves for your school supply list

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Stainless Steel 13 oz Food Jar (SDS Direct) – Reusable, eco-friendly food jar keeps food hot or cold. Premium food grade 18/8 stainless steel, contains no phthalates, BPA, lead, or PVC.  $19.99 

Daniel Goes to School (Simon & Schuster) – Daniel learns that “grown-ups come back” and has lots of fun with his teacher and classmates. Ages 2-4, $12.99 

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Mini Backpack 12” 3D Character Plush Bookbag (Intimo) – Backpack features 3D Daniel Tiger face with dimensional ears, embroidered facial details, two zippered compartments, and padded adjustable shoulder straps. Ages 3+, $39.99 

Get the must-have back-to-school essentials – paper towels that handles every mess busy school days brings

For families this back-to-school season, stock up on Viva Signature Cloth Triple Roll (129 sheets), which offer more sheets per roll and fewer replacements during hectic school days. Viva Signature Cloth is cloth-like, making it tough on sticky messes like apple juice spills and crafts, while soft enough for kids’ hands and faces. 

A bathroom must-have!

The Squatty Potty Toilet Stool is designed to help support a more natural, comfortable posture while using the bathroom. By elevating your feet, it helps align your body for a more complete and efficient experience. It is clinically proven to decrease time spent on the toilet and increase elimination to feel emptier! It’s sleek, compact design fits neatly around most toilets, making it an easy addition to any bathroom. Durable, easy to clean, and available in multiple styles and heights, it’s a simple everyday wellness upgrade for the whole family.

Squatty Potty Flushable Wipes provide a gentle, refreshing clean with every use. Made with plant-based fibers and infused with soothing aloe and vitamin E, they’re soft on skin while helping you feel fresh and confident. Septic-safe and designed to break down after flushing, they’re a convenient addition to any bathroom routine. Pair them with your favorite Squatty Potty product for an elevated bathroom experience.promo code BACK2STOOL

The school year always seems to arrive faster than expected, but having the right products on hand can help make those early mornings, homework sessions, and after-school activities run more smoothly. Whether you’re checking off your family’s shopping list or looking for a few new favorites, these back-to-school essentials are designed to simplify everyday life. Here’s to a successful, organized, and exciting new school year!

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Play is an important part of a child’s physical, emotional and social development, yet many external factors can quickly become barriers to active play including busy schedules, technology and the costs of sports equipment. A survey conducted by Dr Pepper Snapple Group’s Let’s Play initiative, which is dedicated to getting kids and their families active, found that only 33 percent of children are participating in active play daily, down from 41 percent in 2015.

Don’t let barriers get in the way of keeping kids active during the school year. Instead, turn those barriers to play into opportunities to get active with the following tips.

Fill down time with play time: Children’s active play time is impacted by busy schedules – 64 percent of parents said busy schedules were a barrier to play this year, up from 56 percent in 2015. Active play doesn’t have to happen all at once; it can be spread out through the day so try fitting it in when you can, even if it’s in 10-minute increments. Waiting with your kids at a bus stop? Make it active by playing a game of Simon Says. Need 10 minutes to get ready to leave the house? Send the kids outside to play before loading up the car.

Make DIY toys: Sports equipment can be pricey to purchase and maintain. Instead of breaking the bank, try recycling objects around the house to make them into toys. You can make old socks into a hacky-sack game by filling them with beans or fill balloons with sand and create a fun game where you toss the balloons into buckets.

Get wired for play: According to the survey, 78 percent of parents said their children spend more than 30 minutes on an average day watching television and 71 percent said their children spend that time on a computer, smartphone or other device. Instead of letting technology get in the way, incorporate play into their time with technology. Have your child play an active video game that encourages players to move around their environment or try playing a game between TV commercials, such as tag or hide and seek. It can also help to set a limit for how long your child can use the computer or watch TV per day.

Be your kid’s playmate: According to the survey, 53 percent of parents said having no playmates was a barrier to their child’s play. No one likes to play alone, so when siblings and friends aren’t available, join in on the fun and create games you and your child can play together. Whether it’s playing Marco Polo or throwing a baseball back and forth, you can find ways to spend quality time with your kids and have fun while doing it.

Learn more about the importance of play and get tips and advice for how to make active play a daily priority at LetsPlay.com.

*FF *Photo courtesy of Getty Images

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It can be easy to forget to take the time to recharge and reconnect with your family to really enjoy the time shared, whether it’s before school or during an afternoon snack.

For the parents preparing for the back-to-school rush, General Mills offers these five tips to decrease the frenzy and maximize family time:

1. Do your back-to-school shopping early.

Waiting for the first day of school to shop is a recipe for disaster. Beat the rush and picked over shelves by getting in your shopping early, when shelves are freshly stocked and the crowds are minimal. You might not have the full supplies list, but you know the essentials.

2. Prep meals for the family.

The first week of school can be pretty hectic and as a result, your family’s eating habits can suffer. Take one thing off your plate and prep your meals in advance. Prepping individual portions of cereals and pre-cutting fresh fruit means there’s one less question mark in the morning. Meal prep gives you more time to enjoy the company of your family.

3. Prep your kids for back-to-school mode.

The transition from summertime to school time can be a hard one, so ease your kids into school mode a week in advance by setting the alarms in the morning, having them work on learning activities during the day and having their “after-school” snack time. You can use these tips and get creative with your “snack game” by using their favorite cereal to help them beat the back to school blues.

4. Create a homework station.

It’s easy to get distracted when you’re doing something boring, that’s why creating a designated space for homework and studying is necessary. No more sitting in front of the TV while you “read.”

5. Take “cariño” time.

It’s easy to over-plan, over-schedule and over-stress with the arrival of the school year. Sharing a snack with your kids means time to relax and just enjoy their company. Whether it’s first thing in the morning or when they get home from school, enjoying a bowl of their favorite cereal or some cut up carrots and hummus together is good for the whole family both physically and mentally.

With all these tips in mind, parents and kids alike will be able to transition into the new school year full recharged and ready to take on the day! Additional quick breakfast recipes and school-friendly snacks, see quericavida.com for more.

*BPT

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Whether the kids just started school or are anxiously (or not so anxiously) awaiting the first day back, you’ve probably made a list of back-to-school necessities. What that list probably doesn’t include is a way for your kids to update their schedules on their own, the perfect storage container to carry pencils and lipgloss, and a few ways to help the environment and give to those less fortunate. Our back-to-school essentials will not only give you a little more peace of mind as a parent but also encourage the kids to make their community and the world a little bit better.

Moms are experts when it comes to multitasking. You can take your daughter to ballet, get your son ready for fall ball practice, make a wholesome dinner, and do it all while planning the agenda for tomorrow morning’s work meeting. While you’re juggling the demands of everyday life though, your kids are trying to accomplish their own tasks as well, especially difficult and often tedious homework assignments. That’s why the Netgear Around Town Mobile Internet is such a lifesaver. While your daughter dances away at ballet practice, your son can work on all of his school assignments, including the ones that require the Web. This no-commitment 4G LTE mobile hotspot gives you high-speed Internet connection anywhere for up to ten hours. The hotspot can connect up to ten devices so everyone, including a busy mom, can take advantage of the fast connection.

While the Netgear mobile hotspot will keep your family connected, the Cozi app will keep everyone in the know about each other’s lives day to day. Any family member with the app can add or change the schedule, make requests for the grocery list, and even add recipes at the touch of a button. The Cozi app can be accessed from any mobile device or computer and the best part: it’s free.

For your kids not yet old enough for apps and iPhones there’s the FiLIP watch. This device serves as both a wearable phone and locator. At any time you can use the FiLIP app to find your child’s location and contact him through a call or a message. A red button on the side of the watch can be pushed at any time to signal an emergency. And yes, this “watch” is an actual watch too; it displays the current date and time on its screen.

Sure, kiddos need paper, pencils, and erasers for school but what about the fun stuff? Shopping for a Change, a nonprofit online marketplace that gives back to the artisans who create their merchandise, has a great selection of adorable backpacks and lunchboxes in their Dabbawalla line. The products, ranging from $30 to $40, are non-toxic so you’ll one less thing to worry about when it comes to your little one’s health. Though the items are a little pricey, you’ll feel good knowing that you invested in not only quality products but products that give back to the people who created them.

Your fashionable daughter will love adorning her locker with these cute decorations from LockerLookz. From wallpaper to magnets and rugs to chandeliers, LockerLookz has everything to make her space unique and completely her own. These decorations are great for any tween but would be especially good for a middle schooler looking to make her mark in a new school.

Another essential for a daughter is her own Caboodles storage. Caboodles come in a variety of designs, each one catering to a different style and age. Your young daughter will love the Oh La La option with its acrylic tote to carry school supplies and a bonus sequined pink pouch for toting lunch money and lip balm. Your high schooler or college undergrad will like the convenience of the Le Sophistique 10-Piece Bag Set with its numerous bags for storage as well as four travel size bottles for shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.

When it comes to clothes shopping for your teenager or undergrad, you’ve probably discovered that they prefer quantity over quality. Your daughter probably doesn’t need thirty dresses and your son only wears three of the ten pairs of shorts he owns. That’s why informing young people about the importance of conserving resources, even when it comes to something as simple as clothing, is essential. Threads 4 Thought is a fashion brand committed to making clothing pieces using sustainable materials and manufacturing those pieces in an environment where the workers are treated fairly. Affordable, versatile and stylish at the same time, Threads 4 Thought apparel, ranging from shirts and tanks to rompers and hoodies, is a brand striking up an important conversation that your kids need to hear.

We’ve all heard of the Kindle, but the newest addition to the Amazon family, the Kindle Voyage, is a major upgrade. Its high-resolution 300 ppi display reads like a book, making it ideal for a college student or dual-enrollment student who doesn’t want to lug around heavy textbooks. It also has an adaptive front light for reading at night or during the day and the battery now lasts weeks, not just hours. The thinnest Kindle ever, this device is a must for your college freshman.

The post Back-to-School Essentials You Didn’t Know Your Kids Needed appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

As parents, we are responsible for teaching kids how to be affectionate, at the same time we need to keep them safe.  Kids often use intuition as a gauge to determine who they like or don’t like.  Parents need to pay attention to their kids’ reaction when meeting new adults and discern how to handle situations when kids don’t feel comfortable showing or receiving affection among family and friends.

First and foremost, kids need to know they are in control of their own bodies.  Forcing kids to hug or kiss people they don’t want to leaves them vulnerable.  Most abusers are people they know, so this is a dangerous habit to instill in young kids.  It is important to teach kids that they are allowed to have their own physical space and comfort zone.

This does not, however, imply they should be rude or disrespectful to relatives they don’t see often.  Instead of a kiss or a hug, start out by waving hello, giving a high five or shaking hands as a non-threatening greeting.  Hopefully with time, the child will warm up to great grandma before the end of the trip and willingly offer a hug or kiss goodbye.

If your child refuses to give hugs or kisses to friends or relatives, simply explain your family policy on touching and personal space.  Clarify that by allowing the child to initiate affection when he is comfortable means it is truly genuine and not just an obedient act on a request from an adult.  Empowering a child to have control over his body builds confidence and healthy self-esteem.

When it comes to saying goodbye, if the child is still not comfortable, have them blow a kiss or wave goodbye.  You may even create a special goodbye handshake for instances like these.  Always aim for your child to be respectful in moments like these as it is easy for relatives to have hurt feelings.  Reiterate that your child isn’t comfortable hugging or kissing people he is not familiar with and not to take it personally.

To avoid awkward encounters with new adults, take time to prep your kids for situations where they will be meeting new people so they are not taken by surprise.  Let them know the expectation of hugs or kisses hello and goodbye and let them know they are in control of who they kiss or hug, however, they need to be willing to offer another form of greeting like shaking hands, a high five or blowing kisses.  If the child is old enough to speak, saying, “Hello, nice to meet you” is always appropriate.

About Jennifer Chung & Kinsights:
Jennifer Chung is a parenting expert and co-founder of Kinsights.com: part parenting community, part online health record. Kinsights provides parents with a safe place to seek answers to their questions while also helping them track their child’s health information. Organize your child’s growth and developmental milestones, immunizations, medications, allergies, and more.  Connect with Kinsights at https://kinsights.com to learn more and sign-up! You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@kinsights).

The post Your Child Refuses to Kiss Or Hug Great Grandma, Now What? appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Winter is a fun time to play outdoors with the kids, but it’s important to be aware of the temperature and wind chill to prevent hypothermia from setting in.  Taking proper precautions for the colder weather is paramount to keeping your family healthy this year.  Below you’ll find 10 tips for keeping your kids safe this winter.

1.  Be aware of wind chill.  Young kids can safely be outdoors when it is 30 degrees F or above.  Dress them in layers and make sure they wear hats and mittens.  Feel their hands and feet every half hour to make sure they’re not too cold if you’re out for a stroller ride or playing at the park.

2.  If blankets are needed for your infant at bedtime, tuck the sides in around the crib and only let the blanket come up as far as the baby’s chest to avoid any possibility of suffocation.

3.  Keep emergency blankets in the car to prepare for potential break downs in inclement weather.  Keep hats, gloves and water in the trunk in case you have to wait to be rescued.  Use body heat and snuggle to keep baby warm and prevent hypothermia from setting in.

4.  Use a cold air humidifier to prevent your child from suffering from winter nosebleeds.  Saline and petroleum jelly can also help keep the nasal tissues moist in cold arid climates.

5.  Protect your family from winter colds and flu by frequent hand washings and teaching kids to cough or sneeze into the bend of their arm.  Spray disinfectant on door handles and counter tops where flu viruses are prone to breed.

6.  If you live in a rural area where ice skating on lakes or ponds is a common activity, be sure to approve skating surfaces before allowing kids to venture out to skate or play.  Teach kids to skate in the same direction as the rest of the group.  Never allow your kids to skate alone on an outdoor surface.  Wearing knee and elbow pads as well as a helmet may also be a good idea for novice skaters.

7.  When sledding, keep kids away from motorized vehicles.  Keep younger kids and older kids in separate areas so little ones don’t get run over by a speeding sled.  Check the sledding slope to make sure it is free of debris like tree stumps or boulders.

8.  First time skiers and snowboarders should take lessons from a certified instructor before venturing out on the slopes for the first time.  Ski in groups and make sure kids always have an adult to supervise.  All young skiers should be required to wear a helmet and goggles.  All gear should be fitted and suitable for kids. Use sunscreen when enjoying outdoor activities in the winter. The sun’s rays are damaging at higher altitudes.

9.  If you use space heaters in the winter keep them at least 3 feet away from anything that is flammable.  Turn them off when going to sleep or leaving the room.

10.  Make sure you have smoke detectors installed in each room with functional batteries.  Test the alarms monthly.  Install a carbon-monoxide detector in each bedroom for added safety.  Get the furnace checked and cleaned on an annual basis.

Families that live in colder regions need to take extra precautions to keep kids safe in the winter months.  Having a plan to make sure your home is winterized will help prevent tragedies from occurring in the event of a furnace malfunction.  Be mindful of weather changes when kids are outdoors and bring them in to warm up with hot cocoa or apple cider frequently to prevent frost bite on little fingers and toes.  Most of all, enjoy your time outdoors and make fun family memories this winter!

About Jennifer Chung & Kinsights:
Jennifer Chung is a parenting expert and co-founder of Kinsights.com: part parenting community, part online health record. Kinsights provides parents with a safe place to seek answers to their questions while also helping them track their child’s health information. Organize your child’s growth and developmental milestones, immunizations, medications, allergies, and more.  Connect with Kinsights at https://kinsights.com to learn more and sign-up! You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@kinsights).

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As parents we have all had a tired toddler who hit his limit while out shopping or an excitable preschooler who just wanted to get his way.  The next time you take an outing, try some of these tips to make the outing enjoyable for everyone.

1.  You probably know when your child is on the verge of a tantrum or outburst.  If you see it coming, get up and leave with your child before things really escalate.  Try to sit next to the aisle if you’re at a seated event so you don’t have to climb over people to make a quick escape.

2.  Bring a special bag of quiet toys to keep your child occupied.  Your child might be able to sit quietly for part of a public event, but it might be tough for him to sit through an hour-long concert or service.  A coloring book, Etch-A-Sketch, or felt board are all great toy options.

3.  Practice whispering.  This may sound basic, but sometimes toddlers just don’t know how to whisper. You can use a hand puppet to demonstrate outside voice, inside voice, and whisper voice.

4.  Set expectations ahead of time and make it fun. Talking to your kids about the event you’re going to, getting them excited, and explaining why it’s important to be respectful might help make them be more attentive and engaged.

5.  When taking your kids to a public venue like church, a restaurant, or an outdoor concert at a park, the first line of defense is to make sure it is an age-appropriate situation. Second, set the expectations for what is acceptable behavior. Third, tell your children in advance what the consequences are for being disruptive in public. Finally, be prepared to follow through even if it means removing yourself and your child from the situation.

6.  Empower your child to make good choices in public. When it comes to a power struggle, allowing them to be in control of the outcome can be quite liberating.  Be specific about the behavior you expect. For instance, when sitting in church, tell them or not to kick the back of the pew in front of you.  If that specific behavior happens, ask if they would like to stop or go to the nursery.  If they act out again, remove them from the worship center.

7.  When eating out at a restaurant, take plenty of things to keep your tot entertained.  When feasible, choose a family-friendly place to dine at and pack a bag of coloring books, puzzles, and small toys to keep them occupied.  Let your child know that if he is well-behaved, he can choose which dessert they would like to eat. If your kids get overwhelmed with too much activity, try dining outside of busy service times.

8.  If your child chooses to act out in a public venue, remain calm.  Try to use “when, then” statements, such as “When you calm down, then we can talk about what is upsetting you and find a solution” or “When you act out, then we have to cut our time short and go home.”  Use a tactic like counting down from 10 to help them regain their composure so you can reason with them and help them feel better.  Take them to the lobby or the restroom to gain some privacy and allow other customers to enjoy their experience.

9.  When your child acts out in public, be clear about the behavior you want to see and do not focus on the current negative behavior you want to stop.  If your child is jumping on the booth seat and annoying the customers next to you, say, “Please sit on your bottom and face forward,” instead of, “Stop jumping on the seat.”  Be calm and respectful when making your request. Make sure to give your request only once so your child is used to obeying the first time.

10.  When in public, avoid giving your child negative attention during a temper tantrum.  This will only prolong the event.  Give an immediate consequence for not behaving appropriately.  Acting out can often just be the desire to be the center of attention.  If you respond positively, this will help defuse the situation.

When kids act out in public parents often feel tense and frustrated.  Kids will react to those emotions and the situation can escalate. Remember remaining calm, cool and collected will help defuse the situation.  Keep an activity bag in the car so you’re always prepared for an impromptu outing. Setting behavioral expectations in advance, empowering them to make appropriate choices and praising them when they do well will help change negative behaviors into positive ones over time.

 
About Jennifer Chung & Kinsights:
Jennifer Chung is a parenting expert and co-founder of Kinsights.com: part parenting community, part online health record. Kinsights provides parents with a safe place to seek answers to their questions while also helping them track their child’s health information. Organize your child’s growth and developmental milestones, immunizations, medications, allergies, and more.  Connect with Kinsights at https://kinsights.com to learn more and sign-up! You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@kinsights).

The post How To Handle Your Child’s Public Temper Tantrums And Outbursts appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

There is a struggle between two worlds at the moment, the constant theme of fitness and the bombardment of technology that keeps us sedentary. This is especially true for kids, they are always on top of the latest trend, whether it be a new app such as Snapchat or a new game for Xbox.  So, how do you get your kids involved in fitness and more importantly how do you motivate them to put the game system or phone aside?

Tiphanie Bigham, wellness director for The Greater Kingsport Family YMCA suggests that you do activities as a family. It is very difficult to get your kids motivated to go outside and do physical activity if you are sitting on the couch yourself. Kids’ behavior often reflects that behavior and attitude of the parents, so the most important action to take is to get the entire family involved. Tiphanie suggests planning 90 minutes of family activity every day where everyone must participate in some kind of physical activity. Try outdoor activities such as throwing a football, playing a volleyball game, or swimming. Let your kids be involved in the process, allowing each child to take turns choosing the activity of the day. Teenager can be more difficult to pull away from their sedentary activities. If you are having a difficult time getting your teens involved, continue spending this active time yourself.  Once your teen sees how this active time has made you a healthier happier person, they may join in. This may not happen right away, but continue your daily routine and invite them to join in often.

An article from CNN.com suggests “promoting activity, not exercise” (2011).  Kids are always more interested when something is fun and does not feel like a chore. Use activities as rewards for good grades or gifts, such as purchasing volleyball or hockey equipment for home use or taking them on fun outings such as rock climbing or ice skating (2011).

Kids love doing activities with their family when it is offered as fun and entertaining. This time should not be negative or a time to discuss problematic issues unless your child chooses to do so.  You want your child to feel like this is a fun time with family when they will not be criticized. This is not the time to be a “coach or trainer” to your child.  Incorporating family fitness time in your day will be fulfilling for both you and your kids and will promote a healthy lifestyle that they can take with them into adulthood.

References

Mayo Clinic. (2011, 01 22). Fitness for kids: Getting children off the couch. Retrieved from CNN Health: http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/fitness/FL00030.html

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