Tips on Traveling With Kids

Posted on | by KD Novelties

Now that the weather is warming up, many families are itching to break free of their cozy nests and get some fresh air. Many people wait until the weather is more palatable until they plan any family trips, and blocks of time like Spring Break and other holidays help make it easier for parents to plan around school and work schedules as well. There are endless tips and tricks to consider if you are planning an outing of any kind, but when you plan on traveling with your kids it is important that you keep several things in mind so that everyone is happy and has a great time.

Make Sure Everyone is On Board
One of the most important things to do as a parent is to make sure that everyone attending the trip, mom, dad and baby included, are all in it for the long haul. It may be easier to convince adults and teenagers to go on a certain trip, but smaller kids and toddlers may have a difficult time having fun if they are not enthusiastic. This can make it difficult for everyone involved, especially since they will need to be talked to, and otherwise placated throughout the duration of the trip.

Try to tell your kids beforehand of what your trip involves and where your final destination happens to be. Sometimes kids may not be in the mood for a certain kind of trip or may feel nervous or afraid if it is something they have never done before such as swimming or going to an amusement park. There are ways in which you can make your case, but if someone remains unhappy then you may need to rethink your outing all together.

Stock Up on Snacks
No matter where you go, it helps to keep snacks and drinks handy. Some places offer goodies at gift shops but may be expensive, but the most important part about having snacks of your own is in the event of an emergency. Whether someone starts to get antsy in the car, is getting cranky and tired during the day, or simply cannot wait until the family’s next meal, having something on hand is always a good idea.

If you are going hiking or going to the beach, then bringing your own food is essential, especially since exertion and heat can wear you out. It’s good to have some fuel and water on hand to help counteract negative effects of such trips and keep everyone healthy, hydrated and satisfied.

Take Your Time
Depending on how old your kids are, you will certainly need to allot for time. Toddlers and younger children can get fussy, over excited or any number of things that may slow you down. Whether you are going to the airport or simply going to a nearby park, make sure you plan for some extra time for anything that may keep you behind such as an unexpected diaper change, a tantrum, some impromptu exploring, or anything else.

Be Prepared
This applies for anyone going on any trip, but as a parent it is your job to pack things for any sort of situation for your child. Aside from packing snacks, make sure you pack extra diapers, medicine or first aid, a change of clothes, jackets or other items depending on the weather, and even some activities for the ride (like reading books).

Keep a Backup Plan Up Your Sleeve
Kids are known for growing impatient at times, so if you find your plan delayed or your family car stuck in traffic, then it is a good idea to have some backup family activities in mind that you can all play while you wait.

Also, it helps to have some other ideas for outings or trips in case the one you planned happens to fall-through due to unexpected circumstances like the weather.

Encourage Them to Make Memories
Family trips, outings and vacations make memories that you will all share and cherish for your lifetime, so why not keep something to remember your outing by? Whether you’re simply going to the park or going on a big trip away from home, encourage your kids to take pictures of their own, to keep a travel journal where they can write and draw pictures, and to collect souvenirs and other little trinkets that they can keep forever.

For more parenting resources and reading tips please be sure to subscribe to the KD Novelties Blog and for unique children’s books to take along on your trips check out our library at KDNovelties.com

Ways to Help Your Kids Overcome Their Tech Dependency

Posted on | by KD Novelties

There is no denying that technology has taken over our lives. There is hardly a way to avoid it these days whether you are paying bills, doing research or simply trying to stay in touch with others. In many ways technology has been a blessing. It has helped us communicate more easily and more effectively than ever before, and it can save a lot of time and energy. But with just how prevalent technology is, it can be difficult to look away from the screen, even when it comes to relaxing and entertainment. This is true for both adults and children, but since children are growing up into this world it can be easy for them to miss out on the outside world – especially if all they know is technology.

As a parent, it may be easy to give your child a mobile device of some sort, whether it be a phone or a tablet, or sit them down in front of the TV all queued up with their favorite Netflix shows. While this can come in handy once a while, and making sure that your kids are watching and playing positive and educational shows and games, it is still important that you make sure that your children are not too dependent on technology.

For kids growing up in a world where technology is everywhere, this may seem like an impossible task, but here are some things you can incorporate into your child’s daily routine in order to make sure that they don’t get too attached:

  • Schedule some tech-free time. Set aside mobile devices, TV’s and other electronics for an hour, during certain activities such as mealtimes, or even entire portions of the day. Making technology-free time can make a huge difference. If kids know that they aren’t supposed to be using specific devices during a certain time of day, they can begin to interact with the world and the people around them more naturally without feeling like they are being forced to do so. Kids are very receptive to routines, so making it a part of your day will make it come naturally to children and it will be easier to draw them away from mobile devices while encouraging play time, family time, or any other activity.
  • Lead by example. Kids do a lot of learning by watching, listening and mimicking, so it is important that parents learn not to use technology too much as well. When enacting tech-free portions of the day or other tech-free activities, make sure to take part yourself! As studies show, when parents read so do their children, so picking up some good habits of your own can prove to be beneficial for both you and your children.
  • For older kids, social media may be a huge part of their lives, so banning the use of technology entirely by taking away phones and computers can actually be a bit detrimental. What you can do, however, is limit social media usage to certain times of day or to places such as only while at home. This way, your children can be social and chat with friends without being on their mobile devices all day long, no matter where they happen to be. The same goes for younger children who may use these devices for games and apps instead of social media. Limit game time to car rides or other periods of time, but make sure that kids participate in other activities as well, such as reading, physical exercise and good old family time.
Most importantly get your kids to pick up a book and read. YES! A physical book!  With reading done on tablets picking up a good old fashioned book gets them away from technology.  If your kids are reluctant to pick up a book try something new… like a personalized book! Personalized books makes kids the star of their own stories so they will be intrigued to read about themselves. 

Dads Read With Your Kids!

Posted on | by KD Novelties

Parenting is a joint effort, but depending on the personalities of mom and dad, each parent may take on different roles when it comes to raising their children. Kids learn a lot by example, and they observe behaviors as a mode for learning how to behave themselves. This is why so many kids end up mimicking their parents or even becoming like them, as they get older. Observed behavior is picked up, both consciously and subconsciously, and the actions you take as a parent when you are with your child will play a huge role in their overall development.

Fathers who read and read with their kids are important, especially when it comes to helping boys read. Studies over the years have shown that a majority of readers tend to be women, and elementary grade boys do not read nearly as much as their female counterparts. Due to still-potent gender roles, boys are taught to be physically active and may shy away from reading because it does not necessarily fall under that category. Boys look to their fathers as role models, which is why it is up to dad to help instill the importance of reading early on.

You can do this by reading on your own, reading with your children, or encouraging them to read up on their favorite topics and activities as well. Reading along with your child can be extremely beneficial in a variety of ways. Not only does it allow for you to read together, but you can spend some quality time with one another as well. These moments will create memories that will last a lifetime. Kids also learn by example, so reading on your own can help push them in the right direction, too. If you’re not a big reader yourself, there are other things you can do as well, such as share stories about your life, explore photographic or informational books on topics you like, and share with your child.  Involve your child in everyday writing tasks such as composing letters and emails or even paying the bills.

Dad reading with daughter

However, dads can help boost the love of reading in daughters, too, so it is important not to forget that reading with any child is incredibly beneficial for their education while also helping build the foundations of your relationship with one another. As stricter and more traditional gender roles dissolve, it is important for both mom and dad to act as a team and to share activities and responsibilities with one another. Dad’s should feel excited about reading with their children along with other activities like crafts or cooking, just as moms should feel excited about playing games, sports and building or fixing things around the house with their kids as well.