Balancing School and Fun

While education holds great significance, it should never overshadow the importance of health, safety, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, especially for children. Understanding how to live a healthy and balanced life is crucial, and parents play a vital role in modeling work ethic, morality, and diverse interests.

Active playtime is a necessity! All people, both children and adults, need regular exercise to maintain good health, quality sleep, and overall well-being. Outdoor play also offers benefits beyond physical activity. It enables children to socialize, better understand their bodies, engage in imaginative play, and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors, not to mention analyzing obstacles that might stand in their way!

In today's fast-paced and intricate world, finding time for outdoor activities with your child may be challenging. How much time per day is enough? School-aged children should ideally have about three hours of outdoor play each day, contributing to their physical and emotional health.

Unstructured play and outdoor time are particularly beneficial for young children, such as playing at the park or arranging playdates. These activities improve their overall health, reducing the risk of obesity and weight-related health concerns, which are increasingly prevalent in today's families. Additionally, outdoor play positively impacts mental health through physical activity.

Consider your work-life balance. When stress mounts, you likely take a break by grabbing a coffee, reading a book, or taking a walk. Even a short ten-minute break can provide the clarity needed to move forward. The same principle applies to your children's needs. While school is undoubtedly important during their formative years, it shouldn't consume everything. Please encourage them to take breaks, get outside, and engage in playtime. Emphasize the value of balance.

Incorporating a holistic approach to your child's education by prioritizing health and wellness with education sets them up for success. Let's encourage them to strike a balance, prioritize outdoor activities, and experience the joy of unstructured play.

If you want more information on this topic, please check out my book, Raising Thoughtful Children Without Going Crazy! Perspective of a Mom and Educator, available on Amazon. Click the below image to find my book on Amazon. Happy reading!

Exploring Hobbies

As parents, we all want the best for our children. We want them to excel academically, socially, and emotionally. But the question remains: is it really necessary to enroll them in every activity under the sun? Is the pressure we put on our children to be involved in so many activities healthy for them?

The answer is no. While extracurricular activities are an important part of a child’s development, overloading them with too many activities can be detrimental to their mental health and well-being. It’s crucial to maintain a balance in their lives.

At the end of the day, what’s most important is that children are happy, healthy, and well-rounded individuals. It’s okay if they don’t excel in every single activity they’re involved in. We should encourage them to explore their interests and pursue their passions but also teach them the importance of balance and self-care.

It’s also important to recognize that failure is a part of life. It’s not something to be feared or avoided, but rather embraced as a learning opportunity. Failure helps to build character, perseverance, and knowledge. It teaches children to be resilient and adaptable, which are important life skills.

As a teacher and a parent, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that extracurricular activities can have on children. Students who are involved in activities tend to be more confident, motivated, and better at time management. But it’s important to remember that every child is unique and their interests and abilities will vary. It’s up to us as parents to support and encourage them on their journey, without putting too much pressure on them.

In conclusion, we should strive to create a balanced lifestyle for our children. Encourage them to explore their interests and pursue their passions, but also teach them the importance of balance and self-care. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and celebrate their successes, no matter how big or small. By doing so, we can raise happy, healthy, and well-rounded children who are prepared for whatever life throws their way.

If you're looking for more information on this topic, please check out my book, Raising Thoughtful Children Without Going Crazy! Perspective of a Mom and Educator, available on Amazon.

Seeding Roots: Teach What YOU Know

As parents and educators, we have a responsibility to raise well-rounded and successful children. While school-based instruction is crucial, there are countless lessons to be learned outside of the classroom. It’s important for parents to share their experiences and expertise with their children, whether it’s in the areas of business, finance, home repair, or hobbies.

Seeding Roots Blog Post May 2023 Teach what you know

One of the key factors in raising successful kids is to encourage curiosity. This involves asking questions, fixing things, and tackling real-world problems. By engaging in these activities with our children, we not only teach them important life skills but also instill in them a sense of confidence and resilience.

As parents, we can provide our children with engaging experiences that allow them to explore the world around them. From camping and fishing to cooking and astronomy, there are countless opportunities for our children to learn and grow. By allowing them to witness how we handle differences of opinion and solve issues that arise, we become their greatest role models.

It’s also important to model responsibility for our children. By teaching them how to be responsible for their belongings, work, and actions, we prepare them for success in all areas of life. Whether it’s caring for pets, tending to a garden, or cleaning the house, there are countless opportunities for our children to learn and grow.

At the end of the day, the most important thing we can do as parents and educators is to instill in our children a sense of curiosity, resilience, and responsibility. By providing them with engaging experiences and modeling these important traits, we set them up for success in all areas of life. So, let’s get out there and teach our kids what we know – the world is their oyster!

If you're looking for more information on this topic, please check out my book, Raising Thoughtful Children Without Going Crazy! From the Perspective of a Mom and Educator, available on Amazon soon!