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The Power of Consistent Routines When Raising Kids

benefits of routineChildren of all ages benefit greatly from consistent routines. Routines give children a sense of security, stability and much more. Experts say that kids who have a familiar routine are more independent, healthier and do better in school. The best part about consistent routines? It is never too late to implement them!

https://habyts.com/kids-resist-routine/

If routines are so important – and so beneficial – why do so many kids resist them? And what can parents do to help them get onboard?

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-kids-family-routine/kids-with-family-routines-more-emotionally-socially-advanced-idUSBREA2B1TM20140312

Why is it that children with consistent routines perform better in school? Research has shown that routines help with “executive function” which promotes skills like problem-solving, negotiation and planning.

https://www.webmd.com/parenting/raising-fit-kids/recharge/features/get-your-family-routine-back#1

Unfortunately, there are times when routines get disrupted and life feels chaotic. While it may seem like things will never get back to normal, it is possible to get your family back on track after veering off course.

Premier Academy offers affordable childcare in the Omaha/Elkhorn area. To learn more, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.

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Six Benefits of a Consistent Routine for Kids and Families

Research has shown that children, especially young children, benefit from a sense of structure. While there are many reasons why children need a routine, parenting experts say that the most important one is that a consistent routine for kids helps them to feel secure.

Benefits of a Consistent Routine for Kids and FamiliesOf course, like anything else in life, it is important to remain flexible. And while having a consistent routine is important, that doesn’t mean that there is no room for flexibility. After all, what would childhood be without some spontaneity?

Parents also need to realize that routines should reflect their values and particular family situation. In other words, no two families will have the same routine. And what may be important to your family may not be as important to another family.

The most common routines revolve around things like mealtimes, bedtimes, chores around the house, family time and play. Remember, the things your routines revolve around will let your child know what is important to you as a family.

So aside from a sense of security, what are some other benefits of establishing a routine for kids?

  1. Routines help children get on a schedule. A consistent routine of bedtimes, naptimes and mealtimes, for example, help set a child’s body clock. For example, if they go to bed at the same time each evening, when that time approaches they will begin to get sleepy.
  2. Routines encourage family bonding. When families participate in certain activities together – reading, hiking, visiting grandparents – they begin to understand that these are things that they should cherish.
  3. Routines encourage independence. Rather than you having to tell your child to brush their teeth or pick up their toys, he or she will be able to do so without being told. This promotes a sense of independence by letting children know that they can do things on their own.
  4. Routines help establish healthy habits. Eating their vegetables and sitting down to do their homework helps children know what they need to do and when. This helps them develop time management skills.
  5. Routines allow children to look forward to things. When a child knows that Friday nights are family movie nights, they look forward to the weekend and spending time together as a family.
  6. Routines create stability. Life can be stressful but knowing what to expect can help alleviate stress. If a parent becomes ill or the family moves, having certain routines in place will help to calm a child.

If your family doesn’t have any routines in place, don’t worry, it’s never too late to start.

Here are some tips for getting started:

  • Concentrate first on things, like meals and bedtimes. Gradually add other activities.
  • Be consistent but patient. It will take time for your child to settle into a new routine.

Adjust as necessary. Routines are meant to be a positive experience. If a particular routine doesn’t seem to be working, try something else.

Premier Academy offers affordable childcare in the Omaha/Elkhorn area. To learn more, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.

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Why Kids Need a Healthy Breakfast (and How to Make Sure They Get One)

kids healthy breakfastMost parents would agree that it is a good idea that children eat a healthy breakfast before they leave for school in the morning. That doesn’t mean that it is easy, however.

Consumer Reports’ article, What Makes a Healthy Breakfast for Kids, tackles the issue of feeding your kids a nutritious breakfast – without ruining everyone’s day!

Here are some suggestions from the article to do just that:

  • Make Extra: Consider cooking and freezing breakfast foods over the weekend so that you can pull them out and microwave them all week.
  • Prep the Night Before: Set the table, premeasure ingredients and have everything ready to go the night before to make the morning less stressful.
  • Mix Up the Menu: Not all kids like breakfast food. A grilled cheese on wheat bread or hummus and veggies might not sound good to you but are healthy options that kids may prefer.

Studies continue to reinforce the benefits of a healthy breakfast for kids. When kids eat a nutritious breakfast they are more likely to exhibit behaviors such as improved performance on tests and staying alert in class. So, as difficult as it may seem to get kids to eat breakfast, it is important.

Premier Academy offers affordable childcare in the Omaha/Elkhorn area. To learn more, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.

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Getting Kids to Eat – and Enjoy – Breakfast

Getting Kids to Eat – and Enjoy – BreakfastWe here at Premier Academy Omaha know how hard it can be to get your little ones to eat their breakfast. We, like you, also know studies show that children who eat a healthy breakfast do better in school and tend to be healthier than children who don’t. The problem is, getting your child to eat a healthy breakfast can seem like an impossible task. If you feel as if breakfast has become a losing battle, you are not alone. Studies show that about 20 percent of all children regularly go without eating anything before school.

What happens when kids don’t eat breakfast?
We all know that eating breakfast helps kids have more energy and do better in school. But what exactly are the repercussions of skipping breakfast?

List of Ways to Promote a Kid to Eat Breakfast
While making sure your child eats a nutritious breakfast is important, it helps to take a light-hearted approach. After all, stressing about the situation usually just makes things worse.

60 Easy Kid-Friendly Breakfast Recipes
Many parents are under the mistaken impression that a healthy breakfast has to be a lot of work. The fact is, some of the most nutritious breakfasts also are the easiest.

Schedule a Tour With Premier Academy Omaha

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How to Get Your Child to Eat the Most Important Meal of the Day

How to Get Your Child to Eat the Most Important Meal of the DayWe have all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We here at Premier Academy agree. This is especially true when it comes to children.

Studies show that children who eat a healthy breakfast do better in school and are more likely to take part in physical activities. They also tend to be healthier overall than children who leave for school on an empty stomach. In fact, children who skip breakfast are less able to retain information during class and are more likely to be overweight.

While most parents wouldn’t argue these facts, it still can be difficult to get their child to eat breakfast. If they are running late or their child is a picky eater, it can be especially challenging. If you are struggling with breakfast issues, you are not alone. In a study of 10,000 children, approximately 20 percent of those children regularly left the house without eating anything.

How to Get Your Child to Eat the Most Important Meal of the DayThe same study cited poor time management and lack of appetite as the main reasons that kids skip this important meal. It also found an element of parental influence. Specifically, whether or not their parent eats breakfast will directly impact how likely a child is to eat breakfast.

So how can you get your child to not just eat – but look forward – to breakfast?

If possible, get your child to bed a bit earlier so that they will be rested and more likely to get up on time in the morning. Sitting down as a whole family is ideal and illustrates to children that breakfast is a priority. Further, families that eat together usually eat healthier options because parents can model the importance of eating a nutritious breakfast.

Of course, this can be difficult. Especially when schedules conflict. The next best thing to a sit-down meal are simple options that can be eaten quickly or in the car, if necessary. Fresh or dried fruit, granola bars and yogurt are all good options. While experts encourage something from all the food groups, if this is not possible it is important to make sure that what your child does eat is nutritious and contains healthy carbohydrates for energy.

Finally, if you have the time, it is always worth it (especially for younger kids) to try to entice them to eat breakfast by serving some fun and cute options. These options don’t have to take a lot of time but will be a big hit with little ones.

Here are some things you might try:

  • Smoothies in a fun glass or with a crazy straw
  • Fruit kebabs
  • Bagels with colored cream cheese (a little food coloring goes a long way) or with fruit on top for bagel pizzas
  • Breakfast pizza
  • Yogurt popsicles
  • French toast sausage roll-ups (think pigs in a blanket)
  • Pancakes, toast or waffles in unique shapes or with faces made out of fruit
  • Bacon, egg and cheese quesadillas

Sometimes we put so much pressure on our kids to eat breakfast we take the fun out of it. Sit down breakfasts where we talk about our upcoming day or silly foods may be just what is needed to give kids (and parents) a reason to look forward to the most important meal of the day!

Schedule a Tour With Premier Academy Omaha

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How to Help Your Preschooler Make Friends

Does your child seem to have trouble making friends? While it is true that shy or introverted preschoolers can have a tougher time making friends, that doesn’t mean that they will be friendless. Some children simply take more time to warm up in social situations but can still master the art of making friends!

Kids Who Need a Little Help to Make Friends

While you can’t make friends for your child, you can help them develop and practice key social skills. Skills that they will use and refine their entire lives.

How to Help Your Kids Make Friends

Helping your child navigate the mean streets of social interaction can be nerve-wracking. Unfortunately, the anxiety surrounding this issue can kick in sooner than you think.

Girl Friends

How Kids Make and Keep Friends

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that making friends is one of the most important missions of childhood and a social skill that will endure throughout their lives. Some children, however, struggle with this skill and, unfortunately, have trouble making and keeping friends.

If you would like to see the kind of place where your Preschooler can make new friends and learn and grow, schedule a tour at one of the Premier Academy Child Enrichment Centers today.

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Fostering Social and Emotional Development in Preschoolers

Teaching Your Children About FriendshipWe here at Premiere Academy are big believers in fostering social and emotional development in preschoolers. Social-emotional development affects every aspect of a child’s life, including personal relationships, academic growth, and self-esteem. When children feel good about themselves and have the skills to interact successfully with others, their capacity to achieve skyrockets.

Social-emotional development often occurs organically, as parents and teachers at preschool  model positive relationships. But social skills can also be taught, just like any other skill. During the preschool years, children can learn the basics of emotional literacy, social interactions, and problem-solving. In this article, we offer tips for you on fostering social-emotional development for your preschooler at home.

Foster Emotional Literacy in Children

According to Vanderbilt University’s Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning, children who have a strong foundation of emotional literacy tend to have more positive relationships with others, feel happier, and even do better academically. One critical aspect of emotional literacy is being able to identify emotional responses.

Help your child identify and articulate how she’s feeling, first by labeling her feelings yourself. “You’re crying and your face is red. I can tell you feel really mad right now. Do you want to tell me about it?” Give your child permission to express negative emotions and offer reassurance. Intense feelings of anger and sadness can feel frightening to a child. Help your child understand that these negative emotions are a normal part of life and that you’ll help her handle them along the path to emotional maturity.

Build Your Preschooler’s Social Confidence

Children vary widely in their social readiness. Some children are naturally social, effortlessly interacting with others. Other children may seem shy, anxious, or even aggressive in social situations. Differences in temperament usually account for these variations, but a little education can go a long way in your child’s social development, building confidence and increasing the chances for social success. Teach your child how to say hello, look someone in the eye, or ask to play, just as you would teach your child how to wash his hands or put on his coat. Use playdates to help build your child’s social skills. Give your child the words to say and model how to initiate a social interaction, e.g., “Tap your friend on the shoulder and say, ’Can I play with you?’”

Manage a Preschooler’s Challenging Behavior

Your children’s cognitive, emotional, and verbal skills are still maturing. Developing the impulse control to consistently share, take turns, and express negative emotions appropriately takes a long time. Your patient response will help your preschooler in her path to social-emotional maturity. Wondering how to help? First, be proactive. Set clear limits about acceptable behavior. Use positive language and tell your child what to do, e.g., “You can’t hit your brother. You can say, ‘please stop,’ or you can come get me for help.” Pay attention to cues that your child needs extra support and step in before a blow-up occurs, especially when your child is hungry, tired, bored, or overstimulated.

Use meltdowns, hitting, or other challenging behaviors as learning opportunities. First, calmly and quietly help your child regain control. Later, you can talk with your child about what happened. Listen with empathy and then discuss possible solutions and approaches for next time. Allow your child to experience natural consequences. For example, if your child breaks another child’s toy, she should help fix it. A loving, but firm, response to inappropriate behavior teaches your child that you are in control even when she isn’t and that you will keep her safe until she can keep herself safe.

We believe that healthy social-emotional growth for preschool and pre-k is just as important as cognitive or academic growth. Our curriculum provides teachers with research-based tools for fostering strong emotional development while creating more peaceful, caring classrooms.

Enroll Today! Click Here

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