As a parent, you have to work to pay the bills for your family. You might not be able to be around your child as much as you or they may like, including after school. After all, in many cases, your child's school will end at two or three while you might not get off work until five or six. If your child is young, they can't stay at home by themselves. Rather than just leaving a babysitter at home, why not send them to after school care?
Children Need More Than an Eye When you leave your child at home with a babysitter, then there is a high chance that they will spend their time relaxing or watching TV until you get home. If they have homework, then the babysitter can help them. In addition, they might be able to play with neighborhood friends. However, what's missing is hand-on experiences, structure play, extra learning, and time enrichment. While children might be alright at home, they aren't living their full potential. A child at afterschool care gets everything their mind needs to keep growing and having fun until you get home at night. They will be able to do their homework, go on field trips, play with others, and take part in activities that would otherwise be unavailable to them. Children Have Varying Needs In addition to needing more than just an eye to watch then, each child has unique needs based on their development and age. At home, there is a chance that nothing will happen and they will be left to their own devices. At after school care, thought will be put into each day of activities by the teachers and program directors. The teachers and directors will take into account the age and abilities of each child so that they can get the most out of their time each day. If you have a five-year-old, working with legos to build a massive car might be too advanced. By the same token, a ten-year-old should not be coloring simple pictures. A teacher will know this and can make sure that each child will get what they need each day. What Should You Look For in After School Care? When you look for after school care, you should keep a few things in mind. In addition to this list, make sure to think about your own needs and circumstances.
Overall, after school programs are a great way to make sure that your child is getting everything they need to grow into a strong and independent adult. As they reach an age where they can stay at home alone, be sure that they have learned how to take care of the home and their responsibilities. If you are looking for an afterschool care option in the Boise, Idaho area, check out Bodies in Motion today!
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Fall is the perfect time of year to run a new race, whether it’s a new 5k or new marathons. With a few months left, you still have plenty of time to get in better shape before the deadlines start approaching as well. Running is a great way to cross-train, lose fat, and have fun with your family. Today we’re going to talk about the top races that are coming up in Boise in the fall!
USA Endurance Events: Jack & Jill’s Downhill Marathon & Half Marathon As a USATF Boston Qualifying Race that drops over 4000’ throughout the race, you know you can this is a personal record course. What’s better, avid runners will be able to use the time they get from this downhill race on both the 2020 and 2021 Boston Marathons. The race starts at an elevation of 6753’ in Bogus Basin and ends at an elevation of 2683’ at Ann Morrison Park in Boise, Idaho with an almost all downhill slide. Their website has a great graph showing the elevation based on the mile that can help you plan and visualize. With a race date of September 15th, you still have plenty of time run your next or your first marathon. City of Trees Marathon and Half Marathon If September seems a bit too close for a full marathon, why not try this October 13th option. Rather than a straight race, this circular race will start and finish at Parkcenter Park in Boise. As with the previous race, this is a Boston Marathon Qualifier that uses chips for the best timing. As an October race, you can expect fall foliage to accompany your run the length of the course. The course takes place mostly under the tree canopy on the Boise Greenbelt. Due to the location, you can expect a flat and fast river-side course. Zeitgeist Half Marathon If you’re looking for something that can mix fun and fitness, this race is perfect. Taking place on November 2nd, it’s 13.1-mile length is lines with aid stations and beautiful sights. The loop course is paved and changes 1,181 feet in elevation over three hills. If you run, you will get a long sleeve shirt as well as a finishing medal. In addition, you can expect a post-race party with hot and cold food as well as awards and live band. Unlike most post-race menus, this event aims to have a full menu anyone will love. Examples include garden pasta, scalloped potatoes, mushroom soup and chicken tortilla soup, bagels and cream cheese, and micro-brewed beer. The YMCA Halloween Run For those not looking to run 13 or 26 miles, a fun and short option is available. The YMCA is hosting a 5k and Monster Mile on the 26th of October at 4:30 and 6:00 in the afternoon. As previous, the course will take place on the Boise Greenbelt offering a fast and flat run or walk for you and your family. As a Halloween run, this race is more fun than fitness. Glow Sticks and costumes are encouraged, and there will even be a pre-race costume contest! Register online to save money and ensure that you get an entry into this spooky event! When the school year rolls around, your child must go from having free time throughout the day to going back to a routine schedule. This transition, if not prepared for, can be very challenging for everyone in the family. Today, we're going to talk about how you can prepare ahead of time for the transition from summer to the school year.
Institute a meal schedule First, you need to ensure that your child is eating all of his or her meals at the same time each day. Eating each meal at the same time will help create the feeling of a schedule and make transitioning to a more rigorous schedule simpler. You should also ensure that each meal is healthy and that any snacks that are being eaten throughout the day are nutritious and well proportioned. Institute a bedtime Even if you have a high schooler, bedtime is an important part of their life. Ensuring that they are going to bed at a reasonable time each night will help the transition to wake up early in the morning. Keep in mind that different ages will determine how much sleep each child needs and when. Older children, such as teens will need eight to 9 hours of sleep starting later than a younger child. Think about a summer class If you have time at the end of the year, you might think about a summer tutoring session or boot camp. This session will help your child get back into the learning mindset. Each summer, a child is said to lose part of what they learned the previous school year and what's called the summer slide. Having a tutoring session shortly before summer starts cannot only get them in the correct mind frame, but it can also help them catch back up and remember what they have forgotten. Go School Shopping Before school starts, you need to make sure that you have everything you need for the classes. Sometimes, you'll be able to get lists ahead of time. Other times you'll know what you need, and you can obtain it without a list. Going on a school shopping session can get your child ready to go back to school both material-wise and mentally. This is because your child will be able to see the materials being bought and shift their mind to the coming season. Drive by the school This stuff is a special importance for children going to new schools, whether it's a change in school or graduation from elementary to middle or middle to high. Driving by the school will help them see where they're going to be, visualize their future. If they're new, it can also help dispel any worries or scary thoughts about being the new kid. Train If your child is in any of the sports of the school, they are probably supposed to be training over the summer. This is common for sports like football, soccer, and cross country. However, most children don't do their required exercises over the summer. Getting them started back into their exercise routine will help their minds cycle back into the school year while also preparing their bodies for the sports season to come. Preparing your child for the upcoming school year doesn't have to be complicated. Taking small steps to get them in the right mindset will make the transition easier for both you and your child. Helping them by instituting a bedtime and a set meal schedule will create a routine. Taking them by the school and going school shopping will push their mind towards the new school year. Ensuring that they're doing their exercises will help them get ready for the upcoming sports season. If you're still looking for a place to send your child, Bodies in Motion offers preschool as well as after school for older children. As school time draws near, you must plan on what your child will be doing after-school. If they are young, then after-school care might be a necessity. While you could hire someone to take care of them at home, a better option might be to look into after-school care in your area.
Today, we’re going to look into the vital considerations that you should take into account when looking at after-school care. These questions will ensure that you are ready and have chosen the best program possible for your children and their needs.
Thinking about all these factors will ensure that you are getting the best after-school care possible for your family and your child. If you are looking for an option, Bodies in Motion offers after-school care for those looking in the Boise area. Bodies in Motion is dedicated to helping kids keep their bodies moving. However, we also have a passion for helping out the parents as well. As many parents know, keeping your kids active is a good workout itself. Today, we're going into why that's the case. We're going to talk about the different ways that keeping your kid in shape will help you stay in shape as well.
Reason: You'll Be Joining Them Perhaps the most obvious is that when your child wants to do something active, you might be swept up in that activity as well. This is particularly the case when you have an older child that likes to hike, run, or do outdoor family activities that involve you taking them or joining them somewhere. Implementation Option: Ask to Join If you don't have to move to keep your child active, perhaps they play sports in school, maybe you can ask them for a lesson? If they are in cross country, ask them if you can join them on a slow day. If they play baseball, ask them to play out in the yard. This is an excellent opportunity to bond while also getting out there and getting in shape with your son or daughter. Reason: They Need to Eat Healthily If your child is in competitive sports, then you know all about the importance of regular exercise and a healthy diet. If your child is eating pizza all day, then chances are their coach will say something. As such, you can become used to eating a healthier diet. After all, having snacks and pizza in the house when someone can't eat it is a recipe for disaster. Implementation Option: Think About A Healthier Diet If your family thinks they could do better in the nutrition department, then work together to determine what's best for everyone. Talk to your child's coaches and doctors as well as your own. You'll be giving your child a boost as well as yourself. Reason: Your Speed Running your Errands If you're taking your child to martial arts every week, then chances are you have an hour to kill each week. Many parents use that time to go grocery shopping and run their errands. Each one of those parents is a killer speed walker. With only an hour to spare, you'll become great at getting somewhere and getting what you need fast. Implementation Option: Join them for an Hour of Fitness If you want to boost your activity level or if you generally wait for them to finish, then think about joining them with an hour of your fitness. Drop your child off in gym clothes and go for a run at the local park or in the parking lot. Remember, talk to a professional and make sure you have the right gear before you start a new fitness routine. Reason: Children Take Work Even if your child isn't old enough to play sports, there's a high chance that he or she is keeping you more active. Having a baby or toddler requires constant movement and motion. In addition, their need for fresh air and walks will keep you off your bottom for much longer than the average person. Implementation Option: Take Your Child to Parks If you've been feeling stuck at home, then try taking your child to a park. Parks are an excellent way for you to get moving and stand for long periods while your child has fun with people their age. Bring young children in a stroller so that you can walk while they nap or look at nature. It's widely understood that kids are selfish. It's through no fault of their own, it's normal. However, teaching kids to be a part of the community is vital to ensuring they grow into mature and understanding adults. Helping the city is a great way for your child to experience what it's like to belong to a group. In addition, it gives them a chance to understand how to be helpful rather than selfish. Today, we're going to talk about how you can get your child involved in the community at any age.
Volunteering Volunteering is the perfect way to get your child involved in the community. Children who volunteer will be exposed to many different parts of life and many kinds of people that live together. For example, taking your kid to volunteer each weekend at the local animal shelter can give them an understanding of what it's like to care for something else. Also, it will allow them to see what people do for the community each day. Starting small is the best way to ensure a strong passion for volunteering. Young children might only be able to help pass out medals at a 5K while older children could spend the whole day planting trees. If you're starting with a new organization, it's best to call ahead to see their policies on volunteering children. In many cases, they will have an age limit as well as requirements, for example, that you come along. Recreational Sports Many towns have recreational sports teams that can help your child socialize with people that they may not see at school. Also, recreational sports often have events that bring in more of the community. This could be a fundraiser like a car wash or a tournament like Little League. As a bonus, if you choose to go with this option, there's a high chance that you will have to go with the first as well. Many recreational sports teams have a volunteer portion of being a part of the team. This could be cleaning the park or helping with a local, related event. Related: Sports Classes If you don't have or want to take part in any sports teams, why not try a sports class. Bodies in Motion offers karate classes for children all over Boise. This is a great way to get children meeting other kids and people from around the community. However, the advantage here is a professional teacher and lessons that any child could use from mindset and meditation to self-defence and fitness. Start a Business While children can't operate a business in the same way as an adult, they can get their entrepreneurial feet wet. Think about getting your child interested in making a little money by interacting with the community. Age-appropriate business activities can be harder to come by for younger children, but as they age, the options become endless. Some things to think about are dog walking, house sitting, lemonade stand, paracord bracelets, or drawings at local craft fairs. Who knows, maybe they'll find their passion early in life. Join a Friends of the Park/Friends of the Library Day Many parks and other publicly funded locations will have a friends day. This is a day where everyone comes out to the site to clean, volunteer, help, and improve the facility or park. Some parks will create new trails or enhance old ones. Libraries will often sort old books and sell them for discounted prices. These programs can be harder to find, but a google search or an ask around could get you the information you're looking for. Involving your child in the community will enable them to see what's it's like to be part of something. It's important that the younger a child is, the more self-centred they are. It's a byproduct of being the center of everyone's world as a baby! However, children are also great at helping others. Teaching them young will allow for a life of involvement and kindness. As school bridges the horizon, children going into preschool are about to have their lives changed forever. Preparing them for this change will involve lots of work on bedtimes, bathrooms, and sitting still. It doesn't have to be all that bad. We've created a bucket list to ensure that while your new preschooler might be going into a thirteen or more year-long ordeal, they have the best end to the school free days of their lives possible.
1. Eat Dessert (or Breakfast) for Dinner Children love a treat. Giving them a fun dinner option like ice cream or cake isn't something you can offer on a school night. However, as the summer comes to an end, you can give them something so that they can relax and enjoy time with their family. 2. Have a Photoshoot It's the end of a phase of life for your young baby, and you have the perfect summer glow. It's time for a photoshoot. Make sure to get some traditional poses as well as some candid shots playing games and having fun. Use these to start a scrapbook showing your child as they grow each summer. 3. Go on a Scavenger Hunt Whether you've created a scavenger hunt before or not, this is a simple one that requires almost no prep time at all. While you'll have to be a bit more creative for younger children that can read, there are plenty of options on Pinterest that will keep your child having fun and learning while they're at it. 4. Chalk up the Driveway If you have a paved driveway, it's time to turn it into the biggest art piece that you're child's ever worked on. Don't just get regular chalk, get some sidewalk paint, exploding chalk, and even ice chalk to make sure they have options and enough to last them the whole day (and the whole driveway.) 5. Game Night It's easy to spend the nights reading social media and watching TV. However, installing the first of many games nights will help you have family time before your child has homework and friends to attend to. Don't forget the prizes! 6. Do The Thing! If you've had your eye on that amazing burger place, theme park, or mall, then go! The end of summer is the perfect time to go on an impromptu visit to something you've been thinking about for ages. If there's something that everyone's been talking about on social media, why not see what all the buzz is about? 7. Have a Water Fight These things are best done as a surprise. You're going to want to get a bunch of water balloons and water guns. Fill everything up and get it ready to go while your partner is away with the child. When they're on their way back, leave half of the supplies by the door and hide. You know what happens next! 8. Tye-dye a T-Shirt This outdoor activity will allow your child to make their clothing while the weather is still nice. Make sure that you have a wide selection of colors as well as gloves and a place to hang the clothes. Look up some ideas on Pinterest for patterns. If it comes out good, you might have picked your kid's first-day outfit. 9. Go on a Picnic This idea is something that gets harder as the school year starts, and the weather gets colder. You might go into your backyard, but it's sure to make dinner more fun. Don't forget the tunes and the games for after dinner! 10. Go to Live Music During the summer, live music is easy to find. A park, festival, or even a restaurant patio is a great way to get out and get dancing. However, remember that your child's ears are sensitive! Make sure to have ear protection or stay farther back in the crowd! Picking a new school for your child can happen at any grade. Most commonly, you’ll find yourself looking for a new school after preschool, sixth grade, 8th grade, and 12th grade should your child go to college. How do you decide on a school? Whether you are choosing public, private, or homeschool, there are things that you should think about tuition or no tuition. After all, this choice can and will affect the future opportunities your child will get.
First, Write Five Important Factors Think about the most important factors in this decision. These should be the five most important factors that will come into play when choosing a school in your final list. As you go through the process, there is a high chance that you will revise this list to be open to change. In addition, think about what could make this listing change. If you can say, I would think about X unless Y, make sure Y is higher on your list of five. Next, Think about Your Child and Family Obviously, the first factor in what school to attend will be what your child needs. This can be simple things like preferences or more complex and demanding factors like a peanut allergy or special needs. Go into factors like the environment structure, challenge level, attention level, and learning styles that each school displays. If your child learns best by doing, then make sure that your schools have a focus on hands-on learning rather than at desk testing. If your child loves to read, find a school that still has reading lists and a library for the children to explore. On the other hand, some children need a more creative environment to let their artistic skills thrive while some love math and science and hate art-focused schools. Only you know what is best for your child’s learning. Lastly, think about family needs in this situation. If your child needs to be within walking distance of the home, think about your options. Is there an opportunity for your child to be bussed, or can you drive? Are you looking to have your child in school with their local friends or siblings? This information will be helpful in further determining what will be best for your child, whether they are looking for a preschool in Biose or a college in Atlanta. Gather Information Once you have a list of requirements for both the child and the family, it’s time to gather information. If you were to buy a car, you would make sure you’ve checked around, looked at the MPG and safety ratings and more. The same or higher level or research should be looked into when looking for a new school to ensure that all details were accounted for. Think about the curriculum, their approach to learning, the safety, academic performance, behavior policy, approach to learning, special offerings, facilities, and services, admissions, and more to ensure that you are getting what you think you are. Paying special attention to the core programs to ensure that they are strong and will help your child succeed will ensure that they have the base knowledge to do anything they want. Looking at how hands on each school are versus how many standard tests they give a year will help to determine what you are looking for in a school. Also, think about how the school’s test scores compare and how new students transition into the programs. All kinds of questions will be needed to ensure that your child is going to the right place. Visit The Top Five Schools on Your List Once you’ve done all the research and picked your top five schools, it’s time to go to each and watch a class or two. This will help you to learn the truth behind the online stories and reviews. Make sure to pay attention to the culture in the school, the beliefs and actions of the principle, how the teachers handle conflict and , and how the students react on a day to day basis. If the students seem stressed and unhappy, then you should think twice, even if that school has the best testing scores and programs around. Finally, Apply to the Top School(s) on Your List. Depending on your final choice, you may not have to complete this step. However, if you are interested in private or home school programs, you’ll need to apply to the top few schools just in case you can’t get into the top school. If you are attending a public school, though attendance is much more likely, it’s not a bad idea to apply to more than one to be certain you’ve made the right choice. Now that you’ve picked and applied for the schools for your child’s future, you can rest easy. The school should tell you what to expect, what you’ll need, and when everything will happen. If you decide not to go forward with one, let them know. At the end of the day, your child will have a bright future in a school perfect for them. As the summer has gone longer, you’ve realized that your child is already out of things to do. However, you still have over half of the summer left. That can cause you to worry that they’ll sit around home, or even worse get into trouble trying to find something to do. As such, you’ve wondered if there are any summer camp options left for last minute lookers like yourself.
This situation isn’t unique. Many parents start the summer determined to keep their children doing fun things at home. Most believe that they don’t have to worry about a summer camp because they can do it all themselves. However, parents quickly realize that this is not the case. Today, we’re answering this commonly asked question and also offering advice on finding a summer camp at the last minute and what to do if one isn’t available. Can You Find a Last Minute Summer Camp? The answer to this question will depend on where you live, what you are looking for, and how flexible you can be. If you live in a small town, can’t drive out of it, and need a space camp, then you might not find what you are looking for. However, if you are willing to drive a bit and choose, for example, a ninja warrior summer camp rather than a space camp, your options may open. In this way, it will be about calling around. While the pages online may say spaces open or no spaces left, there is always a chance that a child dropped out at the last minute or their site hasn’t been updated. Important Notes About Funding a Last Minute Summer Camp
What if There Isn’t a Camp? If you’re signing up at the last minute and nothing is working, you still have a few options. First, summer programs that can work with your child and keep them entertained. Examples of these can be anything from daycare to clubs like the Boys and Girls club. Alternatively, different versions of summer school allow children to continue to learn during the summer. Remember, your children should still be having fun this summer, so make sure it’s something they will enjoy as well. If none of those strike your fancy, then think about forming a summer camp if you have a group of parents going through the same issues as yourself, think about gathering together to create a summer program for your kids. If you can get five sets of parents, then you’ll have more than enough parents and creative minds to keep your children entertained all summer long. Simply get each parent to take off five days and send all the kids to that parent. Create plans for fun things to do and themes for each week so that each parent will watch the kids, and each week, the kids will have something fun to do to keep them busy. People that volunteer have a close connection to the issues in their community. However, they also have a close connection to the people and the success in their community as well. When children can volunteer, they learn many skills that they might not have any other way.
After school activities like our Ninja Warrior class or summer programs teach children confidence, determination, and skill. Going to preschool and continuing their education by finding the right elementary school can set them up for a lifetime of success. However, nothing can teach compassion, understanding, empathy, and community like volunteering. Learn about Unknown Talents Introducing age-appropriate options for children to volunteer gives them the perfect way to explore their talents and feel like they are part of something for the first time. If they’ve shown a passion for animals, then perhaps taking them to an animal shelter where they can clean, take care of, feed, and help pets will be great for letting them explore a future as a vet or animal rehabilitator. In addition, volunteering will often help in teaching lessons learned in the classroom or at after-school activities or summer camps. If your child has a wonderful time at an animal adventure themed summer camp, perhaps helping at a wildlife refuge can further instill how important taking care of animals is and what each animal needs and has. Feel a Connection to Your Community Children have no direct way, in many cases, to feel a connection to the community around them. However, through volunteering at an animal shelter, a homeless shelter, a tree planting organization, a collection drive, or a charity walk that can directly participate in helping make the community a better place. Through experiences like this, they will learn what it’s like to have a community. They will learn and understand how each person in the community must help to keep the community going. Volunteering requires maturity, patience and kindness. Children can be all of these things and in many cases, can learn and cultivate them further for a better life. Tips for Volunteering with a Child 1. Ask Your Child It’s important that you think about and talk with your child when making this decision. If you make all the decisions, then your child won’t feel a connection to the event. You’ll also need to talk about what will be expected from them and that they should look to get out of the event. 2. Ask the Organization if they Allow Kids Many Nonprofit organizations don’t allow children to take part in their activities. Usually, this is due to their inability to take the risks that children will present depending on the work that they do. As such, you should ask if the child is allowed to come and what they will be allowed to do at the event. 3. Determine the Workload After signing up for the date, it’s time to determine what you and your child will be doing the day of. While some organizations might not know the specifics, they should be able to give you an idea of what you can expect and what your child’s main goals will be. This is a great way to help your child get excited about the work that they will be doing. 4. Prepare In many cases, nothing much will be needed should you decide to help at a local place. However, if you take a trip to help clean trails at a national park, then it’s important that you have everything that you need for the trip. Involve your child in this process to help them feel in charge and connected to the help that you both are bringing. Volunteering is all about attitude. Ensure your child knows to come in with an open mind and a humble attitude. If you or they walk in as if to bestow knowledge on everyone else, the event won’t be fun. However, if you walk in with open arms ready to help and learn about the community, then you and your child will walk away with new memories, lessons, and understandings of how the world works. |
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February 2024
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