Children Visiting the Doctor

Our four year old and six year old didn't have school on Friday, so I decided to take them to the doctor for their yearly physicals.  When your children are babies and toddlers it's easy to remember to take them to the doctor because they need their immunizations at a certain schedule.  Between the ages of four and six they need an immunization, but then they're good until the age of 13.  So why is it still important to take your children to the doctor for a yearly physical after the age of six?  Well, the doctor can:

• Check their weight and height to make sure they're growing properly
• Check their blood pressure
• Check their heart and lungs
• Take a urine sample to see if any germs are present
• Discuss healthy eating habits and exercise
• Ensure your child's long-term health is good
• Detect any major health problems
• Discuss any problems with their hearing and speech
• Discuss their dental and vision check-ups
• If necessary, your doctor will also take a blood sample to check for things such as cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

So, it's a good idea to take your children to the doctor yearly for a physical so they can maintain a healthy life.

Simple Chores for Kids

It's nice to have a little help around the house.  Most of the time it's easier for a parent to do the chore themself, but giving your children a few age appropriate chores is a good idea as it teaches them some responsibility and builds their self-confidence.

Making the Bed-This is an easy chore for children to do, but it depends on their age.  Our four year old and six year old make their own beds, but not every day.  During the week we're rushing in the morning to get ready for school, so it's faster for me to do it myself.  They get dressed on their own and brush their teeth on their own and when there's time they make their own bed.  

Setting the Table for Dinner-Our six year old has taken an interest in setting the table for dinner.  Our four year old likes to do what her big sister does, so she started setting the table too.  My husband and I set our own plates, but our children set their own plates as they're plastic.  When we're done eating dinner they clean off their plates and put them in the sink.

Vacuuming-We have laminate flooring in the living/dining room so I use the Swiffer Vac to vacuum it.  When my children see me vacuuming they want to do it too.  They have fun doing it and sometimes they fight over who can do it first.

Folding Laundry-When I'm folding laundry our six year old likes to help me.  When we're done she likes to help me put the clothes away.

 

Types of Play

Play is important for children's social, emotional, cognitive and physical development.  They learn to take turns, share and socialize with other children.  They learn to get along and cooperate with others.  During play children have a chance to express themselves and use their imagination.  Here are some types of play:

Solitary Play-This is when a child plays alone.  Even though our four year old enjoys playing with other children, she often engages in this type of play.  When she gets shy she prefers to play by herself.  This type of play can help children become independent and build their confidence.

Cooperative Play-All the children are playing together and interacting with each other.  This type of play encourages social skills.

Dramatic Play-Our six year old loves this type of play.  She likes to dress up and pretend she's somebody else.  This is a great way for children to enhance their imagination.

Physical Play-This type of play enhances children's gross motor skills and encourages them to be active, which can prevent obesity.

Onlooker Play-This is when a child watches other children playing, but doesn't participate. 

Parallel Play-During this type of play children are playing next to each other but aren't really interacting with each other. 

Rough-and-Tumble Play-Involves children play fighting and chasing each other.  During this type of play children are smiling and laughing, even though it seems like they're really fighting.

Rainy Day Activities for Children

Rainy days can be boring for children.  They can't go outside and ride their bike and they can't go to the park because everything is all wet.  So what do you do with your children when it's raining outside?  Here are a few ideas:

• Put on a family movie.  My husband and I love watching Disney movies or any family movie with our children when it's raining outside.  We usually get some snacks together and we're good to go.

• They can do arts and crafts.  Go to the dollar store and pick up some arts and crafts supplies.  Our children love doing creative activities on rainy days.

• Dance! Dance! Dance! This is a great gross motor activity for your little ones when they're stuck inside.

• They can play some computer games.  Our children have fun playing games on the computer and they're educational, which is a bonus.

• Cuddle with your children and read them a book.  Our children love stories and they have an active imagination!

Just because it's raining outside doesn't mean your little ones can't have fun.

Do you have any ideas?