Share the Floor
Post time: 1:08 pmEveryone, no matter how big or small, has a voice, and letting your children state their own opinion can help them learn and develop their own voice and opinions as they grow. By ‘sharing the floor’ with your child and providing them the opportunity to chime in on anything – from family matters to simple dinner choices – you will help your child build their own voice and learn to think critically about conversations with others. O2B Kids is dedicated to helping your children at our preschool not only learn foundational knowledge, but also how to think for themselves. Below, we’ll go over some tips on how to let your child develop their own voice. Contact one of our Florida or Georgia early education centers today.
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Let Them Answer For Themselves
Oftentimes, others will speak to your children, and it’s easy for you to answer for them. However, by letting them answer for themselves, you’ll be letting their voice shine bright.
Have Meaningful Discussions
When you talk about meaningful things with your child and encourage them to tell you what they think, they will realize their voice and opinion do have value. Asking open-ended questions allows your child to speak even more.
Ask Their Opinion on Family Decisions
When making a decision that affects the whole family, it can be good to ask your child their opinion, too. This makes them feel like a valued member of the family, as well as props up their self-esteem.
Teach Every Opinion Matters
Opinion sharing also provides many learning opportunities to teach your kids about being open to opinions that differ from theirs and to have civil discussions with others.
PARTNER WITH O2B KIDS TODAY
O2B Kids is a play-based early childhood education center that partners with parents to help their children grow into happy and successful adults. We promote having an open mind and foster discussions on a daily basis. We help to develop social skills and offer plenty of ways for them to discover themselves. If you would like to schedule a tour of one of our Florida or Georgia preschools, call us today!
Save Time by Meal Planning
Post time: 1:01 pmRemember that your time and sanity are important! Many parents fall into a routine of making a “child-friendly” meal specifically for their kids, and then making and eating a completely different meal for themselves. While it can be okay to do this if it’s your preference, it’s also important to remember that your time is valuable. Instead, try meal planning out for meals the whole family can eat – not only to help you save time, but also to ensure that you parents are getting the same nutritious meals that you take the time to make for your kids! O2B Kids is a preschool that has numerous locations in Florida and Georgia. Below, we’ll take a look at some great reasons to meal plan. Contact us today!
Makes You More Efficient
By planning ahead for your meals, you’ll be more likely to cook what is already in your home, which means digging around in the bottom of your box freezer to see what’s down there. This is an efficient way to cook that also saves food from being wasted.
Won’t Have to Think
At the end of a long day of work, one of the last things you want to do is cook. Rather than just picking up fast food on the way home because it’s easy, having a meal already planned out eliminates the need to come up with something to eat.
Saves You Money
Most of us want to save money any way we can. Meal planning keeps you from buying out as frequently and from buying unnecessary groceries you won’t eat anytime soon.
You’ll Be Healthier
All we truly have is our health, and every time you make a poor nutrition choice, your health can suffer. By planning our meals ahead of time, you’ll have a healthy and nutritious meal that’s easy.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR OF OUR PRESCHOOL TODAY
O2B Kids believes in offering wholesome snacks and food to the children in our infant, toddler, and preschool programs. In fact, we take a holistic approach to learning, being sure to satisfy needs while also feeding the soul. If you are interested in learning more about enrollment at one of our early education centers in Florida or Georgia, contact us today!
Can We Have Fun as a Family on a Budget?
Post time: 4:01 pm
Can We Have Fun as a Family on a Budget?
In a perfect world, we would all have unlimited funds to spend on fun family activities. But the reality is that most of us have to be careful with our money. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun as a family! In fact, there are many ways to enjoy spending time together without breaking the bank. In this blog post from O2B Kids, we will share four of our favorite budget-friendly activities. Read on to learn more!
Take Advantage of Free Days
One great way to have fun as a family on a budget is to take advantage of free or discounted attractions in your area. Many cities and towns offer discount cards that can be used at local museums, zoos, and other attractions. They also often offer a day or two a year with free admission. You can check out the website for your local zoo or museum to discover if they do this in your area.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities
One of the best things about summer is that it’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy some quality time with your family. There are many affordable outdoor activities that everyone can enjoy, such as going for a walk, hiking, biking, swimming, and picnicking.
Visit a Local Park
Another great way to spend time outdoors as a family is by visiting your local park. Most parks offer free admission and have a variety of attractions for kids of all ages, including playgrounds, splash pads, and walking trails.
Make Time for Game Night
A classic way to have fun as a family is by playing games together. There are many affordable games that can be enjoyed by all ages, such as card games, board games, and puzzles. The great thing about game night is you can play them at home, buy snacks at the grocery store, and even invite some friends over if you’d like.
O2B Kids – We Help Parents Grow Happy & Successful Kids
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have fun as a family! Get creative and think outside the box — there are plenty of affordable activities to enjoy together. At O2B Kids, we provide families throughout Florida and Georgia with preschool, after school programs, summer camps, and more. We are dedicated to helping your child learn, grow, and develop so they are set up for success in anything they choose to do in life. Learn more about our programs and enroll your child today!
Pressure-Less Meals
Post time: 3:20 pmNobody likes to be pressured into doing something they don’t want to do, and the same goes for little ones, as well! If your kids are having issues with eating certain foods, like veggies or other healthier choices, try taking the pressure off. O2B Kids offers a top-rated early education curriculum at our numerous Florida and Georgia locations. Below, we’ll offer tips on how to get your child to eat vegetables, and contact us for enrollment information today!
(15 sec video: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VgQsARY3oQtm0sueJbQigEzHmeLM17lI-Ow9L-Bav58/edit#bookmark=id.p55amp3cqnjw)
Set a Good Example
Inevitably, your child eats what you eat. Thus, if you make vegetables a big part of every meal and you eat them, too, your child will. If you have older siblings, you can enlist their help as well.
Mix Vegetables In With Their Favorite Meals
When you mix vegetables in with their favorite meals, they oftentimes won’t even notice the difference. For example, you can use zucchini noodles in a spaghetti dish or pasta mix, or try adding shredded carrots as a topping on pizza.
Keep Trying
It’s important to not give up too easily on vegetables with your children and just assume they don’t like them. When you first introduce vegetables, odds are, they won’t like them. However, if they try them repeatedly, they most likely will change their minds.
Change the Look and Feel of the Vegetable
You’ll be surprised how quickly your child warms up to vegetables in the shape of dinosaurs. Or, make a game out of eating vegetables. Another way to encourage your children to eat vegetables is to try serving them cooked rather than raw.
No Big Deal
Give the veggies to them without making a big deal out of the meal, and let your kid explore the tastes, textures, and sensations of the food on their own! Once the pressure is off, they’ll be less inclined to associate vegetables or new foods with a negative experience and will be more willing to try new things in the future.
PARTNER WITH O2B KIDS TODAY
O2B Kids offers the best preschool, toddler, and infant programs in Florida and Georgia. Our mission is to prepare your child for kindergarten success. We do this with our play-based education philosophy, our on-site field trips, our daily outdoor enrichment, and so much more. Contact us today!
Independence is Great!
Post time: 3:13 pmWhile it is important to create a family identity as a whole, remember to also leave space for each family member to have an individual identity. Not every family member feels the same and likes the same things, and the same goes for your kids! O2B Kids offers a top-rated infant, toddler, and Pre-K curriculum in Florida and Georgia. Learn more about how to encourage independent activities, and schedule a visit today!
(15 sec video: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VgQsARY3oQtm0sueJbQigEzHmeLM17lI-Ow9L-Bav58/edit#bookmark=id.tn29zcg2guwe)
Try New Things
Oftentimes, children don’t know what they are interested in, so encouraging them to try new activities helps them to discover their likes and dislikes. Allow them to enroll in classes that you maybe would not like, but they might love.
Be Supportive Of Their Activities
If your child expresses an interest in a certain activity, you can actively encourage it by helping them to find ways to do that activity. For example, if they like soccer, enroll them in a local recreational league or find an indoor soccer facility near you.
Don’t Force the Activity
If your child tries an activity and then doesn’t like it, don’t force them to continue to do it. While emphasizing the idea of commitment is important, you also need to be aware of turning them completely against trying other new things in the future.
Be Wary of Offering Your Opinion
You can discourage your child from participating in activities with your words. While it’s good to be involved, you want to be careful about your opinion on the matter. Encourage but don’t judge.
PARTNER WITH O2B KIDS TODAY
Reminding them that they’re welcome to pursue their own interests individually as they grow will help them create an individual sense of self that can help them build a more confident future. By encouraging each other as a family to do things individually as well as together, your bond as a functioning family will grow even stronger! O2B Kids offers a proprietary Integrated Learning System that puts child-directed play at the center. To learn more about enrollment in our early education centers in Florida and Georgia, contact us today!
Have Confidence in Yourself
Post time: 3:03 pmRemember that speaking negatively about yourself can have an impact on your kiddos! As parents, you are constantly teaching by example, and speaking poorly about yourself, your actions, or your choices can create a precedent for your kids to think negatively about themselves, too. O2B Kids is an early education center in Florida and Georgia. Continue reading to learn more about how positive speak impacts your kids, and visit one of our preschools today!
(15 sec video: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VgQsARY3oQtm0sueJbQigEzHmeLM17lI-Ow9L-Bav58/edit#bookmark=id.8dr3uls67ek6)
You Are Your Child’s Favorite Role Model
Our children see themselves as little images of us, so creating a negative outlook about yourself could transfer that doubt to them, too. Even when you don’t feel confident about yourself, it is good to remember to temper your thoughts and show your self-confidence, even if you have to fake it. And remember, faking it is okay, too!
Be Aware Of Your Speech
Being aware of your speech is one of the most important things you can do. How you talk to yourself will translate over to your children. Practice saying things out loud that you’d want your child to hear you say that are affirmative in nature.
Love Yourself With Actions
One great way to promote self-confidence is to constantly show it. When you hug your children and engage in play with them, you are helping them to grow. Similarly, when you engage in fun activities you love to do, you are modeling healthy living.
Correct Yourself When You Slip Up
If you say something negative about yourself in front of your child, correct it. Say something like, “I didn’t mean that. What I meant to say was..” and then put it in a positive light.
CHOOSE O2B KIDS FOR YOUR PRESCHOOL OF CHOICE TODAY
O2B Kids offers a positive, self-affirming environment where we use play-based learning techniques to help children learn, grow in self-confidence, and think for themselves. We invite all prospective parents to stop by and see for themselves what we offer. Contact us today.
4 Tips to Prepare for a Dentist Visit With Your Toddler
Post time: 3:02 pm
4 Tips to Prepare for a Dentist Visit With Your Toddler
Taking your toddler to the dentist can be a daunting task. It’s hard enough trying to get them to sit still for a check-up, let alone one that includes having their teeth cleaned! But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this blog post from O2B Kids, we will give you four tips to prepare for your next dentist visit with your toddler. Read on to learn more!
Talk to Them About What They Should Expect
The best way to prepare your toddler for their dentist visit is by talking to them about it. Let them know what to expect and explain why they need to go. This will help ease any fears they may have and make the experience a bit less scary. You could also take this a step further and try role playing to put their mind at ease.
Bring Their Favorite Toy or Book
If possible, try to bring along your toddler’s favorite toy or book. This can help keep them occupied during their appointment and distract them from whatever might be happening. It will also help to provide comfort.
Set a Good Example
It’s important for you to set a good example at home by routinely brushing and flossing your teeth. You can also try making a dentist appointment for yourself and having your child attend that with you before they go to their own appointment. It will help them become familiar with the process while making them feel grown up and included.
Plan a Fun Day for After the Visit
Another great way to prepare your child for their dentist visit is to plan a fun day of activities afterwards. We aren’t suggesting that you bribe your child, only that you show them the dentist visit is a very short period of time throughout their day, and there will be plenty to look forward to afterwards.
O2B Kids – The Ultimate Learn Environment for Kids
We hope these tips help you prepare for your next dentist visit with your toddler. At O2B Kids, we take great pride in helping children to develop their emotional, physical, and intellectual skills. You can discover our high-quality preschool, afterschool programs, and more at our Georgia and Florida locations. Enroll your child in O2B Kids today!
