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Anxiety can affect people of all ages but it can be particularly difficult to recognise in children as it unlikely that they will have the vocabulary to explain their feelings. Some children may be aware that they feel “different” and try to hide their feelings or emotions, exasperating the problem. Of course, feeling anxious or worried from time to time is normal, but it needs to be addressed if it lasts for a sustained period. As the top kindergarten in Bangkok, we always monitor children’s behaviour to spot if they feel anxious. The early it is recognised, the earlier it can be treated. In many cases, this will be some reassurance and putting some perspective back on an issue. However, if anxiety starts becoming noticeable in behaviour and it affects their everyday thought process, which, in turn, will impact the home, social and school life, professional help may be required. What are the symptoms of anxiety in children? As a parent, you are the one who is perfectly positioned to monitor changes in your child’s behaviour. However, it is equally common for parents to dismiss their concerns, believing that they are overprotective. Children are likely to feel embarrassed by their feelings, so they will try to hide them where possible. Common behavioural changes that parents and teachers should look out for include: Problems with concentration – it is a concern when there appears to be no reason for poor concentration, such as outside distractions Poor sleeping patterns – we can all suffer from mild cases of insomnia on occasions, but if your child is struggling to get to sleep or is frequently waking up during the night, it is generally a sign that something is troubling them. Often disturbed nights are accompanied by nightmares which may help explain the root cause of the anxiety Changes in appetite – anyone who is struggling with anxiety may experience changes in their appetite. It can be both a loss of appetite or increased eating potentially of junk food as a source of comfort Heightened sense of worry or experience negative thoughts – constantly worrying or continually being negative about themselves or situations is always something that should start alarm bells ringing. While some people naturally worry or are less optimistic than others, it not normal for it to be excessive Increased bouts of anger or irritability – children who are experiencing stress or anxiety are likely to be shorter tempered and more irritable than usual. Some of the outbursts may appear to be out of control and out of character. It can often be closely linked to tiredness but is a sign that should not be overlooked Visible signs of tenseness or excessive fidgeting – being tense or fidgeting a lot is a common sign of anxiety. Sometimes people may be unaware what they doing, while other signs, such as visiting the toilet on numerous occasions, can be a coping mechanism Constant crying – if your child has started crying without apparent reason, it can often be a sign of anxiety Becoming clingy – younger children, in particular, can worry if they are too far from their parents, but unusual clinginess is a sign that they a worried about something and are looking to you for protection or reassurance Complaining of feeling unwell –when children claim to be feeling unwell but are presenting no signs of illness, it frequently a sign of anxiety. They may be complaining of “tummy aches”, which could be “butterflies”, a common symptom of nerves Younger children tend to feel separation anxiety, whereas older and children, especially teenagers, tend to be more worried about their peers, how they are perceived, or their schooling, known as social anxiety. What are the common causes of anxiety in children? When discussing anxiety, things must be kept in perspective as some children are better at coping than others; likewise, some children are naturally more anxious than others. Children are also very perceptive and can detect when others are anxious and replicate their actions or emotions. However, common causes of anxiety include: Moving house or changing school, especially if this happens frequently Tension in the home, such as parents fighting or arguing A bereavement to a close family member, friend or pet Being involved in an accident or becoming seriously ill, particularly if it requires hospitalisation Problems in or out of school such as bullying or underperforming compared to their peers If they are abused or neglected at home or elsewhere Children with autism spectrum disorders or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are also more prone to experience anxiety problems. What can you do to help if your child is anxious? If you believe that your child is experiencing problems with anxiety, the first things you should always do is talk to them openly. You mustn’t pass judgement or dismiss their concerns. Regardless of how “silly” you may feel their problems are, they don’t feel the same way. For younger children, receiving reassurance and offering an explanation that they understand, such as why they don’t need to worry, will usually mean that the anxieties go away of their own accord. However, we would suggest that you seek professional advice: If your child isn’t getting better, or indeed, getting worse Self-help techniques aren’t working If the anxiety is affecting other aspects of their life such as family or school life What are the professional treatments for anxiety? There are various forms of professional treatment for anxiety, and which one is most appropriate will probably be determined by the severity of the anxiety and the individual. The most commonly used are: Counselling – a professional counsellor can help your child to understand their anxiety and develop coping strategies and work through the problem Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – CBT is a more in-depth form of talking therapy and, similar to counselling, is focused on managing anxiety and altering thought patterns Medication – medication tends to be used as a last resort with children and only used when other avenues have been exhausted and even then is only usually prescribed by a

The concept of learning through play has long been widely recognised for its role in a child’s development. It helps build self-confidence and understand what they can achieve and the environment around them. As it is a “fun” activity, their attention span will be far longer, and as such, they frequently become incredibly absorbed in the activity. Play is essential in early year’s development, but it also provides the foundations for their future learning. As the leading international kindergarten in Bangkok, we believe that play should form an integral part of a child’s learning. Indeed, it forms a significant portion of our daily activities. We introduce different forms of play into our daily routines to ensure that the child develops a full complement of skills. Play is incredibly powerful and helps build the child’s language skills, social skills and creativity as well as making them more emotionally aware. Why do children enjoy play? Children enjoy play because it’s fun! They can explore their imagination and go on adventures and their own voyage of discovery. Through play, they will learn some of life’s essential skills such as problem-solving, working with and understanding others, the concept of sharing and empathy, as well as so much more. As children enjoy play, they find it easier to focus and be less affected by distractions which, in turn, aids the learning process. What playthings can be used to help children learn? There are a wide range of everyday items and objects that can be used to assist with learning. Some of the most frequently used in a classroom environment include: Water and sand – Children will quickly understand that water is not a solid, and both water and sand can be poured into different sized containers in a measuring exercise. It introduces some basic maths and science into their early learning. Pencils, paints and clay – These are all readily available items and can be used to encourage creativity. The child will use their imagination to “create” things, which, with the right encouragement, will boost their confidence. Dressing up, dolls, and soft toys – Dressing up will again encourage children to use their imagination, especially if they dress up with others, can turn the play into role-playing. Dolls and soft toys can be used to promote expressions of feelings. Building blocks and jigsaws – These can help gain a sense of order and put things in the right place. It enhances several aspects of cognitive behaviour and helps to build the idea of using logic. Sporting activities – Any sporting activities that involve the use of balls, dancing, running or climbing will help to improve coordination, core strength and flexibility, all of which are essential in terms of physical development. Sporting activities also encourage teamwork and the idea of sharing. Music – Music in every form, such as listening to music, playing music or singing, all help children to develop their listening skills and a sense of rhythm. Teachers and parents should avoid becoming too pushy when it comes to play. It must remain fun, and while gentle encouragement is fine, it can become counter-productive if a child feels pressured. Remember, children, learn by copying others and learning for themselves. All of the senses need to be explored, so it is normal for painting to be done without a brush! Show children pictures, read books and encourage them to understand words. As they get older, be prepared to answer lots of “why’s”, but you must recognise that this is an integral part of the learning process. It’s important to “set the scene” Younger children can become bored very quickly if they have to wait for things to be set up or activities aren’t ready. As parents or teachers, it is important to set the scene early. It might be as straightforward as making time and space where on other occasions you may need to put resources in play such as sand, building blocks or other games. If dressing up is to be involved, you should set the ball rolling with an idea and then let the child take that initial idea where they want using their imagination. However, making time for unstructured and spontaneous play is also essential, but you should expect to become involved to keep the play flowing. Play allows children to burn excess energy, which can help with behaviour whilst also encouraging them to use their imagination which develops motor skills and self-expression. The role of role-play! Role-play is sometimes referred to as dramatic play and is beneficial in a range of different way. It helps develop social skills and emotional awareness but can also help with their physical development. Acting can indirectly form a vital role in a child’s development as it can be a form of copying or pretending to be something else. It helps children understanding things from a different perspective, and they can “test” reactions and situations. Imagination is something that all children are born with, and it should always be encouraged and nurtured. If you think about your own child, how often do they pretend to talk to someone on the phone or drive a car? The use of the imagination has a close association with intellectual intelligence. Exploring All young children should be encouraged to explore, and in the main, this should be outdoors. They will experience new things, changing environments and different situations on a daily basis. They will use all their senses, known as multi-sensory learning, which helps develop gross motor skills. Exploring may incorporate role-play, creative play and messy play, but whichever form it comes in, it is an essential element of the learning cycle. Did you find our article interesting? We hope you found this article interesting and that it helped explain why play is so crucial in a child’s formative years. Play forms a vital part of our daily routine, but if you would like and help or advice about play, we are always on hand to help and answer any question that they may have. For

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in disruption to schooling worldwide, and indeed, here at Kidz Village, we have not been immune. Children, perhaps more than adults, have been adversely affected by the disruption, missing contact with their friends and peers, as well as the losing their regular education. We will, of course, do everything possible to try and ensure that the disruption has been kept to a minimum. As a highly respected kindergarten in Bangkok, we always put the needs of children and our own team first. Like all schools, we were concerned about the impact school closures would have but agreed that health and wellbeing was the primary concern and controlling the pandemic by whatever means was in the best interests of everyone. We have been, and will continually do so until this dreadful pandemic is over, on hand to provide support and help remotely wherever possible. Unprecedented steps  There has never been a need for school closures on the scale that we have experienced in the last twelve months in history. We are aware of the impact that this has had on students and their families. Alternative learning methods and socialising have been needed to maintain at least some degree of normality. No one could have imagined before COVID-19 that children worldwide would be taught online via virtual classrooms and restricted from meeting friends and even members of their own family. Emotional wellbeing One of the most notable concerns that parents have expressed has been regarding their child’s emotional wellbeing. Children of all ages have been separated from the friends, and their usual routines have been lost. In younger children, this can be confusing, but if they are engaging in other social interactions, it can generally be quickly forgotten about and have little long-term impact. However, one aspect that can be concerning for children in their formative years is there is an absence of play and a lack of opportunity to try things for themselves. While many parents are fortunate enough to be able to replicate this at home, it is definitely not true for all families. Although children will always catch up, it can impact their development, so every effort needs to be made to address it. The level and type of play will inevitably be different, but parents or other caregivers should find the opportunity to replace this where possible as it will help with learning, social skills and behaviour. Academic learning The stage of their schooling will primarily determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a child’s learning. Fortunately, for children who come to our kindergarten, we anticipate that the long-term impact will be minimal, assuming that the situation doesn’t continue indefinitely with future closures. Our biggest concerns, as outlined above, are the lack of play, opportunities to explore and social interaction and the impact that this has on a child’s development. Virtual classrooms and online contact certainly have their place, but it is no substitute for face-to-face contact where it is far easier for teachers to recognise when students are falling behind. We are doing everything we can to help parents provide homeschooling so that regular learning can continue as much as possible. In most cases, we have noticed negligible differences in our pupils’ academic development.   Homeschooling Homeschooling has been something that most parents are now familiar with and one that children probably enjoy more than parents! Very few parents have or indeed want to have the same skills as a professional teacher, putting everyone under strain. However, with our assistance in providing work at home, it is something that most parents have got to grips with. For most younger children, the opportunity to spend more time with their parents is they welcome. Where possible, parents should create an environment where their children can mix with others of their own age as this will lessen the detrimental impact of homeschooling. We have found that most pupils have responded well to being taught at home but are then pleased to return to school and see their friends. It is unlikely that the relatively short period of homeschooling will have any impact on their long-term education and future prospects. The current situation While most of the points we have addressed have been relating more to previous periods of lockdown, there is no escaping the fact that Thailand is now experiencing its largest number of daily cases since the outbreak began. At the time of writing, we have not been informed by the Ministry of Education that schools are required to close. However, we are aware that the situation is continually evolving, and we are monitoring it closely with contingency plans already in place. As with the previous lockdown, we will be working with parents and caregivers to ensure minimal disruption should we be required to close. We don’t envisage it being a long-term situation, and as such, we would like to reassure parents that we don’t believe that there will be any long-term impact on their child’s education. Long-term impact on children Children are superb at bouncing back from most challenges, so most experts believe that the long-term impact will be less than what some may fear. It is probably an exciting adventure for most younger children and something that they won’t think about in years to come. Of course, we always encourage parents to pay close attention to their child to look for any significant changes in behaviour. It could include their child becoming more withdrawn, having a short attention span or struggling with learning. If you have any concerns, you can contact the school as we have professionals on hand to assist you. Did you find our article interesting? We hope this article helped address any concerns you have had regarding the impact of COVID-19 on your child’s long-term education. We will always make ourselves available to help parents and answer any question that they may have. For more information, please call us on +66 2888 3337 or contact us directly via our

Selecting the right school for your child can be challenging at the best of times, but if you live in a new city or country, the task can be made doubly difficult. You may need the school to be close to where you work, near transportation links such as the BTS or MRT, or perhaps you have other restrictions such as needing some requiring additional support for your child. These are all significant factors to consider before you have even considered the budget and language! As the leading international kindergarten in Bangkok, we appreciate parents’ problems when selecting a school for their child. We always take the time to meet parents in person and discuss what they want for their child and hope to allay any fears on concerns that they may have. Hopefully, if you are currently searching for a school for your child, this guide will give you a few pointers regarding the things you need to consider when making your choice. Location Bangkok is a sprawling city, and while transport links such as the BTS, MTR and even the expressways are excellent, central Bangkok can be incredibly congested. From our experience, we have found that parents usually want their child to attend a school that is relatively close to where they live or work and can be easily accessed and the start and end of the school day. You may have a radius from your home in mind, or you might want a school close to one of the mass transit stations. Whatever your criteria are, you should draw up a list of all the matching schools. The elimination process Some lists can contain literally dozens of options depending on how broad or narrow your criterion was. Of course, some of these schools won’t be appropriate due to the language or curriculum, while others may not have the facilities you feel would suit your child. While we always try to avoid the topic of cost, some schools may be beyond your means financially while others may not be to the standard that you require. There are many reasons why you may feel that some schools aren’t appropriate, and often gut feeling plays a part. Ideally, it would help if you tried to draw up a shortlist of three to five schools. Do your research Once you have drawn up your shortlist, it is worth starting your due diligence with most information readily available online. You may be looking to find out factual information such as exam grades, teacher turnover, and cost, but it is subjective information that you are trying to find out more often than not. For instance, are pupils and teachers happy at the school, are the facilities of a good standard, what is their attitude toward discipline and what is the communication like between the school and parents? These are all things that most parents want to know before they select which school their child should attend. One way to find out more subjective information is by talking to other parent and generally listening to word of mouth. Parents are usually quite happy to discuss their feelings about the school, and while you can expect that some views will be polarised, if you speak to a handful of individuals, you should get an accurate picture of what school life will be like. Once you have started to build up this picture, you can probably begin to draw up a final shortlist. Arrange a visit We would always recommend that you visit all of the schools that you are considering. Some parents prefer to go alone while others will take their son or daughter with them. Of course, this is down to personal preference, but for older children, we would recommend that they come along as their feedback could be vital. When you are at the school, you should visit at least one of the classrooms to get an impression of what lessons will be like. How many children are in the class, are there any teaching assistants present and are the children participating and interested in the lesson? If all of these questions are answered favourably, it is a very positive sign. Observing a break time will also give you a good indication of what life will be like. How do the children get on and play together, is there a strong adult presence watching the children and are there any organised activities they can take part in? Again, if the children appear happy, this would suggest that the same will be the case for your child. Facilities and school activities For younger children, particularly those of kindergarten age, the facilities and school activities will be important. Much of your child’s learning at this young age will be through play, so are there things that would grab your child’s interest. What equipment is available in the play areas and do the children go on any trips may be things you wish to consider. Engaging with a child and making learning fun is crucial at a young age and can influence their future attitude toward school. Generally, schools with better facilities and arrange more activities both in and out of regular school time help pupils develop emotionally and academically – things that will stand them in good stead for the future. Of course, the people in the school are the most important factor, but facilities and activities come a very close second. Parental involvement and flexibility Most parents want to play an active role in their child’s schooling, and most learning establishments actively encourage this. However, if a school tends to resist parental involvement, it may be a cause for concern. There should also be a fair amount of flexibility, especially for younger pupils. You will probably get a “vibe” for the school’s attitude when you visit, but it is worth discussing with other parents to get their opinions. Did you find our article interesting? We hope this article gave you some ideas about what

Communication skills are something that we all need throughout our lives, and as parents, helping our child develop these skills can be one of the most enjoyable experiences. Children learn by watching, absorbing and copying things that happen around them even from a very young age. It may be things that you say, something that you do or daily occurrences that they become familiar with. Even before a child can talk, they will communicate with you through their actions and as a parent, you quickly learn to understand them. As one of the top kindergartens in Bangkok, we appreciate the importance of excellent communication skills and encourage our pupils to communicate with their peers, teachers and others around them. We organise activities that involve communication and are designed to capture a student’s imagination and make learning fun. Of course, we appreciate that some children are more confident and outgoing than others and never make individuals feel pressured or uneasy communicating. If you would like to encourage your child to improve their communication skills, here are ten ideas that might help. 1. Talking about their day Often one of the easiest things to discuss with your child is what they have done at kindergarten or school. Inevitably, some children will be more forthcoming than others, but it is worth persevering with as you will find out more about your son or daughter’s friends and things they like or don’t like doing. These are other topics of conversation that you can have at another time and refer back to. If your child is particularly enthusiastic about something, you should try to keep them talking about it as long as possible, showing interest and asking questions. 2. Showing an interest in what they want to talk about One of the best ways to communicate with your child is to show an interest in something they are doing or want to talk about. Asking lots of questions is a great way to keep them talking but make sure that you listen to the answers. Children can pick up from an early age when someone isn’t listening, and just like adults, they find this frustrating and may result in them becoming more withdrawn. 3. Discussing what they have eaten Another non-intrusive topic of conversation is food. Most children have very clear ideas about the types of food that they like or don’t like. A good time to have this discussion would be around meal times as they will see the relevance, so they are perhaps more willing to talk. If they are preoccupied or distracted by something else such as watching TV or playing, this, like any other topic, could be quite challenging. 4. Classmates and teachers From a young age, children will start to develop opinions about their peers and teachers and are usually more than happy to share these opinions. It should be noted that kids do frequently fall out, so you shouldn’t become too concerned if they have fallen out with their “best” friend. Instead, listen to what they have to say and discuss things from the other person’s perspective. It can help them to develop emotionally, but it will also encourage prolonged communication. 5. Judging their emotions and feelings Talking about feelings can be quite difficult, and it can be even harder for children when they can’t communicate their emotions effectively. As a parent, you should recognise a noticeable change and try to talk about it with your child. It will probably involve asking lots of questions, but it can have endless benefits if they can engage with you. Care should be taken not to push some topics too much, and the timing of entering into these discussions is vital. 6. Reading stories together We often hear parents say that reading books to children is old fashioned, but we still believe that it plays a vital role in improving a child’s communication skills and developing their imagination. A skilled storyteller can bring a book to life, and your child can become encapsulated by the story. You must show enthusiasm when reading the story and avoid speaking in a monotone voice. Encourage your child to use their imagination and ask them their thoughts on key parts of the story. 7. Watch TV or play games together While reading is more beneficial, watching TV or playing games together certainly has its place. It is a way of bonding, and they will see that you share a common interest. Again, asking questions will be central to how successful this approach is, and if you are playing games, you should make sure you are enthusiastic but don’t get too competitive! 8. Visit the park Doing anything together is a fantastic way to build a bond with your child, which will always lead to naturally increased communication levels. One of the easiest things to do together is to visit the park as you will always see something new. Being outdoors is healthy for children, and the change of scenery will give you both something different to talk about, which will help extend their vocabulary – something that can be hard at home. 9. Scrapbook of their life Most children enjoy crafts, and creating a scrapbook of their life will help their communication skills whilst also giving something that they can look back on throughout their lives. The scrapbook can also be frequently referred back to, and you can discuss items or memories contained within it. It is an excellent tool to help with communication skills, especially among younger children. 10. Involve them in family discussions Although there are many topics that you wouldn’t discuss with children, there are equally as many which you can. Places to go or things to do can help them feel more involved and help boost their self-confidence and communication skills. It is something that works better with slightly older children but can be beneficial for all age groups. Did you find our article interesting? We hope this article gave you some

It is at times such as these when we perhaps appreciate outdoor spaces more than ever. They are often something that we take for granted and don’t consider until some of the places we enjoy visiting are closed. The last 12 months are certainly seen our lives change dramatically, and occasionally we may forget how important it is for a child’s development to spend time outdoors. Usually, this is in the form of play, but it can cover a wide variety of aspects of everyday life. As a British international kindergarten in Bangkok, we have always acknowledged the importance of learning in a natural, outdoor environment. During our “normal” school day, outdoor play and activities are included as part of the daily routine with a balance of time spent learning inside and outside. The benefits of spending time playing and learning outdoors are well documented and proven to be beneficial for physical, emotional, social and intellectual development. Physical Development Benefits The physical development benefits of learning and playing outdoors are perhaps the most obvious and extensive of all the benefits, and this applies to children of all ages. It will impact a child’s weight, strength and coordination, and help improve the body’s immune system – something which is vital when it comes to fighting illnesses. Research has also shown that children who spend more time playing outdoors tend to be more physically active in adulthood, which has several health benefits. Some of the other physical benefits include: 1. Motor Skills Outdoor play and learning develop enhanced motor skills, including balance and coordination. By giving children the freedom to run around, climb and burn off excess energy, they will naturally become more confident and, as such, be willing to put their physical abilities to the test. In turn, this will further enhance their agility and strength, which, of course, has significant health benefits for them both now and in the future. 2. Lower Body Weight and BMI In western countries, around a third of all children are now considered obese, a frightening statistic we are sure you would agree, especially when in 1980, the figure was approximately 7%. The main reason for this is because children spend an increased amount of time indoors doing more sedentary activities such as playing video games or watching TV. Not surprisingly, a study revealed a direct correlation between BMI and the amount of physical activity which a child takes part in.  Obesity in children can have numerous health implications and these bad habits tend to continue throughout the child’s life leading to premature health issues. 3. Improved General Wellbeing As we have touched upon above, obesity increases the risk of serious health complications such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and sleep apnea – all potentially life-threatening conditions. In addition, humans require vitamin D, which is mainly derived from exposure to sunlight and is known to strengthen the immune system and improve moods. Besides these perhaps more obvious benefits, with an increasing number of children who have ADHD, play and learning outdoors help sufferers burn off excess energy which can build-up if the sufferer is pent up indoors. 4. Improved Muscles Strength and Balance  In a child’s formative years, it is vital that they start to build muscles and muscle balance. It is particularly relevant in younger children who can build necessary core strength from something as simple as sitting in a swing. Older children can also improve muscle strength by riding bikes and skateboarding. Not only does this build core strength, but it also enhances muscle balance as a variety of muscle groups will be used. In turn, this improves coordination and balance.   Emotional Development Benefits Children who play outdoors more frequently are thought to be stronger emotionally and have better cognitive skills than children who spend more time inside. These children tend to be more adaptable and independent, which will stand them in good stead in school and when they finally enter the workplace. There are a couple of main reasons for this: 1. They Use All Five Sense Children who spend most of their time playing video games or watching TV will focus primarily on just two sense, vision and hearing. Children who play outdoors will also experience these senses and have an increased awareness of smell, touch and, quite often, taste such as when they taste the rain on their tongue. Younger children who are exposed to more sensory experiences are generally better equipped to grow and develop emotionally.   2. Increases Self-Confidence  Self-confidence is something which we all need from being a child until we are elderly. Children who play outdoors will develop a greater sense of independence, and with it, they will be able to build their confidence by trying new things. Freedom to try something without feeling like their parents are watching their every move will encourage them to take risks, although it should be stressed that the risk-taking should be within reason. Children who are prepared to challenge themselves by climbing monkey bars or seeing how high they can jump are normally more confident, independent, and more emotionally balanced. Social Development Benefits Outdoor learning and play are believed to have a massive influence on the social development of a child due to their increased interactions with other people. Experts believe there are several key benefits, such as: 1. Increased Openness In confined areas such as in a classroom or inside the home, children often find that they need to compete with siblings and classmates for attention. It can lead to noise levels increasing which younger children, in particular, may find intimidating. As such, they may become more withdrawn and quiet, which can prevent them from opening up about their feelings to parents, teachers and other caregivers. Many children find an outdoor environment less overwhelming, making them more willing to discuss their feelings and thoughts with others around them. 2. Heightened Self-Awareness In has been noted that kids who spend more time outdoors are far more aware of their surroundings, enhancing their observation

School closures in Thailand and around the world have brought significant disruption to many families’ lives with every household member affected. The current situation is unprecedented and, in reality, this time 12 months ago, none of us had contemplated the impact it would have. Knowing where to begin with online learning and homeschooling is one challenge, but this also needs to be balanced with a “normal” school routine and regular family life. As the leading international kindergarten in Bangkok, we appreciate how difficult the current situation is and are always on hand to offer whatever support we can. We have put together this brief guide to help parents, pupils, nannies, and other household members to manage this period successfully. Of course, the advice will need to be adjusted to suit you and your family, but it should give you a starting pointing if you are currently struggling to see the wood for the trees. Time Management In the modern world, excellent time management is important for all, but it essential when everyone is required to take on new and additional roles. Effective time management will not only mean that everything that needs to get done does indeed get done, but it will also help everyone keep their sanity! Remember, no one can do everything, and a lot of the pressure you may be experiencing will be the pressure that you have put on yourself. Most of us feel that we don’t have enough time to do everything, so the best place to start is by writing down everything you think needs to be done. Now you will see a few things that aren’t essential and don’t need to be done right here, right now and can be removed from the list. Anything that is not essential should be removed from this list. From the remaining jobs and tasks on the list, you can now formulate some form of schedule. At this stage, the list should look something like homeschooling, family time, and your job. Specific tasks are not required at this stage. Once you have an overall plan, you can then start to develop a strategy about how you are going to achieve everything that needs to be done. It would help if you appreciated that effective time management is essential for maintaining everyone’s mental and physical wellbeing. Having a plan from the start that can always be tweaked is the only way to manage online learning and maintain a regular school routine effectively. Being Organised and Having a Routine Sticking to a routine is the best way humans operate, and although at times it may seem tedious and mundane, trust us, in the long run, it will mean that you have more time to enjoy the things you like doing. It should include waking up at around the same time, eating at regular times and finishing at around the same. This will help the body clock and add structure to your day. From the list you created earlier, you will know what jobs need to be done, so now is the time to start delegating tasks to others to ensure that everything is completed. Now, we move onto the school routine and how you plan your lessons. As much of the learning will be done online, you will probably need to be flexible and work the school and teachers on this. For instance, if they offer a Zoom class at 10am on Tuesday, this is something that you must put in your schedule. Attending this class is vital, not only from an educational point of view but also to ensure that they remain in contact with their peers and their teachers. Sometimes, the impact on a child’s mental health can be overlooked as we struggle to cope with the rigours of daily life. Without question, a lot of the learning will be done at times that suit you and will be available online 24/7. Therefore, you will have some flexibility and be able to structure your learning around everyone’s daily life to ensure that all needs are met. Regular everyday life must continue where possible and not get forgotten. Maintaining all of your routines is crucial to ensuring that everyone’s needs are met, and their physical and mental wellbeing is protected.    Access to Online Content Although it may seem like an obvious fact, ensuring that your child has access to all the online content they require for their schooling is vital. Of course, this will mean having access to a computer, smartphone or tablet with internet access, but it also includes being able to access specific content. Frequently used conferencing apps such as Google Classroom and Google Meets require users to log in for lessons, so you need to ensure that your child’s login is working. There are also other considerations, such as how easily your child can find additional content for lessons. It may be in the form of links supplied by the teacher or alternatively, finding answers using search engines such as Google. Most students are relatively computer savvy so won’t find this too tricky, but it is worth checking from time to time that they have everything that they require. Unfortunately, it the modern world, we would also suggest checking your child’s browsing history to ensure that they are not accessing inappropriate content or receiving unsolicited messages. Family Time As we mentioned previously, keeping a “normal” life, where possible, is vital in ensuring everyone’s health and welfare. When you are scheduling activities, you still leave enough time for the family to get together as usual. This may include eating together, sitting down and relaxing together, or visiting places such as the park. Although you will almost inevitably be spending more time in each other’s company than usual, you should make sure that you still have “quality time” together. Of course, parents will also want some time together alone, so if possible, you should ask family or friends to look after your child for a few hours. It will help

Struggling in certain social environments is something that both adults and children can experience, and it can be traumatic for those concerned. As parents, it can be incredibly heart-wrenching, watching your child struggle to make new friends and feel isolated. In contrast, other children appear to be coping quite comfortably and therefore gaining more from situations. Learning to develop better social skills is something that as parents, guardians and teachers, we all have a role to play. As the leading kindergarten in Bangkok, at Kidz Village, we actively work with each child to help them to develop the skills which they will need in later life. However, it crucial that you also understand the role that you play in developing these essential skills that will help your children to adapt to different social settings. Although all children are unique and respond differently, some common themes will help them to develop into independent and confident individuals, something that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives. 1. Take an active interest in what they are doing Adapting to any situation is far easier when it is something that you genuinely enjoy, and this is definitely the case when it comes to social settings. Feeling comfortable will help your child to relax, which will help them to develop a range of skills naturally. As parents, you should actively take an interest in things that your child enjoys. It might be participating in their favourite sport, taking them to dance or music classes or perhaps taking them to see a movie. Showing rather than just telling them that you are interested will inevitably make your child feel more comfortable. Feeling comfortable and relaxed is arguably the first step in building social skills and will also help to put your child in an environment where other like-minded children surround them. If they feel that they have something in common, socialising will be far more comfortable. It would help if you tried to encourage your child to develop a diverse range of interests as this will help them to mix with others and become more broadminded. Mixing in different environments will also make them more confident in new settings. 2. Ask questions and wait for responses Long periods of silence can be uncomfortable for adults, but they are particularly intimidating for children who are likely to get nervous when the conversation lags. This nervousness can result in your child becoming more introverted, which will sadly make them more socially awkward and reluctant to engage in new settings. The Centre for Development and Learning believes that there are numerous ways in which you can engage with your child and either initiate and continue positive conversations. Asking questions is one of the best ways to initiate a conversation, but you must wait for an answer or reword your question. Your child should never feel under any pressure as this will again make them more nervous and potentially introverted. Your questions should be focused around what your child is talking about as this will help them to make a connection and thus, easier to give a suitable response. Your questions should be structured in such a way that means your child has to give far more than just yes or no answers.  3. Roleplay games Pretend play forms a crucial part of a child’s learning, especially in their early formative years. Roleplay games can be used with children of all ages, and it will help them to practice and therefore enhance their social skills. If you search online, you will find several role-playing ideas as well as practical tips. Finding games that match your child’s interests will inevitably help them to retain their concentration and reduce the chances of boredom setting in. One frequently used game is to encourage your child to take on the role of someone that they have trouble talking to or making friends with. This has multiple benefits; firstly, it gives you as a parent the opportunity to see how your child perceives this person and secondly, it may give you some indication of what that person is like. Once you understand this, you will be able to offer practical advice regarding handling the situation. Switching roles may also help your child to talk with that person effectively. A vital part of role play is to include body language, such as maintaining eye contact and smiling. Children often have trouble understanding the importance of body language, so it is your role to show and explain your body language. Once they understand specific actions and the responses they can trigger, they will appreciate their importance.  4. Empathy A child must appreciate how other people, both children and adults, feel. It will help them to form connections and develop positive bonds as well as helping them to understand the consequences of their actions. Parents and teachers can help to teach a child empathy by explaining different situations and scenarios that the child may experience. You should again ask questions such as how they would feel if another person acted in the same manner. Sometimes a child may experience guilt in these situations, so you mustn’t push the point too far. Another element of empathy is learning to listen to others actively. Children, through no fault of their own, can be selfish as they have been used to being the sole focus of your attention. Encouraging empathy will help to realise that sometimes they must put other’s feeling first, and this involves listening to what they say. Teach your child to focus on what others are saying and then consider what has been said when they have stopped talking. They should be encouraged to ask questions where appropriate, although they shouldn’t interrupt. 5. Understand your child’s limitations You must appreciate that all children are different and that some will be naturally more sociable than others. Outgoing children will find it easier to mix with others, but it is important not to push a child who

We must recognise that teamwork is essential in every aspect of our lives. Humans can never function at optimum levels if they always operate independently from others. It is something that we learn from an early age, and as children start to mix and integrate with others, they will naturally begin to pick up some elements of teamwork. However, this will need to be reinforced by both teachers and parents. Teamwork is very much a social experience and involves working and mixing with others. Learning the importance of collaboration from a young age will give a child one of the essential life skills that they will take with them through the rest of their life. As one of the leading kindergartens in Bangkok, at Kidz Village, we believe that children should be taught to interact with others from a young age. Teamwork is one of the fundamental skills that we all require and helps to develop a range of other soft skills. For teamwork to be effective, it requires excellent communication skills as well as helping to create natural leaders. In young children, it will help them to appreciate different points of view along with helping to build trust and a realisation that you are working to achieve a common goal. Building teamwork at home Teamwork can be developed anywhere, but for young children, many of the initial concepts will start at home in small groups of friends and family. With those in their formative years, you can ask them to help you with simple menial tasks around the home. Children are often happy to help and will follow their parents lead, and this is an excellent foundation. As they get older, you can introduce some new ideas. Here are just a few of the things that you could consider: Invite your child’s friends around. You could create fun projects that they could do together. For instance, you do some cooking together or create a fun science experiment. These are ways that involve more than one person contributing and will teach them how to respect and listen to each other’s ideas and opinions. The projects and games can be adapted depending on your child’s and their peer’s ages. Play sports. Arguably one of the best ways to encourage teamwork is by playing a team sport. For those who have larger gardens, football can be played with a little as two people and will allow you to teach your child not only about teamwork but sportsmanship as well. It will help them appreciate success along with respecting their peers. For those without a garden, similar activities can be played in a local park or club. The importance of inclusion. A fundamental part of teamwork is ensuring that everyone is included. You should teach your child about the importance of ensuring that no one gets left out or excluded altogether. It is another opportunity to work on soft skills such as being accepting, understanding and having empathy for others. It would be best if you encouraged inclusion from an early age as it is something that they will need to accept throughout their life. Teamwork in later life There are many people they believe that teamwork is something that children learn naturally and indeed, not working together is something that they learn. While there are several schools of thought on this matter, the consensus is that it should be encouraged throughout their schooling. Indeed, after students have completed their education, teamwork will be required throughout their working lives and being able to demonstrate that you can work in a team is something that most employers seek. Although we will always embrace new technology, there can sometimes be a feeling that it encourages people to be individuals rather than to work in a team. As such, you must encourage your child to mix with others in a real environment rather than just through digital devices. Here are some of the things you should encourage them to do which are not only enjoyable but have educational benefits that are transferable into the workplace. 1. Take part in organised activities Even from a young age, kids can be enrolled in groups that organise extracurricular activities. Almost all of these groups will involve collaboration to some extent. This collaboration is a fantastic way to teach teamwork, and it is fun. It is particularly beneficial for children that come from single-child households where they won’t get the opportunity to mix with siblings. Of course, the organised activities should be age-appropriate, but you could consider cubs and scouts, a dance class, chess club and naturally, team sports. 2. Group bonding and socialisation from a young age Children of any age will enjoy playing games and participating in activities that are relevant to their age group. These games will encourage teamwork and will take place in a group environment, which will also promote bonding and socialisation. From a teacher’s or a parent’s perspective the objective is to ensure that the activities are fun and the educational element should be kept discreet as using phrases such as “organised teamwork activity” are likely to be met with resistance especially from older children. Some simple but effective games for those of kindergarten age could be follow the leader or scavenger hunt. 3. Encourage positive example on TV and digital devices Although we are somewhat loathed to include watching TV shows or similar on digital devices, we do recognise that this does form an integral part of modern life for most families. Children of all ages tend to have heroes and mentors on TV programs, so as a parent, you need to ensure that these are positive and appropriate. For younger children, you should encourage them to watch programs that teach character strengths. Simple searches on the internet will give you plenty of ideas which can be matched with your child’s interests. 4. Teach children the importance of encouraging others Teamwork is excellent for building empathy, as we discussed previously. Any games which they take

Early year’s education is one of the most critical points in a child’s learning and is a time when they will develop a range of skills which will be required throughout not only their school life but into adulthood. It is a vital time, and their early experiences at school will mould children. It is therefore disappointing how few male teachers there are in early year’s education. Estimates suggest that only around 2% of teachers globally are in this group are male. As one of the leading kindergartens in Bangkok, we recognise the importance of children being exposed to a variety of different experiences, and this includes different gender teachers. We actively encourage male teachers to apply for posts at our school and firmly believe that it helps students to receive a balanced education. Male representation and having positive male role models whom students can look up to is essential and helps to quash many of the unfounded stereotypes. Why don’t male teachers choose to go into primary education? Around 38% of teachers in secondary schools in the UK are male, and this is a trend which is more or less the same in developed countries. However, in the UK, where more teachers are in primary education, the figure is only around 15%. There is a general misconception and archaic view that females make better early years teachers because of their “maternal instinct”. However, there is little evidence to support the notion, and it merely presents another barrier that male teachers have to overcome. There is certainly a stigma attached to men working in early year’s education. Old-fashioned views that men in paid childcare are not “real” men still exist, especially in some parts of Asia and Africa. Childcare is still very much viewed as a “women’s role”, and this is something that needs to be overcome to break down much of the stigma. In some schools, women are perceived to be doing a “good job” and to introduce a male into the environment would “upset the applecart”. These are all unhelpful attitudes and barriers that need to be broken down. Sadly, the most serious and shameful attitude that is associated with men working in early years education is the association with paedophilia. While this is indeed shocking, there is nothing to suggest that male teachers have any association with this. Indeed, the assumption that all females are safe to be left with children is naïve. In reality, the correct checks need to be conducted on all teachers regardless of their gender. Pay scales It is sadly true and something which was highlighted by Farquhar, Cablk, Bucking, Butler & Ballantyne (2006) that primary school teachers are paid less than their counterparts in secondary school. With men still perceived in many cultures as being the primary breadwinner in a household, these low salaries may dissuade teachers from moving into this area and opting for secondary education for the obvious financial benefits. Training in early year’s international schools Many international schools, including kindergartens in Bangkok, have highly trained teachers, many of whom have trained in the UK, prior to coming to the Kingdom. While trends are changing, in the past, during their early training, few teachers will have been exposed to early years schooling and unless they had a passion for it and would have little to encourage them into this area. It is a shame, especially as many schools such as our own are actively seeking male teachers to address the imbalance. It means that there are perhaps more opportunities than male teachers realise and definitely less competition. Addressing the imbalance In schools around the world and spanning all age groups, male teachers are viewed as having a positive influence in classrooms. They are often role-models for many students where the male parent may not be present due to social or economic reasons. Male teachers, particular amongst younger students, can almost become a father-like figure and a person who can be trusted. Research was conducted in New Zealand (Farquhar et al. 2012) which showed that having a male role model was essential for young male students as they learnt about “being a man” and the social responsibilities associated with this. Likewise, young girls needed to learn how to relate to males, with many reportedly shy in male company at the beginning. The study suggested that why a lack of male influence impacted on both males and females, it was younger males who were most adversely affected. Farquhar et al.’s (2012) theory was supported by McNaughton and Newman (2001). They again found that male teachers had a pivotal role to play when it came to introducing boys to the theory of masculinity. In a politically correct world, this is something that can be sidestepped and ignored, but it is something that can be missing from homes and has a detrimental effect on the rest of the family. Male teachers do interact with students differently, and this is something which should be encouraged and not vilified. Breaking down stereotypes As we touched upon above, male teachers have a different approach to teaching, and this includes elements of play. In families without a positive male influence, it is easy for stereotypes to exist – ones which are usually inaccurate and outdated. To breakdown these harmful stereotypes, we need students to see what male teachers do first hand, appreciating and accepting the role that they play. Stereotypes can be detrimental in adult life, so dismissing them early is crucial. Academic Experience In any educational establishment, there always needs to be a gender balance, and this should be something that begins in early year’s schooling and in a child’s main formative years. It is widely accepted that boys and girls learn differently, something which is more apparent in these formative years. Boys tend to be a little more dominant and boisterous something that often, male teachers encourage or at the very least, accept. However, female teachers often try to stop the behaviour and encourage “nice” play. Peeters (2007) suggested that in most

There is no doubt that every parent wants the best for their child and this incorporates helping them to grow up to be well-rounded individuals, which includes fostering an inherent culture of kindness. From an early age, children tend to be naturally kind to one another. However, unfortunately, as humans, it is a character trait which can quickly be lost due to the environment which we grow up in. Children need to be kind to their peers, to teachers and all around them, and sometimes this is something that as a society, we need to cultivate. As a leading kindergarten in Bangkok, we intentionally create a culture which helps to nurture kindness. We believe that this encourages empathy and understanding, something which will help them to form stronger and deeper relationships. As these relationships build, it naturally creates trust between individuals, and this will help pupils to feel genuinely valued, which, in turn, forges a healthy culture for learning. These are all skills that will be invaluable not only throughout their school life but also at university and in adulthood. Here are ten techniques which we suggest for helping to teach kindness in children of all ages. 1. Be a good role model From the day that a child is born and in their early formative years, much of a child’s learning will be done from watching and copying others. It is, therefore, vital that as parents, carers and educators, we set a good example and that we are kind to others. For example, in schools, we have different people supporting the children throughout the day such as teachers, teaching assistants, or nannies, and we make a point of thanking them for everything that they do in front of the pupils. As children replicate what we do, they soon start doing the same, initially thanking staff and developing into a pattern that then continues with their peers and others who are part of their day. As parents, we should be kind to others at home and respectful to others when you go out. Of course, this is something that you will do naturally, but it is something that initially, you should exaggerate so that your child notices and follows your lead. All children look to role models, so it is crucial that as teachers and parents, we set a good example. 2. Empathy with intentionality Learning to see things from another person’s perspective is a skill that we should all learn to master, but unfortunately, it is something that can be easier said than done. Some of you may be familiar with “The 7 Habits of Happy Kids”, and one of the habits is learning to be kind to others. It is particularly relevant when it comes to dealing with conflict and relates to the popular Franklin Covey expression “Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood” you can do this and see things from another person’s perspective, even if you don’t necessarily agree, it will help you have empathy with their feelings. 3. Kindness Week Kindness Week, which is celebrated in February, can give you ideas about what activities you could include to promote kindness. Although integrating kindness teaching and actions is something we endeavour to include in the daily routine, some of the ideas behind Kindness Week are beneficial. We would prefer to include activities such as helping a friend tidy up, helping a peer to fasten their shoes or generally do something nice for another person may be beneficial in some circumstances, rather than offering gifts or presents. These Random Acts of Kindness (RAKs) are popular with children, and it can be a fun exercise with all the teachers joining in. While it is fun, it does carry a serious message in that we should always be kind to each other, and when we are, we are all happier and relaxed. 4. Encourage discussions Even in younger children, you can arrange meetings where students talk about something that has happened to them, for example, over the weekend. The story may be fun or sad, but the other students are encouraged to listen and ask questions. Teachers can also become involved if none of the students has a story to tell. It helps to form bonds, but it also helps to encourage understanding and empathy of their peers. If you have pupils in your class from different countries, cultures or backgrounds, you can encourage them to tell others about their experiences. It will help to breed greater tolerance which is excellent for building trust, breaking down barriers and with it, relationships. It will allow students to appreciate others and accept differences along with deepening their learning experience. Over time, this will hopefully help to build a stronger community and a better society for us all. 5. Focus on building friendships We want our children to be kind to everyone, and creating an environment where students can quickly form friendships will help to facilitate this. A common saying in classrooms, especially with younger students is “We are all friends”. An exercise could be to look at what friends do for one another and what friends like to do together. Encourage the children to speak, and you will have some fantastic insights into how children feel and think! Friendship is all about listening to others so this needs to be stressed throughout the exercise to stop it from descending into chaos. 6. Have a Kindness Centre As friendship is such an integral part of kindness, one possibility that you could explore is to develop a “Kindness Centre” where children are encouraged to form friendships, perhaps in pairs. One student talks or reads from a book about something do with friendships and how friends help each other. After a certain time, ten minutes, for example, the class sits down and discusses what they have learned. As a teacher, we encourage students to focus on positive sentiments. Areas which you could then discuss as a group are: Friends encouraging each other Friends showing respect

All children should be introduced to a broad range of experiences from an early age for them to develop physically, mentally and emotionally. Children start to experience new things from the moment they are born, with sensory activities playing a significant part in the first few minutes and hours of their life. For the first few months and years of their life, sensory information and the environment around them will play a significant role in their development. We all appreciate that genetics is a massive contributor to how we evolve as individuals, but at Bangkok’s leading international kindergarten, we believe that experiences are equally as important. In this article, we will focus on how being exposed to a broad spectrum of experiences can influence a child’s development as well as their personality and behaviour. While the “wiring” of the brain may be genetics, how it develops comes from experience and learning. What the psychologists think Psychology theories are incredibly useful when it comes to understanding the role different experiences have on our lives. They help us appreciate how they shape us both as children and adults. There is a consensus that as humans, we learn through three different types of conditioning which are explained below. Classic conditioning – Classic conditioning is how we learn to respond to a particular stimulus with Pavlov’s dogs often being cited as an example. Children quickly, often through repetition, associate a specific action with a response. Just as Pavlov’s dogs associated a bell with food, a baby will know that when they see a bottle, they are about to be fed. It is learning from experience and is essential in terms of their mental development. Operant conditioning – Operant conditioning is the act of rewarding good behaviour and punishing bad. It is often referred to reinforcement learning as could include a child being taken to their favourite restaurant for helping with household chores. It is about encouraging good practices and the avoidance of bad ones. Observational learning – Observational learning is where kids learn from watching the actions of their parents and then replicating them. In the modern world, this now includes steps that they learn from video games and the internet, which is one of the main reasons parents need to be increasingly vigilant about what their child is doing. Modelling good and positive behaviour is what should always be encouraged, so parents need to be aware of their actions and behaviour. The importance of good and bad experiences As parents, we always want to shield our children from bad experiences, but in the real world, this isn’t possible. Dealing with negative experiences and learning coping mechanisms or appropriate actions is essential if they are to become well-balanced adults. Arguably, overly protective parents can have a damaging effect on a child in later life as they may be missing essential life skills. It perfectly illustrates why it is vital to experience a variety of adventures, events and even ordeals. Where do children gain this broad spectrum of experiences? In reality, even as adults, we are exposed to new things everyday so most children will gain this exposure naturally. Children will learn from family, teachers and their peers with many of these practices and skills being required as they grow up. Of course, many actions become mundane, so parents and teachers must make a conscious effort to expose children to different things. It shouldn’t be ignored that where and how and child is brought up will influence their personality. It can be affected by the country, eastern and western cultures as well as religion and personal beliefs. However, it is equally essential that it is the interaction with these influences that will ultimately dictate how our children develop. Often events will combine uniquely for each person, and this will shape the person they become. Ideas to help broaden experiences 1. Further education Education is an incredibly broad topic and extends far beyond academic learning. For instance, you could teach your child how to do things that interest you such your hobbies. If you enjoy cooking, yoga or even DIY, you could show your child how they can join in. Naturally, the level and detail to which you show them will be dependent on their age while also needing to be an appropriate skill for a youngster to learn!  2. Cultural activities and events Culture is again a very wide-ranging topic but includes modern culture such as music and dance or something more historical. Visiting museums, theatres, or even sites of interest will expose them to new and positive things. It will help to broaden their horizons and interests, as well as impacting on their personality. 3. Activities Participating in activities is another great way to expose children to new experiences. It could be joining a group, playing a sport or visiting a zoo. When it comes to activities, your choices are endless and are only restricted by your imagination. Ideally, you want to find something that you are both interested, and this will help to develop the parent-child bond. The influence of parents and caregivers Finally, parents and caregivers will have an enormous impact on a child’s early years. Some children are fortunate to receive lots of love, attention and care. Sadly, some parents don’t have the time that they would like to spend with their children, perhaps worried about work or other issues which a child shouldn’t be exposed to. While this isn’t necessarily the parent’s fault, they should try and find ways to enrich their child’s life. It could be that others help them accomplish some of the ideas mentioned above.  Did you find our article interesting? At Kidz Village, we care deeply about encouraging children to experience new things and broaden their spectrum of experiences. Our acclaimed International School in Bangkok strives to provide the ideal environment to promote all aspects of learning, including broadening horizons. For more information, please call us on +66 2888 3337.

For many children, 2020 has been a challenging year. They have missed out on many of the things that they enjoy as well as giving them many benefits. One thing that has been missing has been hands-on activities, activities where children learn by active participation rather than being told about it in a classroom, by parents or by nannies. Although hands-on activities can cover a multitude of different things, generally they involve use of the hands – hence the name. At our international school in Bangkok, we actively encourage children to take part in these types of activities, whether it is counting bricks, playing games or anything else that involves interaction. There are many reasons behind our thoughts in doing this, many of which we will go on to explain. Of course, we know that books, computers and pencils play a vital role in education, but for this article, we explore the benefits of hands-on activities. Younger children For younger children, especially those of kindergarten age, hands-on learning is more attuned to how they learn naturally. If you think about your child when they were in their early formative years, they will watch you intently, and then try copying before moving on to experimenting on their own. Continuing this style of learning is critical in pre-school children, those of school age and in the forthcoming years. It captures their imagination Children, particularly toddlers, have short attention spans even with things that they enjoy. Play and practical learning is far more fun, and they will find holding their concentration easier. You can still teach them the same topics; it is just about adopting different and often more effective practices. An example could be learning the alphabet; something that can be monotonous, but if we write the letters in sand or using clay to make the letters, it will seem like play rather than learning. Some children find academic learning scary or intimidating, so learning through play helps them to remember things without fear. Enjoying learning from an early age will stand them in good stead for their later school life as well as in further education. It is something that can never be overstated and is why it forms a key role in our early years learning. Learning through experience How many household tasks do you carry out that you find boring or mundane, yet your toddler watches and copies, getting great satisfaction? Although you may find it frustrating having a little helper around, at the same time as you perform these jobs, they are gaining valuable life experience as well as physical and behavioural skills that will be required throughout their life. Even as adults, we learn far more from being shown and then performing the task than we ever do from just being told something. How many people do you know have learnt to drive by only reading a book? Learning by experience in all walks of life has been proven to be highly effective as many academic articles will testify. It encourages interactions and awareness of outdoor surroundings Hands-on learning allows children to become more acquainted with their surroundings, and outdoor activities can be incredibly beneficial. Helping do a small amount of gardening and feeding animals in a park or at the zoo are events that children enjoy, especially when they are younger. Interaction with nature is fantastic for improving both our mental and physical health. If this is something that children can do from a young age, it is a habit that they will hopefully continue throughout their lives. Being outside encourages children to explore and experiment, which in itself will bring interactions which cannot be replicated in a classroom environment. Another benefit of being outdoors is the chance to burn off some energy and run around, mixing with children of their own age. This type of activity is essential for keeping children happy and has many benefits when it comes to their behaviour in addition to the obvious physical benefits of leading an active lifestyle. It allows children to use all five senses A mess is something that will always follow children as any parent or teacher will know. While it can be frustrating for adults, it is a vital component in their learning curve. Most sensory play will involve mess, sadly this is inevitable, but it allows kids to make discoveries about how things feel, and they will quickly learn to experiment and explore. It is a crucial part of learning about the world as it frequently involves sight, touch, sound, smell and sometimes, whether you like it or not, taste! When children use more than one of their senses, it is believed to help them not only to learn but also remember. Great things that you can use as part of the hands-on learning include sand, water, clay and paints (in controlled conditions!). If the activities also involve socialisation, it can help children to learn new words and extended their vocabulary discussing their findings with others. Uses different parts of the brain The first six years of a child’s life is when the brain is developing at the fastest rate. Naturally, this means that it is a critical time for learning and using both hemispheres of the brain helps the body to develop. The right side of the brain is thought to be associated with visual and spatial awareness, along with both creativity and imagination. The left side is believed to develop more in older children and is regarded as being more analytical. Talking, listening and using your hands stimulate more parts of the brain, and when the activities are combined appears to assist learning and memory. It is, in effect, a form of multi-sensory play. Improves fine motor skills Activities involving using the hands will enhance a child’s coordination, and this will be needed in their formative years for activities such as writing and tying their shoes. They will also help to improve strength along developing more functional skills for use in later life. It

In the modern digital age, the concept of “play” has changed immensely from the previous generation. Those over the age of 35 will no doubt remember playing outside with school friends, neighbours and siblings with the only instruction to “be back for dinner time”. It was an era when children of all ages mixed and it is now somewhat different according to findings by social scientists which was reported in Ivanhoe Newsletter. Children mix but nowadays play tends to be more organised rather than something that happens naturally. Unfortunately, this can mean that kids of different ages don’t engage like they did a generation ago. At our kindergarten in Bangkok, this is a trend that we are keen to reverse, understanding the importance of children of all ages playing together. It is beneficial to all ages and helps their development and progression into adulthood. Here are just a few of the benefits that your child could experience. Greater cooperation Throughout our lives, whether it be in family life, our social lives, working lives or just in society in general, we will need to learn to cooperate and interact with people of different abilities. When children of mixed ages play together strengths and weakness will present themselves, and it is a good life experience to see how all parties respond and adapt. We must learn to cooperate with each other, and while it is common for younger children to look up to their older peers, the feelings are not always replicated. Learning that you need to mix from an early age will better prepare youngsters for the challenges that the world will throw at them. The benefits are even more significant in a multi-cultural city such as Bangkok when people of all nationalities and cultures interact. This understanding and cooperation will build solid foundations for becoming “good” human beings. Leadership roles One of the most common misconceptions regarding mixed-age play is that it is only younger children who benefit. Often older children gain more from the experience, assuming natural leadership roles and practising nurturing. According to Peter Gray Ph.D., a research professor in the department of psychology at Boston College and author of many books on the subject, children of both sexes demonstrate more compassion and understanding of children at least three years younger. An excellent example of this would be adolescents taking on the role of a babysitter for a younger sibling or family friend. Initially, it may not be a role that they wish to fulfil, but over time they will start to appreciate the benefits. Younger children will learn to be away from their parents and learn from people more of their own age. Peer learning Peer learning will occur naturally when children of different ages mix, maybe learning social skills, practical skills or even involve academic learning. Inevitably, teenagers find themselves in a position of explaining situations to the younger members of the group. A consequence of this is that the older children must have a clear understanding of the concept before they can teach it, so this allows more mature children to further their own learning and understanding. It is common for younger children to ask questions. As parents, we are all familiar with the question “why?” after we have told a child to do something. Asking questions where the social difference between student and teacher are not so apparent makes younger children more confident when challenging ideas or concepts. It is something that will help both parties throughout their academic and working life. Learning is more fun Learning through play is undoubtedly more fun than classroom learning. Juveniles of all ages will be learning new skills during playtimes. Learning becomes something that the child enjoys, mainly because it is not overtly apparent that this is what they are doing. Often older children are keen to pass on their knowledge and demonstrate their intellect with the younger child eager to listen. Once again, elders will benefit from reinforcing their learning, while juniors will learn something new. In the modern age, where criticism of digital technology and kids is common, having almost constant access to Google can again reap many rewards. Children immediately get answers to questions and check the authenticity of information that they have been taught – something that would be frowned upon during classroom learning.    Discussions Children are more confident engaging in natural discussions rather than ones which are forced or “encouraged” upon them. Children are often known to debate things that they have been taught in class when playing with older students who offer less difference in status or authority to a teacher joining the discussions. The back and forth questioning is believed to develop an understanding of all ages. It is even evident in strategy games such as chess. For example, an older child makes a move, and the younger one asks for an explanation of why the move was made. Extended discussions also help children to articulate their views better. Elders will need to adapt their terminology for juniors to understand. Likewise, younger children will need to extend their vocabulary to understand points that interest them, so the benefits are two-fold. Iron out differences We must recognise that differences in opinion do exist throughout life. Children of all ages are frequently known to “fall out” with friends, but after some discussion, the problems are resolved. Older children can play a role in nurturing and encouraging friends with differences to talk. The mature members of the group will be able to adopt a big brother or sister role, offering help and advice. Did you find our article interesting? We hope that this article and helped explain the importance of interaction between children of all ages. At Kidz Village, it is something that we feel passionate about and believes it forms a key part of their education. Our acclaimed International School in Bangkok strives to provide the ideal environment to promote learning. For more information, please call us on +66 2888 3337 and we will be happy to answer

It seems that every time we turn on our TV set or look on the internet, we are bombarded with adverts for toys that are “essential” for our child’s learning and development. As parents, we always want the best for our children, and sometimes we become overwhelmed by guilt when we don’t purchase the latest toy! Of course, this is how the media and manufacturers want us to react, but is it healthy? At our international kindergarten in Bangkok, we appreciate how important play is in a child’s development. There have been several studies recently regarding the amount of time that children spend playing freely and the time they spend taking part in structured activities. Unfortunately, structured activities seem to come out on top, with an over-emphasis on the educational benefits rather than a child’s overall development. It is something that can stifle a youngster’s creativity and imagination – something that could be detrimental even in adulthood. Why is play so crucial in a child’s development? As we touched upon, an over-emphasis on academia can adversely impact a child’s development as it can ignore other aspects of their development. For instance, play plays a huge role in cognitive development as well as improving social and emotional skills. Physical activity also enhances wellbeing, something that often goes ignored with structured activities or play using toys. When a toddler enjoys their time without toys, it encourages them to develop “pretend play”. It is known to stimulate thinking, higher levels of communication and interaction as they want others to join in. The connection between language development and play should not be overlooked. Symbolic play, a form of pretend play, involves the use of symbols or objects that represent something. For example, children often use a washing up liquid bottle to serve as a rocket or tables and pillows to represent a house. For the child to let others know what is in their imagination, they must communicate their thoughts, and this can start from a very young age. The development of pretend play According to Weitzman & Greenberg, 2002, the stages of pretend play development and language development run almost parallel. Below we have listed the steps, and their connection with language quickly becomes apparent. Self-pretend Self pretend is a stage of play that usually occurs between the ages of 12 and 18 months. Children will pretend to undertake regular activities such as eating or drinking. At this young age, the child will perform one task at a time, but parents will be able to understand what they are trying to communicate. Simple pretend It is the next stage and occurs between the ages of 18 to 24 months, whereby the child will use easily recognisable actions such as making figures fight or a toy plane fly. Often the play is accompanied by fitting noises related to the play. Several actions Between the ages of 24 and 30 months, the child will pretend to carry out actions which they do on a day to day basis. A typical example is pretending to make a drink and serve them to a doll or teddy bear. Often, but not always, realistic accessories are used, such as cups and spoons. In many cases, something such as a stick is used to represent a spoon. More complex actions Pretending to work in a shop or be a doctor is typical in children aged between 30 and 36 months, and this is evidenced by the array of toys available to represent these imaginary situations. In a shop, for instance, paper is used to represent money or toilet roll for bandages. Sometimes they will use objects that bear little resemblance to the actual item, but once again, parents can usually get the gist of the game Roleplay Children aged between 3 and 5 years often engage others in their imaginary themes. The themes often involve superheroes or pirates. Often props aren’t required, and gestures or mimes form a central part to the play. Language forms a crucial part where the child will explain their role and carry out the related actions. Doctors and patients are also a common theme with the “doctor” asking the “patient” where something hurts. Older children For older children, they often incorporate items such as sticks into their play. Sticks can represent a guitar, horse or even a fishing rod and sticks are particularly popular with children for their variety of uses. Children should be encouraged to explore and take an interest in nature, under supervision, of course, as well as other tasks that involve exploring and using their imagination. The problem with toys As we discussed at the start, the media plays a significant role in telling us what toys we should be buying. The problem is that a child will quickly become bored with a toy, especially if they have a lot to choose from. As toys become more sophisticated, they rely less on the child’s imagination and indeed “high-tech” toys can even inhibit play, interaction and even language. Toys can form a distraction for a young child who will only have a short attention span. Choosing appropriate toys Of course, it would be foolish to say that toys don’t have a role to play in a child’s development. When choosing a toy, you should consider the stage of development that your child is at. It is also worth considering the number of toys that you are buying. With short attention spans, a child is likely to flit from one toy to another, which can have an impact on their ability to concentrate. Books are always suitable for children because they are educational but also encourage a parent-child bond. Did you find our article interesting? We hope that this article explained why there shouldn’t be an over-reliance on toys in a child’s play. At our acclaimed International School in Bangkok, we strive to provide the ideal environment to promote learning. For more information, please call us on +66 2888 3337 and we will be happy to

Keeping your child healthy during the current COVID-19 outbreak has two key elements. Firstly, there is protecting your child as much as possible from contracting the virus and should they catch it, caring for them appropriately. Secondly, and arguably equally important, is the need for your child to retain a semblance of normality in their life as they may have been stuck in the home, had little contact with friends and other family and, of course, not been attending school. At Kidz Village, we do all we can to address these two points and have written this article to give you as many facts as possible as well as offering practical advice. It includes keeping your child healthy, both physically and mentally. What is COVID-19, and what are its symptoms? COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, China in Q4 of 2019 and is a new strain of coronavirus. Coronaviruses are relatively common and include some forms of the common cold as well as the more severe SARS virus. For most people, it is a relatively minor infection with some sufferers even being asymptomatic. However, in a small percentage of cases, it can prove fatal. Those who have pre-existing medical conditions or over the age of 65 are at most risk of developing more acute and severe symptoms. The symptoms include a high temperature, a new dry and persistent cough, loss of taste or smell along with being unusually short of breath. It is thought that at the start of the outbreak, most people mistakenly thought they had a common cold or influenza. Unfortunately, this facilitated the spread of the virus, which is known to be extremely contagious. How is COVID-19 spread? The virus is spread from person to person via respiratory droplets which may be in the air or on hard surfaces where it can remain present for several days. The most common way for the virus to enter your body is when you touch your mouth, nose or eyes after your hands have come into contact with the virus. Using an alcohol-based hand wash as well as washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds is the best way to minimise your risk. Teaching good practices to your children You should always teach your child good practices, but it is essential during a global pandemic. You should make time to teach and reinforce actions that they can take to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the virus. This could include: Being a good role model and taking care to wash your own hands while teaching your child to do the same. You should show them how to correctly wash their hands and even put a clock near the basin so that they can time 20 seconds. Remember, younger children will have little concept of time. (Singing a song that lasts approximately 20 seconds is a good routine to establish with toddlers). Show your children how to social distance and the importance of keeping a safe distance from others. However, try to stay in contact with these people frequently via video calls on apps such as Skype or Zoom. Be a good role model and set a good example when it comes to being considerate towards others. Of course, this is something which you would normally do, but now is an excellent time to reinforce this. Maintaining social connections As we have already touched upon, maintaining social distancing is crucial when it comes to containing the spread of the pandemic. However, it is vital that children maintain contact with their friends and family. Video chats are the best way of doing this, although it is possible to meet at a safe social distance. Parents should be aware that this may be hard for younger children, but those in their teens should be able to understand the need to maintain to distance and respecting another person’s personal space. Staying active Throughout the pandemic, it has been possible to go outside during the daytime. Children should be encouraged to play outdoors in shaded areas as this is good for them both physically and mentally. You could also promote some indoor activities such as dancing or aerobics if this is something that they enjoy. This will likely improve their behaviour and help them to remain some focus. Overcoming boredom is a significant factor for parents and children alike. Being aware of your child’s emotional wellbeing Children will respond to stress and different ways, and just like adults, some will be better at adapting than others. As a parent, you must be aware of any signs that your child is becoming distressed. Some children will tell their parents, while others may not understand and be unaware of how to communicate their feelings. Common warning signs include: Becoming visibly more worried, anxious or sad Developing unhealthy eating habits, perhaps eating too little or too much, eating unhealthy or sugary foods, or playing with their food Sleeping issues which could include insomnia, nightmares or bedwetting Difficulty keeping their attention and concentration as well as general bad behaviour Giving your child enough attention  It is vital now more than ever that your child receives the attention that they need to develop. This can be challenging for parents, especially if they are working, and we are fully aware that in normal circumstances, they would be in school. However, children need attention and can develop behavioural problems is they don’t get enough. You could try to incorporate online learning into their day, which will increase their interactions with others. Did you find our article interesting? We hope that this article has helped give you some ideas about keeping your child healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. At Kidz Village, we will always update parents on the current status as and when we have it. Our acclaimed International School in Bangkok strives to provide the ideal environment to promote learning. For more information, please call us on +66 2888 3337 and we will be happy to answer any questions that you may

The current COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of our lives and has brought disruption to families around the world. As a parent, you will want to do all you can to protect your children from the virus. However, as COVID-19 is a new form of coronavirus, very little is known about the infection with experts and medical professionals discovering new things almost every day. Obviously, your child’s schooling also needs to be taken into consideration, so we have prepared this brief guide containing information that you as a parent, need to know. What is COVID-19? COVID-19 is a novel virus and is a new strain of the coronavirus. Coronaviruses aren’t anything new; indeed they have been linked with some forms of common cold and the more serious Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The new strain was first identified in Wuhan, China in late 2019, and its name is derived from CO – meaning corona, VI – meaning virus and D – meaning disease. 19 merely represents the year it was identified. What symptoms should you look out for? The most common symptoms include a persistent cough, high temperature, loss of taste and/or smell along with shortness of breath. Many of the signs that present themselves are similar to influenza or the common cold and are generally relatively mild. However, the infection, in more severe cases, can cause pneumonia and breathing difficulties which may require hospitalisation. Should you or a family member start to display symptoms, you should initially call (to avoid face to face contact) a medical professional and seek their advice. How is the virus spread? COVID-19 is transmitted via respiratory droplets which are spread by an infected person. They are usually from coughs or sneezes but may even be generated by breathing and talking. The droplets can be airborne or can fall onto surfaces. The virus, if not treated with alcohol, antibacterial cleaners or bleach, can remain present on these surfaces for anything from a few hours to several days. Experts believe that the primary source of infection is by touching surfaces rather than droplets that are in the air. What is the way to protect myself and my family from COVID-19? The single best way to protect yourself from the virus is by frequently washing your hands with warm water and soap, ideally, antibacterial soap. You should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds ensuring that you work between the fingers, under nails and include the wrists. After washing, rinse your hands thoroughly under running water and dry with a clean towel or preferably a single-use paper towel. Where possible, avoid touching your face, particularly the mouth, nose and eyes and if you must touch these areas, wash your hand thoroughly before and after doing so. Social distancing, keeping a distance of 2 metres apart and minimising your contact with other households even if they are members of the same family is recommended. Do I need to wear a mask? In many areas, it is a legal requirement to wear a mask in public places (please check the current government advice as it is subject to change without prior notice). Masks are for the protection of others more than the wearer and should be worn if you have any respiratory symptoms. Whole of face, plastic face shields are advised if you are at risk of coming into contact with someone who has contracted the virus. Disposable masks are advised and they should be worn once and disposed of properly. Reusable masks should be worn for short periods and washed frequently in hot water. Face coverings do provide limited protection are but are certainly not enough to stop the spread of infection with frequent hand washing being far more important. Can children contract the virus? Anyone of any age can catch COVID-19, although the evidence at the moment suggests that healthy children are more likely to display milder symptoms. However, children can be carriers of the disease and be asymptomatic meaning that could pass the virus on to others. The elderly and those with a pre-existing medical condition are most at risk of developing a serious illness. According to UNICEF, most infected children have been in North America and Europe. It would appear that those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority groups (BAME) most severely affected. What should I do if my child develops any symptoms? It is crucial to remember that many symptoms of COVID-19 are the same as those for common cold and flu, but you should still seek medical advice, in the first instance, over the phone. Every member of the family should practice good personal hygiene and self-isolate where possible. Try to keep your child’s contact with others in the same household to a minimum. Make sure that your child is up to date with all their vaccinations to protect your child from other bacterial infections and viruses which may weaken, even in the short-term, their immune system. Should I keep my child away from school? With schools now starting to reopen, it is important that your child returns to school to continue their education, assuming that they are not displaying any symptoms or are particularly vulnerable. In both of these instances, you should seek the advice of medical professionals and discuss the matter with the school to decide the most appropriate course of action. Of course, should the government make any changes to the current rules or if the school believes that the risk of infection is too high, parents will be informed immediately. The reliability of information online Sadly, there are a lot of myths, lies and misinformation being spread online. We would advise you to fact-check any information that you may read and only rely on the information published from reliable sources such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and current government websites. Did you find our article interesting? We hope that this article covered most of the points regarding COVID-19, but we hope parents understand that the situation is continually evolving. At Kidz Village,

From the day we are born, human beings need encouragement to make us feel wanted and valued as well as helping to develop our self-esteem. Positive interactions will help a child to become a capable and independent person, qualities that they will need throughout their life. For a child, it is vital that they receive encouragement from their parents and those closest to them. It will make them appreciate that they are valued and make them feel more secure. All children need to develop a positive self-image as it will help them to build self-confidence and adapt and learn about the world around them. Confidence is essential when it comes to forming relationships with others and your child’s development. Children with lower self-confidence tend to be less independent and rely heavily on others. It is something that can hamper their development and restrict opportunities in later life. Security and safety All children need to feel safe and secure, and a lot this comes from the primary caregiver, usually their mother. It involves reassuring a child when they are scared or anxious, and it is an action that is often required in new or unfamiliar situations. If a child knows that they can turn to you when they need emotional or physical support, it will inevitably give them a sense of security. Security and the feeling of being support and encouragement will create a happy environment for them to grow up. Children will always respond to positive interactions, especially if they are repeated. Ways of offering encouragement There are many ways that a parent can provide support to their child. There is the obvious verbal encouragement when you praise a child when they have done something well, but it can also be something as simple as sharing a smile. Making eye contact or hugging a child is also a sign of encouragement and with older children; you can show an interest in their hobbies, activities they take part in and most importantly, celebrating their achievements. Ways to encourage babies As we have touched upon, children of different ages require different forms of encouragement. Although babies won’t understand words, they will quickly learn to understand actions and body language. They will recognise the tone of your voice, your facial expressions, as well as your overall demeanour. Specifically, you should: When your baby smiles, immediately smile back Hold your baby when they cry Respond appropriately to noises and sounds that they make Talk to them about what is happening around them and tell them what you are doing Take note of what interests your baby, for instance, dogs or a particular toy Encouraging toddlers As your child becomes a toddler, verbal encouragement will become more important. Offering positive attention will also help a child understand right from wrong without needing to put too much emphasis on the negatives. For example, you could: Thank your child when they help you. It will be even more effective if you use a positive tone of voice at the same time When your child wants to show you something, bend down to their level to show that you are interested Give your child time to reply and ask questions after you have said something to them Encouraging preschool children Preschool children will be starting to become more independent and doing things from their own initiative. While sometimes this may be testing the boundaries, you must encourage them when they do something right. Examples could include: Joining in with their favourite activities such as painting or playing football Promoting the things that you want them to do such a putting their toys away and offering lots of praise when they complete what you have asked When your child is talking to you, give them eye contact and make an effort to always greet them, perhaps even offer a hug Encouraging children of school age Naturally, as children go to school, they will start making their own friends. Other people, such as teachers will begin to have more of an influence on their development. However, the encouragement that they receive from parents is just as important. You can offer support by: Taking the time to ask and listen about their day. They might be tired as soon as they get home, so you could wait until they have settled down before asking any questions. Make sure you respond positively as this will encourage them to tell you more in future Ask questions or make comments about what your child says. It shows that you are interested and encourages greater interaction If your child tells you about something that they enjoyed or a positive interaction with another pupil or teacher, this should be met by positivity from you. Show enthusiasm and offer praise where relevant If your child tells you something incorrect about their day, it may be best just to leave it. Correcting them may be seen as being negative and might dissuade them from talking openly with you in future   When you feel down Unfortunately, it is a fact of life that even as adults, we don’t always offer the encouragement to others when we should. However, it is important not to dwell on the momentary lapse and to look more at the overall picture. So long as you are generally positive and offer encouragement, sometimes it doesn’t hurt for older children, especially to learn to cope with occasional cases of parents being unavailable or a little insensitive. Did you find our article interesting? We hope that this article illustrated the importance of encouraging our children. Here at Kidz Village, we believe in teaching students to be independent and disciplined while building their self-esteem and confidence. Our acclaimed International School in Bangkok strives to provide the ideal environment to promote learning. For more information, please call us on +66 2888 3337 and we will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. 

Children, especially younger children, are always picking up on what others say and do. It is all part of the learning process, so we must be aware of this with what we, as adults, do. We all get frustrated from time to time, but we need to learn to control what we say and do especially in front of children. A phrase that we often use is “live and lead by example”, and this is particularly relevant when it comes to our child’s development. Here at Kidz Village, we often talk to parents about the importance of explaining things in a manner that their child would understand. Explaining things clearly and telling your child why you are making certain decisions is crucial. Although they may not fully understand at first, they will quickly start to pick up on the reasons why you do things and most importantly, they will begin to understand the difference between right and wrong. Why are role models important? Every parent wants their child to be happy, respectful and most importantly, healthy. It is often something that we are judged upon as parents but merely telling a child what to do and hoping to teach them these vital character traits will almost inevitably be ineffective. These are things that your child actually needs to experience and see with their own eyes. To a large degree, these qualities are things that they need to learn from their parents, and this is why good role models are so crucial in a child’s development. After all, what they learn as a child will stay with them for a lifetime. What makes a good role model for children? In today’s world, we all seem to have less quality time to spend with those we love. While modern technology, in many ways, brings us closer together, in other ways, it drives a wedge between us. When we come home from work, we are often tired and want some time to relax “me time” as it is often referred. It is easy to pass our children an iPad or phone to play games, but is this teaching them anything? In reality, they will gain something, but perhaps not we want, it is far more important to experience real-life events rather than view them through a lens. There are four key areas where a parent should encourage a child to make the right choices that will help them to become “good human beings”. These are behaviour, social skills, healthy lifestyle and the importance of learning. If you can have a positive influence on your child in each of these areas, then you will be a good role model for your children. How does, being a positive role model impact on a child’s behaviour? We all want our children to grow up knowing right from wrong, but if we, as parents don’t behave appropriately, it is tough for children to learn. When we are polite, courteous and helpful with others, our children will witness this and copy our behaviour. They will understand that this is the right thing to do, and it will reinforce what we say. They will see that what we say is replicated in our actions. If, on the other hand, we tell our children not to do something, and then we do it ourselves, it sends out very confusing signals and the child will be uncertain what is right. An example that is commonly used is when a child in a car shouts “get out of my way!”, only for the parent to say it’s not the right thing to say. The child then points out that this is what the parent says every day. It is why being a positive role model in our actions is more important than what we say when it comes to our children’s behaviour. Teaching Social Skills How we interact with others is something that is vital and showing our children is crucial. We should show them how to share and how to talk to other people. It is very much connected with behaviour but it is about having a deeper understanding and appreciation of others and how our actions impact on them. If children see us being friendly with others, they will do the same, which will make their interactions in adulthood easier. We want to develop confident children that know how to treat and respect others. Why is a healthy lifestyle important? It is often something that goes overlooked, but childhood obesity is becoming a serious problem and a lot of this comes from parents not feeding their children the right food. If we always give them junk food or microwave meals they will think that this is normal. Again, if as a parent, we eat this type of food it portraits an unhealthy image. Exercise is equally essential, and we don’t want to encourage our children to lead sedentary lives. It goes back to the concept of giving our children an iPad to play games or watch movies as it is an easy option. We should be taking children out and showing them things, things that they actually see for themselves, such as walks in the park or visits to the zoo. By understanding things for themselves, they will develop an interest and learn to ask questions. The importance of learning Children should never be put under pressure to learn and being happy and healthy is far more crucial, but the importance of learning should never be overlooked. It doesn’t necessarily mean in terms of academic achievement as not everyone can be a genius; it is about learning life skills and not being frightened to ask questions. Taking the time to read books to children as well as showing them how to do things is crucial. It is a huge factor in being a role model, and we all want our children to look up to us! Did you find our article interesting? We hope that this article illustrated the importance

It is around this time of year when the flu is most prevalent. The flu should not be mistaken for a common cold, although many of the symptoms are very similar. Flu or influenza has more severe symptoms that tend to come on suddenly and often include a high fever and/or the chills (a feeling of hot and then cold) as well as being accompanied by muscle or body aches. In some people, particularly children, vomiting and diarrhoea is also displayed. So, how can you help your child to avoid this unpleasant condition? 1. Wash hands thoroughly At Kidz Village, we always encourage children to wash their hands thoroughly, but this is a practice that they must continue at other times. It is essential to use warm water and preferably antibacterial soap. You should carefully work between the fingers and around the nails working down the wrist. The process should take a minimum of 20 seconds with the soap washed off with clean, warm water. Ideally, hands should be dried using an electric hand dryer or paper tissue, not a towel used by others. Alternatively, you could use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. 2. Eat a healthy diet Eating a healthy diet is something that we should all try to do, but it is even more important with children. Foods which are high in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C will help to develop your child’s immune system. Typically these vitamins and minerals come from fresh fruit and vegetables. Often to make this more tempting to children, it is described as “eating the rainbow” as the bright colours are appealing to younger children. 3. Stay well hydrated We must always stay well hydrated as it will help to ward off all types of sickness and disease. It is particularly important in a hot climate so being aware of how much your child has had to drink is crucial. If your child is experiencing the symptoms of flu, particularly a fever, sickness or diarrhoea, it may be an idea to speak to your doctor or pharmacist about including electrolytes in their drinks. 4. Get a flu vaccination Of course, one of the best ways to protect your child from influenza is by getting a flu jab. As the strain of flu tends to vary from year to year, the vaccination would need to be done on an annual basis. Your child will NOT develop the flu after getting the vaccination, although they may get a mild fever for around 24-hours which is nothing to be overly concerned about. It should be stressed that side effects are mild and far less severe than contracting the illness itself. 5. Sneeze or cough into a tissue and dispose of it All parents must consider the wellbeing of other children so they should teach their child the importance of coughing or sneezing into a tissue. The tissue should be disposed of afterwards, and a fresh one used is necessary. Covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing is one of the best methods of slowing the spread of the virus. 6. Avoid touching your face Children will always touch and play with anything that they can get their hands on! Even with the frequent, thorough washing of their hands, it is still possible for viruses and bacteria to be prevalent. It is therefore essential that they avoid touching their face, particularly the mouth, nose and eyes to reduce the chances of contracting the virus. It is something that should not be seen as a substitute for washing hands thoroughly.     7. Avoid high-risk places If the infection does reach dangerous levels, you should then exercise caution when visiting sites which could be perceived as “high-risk”. In Bangkok, this could be places such as the Skytrain, MRT or other confined spaces. It is impossible to eliminate all risk but reducing your levels of exposure in areas where there is likely to be crowds of people will undoubtedly help. 8. Keep off school if displaying the symptoms  Protecting others children and reducing the spread of the virus is your responsibility as a parent. While this isn’t always possible as the symptoms can develop suddenly throughout the day if your child is displaying signs, you should keep them off school to prevent further transmission. We appreciate that this may be inconvenient, but it is beneficial for everyone in the longer term. Obviously, the school should be informed of your decision, so they are aware of the situation and can assess how many kids are affected. 9. See a doctor if your child develops symptoms If your child is displaying symptoms, you should consult with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to make suggestions regarding how you can help to alleviate the discomfort and make everything more bearable. If your child is suffering from sickness and diarrhoea, they may need to be put onto a saline drip for a few hours to keep them hydrated. It is rare for children to need to be admitted to hospital with influenza.   10. Treat with antiviral medication NOT antibiotics The flu is a virus and therefore will be unresponsive to antibiotics and indeed, taking them may leave your child resistant to some bacterial infections in the future. Your pharmacist will be able to recommend medications that are appropriate children and what dosage they should be given depending on their age. You must follow the advice of the pharmacist or the instructions on included with the medication. Some adult formulas may be harmful to children. Did you find our article interesting? We hope that you found this article informative and that it highlighted something of the things that you can do to protect your child from the flu. Here at Kidz Village, our acclaimed International School in Bangkok strives to provide the ideal environment to promote learning. For more information, please call us on +66 2888 3337 and we will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

26 February, 2020 Important Notice: More locations added to quarantine list – Iran and Italy – from 26th February 2020 Dear Parents, Today the Thai Government has added Iran and Italy to the list of high-risk countries.  If you or a member of your family has travelled from / transited through or been in close contact with someone who has travelled from / transited through these two countries from  Wednesday 26th February, you are subject to a 14-day self-quarantine. The situation with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is fluid and we will continue to monitor the situation and government directives daily. As we can expect more advisories issued in the coming days or weeks, please be cautious with any upcoming travel plans to destinations outside Thailand to prevent being put into a quarantine situation, which would prevent your child(ren) from returning to school. The current list of high-risk countries is as follows: China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Iran and Italy  If you have returned to Thailand from these countries or been in close contact with someone who has, on or after the 15th February 2020, you must undergo a mandatory self-quarantine for a period of 14 days beginning from the day of return. All ISAT schools must strictly follow this directive in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for your continued support in following this policy which is in place for the health and safety of our community. The Kidz Village Team

Most parents these days are subjected to higher levels of stress than they were a generation ago. We lead hectic lifestyles both in our work and social lives which can create a feeling of being overwhelmed. Different people cope with stress in different ways, some turn to yoga or meditation; others look to friends and family for support, while others may prefer some “me time”. The most important thing is that your stress is not visible in front of your children. Being a parent, whether you are a full-time stay-at-home parent or a working parent, each brings its own stress. Children DO cause stress, along with plenty of smiles and happiness. They have their moods, and they frequently don’t do as we wish, especially at times when we are experiencing stress from other areas. Often we snap at our children when they do the smallest of things wrong, which, while understandable, is not the right solution. It is one of the reasons why it is healthy for both parent and child for them to attend a quality kindergarten such as Kidz Village. It allows the child to make new friends and be in a different environment while parents can relax and do some of the things that they need to do. How does stress affect a child’s development? Children are aware of stress from an early age, and the damage that it can cause is not just emotional and mental, but physical as well. Stress causes a release of the hormone cortisol that causes an increase in heart rate and raised blood pressure. It is part of the body’s natural fight or flight response, but overexposure can lead to long-lasting physical damage and trigger chronic disease. Long-term exposure to stress for children whose minds are still developing can lead to behavioural and emotional problems. It is essential to differentiate between tolerable stress, which is healthy and teaches a child to avoid dangers and toxic stress. Toxic stress is what is damaging and is the type of stress that is caused by domestic violence and constant arguing in the home. However, it can also come from parents just being stressed from external factors. Even with a supportive partner, children are likely to sense this stress.  Stress should also be avoided during pregnancy as it can lead to premature births, low birth weights and other, potentially serious complications. Scientists also have noted the correlation between stress during pregnancy, and impaired mental function, behavioural problems as well as harm motor development. In short, even before a child is born, stress can have a negative impact on their development. How does stress affect a child’s learning? Stress has a severe impact on a child’s learning, even at a very young age. It has been linked to ADHD in young children as well as other motor development problems as previously outlined. However, as children progress through their school life, it can manifest itself further with behavioural issues and disruptive behaviour. A lack of concentration, as well as seeking attention, will also disrupt learning even within a kindergarten environment. As children develop, some children may experience difficulty completing homework or assignments. Too often teachers and parent are quick to attribute this merely to laziness, childhood impatience or just bad behaviour without looking to find the root cause. Poor academic performance and falling behind at school could be a sign that stress is impacting on a developing body and brain. It is something that should be addressed in an understanding and positive manner to establish the cause. Without intervention, it can cause long-term damage beyond just a child’s ability to learn. Should your child be experiencing stress from their home life, parents should do all they can to remove this stress. Adult stress should never become a child’s stress and is simply unfair and damaging. It may be advisable to seek therapy or counselling for the child to help them overcome the stress that they have already experienced and move forward positively and productively. The most important thing is to recognise the problem early and address it. What are the signs of stress in a child? Of course, the most critical factor in dealing with your child’s stress is recognising that there is a problem in the first place. While there is no definitive answer for this because every child is different, it is vital to be aware of unusual behaviour – behaviour that is out of character for your child and abnormal behaviour – behaviour that is different to that displayed by other children. Remember, especially in toddlers and younger children, having a meaningful conversation about stress is unrealistic, so it is down to the parents and educators to look for signs through other forms of communication. Changes in behaviour are usually critical indicators and should be picked up upon and explored. Changes may not necessarily be a sign of stress; it could be down to behaviour, a simple change in habits or that your child is growing; nevertheless, it is worth taking note. Here are some common changes that may be displayed if your child is experiencing stress: A change in sleep patterns – are they sleeping less or more, perhaps having a more disturbed night’s sleep with increased frequency? Changes in eating habits – are they eating more or less? They could be avoiding their favourite foods or “picking at” or playing with their food An increase in crying without apparent reason or tantrums over things that would previously have been accepted Waking during the night due to nightmares or perhaps fears before sleeping It can be displayed in physical ailments such as headaches, changes in bowel movement or stomach ache Are they having anxiety attacks, anxious tics, nervous coughs or abnormal body movements such as twitches or unusual reflex actions? Is your child sucking their thumb more or chewing on their hair? These are often signs of nervousness as the habit can provide some reassurance Did you find our article interesting? We hope that you

Developing self-confidence and promoting independence is essential at any age but even more so in a child’s formative years. A child must have positive feelings about themselves, such as generally believing that they are a good person and are capable of carrying out everyday tasks. Right from birth, through the teenage years and into adulthood, it is the role of the parent to show that they have confidence and belief in their child while also encouraging them to be more independent. Young children are entirely dependent on their parents to do everything for them. This dependency is known as attachment theory and is the bond that connects two or more people. As the child gets older, they will, initially, become dependent on more people and form more bonds. At first, this will be with family members, but as the child goes to kindergarten, it will be promoted by the teachers and their assistants, just as we do at Kidz Village. What is self-confidence? Self-confidence is an overall sense of contentment and being happy with who you are. With it, you believe in yourself, and you are prepared to try new challenges. You will have a sense of belonging, as is the case with attachment theory, and you will have an appreciation of the importance and know that you fit in within the family group. It will result in you feeling wanted, respected and perhaps most importantly, valued. At an early age, children must build this self-confidence with the help of those around them. Why is self-confidence important? Self-confidence will help encourage a child to try new things which, in turn, helps to develop greater independence. It also helps a child to develop better coping strategies when things do go wrong and find ways to make changes and good choices. When they believe that they really can do or achieve something, it will help to build their confidence further, which will make them happier and more fulfilled. In essence, confidence builds confidence. How can you help build self-confidence in a child? Babies, toddlers and young children will develop their early confidence by knowing what they can do as their parent will have confidence in them and encourage them. Showing a child that you believe in them is an essential part of building self-confidence. There are several ways that a parent can help develop a child’s confidence develop such as: (omit one) Making them feel loved and cherished Spending time with them when they are the focus of attention and doing things that they want to do Offer smiles and encouragement when they do something right and do something for themselves When appropriate, the parent should demonstrate love by giving hugs and kisses for no reason, just so that they feel loved and reassured and know that this remains Where possible, and it poses no danger, let children do things for themselves and encourage them to try again when they fail. Try to demonstrate that learning any new skill takes practice Encourage your child to learn and name their feelings so they can express them when they are sad or angry Try to let children learn things for themselves rather than giving them all the answers Allow a child to make choices. It will be simple things at first such as choosing a T-shirt but will expand as they get older Try to encourage your child to trust another person who will “be there” for them such as a grandparent as this will help them to appreciate that their feelings are important to others Always protect children from your problems. If you have relationship issues or work problems, these are adult problems that a child shouldn’t have to deal with Never let your child see you arguing or fighting Never belittle them in front of others or compare them to other children Always try to keep praise balanced, too much praise can be taken for granted which will lessen its effect What is independence? Independence is the ability to do things on your own and children from a young age will strive to be more independent. They will try to hold their bottle, feed themselves and explore new places and, where possible, parents should encourage this. Naturally, this needs to be in a safe environment, and indeed, one of the primary roles of being a parent is bringing up children who are independent, capable and motivated to do things for themselves. As the child gets older, the desire to become more independent will inevitably grow. However, a good parent will also make a child aware that it is good to draw upon the support and help of others in appropriate situations. Why is independence important? Independence and self-confidence are closely linked. An independent child is usually a child that has higher levels of self-esteem and self-worth. The more independent a child becomes, the more they will achieve, so encouraging a child to more independent and more self-motivated is crucial. Independence is essential in later life and will play a massive role in what your child achieves in school, in relationships and their future careers. It leads to a sense of accomplishment which will improve how they view themselves. How do you teach children to become independent? It is the role of adults and in particular, parents to encourage their children to be more independent. As parents, we can be anxious about giving our child too much freedom and being overprotective. While this is natural, it is not benefitting your child’s development. Here are some things that you need to do to teach your child to be more independent: Don’t become the barrier to your child’s independence. Do you do things on your child’s behalf such a tidying their toys or cleaning their room? It can be an easy solution, but it does little to build independence so encourage them to do more on for themselves Understand what children should be doing for themselves at different ages such as putting on their clothes or taking

Many parents are reluctant to say “no” to their child, falsely believing that it makes them a bad parent. However, if you don’t say “no” you are doing them a disservice as saying no helps children to navigate emotions and build resilience for situations that don’t meet the child’s expected outcomes. It is natural that as a parent, you want your child to be happy and, as such, the temptation to respond positively to your child’s wishes can be extremely tempting. However, happiness that is derived from material things is often short-lived. Research has suggested that satisfying your child’s every whim leads to the child becoming more demanding with regards to the latest toys or even a brand new smartphone. The child will foster a sense of being incomplete, and it is something that can only be relieved momentarily with the next new “thing”. Being Grateful Soon Fades Of course, your child will be delighted when they receive their new gift, but how long will it be before one of their peers has something that they perceive as being better? At this point, whatever you have bought your child, will become obsolete and no longer provide any sense of satisfaction. If you continually give in to your child’s demands, you are creating a vicious circle, not only for yourself as a parent, but for your child who will suffer a perpetuating sense of dissatisfaction. When to Say No to a Child It is perfectly normal to want your child to have the best, things that perhaps you couldn’t have as a child, but this mustn’t overrule your life. Yes, you should allow your child to have some things, perhaps as a reward or because it is an item that they need. However, one of the most valuable lessons that you can teach your child is to appreciate and value what they already have. Genuine happiness doesn’t come from getting what you want, material things; it comes from situations, memories and the people around you. The Reasons for Not Saying No Regardless of how old we are, getting what we want all the time is not a good thing. Learning how to accept and cope with not getting what we want is a skill that everyone needs to develop. However, some parents become blinded and invent reasons for not wanting to tell their child they can’t have something. Some of the common reasons include: The parents don’t want to have to deal with their kids being upset or angry. In these cases, the parent needs to be more assertive They feel guilty for not spending time with their children or because of other past experiences They want to be friends with their children which is positive in some respects as it can often lead to better communication. However, it is vital to appreciate that this is not the primary role for any parent, and their role should be to provide sound adult guidance They have a missed placed belief that their children should have everything They want their children to have what they missed out on Parents who do have a problem with saying no to their children will find it extremely difficult, as will their children when they do start imposing limitations on their children’s demands. How to Say No to a Child Saying no to a child is a way of setting limits and boundaries. Of course, boundaries and limits are there to be tested, and this is inevitably what your child will do. It is essential that when you say “no”, you mean it. There will be tantrums, begging and pleading as well as anger. These will all pass as they are both signs of distress (at not getting what they want) and also testing if you really mean what you say. Never get angry when you do say “no”. In some instances, an explanation may be justified, but this should only be if your child has accepted no in a reasonable manner or after they have calmed down. However, it is not always necessary to explain, and you should certainly never back down as this is the start of a slippery slope. Consistency is the key, and you will find that children will rapidly start to accept the limits and offer less resistance. However, if you do relent because of your child causing a drama, making you feel guilty or crying for long enough, it is something that you will have to cope with for the rest of your life. They will know that you will back down if they persist long enough. Sadly, your child may find interactions with other children and adults hard along with finding it difficult to gain employment. When you do say no, you should do all you can from your point of view to minimize any drama. You should be straightforward with your response, maybe even try to inject some humor into a potentially tense situation and this could make the situation pass relatively event free. Typical phrases that can be used are “No way, Jose” or just a straightforward “No way, that’s not happening”. The answers should be repeated, if necessary, to almost make a game of their demands. Parents Must Unite If there are two parents involved in the discussions, both must agree on saying no. If one member backs down, it will become impossible to enforce limits. Any conflict will undermine the parents’ argument, which even the youngest of children will understand strengthens their chances of getting what they want. Parents’ not agreeing is a complex issue and will divert us away from the point, but singing from the same song sheet in these circumstances is the best way to get the optimum response. All children benefit from having limits imposed on them and a structure to their life. Parents must also have the strength to acknowledge that they may incur the wrath of their child and be prepared to risk that and have the courage to withstand the

Any parent will be familiar with the phrase “I’m bored”. Inevitably, the simple phrase will spark a range of emotions ranging from anger or more frequently guilt. We usually feel that we have failed in one of our roles as a parent. We will ask questions of ourselves and will want to know how a child can be bored when we have given them so many things to do. Boredom in Schools Here at Kidz Village, an international kindergarten in Bangkok, we acknowledge that although boredom is not a pleasant experience for a child, it is nevertheless something with which they should become familiar. The reason for this is not cruelty; it is not due to archaic conditioning methods; it is because becoming familiar with boredom is actually good for you. If children expect to be entertained every minute of every day, they are in for a nasty shock when they start school. School is a learning experiencing where the focus is on teaching and not entertaining. If a child isn’t enjoying something, a clown won’t appear to make things more light-hearted. The earlier a child can understand and appreciate that they must also play a role in making life enjoyable, the better it will be for them in later life. What happened in the Past? Before the advent of the internet, various mobile devices and technology to brighten up our lives, things indeed were boring. Parents often worked long hours doing tedious jobs for minimal pay. The consequence of this was that leisure options were reduced. In these times, a certain degree of boredom was seen as acceptable. Luckily, here in Thailand, the weather encourages outdoor play which can help to alleviate boredom. In days gone by, children used to gain inspiration in an empty room from a blank piece of paper and pencil. These days, however, boredom can be viewed as a dereliction of duties by the parent and none more so than by the parent themselves. The Modern World Most parents lead incredibly busy lives, but children’s needs are far from ignored. Children get enrolled in a wide variety of extracurricular activities such as sports and crafts to fill their time, but this doesn’t always remove the “I’m bored” scream. It is a scream that fills parents with dread and the guilt, as mentioned earlier. Being bored is no longer just boring; it has become frightening for children. It is no longer a problem for the child to sort out; the responsibility now lays with the parent’s to relieve it. If your child is momentarily bored it is not a sign of neglect; it is because that moment hasn’t been filled with something that has grabbed the child’s interest, sometimes despite the parent’s best efforts. Modern children are left to their own devices from time to time, and yes, this does mean electronic devices. Any long journey requires careful planning, including what games and films should be loaded onto iPads. It wasn’t an option three or four decades ago, and children were allowed to be bored, they had no alternative. Children who were bored at home were sent to clean their rooms or sent outside to play. Was it enjoyable? Definitely not, but it was useful. Boredom Gives an Opportunity to be Creative  When we are bored, our minds tend to wander, which can be when we are at our most creative. When we are busy or enjoy something, we focus on the task in hand, and creative thought tend to go out of the window. When children are allowed to use their imagination and create wild fantasies in their mind, they are experiencing personal development. While many of the daydreams may be relatively meaningless, they may stumble across something that could become a hobby and take their life in a new direction. Boredom is the Route to Discovery As adults, we frequently go on walks to take our minds off things or to take a break. Often it involves looking at trees and things that would typically carry little or no interest. However, because of the monotony, we start to think, and we start thinking of solutions to problems or ideas for a new project. How many times have you had a great idea that has seemingly come from nowhere when you were in the shower? It would be outrageous to suggest that it is boredom that makes us creative, of course, it isn’t. It is what both children and adults do with that boredom that is important. When we are bored, we search for things that will relieve are boredom. We subconsciously become creative so boredom must form a part of our lives; otherwise, we will never learn and reach our potential. Boredom shouldn’t be a crushing tedium; it is an opportunity to learn how to do something more exciting. As adults, there are many ways that you can vanquish it, such as reading a book, thinking of ways to improve your job or just an opportunity to think about how to improve your life overall. It teaches you self-discipline and resourcefulness, all skills that will be useful to a child in later life. The Correlation between Boredom and Ability to Focus Psychologists recognise that there is a direct correlation between handling boredom and our ability to focus as identified by John Eastwood, which he describes as the “unengaged mind”. It is also linked to self-regulation and children with attention disorders are prone to experiencing higher levels of boredom. We now live in a world of hyperstimulation, so we quickly become bored with things that we initially found stimulating. Being Bored and Staying Bored Kids should be allowed to be bored and with it, stay bored for some time. The child will learn to stimulate themselves and overcome their feelings on their own. If adults always relieve the boredom, the child can become overly dependent and needy, again not an attractive character trait as they get older. We don’t teach kids to accept being bored

In a busy city such as Bangkok, the hot, dry days can lead to increases in air pollution that can make outdoor physical activities not only unpleasant but also unsafe. It is therefore vital that outdoor activities involving children are scheduled around periods when the air quality is better. Understanding the causes and effects of outdoor air pollution will help you to protect your children and other family members from the damaging effects of poor quality air. The effects of both indoor and outdoor air pollution on children’s health In a report published by the World Health Organisation, 90% of the world’s children are exposed to air pollution. It is a concern at a kindergarten in Bangkok such as ours because younger children are more susceptible to illness directly associated with air pollution as recognised by WHO. The side-effects of poor quality air not only impact on a child physically, such as with asthma and other respiratory diseases, it can also affect their learning due to poor attendance and lack of concentration. Sources of outdoor air pollution Kids will be exposed to air pollution during their breaks, outdoor activities, playing sports as well as potentially on their journey to and from school. There are two main forms of airborne pollutants which are fine particles (particular matter) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The levels of these pollutants will vary at different times of the year. Fine particles comprise of microscopic particles that are either in solid or liquid form and can easily be unwittingly inhaled. When these pollutants enter our lungs or bloodstream, they can cause severe health issues depending on the levels of exposure. VOCs are carbon-based gases which are noted for causing nose, throat and eye irritation. Also, the child may experience difficulty breathing as well as suffering from fatigue. In more severe cases, they may cause damage to the liver and central nervous system. Common forms of air pollutants Wildfire smoke. Although this is rare in Bangkok, it is a severe problem in northern parts of Thailand such as Chiang Mai. When the smoke is inhaled it can cause damage to the heart and lungs resulting in coughing, excess mucus and breathing difficulties Temperature inversions. It is where cold and warm air combines, resulting in high concentrations of pollutants staying near the earth’s surface. Under a layer of warm air, pollutants can quickly build up. Smog. One of the biggest causes of air pollution in Bangkok is smog caused by traffic and industrial pollution. High levels of smog can negatively impact on a child’s development and impair their cognitive function. Ozone. Ozone is present in the air that we breathe and is the result of a chemical reaction between nitrogen oxide and VOCs. A prime example of this would be the reaction of vehicle emissions when exposed to sunlight which can cause a multitude of respiratory problems. Sources of indoor air pollution Air quality in homes and schools can be affected when outdoor pollution is high. Often this is a problem in inner-city areas that have high volumes of traffic. Also, indoor pollutants may include mould and bacteria that are commonly found in kindergartens and schools. Controlling internal airborne pollutants can be challenging but regularly changing HVAC filters, cleaning and dusting frequently as well as using an air purifier can help. It is also wise to install carbon monoxide and radon detectors. What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)? The AQI was developed to give the general public a better indication of the air quality in their area. As well as providing scores, the quality is also given a colour coding. The colours are: Green – This is the best quality of air and will have an AQI rating of 0-50. Yellow – The air can be unhealthy to extremely vulnerable groups. The AQI rating will be 51-100. Orange – Children and those with asthma may experience problems. The AQI rating will be 101-150. Red – Outdoor activities should be moved indoors, and air quality is classed as poor. The AQI rating will be 151-200 Purple – The air quality is extremely poor, and all outdoor activities should be rescheduled or moved indoors. The AQI will be 201-300. Maroon – The air quality is now deemed hazardous, and the AQI rating will be 301-500. Keeping children safe from air pollution Parents and teachers should always be aware of the AQI levels in their area. The government may issue some guidelines regarding levels of outdoor physical activity and medical professionals may offer advice if your child is particularly sensitive. Following information and advice is one of the most effective ways to provide your child with some protection. When air quality is especially poor, it is wise to take the following precautions: Consult your child’s doctor – If your child has asthma or any other respiratory problem, it is wise to devise an action plan that your child can act upon when air pollution levels are high. Reduce indoor pollutants – Avoiding smoking cigarettes, frying foods, burning candles and using aerosols in confined spaces. Air purifiers – Air purifier are superb for helping to remove airborne pollutants that may be present in your home. Respirator masks – Older children could wear a mask to reduce the amount of pollutants that they inhale. It is not advisable for younger children who should be kept indoors. Clean up any ash – If you do need to burn something at home such as after a barbeque, clean up the ash as quickly as possible after cooling to reduce its chances of entering the atmosphere. Air pollution will vary across Thailand and at different times of the year. The same is true of Bangkok with downtown areas experiencing more pollution than in many outlying areas. The best method for protecting you and your family is to stay informed of AQIs and take the necessary precautions, especially when air pollutants are high. Where appropriate, children should be kept indoors when air pollution is a problem.

Growing up and learning that we have to take care of ourselves, in everything from how we wash and dress in the morning, to how we interact with the people we meet on a day to day basis is part of growing up and becoming an adult. However, when dealing with a young child, it is to be expected that this process will take time and patience to develop in your child. As children grow up into adolescents, they will crave independence from their parents. However, as toddlers, the thought of being separated from their parents and expected to do some things by themselves is a daunting one. Bear in mind that your child has spent most of its life up until this point not needing to be responsible or independent for anything in its welfare, so naturally, it is a learning curve. The very idea of not having one of their parents around them constantly is enough to make some smaller children upset on the first day at kindergarten. However, as they grow and develop socially, they will realize that they need to adapt to this new environment and group of people.   This is all a part of teaching your child independence, but this is something they cannot achieve properly without parental guidance. So let us consider some of the most highly recommended strategies for introducing your child to the idea of independence. Be empathetic to your child’s struggle The idea of being left on its own in a new environment without its parents is likely to be a daunting prospect as during her entire existence up until the present, she always has had someone familiar who has been a constant companion, provider and carer.   Therefore making sure that you are there emotionally for your child and that you are not belittling its emotions by saying things like “everybody has to grow up” and “stop being a baby” is essential for your child’s emotional wellbeing. If your child asks for your help with a certain task, be positive and reinforce how proud you are of it for trying to do it on its own before calling you to help.  Fixed Routines It has long been understood by pediatric psychologists that children are much happier in general when they have a fixed routine that is followed every day. This helps your child to know what to expect every day and helps them feel at ease with the events that may occur throughout its day.  Using this to your advantage, you can begin by giving your child small and easily completed tasks and responsibilities, such as picking all its toys up when it has finished playing with them, in order to help them understand the concept of independence in a context they understand. Once your child understands exactly what it needs to do every day, chances are it will complete these tasks without too much prompting. Give your child decision-making responsibilities sometimes. Now obviously one of your jobs as a parent is to set appropriate boundaries and ultimately make most of the decisions regarding the more important aspects of your child’s life on its behalf. However, you need to give your child free rein to make their own decisions some of the time.  Do not try and extend too much of a controlling hand over your child, such as in deciding in what order it can have its supper. While you may prefer your child does so in a certain order, micromanaging the way it prefers to do things in some cases can hinder its journey to independent decision making. Limit their choices In some situations, you will need to control the decisions that are made for your child. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to make all the decisions. For example, if you are planning a fun day out and it isn’t a surprise, rather than arbitrarily picking an activity you think your child may like, only to find out that they weren’t in the mood to go to the park that day, provide an opportunity to make a choice. So rather than mandating a forced trip to the park, give your child the option of three appropriate activities to choose from (such as going to the park, the beach or to Grandma’s house) which will help to lay a sturdy foundation to learn how to make more complex decisions later in life by giving it the freedom of choice within certain parameters. Don’t be overbearing! It is normal and natural for you to want to assist your child with everything in its life, from cutting their food to holding her hands as you walk down the road. While some of these are completely necessary for early childhood, as your child gets older, not only will it crave independence, assistance will also become unnecessary as your child develops.  In fact, chances are everybody has seen this situation in the past, a child that grew up with controlling and overbearing parents. Usually, those children tend to grasp independence a lot later than those whose parents allow their children to explore and work things out for themselves, which helps build a strong base for many problem-solving skills as an adult. In some situations, children learn the best when given the necessary leeway to figure things out for themselves and to self-evaluate their behavior.  Kidz Village is a trusted and reputable name amongst the crowds of International Kindergartens in Bangkok. Our reputation has developed from our dedication to using only the best and most highly regarded teaching methodologies and high-quality resources in order to give our students the best possible chance at academic and personal success. For more information on who we are, our facilities or to consult with an experienced member of staff, please do not hesitate to contact us on +66- 2-888-3337

Instilling in your child self-discipline is something that should be considered after infancy when the initial joy and pleasure of having your baby bond with you is one its first experiences. However, this blissful state of being comes to an end sooner or later, depending on the rate of development of each individual baby.    While it is natural for your child to feel attachment to you for more than a decade after it is born, you should teach your child that there are some tasks that need completing by herself when she has developed a sense of basic reasoning. It is important to introduce the concept of focussing on tasks and getting them done without constant reminding by yourselves as parents, such as spending a set time period working on homework as a priority before playtime. So here are nine ways that you can help teach your child develop these skills early on. 1. Consistency is Key Setting firm foundations and making sure that you stick to those foundations is key. After all, you could have the most attentive and well-behaved child, but if you are teaching her inconsistent habits it won’t make a difference to her self-discipline. This can start small with things such as  Teaching that toys not being played with need putting away Personal hygiene such as hand washing  However, once you set this boundary or habit, you must stick to it and maintain your position, no matter how many times you have to remind your child. 2. Rewards and Consequence One of the primary ways that a young child learns is through action and consequence. If a child knows that if she does well and follows all of her after-school instructions that have been set, she will receive praise and possibly a reward from you and/or the school. Consequently she is more likely to be motivated to do it. However, if she is made aware that there are consequences for any wrong doing, such as others who may be inconvenienced or hurt as a result, she will learn to avoid making these actions in future.  3. Routine An organised routine is helpful in providing a structure so that your child has a reasonable expectation of how her day should turn out. This should make her more settled and thus more conducive to adopt a disciplined approach to life and learning.  4. Always Use Positive Learning The concept of mistakes in the course of learning and decision making should be promoted as a necessary and acceptable part in life, without any fear of being reprimanded or punished.  Your child should be made aware that there is no shame in making mistake and hence she would not attempt to hide it. Furthermore, it should then make her more receptive to accept guidance positively. 5. Set Clear and Simple Rules Your child is probably already aware by the age for 3 or 4 years that she has certain rules to follow either at school or in the home. However, the exact rules that she needs to follow and how to follow them can be slightly harder to grasp without assistance. Therefore, when teaching your child to learn corrections it is vital that you also clearly lay out your rules and boundaries for how she is to behave in the home and at school. Through repetitive and positive encouragement, she will start to follow these rules on her own.  6. Set Fun and Educational Activities Teaching your child how to play a song on her xylophone or riding a bike for the first time is a gratifying feeling. Using that sense of accomplishment can help you encourage her to extend this interest to other activities both at home and school. Bike riding could entice her towards other sporting activities, or that learning to play the xylophone could inspire her to perform in the school play. 7. Frameworks Most of the time, a child needs to learn through more than just exposure to the correct way of doing things. In order to learn things efficiently and effectively, she needs a proper structure to learning that incorporates both the need for refining her skills and practise them at the same time. Setting up a proper learning process can really speed up the time it takes for your child to absorb and repeat good habits and lessons that she has learned. This means she will then be able to apply that knowledge in the outside world even sooner. 8. Lead By Example Your behaviour will also have an impact on how your child behaves and you too should try to adopt the same rules as you are instilling on your child. This will help motivate her as all children attempt to emulate their parents’ behaviour and having them emulate positive behaviour that you exhibit will help confirm what you tell them about how people are expected to behave. 9. Teach Them That Setbacks and Failure are Normal Every adult knows that you must fail occasionally to be pointed in the right direction, and this is a vital lesson for children. This will help deter them from becoming discouraged at their initial failures and inspire them to do better next time We hope that you have found this article helpful; we here at Kidz Village believe that teaching children to be free, disciplined and inquisitive learners early on is key to their academic and personal success later in life. Our widely acclaimed International School in Bangkok strives to provide the best environment to our students. For more information please call +66-2-888-3337 and we would be very pleased to offer any assistance that you may require.

As with most changes in a young child’s life, separation anxiety and being dropped off at kindergarten is a learning curve that all parents with their child will go through at some stage. Different children display their symptoms in vastly different ways. Some will cry and scream and beg for their parents to come back. However, others may just be extremely withdrawn, non-responsive and overall not in the right mind frame for learning.  While it is natural for children to cry on the first or second day at kindergarten or preschool, should this continue after the first week or so, the child may be suffering from a more extreme form of separation anxiety. It would be helpful to discuss with the teacher at the end of the school day if the child’s crying stops shortly after drop-off. If not, this will need to be addressed both for the child’s wellbeing and the parents’ peace of mind with a view towards making the dropping off at school less traumatic. So let’s take a look at a few ways you can help your child feel more at ease with your absence during school.  Security Objects Now, this is all down to your individual preschool rules around personal items. However, if your child is having daily meltdowns when you leave, then it may be worth giving your child some kind of item of comfort to reassure it, such as a stuffed animal and gradually it will become less and less reliant on these objects in order to keep its cool at school.  Liaise with Teachers Most good and thoughtful teachers will understand the reasoning behind children crying at drop-off and would be actively seeking to work with the parents of these children in order to better understand their individual needs so they can give them the best education possible.  Many teachers find that once a child has seen its parents leave, generally the distress and crying will, at the very least, become less disruptive when its parents are out of sight and it must accept what is happening around it and deal with the situation appropriately. However, if you have a consistent problem every day you drop your child off, then it may simply be that the child isn’t prepared for preschool yet.  Proper sleep We all know how important a healthy amount of sleep is for our bodies, but, what you may not know is that younger children actually crave a set routine in most areas of their lives. For example, getting a child into a regular routine and having a proper bedtime will ensure that it knows exactly what they need to do and what to expect from any given day. This gives it confidence that it knows what will happen and when.  Proper sleep is vital for both your child’s academic success and their emotional and psychological health. An overtired child who hasn’t had much sleep is hard enough to deal with, let alone a child who has gone through all of that and who also misses its mother after drop off. Try waking up earlier and going to bed earlier in order to give the child ample opportunity to wake up and give the parents time to prepare nutritious and filling breakfasts to fill their child up for the day ahead. Generate excitement about the upcoming school day Children learn very much by example, from both parents and other adults and children. If your child doesn’t seem to enjoy going to school and does not hold any real enthusiasm for it, it can be a good idea to try and generate some of that excitement back at home either before the school day commences or after. Good teachers should have many different tactics in order to help generate excitement about their school work and the general prospect of attending. Again, liaising with teachers can be helpful when it comes to identifying the root cause of the problems and the best action to take. As you are traveling to school you might want to strike up conversations about what activities they will do and toys they will play with while they are at school. Try to create some enthusiasm in your voice when you ask your child about its friends at school and favorite activities. It’s also worth mentioning that ideas shouldn’t be placed into the child’s head with unhelpful statements like “please don’t cry today” or comparisons to other children in the group. This will make your child feel even more uncomfortable than it may already be feeling. Get your child busy as soon as possible When arriving at the preschool or kindergarten it can help to get your child settled quickly and its mind focused on a game or activity while the rest of the class arrives for their day of school. In this way, you can get your child to focus on its current activity or game in order to lessen the blow of your departure when the time finally comes. Again this should be done in coordination with the teacher to ensure that the child’s attention is fully engrossed and the parent can make a quick escape.  This tactic can be a useful way in helping the child to understand that sometimes they have to be apart from its parents and that is just a normal part of life. Consistent Routine It has long been understood by pediatric psychologists that children are much happier in general when they have a fixed routine that is followed every day. This helps your child to know what to expect every day and helps them feel at ease with the events that may occur throughout its day.  Having a consistent routine, including arriving on time at the school, will mitigate your child’s unfounded fear of being abandoned. This is because it will have figured out it will be picked up at the end of the school day and return back to the security of home. Kidz Village is a

Children are just a bastion of possibility, aren’t they? That’s part of the reason that we love them. Your child could grow up to be anything. As such, you always want to teach your child to be discerning. You want to be sure that your child grows up knowing right from wrong and quality from a lack thereof. With “so much on their plate,” as it were, you want your child to have high standards in life – just not so high as to turn down every last thing you try to feed them for breakfast in the morning. Dealing with picky eaters is a common complaint among parents of preschool aged children the world over. On the one hand, this is perfectly natural. After all, we have evolved to be picky eaters in part for a reason. Shoving just any old thing that looks vaguely edible down your throat is a terrible roadmap to personal as well as species-wide survival. As such, being a picky eater can be a lifesaver – literally. On the other hand, chances are good that you’re not feeding your children some recently-speared animal fresh from the hunt or some wild foliage that you picked up off the ground somewhere. As such, while your child’s bodily defenses against unknown edibles gained from countless generations is still intact, chances are good that they’re not entirely needed against pureed baby food. Whether you’re sending your kids to preschool in Bangkok or taking care of them at home, how can you get your toddlers not to be maddeningly picky about what they eat? Don’t Be Too Pushy While it’s important to be firm and make sure that your kids eat the foods they need to grow and be healthy, you never want to be too pushy when it comes to making kids experience new things. It can be frustrating when you’re ready to head out the door for work, and you just need your toddler to eat their breakfast already, but forcing foods on them can have far more negative consequences. For one thing, being overly forceful with your child over such matters can affect them psychologically. For another, your child might genuinely have an instinctual reason for not wanting to eat a certain food (for example, their being allergic), which they cannot articulate. If your child refuses the same types of foods over and over again for specific reasons (ie, because it makes them “feel itchy” or gives them an upset stomach), it is advisable see a pediatrician. Not Being Hungry Assuming that there is no medical reason why your child shouldn’t eat their food, you and the staff at your child’s Bangkok preschool will need to approach food refusals differently. For example, say your child or the children under your care at your preschool insist on not eating because they aren’t hungry. If you’ve heard this excuse from your child and have been frustrated by it, don’t worry, you’re in good company, as it is an extremely common complaint. It’s also a complaint which can be easily addressed. Most children stop growing as quickly after the age of two, and as such, they may not need round the clock feeding. This can be responsible for their not being hungry. Spacing out meals, therefore, or making snacks lighter so as not to prematurely fill them up can be immensely helpful. That said, it’s also fair to note that sometimes, children simply aren’t hungry. While children are growing and so need ample food in order to develop properly, as with adults, some children are simply more voracious eaters than others. As such, sometimes, when your children say they’re “not hungry,” they might genuinely mean it. If this persists meal after meal, however, you’ll want to follow the steps below. A Preference for Sweet Foods If you haven’t heard your child say that they’re “not hungry,” chances are still pretty good that you have heard them say something’s “yucky” instead. If you’ve heard them describe food after food as “yucky,” you might feel as though the whole thing’s getting on your last nerve. However, never fear – as we mentioned, there are ways to solve this preschool picky eater problem, too. One of the simplest yet most effective ways of dealing with this problem is by simply “masking” the food in question, at least for a while. For example, say your child absolutely hates carrots. No matter what you do or try, one look at some baby carrots or carrot sticks and they break down or close up completely and refuse to eat. Serving them those same carrots but blended and mixed with something else can be an ingenious way of getting them the same nutrients without the battle over the carrot sticks in question. In addition, you could try having a dip or sweet food available to add to the carrots. There are many nutrition-based reasons that kids tend to love sweeter foods, a fact that you can exploit to dip the offending foods in question in order to get your child to eat them. A Dinnertime Declaration of Independence Then there’s the good old-fashioned airing of the Terrible Twos and every toddler’s favorite word, “No!” The natural inclination here might be to shout back “Yes!” – but let’s be honest, your child’s stubbornness might well win out over parental fatigue. That’s what they’re counting on in part. What’s more, bickering not only sets a bad example for your children but can also erode your authority, making your toddler think that you’re malleable to their whims. Another permutation of this can be children saying “No!” not just to be defiant, but rather as a means to an end. If they think “No!” will lead to chocolate cake instead of carrots, of course they’ll give it a go. Instead of all of that, try to let your children make their own food eating decisions as much as possible. If dinner wears on, and they see that everyone else

The most important time in a child’s development is during the formative years of kindergarten. Kindergarten prepares a child for his or her academic schooling. It also assists him or her in developing socialization skills and enhancing physical mobility. Therefore, the kindergarten program that you select is critical to your child’s later performance in the classroom. However, parents must address the distractions made by today’s technology, as well. In the past, parents only needed to veer children away from the TV screen. However, children are exposed to more than one display today. Like adults, they can become almost mesmerized when gazing at electronic devices. This can take away from their attention span, as far as group participation and off-screen learning. Therefore, in this respect, parents need to establish clear boundaries for their children about screen use for the newer technologies. One of the ways that this can be done is to involve children in hands-on activities. It is important to cultivate a child’s imagination. So, he or she should use non-electronic media and toys to avoid electronic reliance. Promote Independent Play If you want to avoid excess electronic use, then you need, as a parent, to promote independent play in your children. However, that does not mean that you should serve as your child’s monitor in this respect. You can subtly make your point known by adding hands-on toys and accessories for your child’s playtime. Another way to inspire more creative expression is to read to your child at night. This will not only help and encourage your child to learn to read but it also very effectively engages their imaginations. Another good idea could be to encourage your kids to listen to podcasts and audiobooks to direct them to learning activities on electronics. Work with the Curriculum Director at Your Child’s Kindergarten Talk to the curriculum director at an international kindergarten in Bangkok about screen-time concerns. That way, both of you can work in sync to avoid the wrong types of on-screen activities. As you know, your child has access to a variety of screen types in today’s mobile society. For instance, your child may occupy his or her time by looking at your mobile phone or by watching movies on a tablet. Sometimes, computer games take up a child’s time or games that are not as computerized. As long as your child is using their electronics for creative, or educational then the occasional recreational game should by no means out of the question. How much time a child looks at a screen will depend on the nature of the electronic, as well as the activity. Is Your Child Overweight? When children spend too much time playing computer games, then this can leave them with less time for physical activities and can end up gaining weight and having problems with obesity as a result. Therefore, the use of today’s electronics must be carefully moderated. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), excessive use of media can lead to a number of behavioral problems and disorders. These conditions can surface in the form of the following: Eating disorders Problems with sleep Problems with learning in school Weight gain The reasons above is why it is important that the kindergarten and parents work at creating a balance in a child’s life. Doing so will increase a child’s chance to socialize, play outside, read, or create imaginative scenarios. What Is Meant by “Excessive”? Given that most everyone uses some type of electronic today, you may be wondering what defines “excessive.” Indeed, this can be hard to define, as kids use electronic to play video games, text on the phone, socialize on social media, and play handheld games. You can easily say that use is too much if it interferes with a child’s other activities. If your child is suffering from sleep issues or has problems with socializing with the kids in his kindergarten class, you may have a problem on your hands. Before you have to face any of these dilemmas, it is important to set screen limits now and not wait. Why should you set boundaries when your child’s behavior is unacceptable? The best way to instill the right behavior from your child is to set a good example yourself. If you want to set limits, you also have to set your own limits in this respect. A child will find it difficult to understand a parent who constantly uses the computer themselves. Set Limits with Your Child To limit your child’s use of electronic, set specific days and times when viewing a screen is off-limits. This might be imposed after dinner or when friends visit at your house. This helps a child learn the etiquette involved in using electronics. After all, it is rude for child to stare at a screen when guests are in the house. Also, take note of what your kids are doing with those screens. You may need to learn more about the video games that draw their attention and actually play one yourself. You need to take a proactive stance. Otherwise, you will not be able to communicate your wishes adequately. It is also important to promote variety when your child does play a game. Direct your child’s attention so he engages in more than one activity and more than one type of activity to ensure they develop a wide range of physical, mental and logic skills. Convey Your Concerns When you establish the rules, speak to your kids about your concerns. Tell them that it is important to be reasonable about how much time they spend on an electronic. They should understand the negative results of spending too much time on one activity. The idea is to be vigilant while also being flexible. Whatever rules you outline, stick to your guidelines. Let your kids know what rules they need to follow. Also, as your children grow, learn to adapt to the changes of the technology. That way you can adjust the rules

Few desires are more universal or inspiring than that basic drive to ensure that we bequeath to our children a better world and future than we have enjoyed ourselves. No matter who you are or what your socio-economic, political, or cultural background may be, that goal remains a constant across the whole of the human equation. Our children are the best hope for the future, and so making sure that they have the best chance at the brightest future possible is the first, most important and, indeed, proudest duty of any parent. Today more than ever, a bright future means one that includes college. Competition for jobs is fiercer than ever before – and that’s among college graduates with a Bachelor’s degree. Without a BA, your child could find themselves shut out of the jobs they need to advance in life. With competition for jobs ever fiercer, so too is competition for university fiercer than ever before. Parents start preparing their children from a young age. Increasingly, the first step towards graduation at a good university is enrolling your child in preschool. But how old is old enough to get them enrolled? One of the most important things to remember is that there isn’t one answer to the question of when your child is ready for preschool. Every child is different. Their strengths, weaknesses, their personalities, and the rate at which they mature will be different. What’s right for your friend’s toddler might not be right for yours, and vice versa. You thus want to take all of the proceeding remarks with a grain of salt, and apply them to your child’s personal needs. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most prominent factors that you’ll want to consider when determining the right age to start applying for preschools for your children. Level of Independence One of the most important factors to consider when determining whether or not your child is ready for preschool is determining how independent they are. Development will be seen as a gradual progression, initially when spending time separated from their parent, it is perfectly natural and to be expected that they will cry for you to return. However children are not made of glass and will recover from this experience as they learn to enjoy and have fun with their peers. In addition, you want to make sure that your child is more physically independent as well. Accidents do happen and some skills, like potty training, are learned by some children much faster than others, and that is perfectly okay. Our preschool teachers are generally trained to deal with emergencies and accidents, and will be happy to help their students by changing diapers to help them recover from such incidences and support their progress through potty training. Social Readiness That said, we’ve just skipped past one of the other major determinants of preschool readiness – sociability. For many children, preschool is their first experience of not just being around a large group of other kids, but interacting with them. You thus need to make sure that your child is ready for that. While some children are naturally more outgoing with others, and there is nothing wrong with that, you’re going to want to make sure that this experience won’t be too overwhelming for your child. If interacting with other children gives your child a severe case of anxiety, they simply may not be ready for that kind of social environment yet. This does not have to be a bad thing, nor does it have to get in the way of their gaining an education at a young age. You can homeschool them for a bit while preparing them emotionally and socially for preschool. That said, your child should ideally be ready to work in groups and feel at least semi-comfortable around new children by the time that they start preschool. It’s OK if they aren’t a social butterfly – again, all kids are different, and preschool teachers are specially trained to respond to different kids’ needs, including those on the shier side. Of Schedules and Stamina One of the most important things to consider when deciding if your child is ready for preschool is whether or not they are up to the physical and emotional strain of a day away at school. Given our adult perspective, it can be easy to see a day at preschool as easy and non-strenuous. That being said, for your child, it’s likely to be the first time that they are going to spend a significant amount of time away from you. In addition, it is also likely to be the first time that they’ll have to follow a set schedule. With both of those firsts, you want to make sure that your child is ready for both of those milestones. This means making sure that they have the patience as well as stamina to deal with all of this. Your child may be crying that they’re tired halfway through the school day and refusing to budge an inch, all of which is perfectly natural and to be expected initially. In addition, you’ll want to make sure that your child is able to listen to other adults besides yourself. This is something that can take some getting used to for children, since they’ll often be so used to listening to their parents as the primary authority figure in their lives that another voice can be confusing and some resistance to this change is to be expected. Having all of these factors in place is essential to making sure that your child is preschool-ready. Getting Ready for Admissions So, all of this leads us back to the initial question – how old should your child be before you start considering seeking admission into a preschool? Keeping in mind once more that all children are different, our approach is that 18 months old is a good age at which to begin to think about this. This

Kids are natural creators, and when left to their own devices, they’ll come up with new games and activities on the fly. Creativity is essential for people of all ages, and developing a sense of imagination at a young age paves the way for healthier, more intelligent kids. It strengthens critical thinking and problem solving skills, and it can even boost a child’s emotional intelligence and help them cope with stress. Below are some ways that parents can support their child’s creative flow and keep it alive over time. 1. Foster a Creative Environment Your child doesn’t need a fully furnished art studio, but they should have a space in the home specifically for exploratory play and creating. This could be a corner in the living room that has arts and crafts supplies or an entire playroom where they can build, draw, and play make-believe. Rather than worrying about the area being huge, parents should focus more on making a space where their child is in charge of the creative process. This is meant to be a place where kids can get messy and unleash their ideas. 2. Get Back to Basics Children don’t need state-of-the-art supplies, and they don’t expect them either. Legos, PlayDough, Lincoln Logs, and scrap or construction paper will do the trick. Even in underdeveloped countries, kids find ways to play games and make things with random objects around the house. It’s amazing what children come up with while playing with such basic items as leaves, tissue paper, and pipe cleaners. Depending on a child’s interests, they may prefer to play with building blocks, coloring books, or mom and dad’s old clothes. 3. Encourage Unstructured Playtime The creative process doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and sometimes setting a schedule for art or playtime can cramp kids’ style. Instead, try getting artsy in various settings and at different times of day. A child might enjoy helping out with dinner prep or working in the garden. An impromptu romp in the snow or leaf collecting are fun outdoor activities that can awaken kids’ imaginations without being structured playtime. It’s important for children to realize that thinking outside the box isn’t just for playtime, but it can be applied to all sorts of everyday situations. 4. Engage the Five Senses Art isn’t just about what people see; the five senses can play a crucial role in creativity and imagination. At mealtimes, parents can prompt their children about the food on their plates – what it tastes, smells, and feels like. Which foods have similar qualities? What other dishes could be made with those ingredients? Another idea is taking kids to a new location, such as an art museum, park, library, or community center. Looking at paintings or reading books can help children imagine new worlds and distance lands. Engaging the five senses helps them get a better picture of these new places, and their creativity will soar. 5. Talk About It The more parents know about their child’s creative process, the more they can help with it. Ask kids questions about their favorite time or place to play, and try to incorporate that more into daily life. Sometimes it’s useful to have a sketchbook handy that can travel with kids when they go to the library, park, or school. They can write down ideas and inspiration down and go over it with their parents at the end of the day. It’s a great way for both parent and child to be on the same page and work together on bringing out their full creative potential. 6. Approach a Different Way of Thinking Creativity and problem-solving skills go hand-in-hand, so parents can use art and playtime to boost their child’s critical thinking skills. Opportunities for this pop up throughout the day, such as when cooking, drawing, building with blocks or Legos, and reading books. While reading, parents can ask their children what they would do if they were in a character’s situation. Maybe kids can think of another way to achieve a similar result when playing with Legos. Or, they can imagine how their food would taste differently if they used other ingredients or spices. 7. Let Them Be the Boss It’s easy for parents to want to be involved in every aspect of their child’s life, but being a helicopter parent has its downsides. Constantly managing what kids do or how they approach a problem can limit their critical thinking skills and even discourage them from using their own imaginations. Just as unstructured playtime can be great for children’s creativity, so can stepping back and letting kids come to their own conclusions about how things work. Youngsters tend to deal with failure well, and they’ll often try to tweak their approach to get a different result. Step back and enjoy that learning process. 8. Include Their Hobbies and Interests Kids are much more likely to participate in games and activities if they focus on their own interests. Almost any hobby can be centered around art or creating, so parents should try to feed their child’s interests in an imaginative way. If they’re into dinosaurs, give them figurines and books about them. If their passion is music, listen to different genres with them and try crafting homemade instruments like drums, maracas, and a guitar. Some other possibilities include cooking, dancing, and sculpture. 9. Get Yourself Involved Children are like sponges, and they absorb what their parents do. They tend to follow in their footsteps. If they never see mom or dad participating in creative activities, they might be less likely to follow their own artistic pursuits. By joining their kids in dress-up, coloring, building blocks, or make-believe, parents form a closer bond with their children and reawaken their own creative spirit. It’s a win-win for everyone. These nine tips can bring more joy and fun to everyday life while increasing kids’ confidence and social skills. Being creative doesn’t only mean drawing pretty pictures and constructing Lego towers; it gives

A lot of people in today’s time do not realize just how important reading really is. Without the ability to read, getting through daily life would be significantly more difficult. This is one of the many reasons why it is crucial that you teach your children how to read from a young age. Even if your child is very young, building the foundations for reading in your child’s head can do a lot for your child’s future. Thankfully, there are many things that you can do to strengthen those foundations in young child’s mind. Even something as simple as talking to your child as he or she learns to read can be beneficial in the long run. As your child approaches school age, there are even more things that you can do for him or her. Not only will you be able to have a thoughtful, or at least semi-thoughtful discussion, about what was in the text, you will also be able to help your child advance by associating reading with good things. For instance, reading a recipe with your child can lead to you making a delicious batch of cookies that your child can have as a reward for reading and understanding a recipe. These are just a few of the things that you can do to help encourage your child to read. What Can You Do for Young Readers? You can begin teaching your child how to read from a very young age, even as young as two or three years old. Of course, you shouldn’t expect substantial progress at this age but it will still help your child make connections and build the foundations necessary for learning how to read in school. Young children often have a harder time with reading for a number of reasons. Focus is often one of the largest problems that parents have with young children. However, there are a few ways that you can fix this issue. Talk to Your Child Even if your child is not old enough to really form coherent sentences, it is important to talk to your child. This will help your child develop verbal skills as your child will be able to watch and hear you talk. When you do this, you should talk in simple and short sentences to make it easier for your child to understand. You should also talk about things that your child is experiencing as well, such as what the child is doing, the environment around you and your child, and the objects in the environment. You can also consider singing songs and poems that have repetitive sounds and rhyme schemes in them. This repetition will be easier for your child to pick up and it will help your child understand a little bit more about speaking and eventually reading. Read with Your Child While some people might not see the point in doing this as your child is far too young to understand the words and comprehend the story, it is important to do it quite often. Even reading a book for 30 minutes a day can help your child out as he or she will be able to watch how it’s done. There are some simple yet important ideas that your child will be able to grasp even if he or she doesn’t understand the words being said. For example, your child will be able to see that you typically read from left to right and from the top of the page down to the bottom. When you run your index finger under the words, your child will eventually be able to grasp the idea that those printed letters on the page actually have a meaning. As he or she gets better at reading, you can interact a little bit more and ask him or her to identify letters and sounds as you read. This also helps your child develop good reading habits, which will become very important when your child reaches school age. What Can You Do for School-Age Children? As your child reaches the age where he or she can go to school, such as preschool or kindergarten, you can breathe a little bit of fresh air. After all, teachers will generally take care of some reading activities in class, which will help your child out in the long run. With that being said, when your child returns home from school, you should still encourage reading. There are still many things that you can do. In fact, there are even more things that you can do now that your child has some level of comprehension. From reading with your child and asking your child about the content of their book to being able to establish a set reading time, there is so much that you can do to encourage a school-age child to read. Talk About Reading One of the best things you can do to encourage a school-age child to read is to talk about reading. You can establish a reading time, even if it’s as short as ten minutes a day, to help your child get a little bit of experience in. During that allotted reading time, you can ask your child to take notes about what he or she is reading. Once your child has done this, you can talk to your child about the book. Not only will this bolster your child’s reading comprehension skills but this can also be good for your child as well. If he or she is reading an enjoyable book, there’s a good chance that your child will be happy to talk about it with you. You can also consider asking your child to read aloud. Reading aloud is a little more difficult than reading to yourself. This means that when you get your child to read aloud, you are ultimately helping his or her reading skills. If you decide to ask your child to read aloud, you should consider giving your child praise and open up discussions

When it comes to taking care of preschoolers, there’s a lot that you have to consider. After all, preschool is a tumultuous time for everyone involved. Your child will be transitioning from being an infant to being of school age. You will be transitioning from handling an infant to slowly helping your child understand how to take care of himself or herself. One of the most important things that you will need to teach your child is personal hygiene. A lot of people don’t think about it too much but everyone has learned to clean up after himself or herself from someone. Now it is your turn to teach your child how to clean up after himself or herself. Personal hygiene can include many different areas such as using the bathroom, using toilet paper, and washing hands. These are all crucial skills that your child will need to know in life, making it all the more important that you know how to teach your preschooler. When your preschooler is not, well, at preschool, it can do wonders when you take it upon yourself to help your child learn personal hygiene. By understanding what to do and how to teach your child, you can rest assured knowing that your child will get the hang of it before you know it. With this being said, knowing a few tips on how to help your child is always a good thing. Patience As many children’s stories say, patience is a virtue. Arguably one of the most important things you will need when teaching your children about personal hygiene is patience. In the beginning, as your children ask you for help wiping and washing, you might feel frustrated that you have to do this for them. Being a parent is no easy task and it is often tiring. However, if you are tired and accidentally snap at your child for asking for help, nothing good will happen. In fact, there’s a good chance that you will have to deal with a meltdown from your child, which will end up taking even more time. Nobody wants this to happen. Even if it’s the third or fourth time that your child has yelled across the house that he or she is done using the bathroom and needs help, sometimes all that you as the parent can do is grit your teeth and act calm about it. Depending on how mature your child is, you could consider telling him or her that you will be there as soon as you can but also mention that nagging will end up making you take longer. This will not only give you a little bit of breathing room when it comes to dealing with an impatient preschooler but it can also help establish the idea that sometimes you just have to wait for people. Keep Yourself Supplied Since the majority of kids who are of preschool age don’t quite understand how important patience is, there’s a pretty good chance that they won’t be too happy about waiting for you to come help them. This is especially the case when you have to grab extra toilet paper, wet wipes, or hand soap every time your preschooler uses the bathroom. Making your kids wait will overall make it more difficult for them to learn for themselves as they will simply become impatient. This is not good for your children. Thankfully, this problem is pretty easy to solve. All you really have to do is make sure that you have extra hand soap, wet wipes, toilet paper, and other similar supplies on hand with you. You could store this stuff under the sink, in a drawer, or even just in a closet. As long as it is easy to get and won’t keep your impatient child waiting, it will be good. Make it Enjoyable This tip ties in directly with the last one. When you run out of bathroom supplies, you could consider bringing your kid with you when you go shopping for them. For example, you could tell your child that you are going on a hunt for the supplies and you can ask the child to “help” you find the supplies. While you probably know where the supplies are, it will make it an enjoyable experience for your child. When your child has fun picking out bathroom supplies, it can easily lead to your child associating good things with the bathroom. This can ultimately help your child get better at personal hygiene. In addition to bringing your child with you to pick up various types of bathroom supplies, you can also consider other methods, such as singing a song with your child as he or she washes up. Not only will your child be able to enjoy singing a fun song but this will help your child get a better grasp on how long he or she should be spending when washing his or her hands. Plus, it can often come as a proud parenting moment to hear your child singing this song alone as he or she washes hands without any guidance from you. Offer Incentives Children, especially young ones, love being rewarded for doing things. As most parents probably don’t enjoy washing and wiping up after children, you could try offering incentives for when your child cleans up on his or her own. For instance, some parents will consider putting a token in a jar every time the child washes and wipes up on his or her own. Once that jar is full of tokens, you can reward your kid with something that he or she enjoys. This could be going out to get some ice cream or it could mean a small shopping trip where your child can pick something out. These incentives should help motivate your child a little more to clean up while also making him or her more eager to do it again in the future. Praise Your Child In addition to offering incentives

Obesity is a growing problem in most developed countries. While adults are getting bigger, a growing number of children are considered overweight or obese. This problem stems from a combination of poor nutrition and a lack of physical activity. In the classroom, teachers help develop the minds of young children. However, school is also a suitable setting for physical development. In fact, it may be necessary for children to engage in physical activity at school. Most Children Do Not Get Enough Physical Activity Most children do not get the amount of physical activity recommended for their age. The typical recommendation is that children should engage in physical activity for 60 minutes each day. What is considered physical activity? Almost any outdoor activity is considered physical activity, especially for younger children. Simply playing a game of pass the ball can provide toddlers with the physical activity needed to maintain healthy muscles and promote motor skills. Other outdoor activities include cycling, swimming, and any outdoor sport. Primary school offers the perfect setting for this activity. Children receive time to play in the school field each day. Instead of sitting on picnic benches, children should be active during this outdoor period. Provide 30 Minutes of Physical Activity at School How much activity do children need in school? If children should get 60 minutes of physical activity each day, it makes sense that they should spend about 30 minutes engaging in physical activity at school each day. Children spend at least half of their waking hours at school. Toddlers should get 11 to 14 hours of sleep, while children up to 5 years should get 10 to 13 hours. Even teenagers still need up to 10 hours of sleep each night. Depending on the amount of sleep a child gets, they may only spend about 12 to 14 hours awake. They may not have enough time in the afternoon to get 60 minutes of physical activity. Teachers and school staff should strive to provide 30 minutes of physical activity during the school day. It is then up to the parents to ensure that the children receive the remaining 30 minutes of activity after school. Children are often full of energy. Some children may even find it difficult to concentrate when they are still energized. Providing 30 minutes of outdoor playtime may help these children focus on their studies and remain more engaged in their learning. Choosing Physical Activities for School Children Educators need to understand that not all children have the same interests. Teachers should offer students a variety of activities to encourage more physical activity. Instead of playing the same game or sport each day, consider using a rotating selection of activities. You may even allow the children to vote for their favourite activities to ensure that every child has the chance to provide his or her input. Benefits of Physical Activity for School Children Why is it essential for children to receive enough physical activity? Playing physical games is useful for more than developing better fitness. Physical activity can also assist with mental development. By engaging in physical activities, children can develop their motor skills, cognitive skills, and communication skills. Playing games outdoors also provides children with the chance to learn important new skills. It may also help to build their confidence and develop stronger social skills. When introduced at a young age, these skills will be a tremendous help throughout the rest of their schooling. Physical activity also helps to improve coordination. Toddlers are not very coordinated. Spending more time running around and playing games can help them build stronger muscles, bones, and coordination. Along with these benefits, physical activity promotes better health. Children that get enough exercise tend to sleep better, experience less anxiety, and maintain a normal weight for their age and height. Physical Activity Promotes Stronger Brains Using up physical energy also helps with concentration. Children are in a better state of mind for learning after spending a short period outdoors. Physical activity also increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. Improving this blood circulation helps the brain create new cells, improving overall cognitive function. Children that get enough exercise may experience greater concentration, memory, and overall brain function. Studies show that children who exercise regularly tend to perform better in school. They are better equipped to learn new skills and focus on their studies. How to Include More Physical Activity in Your School? If your school does not already offer a wide assortment of activities for children during recess, there are ways to include more options. The first step is to ensure that the school field and play areas are clean, maintained, and suitable for outdoor play. Keep the grass trimmed, get rid of weeds, and install proper fencing around the schoolyard. Your school should also invest in suitable sports equipment. Ensuring that children have the equipment necessary to play various sports is essential for promoting physical activity. When you have more options available, a greater number of children are willing to participate in these outdoor games. Schools also need to ensure that children have the time to play outdoors. Offering 15-minutes of outdoor play early in the day along with 15-minutes in the afternoon may not offer enough exercise. These 15-minutes likely include the process of taking the children outside and bringing them back to the classroom. To meet the 30-minute recommendation, you may need to provide a couple 20-minute recesses during the school day. Last Thoughts on Physical Activity in Schools The bottom line is that most children do not receive the amount of physical activity recommended for their age. Children between 5 and 18 should spend at least 60 minutes playing a sport or engaging in the moderate physical activity. Everything from chasing each other around the field to playing a sport can help children get the activity they need to reduce their risk of obesity and encourage healthier minds and bodies. Create a plan to ensure that children have

Children learn rapidly during their early years of development. This is especially true during the crucial age range of three to five years old. During these early years, young minds are growing and becoming more aware of the world and their surroundings. Playing outdoors provides the perfect environment for children to explore and learn. They can begin developing important skills that they will need later in life. Outdoor activities can offer a hands-on experience that is ideal for exploring these skills. The following information explains the benefits of outdoor play and how it can be used to develop a wide range of skills. Key Areas of Childhood Development Childhood educators often focus on three key areas of development. These areas include personal, physical, and communication development for children. Physical development for children involves developing hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and the overall health of the child. Personal development is more complex and includes emotional and social skills. A lot of the curriculum taught at preschools and kindergarten revolves around communication development. Teachers want to help children develop their abilities with various language and communication skills, including math, literacy, and the arts. While outdoor activities and group play are the optimal settings for developing personal and physical skills, these activities may also assist with communication and language skills. Outdoor Activities for Math Outdoor activities may offer the chance to learn numbers and work on counting skills. These objectives are important for children between the ages of three and five. There are also many different objects that you can find outdoors for children to count. You can have children count rocks, leaves, trees, or any other object that they spot. You may even have them count birds or squirrels. Another option is to have the children collect objects, such as leaves or small stones. After collecting the objects, have the children arrange them on the ground and count them out. You may also count steps. When walking a short distance, count each step. Count to ten and then repeat the process. Combining the collection of objects and counting steps, you can create an outdoor scavenger hunt. Bury several small toys or objects. Create a map that indicates the number of steps from your back door to each treasure. Your child needs to count the number of steps to find the hidden objects from the treasure map. Outdoor Activities for Literacy The outdoors also provides a great setting for story time. Instead of reading indoors, go outside and enjoy the fresh air. The outdoor environment is not as formal as the inside of a classroom. The openness may help shy readers take part in reading the story. With the freedom of open space, you can also encourage children to act out parts of the story. Allow children to stage their own mini-plays based on the stories that you read or reenact their favourite parts of the story. Outdoor Activities for the Arts Outdoor play can also help encourage children to express their artistic side. Allow children to be creative and inquisitive. They can use their surroundings for imaginative play and ask questions about the things that they see. For example, a tree trunk may be the throne for a king or queen and a learning resource. You can explain how trees add layers of wood to the trunks each year. When the tree is cut, the visible rings can be used to count the age of the tree. Each dark ring represents one year. Allow the children to help you count the rings, providing the chance to work on numbers and counting. The outdoors is also a fantastic place for arts and crafts. It is often easier to clean up a mess when you are outdoors and do not need to worry about getting paint and other debris on the floor. Outdoor Activities for All Types of Development Many of the activities discussed can help with the development of communication skills. Having the children take turns reading a book during story time helps children with public speaking. However, there are other ways to combine physical, personal, and communication development outdoors. Playing outdoor games may help teach communication, teamwork, math, literacy, and more. Examples include hopscotch, hide and seek, races, rock stacking, pass the ball. Hopscotch helps develop muscles and math skills. Depending on the age of the children, you may need to make the hopscotch grid small so that they can safely jump from one number to the next. Hide and seek is useful for developing social and cognitive skills. However, it should only be played in secure areas where children cannot wander off. Racing is a great way to develop muscles. You can even make it a team activity by having the children compete in relay races with a toy as a baton. However, instead of running, the children should walk from the starting line to the finish line. Rock stacking helps to promote better motor skills and visual judgment. Children can stack flat rocks on a table or the ground to see how many they can stack before the rocks tumble over. You should also have the children count the rocks as they stack to help with their counting skills. Pass the ball is another simple outdoor activity that encourages teamwork, communication, and dexterity. Use a large inflatable ball that the children easily handle with both arms. Have the children stand in a circle and hand the ball over to each other, instead of trying to throw the ball. How Much Time Should You Spend Outdoors? The typical recommendation is for children under five to get about three hours of activity each day. The physical activity may include running, playing in a sand pit, or any other outdoor activity that requires physical movement. These activities help to strengthen muscles and the brain. Whether you are a teacher or a parent, you should understand the importance of outdoor play. Children do not need to spend all their time indoors. Consider using some