5 wonderful benefits of reading books to kids at night

 Hey readers, 

The activities your kids engage in before night may be the reason for their difficulty sleeping.

 Before going to bed, watching TV or playing video games may affect how well they sleep. 

The good news is that reading at night can ensure they sleep better and wake up feeling rested and ready to take on the day.

 Continue reading to learn more about the advantages of reading at night.

1. Bonding time.

Whatever their age, having you all to yourself during a bedtime reading gives your child a chance they might not otherwise have during the day.

A night-time book shared with your child when they're snuggly and ready for bed is the perfect time for cuddles, bonding, and making cosy memories that will last a lifetime.

2. It enhances attention. 

Why read to your kids?

Their focus will increase if they remain still and listen to a beautiful bedtime story!

Reading is much more complicated than watching TV, which makes it easier for the brain to strengthen and form new connections.

If a youngster reads frequently, paying attention to the story will aid in information retention.

3. Helps lower stress levels.

Reading-based stress reduction is just as helpful for children as for adults. 

Reading allows your child's imagination to wander to new locations and sends them on an adventure outside their surroundings. 

In adults, reading helps put our problems behind us and relaxes and loosens our muscles.

 In contrast, reading a bedtime tale while cuddling with a parent lowers cortisol levels in children, improving their ability to unwind and focus.

4. Expands their vocabulary.

Because it allows us to interact with others and our environment, communication is a vital life skill.

 Additionally, an extensive vocabulary significantly improves your capacity for communication. Numerous studies have also shown how reading expands vocabulary.

5. Helps build a routine.

Reading bedtime stories to your child fosters a passion for learning. Additionally, it aids your youngster in developing a reading regimen. 

Children must comprehend the significance of adhering to everyday routines. Even for adults, this promotes stability. Additionally, this will enhance their education and personality. 

Building a healthy routine that includes reading bedtime stories at the same time every day helps teach kids the value of time. 

These habits will undoubtedly alter and mature as they get older.

What do you think about reading to children at bedtime? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday photo 13/08/2023

 

We went on the road train at our local park and the boys loved it ☺ 

Malteser tiffin recipe.

Hey readers, 

A delectable chocolate traybake that doesn't require baking. Making beautiful Malteser tiffin are biscuits, Maltesers andchocolate. Check out the recipe below. 

 

Ingredients. 

* 200g milk chocolate. 

* 100g unsalted butter. 

* 2 tbsp golden syrup. 

* 125g digestive biscuits.

 

* 135g bag of Maltesers. 

For the topping. 

* 200g milk chocolate. 

* 25g unsalted butter. 

*1 tsp golden syrup.

Method.

1. Use baking parchment to line a 20 cm square baking pan.

2. Melt the 200g of chocolate, butter, and syrup in the microwave or over a saucepan of gently simmering water.

 Once almost completely melted, remove from the fire and stir gently until any last remaining chocolate specks are melted. Allow to slightly cool.

3. Place 35g of the Maltesers and the biscuits in a freezer bag, seal it, and pound with a rolling pin. A few tiny biscuit chunks are okay, but crumbs are what you want the most.

4. Stir the melted chocolate until everything is thoroughly coated before adding the crushed mixture and whole Maltesers (save 1 or 2 for yourself). Make the topping and press it into the prepared pan.

5. Melt the chocolate, butter, and syrup for the topping as before, then distribute it over the biscuit foundation.

6. Before cutting into squares, wrap the tin in foil or cling film and place it in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Enjoy. 

Cheers for reading X 

The benefits of meal planning.

 Hey readers, 

The idea behind meal planning is to organise your meals in advance. 

Meal planning can be done for a variety of reasons, and it is becoming more popular with the cost of living and people trying to save money where they can. 

What are the benefits  meal planning than? Well read more below to find out. 

1. Learn portion control.

You can monitor how much you actually consume if you plan your own meals. This also helps you avoid overeating at restaurants, which frequently provide portions that are far larger than you should be consuming.

2. Meal planning takes away indecisions.

Nothing is more annoying than checking everything in your kitchen cabinets while you wait for inspiration to strike over what to make, only to find that nothing jumps out.

Procrastination, which is never a good thing, and time wastage are both caused by indecision.

Instead of wasting time considering what to make, spend that time actually making the food so that you may spend more time later on doing something else you want to do.

When you have a meal plan, you may operate more automatically because the preparation and planning are already done, and you are likely to have the necessary time and ingredients. I'm sure you'll agree that it's lot simpler this way!

3. Saves money. 

It has been demonstrated that by scheduling your monthly meals at least a week in advance, you may significantly reduce your food expenses each month. Plan your meals and snacks in advance.

The cost of a takeaway dinner can often equal the cost of 4 home-cooked meals, which shows how expensive eating out has become. You can "repurpose" meals by using leftovers to make an entirely new dish when you learn how to cook at home. Double Discounts!

4. You will eat healthier.

Once you get the hang of meal planning, it will help you control your frequent hunger pangs and peckish feeling, which encourages you to buy canned and boxed foods that aren't the healthiest options. 

When you want to make the move to being healthier, it's important to eat nutritious foods. Making a meal plan in advance can help you decide what you will eat each day of the week and guarantee that the components are very nutritious.

5. Reduces stress.

You won't have to worry about what you will prepare or scramble to locate anything at the last minute if you write up a meal plan for the next week and stick it on your refrigerator. 

What to you think to meal planning? Is it something that you do? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday photo 06/08/2023

 

How to help your child start secondary school.

 Hey readers,

Starting secondary school can be an exciting but challenging time for children. 

As a parent, there are several ways you can help your child transition smoothly into this new phase of their education. Here are some tips:

1. Communication. 

Talk openly with your child about their feelings and concerns about starting secondary school.

 Please encourage them to share their thoughts and listen attentively to their worries.

 Assure them that it's normal to feel anxious and that you're there to support them.

2. Attend orientation events. 

Take advantage of any orientation programs or open days the school offers. 

These events allow your child to familiarise themselves with the school environment, meet teachers and staff, and connect with other students.

3. Visit the school beforehand. 

If possible, visit the school with your child before their first day.

 This will help them become familiar with the layout of the building, locate classrooms, and identify facilities like the cafeteria, library, and restrooms.

 It can also alleviate some of their anxiety about navigating a new environment.

4. Establish routines. 

Establish consistent practices and schedules to help your child feel organised and prepared.

 Plan regular bedtimes and wake-up times to ensure they get enough rest. 

Help them pack their school bag the night before and lay out their uniform or clothing for the next day.

5. Encourage independence. 

Secondary school often requires more freedom and responsibility from students. 

Please encourage your child to take ownership of their school-related tasks, such as organising their materials, completing homework, and managing their time.

 Teach them organisational skills and help them develop a system for keeping track of assignments and deadlines.

6. Foster social connections. 

Encourage your child to make new friends and build social relationships at their new school. 

Encourage participation in extracurricular activities or clubs that align with their interests. 

Remind them that many other students are also starting fresh and looking to make new friends.

7. Stay involved. 

Maintain open lines of communication with your child's teachers and stay engaged in their school life. 

Attend parent-teacher meetings, stay informed about their academic progress, and address any concerns or challenges that may arise. 

Showing interest and support will help your child feel more secure and motivated.

8. Monitor stress levels. 

Monitor your child's stress levels during the transition period. 

Please encourage them to talk about any difficulties they may be facing and offer guidance and reassurance. 

If you notice persistent stress or adjustment difficulties, consider contacting the school's counselling services or seeking professional support.

Remember, every child is different, and their needs may vary. Be patient, supportive, and understanding as your child navigates this significant transition. 

With your guidance and encouragement, they will gradually settle into their new school and thrive academically and socially.

Cheers for reading x 

How to make oobleak

Hey readers, 

Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid that is made from corn-starch and water. It is a fun and easy science experiment that kids of all ages can enjoy.

Here is how to make oobleck. 

Ingredients:

* 1 cup corn-starch. 

* 3/4 cup water. 

* Food colouring (optional). 

Method.  

1. In a large bowl, combine the corn-starch and water.

2. If you are using food colouring, add a few drops to the water before adding it to the corn-starch.

3. Stir the mixture together until it is smooth.

4. The oobleck is ready to play with!

Tips. 

* The amount of corn-starch and water you need may vary depending on the brand of corn-starch you use. Start with the measurements listed above and adjust as needed.

* If the oobleck is too dry, add a few drops of water. If it is too runny, add a little more corn-starch.

* You can add other ingredients to oobleck to change its properties. For example, you can add glitter, shaving cream, or soap bubbles.

* Oobleck can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Here are some fun things you can do with oobleck. 

* Throw it at each other.

* Make it into shapes.

* Roll it around in your hands.

* See how it reacts to different forces, such as gravity, pressure, and temperature.

Experiment with different colours and textures.

* Oobleck is a great way to learn about the properties of fluids and have some fun at the same time. So what are you waiting for? Go make some oobleck today!

Cheers for reading X