Kids Archives - Foreign policy

When It’s The Right Time To Get Your Child A Smartphone

Published on December 8, 2020

Since the advent of technology, parenting has become more comfortable. Whenever the children are crying or causing trouble, parents often hand them their smartphones and get busy with their work. Yes, technology has resolved many issues not only for parents but also for children. But it has caused irreparable damage too.

Smartphones have created a smart age where people are glued to their phones for the longest time. Humans have certainly become overly reliant on their phones. Whether it is about having a conversation with someone or remembering things to do, the smartphone does everything.

Nonetheless, it is essential to realize that smartphones have intruded on private spaces and disrupted socialization. When it comes to children, parents have to decide the right age to provide smartphones to their children.

Children and smartphones

Nowadays, you can see smartphones in the hands of most children. Some of them even have high technology gadgets. Most of the studies show that children spend 70% of their day viewing or playing electronic devices.

The screen time that children spent on smartphones poses several harmful effects on their bodies and minds. Even adults can be seen dealing with a lot of diseases and disorders due to smartphones.

Till six years of age, children’s brain functioning can be molded in any form. The most dangerous thing with excessive use of smartphones is that there is no bar on what to watch and what not to.

Parents are not aware enough of the harmful effects of smartphones on their children. Many applications like Youtube have taken the initiative of introducing restrictions for smartphones being used by the kids. If you want to control smartphone of your child, check out this site.

Pros and cons of smartphone

Technology advancement only betters the functioning of society. However, excessive use of anything can be dangerous. Following a few points to explain how smartphones have positive as well as negative effects on children:

Pros

Children get to learn about new concepts and applications through smartphones.
There are several poems, stories, and lessons available on video; this can help children in enhancing their visual memory and learn quickly.
Smartphones help in enhancing the technical skills of children because they have seen the functions since birth.
They can get a classroom learning experience at home without using traditional books.
Parents can always keep in touch with their children and now their location to ensure their safety.

Cons

When children are given smartphones and tablets at an early age, they tend to get addicted. Researchers say that smartphone addiction is seen as a major problem amongst youngsters and school-going children.
Smartphone addiction can also lead to several mental health issues. This is also because children do not go outside to play anymore. Typically, they are stuck with their smartphones playing games online.
Excessive screen time can lead to headaches, fatigue, and other physical health problems. If significant attention is not paid to the children, such damage can become irreversible.

What do the researchers say?

Researchers have claimed that smartphones have done long term damage to children’s minds. It can be seen in their lack of attention and capacity to manage stress.

The experts have provided guidelines and manuals through their articles for parents to decide the time and age when smartphones should be provided to children. This is because smartphones have an internet connection. Everyone knows that the internet is a wild space where children can do anything and know about everything.

If the children are provided smartphones at an age when they are mature and smart enough to deal with the realities of life, it will benefit them and contribute to their future growth.

Harmful effects of the smartphone on children

There are various harmful effects of smartphones on children and adults. Since children start using them at a fragile age, they have a long term impact on their mental health.

Relationships

Smartphone addiction has harmed several relationships. Parents tend to leave their children with smartphones for hours. This results in the distance between them.

Considering the generation gap, parents must have conversations with their children from time to time to build a good and healthy relationship. Otherwise, the children will tend to indulge themselves on the internet more and more.

Poor academic performance

Children have to suffer academically often because they spend more time on smartphones than reading books and studying. From 1 to 6 years, children are at the risk of getting into bad habits.

Sitting for hours with the smartphone and playing online games without making time for family and themselves can lead to harmful effects. Lack of recreational activities leads to students performing poorly in academics. Things like drawing, playing outdoor games, and studying course books can lead to better academic performance.

Sleep disruptions and medical issues

Sleep is essential in the initial years of human life. Lack of proper sleep degrades the brain’s productivity. If children are busy playing online games, surfing through the internet, and talking to friends online, their sleep cycle gets affected.

This leads to several medical issues at an early age. Children are at significant risk of obesity and other illnesses. Moreover, this can have a substantial impact on their physical and mental health.

Which is the most suitable age?

Parents often think about when is the right time to give smartphones to their children. To determine their age, they need to strike a balance between the advantages and disadvantages of smartphones.

Usually, researchers and experts recommend that the perfect age of providing smartphones to children is 15 years, which is when children have attained puberty; hence they have a road ahead for maturity.

When the children are mature enough to understand what is good for them on the internet and what is harmful, they can protect themselves from the negativity.

How much is too much?

Parents have a clear understanding of how mature their children are. Most children request their parents to get smartphones because of peer pressure. But it must be the parents’ discretion to determine whether their children can handle all the risks of smartphones.

But while taking care that parents do not give smartphones to their children early, they also have to make sure that it is not too late. Parents can not always be scared; they have to show some trust and faith in them. Parents must realize how much is too much.

Age is just a number, and it is true. But parents need to see if their children are mature enough. If your child is not mature enough to deal with the realities of life, then smartphones will only have a negative impact on him or her.

After all, smartphones aren’t smart enough

Smartphones do not provide many restrictions because they do not have a demarcation between adults and children. The ideal age for children to get smartphones is 13 with supervision and 15 without any supervision from parents or guardians.

Even when the children are under the supervision of parents, there should be limited use of smartphones for children and adults. The parents should make regular checks if children are provided with smartphones before 13 years of age for education purposes.

The best way to decide when smartphones should be provided is by weighing all the factors that affect the children. If you can determine the necessity of a smartphone in your child’s life, then the decision will be much easier.

Kids Meals: Dinners for Kids

Published on September 17, 2020

Food/Kids

Are you running out of ideas for delicious, healthy, and quick dinners? Quiet! We have prepared a selection of ideal dinners, and complementary to the food, to find a balance between your tastes and your health. These children’s meals are suitable for the whole family. Still, if you want to have some other dinner ideas for kids, then this post on sparkous.com is for you.

When it comes time to plan the weekly menu for the kids, the headaches begin. For meals it is true that many families have the use of the school dining room, so they should not worry, but dinners … dinners are another story. Try to organize healthy dinners. That they do not take too long and that they are attractive for the little ones in the house is, on many occasions, a real odyssey. There are children who do not find it difficult to eat vegetables or fish, but for others, this is a real achievement, so parents have to figure out how to introduce these foods into their children’s diet in a way that is more palatable.

In order to help in this task, we have made a selection of children’s meals, specifically, healthy dinner recipes to offer resources and make it much easier. In this selection, there are dinners in which the main ingredient is vegetables, others in which the protagonist is fish, others where eggs predominate, in others legumes also reign, or pasta is the one that wins … that is, We have tried to offer a wide variety in which all the foods that the nutritional needs of the little ones in the house require are represented.

Purees, grilled, fried, roasted, soups, more classic preparations, and other more elaborate ones, but all suitable for ordinary cooks. And not only that, but we have also compiled tips for organizing and planning dinners, as well as recommendations on how babies should be fed and what they should not be missing from their diet. Planning children’s meals can be easier, you just need organization, patience, and a good repertoire of ideas that make things easier for us.

Another thing! Taking time to eat dinner is important, we can take advantage of this moment to talk as a family, listen to the children, and disconnect from daily work routines.

Dinners, with all these tips and recipes, will be easier and the time to sit down at the table to enjoy this moment of the day will be more pleasant. Take note and let the week begin, the table is set!

Pasta or rice with zucchini and Parmesan cheese

First, chop the zucchini into small pieces. Then sauté the chopped onion and zucchini in a pan with a little oil. Cook the rice or pasta in boiling water for a few minutes. In less than a quarter of an hour, you will have everything ready on the plate. Add a touch of salt and a pinch of grated Parmesan cheese. Delicious!

Tuna with peas

This is a very healthy and tasty second dish for children. If you have a bag of frozen peas in the fridge, take advantage of this idea. You will have to cook them for about ten minutes with a little onion, olive oil, and boiling water. When there are a few minutes left to finish cooking, add the tuna cut into cubes.

Zucchini Omelet

Cut the zucchini into medium pieces. Put a little oil in a pan and cook it for ten minutes after adding little oil and salt. Then beat the eggs and add them in the mixture. Some bread and voila!

Pasta with mushrooms

Mushrooms also cook in no time if they are thinly sliced (you can find them already cut and washed in the supermarket). Put them in a pot along with some oil, garlic, and parsley and let it boil. Drain the boiled water and put the mushrooms in a pot. If you want to reinforce the flavor even more, add chopped ham or small pieces of sausage. This is one of the best dishes for children.

Tortilla rolls

Eggs are always a great idea for quick dinners for kids. This time, in the form of a French omelet. It can be filled with mozzarella cheese, ham cubes, tuna in oil, or whatever we have in the fridge.

Chicken and avocado salad

If you already have a roasted chicken breast or if you have some baked chicken leftover from another day, add it to the typical mixed salad with avocado. The taste is fresh and delicious. You can add a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of salt.

Fried eggs

The first place in the ranking of quick dinners for children is disputed by fried eggs and spaghetti with tomato in equal parts. If you accompany it with a little fried tomato and a cube of white rice, as well as bread for dipping, the children will lick their fingers.

Wraps for children

The burritos, tacos, or wraps for children will give your quick dinner the special touch for the little ones in the house. These can be filled with healthy and nutritious ingredients, and the options of mix’n’match are plenty. Cheese, salad, tomatoes, carrots, combined with tacos of salmon, ham, or cooked chicken, are among the many options for its preparation.

Aperitif dinner

Children love to imitate their elders, and what better way than to do it with a varied appetizer? Cut cheese tacos, prepare some rolls of pork or serrano ham, cherry tomatoes with olive oil, carrot sticks, pitted olives, assorted bread, hummus, and French fries. You can even turn the appetizer into a snack-dinner if you get home a little before work.

Mini-pizzas

First, buy the ready-made pizza bases, everything will be easier. Cover the base with tomato, add a drizzle of oil and mozzarella to prepare some great margarita pizzas. You can add mushrooms, ham, or even an egg if the kids are really hungry. With just 5 minutes in the oven and a few minutes of gratin, you will have dinner ready.

Birthday Party for Child Gamers – 2020 Guide

Published on August 17, 2020August 17, 2020

Kids

Is your child an avid video gamer? Would you like him to have a memorable party with his friends? Well, you have come to the right place! Here, we will tell you the ingredients to whipping up a fun video game-themed party for your kid and his friends to enjoy.

Over the past decade, the number of video games has increased, and so do the number of children playing these games. Popular ones include Fortnite, Roblox and Minecraft, as they consist of people around the world playing together as one community, in an immersive environment. It’s much different than the games you have probably played before, and you would have so much to understand about it. Still, it’s worth the effort as hosting a party on something that your child likes will definitely help you and his bond even closer.

The basics of any party design and that apply to video game-themed parties too. You can incorporate all of their favorite games instead of tailoring the party to one specific game. You must know what your child likes in a game. Say, your child is a Roblox fanatic. You can get figurines from the ROBLOX online figurine store, and place them around the house or even create games out of them. Just don’t mess it up with LEGO figurines though. He might be enraged.

You can also make designs of common elements in games, such as potions and medkits, or even valuable in-game currency like coins and Fortnite V-bucks. They may be hard to get in the game but are very easy to make in real life, from a printout and cutting. You could even use chocolate coins! Making the party a little more Fortnite-y is possible. Instead of an average pinata, a Battle Royal Llama Pinata, filled with goodies, can be used, and the kids can strike it just like in Fortnite, for goodies to drop! Goodie bags for the attendees can be made into loot drops in Fortnite.

Mobs, or characters, are a very common sight in games. You could create origami out of them with your child, which increases the “gaming zone” mood. How about this Minecraft character, a creeper? This adorable mob is known for exploding stuff silently and is a trademark in the game itself. Or if it’s too hard to make it, you can just fold a cube into the signature Minecraft grass block!

Don’t forget about the food either! While the kids are gaming, they may want a quick sip of juice or spoonful of food. How about making a fruit punch called “Potion of Regeneration”? Or the Minecraft cake but in real life?

Speaking of real life, you can up the party with a twist: gaming in real life! If you are willing to splurge a little more on your child’s party, you can make it a real outdoor real-life gaming experience! Employing the use of NERF guns, your children can have a lot of fun blasting each other like they do in Fortnite. With an external organizer at a suitable price, children can play with chalk and smoke bombs to mimic the boogie bombs in a simulated Fortnite battlefield as shown by California Herald. This will definitely be more of an enriching experience rather than being limited to the screen.

If you’re like every other parent in America, your kids are playing Fortnite with dedication and downright tenacity. Fortnite has quickly become one of the most popular video games in America, and it’s already in your home.

Since its inception in 2017, Fortnite’s action-packed storyline and limitless sandbox playing field have captivated the minds of children everywhere – they think it’s the best thing since sliced bread! That’s why I decided to throw a Fortnite Party for my son, who turned 7 last week.

If you’re having a birthday party for your kids anytime soon, you should consider having a Fortnite-themed party – but if you don’t know the game very well (I didn’t), you may be wondering where to start gathering supplies and party decorations.

Here’s how I threw an awesome Fortnite birthday bash for my kids – let’s dive right in!

1. Purchasing the Right Equipment.

Throwing a Fortnite party can be a bit intimidating, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. I was intimidated at first, too – but I soon learned that the best place to start purchasing Fortnite-themed equipment was online.

You’ll need artillery, “boogie bombs”, a portable battle arena, a Fortnite coach, and protective eyewear (purchasing some safety goggles will suffice). Finding or creating all of these items may seem overwhelming but acquiring everything you need to throw a Fortnite party is surprisingly easy.

You can purchase Nerf Standard Elite Guns – they’re even Fortnite-styled, meaning that they mirror the look and feel of the blasters found in a game of Fortnite. Creating boogie bombs – one of Fortnite’s most famous weapons – is also an easy DIY project.

Similarly, crafting a portable battle arena to use involves finding an open area in the outdoors and transforming it into your child’s personal battlefield. This can be done using paintball bunkers, which provide cover from returning fire and make your open space feel like a Fortnite battle zone. A standard Fortnite party has nine bunkers to provide maximum protection.

If you’re having a Fortnite party, you need to hire a Fortnite Coach. He or she will serve as a second pair of eyes when you’re not looking, because it may be difficult for you to supervise your children while in the heat of the party. Hiring a specially trained Fortnite Coach can make all the difference between an accident or a fun day.

2. Enjoy It!

Now that you’ve gotten all of the equipment purchasing out of the way, there’s only one thing left to do – enjoy your Fortnite party! I was able to have an awesome birthday party for my kids by following the steps listed above, and I didn’t spend too much money either. Everyone had a great time, and my son enjoyed playing a real-life version of Fortnite with his friends almost as much as I enjoyed watching him have fun.

If you’re considering a birthday bash, find out if your child enjoys Fortnite – if they do, you may be able to give them a very special Fortnite Birthday.

After reading through this, how will you organize your kid’s birthday party? There are service providers like AirballingLA who provide novel entertainment like a Fortnite Party. One full of fun and excitement, one decorated well of gaming elements, or both? We will not know what you’re thinking, but what we hope is that we could play a part in making your child’s party a spectacular one!

A Guide to Teaching your Kids Fishing in 7 Steps

Published on April 7, 2020April 8, 2020

Kids/Parenting

With the hustles and bustles of daily life, it is important to take time and bond with your kids. One such activity is going outdoors and teaching them to fish. They will not only interact with the environment but also learn about values such as the preparation and patience that comes with fishing.

Our Guide to Teaching Your Kids To Fish

Prepare adequately

As with almost any activity you intend to perform, the planning stage can make all the difference between success and failure. The first thing you will want to ensure is optimal weather for fishing. Kids will better enjoy and learn fishing more enjoyably on a sunny and warm day. However, since fish are sensitive to weather changes, it is advisable to ask around from local fishers about the best time to fish, and the best bait to use. This will assist you in knowing what to carry on your fishing expedition. Even if you do not have experience fishing, it is an easy and fun activity you can undertake by reading some fishing for beginners guides or watching online videos. Furthermore, if you choose a popular fishing spot and you have the right gear, you and your kids can take the opportunity and learn from others.
Location

When teaching your kids how to fish, you want the experience to be both fun and memorable. This means that you do not want them getting so tired that they get bored with fishing. One way to make them enjoy the experience is by choosing a location that is easily accessible. Here are some good safety tips. An ideal location to fish with your kids is along the shore. This means they can distract themselves with other activities such as playing with sand and toys as they learn the craft. You can also motivate them by setting them up for success. This means choosing a location that is known to harbour fish, or where they can see tiny fish swimming. Kids generally do not have the patience to wait for too long without any tangible results. Therefore, setting them up to catch their first fish, even if small, will always be an amazing experience and they will find it fun and look forward to their next catch.

Equipment

When going fishing, the right equipment can mean the difference between a successful or frustrating outing. When choosing equipment, you will need to choose equipment that is specifically built to accommodate the needs of your child. This is because a young child may not be able to grapple with rod and reels designed for adults. You will likely have to invest in shorter small rods, and lighter reels. Click here for some great recommendations on kids fishing poles. This will ensure your kids do not suffer from fatigue, and they are also decorated with appealing characters. This is because when the bait is placed properly, the fish will bite.

Safety

While fishing is a fun activity, you will want to ensure you and your kids are safe. The way to do this is to pack and use life jackets. Even if you will not be fishing while on boats, this is a good angling behaviour to teach your kids. Just like the fishing equipment your child will be using for fishing, the life jacket should also be ideal for the fishing activity. This means that it should fit, be comfortable, and not restrict movement. In addition, it is important to choose steady fishing grounds and also be aware of your surrounding such as rocks that may be a hazard for your child. It is also advisable to fish on calm waters, and make sure they are not inhabited by fish species that may be dangerous or harmful.

Encourage your kids and be patient with them

If you already know how to fish, you may be frustrated at the pace your kids are learning how to do it, or even rather not enjoying it. However, teaching someone to fish can take time. The best way to get your kids interested in fishing is slowly easing them into the activity. Plan short fishing trips of an hour and less, and slowly increase the duration as they get interested in fishing. You should also take breaks when fishing to enjoy snacks as you foster the observation skills of your kids. You should be prepared for your child to make mistakes such as tangles, snags and backlashes when fishing. These mistakes are normal, and instead of showing frustration, encourage your kids and teach them it is normal part of learning. You should also encourage your child to talk about the experience you had with other family members as well as reeling about the pictures you took while fishing.

Make sure you are legal

Some areas may require a license to fish. On the other hand, there are some species of fish that you are not allowed to catch. It is important to check if you have the correct and make sure you follow the laid down procedures. While you are fishing, you will also need to adhere to proper environmental practices. By doing this, your kids will learn the importance of keeping the environment clean.

Have fun

When going fishing with your kids, you will need to set your priorities on what you want to achieve. Even if you are teaching them how to fish, you can also use this opportunity to have fun and bond with each other. Since there are many books and videos about fish, you can spend time looking at them and telling the difference between the various species. This will raise their curiosity and they will most likely be more eager and excited about your next fishing trip. The most important thing is to ensure your kids have fun, enjoy the experience, and get to learn a thing or two about fishing.

As we have seen, fishing can be a fun activity for your young ones if you do it right. It provides an avenue to have fun, bond and learn something about fishing. By doing it the right way, your kids will get to enjoy this activity, and they may even take it seriously in the future.

Is it Safe for Kids to Be Outside During the Pandemic

Published on April 2, 2020April 2, 2020

Coronavirus/Kids/Parenting

For the last few weeks, governments worldwide have been advising people to stay indoors to avoid the possibility of spreading the coronavirus. Some parents have been having concerns over how healthy it is for kids to spend their entire days enclosed inside their four walls.

For now, the safest solution for everyone is to remain indoors, but nothing can replace fresh air and outdoor activities. Kids are full of stamina and it is hard for them to tire themselves out in an enclosed space. Further, visiting the parks where the kids spent a large portion of their daily lives is not advised.

While some parents have the commodity of letting their kids play in their backyards and balconies, some fear even this form of going outside and prefer to keep their kids indoors for their safety.

Contagion is possible whenever we go outside, but opening your windows and letting the airflow in is very important. This is a unique time which we can spend with our kids, and we can compensate for everything by showing them love and kindness in these worrying times.