H E A LT H I N A M I N U T E FOR MOMS
7 Types of Extracurriculars for Children As children grow, it becomes necessary for them to explore different clubs and organizations, which offer experiences that will help them make friends, gain new skills, and oftentimes, determine their trajectory for years to come.
Avoiding Parking Lot Peril
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Sports: From football and soccer to cheerleading and softball, sports are certainly a great way to keep kids physically active and build self-esteem.
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Volunteering: Even the youngest children can get something out of volunteering. Kiwanis organizations are a good place to start and can help build skills such as leadership and communication.
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Scouting: Boy or Girl Scouts can start your child on the path to becoming a well-rounded adult. These groups provide kids with the chance to learn new skills and create friendships.
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Academic: Not only do academic clubs give children the opportunity to grow and learn, they can also help them explore areas of interest that may shape their future.
ESTABLISH RULES. Lay down ground rules for your child. These
Music & Arts: Unleash your child’s creative side by exposing them to the arts. From dance to singing and painting, this could be the outlet they need to express themselves.
see your child practicing safety measures, and consider keeping a sticker chart in the car for immediate gratification.
Agricultural: Clubs such as 4-H are perfect for kids that are interested in plant and animal sciences. Here, they will gain knowledge while making new friends.
PRACTICE. If your child’s behavior has become a serious safety
Religious: Help your child learn more about their faith in religious clubs. These can be social or educational, and many of them include invaluable community service opportunities.
BE A ROLE MODEL. Pay close attention when walking to and
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Did you know that 50,000 crashes happen in parking lots and garages each year? On top of risks such as potholes, debris, poor lighting, or slippery conditions, there are also distracted drivers constantly coming and going. Add to the mix a child, and parking lots can seem loaded with danger. Follow these guidelines to keep your children safe.
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can be anything from never playing around parked cars, holding onto your hand or the cart, and only walking – not running – in parking lots. REWARD GOOD BEHAVIOR. Offer up plenty of praise when you
BUT ALSO GIVE CONSEQUENCES FOR MISBEHAVIOR. Let your
child know if they do something unsafe, and go back to the car for a brief time-out if necessary. concern, take some practice trips where you don’t need to carry anything to or from the car. Use a parking lot that isn’t overcrowded, and review the rules before getting out of the car. from the car, and avoid texting or talking on the phone in order to set a good example.