Helping Kids Avoid Holiday Overstimulation

 

The holidays are a magical time of year for children, with fun events and activities, not to mention toys and gifts. While some children do just fine during this time of year, for others, the family parties, sugary treats, and influx of new toys can be too much. If you know that your child is one who is easily overwhelmed, you can take steps to keep things calm during the holidays.

 

• Maintain your routine. Children thrive on routines, so try to keep your days as “normal” as possible during the holidays. Eat meals at regular hours and keep up with nap times and sleep schedules. Doing so can help provide structure for children so that they don’t feel anxious or overwhelmed.
• Avoid overstimulating toys. When buying toys for your children, go for those that don’t light up, talk, or move on their own. These electronic toys can be overstimulating for many children. Consider toys that require imagination or movement, or offer the gift of an experience that’s appropriate for the child.
• Keep desserts and treats to a minimum. When you are at parties or family events, keep an eye on what your child is eating. With dessert tables and bowls of candy readily available, some kids will try to push the limits. By monitoring how much sugar they consume, you can help keep them from becoming overstimulated. 
• Allow time for breaks. Holiday parties are fun for adults, but maybe not so much for kids. When bringing your children to a holiday party, be prepared with ways for them to have some downtime. You can go for a walk outside for a break, bring fidget toys, or let them have a blanket or lovey to bring them security.
• Know when to call it a day. If overstimulating situations end up getting the best of your kids, feel free to excuse your family and head home—your hosts will appreciate it. For older kids who might not act out but still feel anxious, create a code word so you’ll know when they’ve had enough.

 

Keep Your Family On Track At School

With the school year well underway, students have had their fair share of assignments and assessments. And while they may have started the year energized and ready to learn, at this point, some of the excitement may have worn off. You can keep your children on track at school by putting these supports in place at home.

 

Create a homework zone.

Make sure you have a dedicated space for children to complete their homework and study for tests. Some children need a quiet space for schoolwork, while others prefer to work with some background noise. Stock the area with appropriate school supplies, like pens, scrap paper, or a computer charger.

 

Show interest in assignments and grades.

Ask your children what they are learning in school, check that they are doing their homework, and help them study for tests. Some children may need very little hand-holding, while others will need more frequent monitoring to hold them accountable.

 

Stay in touch with their teachers.

Teachers often send home weekly communications or updates before big assignments. Read these emails promptly and check in with your children as needed. If your child is having trouble understanding what is being taught, reach out to the teacher (or, for older children, have them send an email) to request additional help.

 

Ensure they get enough sleep.

Studies show that children who get the recommended amount of sleep perform better in school, achieving higher test scores and better grades. Elementary school students need nine to 12 hours of sleep per night, while middle- and high-schoolers should aim for eight to 10 hours of sleep a night.

 

Praise a job well done.

When your child does well on a test or completes a challenging project, let them know you are proud of them! Your words will make them feel good and build their confidence. This can help to motivate them to keep up the good work and improve their learning outcomes. Your praise doesn’t only have to come after good news; you can recognize their hard work at any point.

Balancing Screen and Family Time

Cell phones, tablets, and televisions are such an integral part of our lives—we use them for work, hobbies, and relaxation. But it’s important to take time away from screens, especially to spend time with your family. If striking the right balance is a struggle for your family, consider these tips to limit screen time and increase family bonding.

 

1. Set clear time-limit rules. To manage screen time, set limits on when and how long devices can be used. You can have a verbal understanding of the maximum amount of screen time or adjust the settings on your devices to block access once a certain time limit has been reached. Another good idea is to turn off screens at least one hour before bed to allow the body to prepare for sleep. These time limit tips aren’t just for children; adults should follow them as well.

 

2. Establish “no screen” zones in the house. Encourage more connection by prohibiting cell phone or tablet use in areas of the house where the family usually gathers, like the kitchen or the dining room table. Keeping bedrooms screen-free is also a good idea. It can prevent kids and teenagers from mindlessly scrolling on their phones without any parental oversight.

 

3. Model good digital behavior. If you, as the parent, are spending a lot of time on your phone or tablet, it stands to reason that your children will too. Put down your device when spending time with your children and fight the urge to “just check in” or “look something up real quick.” When you make family time a priority, your kids will see the value in it.

 

Downtime is good for everyone, but too much of it can lead to boredom…and more screen time. Make it a point to plan fun outings with your family, like going on a hike, taking a trip to a museum, or going to get ice cream. By putting your devices away, you’ll be able to share experiences that will strengthen your familial relationships.

Fall Garden Tricks and Treats

With fall upon us, you may think it’s time to pack in the garden for the year. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! There is still plenty of time for you to enjoy your garden before winter. Fall is also the perfect time to do some prep work so that you can enjoy a bountiful garden inthe spring. Check out these fall garden tricks and treats:

Trick: Prepare soil and clean-up.

After a season of growing, your soil will need a little boost. Add compost or organic matter to increase its nutrients and improve water retention over the winter. Remove dead plants and weeds from garden beds in the fall as well. This will set your garden up for success next spring.

Treat: Plant mums and pansies.

Mums and pansies are tried-and-true autumn showstoppers. Planted as annuals, they dot the ground with bursts of color or grace entryways with their bold welcome. These plants are a great way to keep your green thumb active well into the fall season.

Trick: Protect from frost.

Protect plants from the cold by adding an extra two to three inches of mulch. Covers or mini-greenhouses can also be used to shield plants from the winter elements. Some plants can also be brought inside for the winter.

Treat: Enjoy sunflowers.

With proper care and maintenance, sunflowers can last well into the fall. The bright yellow and burnt orange colors of a sunflower’s leaves and its dark black center pair so well with the autumn season, it’s worth keeping them around.

Trick: Plant spring bulbs.

Some flowers, like tulips and daffodils, require a long cold spell to ensure they flower in the spring. Fall is the time to plant these bulbs so you can enjoy pops of color in early spring.

Treat: Grow root vegetables.
Fall is the growing season for root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and onions. The cooler weather brings out the sweet, rich taste, making them the perfect accompaniment to stews and soups. You can also simply enjoy them on their own.

Tips to Organize and Protect Your Passwords

So much of our personal information is stored online these days, from bank account numbers to tax records to personal photos and much more. Safeguarding this information from hackers is essential, and it’s important to take steps to store and organize your passwords safely. Follow these tips to keep your online presence protected.

 

• Choose a strong password. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes numbers, symbols, and a mix of lowercase and capitalized letters. Rather than using a common word, experts suggest using random characters or a passphrase—random words strung together that are easy for you to recall, but hard for someone else to guess.

 

• Don’t repeat passwords. With so many passwords to remember, many people reuse the same one repeatedly; however, this can significantly increase their risk of being hacked. Instead, choose a new password for each account you create to reduce the risk of a data breach.

 

• Regularly update your passwords. Passwords for online sites that store essential information, like your bank or email account, should be updated every three to six months. Accounts that don’t include sensitive information should be updated yearly or when a data breach occurs.

 

• Use a password manager. Store all of your passwords in one location to stay organized. The safest and easiest way to do this is to use an online password manager. These services compile your passwords in one secure area and automatically populate password fields when you visit a site. Writing down your passwords is not as secure, but if you prefer this method, store all of your passwords in one location and keep it in a safe spot.

 

• Enable two-factor authentication. Another way to keep your passwords safe is to enable two-factor authentication for your accounts. This is a two-step process: after you enter your password, you will receive a call, text, or email for you to verify your account. If someone else accesses your account, they won’t be able to gain access without this authentication.

Savor The End of Summer with Classic Outdoor Fun!

One thing you can count on as things change over the years is the fact that those classic outdoor games that we enjoyed as children remain popular choices even today! As summer comes to a close it’s the perfect time to savor the outdoors with these family favorites.  Who knows, you might even find yourself joining in the fun too!

Hopscotch
Hopscotch is the perfect game for kids of all ages to play either solo or as a group. All you need is a piece of chalk and a flat rock or bean bag to get the game started.  Once you sketch out the hopscotch squares and path with your chalk – the game is on!  Another twist you can add to this simple game is to personalize the fun by creating squares of different shapes and sizes and mark each square with a funny dance move or a trivia question that must be answered before the player can move forward. This game is not only easy to set up, it’s also great exercise and grandparents can play too!

Capture the Flag
This classic game is great for older kids and provides a competitive game filled with strategy and athletic skills to keep them outdoors for hours. In order to get the best experience out of the game, it’s best to find a spot that has a lot of hiding places for the players to take advantage of while trying to steal the flag of the other team.

Tag
The game of tag is probably the most popular classic choice for generations. All you need are willing participants – of all ages! There are several variations of this game.  Freeze Tag is a game where tagged players are frozen until a teammate comes to unfreeze them. In Blob Tag, tagged players link arms to form a “blob” that chases the other players. Throughout the years there kids have created even more versions of tag games, such as Shadow Tag, Robot Tag, Ninja Turtle Tag, and even Zombie Tag. It’s not too late for YOUR  kids to use their imagination and create their own version of tag!

Hide and Seek
The game of Hide and Seek is one of the oldest games in the world.  Set ground rules for where kids can hide on your property and enjoy the silly sounds that your kids make as they are found. Hide and Seek can also be played by hiding objects for the players to find.  This concept can be customized as a scavenger hunt with prizes at various points.

 

Summer Bucket List: Simple Ways to Beat Boredom and Make Memories

When the days get long, and the temperatures rise, it can be challenging to keep toddlers entertained without relying too heavily on screens or spending a fortune. Here’s a fun and manageable bucket list of toddler-friendly activities to fill your summer with smiles, splashes, and sweet memories:

1. Make Homemade Bubbles. A little dish soap, water, and a DIY wand (try a pipe cleaner!)
2. Have a Backyard Picnic. Lay out a blanket, pack a few snacks, and dine under the sky—even if it’s just in the shade of your tree.
3. Visit a Local Splash Pad or Kiddie Pool. Cool off with some water play. Don’t forget the sunscreen and a dry towel!
4. Collect Rocks and Paint Them. Take a nature walk, gather rocks, and turn them into colorful creatures or patterns.
5. Make Ice Block Treasures. Freeze small toys in a container of water and let your toddler “rescue” them with spoons and warm water.
6. Make Sidewalk Chalk Art. Encourage your toddler’s creativity with big, bold chalk drawings right on the driveway.
7. Dance Party in the Living Room. Blast some upbeat tunes and get those wiggles out with silly moves and lots of laughs.
8. Build a Fort with Blankets and Pillows. Add books, snacks, and a flashlight for an afternoon of indoor adventure.
9. Pick Flowers and Make a Bouquet. Let your child collect safe blooms from the yard or park and arrange them in a cup or jar.
10. Make a Summer Keepsake Jar. Throughout the summer, collect small mementos, such as ticket stubs, seashells, or drawings, and add them to a clear jar.

Keep It Light and Fun

You don’t need to check off every item on this list—just keep it handy for those “what do we do now?” moments. Most importantly, enjoy the simple pleasures of summer through your toddler’s eyes.

Crafting a Summer Discovery Box to Ignite the Imagination!

As summer rolls in, the world outside becomes an playground filled with opportunities for exploration and creativity. One of the most delightful ways to harness this spirit of adventure is by crafting a Summer Discovery Box. This box can serve as a treasure trove of materials and inspiration, igniting your child’s imagination and encouraging them to explore, create, and learn throughout the season.

What is a Summer Discovery Box? A Summer Discovery Box is essentially a collection of items that promote hands-on learning and imaginative play. It can be customized based on your child’s interests and the resources available to you. The idea is to combine natural materials, art supplies, and prompts to engage young minds and foster a love for exploration and discovery.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Discovery Box

Choose the Right Container: Begin by selecting a sturdy box or basket that can hold all your materials. Ideally, it should be portable, allowing you to take it on summer excursions—whether it’s a day at the park, a family camping trip, or simply in the backyard.

Gather Natural Materials: Incorporate items from nature that your child can use for exploration and creativity. Collect leaves, twigs, pinecones, rocks, and flowers. These can be used for crafting projects or simply examined closely. You could even include a magnifying glass to enhance the experience! *

Include Art Supplies: Add a variety of art supplies to the box. Think crayons, colored pencils, watercolor paints, and sketchbooks. Consider adding some eco-friendly materials such as recycled paper or biodegradable glitter. These materials will inspire creativity through drawing, painting, and even sculpting.

Learning Prompts: Create a few simple prompts or challenges to inspire your child. For instance, you might include a card that says, “Build a sculpture using only natural materials,” or “Draw a picture of your favorite outdoor animal.” These prompts can spark creative thinking and engage them in deep exploration of their surroundings.

Fun Learning Tools: Include tools that can facilitate learning. A field guide for identifying local plants and animals, a journal for documenting discoveries, or even a simple butterfly net can encourage hands-on learning. You might even add a small compass to teach basic navigation skills during outdoor adventures.

Outdoor Exploration Tools: Think about including items like a pair of binoculars, a kite, or a set of chalk for drawing outdoor games. These tools not only add variety but also encourage physical activity and movement, which are essential for growing minds and bodies.

Crafting a Summer Discovery Box is not only a fun activity but also a way to foster a sense of curiosity, creativity, and connection with the world around us. As your children engage with the materials, they will cultivate skills that enrich their early learning experiences. So embrace this summer as a season of discovery and watch as your child’s imagination takes flight!

Sign Up For Summer Camp 2025 Today!

 

It’s Our Favorite Time Of The Year…Summer Time, Summer Camp!

This summer we will be celebrating “To Mars and Beyond!”

For 2025 we will enjoy action packed days with Crafts, Games, Cooking Projects, Science Projects, Field Trips and In-House Events!

The one word that describes what your camper will enjoy all summer long is FUN!!!!!

One of the greatest benefits of our annual summer camp program is that with each activity and social interaction with teachers and other campers, your child is better equipped to walk into the upcoming school year with more confidence, motivation and knowledge to succeed in the classroom.

If you are searching for the perfect SUMMER CAMP HOME for your child,  download the attached Summer Camp Registration and return the director at your preferred location.

We are here to answer your questions so that you can learn more about all of the plans that we have for your child to have fun with their friends exploring, dreaming, thinking, creating, and most importantly … a summer filled with learning and fun!

Learning Adventures to Keep Young Minds Growing Over Summer Break

Summer is a time for fun, sunshine, and a break from the usual school routine—but it doesn’t mean learning has to stop! For early learners (ages 3–7), every day holds opportunities to explore, discover, and grow. Here are some creative, low-pressure ways to keep your child’s curiosity and skills blooming all summer long.

Turn Nature into a Classroom

What to do: Head outside! Parks, backyards, beaches, or even your neighborhood are full of teachable moments.

Ideas:

• Nature scavenger hunts (find something round, green, bumpy, etc.)
• Count birds, clouds, or bugs
• Make leaf rubbings or paint with sticks and flowers

Skills built: Observation, early science, vocabulary, counting, fine motor

 

Make a Summer Reading Ritual

What to do: Build a daily or weekly reading routine—morning story time, bedtime books, or a “reading picnic.”

Ideas:

• Visit the local library for summer reading programs
• Try “theme weeks” (ocean books, animal books, adventure books)
• Let your child “read” to a stuffed animal

Skills built: Literacy, listening, imagination, love for books

 

Keep Math Moving

What to do: Add math into real-life activities.

Ideas:

• Count steps while climbing stairs
• Sort and count shells, rocks, or buttons
• Use measuring cups while baking
• Play hopscotch with number patterns

Skills built: Counting, sorting, basic math, sequencing

 

Cook Up Some Learning in the Kitchen

What to do: Let kids help in age-appropriate ways with cooking or preparing snacks.

Ideas:

• Stirring, pouring, and measuring
• Naming ingredients and where they come from
• Making a “recipe book” with drawings and simple steps

Skills built: Math, science, language, life skills

 

Celebrate Curiosity

What to do: Follow your child’s interests and say “yes” to their questions as often as you can.

Ideas:

• Explore topics through books, crafts, or videos (e.g., dinosaurs, space, bugs)
• Try a “question of the day” and research the answer together
• Make a “wonder wall” with sticky notes of things they want to learn

Skills built: Inquiry, research, critical thinking, independence

Summer is less about structured lessons and more about playful, meaningful experiences. With a little intention, every day can be a learning day—without your child even realizing it. Keep it light, follow their lead, and most of all, enjoy the extra time to learn together.