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5 Health Benefits of Playing Outside

How to Find the Right Bike for Your ChildThere are many reasons kids should play outside, from expressing creativity to running freely to making messes without worrying about dirtying the house. In addition to these fun reasons, there are also many health benefits that make outdoor play great for children.

  1. Improves Vision
    Children who spend time outside have better distance vision than those who primarily play indoors.
  2. Promotes Social Skills
    Getting kids outside and having unstructured play promotes a wide range of skills. On a playground not everyone gets to go down the slide first. Going to a playground with your kids is not just about running around and being active, but it’s also about learning social skills, executive functions and behavioral skills as well through play.
  3. Increases Attention Span
    All children have a different attention span. Green outdoor settings appear to reduce ADHD symptoms in children. Exposure to natural settings through after-school and weekend activities may be widely effective in reducing attention deficit symptoms in children.
  4. Reduces Stress
    When it comes to stress, spending time outside playing is such a huge outlet for stress. It’s relaxing; it is healing. There is even research showing that seeing green spaces can help decrease kids’ stress levels.
  5. Provides Vitamin D 
    According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, lots of kids are suffering from vitamin D deficiencies. This vitamin has several health benefits, including preventing kids from future bone problems, diabetes and even heart disease.Vitamin D can be received by supplement, but you can also get it through its free and natural version: sunlight. Have your kids play outside for a few minutes without sun screen (which blocks cancer-causing rays, but also vitamin D). Then slather on the lotion. Of course, if your child burns easily, use the sunscreen and increase the vitamin D-heavy foods and supplements.

We want to hear from you. Set up an appointment today and see how much your children will love Premier Academy!

Premier Academy Child Enrichment Center offers childcare in Omaha, Nebraska for infants, toddlers, preschool, and pre-k children.

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18 Questions to Get Kids to Talk About Their Day

Teaching Healthy Eating Habits and Positive Body ImageGetting your child to talk about their day can be challenging. But it’s important to talk with your kids about their day, every day, to stay connected and offer encouragement.

Parents often ask questions kids can answer with a word or two. Asking questions that begin with who, what, when, where, why and how isn’t just a good journalism tool. When you ask questions that begin with the five Ws and one H, you encourage more than a yes or no response from your child.

  1. What Was the Best Part of Your Day?
    This question is asked around dinner tables everywhere on a daily basis. Don’t drill kids about their day. The easiest way to get kids to open up about their day is to talk about your day with your spouse or partner when kids can hear you. By listening to you share details of your day; kids will learn how to share their own favorite events.
  2. Who Did You Talk With at Lunch Today?
    Your child may sit at the same lunch table at school every day, but may not always engage in conversations with the same friends. Kids often discuss the day’s happenings at lunch. Asking who your child talked with encourages conversation about the day.
  3. Are They Still Serving Slop for Lunch
    Instead of asking your child what he had for lunch, ask a funny question. It will make your child laugh, but also encourage him to talk about school.
  4. Where Did You Play After School?
    Asking where your child played opens up the topic of what your child was doing after school, who they played with and what they did.
  5. What Was Your Favorite Toy Today?
    Play is a big part of a young child’s day. Asking your child about his favorite toy will help him talk about who he played with and what they did together.
  6. How is Emma?
    Asking about a specific friend. Your child’s day is a huge piece of time in their life.  This helps your child narrow the day down to smaller chunks of time.
  7. How Did You Like That Book?
    What was your favorite part of the book? Who was your favorite character in the book? Asking your child about a book they brought home from the library or read during school will encourage them to talk what they liked and disliked about the book.
  8. What Did Your Best Friend Bring for Lunch Today?
    Did you want to switch lunches with her? Talking about lunch will encourage your child to offer suggestions for future lunches.
  9. What Was Your Favorite Class Today? Why?
    This is a good way to get your child to talk about a specific class. By asking both what and why, your child will reveal more details.
  10. What Was Your Biggest Challenge Today? How Did You Resolve It?
    Again, asking two questions opens the door to more conversation about the subject than just asking one question.

By asking more specific questions and using the five Ws and one H, your child will be more likely to share details of his day at school or day care. By opening up about your own day at work, you serve as your child’s role model.

We want to hear from you. Set up an appointment today and see how much your children will love Premier Academy!

Premier Academy Child Enrichment Center offers childcare in Omaha, Nebraska for infants, toddlers, preschool, and pre-k children.

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10 Tricks to Fix a Picky Eater

How to Deal with Picky EatersWe’ve all been there. And many of us still are. No matter how many times we swore (to ourselves and everyone around us) that our kids will be different, that our kids will eat everything, the inevitable happened. We raised picky eaters. Gone are the fantasies of eating family meals of chicken salad and thai curry. Now we get excited if they eat a bite of broccoli alongside a cheesy bowl of macaroni. Chicken nuggets are their own food group, along with buttered pasta and fish.

  1. Follow the French
    The French believe it is as important to teach your child to eat as it is to teach them to read. French mothers introduce an incredibly diverse range of food to their infants and French children learn to eat a broad range of healthy foods before the inevitable ‘picky eater’ phase.
  2. Get Creative
    Let them sprinkle something on top like sesame seeds or even change how they’re eating by offering chopsticks.
  3. Stick with Small Portions
    Children have small stomachs, and may feel overwhelmed by large portions on a plate. Keep portions small, especially when it comes to introducing new foods. If they like it, they’ll ask for more, which also gives children a feeling of control.
  4. Eat with Others
    A little positive peer pressure goes a long way. At home and at childcare, children encourage each other to taste new things. The more kids see others eating a variety of foods the more apt they are to trying them.
  5. Grow Your Own 
    Want kids to eat veggies? Start an edible garden. Green beans straight off the vine in the morning on the way to school. Kids  feel so empowered knowing they’re helping to grow food and it’s gratifying when they get to eat it.
  6. Meet the Beet
    When a child says ‘I don’t like that food’, they often mean ‘I don’t know it’. To take the mystery out of a new food, let your child get to know it a little better. Show your child a raw beet and then let them touch it and smell it. Cut it open, and let them look at the intense color.
  7. Forgo the Kids’ Menu
    Next time you’re out to eat, resist the temptation to order off the kids’ menu, which are generally an abyss of reheated frozen foods. Ask if you could order a regular item as a half portion for kids. Many restaurants are happy to do this.
  8. Keep Snacks to a Minimum and Keep them Nutritious
    If your child is munching all day long, it’s no wonder they aren’t hungry come mealtime. Plus, they always know something crunchier, sweeter and more exciting is just a few hours away. To bring your child back to the table, limit snacks to one or two times a day. Offer kids raw veggies, fruit, rice cakes, cheese or nuts to give them energy after school or before dinner.
  9. Resist the Bribery Temptation
    Sure, it will get you through the meal, but bribing your kids to eat x in order to get y will only cause problems down the road. Food is not a bribe, a reward, a punishment, a distraction, or a substitute for discipline.
  10. Relax
    Perhaps the hardest tip of them all, the best thing you can do when dealing with a picky eater is to relax and be calm. The goal is not to control what children eat, but to teach them how to eat well.

We want to hear from you. Set up an appointment today and see how much your children will love Premier Academy!

Premier Academy Child Enrichment Center offers childcare in Omaha, Nebraska for infants, toddlers, preschool, and pre-k children.

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Day Care Safety

Is Your Child Ready for Preschool?There are many factors to consider when searching for a daycare for your child. Safety should always be at the top of your list. There are safety standards for things like licensing, child proofing, staff-to-child ratios, indoor and outdoor spaces, staff behavior, behavior policies, etc.

While checking off the items on this list doesn’t guarantee a center is safe, it can help point you in the right direction.

  1. Licensing Standards are Met
    The daycare should be licensed, with the paperwork prominently displayed. Verify that the center is licensed and when it’s up for re-inspection.
  2. Spaces are Childproofed
    Looking for these childproof must-haves:
    Window blind pull strings are looped up out of reach and fastened with anchors
    b.    Cribs are placed out of reach of windows and window blinds
    c.    Outlet covers are in firmly place
    d.    Stairs are blocked off by stair gates
    e.    Changing tables and high chairs have straps which are used to secure the child
    f.    Toys are clean and in good condition
  3. Policies Are in Writing
    You should be aware of the important standard procedures involving things like medication, discipline, cleaning, infection control, sick policies and proper sanitation guidelines. They should all be written down and provided to every family so that parents and staff know what is allowed and what to expect.
  4. Staff is Trained in First Aid and CPR
    For the safety of the children, and because accidents can and do happen, at least one member of the staff should be trained in pediatric CPR and first aid.
  5. Healthy and Safe Behaviors Are Practiced
    You should get an overall feeling that the daycare is a healthy and safe place. You should notice staff and children washing hands frequently, surfaces being cleaned regularly and babies being put to sleep on their backs. These practices can prevent germs from spreading and keep the children and staff safe and healthy.
  6. Caregiver-to-Child Ratios
    There should be adequate caregiver-to-child ratios in the room to allow for an appropriate level of supervision.
  7. Open-door Policy
    Be wary of a center that does not encourage parents to observe — before or after enrolling — and ask questions. Parents should feel comfortable asking any questions they have of the program director or staff to be sure that the program is a good fit for their child and family. Ask the director of the program about their philosophy on discipline and be sure that the staff uses positive discipline techniques with the children. And finally, parents should take the time to observe and visit the classrooms long enough to get a sense of how staff interact with the children and with each other.

We want to hear from you. Set up an appointment today and see how much your children will love Premier Academy!

Premier Academy Child Enrichment Center offers childcare in Omaha, Nebraska for infants, toddlers, preschool, and pre-k children.

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6 Tips for a Great Valentine’s Day Date Night

It's Better to Give Than to ReceiveYes, Valentine’s Day can feel like a hokey overly-commercialized holiday only meant to sell greeting cards, flowers and candy. But you still love it — admit it.

This year, go beyond the card and flowers and plan a date night out with your sweetheart. Here are six tips to help make it a fun and affordable evening.

  1. Secure a Sitter Early
    Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular date nights in the country, which means it’s also one of the most popular days for families to hire a babysitter. If your regular sitter has date night plans of her own, make sure you know that early. Nothing kills the romance like scrambling to find last-minute child care.Instead of begging your parents to watch the kids (again), hire a babysitter early. That will leave you time to focus on the more important parts of your V-Day celebration.
  2. Show Your Little Ones Some Love
    Yes, you’re going out at night, but Valentine’s Day lasts all day. Plan a special family breakfast or spend some extra time with the kids during the day. Then, when you head out the door, leave them with a fun new movie to watch or game to play with — and don’t forget the chocolate kiss!
  3. Start With a Surprise
    Most romantic plans happen in the evening, after the day’s stresses have passed. Instead of waiting all day to turn on the romance, plan a little surprise for your love first thing in the morning. Plant a little gift in your partner’s sock drawer or tape a cute picture of you both on the bathroom mirror. The sweet gesture will start the day on the right foot.
  4. Pamper Yourself
    Don’t just phone it in — get yourself in the mood for your big night out. Ask the babysitter to come an hour or two early so you could spend time getting ready without your kids hanging from you. Take a real bubble bath, get a manicure, use makeup beyond Chap Stick, treat yourself to a new outfit.
  5. Plan Something Fun
    Dinner and movie always enjoyable, but try to think of something special for this special night. You could recreate your first date. Whether it was drinks at your local bar or a crazy rock and roll concert, reliving that first encounter will bring back the sparks. If you’ve since relocated from your original stomping grounds, try making up a new Valentine’s Day tradition that you’ll both enjoy.
  6. Celebrate the Day After
    You and your valentine probably don’t want to be surrounded by other noisy couples on your evening of romance. Unfortunately, finding a private table at a decent restaurant will be like finding a needle in a haystack. Consider postponing your celebrations to the next night. You’ll get two days of romance and get to enjoy some privacy at the venue of your choice.

We want to hear from you. Set up an appointment today and see how much your children will love Premier Academy!

Premier Academy Child Enrichment Center offers childcare in Omaha, Nebraska for infants, toddlers, preschool, and pre-k children.

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Single Parents & Child Care

Finding the Right Parenting StyleBeing a single parent is hard work. Not only does one have to support a household, but there is also expense.

You may be raising kids in a single-parent household but that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Here are a few problems and ideas for solving them.

  1. Maintaining a Work-Life Balance
    As a single parent, you know how important your paycheck is. While some companies allow for more flexibility, others may demand a set schedule. Recognizing what will be accepted at your company and the behavior that will cost you a promotion gives you the framework for creating a support system to keep your child safe while you’re at your desk.
  2. Weekday child care may include a day care center. Many parents find themselves trying to fill the gap between the end of the school day and the workday. Do your best to maintain a set routine for the work week, so your child knows what to expect and can count on a solid, comforting routine that includes homework time for them and time together with you, even if it’s only for a bedtime story.
  3. Getting Personal Time
    Single parents tend to be helicopter parents because we feel guilty. We tend to take care of everything, to make up for our family structure, rather than finding balance.
  4. Between caring for the kids, house and job, this type of behavior will have you burnt out without a second to yourself during the busy work week with no time left to recharge. You need a break, even if it’s only for 15 minutes a day. If your child is old enough to understand, let them know your body needs a rest. Soak in a tub or read quietly while they do their homework or play in another room. If they’re still very small, carve out some quiet weeknight moments for yourself after they’re asleep.
  5. Paying for Child Care Omaha, Nebraska
    It’s no secret that child care can become pricey over time and, if you’re living off of one paycheck, the costs are more draining. Your child’s safety must always be your first concern, so skimping on quality child care isn’t an option.
  6. You may be worried about overstaying your welcome and asking for help from family and friends too often. If that is the case, create a quid pro quo arrangement with the people in your life, so you are lending them a hand as well as enjoying their support.
  7. Traveling for Business
    Even if your job does not include the need for frequent travel, professional conferences or staff retreats may come up, requiring overnight stays. Having a plan in place can help to alleviate both you and your child’s anxiety.If the trip is during the week, try to arrange for overnight care in your own home so your child’s routine isn’t disrupted. If you have a family member who can stay with your child, this can be a great bonding opportunity. Another option is to arrange a sleepover for your child at a classmate’s home, offering reciprocal child care at another time.
  8. Dealing with Emergencies
    Even the most thought out plans can throw you a curve ball. We have all received the call that a child is sick and needs to be picked up from school right away.

Schedule a time to speak with your HR department or boss about the possibility situations may crop up which require you to make a speedy exit. Let them know your job is important and ask if this will affect your standing at work. Make suggestions for systems you can put in place ahead of time so your workload doesn’t suffer and your boss feels taken care of, too. It’s also a good idea to have the phone numbers of several people on hand that can pick your child up in case of an emergency. Make sure the school has their names on file so there are no wrinkles at the door.

We want to hear from you. Set up an appointment today and see how much your children will love Premier Academy!

Premier Academy Child Enrichment Center offers childcare in Omaha, Nebraska for infants, toddlers, preschool, and pre-k children.

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