The post Paris with Kids: 7 Special Places You Shouldn’t Miss appeared first on Alpaca Press.
]]>One of the most celebrated gardens in the city, it is the perfect place to let your kids run around. During the warmer months, there are several puppet shows, plays, and games for kids set up in Luxembourg, which creates a perfect chance for your children to play and experience the French lifestyle. It is also a French custom to play with toy boats on the garden’s fountains, so make sure you bring one!
Though a modern art museum might be a bit too much for some kids, the Pompidou is a perfect way to introduce your children to culture in a fun way. The museum’s children pavilion is interactive, interesting, and engaging. The Pompidou’s building itself will amuse your kids, as its quirky and different, and the moving sculptures on its outside will provide lots of entertainment.
Out of all of Paris’ amazing parks, this is by far the best and most beautiful one. While you enjoy the gorgeous views, your kids can enjoy the adventure of crossing the bridge and climbing to the top of the park’s hill. A picnic full of bread, cheese, fruits, and pastries will be the perfect way to end a day in Buttes-Chaumont.
Once the woods where kings used to hunt, the Bois de Boulogne is now a family-friendly, beautiful park where you can spend a day. With endless paths, lakes, and hidden spots, the Bois is a Parisian favorite for family Sundays. A great way to explore it is by renting bikes!
As soon as you mention the Chocolate Museum to your children, they will jump with joy. This fun, and interesting museum will take you through the history of chocolate, from its origins in the Americas to European adaptation. At the end of your visit, you will get some free samples, and a better understanding of everyone’s favorite snack.
Often overlooked and underrated, the Canal Saint Martin is one of the most pleasant strolls in Paris. Kids can enjoy the bridges and play in the banks of the canal, while you enjoy the gorgeous views, and the iconic Parisian architecture.
All kinds of exotic and familiar species can be found in this amazing museum. From dinosaurs to elephants, the museum will take you and your kids on a journey through the planet’s natural history. It was made to be interactive and fun, so your kids will learn a lot without even realizing it.
As you can see, there’s much more to Paris with kids than Disneyland Paris, so don’t fret and enjoy the adventure!
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]]>The post International Travel with Kids appeared first on Alpaca Press.
]]>Traveling with kids can be a wonderful event with proper planning. If air travel will be involved, there are a few ‘must’ to remember. You must pack enough clothes for your kids in the carry-on bag. You never know when your luggage will take a trip to Buenos Aires while you are visiting Brussels. Be prepared. A couple of outfit changes will be a lifesaver in these situations.
International flights can be long—especially for children. Make it a little easier. Movies, hand-held video games, and, of course, some great snacks and drinks, can go a long way in making the trip easier for both children and parents. Again, be sure to pack these in your carry-on.
It’s also important to teach your children about different cultures you may be visiting. Let them know that things will be different. Languages may be different. There may be strange foods to try. They may see funny outfits. Manners will be very valuable in these situations. Encourage them to try the foods instead of wrinkling their nose at it. Point out the beauty in that ‘funny’ outfit. Allow children to try to pronounce simple greetings to people they meet. This will help them to see the difference between ‘strange’ and ‘different.’
New experiences are usually embraced by children faster than by parents. If locals are dancing in the streets or decorating the May Pole, allow the children to join in the fun. Children overcome barriers, such as language, when other children are involved. Kids find a way to understand each other and make friends easily.
No matter where you are heading, it’s is a good idea to put contact information inside your child’s clothing. Little children cannot be counted on to remember their parent’s names or phone numbers. Providing the information may help authorities in the event that you and the child are separated. Teach the older children to remember pertinent information and quiz them often. Ask them where they are headed, what plane they will be on, etc.
Finally, it is important to keep a close eye on your children while traveling. There are bad people in all parts of the world, just as there are good ones. A backpack tracking device is very handy, if a little expensive. If the child disappears, authorities will be able to track the backpack by GPS. The little animal backpacks with the leash attached are a wonderful thing for toddlers. Naturally curious, the leash will keep them from wandering off while you are looking in the markets and shops. Nobody wants to think something will happen, but everyday things do happen. Be prepared instead of sorry.
With proper planning, you can enjoy a wonderful international trip.
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]]>The post Teaching Kids to Read: 5 Tips for Parents appeared first on Alpaca Press.
]]>Just like a child has to walk before they run a child has to know the alphabet before they can learn to read. So, make sure you go over each letter and the sound that it makes. Remember, this will take time. Your child may need to be reminded of each letter and its sound often. Be patient and your child will pick it up.
When you read books with your child, it not only gives them a love of reading, but this gives you a chance to point out words and to increase your child’s vocabulary. When you are reading, run your finger along each word as you are reading it. This also helps your child learn that we read left to right and that there are spaces between each word. When trying to teach your child to read, you should use books that are short and have small words and will grab your child’s attention.
Yes, you knew this was coming. Children in this day and age are fascinated by technology and the things that come with it. There is a plethora of programs for kids that can aid you in the teaching process. Using a tablet with a kids application for reading could help engage a child that has no interest in reading. Technology will be your best friend when it comes to teaching your child the building blocks of learning how to read. There are also many websites just for this purpose and there are even many schools who use tablets and eBooks in the classroom. Find applications that your child will be interested in and will want to go back to.
We all know that some words aren’t spelled the way they sound and these words can be confusing and frustrating to a child who is learning how to read. There are also words that are so common that a child will need to be able to know it as soon as they see it. That is why these words are called sight words. Words like, “the”, “and”, and “who” are just a few of the words that teachers are using as sight words for children to memorize. You can get a list of sight words online that covers most words that will be expected of your child.
Different children learn at different paces and your child is no different. Have patience with your child and do not let them see you get frustrated. This can cause your child to give up on reading altogether. Reading is hard for a child, so be supportive through this time and soon enough your child will be reading to you!
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