The Best Time to Read to a Child

When is the best time to read to your child? I'll bet you responded bedtime. This is a trick question. Experts suggest that the best time children's picture books and other stories should be read to your child is "as often as possible anytime throughout the day." What is quite shocking is that public records show that only a paltry 50% of parents read to their kids at all. It's hard to believe. How could so many Moms and Dads deprive their little ones of one of the most useful tools they have at their fingertips for aiding in their children's language and cognitive skill development? How could they miss out on the invaluable experience of watching their kids' faces as a new story unfolds, or miss the opportunity to get that close to them? It's a mystery to me.

Getting Kids Interested in Cooking

Getting the older kids cooking healthy snacks that are simple will help keep them occupied and train them into healthy habits. Young children always want to help out in the kitchen and letting them mix, measure and chop - with a plastic knife - will help develop their hand-eye coordination and their maths skills. Easy recipes for kids can be no-cook meals such as fresh fruit salad and coleslaw. As they get older they will be able to cope with simple meals.