The study shows a global epidemic which urges immediate action. The WHO says children’s health is in a damaging state which affects their brain development and social skills. It proved boys were more active than girls in 97% of the countries studied and more than 80% of school-aged children globally do not meet the current recommendation of at least 60 minutes of physical activity. 

Being active means a healthier heart and lungs, stronger bones and muscles, better mental health, general well-being and a lower weight range and, although the study findings are based on adolescent children, kids of all ages should follow the same guidelines. Creating habits as young as possible will be beneficial now and in the future.

The WHO recommends at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day of moderate to vigorous exercise – anything which gets the heart beating and your breath is shortened. Including the following;

• Running
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Rugby
• Netball
• Jump rope
• Gymnastics
• AFL
• Surfing
• Indoor playground

Since the study, there has been a lot of focus on how we ended up in such a dire situation. For one, we know that the invitation of technology in multiple forms such as tablets, phones and computers has had a significant impact on kids getting outside to play. Young people in this age bracket are more pressured to work harder, study more and plan for the future. Because of this they are sitting for extended periods of time completing study and using devices. Not only that but the modern world has seen busier roads and smaller backyards resulting in children unable to ride bikes, walk to school or play outside. 

How can we change the stats?

Be a role model:

Children are easily influenced, especially by the adults around them and are more likely to want to take part if seeing others enjoying it.

Play together:

Kids love playing with their parents and older siblings so encourage activities which the whole family can take part in such as a family hike, having a game of basketball or a bike ride together. 

Start young: 

Introducing an active lifestyle should begin as early as possible. These healthy habits will be beneficial to children going into adulthood. 

Active Toys:

Toys which kids can use in active play such as balls, skipping ropes, bikes and other active toys. 

Make time for exercise:

Families have busy schedules with parents working and kids extracurricular activities but it’s important to set aside time for exercise. It could include jumping on the trampoline while breakfast is being prepared or kicking a ball outside before a music lesson. 

Age-appropriate activities:

Playing a contact sport like football may not be suitable for children under 5, riding a scooter, bike or swimming would be a better, more suited option. Older children have more strength and flexibility so team sports, running and athletics will get them moving.

Find something they enjoy: 

Children are more likely to remain interested if they consider the activity fun. Allow the time and patience to try a few options, they don’t have to be expensive such as hiking a local track or playing football with friends. 

Outside the box activities:

Not all children are drawn to team sports such as football or basketball. Look for less organised activities like rock climbing, swimming or indoor playgrounds such as Chipmunks Playland & Cafe. 

With all this in mind getting kids moving and into active environments is going to be beneficial for them now and in the future. Instilling good habits, making activities enjoyable and letting them understand the benefits for their social, mental, physical and cognitive skills will create the building blocks. That said, no matter what age your children are now, it’s never too late to model the behaviour you want your children to adopt or to break habits. Together we can raise great kids who will grow up to be great adults!

The post Creating Healthy Habits Early appeared first on Chipmunks Playland & Cafe.

Snowballs
1.5 cups unsweetened shredded coconut plus a little extra for rolling
1/2 cup almond meal
3 tbsp unsweetened coconut milk – shake can before opening
3 tbsp coconut oil melted
2 tbsp honey, maple syrup or coconut nectar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Make a snowman!
Cake pop sticks
Raisins
Dried Apricots
Tinsel

Instructions
Place snowball ingredients into a food processor. Blitz until well combined scraping the sides of the mixer down often. Mix should be a little sticky.

Roll the mixture into balls, and roll each ball into the extra shredded coconut. Thread three balls onto each stick. If you don’t have sticks just sit one on top of the other.
Cut the raisins into small pieces for the snowman eyes and buttons, and the apricots into triangles to make noses.

Tip: Mini oreo’s also make great snowman hats!

Store in the fridge – and EAT!!

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1. Make Your Teacher A Gift

Thanking teachers for all their hard work throughout the year shouldn’t be overlooked. The job they do is an integral part of shaping your child’s future. Getting children to make a gift for their teachers will show their gratitude and a fun activity to keep them busy. Spend a weekend before the term breaks up baking cookies and packaging them in cellophane and Christmas ribbon. Any of these ideas would make great gifts.

2. Reindeer Food For You 

Some for me some for you! Make food even more fun by telling kids that magic reindeers eat carrots too. Cut them into sticks for kids to eat and some to leave out for Santa’s reindeer too. 

3. Festive Ice Treat

Christmas can be the season of overindulgence at times but finding ways to cut back on sugar may just be your saving grace when it comes to late nights and over-excited children! Add fresh cranberries or orange segments into ice cube trays before freezing and add to create delicious flavoured water and a refreshing drink during hot summer days. A much better alternative to fizzy drinks, juice or artificial powdered drinks.

4. Xmas Crudite Platter

Get kids involved with the Christmas table spread by making a healthy snack and nibbles platter from vegetable crudite. Create a Christmas tree design with raw vegetables and hummus dips like this. 

5. Snowman Bliss Balls

A sweet treat and a great gift idea. There’s no need for appliances, just mix and roll a few ingredients together, decorate and package up to give as a gift. These would look great in the middle of any Christmas table if they last that long!

6. Santa Letter

Writing, decorate and posting a letter to Santa is one of the most favoured traditions among children and a fun activity to do together. Kids imaginations can run wild when writing their letters but that’s the fun of it. Let them get creative with glitter, coloured pens, paper and stickers. Don’t forget to let Santa know if you’re family won’t be home on Christmas morning so that he can find you! 

7. Xmas Lights Adventure Night

Plan a family event to see the Christmas lights in your neighbourhood. You could make it a special night by cooking an early dinner, sipping hot chocolates and jumping into the car in your pyjamas to see the neighbourhood Christmas lights. These are memories that will stay with children forever. 

8. Spiced Nuts 

There’s nothing like the smell of Christmas. A delicious and healthy treat is toasted mixed nuts with Christmas spices. Sweet cinnamon scents passing through the house will get everyone in the festive mood. Here is a great healthy recipe to create which kids will love! 

9. Make Your Own Holiday Cards

There’s no need to spend money on commercial Christmas cards. Friends and family will greatly appreciate a thoughtful Christmas card created by kids and it makes a fun holiday activity. Gather colourful paper, leftover wrapping paper, glitter, pens and any other festive decorations and let the kids go wild making special cards for family and their friends. 

10. Christmas Carols Around The Tree

Another way to get the whole family involved. Make some hot chocolate for kids and a pot of mould wine for adults then crank up the Christmas music and decorating the tree. There’s no better way to celebrate Christmas and the past year than your family dancing around the Christmas tree! 

11. Family Christmas Performance 

Entertain your guests on Christmas day by putting on a performance. Once school ends for the year there are a few days to fill so a fun activity for kids to come up with a concert which they can perform in front of guests at Christmas will keep them busy. Get them to design a stage, make decorations and even their own costumes or keep it simple for the young ones with a Christmas themed choreographed dance. 

Charlie and the team at Chipmunks Playland & Cafe would like to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday! Thank you for your continued support.

The post Christmas Hacks for Kids – 11 Tips to Keep Kids Entertained Through The Holidays appeared first on Chipmunks Playland & Cafe.

A balanced diet for toddlers is very different from adults. Although the basic guidelines still apply;  healthy fats, whole grains and protein, minimal amounts of sugar and salt and the portion sizes and caloric needs of a toddler are different. 

What is a balanced diet for toddlers?

Toddlers should include at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, wholegrain cereals, protein and healthy fats either in the forms of oily fish, nuts, seeds and/or avocado. Limiting high fat, fried and sugary foods and ensuring they are well hydrated. 

Regardless of whether your family has certain dietary requirements its important to get their nutrition right from the start; what they eat now will impact their growth, development and emotional relationships with food in the future.

How much should my toddler eat?

As a general guide toddlers need three meals per day plus two snacks and six or more drinks, primarily water. Just like a toddlers mood, accepting food can vary. One day they will eat anything and everything and the next you’ll wonder how they have so much energy from such a small amount consumed. Don’t stress. Look at their diet over a two to three day period as some days will catch up to the more lean ones. 

What does a balanced toddler diet look like?

Like adults, a balanced diet for toddlers combines primarily vegetables, fruit, whole grains, meat, fish, dairy or vegetarian and vegan alternatives. 

Fruit and Vegetables

At least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Offer a range of different coloured fruit and vegetables as they all offer unique nutrients. Fresh is best but frozen and dried fruits are also a good alternative. 

Meal Ideas: Fruit skewers, Frozen blueberries, Fruit platter, Celery & peanut butter boats, Trail mix, Corn & zucchini fritters

Starch

Three to five portions per day of starch including bread, pasta, rice and potatoes. Whole grains such as oats, brown rice and quinoa are nutrient-dense options which provide energy, B vitamins and calcium. 

Meal Ideas: Pumpkin Risotto, Brown stir fry rice, Pita pizza, Vegetable egg muffins

Protein

Two portions of protein per day. Whether your family eats meat or your toddler is vegetarian its vital they consume enough protein. Good sources of protein are meat, fish, eggs, nuts, tofu or pulses including lentils, beans and chickpeas. It’s recommended to include oily fish such as salmon, mackerel or tuna two to three times per week as omega oils have been linked to better brain and eye development as well as healthy skin.

Meal Ideas: Grilled fish & chips, Salmon patties, Spaghetti Bolognaise, Lentil Shepherd’s Pie, Falafel & Hummus

Healthy Fats

A small amount of foods rich in healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut, avocado and nuts especially brazil and almonds.

Meal Ideas: Avocado toast, Coconut chips, Almond butter rice crackers, Almond oat bars

Dairy Food

Three servings of milk, cheese or yoghurt for toddlers who are not being breastfed. Full-fat varieties are best for children up to two years and semi-skimmed can be introduced onwards. Skimmed milk isn’t suitable for children under five years old. 

Meal Ideas: Sliced cheese, Cheese biscuits, Frozen yoghurt pops, Porridge oats cooked with milk

Are there any foods I should limit?

Foods which have been fried, salty food and food high in sugar can be high in calories and offer little to no nutrients. Some of these foods should be offered as a treat while others avoided completely. 

Salt

Most foods have enough salt naturally for a toddlers requirements. Instead use spices and herbs to flavour meals. 

High fat and sugar foods

French fries, cakes, biscuits and ice cream are not necessary and can be kept as treats or allow your child to enjoy them at a birthday party.

Candy and chocolate

Keep as a treat as these foods offer little to no nutrient benefits and are also damaging to a toddlers teeth.

Pre-packaged meals and takeaways

Limit the number of ready meals as they often contain a lot of salt, unhealthy oils 

Fruit juice and fizzy drinks

These include cordials, sports drinks, flavoured water and milk. Sweet drinks are high in sugar and low in nutrients, they can cause weight gain, obesity and tooth decay. 

Is this a strict diet for toddlers?

This is absolutely just a guideline and should not take the place of any dietary concerns you have that should be addressed by your child’s pediatrician. Keep this guide as a reference for times when you’re worried about your child’s nutrition or need some healthy inspiration for meal ideas. 

Daily Toddler Nutrition Guide

Aim for 1000-1400 calories per day but expect appetite fluctuations

Sneaky Tips to Add More Vegetables

It’s normal for children to turn their noses up at some vegetables and other foods. Here are a few secrets to hiding those nutrients to their meals without them knowing and eliminating any tears. 

• Add a small handful of spinach to fruit smoothies.
• Blend vegetables with egg to make eggy muffins.
• Add spinach to pasta sauce and blend.
• Steamed cauliflower can be blended into the cheese sauce for macaroni & cheese.

We’re all about balance at Chipmunks and of course of birthday parties are always a memorable occasion for kids. We love treating kids on their birthdays but we understand the importance of a healthy diet. That is why we’ve included many healthy meal and drink options on the cafe menu including our sandwich and fruit munch meal for kids. Smoothies, salads, wraps and fruit are all available. 

Want to learn more? Our in house qualified nutritionist will be sharing more healthy tips, recipes and kids food ideas. Follow us on Facebook.

The post Nutrition for Kids: A Balanced Diet for Toddlers appeared first on Chipmunks Playland & Cafe.

Such a question doesn’t do much for kids.

They say a simple question gets a simple answer. ‘They’ were probably mums.

Family schedules are busier than ever; jam-packed with work, after school activities, homework and household chores so when it comes to dinner time it’s more important than ever to sit together and ask questions. It’s a time when a family can just “be” and enjoy one another’s company with no pressures or expectations.
The one-word answers may truly explain your child’s day but there is no doubt they have so much more to tell you. With our 18 questions to ask kids at the dinner table and similar open-ended questions you will not only be teaching your child the art of conversation, but you’ll also get a feeling for their emotions, hear their thoughts, worries and what’s most important to them.

A few tips before you get started:

Open-ended questions work best for kids, getting them thinking and talking because they need to reply with more than just one word.

Make it fun! Kids don’t want to feel like they are being tested or put on the spot so ask questions which your children would be comfortable answering.

This is a no-judgment time. Refrain from lecturing or trying to over-analyze. Sit back and let your child answer openly and honestly without feeling like they are going to open up a can of worms.

Let them ask too. The point is for better communication, right? Let kids ask you some questions and feel like they are on equal ground.

Make it routine. Asking the same questions often may create awareness. ‘What was something nice you did for someone today?’. Kids love accomplishment, by asking this question often kids will eventually start to show acts of kindness and love just to express it at the end of the day.

Help them along. If you ask a question which your child finds difficult to answer. Maybe they’re unsure if they were kind to one particular person or can ‘t think of something they are grateful for. Make a suggestion, not all the time but just enough for them to feel like you notice them. They may have shared a toy with a younger sibling – kindness. It was a sunny day – grateful for the sun and letting all the kids play outside.

We share our list of questions to ask kids at the dinner table but these could be asked at any time. Going through the car wash, waiting for a sibling after school, even while out walking the dog together. Getting kids talking more will not only strengthen your relationship with them but set them up to be better communicators as they grow up.

18 Questions to Ask Kids at the Dinner Table

1. What was your favourite part of the day?
2. What was the most challenging part of your day?
3. What are you most grateful for?
4. What did you discover today?
5. What are you excited about tomorrow?
6. What do you want to learn?
7. What was the funniest thing that happened today?
8. What games did you play today?
9. What was the nicest thing someone did for you?
10. What was the nicest thing you did for someone else?
11. Who made you smile today?
12. Who brought the best food in their lunch today? What was it?
13. What would you rate your day on a scale of 1 to 10? Why?
14. If you had the chance to be the teacher tomorrow, what would you teach the class?
15. Who do you want to make friends with but haven’t yet? Why not?
16. What is your teacher’s most important rule?
17. What is one thing you did today that was helpful?
18. When did you feel most proud of yourself today?

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No doubt you’ve seen the words ‘Sensory Play’, you probably know it’s important but do you really understand the meaning of this type of activity and why it’s so important for us to encourage it with kids of any age – even newborns. It’s not just an activity that pops up on your childcare schedule. Incorporating and encouraging sensory play is beneficial to 0children but also to us as parents as well. 

What is sensory play?

Just as it sounds – it’s the connection of all your child’s senses. Picking things up, touching, smelling, seeing and the feeling of textures. The only thing that limits a child is their own imagination which as parents we know that if encouraged can be limitless.

Sensory at every age.

As children develop their senses and abilities to explore are only getting more advanced. From newborns all the way up to school children there are activities which can be incorporated into their daily schedule which help with sensory development and fine motor skills. 

Sensory activities – Babies

Bubbles – seeing them float, landing on their skin, their transparency and popping.

Scrunching paper – experience the noise different papers make when scrunched and the feelings that go with that. 

Sensory activities – Toddlers

Observing Light – As sight develops explore a child’s ability to see different shades, on and off, shadows and colours. Mix colours by putting coloured cellophane over torches and pointing them at the wall. 

Creating patterns – finger painting or sponge painting can allow a child’s creativity to create patterns and colour mixing. When dry the different textures are also an interesting way to explore touch.

Sensory Activities – preschool or school-age 

Creating shapes – using playdough or lego to create different shapes which may or may not resemble a particular object.

Kinetic sand – apart from being slightly less messy than the beach, kinetic sand is a great activity for fine motor skills, finger strengthening, dexterity and coordination skills.

Making music – Instruments and music allow the hearing senses to enjoy different tones, pitch and volume. Children will begin to understand noise and the connection they can make with their emotions.

Blowing – Use straws and whistles to practice the sensation of blowing outward. Actually, a great stress-relieving technique the same adults would sigh or inhale and exhale deeply. Of course, birthday candles are also a nice way to practice this with proper supervision.

How to integrate sensory activities?

Surprisingly many of the objects and activities which work with a child’s sensory development can be found around the house. Which means its a cheap and easy activity to do with kids at home and if they do get bored it’s simple to move onto something else. Have a look around the house for some of these items;

• Pots and pans – making sounds or filling them up
• Sieve – pouring
• Toilet rolls – paint, decorate
• Bubble wrap
• Pasta – explore the different shapes, how they break, create artwork or cook it for dinner and see the change in the structure
• Make a mess
• Take photos – make funny faces
• Water play
• Sand play
• Finger painting
• Interaction with animals
• Music
• Light
• Trampolining

Head Outside

Regardless of age, everyone benefits from engaging their senses in nature. Plan a scavenger hunt for your child by asking them to collect things outside. Together, you can examine each item and notice its look, smell, texture and sound. 

By stimulating a child’s senses you are helping them develop creatively, socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically. Your encouragement will not only benefit them but you as well. It’s an important quality time with them and they will love to be spending time with you. Sensory stimulation is an important way to help develop a child’s brain and engage their neural pathways, benefiting their memory skills. 

Sensory Play at Chipmunks Playland 

Not only a fantastic indoor playground for kids, but Chipmunks has also been designed from the ground up with experts to create an experience which benefits a child’s development. Interactive activities, education boards, climbing structures, ball pools and slides are all encouraging your children’s coordination, strength and fine motor skills. Chipmunks multi-level playground and age zones mean children have the ability to interact with others building on social skills and allowing them to enjoy our sensory-based active play with similar aged children. All while you relax in the cafe!

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We spend so much time focussing on our children achieving milestones such as crawling, walking, singing the ABC that we can often overlook the necessities of managing money, time management, basic cooking skills or emotional awareness. The future of our children is changing and it’s our job as parents to keep on top of it. Social media, current events and screens are having influences on children we could have never expected but understanding some simple life skills for survival and coping with the modern day will grow them into the respectful, responsible and thoughtful humans we had imagined.

Health and Hygiene

In the madness of everyday life the simple act of brushing teeth, taking a bath or washing your hands can just be something you rush around telling your kids to do, but do you actually explain why? Why do we brush and floss? Amazingly kids are very good at getting filthy but it’s the perfect time for teaching them healthy habits and hygiene. The simple act of washing hands for 20 seconds, make it fun by coming up with a song to sing at the same time. Coughing and sneezing etiquette, blowing into a tissue or coughing into a sleeve. They won’t become masters overnight but continuous reminders will eventually make them natural behaviours.

Digital Etiquette

Embracing the digital age is a positive thing, its where the world is going and if you don’t keep up you’ll be left behind. Etiquette which revolves around the net and social media platforms should become just as important as manners. Kids are like sponges they’ll absorb your actions and even your online behaviour, so be a good role model. A few simple guidelines will help them to understand how their actions online could affect certain situations. Respect – be kind, courteous and considerate of others no matter what their race, ethnicity, sex or beliefs. Avoid negative talk, name calling or gossip, set boundaries on what is acceptable to discuss online. Appropriate language, using capital letters and certain emoticons which could be received in the opposite way to what was intended. Teach them to think before clicking send, how they’d feel receiving such an image, text, email or video. Creating safe screen names, profile images and posting suitable content.

Survival Skills and Basic First Aid

You won’t be there to wipe the blood, sweat and tears forever. Of course, they’ll learn some of these basic skills at school but it’s our job to reinforce it at home to teach them these essential first aid steps. From providing and explaining the contents of an at home first aid kit to calling emergency services in the appropriate situations. When kids take a fall let them help you tend to it, they’ll learn the basic skills of cleaning a wound and dressing. If you are an outdoorsy family teaching the basic survival skills will be a little easier. How to light a fire, keeping warm in case of an emergency, searching for food from the land and water rescue. If not it might be worth joining a scouts or girl guides club where kids will learn a plethora of skills while making lifelong friends.

Environmental Preservation

Children are our future and will pave the way for generations to come so instilling the importance of environment and sustainability at an early age will teach your child to be more loving towards the planet. Changes, if only small are a step in a more positive direction. Help them to understand the earth, the land and the waterways but start off simply. Activities like sowing seeds and having the responsibility of watering them, recycling household items in the correct way. Reusing jars and bottles or shopping at bulk bin outlets for groceries. Teach kids about the landfill, the oceans and the food chain. The earlier we begin to educate and instil eco-friendly habits the sooner it will become second nature.

Money Management

From the basics in primary school of adding and subtracting to enrolling in finance or accounting class the school system is designed to teach kids the basics of money based on future careers but more often than not they fail to emphasize the importance of saving, how to keep a personal budget or how to manage personal finances and how our tax system works. Basic negotiation and maintaining a personal budget may well benefit them in the future. An idea to teach children is giving them a certain amount of pocket money each week or fortnight which they have to use for their expenses – these could be buying lunch at Chipmunks Playland, their entry fee or paying for their bus to school. Teach saving by creating a budget which outlines their outgoings and allows a little extra to put aside for something they desire to buy over time. Lend a hand by matching their saving dollar for dollar to help fund their purchase to motivate the want to save. Comparative shopping is also important and helps to understand the concept of budgeting, explain why we choose the cheaper option sometimes as this kind of awareness and budget training can develop a healthy habit towards not wasting money and respecting dollar value.

Start today…

Kids love to follow the behaviours and actions of parents so why not start by teaching them these and many other life skills from the earliest age. It’s easier to create a habit than break one and the long term pay off will pay off. No one knows your kids better than you so create ways which work for your family to teach such skills. Games, songs or a rewards system. Why not create a rewards chart and aim towards a family day out at Chipmunks kids indoor play centre, the kids are guaranteed to have fun, you can relax and have a break in the cafe and the kids will have something to work towards. Stay and play all day or as long as you like because at Chipmunks our unlimited pay for play pass means kids can enjoy the indoor playground, ball pool, slides and inflatables for the entire day.

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Mums and Dads, Puppies, Scary Monsters or tending to Teddy’s sore leg…As parents we know we should encourage our child’s imagination but busy lives can mean we often forget the benefit for imagination as time for creativity is over run by the need for productivity.

We remember doing it in our younger years; and the energy and spontaneity it brought to our childhood minds but we can easily overlook the importance of it for our own children. Without even realising it children’s pretend play can build self control, social skills and language development which television and video games may lack. Imaginative play requires children to invent their own stories; turning their ideas into words while self teaching vocabulary and grammar.

In a goal orientated world with the expectations of producing high achievers and the possibility of being instantly deflated if our child has not reached every single milestone Dr. Google tells us they should, we should focus more on feeding than forcing a child’s imagination and without a shadow of doubt be presently surprised at what their little brains can come up with. We look at five benefits to encouraging your child’s imagination and the natural benefits of this type of play.

Develop Social Skills

When a child engages in role play or imaginative play they are actively experimenting with actual life roles. Whether it be as themselves, animals or adults they are constantly figuring out for themselves key life skills useful when dealing with peers. When playing with their friends children learn to cooperate, communicate and compromise as well as encourages children to get involved in social activities and equips them to understand social relationships. These important skills are the stepping stones of children learning how to interact socially and develop social behaviours such as eye contact, voice tones and emotions. By encouraging your child to play with toys like action figures a child can pick and choose their role dependant including whether they they will play the ‘hero’.

Build Self Confidence

From almost the day a child is born they begin to grow in self confidence and self esteem by mastering new skills through imaginative play. It’s important to fuel this fire and encourage that sense of achievement, it could be a small step to us as adults but that boost can give a child great pleasure and a sense of self satisfaction. Of course the enthusiasm for imaginative play comes from pleasure instead of the search for a boost of self confidence but the two go hand in hand. The more a child plays, the more they become confident to challenge themselves with more difficult toys and exploration activities.

Increase Intellectual Growth

Pretend play invites a child to be faced with a variety of problems to solve. A child may act out a situation or it may naturally eventuate during their play. For example a child may be “building” a house and need to find the right material to build the roof, that  child will challenge important cognitive thinking skills for an answer they are happy with, learning skills that they will use in every aspect of life.

Practice Language Skills

As adults we are constantly being warned how quickly kids pick up on our actions – the same goes with our words as we often here children repeating words and phrases from adult conversation. When a child role plays they are coincidentally learning to experiment and understand the power of language. This type of play helps to boost their vocabulary, improve sentence structure and making connections between spoken and written language.

Work out Fears

There’s the BIG bad monster hiding under the bed or the ghost behind the curtain a child’s imagination can cause their little minds to spin into a flurry often causing restless sleep patterns and unwanted fears which can quickly spiral into something much larger and more difficult to overcome. When children are able to role play out their fears they begin to gain a sense of control and are able to plan out ways to deal with them so these things start to seem less scary. Imaginative play is also a way for children to expel their feelings whether its anger towards a parent or sibling rivalry.

Not set up for pretend play? Try creating a special box for props and object that may spark your child’s imagination. For the most part items you already have in the home will be suitable but it may be that you need to put them in a familiar space for your child to venture to when they feel the need to play and be creative. Items may include;

• Writing and drawing materials
• Foreign currency coins
• Fabric, blankets, pillows and sheets
• Stuffed toys and dolls.
• Old telephones, phone books, magazines

With an overall push towards a market of technology, educational DVDs, television and other structured learning environments children are beginning to lose their natural ability for creativity at their own pace. Of course it’s the end goal for large corporations to influence parents to follow media and marketing trends and we can unconsciously be pushed towards products and ways of learning which may not be the way a child would have naturally been drawn to.

All our Chipmunks indoor playgrounds have been designed and built in an environment that’s safe with a child’s cognitive learning in mind. Our age appropriate zones are areas where children can play and create opportunities for their inner growth. With ride on structures, slides, bouncy castles and more, children are able to freely play with others teaching them the skills to interact and communicate with others, taking turns, sharing and achieving mastery. The toddler zone and main zone are located nearby the cafe so that children are always in view of adult supervision and adults can take a step back and let children explore and build on skills naturally.

Sometimes when an adult steps back and really watches a child develop through pretend play we can be pleasantly surprised and simply awed at a child’s ability to initiate and understand their surrounding and how to best deal with situations that are put in front of them whether it be conflict with another child, listening to adults, or the learning of sounds and touch of the environment and new objects.

The post 5 Benefits to Encouraging Your Child’s Imagination appeared first on Chipmunks Playland & Cafe.

How much active play is enough?

It is suggested that children and teenagers get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise, even more than that is going to be beneficial to their health – there should be no limit. For kids to be active they need to be given the opportunities to do so whether its sports, exercise at school, playing with friends or taken to any of the indoor facilities like a Chipmunks indoor playground, specially designed for kids active play, entertainment and learning.

How can we help kids be active?

• Be a role model. By having a positive attitude towards physical activity your child will not think of it is a chore but entertainment that’s fun.
• Get involved. Kids need attention and love when we take part in their games.
• Encourage outdoor activities like kicking a ball, bike riding, swimming or running.
• Make activities a family affair. Getting everyone involved with activities will show children that it’s a great way to connect and spend time together. Go for a walk, bike riding or team games like mini golf, soccer or cricket.
• Invite friends to join in. Mixing a playdate with physical activity is also a boost for a child’s social skills. Invite friends to join in with team games or a visit to a Chipmunks indoor playground.
• Alternative transport. Look at other options for travelling to and from school. Take the bus and get off a little earlier to continue the distance by foot, bike or walk. Even parking a distance from your destination to get those extra steps in.
• Birthday parties are a great opportunity to buy gifts that will get other kids moving. Balls and other outdoor games will encourage children to grab some friends and get outside. Their parents will thank you too!

Food is fuel and with physical exercise its important that a child is well nourished to keep up their energy levels and replenish lost vitamins and minerals. Teaching a child to make healthy food and drink choices and by limiting intake of sugar, salt and saturated fats will ensure they are prepared for an active lifestyle. Proper water intake is essential to a child’s general health and should be significantly increased when they exercise.

What to do if your child’s not active?

You don’t want your child thinking it’s a chore to be physically active. If your child is new to this way of play start slowly and introduce small amounts then gradually increasing. Testing different activities until you find one or more they enjoy will keep them entertained and interested. Some children are more drawn to team activities where others prefer to go it alone or in smaller groups. You’ll just have to try a few to see what sticks. In this day and age kids are always going to be drawn by the bright lights, music and interactive activities on screens but being aware of how long they spend on it and keeping track of what is being watched will greatly increase your chances of getting them up and off the couch. Accepting that they are going to want to keep using them but limiting when and the duration in which

All Chipmunks indoor playgrounds have been designed for children to play freely with the ability to explore the different zones and equipment while parents can supervise from the playground. With a huge range of equipment which children can climb, ride, jump and interactive activities kids will be kept busy for hours. When you’re a parent of more than one child finding activities where everyone is entertained can be difficult but because Chipmunks has been designed for children aged 0-11 years you can bring all your little ones in together and let them play in their suited age zones. Not only is it a win for you but our unlimited pay for play pass means they can stay and play all day. Plus, our onsite cafe offers delicious food and drink so everyone can refuel for lunch and then get back out there and play while you relax and enjoy a break.

The post How to Encourage Kids to Be More Active appeared first on Chipmunks Playland & Cafe.

It may be daunting, you may feel shy but joining a mum group may be the key to your sanity through times when all you feel like doing is plugging in your headphones, listening to cringe worthy music whilst hiding in the bathroom, and trust me there will be times!! Whether you believe me now or not.

These are a few points as to why joining a mummy group is beneficial to anyone, at any stage in this new found “mum” position.

1. Support

Other mums understand. It might not be the first meeting but eventually you’ll let your guard down and the sooner the better. Be yourself, everyone is in the same position. So a hair out of place or milk stained shirt will be a welcome ice breaker that you’re human. This group will become your new network, a safe haven for emotions to laugh or even cry at the delights and challenges of motherhood.

2. Advice

Baby not sleeping?? Eating?? Or are you finally searching for a kid friendly getaway! When, before you joined the group you’d be finding time to speed read a volume from “What to Expect…” chances are more than one mumma in the group has done the extensive research for you. Online reviews are one thing but with the uncertainty of kickbacks, you’re at a safer bet to getting honest feedback from your new found friends.

3. Friendship

No one ever complained of having too many friends…Don’t get me wrong your younger, childless friends will often be a welcome break to baby talk. But these mums will get to know you on another level and likewise. There’ll be mums just like you, from the same walks of life and others who you could learn from.

4. Venting

We all need to let it all out at some point. Rug rat in tow or not. Your group whether by virtual communication or your regular meet ups will become your verbal punching bag to let loose on your emotions. They may not have any advice but they’ll listen and they get it and there’s a high chance they’ve been there.

5. Get ‘some me time’

Everyone needs a little alone time, to themselves, to take a breather and having those extra hands who are somewhat versed in parenthood may mean you can get a little break. Organise babysitting swaps with your new found group of yummy mummys. It might only be a 30 minute walk around the block but that fresh air may be a welcome breather to re centre yourself.

Once your tot becomes an exuberant toddler, two may be easier than one and playdates might allow you some down time whilst the kids occupy each other. Set them up with a movie, a few snacks and you’ll be hands free for a couple of minutes.

6. Become a better mum

You were pregnant, you planned exactly how you’d be when your little munchkin arrived. You wouldn’t let your social life diminish. You’d be the hip mum and wouldn’t wear active wear 3 days in a row. And then it arrives and all that stuff makes its merry way out the door! Everyone in your group will have had their ideals but eventually you’ll learn that all kids are different and everyone’s parenting ways vary, that once you start talking to others you’ll learn to let go and to be less hard on yourself. Relaxing your views on parenting, to go more with the flow will see you become happier and more at peace that you’re actually doing a damn good job.

7. Learn something

At some point everyone was in your shoes, motherhood isn’t easy and everyone has their common struggles. Take something from those who’ve done it before or walked in the same uncertain shoes. Exchange stories of sleep regressions, teething and reflux. All to find out, yep this is what it’s like and it’s all pretty much normal.

Looking for a place to catch up with friends, chat for hours and have the kids entertained all at once? Chipmunks Playland & Cafe is the perfect place to let the kids run wild and burn energy while you take a break and watch them from the cafe. The unlimited pay for play pass means each entry allows kids to play for as long as they like, all day and adults entry is always free!

The post 7 Reasons a 1st Time Mum Should Join a Mummy Group appeared first on Chipmunks Playland & Cafe.